Inlander 01/21/2016

JANUARY 21-27, 2016 | THINK GLOBAL, LIVE INLAND

makisnogciraelalybycicsohoneylnasectcoettdtionwsorilndour

TAKING THE PARTY OUT OF POLITICS 8 | SPOKANE’S RICHMOND ART COLLECTIVE 31 | GOD AND MENTAL HEALTH 54

* APR= Annual Percentage Rate. Loan rates available on approved credit. Loan rates are subject to change without notice. Rates displayed are the lowest available to qualified borrowers.

Your rate may be higher, and will be determined by the loan type, applicable fees, model year, the terms you request, the amount you finance, and your credit history. Federally Insured by NCUA.

2 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

INSIDE VOL. 23, NO. 14 | ON THE COVER: JESSIE SPACCIA ILLUSTRATION

COMMENT NEWS COVER STORY CULTURE

5 13 24 31

FOOD FILM MUSIC EVENTS

34 38 42 46

I SAW YOU GREEN ZONE BULLETIN BOARD LAST WORD

48 50 53 54

Call us today for ALL of your Real Estate needs!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Suzette Alfonso

W

e’ve all no doubt had this experience: sitting across from people who can’t tear their attention away from their phones, who are trying to carry on virtual conversations while neglecting the real-time one unfolding in front of them. Such is modern life. But is technology really to blame for the pervasive SOCIAL ISOLATION in our culture? Or have we evolved as people to the point that we can connect, love and exist in virtual worlds? Staff writer Chey Scott explores those questions and more, beginning on page 24.

Also this week: Mitch Ryals examines the latest SEX SCANDAL inside the Spokane Police Department (page 13), and Wilson Criscione reports on the scarcity of TEACHERS and what some districts are doing to stay ahead of the curve (page 20).

— JACOB H. FRIES, Editor

(509)

Marie Pence

710-4900

(509)

230-8457

Have you wandered yet?

Chef's Tasting menu

You choose the price - $25-$65 per person A meal prepared with the best of the season.

1242 W. SUMMIT PARKWAY, KENDALL YARDS AT KENDALL YARDS

ETHICS 101 PAGE 18

THEWANDERINGTABLE.COM · 509.443.4410

Get ready for the new Star Wars movie by playing the NEW

FOR THE LOVE OF BURGERS PAGE 37

ONLY AT !

DID’S

PLAY 4 Get $1 F R E E!

for every $5 you spend on food, drinks or desserts

Hawaiian Food • Pizza • Sandwiches • Froyo!

OSCAR-NOMINATED PAGE 41

SCHOOL OF ROCK PAGE 42

INLANDER SPOKANE • EASTERN WASHINGTON • NORTH IDAHO • INLANDER.COM 1227 WEST SUMMIT PARKWAY, SPOKANE, WA 99201 PHONE: 509-325-0634 | EMAIL: INFO@INLANDER.COM

THE INLANDER is a locally owned, independent newspaper founded on Oct. 20, 1993. Printed on newsprint that is at least 50 percent recycled; please recycle THE INLANDER after you’re done with it. One copy free per person per week; extra copies are $1 each (call x226). For ADVERTISING information, email advertising@inlander.com. To have a SUBSCRIPTION mailed to you, call x213 ($50 per year). To find one of our more than 1,000 NEWSRACKS where you can pick up a paper free every Thursday, call x226 or email justinh@inlander.com. THE INLANDER is a member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia. All contents of this newspaper are protected by United States copyright law. © 2016, Inland Publications, Inc.

in Arcade Fun Bucks

DidsHawaiian.com 509.808.2090 • 5406 N Division St

VALENTINE SPECIALS Supplement your exercise by melting and sculpting the persistent fat with ™

QuantaShape : 35% Off 5-Treatment Package Ultrasound and suction massage to achieve localized fat reduction.

$50 Discount Per Syringe of Restylane, Restylane Silk, or Restylane Lift.

5% off Valentine’s Day Gift Certificates

to be used in Feb & March

OTHER SERVICES Dysport | Botox | Dermal Fillers | Spider Vein Injections Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Like us for additional 5% discount

Melissa Sousley, MD | Spokane Enhanced Health | (509) 466-1188

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 3

THE TABLE IS SET FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 6

100+

RESTAURANTS

10

DAYS

3

COURSES

InlanderRestaurantWeek.com #InlanderRW

4 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

1

PRICE

COMMENT STAFF DIRECTORY PHONE: 509-325-0634 Ted S. McGregor Jr. (tedm@inlander.com) PUBLISHER

J. Jeremy McGregor (x224) GENERAL MANAGER

EDITORIAL Jacob H. Fries (x261) EDITOR

DO YOU BELONG TO ANY CLUBS OR ORGANIZATIONS? FATHER PETER BYRNE, S.J. I belong to the Jesuits. That’s a big one because it kind of covers all of my belonging. The Society of Jesus is the formal title.

Chris Bovey (x248) ART DIRECTOR

MUSIC EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

Wilson Criscione (x282), Dan Nailen (x239), Mitch Ryals (x237), Jake Thomas (x249), Daniel Walters (x262), STAFF WRITERS

Young Kwak PHOTOGRAPHER

Caleb Walsh ILLUSTRATOR

Amy Alkon, Robert Herold, Josh Kupecki, Taryn Phaneuf, Azaria Podplesky, John T. Reuter, Ben Salmon, Carrie Scozzaro

Pigment or spider vein removal for the face with express facial, teeth whitening and free SPF 30 sunscreen $ 249. reg.$ 499.

Laser Hair Removal Lip $99.00 reg.$400

Bikini line, underarms, front or back of neck, chin and jaw line $129. reg.$600

Includes 8 treatments and safe for all skin types

Paymen Optio st Availabnle

Purchase 50 units of Botox and receive free Latisse

Laura Johnson (x250)

Michael Mahoney

Glow Package

Express Facial $39 reg.$49 Professional Teeth Whitening $79 reg. $149

Mike Bookey (x279) CULTURE EDITOR

Chey Scott (x225) LISTINGS EDITOR

A New Year A New You

CAROL JOPLIN I just transferred in for the semester and I’m hoping to get involved with the Bulldog Band, maybe for next year or possibly this year.

What sparked your interest in joining the Bulldog Band?

I started a saxophone club when I was a music education major for two years at Central Washington in Ellensburg.

Laser Hair Removal for All Skin types, Spider Vein Removal, Brown Pigment removal,Spider Vein Removal, Collagen Rejuvenation/ Skin Tightening, Spa Facials, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasions, Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, Professional Teeth Whitening

JEFFREY CAMPO

CONTRIBUTORS

Meg MacLean, Claire Standaert INTERNS

ADVERTISING Kristi Gotzian (x215) ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

I am part of the Residence Housing Association and I’m on a basketball team for intramurals.

I’m involved in a club called “Man Talk” as well.

It’s a group that organizes around discussions of masculinity and contemporary life.

Carolyn Padgham-Walker (x214), Emily Walden (x260) SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Autumn Adrian (x251), Gail Golden (x236), Janet Pier (x235), Claire Price (x217), Wanda Tashoff (x222)

EMMA WATANABE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Kristina Elverum (x223) MARKETING DIRECTOR Gilbert Sandoval (x242) SALES DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Kati Bronson (x247) EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS

I’m part of [a] choir and I also like to be involved with Boundless, which is like a dance club. I’m an accounting major, so I like to be involved with clubs that are very different from accounting, just to have a break from that.

OPERATIONS Dee Ann Cook (x211) BUSINESS MANAGER Kristin Wagner (x210) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Justin Hynes (x226) DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Camryn Barker (x200) ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

MARVIN CUNNINGHAM No, I’m not. I’ve always just worked, because I’ve been in the Navy for the past four years. I literally just got out a month ago. Now I want to join a men’s basketball club team.

WED NIGHT $3 PINTS

PRODUCTION Wayne Hunt (x232) PRODUCTION MANAGER Alissia Blackwood Mead (x228), Derrick King (x238), Jessie Spaccia (x205), Tom Stover (x265) GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

THUR $2 OFF GROWLER FILL

Beer INTERVIEWS BY CLAIRE STANDAERT 1/15/16, JOHN J. HEMMINGSON CENTER, GONZAGA UNIVERSITY

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 5

Got Scrap? Get Cash y FASTy Top Prices - Honest Weight

WE PAY FOR: Aluminum Cans & Scrap y Copper y Brass y Radiators

Insulated Copper Wire y Stainless y Gold y Silver y & much more!

COMMENT | POLICY

Gaming the System The Big Short and neoliberalism: The story behind the crash

BY ROBERT HEROLD

SEE HOW MUCH WE PAY AT:

www.actionrecycling.com

509-483-4094

* In accordance with WA state law

911 E Marietta Ave • Spokane WA

South of Foothills Dr. / East of Hamilton

SELFIE-INFLICTED

INJURY?

Kootenai Urgent Care HAYDEN • COEUR D’ ALENE • POST FALLS

IF YOU HAVE A LESS THAN LIFE-THREATENING CONDITION, VISIT ONE OF OUR THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN COEUR D’ALENE, POST FALLS OR HAYDEN.

AVERAGE WAIT TIME IS 15 MINUTES OR LESS VISITS TAKE LESS THAN AN HOUR EXPERIENCED PHYSICIANS AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS FAST, PROFESSIONAL AND EXTREMELY AFFORDABLE OPEN 7AM-9PM DAILY • NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

CDA | 208.667.9110 | 700 IRONWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 120E HAYDEN | 208.772.9110 | 566 W. PRAIRIE AVE. POST FALLS | 208.777.9110 | 1300 E. MULLAN AVE., SUITE 600

W W W. K O O T E N A I U R G E N T C A R E . C O M

6 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

I

f you haven’t seen The Big Short, you should.

The film portrays Wall Street, flying under the banner of neoliberalism, engaging in an amoral feeding frenzy the likes of which America hasn’t seen since the Roaring Twenties. Subprime loans, collateral debt obligations, credit default swaps: Warren Buffett called it “playing with weapons of mass destruction.” Paul Volker likened it to casino betting.

While we can trace neoliberalism’s roots back to a reading, and a misreading, of Adam Smith, it is Milton Friedman who serves as neoliberalism’s modern-day high priest. In Capitalism and Freedom, a polemic, more assertion than argument, Friedman launches into his thesis, which, boiled down, is that the state has an important but limited role to play.

In his book, A Brief History of Neoliberalism, David Harvey sums up the argument: strong private property rights, free markets and free trade. The role of the state is to secure private property rights and to guarantee the proper functioning of markets (by use of military force if necessary). Moreover, if markets don’t exist, they must be created, which leads, of course, to the commoditization of almost LETTERS everything.

Send comments to Friedman editor@inlander.com. opposed the creation even of national parks; he thought that all highways should be toll roads, that secondary education, health care, and Social Security all should be privatized. Much of the military as well.

He opposed the 1964 public accommodation legislation — reasoning that since discrimination (so he thought) would cost businesses money, they would change their ways as the free market dictated.

R

onald Reagan came along in 1980 and gave neoliberalism a soft smile and a shoulder shrug. In 1987 he appointed Alan Greenspan to head up the Federal Reserve.

Greenspan is a supporter of Friedman’s neoliberalism and, what’s more, a devotee of Ayn Rand.

Add a couple of carefully vetted Supreme Court nominations and neoliberal America was open for business. The financial collapses of the late ’80s were assumed to be merely aberrant; neoliberals believed that with even more imaginative financing, the market boat could be righted.

For them the Roaring ’90s were just ahead.

Donald Rumsfeld, a disciple of Friedman, got his chance to experiment with neoliberalism when the U.S invaded and occupied Iraq. Paul Bremer, the U.S.-appointed czar, a Rumsfeld acolyte, imposed neoliberalism on Iraq. He issued orders that included the privatization of all public enterprises, including the army. Iraq was to be sold off, and the U.S. would see to it that the “democratic” process installed a government

committed to the neoliberal agenda.

So, 30 some-odd years later, the question is this: Did neoliberalism work as promised?

Did incomes rise? Did production increase?

Did America see a return to ’40s equality?

Did those lower taxes produce the promised

trickle-down effect?

And is the world a more stable place?

My longtime Eastern Washington University colleague Keith Quincy seeks to answer this question in his 2012 book Worse Than You Think.

Supported by 45 pages of footnotes, he concludes with a resounding, “No, it isn’t.” He finds that since the early ’70s, when Baby Boomers were first entering the job market, real income has fallen except for a few professions. For most part, given the loss of manufacturing in tandem with a war on unions, the rise in finance and rigged taxes, we don’t see wages rising to match productivity and inflation. Instead we see unemployment, private debt, plutocracy and a shriveling middle class.

His data show that every president since Reagan has underestimated unemployment and overstated growth — that numbers being reported are not even close to reality. (You want to report lower unemployment? Just don’t count those who are no longer looking for work. And who would know?)

G

reek economist Yanis Varoufakis, in his book The Global Minotaur, agrees that the middle class, which had begun to decline in the early ’70s, really took a dive with the coming of ’80s neoliberalism. It was then that “trickle down” became “trickle up.” Varoufakis, however, also associates neoliberalism with America’s Cold War strategy (and more broadly, America’s national security strategy).

It worked this way: America spent its postwar surpluses restoring the European and Japanese economies viewed as critical to Cold War strategy. We effectively justified national security ends through neoliberal means. By the 1970s, however, there were no more surpluses, so America simply reversed course and began to borrow to buy. America thus protected its world position by becoming the world’s “surplus circulator,” an essential but terminal strategy.

Writers who have examined this history argue that the unintended consequences have been dramatic or devastating, depending on your point of view: further breakdown of community, rising inequality, rising debt, diminishment of “national interest” aside from national security.

The Big Short dramatizes how it all came crashing down in 2008, and could again. 

COMMENT | TRAIL MIX

A Healthier Way to Clean Carpets

‘I Am Good’ TRUMP VERSUS GOD

During a speech at Liberty University on Monday, DONALD TRUMP got a chillier reception than Evangelical darling TED CRUZ did last March. Part of that may have been that Trump, quoting from the Bible (ostensibly his favorite book) referred to 2nd Corinthians as “Two Corinthians.” Similarly, in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Tapper asked Trump if he regretted saying he never asks God for forgiveness, being that asking God for forgiveness is, you know, basically the entire point of that whole Christianity thing. “No, I have a great relationship with God,” Trump replied.

“I am good. I don’t do a lot of things that are bad.” (DANIEL WALTERS)

MAN WITH A PLAN

On Sunday, Democratic presidential contender BERNIE SANDERS unveiled his plans to pay for his Medicare-for-all proposal, meant to guarantee health care for all Americans under a publicly funded program. Sanders released the details of his $1.38 trillion-a-year plan as HILLARY CLINTON sharpened her criticism of the self-described “Democratic socialist,” telling MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow that his proposal was divisive, unrealistic, would undo almost all existing forms of health insurance and could be undermined by states unwilling to implement it. If enacted, Sanders’ plan would increase taxes on businesses and the wealthy. Middle-income households would see a 2.2 percent tax increase under the plan, but would see their overall health expenses plummet. (JAKE THOMAS)

SAME CRIMES, NEW TIMES

Both parties’ presidential candidates took their respective debate stages last week in Charleston, South Carolina, the place where a fleeing black man, Walter Scott, was shot in the back by a white cop last April.

During Sunday night’s Democratic debate, HILLARY CLINTON called racial disparities in criminal justice a “very serious problem we can no longer ignore.” BERNIE SANDERS wants a Justice Department investigation of every death in police custody, and MARTIN O’MALLEY touted his repeal of the death penalty in Maryland and dropping incarceration rates.

Last Wednesday’s Republican debate looked a little different. DONALD TRUMP said “police are the most mistreated people in this country,” much to the disappointment of Black Lives Matter activists. Meanwhile, CHRIS CHRISTIE faulted President Obama for giving criminals, not law enforcement, the benefit of the doubt. (MITCH RYALS)

S�ap Free

PROCYON® Find us in these local stores:

Ace Hardware Bargain Giant Inc Family Foods Great Floors

Harvest Foods Millers Do It Best Rosauers Sun Rental

This photograph is for illustrative purposes only.

It is not recommended that babies be allowed to chew on any product container.

Super 1 Foods Trading Co United Floor Care Yoke’s

River Ridge Hardware Montgomery Hardware Otis Orchards Hardware

www.soapfreeprocyon.com

MAKE IT A HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE!  ON SITE DENTURE LAB  EXTRACTIONS & DENTURES  IMPLANTS  CROWN & BRIDGE  CLEANING & FILLINGS  INTEREST FREE FINANCING O.A.C.  WE HONOR SENIORS & VETS WITH DISCOUNTS

9506 N. Newport Hwy, Suite B Spokane, WA 99218

Dr. Robert L. Johnson • www.DDSspokane.com

 WE BILL MOST DENTAL INSURANCE

509.838.2836

JEN SORENSON CARTOON

BEST ICE CREAM

BEST ICE CREAM

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 7

COMMENT | POLITICS

CALEB WALSH ILLUSTRATION

Power and the Party How to move beyond partisanship

BY JOHN T. REUTER

A

merican politics has become increasingly broken by partisanship. There are lots of people to blame for this destruction of the public dialogue. Certainly some have contributed more than others to the creation of gridlock and the failure of politics to meet our present challenges.

But I would argue that far more than replacing any particular player, it is the rules of the game that are in need

of reform.

Money is one problem, but largely an incurable one. While we can reduce the impact money has on our politics — and we should — we can come nowhere close to eliminating its impacts, short of measures so draconian they would do more harm than good.

Fortunately, there is a more direct way to attack partisanship. What we must do is diminish the role and power of political parties.

The understanding of political parties as a damag-

Herb Chicken Mediterranean Gourmet Delite

ANY LARGE PIZZA

Includes Signature, Gourmet Delite®, Stuffed, Fresh Pan or Create Your Own up to 5 Classic toppings MUST PRESENT AT STORE TO REDEEM. At participating locations for a limited time. Not valid with other offers.

22147-PRNT-APAS10 © 2015 Papa Murphy’s International LLC

Valid for a limited time at participating locations. Discount off regular menu price. Excludes Mini Murph®, FAVES® and Desserts. Not valid with other offers. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated. Limit 3. XXXX-PRNT062314

PapaMurphys(Coupon)_112615_2H

8 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

valid through January.

LSM-12

10

$

®

KINJA JA PA N E S E

KO R E A N

ing influence on our public affairs is a quintessential American notion. President George Washington warned us of their potentially dangerous impact in his Farewell Address, declaring that while political parties “may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

American progressives at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries similarly fought party bosses, often successfully. They won the right for the popular election of U.S. Senators, shifting accountability from the agenda of partisan state legislatures to the broader interests of the people.

In 1934, the voters of Nebraska took a sledgehammer to partisanship by eliminating their House of Representatives, granting its powers to the Senate, and banning political affiliation from being listed on the ballot in state legislative races. To this day, the Nebraska Legislature continues to function as a unicameral, nonpartisan body, with both Republicans and Democrats simultaneously holding committee chairmanships and serving together in leadership positions.

In more recent history, in Washington state and in California, we’ve created open primaries, where people vote for whomever they choose regardless of political party and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election.

In many states, like Idaho, redistricting is now done by bipartisan committees, equally divided between Democrats and Republicans. In this year’s State of the Union, President Obama called for this system to be used across the country.

We live in a particularly ripe time to continue the long-standing American tradition of shifting power from political parties to the interests of all citizens. According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of all millennials identify as independent, not associating themselves with either political party.

Over the next decades, as millennials become an increasing percentage of the voters, we have a chance to follow in the footsteps of George Washington, progressives like Teddy Roosevelt, and the state of Nebraska to continue empowering everyday citizens to reduce the power of partisanship and ensure that the problems we face together are solved by all of us working together. n John T. Reuter, a former Sandpoint City Councilman, has been active in protecting the environment, expanding LGBT rights and Idaho’s Republican Party politics.

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 9

Dr. Breazeal & Dr. Lopez are here to enhance your vision.

Schedule your exam today.

Visit gesa.com to see our Bump Certificate specials!

1 1 1.50 1.60 1.75

.00 % .30 % APY

18 MONTHS

APY

24 MONTHS

%

%

30 MONTHS

36 MONTHS

APY

APY

APY

48 MONTHS

9625 N. Newport Hwy., Spokane, WA

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. A $500 minimum deposit is required for consumer certificates. A $2,500 minimum deposit is required for business certificates. A $2,500 minimum deposit is required for IRA certificates. Early withdrawal penalties will apply. Please visit gesa.com for more information on applicable fees and terms. Certificate rates are for a limited time only. Stated rates are as of 1/01/2016 and are subject to change. Federally Insured by NCUA

10 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

50 OFF

$

%

Apply at gesa.com today!

See... and Be Seen!

Stop by our NEW Spokane Member Service Center to

Complete Pair of Eye Glasses Must present coupon. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with insurance.

Expires 01/31/16.

Locally Owned • 1hr Glasses • Affordable Pricing • Designer Frames

509 N Sullivan Rd #G • Spokane Valley • 509.922-0633 8160 N. Cornerstone Suite B • Hayden, ID • 208.772-5539

COMMENT | FROM READERS

Reactions to a blog post reporting that a Spokane police officer admitted to having a sexual encounter with a woman he met while responding to a domestic violence call:

ISAAC JACK JR.: That is called manipulation, deviancy and dishonorable. Is this another requirement of the law? What experience does this man have and does he have a trail?

NORTHERN QUEST PRESENTS

CAROLYN MONFETTE BORST: What the heck is wrong with people?

PAT HALLAND: What the heck is in the water in Spokane? They have more problems with cops, etc., than you can shake a stick at.

Have these big boys not grown up yet? There is a time and place for everything, but sonny boy, not when you are on duty and taxpayer money is paying you to protect ALL people.

MICHAEL MARTRILDONNO: This sort of thing happens in law and order all the time. Free love.

SPD Officer Chris Conrath has been suspended for 30 days. Read more about this story on page 13.

REBECCA DAVISON: Omg! He should have to take domestic violence education classes before returning to service. The fact that there is an imbalance of power, between a domestic violence victim and a police officer, lends itself to the opportunity to abuse that power. And he did! Domestic violence advocates, shelters and victims should be outraged if he only gets a 30-day suspension. That just proves that there isn’t a clear understanding of domestic violence and the power imbalance that set this scenario in motion. Boo SPD! VIOLET WINFIELD: I wonder how much he’ll be asking in his lawsuit against the city?

STEVE SHIRLEY: Another day, another police department foulup… 

Reactions to a blog post on Mayor David Condon’s reorganization/ consolidation of city departments, including Public Works and Neighborhood Services:

NICHOLAS NEWELL: I first read this as “mayor David Condon announces resignation.” You can imagine how elated I was. Unfortunately, no such luck.

PHYLLIS DAILY-PARKINS: So glad that I live in the Valley! If I didn’t I would move!

BRENT HENDRICKS: I’m glad to see Jonathan Mallahan overseeing the new division. He is both smart and principled.

ON SALE JAN 23

ABBA THE CONCERT A TRIBUTE SHOW Wed, Apr 20 / 7:30pm

MORRIS DAY & THE TIME Thu, Feb 4 / 7:30pm

BRIAN REGAN Sat, Feb 13 / 5 & 8pm

THE TENORS UNDER ONE SKY TOUR / Feb 15

MASTERS OF ILLUSION / Mar 25

JENNIFER NETTLES & BRANDY CLARK / Mar 4 WITH LINDSAY ELL & TARA THOMPSON

LYLE LOVETT & ROBERT EARL KEEN / Mar 20

AUSTRALIA’S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER / Apr 2 SALT-N-PEPA WITH DJ SPINDERELLA & EN VOGUE / Apr 14

BUY TICKETS AT NORTHERNQUEST.COM

RYAN DUNN: It’s a diversion, so people forget about his sketchy behavior.

MICHAEL ANDERSON: He ought to reorganize himself right out of office! 

SPONSORED BY

87 7. 87 1.67 72 S P OKANE , WA

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 11

ALL FLEXSTEEL速

leather

ON SALE

1727 E SPRAGUE AVE, SPOKANE WA | 509-535-1111 WWW.TINROOFFURNITURE.COM 12 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

AMITY HOLT ILLUSTRATION

‘USE AND ABUSE OF POWER’

A third report of sexual misconduct within the Spokane Police Department in the past year has community members calling louder than ever for a culture audit

BY MITCH RYALS

L

ess than 48 hours after Officer Chris Conrath responded to a woman’s report of domestic violence, he was hooking up with her in an out-of-the-way hotel room at 3 am.

The woman, whose name has not been made public, had been arguing with her husband on Sept. 7 when he spat on her and abandoned her downtown, according to Spokane police records. Conrath responded to her 911 call and found no probable cause for an arrest. He gave the woman a card with resources for victims of domestic violence and his department email, records show.

Five hours later, she emailed him a thank-you, adding: “I have to tell you, I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Conrath resisted the woman’s flirtatious emails at first, saying “any interaction outside my professional capacity would be inappropriate.” But he eventually caved.

Over the next 24 hours, the woman and Conrath

continued to text, call and email, according to an Internal Affairs report. Around 1 am, during Conrath’s shift on Sept. 9, the two met at the Japanese Gardens in Manito Park. It was there that they kissed before agreeing to meet at the Mirabeau Hotel in Spokane Valley after Conrath’s shift.

The violations — conduct unbecoming of an officer, nepotism and conflicting relationships — mark the third time in a seven-month period that the Spokane Police Department’s name has been attached to sexual misconduct, alleged or sustained.

The first was accusations of unwanted “advances” from former chief Frank Straub; the second was a “respected” sergeant now charged with raping a female officer at a drunken cop party.

“These incidents make clear there is an unhealthy culture in our police department around the use and

abuse of power,” says Deb Conklin, chairwoman of the police ombudsman commission. “When people engage in these kinds of behaviors, it is because they have been given reason to believe that such behavior is acceptable within their system. … These behaviors will only stop when we as a city, and our city government as an organization, make it very clear that such abuse will not be tolerated, and will be met with the strongest possible sanctions.”

T

he three incidents revealed in the past year each have their own set of questionable circumstances.

Each one implicates a different branch within the department. One reaches into City Hall.

In September, Mayor David Condon gave his handpicked police chief the boot. When asked directly if any ...continued on next page

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 13

NEWS | POLICE

4 WINE TAPS, 34 BEER TAPS 150 BOTTLED BEERS & FULL BAR

PECAN-SMOKED BABY BACK RIBS

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT 5PM

RESTAURANT HOURS: MON-THUR 11am-10pm FRI 11am-11pm SAT 8am-1pm / 3pm-11pm SUN 8am-1pm / 3pm-10pm

905 N. WASHINGTON ST. | 509-392-4000

THE OLD BROADVIEW DAIRY TheBlackbirdSpokane.com |

50 TAPS FULL BAR

@TheBlackbirdGEG

GIFT CARDS

@MANITOTAPHOUSE MANITOTAPHOUSE.COM

3011 S. GRAND BLVD. | (509) 279-2671 11AM - 11PM SUN-THURS | 11AM - MIDNIGHT FRI & SAT

14 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

BEST BEER BAR & BEST BAR FOOD

FROM LEFT: Former Police Chief Frank Straub, Sgt. Gordon Ennis and Officer Chris Conrath.

“USE AND ABUSE OF POWER,” CONTINUED... complaints alleging sexual harassment had been made against Straub leading up to his resignation, Condon said “No.” Public records released after the election in November revealed that Monique Cotton, the former police spokeswoman, had accused Straub of sexual harassment in April. Two members of the police brass later told the Inlander that there had been other issues and that Straub referred to another former female executive using the c-word.

“I absolutely believe the culture of a police department comes right from the top,” says Penny Harrington, former chief of the Portland Police Bureau and founding director of the National Center for Women and Policing. “If the person at the top has that kind of attitude, you can bet people underneath are going to also. If you’re going to thrive in that department, you have to adopt that attitude.”

Then there was news of a drunken cop party one weekend last October. A young female officer told investigators that she drank too much Fireball whiskey. She eventually passed out in a guest room and awoke to a sergeant, Gordon Ennis, with his hand down her pants, according to court documents.

Then union president Sgt. John Gately, upon learning of the reported rape the next day, Oct. 25, called Ennis and continued to provide him updates as Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies prepared a search warrant for Ennis’ DNA, according to court records.

Phone records indicate that Gately called Ennis at 11:40 am on Oct. 26. Ennis then made several calls looking for an attorney. At 12:16 pm that day, Ennis’ attorney called the Sheriff’s Office, saying they could serve the warrant for Ennis’ DNA at his office. At 2:09 pm, Ennis texted his wife that deputies were getting a warrant for his DNA. The warrant was not approved by a judge until 2:28 pm.

Ennis has been charged with second-degree rape, and Gately faces charges of rendering crimi-

nal assistance and obstructing a law enforcement officer. Both have pleaded not guilty and are on “unpaid layoff” status.

Conrath, for his part, was allowed to continue working pending the results of the internal investigation. Ultimately, interim Chief Rick Dobrow decided on a 30-day suspension.

“What stood out to me is there’s not any sort of corrective measure for Conrath,” says Liz Moore, director of the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane. “It would seem to me there would need to be some kind of a sexism training or professional remediation, because he knew the policies and what was expected of him.”

Conrath admitted to superiors that he was “flirting with disaster” but continued the relationship anyway.

Moore questions why he wasn’t fired. So does Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich.

In August 2013, Knezovich fired Deputy Scott Kenoyer for having sex while on duty. An arbitrator forced the sheriff’s office to hire him back less than a year later, citing the deputy’s clean record and truthfulness when confronted.

Knezovich says a decision to fire a cop is not easy, but even with the looming possibility that the unions will fight the termination, not doing so can set a low standard.

“If you don’t send a very clear message that this type of behavior is not acceptable — that you will not wear a badge if this happens — then it’s a leadership failing,” Knezovich says.

Referring to Conrath’s situation, he adds: “I would have terminated him based on the importance of the public trust. I have to be able to trust my officers not to exploit people in that mental state.”

Dobrow says his decision not to fire Conrath was not taken lightly, and the 30 days without pay is going to cost the young officer more than $10,000.

“The reason I didn’t [fire him] is because he has a stellar background and record up until now,” he says. “I want to send a very strong mes-

sage to Officer Conrath and to the organization that those things will not be tolerated, and I made it quite clear to Officer Conrath that any lapse in judgment is going to result in his termination.”

T

he thread of sexual harassment and misconduct from male law enforcement officers in Spokane does not begin and end with these three examples. It’s connected to a spool that’s been unwinding for decades. In 1981, for example, the captain leading the hunt for the South Hill rapist advised a female reporter that to keep from being raped, women should “just lay back and enjoy it,” according to news reports at the time. The captain, Richard Olberding, later said his comment was meant as a joke.

In 1993, Spokane cop William Gentry was convicted of raping a developmentally disabled deaf woman who he met on the job. He was sentenced to four years in state prison.

In 2014, SPD Sgt. Chet Gilmore resigned after his bosses found out he had sex with a married woman on duty — once in

“We won’t know where to focus until we start assessing and measuring.

It’s clear the culture audit needs to be comprehensive and look at attitudes around race and gender.” a police vehicle in a Hobby Lobby parking lot. And last year, Officer John Yen was charged with domestic violence and armed burglary for forcing his way into his girlfriend’s home after an argument. Yen, 25, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor trespassing charge and is back at work while an internal investigation is underway.

After pleading guilty, Judge Sam Cozza said to Yen: “You’re getting a huge break. This could have been a real bad situation,” the Spokesman-Review reports.

Spokane police are certainly not alone. An Associated Press investigation in 2015 revealed approximately 1,000 officers who had lost their badges over a six-year period for sex crimes, including rape, assault and pornography. The AP report says that number is “unquestionably an undercount” because some states don’t decommission officers for such crimes.

Philip Stinson, a criminal justice researcher at Bowling Green State University, analyzed news articles detailing arrested officers from 2005 to 2011. He found that sex-related crimes were the third most common.

For Erin Williams Hueter, the director of advocacy and prevention at Lutheran Community Services in Spokane, though the recent incidents are “shameful,” she’s pleased with the level of professionalism from most officers. Moore agrees, pointing to SPD’s Crisis Intervention Training as one marker of improvement. But she echoes Conklin’s call for an audit of the department’s internal culture.

“We won’t know where to focus until we start assessing and measuring,” Moore says. “It’s clear the culture audit needs to be comprehensive and look at attitudes around race and gender.”

Spokane police are collecting input from community members on the logistics of a culture audit, but no definite timeline has been set.

For Harrington, of the National Center for Women and Policing, an in-depth look at a department’s internal attitudes is crucial, but training and gender diversity are critical components of change as well.

“Training on gender-based issues is essential,” she says. “And you can’t just do it once and think you’ve solved it. Every year you have to reinforce what you stand for, and what you believe in that organization.” n mitchr@inlander.com

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 15

NEWS | DIGEST

1001 West Sprague Ave. • 509-624-1200

PHOTO EYE TAKING IT TO THE STREET

ALON GOLDSTEIN

with the Spokane Symphony

JANUARY 23 & 24 sponsored by the Johnston-Fix Foundation Bill & Harriet Fix

Lani Hall Grammy Winner Original Vocalist with Sergio Mendes’ Brasil 66

Herb Alpert 9-time Grammy Winner

sponsored by

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall

JEFF FERGUSON PHOTO

Students, teachers and parents from Grant Elementary are joined by other community members as they lead a march in downtown Spokane for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday.

On Inlander.com MORE INLANDER NEWS EVERY DAY

JANUARY 30, 2016 CITY LIGHTS!

with live orchestra!

In Collabo

See Chaplin’s Cinematic Masterpiece with the Spokane Symphony

ration with

Saturday, Feb. 6 - 7:30pm Tickets: $15 & $30 Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

.................

SPOKANESYMPHONY.ORG MARTINWOLDSONTHEATER.COM

.................

16 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

SPOKANE GOES TO OLYMPIA Although the 2016 legislative session of the Washington State Legislature is expected be short and focused on education, the city of Spokane has a wide-ranging LEGISLATIVE WISH LIST of about 30 items. Among the top four priorities include stable funding for a planned medical school in Spokane, and changes to state law that would make it easier for police to implement body camera programs. The city of Spokane is also pushing for an expansion of tax incentives for the film industry, which has used the Lilac City as the backdrop for a TV series and a music video, as well as a change in funding for mental health and substance abuse services that would benefit the county. (JAKE THOMAS)

SUBJECTIVE SHOOTING Experts analyzing body camera video of a Spokane POLICE SHOOTING came to opposing conclusions. One, a former chief in St. Louis, said Officer Chris McMurtrey was not justified in his decision to shoot at a man who was holding his hands out the window of his pickup truck. Daniel Isom, now a professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, told the Inlander it did not appear the officers were in immediate danger. The other, Pete Cannon, a former police chief in Bowling Green, Missouri, disagreed. The differing opinions highlights the imperfection of body camera footage and the subjectivity with which investigators and prosecutors can decide to take action against officers. You can read each expert’s full statements and watch the body cam footage on our blog. (MITCH RYALS)

NEWS | BRIEFS

Shots Fired Spokane’s sheriff calls out Oregon occupiers; plus, an “accidental” shooting is under investigation OZZIE: SPECIAL EDITION

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich made waves last summer with his “THE THREATS WE FACE vs.

The Myth of Police Militarization” presentation, in which he criticizes far-right extremism.

On Monday night, Knezovich gave a remixed version of his talk. This time, his defense of police militarization received considerably less play. Instead, he devoted new focus to the threat of ISIS and radical Islamic terrorism: “ISIS is a current and active threat to the safety of Spokane County,” one slide in his presentation said. Knezovich says he met with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and while he agreed that many Muslims fight against radical extremism, he says he urged the group to denounce radical Islam more vehemently. He condemned the protests and looting in Ferguson, Missouri.

“Ferguson spawned a lot of negative stuff, folks,” Knezovich says, “and it was based on a lie.”

But right-wing extremists didn’t escape Knezovich’s fire either: A considerable chunk of his two-hour presentation lambasted the armed protesters who have occupied a wildlife refuge in eastern Oregon. In particular, he defended the local sheriff and the FBI’s role in handling the protest.

“I could tell you how George Washington handled one of these things back in his day,” Knezovich says. “It was called the Whiskey Rebellion.” During the Whiskey Rebellion, Washington sent 13,000 troops to suppress insurgents rebelling as a result of new whiskey taxes.

In a Q&A session after his speech, Knezovich weighed in on concerns about the city of Spokane being called a “sanctuary city” for its policy of not asking about immigration status, arguing that the problem is with the federal government, not the locals.

“You live in a sanctuary country,” Knezovich says.

“The administration is not enforcing those laws.”

One audience member asked Knezovich why the Spokane mayor and city council didn’t seem to be interested in letting Knezovich run the police department.

“I’ll just say what my barber said,” the mostly bald Knezovich said, assuring the chuckling audience that he did indeed have a barber. “‘Sheriff, they couldn’t control you.’” (DANIEL WALTERS)

ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING?

Spokane County Sheriff detectives are investigating a shooting death that occurred in the 14100 block of East Sinto Avenue in SPOKANE VALLEY.

Around 9:45 am Monday, a man called 911 saying his wife had been shot. Dispatchers could hear the man tell his wife to keep breathing. Neither the man nor his wife have been identified, but local media reports indicate that the husband has law enforcement training as a military policeman in the Army. He continues to serve as a reserve deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Instead of waiting for an ambulance, the man drove his wife to Valley Hospital, where she died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Spokane County Deputy Mark Gregory says forensic investigators and Major Crimes detectives are currently collecting evidence and conducting interviews. The man is cooperating with the investigation and has not been arrested or charged with a crime. (MITCH RYALS)

HOUSE WEIGHS POT BILL

Cities and counties would need public approval before banning licensed MARIJUANA STORES in Washington, according to a bill approved this week by the state’s House Commerce & Gaming Committee.

The bill was sent to the full House on Monday. It would mandate that local governments put a proposed ban on a special or general election ballot before it can go into effect. Citizens could also put an initiative banning pot on a ballot if 30 percent of a city or county’s voters sign a petition.

The ballot measure legalizing marijuana in the state, I-502, does not address whether state law displaces local ordinances or regulations of marijuana-related commerce.

Approximately 88 cities and eight counties have enacted a prohibition or moratorium of state-licensed marijuana producers, processors and retailers, according to the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington.

(WILSON CRISCIONE)

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 17

NEWS | CITY HALL

The Ethicists A city watchdog almost never bites; now it’s facing an unprecedented number of complaints against the city’s top elected official

BY JAKE THOMAS

W HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM Daily Celebrate at Barlows!

Check out our new seasonal menu!

Come in and enjoy our specials every Friday & Saturday Night!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • BREAKFAST UNTIL 2PM ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY DINNER STARTS AT 4PM

1428 N. Liberty Lake Rd. | 509-924-1446

When you refinance your car, boat, RV, or motorcycle with Gesa.

New

Location

9625 N Newport Highway

Apply today at

gesa.com!

*1% cash back is paid on titled loan refinances, is limited to $500 per loan, and will be deposited into the member's checking account when at the time of document signing. The recipient of the bonus cash back payment is responsible for all taxes. A Gesa checking account is required and must be enrolled in automatic payments to qualify. The rate includes a .25% discount for automatic payment from an active Gesa checking account. Rates and terms are subject to loan approval and determined by the applicant's credit. Refinanced loan must be $10,000 or more and must be at least 90 days old. Existing Gesa loans are not eligible. Offer expires 3/31/2016. Federally Insured by NCUA

18 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

hat could be a pivotal moment for Spokane Mayor David Condon began with a lawyerly splitting of hairs.

The city of Spokane Ethics Commission — a citizen panel broadly charged with holding city officials and employees accountable — held its initial hearing last week on a salvo of complaints filed against Condon. The complaints allege that the mayor committed acts of “dishonesty” and “moral turpitude” by denying that he was aware of sexual harassment allegations made against former police Chief Frank Straub, when documents released after his re-election show that he did know.

Shortly after the hearing began, Dennis Cronin, a local attorney on the commission, pointed out that the city’s code of ethics lacked definitions of the violations brought against the mayor.

“I don’t know how we can determine these questions if we don’t have definitions of what ‘dishonesty’ is, or what ‘moral turpitude’ is,” said Cronin, his voice barely audible, as he continued his legal parsing.

Troy Bruner, the commission’s chair, responded that the code sometimes lacks definitions and most complaints are filed by citizens not well versed in the law. At this point, Jamie Pendleton, a businessman facing fraud charges of his own who filed one of the complaints, interrupted to read the commission’s mission statement, pointing out that it demands “the highest standards of ethics” from all city employees and officials.

“It’s the ethics committee’s job to make sure that all politicians elected by Spokane citizens are honest,” not to define dishonesty, Pendleton said.

Bruner interjected, saying he needed to give Condon’s attorney, James King, a chance to respond. By the end of the two-and-a-half-hour hearing, King had successfully argued that there wasn’t enough evidence in two complaints. Only one complaint alleging dishonesty against the mayor, filed by former Council President Joe Shogan, would be considered.

In the past two months, a total of six complaints have been filed against the mayor, thrusting the commission and its expansive but rarely used powers into the public spotlight. Local leaders now say they’re bewildered and frustrated by the commission’s past decisions, and others suggest it’s time for a complete overhaul.

“They are not going to fine [Condon] enough where it will make any difference,” says Shogan, adding, “I guess it matters to me and some people out there whether he lied or not.”

T

he Spokane Ethics Committee was established in 2006. Last year, the city council made it a commission with broader powers. Spokane County Commissioner Al French, a former city councilman, says that

after Mayor Jim West was recalled in the wake of an Internet sex scandal, there was a move at City Hall to create a forum to air accusations against city officials.

“There was no structure in city government to hold [elected officials] or senior management accountable to a set of standards consistent with community values,” French says.

The seven-member citizen panel, nominated by the mayor and approved by the city council, fields complaints alleging violations of the city’s ethics code, which governs what kind of gifts city employees and officials can receive, as well as disclosure of confidential information, conflicts of interest and acts of “moral turpitude” and dishonesty.

It’s currently comprised of two lawyers, two business ethics teachers, the administrator of a substance abuse treatment clinic and a psychologist (one position is vacant). The commission can impose financial penalties up to $5,000, cease-and-desist LETTERS orders, initiate Send comments to recall eleceditor@inlander.com. tions or refer matters for prosecution. The commission can also subpoena witnesses and place them under oath, which it’s never done. Over a decade of existence, the commission has issued only two financial penalties.

They’ve both raised eyebrows.

Last year, City Administrator Theresa Sanders was fined $75 for lying about why former police spokeswoman Monique Cotton was transferred to the parks department. She was also given a cease-and-desist order to not speak publicly about the matter.

“The issue with Theresa Sanders is there has been a lot of ridicule of the findings,” says Rick Eichstaedt, executive director of the Center for Justice, who calls the cease-and-desist order a “get out of jail card” for answering tough questions. Shar Lichty, who ran against Condon last November and filed the complaint, says the fine means little for a highly compensated city official.

“Her boots cost more than that,” says Lichty.

Bruner, the commission chair, says the fine was an “arbitrary” amount agreed upon because Sanders was remorseful and the city hadn’t suffered any harm. He also says the commission wanted to send a warning to city employees and officials that it’s willing to impose larger financial penalties for dishonesty.

Mike Piccolo, a city attorney who works with the commission, says most complaints are dismissed because they fall outside the city’s code of ethics. French says the fact that penalties are rare is evidence the commission is deterring bad behavior.

In 2013, Council President Ben Stuckart paid $250, the largest fine to date, for leaking a confi-

Six complaints have been lodged against Spokane Mayor David Condon. dential email to the president of the local fire union. Stuckart says he admitted to the violation and suggested his own fine.

“I think that’s insane that the one found guilty suggested his own punishment,” says former City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin. In 2012, McLaughlin, then running for the legislature, was the subject of an ethics complaint for using a photo of herself posted on the city’s website in her campaign materials.

The complaint was dismissed because the photo is in the public domain, and McLaughlin says it’s an example of the commission being used by politicians to tarnish their opponents.

Elected officials say it’s not financial penalties but the “black mark” on their records from an ethics violation that’s a deterrent.

Stuckart says people frequently bring up his violation. But it was never a significant issue in his re-election campaign, which he won with nearly 63 percent of the vote.

Jon Snyder, who resigned recently from the city council to take a job with the governor, says he doesn’t understand why Sanders and Stuckart were fined different amounts. Last year, he filed a complaint against Councilman Mike Fagan for leaking confidential information concerning a highly political initiative petition. The complaint was dismissed, and Snyder says Fagan put the city at greater legal risk than Stuckart did. “[The commission is] supposed to rule purely on our ethics code,” he says. “And it may be up to the city council to revisit it.”

R

egionally, the Spokane Ethics Commission isn’t the only agency watching public servants.

Statewide, the Washington State Executive Ethics Board issued $145,900 in penalties in 2014. The Center for Public Integrity, an investigative journalism nonprofit, sharply criticized Idaho in a report last year for having no state ethics commission.

Boise is the only city in Idaho with an ethics commission, and its chair, Jodi Nafzger, says it primarily has an advisory role.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, which oversees 10,000 employees compared to 2,000 in Spokane, has a larger paid staff, can initiate its own investigations and has issued nearly 60 financial penalties since 1999.

Stuckart says he has his own frustrations with the ethics code, and that at some point he plans to introduce legislation that will create an inspector general — a position that New Orleans and Rochester, New York, have in place — that investigates fraud and malfeasance in city government.

Earlier this month the city hired an independent investigator, who has many of the same powers the ethics commission has, to look into the circumstances surrounding and leading up to Straub’s ouster. Asked why the city doesn’t use the ethics commission to investigate the matter, Stuckart points out that this investigation is high-profile and will take more digging. “[The commission] is a volunteer board,” he says. n jaket@inlander.com

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 19 CdaCasino_Events_012116_12V_GG.tif

NEWS | EDUCATION

J

Mary Templeton interviews teaching candidates at a Spokane Public Schools hiring fair last week.

MIKE SALSBURY PHOTO

Wanted: Teachers A shortage of educators has given urban school districts the upper hand in recruiting candidates

BY WILSON CRISCIONE

R

ob Roettger had to find some way to replace half of his districts’ math teachers before the start of the school year. But by the time Roettger, the superintendent of Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools, called the few teachers who applied last June, they had all been hired elsewhere.

Between Lind-Ritzville middle and high school, there are typically four math teachers on staff, Roettger says.

The two conjoined districts, about an hour-long drive southwest of Spokane, were eventually able to hire one teacher and had to leave the other position unfilled.

“It’s a big issue not to be able to fill a math position,” Roettger says. “That, to me, demonstrates shortage of staff.”

Roettger says his district, like others in Washington and Idaho, will start recruiting teachers earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Spokane Public Schools has already started recruiting teachers more aggressively than ever before in the midst of a teacher shortage. Spokane has so far been able to fill most job openings, but other schools, especially in rural areas, often can’t compete.

In a November 2015 survey, 45 percent of 733 Wash-

20 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

ington state school principals reported being unable to fill all of their school’s open positions with fully certified teachers.

Idaho’s teacher shortage is more serious. A 2014 study found that only 10 of 65 districts were able to hire fully certified staff for vacant positions. Only one district reported no challenges in hiring teachers.

District superintendents in both Washington and Idaho say the shortage is in part driven by the high number of baby boomers retiring and possible disinterest in teaching from college students.

As a result, districts have changed recruiting tactics, says Marion Moore, associate professor of special education at Eastern Washington University. College students are being offered provisional contracts before they are finished student teaching, and districts are seeking commitments earlier.

“The shortages are now. And I think that there is a significant concern, because the shortages will probably get worse over the next few years,” Moore says. “People are really concerned about ‘How do we address this need?’”

oseph Kren, superintendent for St. Maries School District in Idaho, says he pulls out all the stops when recruiting. Even after sending out flyers to colleges, attending job fairs and posting jobs online and in the paper, he says it’s increasingly difficult to find teachers.

When he can’t find them, sometimes elective courses are dropped in high school or switched to only being offered online. It’s not the ideal situation, Kren says, but sometimes it’s the only choice.

“It’s going to impact [students] negatively. The consistency of having those teachers there is pretty important,” he says.

St. Maries School District has about 950 students and 67 teachers, Kren says, and teachers often leave for a bigger district if given the opportunity.

“There are larger districts, or districts from other states, who can offer signing bonuses and pay for travel.

We’re not able to offer any of that,” he says.

Some subject areas are hit harder by the teacher shortage than others. Some positions in special education, for example, simply cannot be filled. In the Washington state survey of school principals, roughly two-thirds reported difficulty finding new special education teachers — LETTERS by far the highest rate of any Send comments to subject in the survey. editor@inlander.com.

Districts also have trouble finding math and science teachers. Nearly a third of principals surveyed reported difficulty finding certified math teachers, and a quarter had trouble finding science teachers. By comparison, less than 3 percent reported an issue finding social studies teachers.

The explanation is simple, according to Debbie Tully, associate dean of teacher education and school partnerships at Whitworth University: college students with an interest in those subjects would rather choose a career that pays more.

“We have bright individuals who, if they like math or science, they are going into pre-medicine or health sciences. They are not thinking of teaching as a career,” Tully says.

A

t Ferris High School last Thursday, a line of more than 100 aspiring teachers extended from the commons to the door.

A total of 250 people showed up to the hiring fair over the course of four hours, says Mary Templeton, Spokane Public Schools’ director of certified personnel.

The district offered around 30 of them letters of intent that day, while others were asked if they wanted to be a substitute.

Stacey Valentin walked away from her interview feeling confident. Valentin, 37, went to the hiring fair to set herself up for a position starting in 2017, when she will no longer be serving in the Navy. At the most recent hiring fair she attended in Tukwila, she was offered a job on the spot.

Valentin says other districts in the middle of the state have expressed interest as well, but she doesn’t think moving to the west side of the state is worth it. Her first priority is to stay in Spokane, which likely means that rural areas are left out of the running.

“It doesn’t pay enough to relocate for a teaching job. It really does have to be in the area that I live in,” Valentin says.

Templeton says a hiring fair like the one last week has never before happened this early in the year. The district wants to make sure that it will have enough teachers when the next school year begins.

“Is our level of concern off the charts? No,” Templeton says. “But we are very closely monitoring it.”

The teaching landscape used to be different, says Spokane Education Association President Jenny Rose.

Jacke specializes in customer service at Avista.

Payment options that fit your lifestyle.

With colder weather comes rising energy use. So to help with your energy bill we offer a variety of payment options, including: • Comfort-Level Billing to smooth out those seasonal highs and lows. (It divides your annual energy costs into 12 equal and predictable payments.)

• Online Statement/Payments so you can receive and conveniently pay your bill electronically.

• Energy Assistance Programs that may provide help to limited-income customers.

We also have online tools such as our Bill Analyzer and Home Energy Advisor that can help you manage your energy use.

To find out if you qualify for payment options – or for more information – please give us a call at 1-800-227-9187 or visit avistautilities.com/assistance.

Visit Inlander.com/BestofBroadway for your chance to win TWO opening night tickets.

FEBRUARY 13 - 14

 INB Performing Arts Center

© The Illusionists

College students used to have to know somebody or be an outstanding student in order to get a teaching job.

Districts, Rose says, would not contact college students until the last semester of their senior year.

There used to be a substitute teacher list of 1,000 people in the 1990s, she says. The list is now half that, meaning the district has fewer options when hiring full-time positions.

Spokane has been able to fill all of its teaching positions, but it hasn’t been an easy task. One of the solutions to solving the teacher shortage — hiring from the pool of substitutes — exacerbates the shortage of subs.

The district has resorted to reaching out to parts of the country where there is a teacher glut and advertising open positions there, Templeton says.

The state anticipates a significant teacher shortage in the next three to five years. In a request to the state legislature, Randy Dorn, state superintendent of public instruction, predicted that 10,000 teachers will need to be hired in the next few years due to the implementation of full-day kindergarten and a K-3 class size reduction.

At the beginning of the current legislative session, Dorn made a number of requests to lawmakers. He asked the legislature for money so districts can offer signing bonuses when hiring new teachers, an increase in starting salaries for teachers, and a change that would allow districts to hire recently retired teachers as subs.

Vincent Alfonso, dean of the School of Education at Gonzaga, says he is optimistic that the teaching shortage can be solved if the state legislature takes steps to professionalize teaching again.

“We can look at this as a problem or as an opportunity,” Alfonso says. “Let’s look at this glass half-full and not half-empty, but it needs to be a concerted effort by all the stakeholders to be working on the same page.

And I’m not sure we’re there yet.”  wilsonc@inlander.com

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 21

NEWS | BUSINESS represented victims of the Ridpath mess. “But when we looked deeper, he seemed to have relied on experts just like everyone else.”

Casey went after the experts who Jeffreys used to pump up his valuation, including local attorneys and appraisers. But at his clients’ insistence, Casey dropped Main from the lawsuit.

“I guarantee I’ve had dealings than more than those two people who are crooked. I’ve had dealing with tons of people.”

“The guys that know me trust me,” says EVR CEO Brian Main, who’s been dogged by his past associations with fraudulent businessmen.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

The Main Name As Brian Main opens a new chapter, he’s still haunted by two of Spokane’s most infamous businessmen

BY DANIEL WALTERS

R

eal estate developer Brian Main — with his long, dirty-blonde hair, his suit jacket, gold pocket square and cowboy boots — is back. He’s lived in Italy and New York, but now he’s returned to Spokane.

He’s in the downtown Spokane office of a new business — he’s CEO of EVR, a company in the fledgling cannabidiol supplement industry, producing products from a non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana.

These downtown offices are swanky, with the darkblue-trimmed hallways and the hardwood floors left by the previous tenant, the infamous Blu-ray manufacturer BlueStar Digital Technologies.

By the end of 2014, after a seven-year saga involving broken promises, wild exaggerations, lavish spending, Hollywood producers, Michael Jackson’s dad, bedbugridden apartments and a bikini contest in the Bahamas, BlueStar CEO Erick Hansen had been indicted on 16 counts of fraud. Hansen’s trial hasn’t started, but his former executive vice president of global business development has already pleaded guilty to fraud.

Main knows all of this. The FBI has interviewed him about it. According to a 2009 BlueStar press release, he was BlueStar’s “Executive Vice President of European Markets.”

It wasn’t the first time the FBI came asking about one of Main’s former associates: He’d also partnered with Greg Jeffreys, the Ridpath real estate developer who pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and contempt of court in 2013. Main notes that the FBI has never come after him, and that many of Jeffreys’ victims testify to his

22 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

innocence.

Yet as Main embarks on this new venture, he’s faced with the challenge of dissuading those who see guilt by association.

“If you hang out with a guy who turns out to be a child molester, does that make you a child molester?”

Main says. “I never broke trust with anybody, not one person. But I can be damaged by scandal and innuendo.”

THE GREG JEFFREYS PROBLEM

It’s been more than six years since the Ridpath Hotel took its last reservation. The long-vacant historic property remains locked in a tug of war between two groups: one that wants to resurrect it as an hotel and entertainment center; the other, led by developer Ron Wells, that plans to turn it into an apartment complex.

Much of the chaos plaguing the Ridpath has been laid at the feet of Jeffreys, the developer who helped divide up the property and sell off pieces at vastly inflated prices. Main was instrumental to Jeffreys’ Ridpath schemes; he introduced Jeffreys to buyers and facilitated many of the transactions. He’d been involved with Jeffreys in several other deals that turned out to be rotten as well.

The lawyers and federal investigators looking to take down Jeffreys had to figure out if Main was a co-conspirator, or simply a patsy, another victim of Jeffreys’ clever schemes.

“Originally we were concerned about Main’s role in these,” says Marshall Casey, a local attorney who

In fact, one of Jeffreys’ victims — a guy who says he lost six figures in the Ridpath deal — is one of Main’s most voracious defenders.

“He’s always operated with very high integrity,” says real estate developer John Mast, who has known Main since 1991. “If Brian brought a deal to me today, I would look at it and consider doing the deal, knowing it’s my responsibility to do my own due diligence.”

When the Ridpath deal turned out to be a disaster, exacerbated by the housing crisis, Main lost a bunch of money too, Mast says. He points to the hundreds of successful deals Main has made, noting that with such volume, it’s not surprising a few turned sour.

James Darling, a former NFL linebacker who still owns a piece of the Ridpath, blasts the two groups currently fighting over the Ridpath’s future as “full of shit,” but defends Main.

“Brian Main has gone out of his way to make sure that me and him are square,” Darling says. “He’s been paying me $500 a month for the last three months. That’s way more than any of those other dipshits have tried to do.”

Local homebuilder Dave Largent, another Ridpath victim, isn’t quite so complimentary. Largent says Main was never dishonest with him, but also critiques him as a “big-picture guy” who didn’t look into the details. He says he wouldn’t do a deal with Main again.

“My biggest problem was that when all this stuff went to crap, I was here still dealing with stuff,” Largent says.

“He pretty much left.”

In 2009, with the real estate market dead, his relationship with Jeffreys severed and his stake in the Ridpath signed away, Main went on an extended honeymoon in Italy. That’s when he started working with Hansen.

THE ERICK HANSEN PROBLEM

It was at a Ridpath bar, ironically, where Main first met BlueStar’s Hansen.

“He would come in with his dog and we’d sit and talk,” Main says. “And he’d seem like a pleasant guy.” After Main moved to Italy, he and Hansen would talk over Skype about the several opportunities for BlueStar.

“I thought, I can’t do real estate, why not do some entertainment stuff?” Main says. “I was the only one living overseas that he probably knew that could get him business.”

They talked about BlueStar producing a documentary on Egyptian tombs, releasing a famous Eastern European pop star’s music video, and re-releasing the 1981 adventure movie Roar. But each of those deals fell apart, Main says, and he and Hansen drifted apart.

“The thing about Erick is he was just a no-show,” Main says. “He’d promise something and then he’d email

NEWS | MARIJUANA you and say, ‘Yeah, it’s done,’ and that was it, and then nothing would happen.”

Main says his involvement in BlueStar was minimal.

BlueStar’s Aug. 20, 2009, press release, by contrast, celebrated Main as a talented executive, whose savviness in digital tech, film, music and international business development would transform BlueStar into an international powerhouse with offices in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

“Brian’s vast experience has helped BlueStar become a leader in the U.S. market,” the release said. In fact, far from being market leader, court records showed that BlueStar wouldn’t produce a single Blu-ray disc until more than three years after the press release.

The press release ostensibly quoted Main saying he was thrilled with his new role at BlueStar, and that “they are perfectly positioned to both enrich the worldwide clients, consumers and investors.”

Main doesn’t remember saying anything of the sort.

“Do I sound like I would say something like that?” he asks.

Main scoffs at the idea he was the BlueStar’s VP of European Relations in any meaningful sense. He says he got no paycheck, no stock — not even a business card. He brushes off criticism that he should have vetted Jeffreys and Hansen more thoroughly, noting that they’d also fooled plenty of other smart and diligent people. Heck, BlueStar had been endorsed by the mayor of Spokane at the time.

“I guarantee I’ve had dealings than more than those two people who are crooked. I’ve had dealing with tons of people,” Main says. “I make errors in judgment like everybody does.”

THE CBD PROBLEM

Main isn’t done with real estate development. He’s hoping to partner with local developers to transform the top two floors above his office to about 20 condominium units. But his new primary focus, selling products containing cannabidiol — a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant referred to as CBD — marks a major shift for Main.

It’s a rapidly growing industry, filled with hope and faith that CBD — besides simply being relaxing — could be used to effectively reduce pain, treat muscle spasms and address epileptic seizures. Of course, guys like Main get in trouble if they come out and say that. Research into CBD is still in its infancy.

Last year, the FDA chastised three CBD companies in Washington state for making medical claims for nonapproved uses, noting “often they do not even contain the ingredients found on the label.”

“That’s why this trust thing is very important to me,” Main says. “I’m not just out here trying to sell snake oil.

We’re working a legitimate business.”

So how does he prove his business is trustworthy, when he’s in a business where there are so many snakeoil salesmen?

“Testing, testing, testing,” Main says. Trace Analytics, a Spokane lab, tests EVR’s products to ensure product purity. EVR takes the unique step of putting a QR code on their packaging, directing consumers to the testing results of that specific batch.

And, yes, he has the burden of addressing his ties with Hansen and Jeffreys with potential business partners. He has to stress to them that, after all the FBI investigations and lawsuits, he’s come up clean. Main says he didn’t ever even bother to hire a lawyer, so confident was he in his innocence.

“Every time I have somebody new, I have to explain these things to them, if I get a chance to,” Main says. “It gets tiring trying to deal with this.” n danielw@inlander.com

High Road Since marijuana became legal, interest in a pot breathalyzer has been high, but researchers are still trying to figure out a clear way to pick out stoned drivers

BY JAKE THOMAS

A

conversation two Washington State University professors had five years ago could be the solution to a problem that law enforcement has increasingly faced since marijuana has become legal in Washington state: detecting impaired drivers.

Nick Lovrich, a now-retired political science professor, had been working with data from the Washington State Patrol on traffic stops. He realized that law enforcement was generally good at picking out impaired drivers, but lacked a easy way to determine the cause of impairment, which can lead to a costly, drawn-out process.

Lovrich remembers Herb Hill, a professor of chemistry at WSU, offering a possible solution: a portable breathalyzer, like those used on drunk drivers, that could swiftly determine the amount of THC (the chemical that produces marijuana’s psychoactive effects) present in a driver’s system.

Although lawmakers and law enforcement have expressed interest in the research, which may be fieldtested in Spokane in the coming year, it’ll take much more testing before portable breathalyzers become part of roadside stops.

Lt. Rob Sharpe, impaired driving section commander with the Washington State Patrol, says the current method of detecting stoned drivers is problematic.

“You’re typically taking hours for an investigation,” he says.

Sharpe says that the initial steps to identifying a stoned driver aren’t too different from identifying a drunk driver: Someone is pulled over and the officer’s suspicion is aroused by a telltale smell or the driver’s delayed response. At this point, the officer will initiate a roadside sobriety test.

If the officer suspects the driver is stoned or using other drugs, the officer will call in a Drug Recognition Expert, someone trained to identify if someone is too impaired to be driving and can request a blood test to determine the level of impairment, which requires a warrant from a judge, says Sharpe.

Washington state’s legal limit for pot is 5 nanograms per milliliter of active THC in the blood. The whole process of calling in experts and getting blood tests, Sharpe says, can be even more time-consuming in more remote areas. The suspect is metabolizing the drug the entire time, meaning the blood test may not reflect how much THC was in their system when they were driving.

“It’s never going to be 100 percent because there are so many variables,” he says of the current method.

State Sen. Mike Padden, a Spokane Valley Republican who chairs the the Senate Law and Justice Committee, says that a pot breathalyzer could readily determine if a blood test is needed in the first place. He says the technology is “very important,” noting that since pot has been legalized the number of impaired drivers in the state has increased.

Numbers from the state suggest that impaired driving is becoming a problem. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission released data last year showing

Herb Hill, a professor of chemistry at Washington State University, is helping develop a breathalyzer for marijuana. that the number of drivers involved in deadly crashes who tested positive for active THC increased from 65 percent in 2013 to 85 percent in 2014.

The device being developed by Hill will rely on technology similar to that used in airports to detect narcotics and explosives. The way this technology works, says Hill, is by creating a vapor of the substance, then using an electric field to observe how fast its ions move.

Ions from different substances, he says, move at different speeds, allowing observers to detect the presence of THC. Before the device is ready for prime time, Hill says that it needs more testing.

“The first thing we want to try to do to is see if it can detect THC in breath, period,” says Hill. Over the spring, he says, he and other researchers will test the technology to see if it correlates with the results of blood tests. The next step, he says, is field tests by police officers in Spokane that could happen next year.

Other marijuana breathalyzers are being developed: Vancouver, British Columbia-based Cannabix Technologies is working on a device based on similar technologies. Colorado-based Lifeloc Technologies Inc., maker of ubiquitous alcohol breathalyzers, is developing a similar device for pot.

Kathleen Stitzlein, a biomedical engineering doctoral student at the University of Akron, is working on a marijuana breathalyzer that will examine a driver’s saliva to determine if they’ve recently smoked pot. Stitzlein says that the problem with using ions for detection is that they may not reflect how much pot is actually in someone’s system, as the THC may have been metabolized before being tested.

Getting an accurate reading is a concern for law enforcement.

“We are definitely interested in seeing it,” says Sharpe. “But we have to see what it’s capable of first. A false negative and a false positive are a concern because we don’t want to err on a device that tells us wrong information.” n jaket@inlander.com

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 23

iallowen adtiusme towheben eoutver,ofmanytheirpeowaplye

CONNECTIONS n this unprecedented age of connectivity, we’ve gained virtually limitless access to people, ideas and information regardless of geography. Humans have never been more interconnected than now. Ironically, we’ve also never been more socially isolated.

Today, fewer and fewer of us are members of social clubs and organizations. A dismal number of us vote. Less of the population is religiously active today than ever in the history of tracking such numbers.

These observations follow a downward trend that began about five and a half decades ago, as rates of community engagement in all facets began to plummet sharply.

Yet even considering these bleak trends, the human urge to connect and belong — to find our place — in modern society is still largely intact. In the face of these far-reaching consequences, many people are starting their own local groups to create an outlet they couldn’t otherwise find. Others, meanwhile, are bringing new life to some of these older, more traditional organizations. Online communications also have played a clearly positive role in many of these social settings.

According to the latest data gathered in July 2015 by the Pew Research Center, 76 percent of us are using some form of social media. Even more of us — 90 percent of the U.S. population — own a mobile phone. Of those phone users, 64 percent have Internet-capable devices.

As connected as we are, these relationships maintained largely over a data connection, whether

I

24 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

on Facebook or via texting, can’t replace face-to-face human interaction.

“People think that the electronic and the physically removed interaction is a viable substitute for in person experiences, but from a psychological perspective, it’s just not,” says Craig Parks, a professor of psychology at Washington State University’s Pullman campus who primarily researches social psychology and group dynamics.

Psychologically and evolutionarily, the need to be around other humans has not faded away even as we’ve entered into modern societies incomparable to humanity’s earliest hunter-gatherer populations, when these group instincts likely developed, Parks explains.

“Our social structure still demands that we rely on others and others rely on us, it’s just the needs that have changed,” Parks says. “One of the huge functions of social groups is they provide us with psychological rewards, and help us answer the question of if we are good people.”

But the advent of the Internet and mobile connectivity isn’t what broke down our communal connections. It was happening long before that. fter examining participation in politics, religion, philanthropy and other forms of civic engagement throughout the 20th century — including social and fraternal organizations (Masons, Elks, Eagles, etc.) and informal gatherings (book clubs, dinner parties, card-playing groups) — Robert Putnam, a

A

teaschnology has iare sstiolatell goid asng to find community

IN THE CHAOS by chey scott

Harvard professor and the author of the book Bowling Alone, found that the U.S. reached its peak of participation during the post-World War II boom. Around 1969, on the precipice of marked change in the American cultural landscape, motivation to be involved in the communities around us began rapidly disintegrating.

Putnam concludes that our collective interest in civics bottomed out due to a snowballing combination of influences: pressures of time and money in two-career families, urban sprawl, the rise of electronic technology and entertainment’s privatization of leisure time.

Most impactful, however, were generational changes.

The Baby Boomers ushered in the first major attitude change toward civic duty, he argues. They were less active in politics and civics than their parents, and more focused on individualism and material pursuits.

Each subsequent generation after this carried us further away from that golden age of civics. n the past decade of rapid Internet adoption, experts have argued for both its positive and negative impact on social interaction and community building. Some camps say the Internet fosters face-to-face interaction because it introduced new communication modes that allowed us to connect in more ways, while others insist that this constant flow of information has simply made us feel connected, when we’re really not.

New research suggests that online social networks can do more harm than good, depending on how we use them. To the extreme, constant digital connections in lieu of real-world interactions could actually be caus-

I

ing what psychologists refer to as “chronic loneliness,” which can lead to serious health issues like depression and a raised risk for disease.

But we can’t blame all our problems on social media. When it comes to building relationships that are tied to a physical place, these online tools can have major benefits. Keith Hampton, a professor of communication and public policy at Rutgers University who researches relationships between new communication technologies and social networks, says his work shows that, in general, people who use social media tend to be more civically engaged and involved with a more diverse range of others.

“In response to the general feeling that as people became engaged online they were more isolated in their homes and engaging in more distant relationships at the expense of local ones, we have done a series of studies over time on how the Internet might be used locally to create social ties,” Hampton says. “We found typically people made a number of new, local social ties per year relating to Internet use, and they were more likely to call them and see them in person.”

Humans still have a strong desire to find their place in the physical community in which they live. The Internet age may have allowed some of us to sit back passively under the guise that we’re participating in society, but it’s also helped spread awareness that there are all kinds of groups active in physical communities that can incite meaningful and lasting social connections. ...continued on next page

JESSIE SPACCIA ILLUSTRATIONS

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 25

mom to mom

“CONNECTIONS IN THE CHAOS,” CONTINUED...

It was all thanks to a Google search that Jennifer Putt, a 33-year-old working mother of two, found her place.

“Then someone called me about an open house for this moms club at a church, and I thought, ‘Sure, I’ll go,’” she recalls of her decision almost two years ago, when her daughter, now 3, was still a baby.

In her current term as president of the MOMS Club of North Spokane, a local chapter of the international nonprofit that unites and supports mothers of all backgrounds (not solely at-home mothers), Putt now runs monthly board meetings, organizes kids’ play groups and activities and socializes with other mothers around the area. Yet the connections she’s made through the club stretch much deeper than age-based play groups and messy kids’ crafts.

“I started off as a totally shy, hidden person, and now I’m president,” Putt says.

“It really helped me grow as a person. I’ve made amazing friends, and we hang out outside of moms club, even,” she says during a rare lull in the club’s recent board meeting.

Putt and the five other board members are gathered around a table in the basement of Sunrise Church in the Shadle neighborhood while their squealing children excitedly chase each other around the room.

The casual meeting on a snowy Monday morning is indicative of most MOMS Club events, informally structured with a focus on socializing and bonding with fellow mothers, while their children — mostly toddlers but ranging from infants to pre-teens — also form friendships and develop their own social skills.

“It’s just ‘Let’s get together and hang out,’” she explains. “We hang out and have coffee, hang out and do crafts.”

As with any first-time mom, when Putt’s son Skyler was born six years ago, everything changed. Before Skyler, she could go out with friends at a moment’s

Melissa Strohe (left) and other mothers help their kids with a crafts activity during one of the North Spokane MOMS Club’s weekly social events. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

notice. As one of the first in her circle of friends to become a mother, making that adjustment was not easy. While she didn’t find the MOMS Club until after her daughter Savannah was born, Putt was driven to make new connections with other women at a similar place in life — motherhood.

The club’s name is actually an acronym for “mothers offering mothers support.” While Putt grew up in the area

ORDER ONLINE NOW! So many lamb sandwiches, so little time.

and now lives just outside of town, a significant number of members in the North Spokane chapter are newer to the region.

“I’m not from Spokane — my husband’s family lives here, and we came here to have kids. After our first child, I didn’t know anyone and I thought, ‘This sucks, I don’t know where to go,’” recalls MOMS Club secretary Asia Chapman.

“So I started Googling for moms clubs and came to an event. That was about

two and a half years ago.”

On any given week, Putt and small groups of other moms — the chapter’s numbers are steady at around 40 members — might meet up two to three times, loading up their kids to head to the church that offers use of its basement for club gatherings, to the NorthTown Mall play zone or to each other’s homes for events like sledding and movies.

“I would call a majority of the women

and shrub seedling

pick up:

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 8am-5pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 9am – 1pm

Create a drought tolerant landscape with resilient seedlings.

1931 W. Pacific Ave. 363-1973  wedonthaveone.com

26 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

509.535.7274 • Shop online at SCCD.org!

MOMS Club President Jennifer Putt joined two years ago after finding out about the group online. here some of my best friends,” Putt says. “I know if I needed something, I could call and get help from everyone. Anyone could — that is my goal for the club.”

cebrothenturirehoods of

In 1924, amid the cultural shift of the Roaring Twenties, membership in Spokane’s Masonic Lodge No. 34 reached a peak, with more than 1,200 men on its roster. Chartered on June 3,

1880, the lodge became one of the largest in the state, making its headquarters in the stately, columned Masonic Temple on the south bank of the Spokane River.

More than 90 years later, Lodge 34 now has a membership of 88. Its downtown architectural masterpiece — too big and expensive to maintain — was sold a few years ago. The men now borrow space at the Audubon Park Lodge, No. 272, in North Spokane, along with those in the North ...continued on next page

Monday through Thursday Nights

Lobster Dinner

Just $19.95!

Spokane Falls 510 North Lincoln St. (509) 328-9009

South Hill 2912 East Palouse Hwy. (509) 448-0668

www.anthonys.com JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 27

“CONNECTIONS IN THE CHAOS,” CONTINUED...

Hill Lodge, No. 210.

Though the Masons’ membership across the U.S. has dwindled to the lowest it’s ever been at around 1.2 million members, compared to a peak of 4.1 million members in 1959, the men in Lodge No. 34 are finding a spark of passion from their youngest members; men in their 20s and 30s who regularly attend functions, take interest in leadership roles and commit their time toward philanthropic efforts like volunteering at St. Margaret’s Shelter for women and children.

Carson Gorst, 34, who joined eight years ago while still attending Eastern Washington University, is a husband and father of two little girls, and like many of his brothers in the lodge, Masonry provides a calm oasis in the barrage of work, family and the chaos of modern life.

“I guess that’s what makes this group special,” he says. “We all understand what kind of sacrifice and effort it takes to come here and spend an evening. There is something really comforting about coming here and being around people you know and trust. Even if you don’t know them that well, you know they’re at least on the same page as you.”

Of all civic groups that exist today, the Masons are undoubtedly one of the oldest. Believed to have been founded among men who worked in stonemason guilds during the Middle Ages, the group set down roots in England during the 1700s, and later in colonial America. Many of our founding fathers were Masons.

Although misconceptions about Masonic rituals and purpose have persisted in popular culture, the fraternity’s ideals emphasize character development, selfreflection and the betterment of society through philanthropy. Today, Masons support children’s hospitals and a number of other causes.

Becoming a Freemason was something Gorst was drawn to mainly because of his personal interest in history. But Spokane Masonic Lodge No. 34 Secretary Carson Gorst and other younger men who’ve joined the Lodge in recent years are some of its most active members. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO once he decided he was serious about joining, getting any information about local Masonic opportunities proved difficult. aware of, the latest program, app, device, were years where a lot of the older guys, quent email to stay in touch with friends “There was no lodge website,” he programming language — you’re probably World War II vets, who were thinking, and relatives. recalls. “You could call the downtown falling behind. To keep up with the latest ‘Hey, we don’t have the manpower,’ and “Online interaction makes it easier temple and get routed to an old answering innovations, even the savviest technolothey were considering merging lodges to get into an echo chamber of you go machine, and you could find information gists have got to keep in touch with other because of the low numbers. When I to hear what you want to hear specifion the Masons online in general, but it industry contacts; people adapting to and first started, there was definitely a lack of cally, so maybe it makes us socially lazy,” was harder to pinpoint what was going creating these new tools of modern comguys.” he reflects. “The interesting thing about on here.” munication.

When he joined, Gorst recalls older Masonry is that we have a basic set of Gorst eventually found a mentor who That’s largely why Zach Shallbetter, a members taking him unprinciples we all agree on, but all the guys helped steer him toward local front-end developer (tech-speak for a der their wing, groomcome from completely different walks of joining. It’s in the nature LETTERS person who creates the parts of a website ing him to become a life. You meet a lot of interesting people of most Masons, he adds, Send comments to that users interact with) launched the leader. Now serving as you otherwise wouldn’t be able to online, not to openly discuss their editor@inlander.com.

Spokane Frontend Developers group on the lodge’s secretary, or walking down the street in Spokane.” membership. The fraternity Meetup.com back in 2013, and also took one of his duties is runalso doesn’t actively recruit over leadership of another local networkning its Facebook page and website. Yet members — interested parties must take For those in the tech industry, it’s imperaing session called Build Guild about a Gorst admits he’s “old-fashioned” when the initiative to reach out first. tive to be at the forefront of digital comyear ago. it comes to connecting online. He doesn’t “The time when I came in was kind munication. If you’re not using, or at least “There wasn’t an event that we could personally use Facebook, preferring freof a rough patch,” he says. “I think there

going offline

28 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

Build Guild coordinator Zach Shallbetter (left) visits with web developer Greg Neils during January’s casual networking meetup for people of all backgrounds in the local tech/web industry. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO go to that was related to this segment of a big field of work,” he says. “The impetus of running these is to allow people to meet professionally and train professionally, and to see the work of those around them.”

As a self-trained website developer, Shallbetter, 32, may be more of an exception to the rule of what drives us to socialize with others in our career fields. While leading the two groups, he’s also continually looking at ways to unite the minds and ideas of those in the Inland Northwest technology community.

Most recently, Shallbetter has found a new home for Build Guild — the group used to meet at bars and restaurants, but since some people felt inclined to spend money to attend the free meetups, events moved to the newly opened Startup Spokane Central entrepreneurial center on Second Avenue in downtown Spokane. Shallbetter and several colleagues are also readying to launch a related initiative called Inland Northwest Technologists (INT), to serve as an umbrella to connect the multitude of area tech groups, like Build Guild, in one place. This will help each group better share updates of their events and projects of interest to more than just industry folk.

During January’s Build Guild meetup, about three dozen local developers and designers from around the area mingle over slices of Pizza Rita and waxed paper cups of beer from a mini keg. The conversation around the room shifts from JavaScript and server administration tools to the popular Star Wars X-Wing board game.

“You can’t do this work and be an island unto yourself,” says Will Jacobs, a

local freelance web developer who’s been attending Build Guild events for several years. Many of his closest friends were first introduced to him through the group.

“People don’t just like talking shop, but also about ideas as they relate to other things,” Jacobs continues. “We come from different backgrounds, but being in the tech world and dealing with that culture, you understand each other on that level. It’s being able to talk about life with people of like mind.”

It’s arguable that introverts are especially drawn to a career that takes place mostly

“We come from different backgrounds, but being in the tech world and dealing with that culture, you understand each other on that level.” behind a computer screen, Jacobs says, adding that he considers himself extroverted.

But he’s observed that those shy types still recognize the importance of networking and sharing ideas and expertise with their colleagues in a face-to-face setting.

Shallbetter echoes his thoughts.

“With Build Guild you’re making friends and being a part of [the tech community]. And as we bring people out of their shells, local businesses benefit because eventually they have success with one of these people working for them,” Shallbetter says. “It’s a big positive for me, because I try to invest in things I think are useful for the world and society as a whole. This is one of those.”  cheys@inlander.com

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 29

Sponsored by the Spokane Yacht Club

Spokane Fair & Expo Center 2016 Show Hours: SAT. JAN. 30 SUN. JAN. 31 MON. FEB. 1 TUE. FEB. 2

10AM-8PM 10AM-4PM 12pM-8PM 12pM-8PM

WED. FEB. 3 THU. FEB. 4 FRI. FEB. 5 SAT. FEB. 6

12pM-8PM 12pM-8PM 12pM-8PM 10AM-8PM

TICKETS: $10 ADULTS | YOUTH (12-17) $5 | KIDS UNDER 12 FREE!

FREE PARKING! 30 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

Richmond Art Collective co-founders Rebecca Chadwell, left, and Anne-Claire Mitchell at the gallery with Nile Livingston’s piece “Finding Inspiration At The Local Market.”

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Needed Inspiration Downtown Spokane’s Richmond Art Collective gives voice to artists needing that extra push

BY LAURA JOHNSON

T

here is art here. Spokane has an art month and Terrain and First Friday events. Paintings hang in downtown public spaces and at restaurants and bars, and there are permanent art galleries. Now, the Richmond Art Collective’s full-time art space is a place where artists living and/or creating in the building can show their work.

“Our gallery doesn’t fit the traditional format,” says Anne-Claire Mitchell, RAC’s exhibition coordinator.

“What Spokane needs is more accessible creative spaces, and that’s what we’re trying to provide.”

Today, surrounded by the exposed red brick and hardwood floors of the historic downtown Richmond Building that houses the collective, Mitchell explains what happens on each of the space’s three floors. On the top level, artists — many of them part of the Laboratory residency, a local nonprofit program run by Alan

Chatham that brings in artists from all over the world — live in fully refurbished apartments. The second level is home to collaborative studio space rented by local artists; the bottom level, which INK Artspace once inhabited, is home to the art gallery. Although the collective has been around since 2013 and multiple exhibits have come through, the gallery has only opened full time in the past few weeks.

Like many Spokane natives, Mitchell, now 28, left home “with an insatiable need to learn everything,” traveling around the country, improving her “art practice” and eventually earning a master’s degree in environmental science. Four years ago, she came home, but found the arts scene lacking creative collaborative spaces. Meeting Rebecca Chadwell, 34, a sound design artist who was working with the Girls Rock Lab, the Richmond Art Collective experiment began to take shape and Chadwell

came on board as creative director.

While the gallery is technically a for-profit outfit, the collective does not take a commission on any sales.

Instead, they rely on partnerships in the arts scene and everyone works on a volunteer basis, including Mitchell and Chadwell. Also helpful: the whole space is donated for free by building owner Dan Spalding. As a fellow artist and musician, Spalding says the Richmond Art Collective is what Spokane needs.

“I’ve been living downtown for 20 years and I think what our city lacks most is people living downtown, which is such an important element for any city,” Spalding says. “I can afford to do stuff like this, and at some point I have to think, what do I want to see in this city and what does the city need?”

Philadelphia mixed-media artist Nilé Livingston’s ...continued on next page

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 31

CULTURE | ART “DO THE THING,” CONTINUED... splashy works opened the gallery earlier this month and is currently showing by appointment only. Coeur Coffeehouse has closed its satellite location, open barely a month at the front of the gallery space, and the new Spaceman Coffee plans to be up and running in February. The gallery will run full-time when that opens.

Bringing in artists’ works, like Livingston’s, from all over the country is part of Mitchell and Chadwell’s plan to continue inspiring Spokane-area artists.

“This whole area, if you’re from here you’re just a couple generations away from manufacturing, and the craft element of our art is incredible, but let’s keep pushing,” Chadwell says. “We already have the literature scene, now let’s do the same thing with the art scene.”

What excites them most is Spokane’s lack of pretense; there is no higher scene defining what art must be, as in some larger cities.

“A place like Spokane with no base, we don’t have preconceived notions of how things are supposed to be done, we just kind of do things,” Mitchell explains.

“Where other places are focused on self-promotion and talking about the thing. I think some of the most talented people here are completely unknown. They don’t selfpromote, but they make the thing.”

“There’s this disconnect; we teach our kids and teens that art is so important, but then they get out in the world and it’s a different experience, and it’s no longer available,” Chadwell continues. “We’re just trying to change that perception of art.” n lauraj@inlander.com Richmond Art Collective • 228 W. Sprague • Currently open by appointment only • richmondartcollective. com • 499-4739

32 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

The gallery space at the Richmond Art Collective.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

WOMEN + ART + MEDIA The new organization Spokane WAM, Women + Art + Media, hosts its first expo next week, celebrating the work of local and regional female artists.

“We’re saying this area has a bunch of talented women who are generally not given the same credit and sense of legitimacy as other artists,” says WAM co-founder Anne-Claire Mitchell.

The event seeks to give exposure to women working in all media, including audiovisual, film, music, performance and literature. More than 50 artists have submitted work; a jury

will whittle down the selections based on space appropriateness and what makes for best exhibition movement. WAM plans to continue with educational and guest speaker events throughout the year.

“Sometimes you have to make room for women,” Mitchell says. “We’re artists first, and women second.” (LJ) Spokane WAM Expo • Thu, Jan. 28, at 5 pm • Free • Film at the Bartlett; all other installations at Richmond Art Collective • spokanewam.com

CULTURE | DIGEST

SCIENCE EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

BY MITCH RYALS

APP The last of the Christmas cookies went stale long ago, but fear not. Girl Scout cookie season is upon us and thus begins the ritual scramble to find a Girl Scout selling them. Rather than wander aimlessly from grocery store to supermarket, download the GIRL SCOUT COOKIE LOCATOR app. It tells you where you can buy ’em, suggests new recipes and features a very scientific “Cookie Personality” calculation. Because if there’s one thing that definitively separates the cool and collected types from the zany creatives, it’s their Girl Scout Cookie preference.

O

A statue depicting early humans at the North Spokane Library’s collaboration with the Smithsonian.

n a recent afternoon at the North Spokane Library, there’s an impromptu discussion between patrons happening near the center of the facility. At a library-appropriate whisper, they’re talking about carbon dating and primitive tools and the archaeological process.

It’s all been sparked by the library’s ongoing exhibit and educational series, Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?, a collaboration with the Smithsonian that brings replicas of items from the National Museum of Natural History to Spokane. Human Origins features more than 40 curved panels illustrating the long evolutionary arch that created the human beings walking the earth today. Included are quotes from Smithsonian experts, in addition to factoids aplenty. A half-hour stroll through the panels alone produces an extensive and thought-provoking crash course on everything from how our ancestors adapted to changing climates to early communication techniques.

MIKE BOOKEY PHOTO

Brought to Spokane by North Spokane librarian Vanessa Strange, the exhibit also features skull casts of early humans, as well as interactive digital kiosks that give users a hands-on understanding of what amounts to a complex subject.

“I want people to not just learn about the science presented, but I want people to think about what it means to be human, and that maybe we all have more in common than we thought, and we don’t have to interact from a place of conflict,” says Strange.

The exhibit also features a number of lectures and discussions, not just at the North Spokane location, but throughout the district. The programming ranges from a discussion by paleontologist Jim Chatters, who excavated Kennewick Man, to a collaboration with Mobius Science Center geared toward kids that explains the basics of DNA. — MIKE BOOKEY Exploring Human Origins runs through Feb. 2. For a complete schedule of events, visit scld.org/humanorigins.

COMMUNITY MORE BOOKS The Coeur d’Alene Public Library has opened a new “mini” branch, increasing access to literature and information for the North Idaho community.

Located inside Lake City High School’s own library (6101 N. Ramsey Rd., CdA), the new public library branch has limited hours after school is out, Monday through Thursday, from 3 to 6:30 pm. While January marks the Lake City Public Library branch’s soft opening, a grand opening is set for Monday, Feb. 1. Other than books, the branch offers audiobooks and public Internet access, and serves as a pickup site for holds placed through the regional library network. The new branch has its own website, lcplibrary.org, and can be reached at 208-763-0814.

DOCUMENTARY Unless you’ve completely ignored the news cycle for the past month, you’ve at least heard of the Netflix documentary series Making a Murderer. If you haven’t watched it yet, put this paper down and go watch it.

When you’re done, check out a true-crime documentary you might’ve missed: the PARADISE LOST trilogy (iTunes or Amazon Prime). The films (released in 1996, 2000 and 2011) follow the trials (and eventual release) of three teens accused of murder and mutilation in the Arkansas suburb of West Memphis, offering another peek into small-town America’s criminal justice system.

PODCAST OK, this one’s not new, but a friend just turned me on to it. Occupying several “best podcasts of 2015” lists, MYSTERY SHOW is a lighthearted investigatory jaunt through some of life’s most ordinary mysteries. This American Life producer Starlee Kine digs into important issues such as Jake Gyllenhaal’s height, a found belt buckle and a video store that disappeared overnight. The six-episode first season is available for free on iTunes, or online at gimletmedia.com. n

Meet the People Who Shaped the Inland Northwest Inlander Histories Vol 1 & 2 Now on sale at these Inland Northwest retailers!

Inlander.com/books

• Atticus • Auntie’s • Boo Radley’s • EWU Bookstore, Cheney • Inlander Offices • Hastings (all four locations)

• Huckleberry’s • The MAC Gift Shop • Sacred Heart Hospital Gift Shop • The Well-Read Moose • The Zag Shop

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 33

1.5 millions acres of pulse crops — peas, lentils and chickpeas — are grown in the United States each year. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PNW CO-OP SPECIALTY FOODS

Pulses Rising The United Nations has granted an entire year to celebrating the humble lentil

BY TARYN PHANEUF

A

large and active fan club in the Pacific Northwest loves pulse crops — the dry peas, lentils and chickpeas grown on hundreds of thousands of acres in Washington and Idaho and sold all over the world.

Those fans are gearing up for a big year.

“I don’t think there’s any more exciting time to be in this industry,” says Tim McGreevy, CEO of the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council.

The United Nations named 2016 the International Year of Pulses because it wants to highlight the merits of these overlooked staples, which also include beans. The UN kicked off the year with a simultaneous “pulse feast” held around the world and at the Black Cypress restau-

34 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

rant in Pullman.

Roman soldiers used to sustain themselves on pulses and grains during military campaigns, McGreevy says.

“They truly are a superfood.”

He urged the crowd to add pulses to at least one meal each week for 10 weeks, a social media challenge that is one of many campaigns he and others will devote time and money to this year, in order to make sure people know what they’re missing if they don’t already keep pulses on hand in their pantry. The council will target millennials, a generation that’s dictating food trends as they “come of age in terms of buying power,” McGreevy says.

When you think about it, pulses fit the food trends millennials love: They’re gluten-free plant protein.

They’re relatively local, since half a dozen U.S. states grow nearly 1.5 million acres of these crops every year.

They also have broad culinary appeal.

At the pulse feast in Pullman, a crowd of growers, agriculture experts, restaurant owners and foodies circulated through Black Cypress’ tightly packed dining room, sampling colorful dips on crisp wedges of bread and spooning caviar lentils with rice and bacon and other creative concoctions onto their plates. The National Pea and Lentil Festival recipe winner served dessert: jeweled apple lentil crisp.

匀栀漀眀挀愀猀椀渀最 漀甀爀 爀攀最椀漀渀✀猀 漀甀琀猀琀愀渀搀椀渀最 氀漀挀愀氀 挀爀愀昀琀 戀攀攀爀猀⸀ 䄀琀 吀栀攀 䐀愀瘀攀渀瀀漀爀琀 䰀甀猀猀漀

The U.N. sees pulse crops as critical toward securing food supplies throughout the world.

Connoisseurs can turn pulse crops into gourmet fare, says Kim Davidson, who along with her brother owns Spokane-based Davidson Commodities, a company that sells pulse crops under its PNW Co-op Specialty Foods brand. She focuses on retail and wholesale markets in the Northwest.

“We work with local chefs to create new recipes to spotlight all the use,” Davidson says. “People think it’s tasteless, boring — that you can only make soup or maybe hummus. There’s so much more.”

Not that farmers are tired of hummus. McGreevy says that hummus sales grew from about $5 million in 1994 to $500 million in 2014.

On the less flashy end of the spectrum, food security advocates at home and abroad like pulses because they’re cheap and packed with nutrients.

“The UN selected pulse crops because they are critical to food security around the world,” McGreevy says. “How are we going to feed 9 billion people (by 2050)? Pulse crops are going to be a major player.”

Sustainability is a major draw as well, Davidson says. Pulses are “nitrogen-fixing crops,” meaning they return nitrogen back to the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. They also require less water.

Growers here are considered “dry-land farmers,” which means they rely “on whatever irrigation falls from the sky,” Davidson says. “They are pretty drought-tolerant. Last summer — that terrible June that was incredibly hot — it was a challenging year, but those lentils did quite well.”

Such sparkling characteristics could be enough to draw even more people into the pulse fan club. At least that’s what Davidson and others hope to see.

“We want open people’s eyes and get them excited, too,” Davidson says. “It’s all a win for the local economy.” n

ᰠ䠀攀 眀愀猀 愀 眀椀猀攀 洀愀渀 眀栀漀 椀渀瘀攀渀琀攀搀 戀攀攀爀⸀ᴠ ⴀ 倀氀愀琀漀

一漀眀 伀瀀攀渀 昀漀爀 䈀爀攀愀欀昀愀猀琀 㜀 愀洀 甀渀琀椀氀 挀氀漀猀攀 ∠ 瀀漀猀琀猀琀爀攀攀琀愀氀攀栀漀甀猀攀⸀挀漀洀 ∠ 㔀 㤀⸀㜀㠀㤀⸀㘀㤀

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 35

FOOD | OPENING

A Veteran at Work Tom Sawyer Country Coffee is the result of half a century of experience

BY MIKE BOOKEY

T

om Sawyer doesn’t have to make coffee. He’s already spent 55 years doing that, and at a very successful level. He could be happily retired if he wanted to. Drinks with umbrellas. An RV. Cruise ships.

Those sort of things.

But if you stumble into the new Tom Sawyer Country Coffee production facility and café on the north side of Kendall Yards, you’ll find the company’s 73-year-old namesake and proprietor roasting the next batch.

“I’ve never gone to work a day in my life. I suppose if I ever had a job I’d have to retire, because you get tired of that stuff,” says Sawyer. “I’d love to get 75 years in the industry if this old body holds up. And I’m on the downhill slide. I’ve only got 20 to go, even if I have to come in in a walker or a wheelchair.”

Sawyer started the company in 2009, shortly after relocating to Spokane from Anacortes, Washington,

where he and his wife Sandy — they met in the third grade, it’s adorable — owned Fidalgo Bay Coffee for 17 years. Before that, he and Sandy spent two decades owning and operating a coffee distribution company in the Seattle area. Even before that, Sawyer had been working at Davies Coffee since 1968.

When he came to town, he figured he’d lend his halfcentury of coffee knowledge on a part-time basis somewhere, but soon began roasting his own coffee out of a building on his 16-acre property south of Spokane. He figured he’d rather do it on his own, so he trademarked the name Tom Sawyer Country Coffee (Tom is actually his middle name) and the company was born. Soon, it was filling orders from around the country.

“I figured if I was going to be doing it, I might as well be getting the rewards on the other end,” says Sawyer.

Last spring, the company bought a converted warehouse in Kendall Yards and in late October opened its doors as a coffee shop and roaster. The space is cozy, decorated with coffee tins and antique coffee grinders Sawyer has collected during his travels.

“I’m not the only old thing in here,” he jokes of the relics that make a stop in for a quick cup a crash course in coffee history.

There, you can buy most of Tom Sawyer’s long list of coffees, and also have something whipped up hot for you to drink as you watch Sawyer himself at work. Soon, the new spot will begin offering tasting events, coffeemaking classes and more. Sawyer also wants to continue his career-long aim of helping nonprofit organizations through coffee, most recently with the rich, aromatic Wounded Warrior blend, which sends $3 of every pound to the foundation that helps disabled veterans.

For Sawyer, the new shop also is a chance to meet his customers, something that he couldn’t do merely as a

party like it’s 1933.

5 off

$

FROM LEFT: Sarah Young, Gary Tom Sawyer and Chris Pitotti at the new Tom Sawyer Country Coffee in Kendall Yards. SARAH PHILP PHOTO wholesaler.

“I get to greet them at the front door and serve them and thank them, and you get to see them enjoying your product,” he says.  Tom Sawyer Country Coffee • 608 N. Maple (Kendall Yards) • Open Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm • 433-1550 • tomsawyercountrycoffee.com

S P O K A N E

C O U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

PURCHASE OF 2 ENTREES VALID THROUGH FEB. 5, 2016

What Does It Mean

1914 N MONROE • 509.474.9040 • HAPPY HOUR 4-7

TO BE HUMAN? Discover for yourself at the library this January

Select Varieties Select Varitieties of Furniture, Gifts, of Furniture, Housewares Gif ts, Housewares Treasures && Treasures

Experience the Smithsonian national traveling exhibit Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?

Jan 5–Feb 2, 2016

North Spokane Library 44 E Hawthorne Rd

www.scld.org/humanorigins

3028 S. Grand Blvd, Spokane

36 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

747-8789

/RustyMooseCountryGifts

Smithsonian Institution

FOOD | OPENING

Looking for Love Love’s Burgers is out of the way, but it’s worth the drive

BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

T

Love’s serves up an array of different burgers in Athol, Idaho. CARRIE SCOZZARO PHOTO

he view is mostly distant pine trees and the gas pumps out front. And it’s a little tricky to get to, as well. It’s tucked into a multifunctional hardware/gas station/convenience store on what used to be Highway 95 in Athol before the “new” bypass was completed. Yet that hasn’t stopped people from seeking out Love’s Burgers.

Their bacon double-cheeseburger is their most popular, with center-cut hardwood bacon hanging generously over the sides ($5.29), but a single burger ($2.84) is plenty filling at a third of a pound.

Love’s hand-cuts their fries, too ($1.59/$1.95) and will top them with chili ($4.29). Tater Tots (with chili $4.59) also is a nice option.

Look on Facebook for daily specials, like breakfast burritos, chicken sandwiches and themed burgers. The Flaming Love Burger has jalapeño, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese and special sauce ($4.99). All burgers are hand-pressed, never frozen, and cooked to medium-well, says kitchen manager Jeff Muckenthaler, who then steams the burger to melt the cheese so they stay juicy.

Love’s first caught our attention when a rural rumor — the countrified version of the “urban

legend” — surfaced about a 6-to-7-inch-tall burger called the Widow Maker: a whopping tower of meat with four all-beef patties, gooey cheese, bacon and some fixings ($19). Since opening in August, Love’s Burgers has sold about a dozen or so of them, says Muckenthaler.

“Only two guys finished ’em,” he says, although it took one of them about 22 minutes and Muckenthaler thought he might have to intervene with an empty bucket.

The Widow Maker not only filled the tummy, it took up a lot of valuable grill space, so Love’s is retooling the formidable food item for now.

Instead, they’re focusing on additional cosmetic touches to create a 1950s-themed vibe inside this little nook at Love’s Trading Post, where you can fuel up your body or your automobile, get a fishing license, have keys made, shop for assorted hardware, or grab a six-pack to go. n Love’s Burgers • 29801 N. Old Hwy. 95, Athol, Idaho • Open Mon-Thu, 10 am-8 pm; Fri-Sat, 10 am-9 pm; Sun, 10 am-8 pm • Facebook: Love’s Burgers • 208-920-0559

Meet the People Who Shaped the Inland Northwest

Inlander Histories Volume 1 & 2

On Sale Now

Inlander.com/books JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 37

Under Siege Michael Bay’s 13 Hours is a war film without the war

BY MARC SAVLOV

A

dapted from Mitchell Zuckoff’s nonfiction book, 13 Hours is less about the catastrophic events of American foreign and military policy than it is about the brothers in arms — ex-military hired contractors … mercenaries really — who did their best to save U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens when Libyan militants overran the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi on September 11, 2012.

I’ll give Bay this: 13 Hours ratchets up the tension well into the nailbiting red zone, but the film doesn’t so much feel like your usual Michael “Blow It Up” Bay action orgasm (see: Transformers ad nauseam) as it does a placeholder for the director’s next giant robot onslaught. That doesn’t mean it’s a lousy film (it’s not), and Bay’s signature warrior ethos is well in hand here, but as I sat through the nearly two-and-a-half hours, I couldn’t help but compare it to 2001’s vastly superior Black Hawk Down.

Ridley Scott’s cinematic accounting of the U.S. military’s snafu-ed Somalian mission in 1993 threw you into the Mogadishu melee with gritty, gory élan. Bay’s movie is a siege film, albeit one with an excess of slo-mo explosions, repeated images of the American flag in varying states of distress, and the director’s iconic imagery of children playing in a field.

Hey, that’s his aesthetic, and in films like, say, Pearl Harbor, it can work.

But not so much here.

13 HOURS In lieu of crumbling cityscapes Rated R or the utter destruction of America’s Directed by Michael Bay Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Bay Starring John Krasinski, Pablo has crafted an ensemble war drama Schreiber, James Badge Dale, David that hearkens back to any number Denman of historical, action-oriented films.

(Even The Alamo gets a mention.) Best buds and ex-military muscle Dave “Boon” Benton (David Denman) and Tyrone “Rone” Woods (James Badge Dale) are a cobbled-together team tasked with protecting a not-very-clandestine CIA site along with another four mercs — one of whom is stoically plowing his way through Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth — when the fledgling Libyan democracy movement goes pear-shaped and the ambassador, only a mile from our guys’ station, is suddenly in serious trouble.

From here on out, 13 Hours morphs into a flighty, chaotic mix of standard war-movie tropes mixed in with some finely choreographed battle set-pieces. As a “band of brothers”-style meditation on the power of true friendship in the heat of exploding RPGs, it feels real enough, but I couldn’t help thinking: Is this the movie a Muslim-phobic, paranoid and outright reactionary America really needs right now?

The audience I caught it with whooped and hollered whenever one of those dark-skinned bad guys bought the proverbial farm, although Bay does manage to include a final shot of Libyan women weeping over the corpses of their dead after the Americans finally pull out. A weird mix of pseudo-jingoism and Bay’s usual bombastic firepower, 13 Days ends up being a straight-up war film without an actual war in it. 

38 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

FILM | SHORTS

Dirty Grandpa

OPENING FILMS 5TH WAVE

In sci-fi thriller 5th Wave, gutsy heroine Cassie Sullivan (Chloë Grace Moretz) has the weight of the world on her shoulders, as she must survive deadly alien attacks that ravage the earth.

Coming in waves, the first four attacks set Cassie on the run while she tries to save her brother Sammy. For the fifth and final wave, she joins forces with Evan, a young man who might be able to help her. (CS) Rated PG-13

THE BOY

A nanny (Lauren Cohan from The Walking Dead) takes a job caring for the boy of what appears to be a kind British family. But when she shows up to start work, she’s told that their son is actually a life-sized doll. Soon, though, that doll comes to life and makes the job a living hell. (MB) Rated PG-13

DIRTY GRANDPA

Jason (Zac Efron) is a responsible, buttoned-down young gent who’s about to get married. But before he does that, he agrees to drive his grandpa (Robert effin’ De Niro) to Florida. One problem, though — his grandpa is a sex-crazed, booze-fueled maniac who detours the trip to spring break in Florida. (MB) Rated R

MUSTANG

School’s out for the summer, and five young sisters enjoy an end-of-semester frolic at the beach, engaging in chicken fights with fellow students. It’s only when they return home that they discover a nosy neighbor has tattled to their grandmother that the sisters were “pleasuring themselves on boys’ necks.” Soon, the girls begin living under strict rules, but find ways to exercise their freedom. At Magic Lantern (MS) Rated PG-13

NOW PLAYING 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI

Michael Bay makes an explosive cinematic return with the account of the 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Libya. Historically known as the Battle of Benghazi, Bay follows the actual events that transpired on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 through the eyes of six ex-Navy Seals.

(MS) Rated R

THE BIG SHORT

Adapting Michael Lewis’ nonfiction book with Charles Randolph, comedic director Adam McKay lays out the stories of the investment banking insiders — including fund managers Michael Burry (Christian Bale) and Mark Baum (Steve Carell) — who saw the mortgage collapse coming as early as 2005, and began to realize how much the game was rigged. (SR) Rated R

CAROL

Already at the top of numerous critics’ lists of 2015’s best films, Carol is a sweeping story of forbidden love between two women — Carol Aird (Kate Blanchett) and Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) — in 1950s New York City. Eleven years in the works, the his-

torical drama carefully examines how repressive society was in response to homosexual relationships as Carol and Therese struggle to express their feelings while trying to hide their secret.

(CS) Rated R

CREED

Donny is an angry orphaned teen, rescued from the foster-care system by the widow (Phylicia Rashad) of boxing legend Apollo Creed from the Rocky series. She has learned that Donny is the illegitimate son of her late husband and has decided to take responsibility for him — and that unique backstory of a tough kid brought into a life of privilege gives Michael B. Jordan the opportunity for a terrific performance.

Donny then heads into the ring for a boxing career with help from his trainer, none other than Rocky himself (Sylvester Stallone, of course). (SR) Rated PG-13

DADDY’S HOME

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg try to recapture the comedic chemistry they showcased in The Other Guys in this story of a strait-laced radio executive and nice-guy stepdad to two kids (Fer-

THE INLAND NORTHWEST READERS POLL

Voting Begins January 28th inlander.com/bestof

...continued on next page

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 39

FILM | SHORTS

NOW PLAYING rell) who has to contend with the unexpected return of their oh-so-cool biological father (Wahlberg). Soon enough, the two dads are competing for the children’s affection through increasingly ornate and slapstick-y feats of parental gymnastics. (DN) Rated PG-13

JANUARY 29 FEBRUARY 6

FEATURES SHORTS DOCS

EVENTS OPENING GALA POSTERIZE! FILMMAKER PANELS

CLOSING PARTY FOR MORE INFO, VISIT:

SPOKANEFILMFESTIVAL.ORG

FIND US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER

Eddie Redmayne stars as Lili Elbe, a Danish artist who was a groundbreaking figure for the transgender community. Directed by Tom Hooper (Les Misérables, The King’s Speech), The Danish Girl is largely fictionalized, but uses the story of Elbe and her relationship with Wegener as inspiration. At Magic Lantern (MB) Rated R The locals say a certain forest is haunted. So normal folks would stay away from it, obviously. But if your twin sister disappears on a camping trip in these scary Japanese woods, as happens to our hero Sara (Natalie Dormer, Game of Thrones), you’d have to go after her, and then probably spend the night even though your guides tell you not to. This is your sister, after all. These woods are, naturally, called the Suicide Forest or Sea of Trees, and are known as a place where many come to die. Staying alive is going to be a challenge. (LJ) Rated PG-13

THE HATEFUL EIGHT

Quentin Tarantino returns with another dive into historical fiction, and the trip includes faces familiar (Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth) along with new ones joining his near-three-hour tale (which includes an intermission) of a bounty hunter (Russell) taking a deadly captive (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to Red Rock, Wyoming, for a hanging. He’s waylaid to a remote stagecoach stop on a mountain pass, where he meets men of questionable intentions (Walter Scoggins, Bruce Dern, Michael Madsen, among them). Mayhem, as any Tarantino fans know, ensues when a blizzard strands the group for days. (DN) Rated R

JOY

Writer-director David O. Russell once again teams up with Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, this time to tell the seemingly odd-choice story of Joy Mangano (played by Lawrence), the selfmade woman who invented the Miracle Mop and became a home shopping legend. (ES) Rated R

LABYRINTH OF LIES

Set in Germany 15 years after the end of World War II, a young prosecutor sets about investigating Nazi war crimes, even though many around him would rather just forget anything ever happened. This historical German-language drama tells how soldiers at Auschwitz were plucked from their cushy lives and put before the court at the 1963 Frank-

40 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

THE NEW YORK INLANDER TIMES

VARIETY

METACRITIC.COM

(LOS ANGELES)

(OUT OF 100)

Carol

95

Room

86

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

81

The Big Short

81

The Revenant

75

Joy

55

THE DANISH GIRL

THE FOREST

FILMS

CRITICS’ SCORECARD

48

13 Hours DON’T MISS IT

WORTH $10

furt Auschwitz trials while a younger generation of Germans learned of the true horrors perpetrated by the Nazis.

At Magic Lantern (MB) Rated R

LEGEND

As both of the identical Kray twins, Tom Hardy is a wonder, carrying his body, comporting his face, and subtly shifting his voice in ways that never leave the viewer in any doubt as to which brother he is embodying at any given moment.

The Krays are violent, narcissistic men with no thought for anyone but themselves (except, perhaps, the mother who worships them) as they rule the criminal underworld of London’s East End in the 1960s. (MJ) Rated R

NORM OF THE NORTH

Norm the polar bear (voice of Rob Schneider) is scheduled to save the day for Antarctica this week in theaters.

With the help of his furry lemming friends, Norm travels from his South Pole home to the Big Apple to thwart a maniac developer from building luxury condos in his backyard on the ice. (MM) Rated PG

THE REVENANT

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu, fresh off the success of Birdman, returns with this period drama featuring Leonardo Di Caprio as Hugh Glass, a guide in the Western wilds of the early 1800s who is attacked by a bear and has to cling to life and crawl back to safety. The problem with Iñárritu’s visual pyrotechnics are that although he seems to be making sure that audiences appreciate the gritty realism of it all, he also wants to make sure they know they’re watching a movie. (SR) Rated R

RIDE ALONG 2

Kevin Hart and Ice Cube reunite their comedic chemistry in the sequel to 2014’s Ride Along with humorous banter and, at times, heroic action. James (Ice Cube) reluctantly takes his future brotherin-law Ben (Kevin Hart) to Miami with him to follow up on a clue connected to a drug ring. The trail soon leads them to an unlikely suspect — respected businessman Antonio Pope (Benjamin Bratt) — who they must prove is a powerful crime lord. (CS) Rated PG-13

ROOM

Jack lives with his mom (Brie Larson) in Room (no “the”), the only place on earth the 5-year-old has ever known.

WATCH IT AT HOME

SKIP IT

Room is a dingy toolshed supplied with nothing more than life’s essentials (a single bed where they both sleep, a toilet, dilapidated fridge, ancient TV and unreachable skylight) where Jack and Ma go through their daily regimen of washing, exercising, reading, eating, etc. On Jack’s fifth birthday, his mom decides to tell her son about the outside world… and hope for a life outside of Room. (MB) Rated R

SISTERS

Amy Poehler plays Maura Ellis, who’s recently divorced and trying to take care of everyone in the family while Tina Fey is Kate Ellis, a single mom who can’t hold down a job. When their parents announce that they’re selling the house where the sisters grew up, they head home to clear out their old things. But instead of saying goodbye to their past, they opt to relive it in the form of a huge party with their old high school friends, only with a personality twist: Maura will get to be the wild thing, and Kate will have to stay sober and responsible. (SR) Rated R

SPOTLIGHT

In 2001, the Boston Globe editor-inchief Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber) asked the paper’s “Spotlight” investigative news team — Walter “Robby” Robinson (Michael Keaton), Mike Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) and Matt Carroll (Brian d’Arcy James) — to turn their attention to the case of a Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing several children.

And as they begin digging — at first reluctantly — into the case, they discover that the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston might be engaging on a massive scale in hushing up cases of abusive priests.

(SR) Rated R

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

If you are reading this, we assume you are just now learning of this film’s existence here on the 33rd page of our venerable publication and not from the marketing you may have seen on a cereal box, bottle of brake fluid or tube of hemorrhoid cream in your household.

The seventh installment of George Lucas’ franchise is set to be the biggest yet, full of all the big sci-fi visuals we’d expect from new director J.J. Abrahams.

As for the plot. well, um, the pictures on this burger wrapper are a little vague on that end. (MB) Rated PG-13 

FILM | REVIEW

Opening

FRI, JAN 29TH 7PM

70 th

SEASON

TICKETS AT DOOR • BUY 1 GET 1 FREE FRIDAYS!

2727 N. MADELIA ST • 509-328-4886

SPOKANECHILDRENSTHEATRE.ORG

THE MAGIC LANTERN

FRI JAN 22ND - THU JAN 28TH

BROOKLYN (105 MIN)

Fri: 12:15, 5:00, 7:30, Sat: 1:30, 4:00, Sun: 3:15, 5:30, Mon-Thurs: 2:00, 6:30

ROOM (114STAR MIN) WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Daily8:00, (3:30) 9:30 Fri: 3:45, 8:00, Sat: PG-13 11:30am, 3:45, In 2D Daily (4:00) (5:30) 6:30 7:00 8:30 10:00 Sun: 11:30am, 3:45, 3:45 (1:00) (2:30) Fri-SunMon-Thurs: (10:00) (11:30) (12:30)

MUSTANG (93 MIN) Fri-Thurs: 1:45, 6:00

Youths living in a strict Turkish household is the premise of Mustang.

Running Free

The Oscar-nominated Mustang is a gripping, wild tale

BY JOSH KUPECKI

D

espite its surface similarities, Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s Oscar-nominated feature debut is not a Turkish remake of Sofia Coppola’s 1999 film The Virgin Suicides.

While both concern the story of five sisters navigating puberty and adolescence, that’s where the resemblance ends. Mustang eschews wispy meditation in favor of a direct and naturalistic narrative that deftly straddles a line, lamenting the girls’ woes while celebrating their defiance in the face of a repressive culture.

School’s out for the summer, and — from youngest to oldest — Lale (Günes Sensoy), Nur (Doga Zeynep Doguslu), Ece (Elit Iscan), Selma (Tugba Sunguroglu), and Sonay (Ilayda Akdogan) enjoy an end-of-semester frolic at the beach, engaging in chicken MUSTANG fights with fellow students. It’s only when Rated PG-13 they return home that Directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven Starring Günes Sensoy, Tugba they discover a nosy Sunguroglu, Elit Iscan neighbor has tattled to their grandmother At Magic Lantern (the girls’ parents died in a car crash 10 years earlier) that the sisters were “pleasuring themselves on boys’ necks.”

That’s the first sign of the oppressive nature of these girls’ existence and the patriarchal culture that surrounds them: The sisters are reduced to the very base essence of their gender. Their

THE DANISH GIRL (114 MIN) *last week!

AIRWAY HEIGHTS

10117 W State Rt 2 • 509-232-0444

DIRTY GRANDPA

R Daily (5:00) 7:30 9:35 Sat-Sun (12:30) (2:45)

THE 5TH WAVE

PG-13 Daily (4:30) 7:00 9:30 Sat-Sun (11:30) (2:00)

THE BOY

Fri: 2:30, Sat: 11:00 am, Mon-Thurs: 4:15

PG-13 Daily (4:50) 7:10 9:15 Sat-Sun (12:20) (2:40)

25 W Main Ave • 509-209-2383 • All Shows $8 www.magiclanternspokane.com

PG-13 Daily (5:00) 7:15 9:30 Sat-Sun (12:10) (2:30)

MOVIE TIMES on

RIDE ALONG 2

13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI R Daily (3:40) 6:40 9:40 Sat-Sun (12:40)

THE REVENANT

R Daily (3:00) 6:10 9:25 Sat-Sun (11:50)

THE FOREST

PG-13 Daily (3:20) (5:20) 7:20 9:20 Sat-Sun (1:20)

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 2D PG-13 Daily (3:30) 6:30 9:20 Sat-Sun (12:30)

DADDY’S HOME

PG-13 Daily (4:30) 6:45 9:00 Sat-Sun (2:15)

uncle, Erol (Ayberk Pekcan) intervenes, and soon there are walls and bars on the house, turning it into a prison; while suggestive clothing, phones and computers are locked away, the sisters are outfitted with “shit-colored” formless dresses and instructed in cooking and sewing.

As the family turns the house into a “wife factory,” intent on marrying off the girls before some tryst renders them “spoiled” (there is more than one scene depicting a doctor doing a “virginity report”), they rebel in various ways.

There is much joy to be found in this lashing out, sneaking off to a soccer game or meeting up with a boyfriend, but throughout these scenes, there is an undercurrent of dread, of the girls getting caught, of the punishment ever lurking in the wings.

Ergüven and co-writer Alice Winocour utilize this tension throughout the film. The focal point of this long-haired hydra is Lale, the youngest, and in the end, the most defiant.

Much like the hard-to-tame horses that share the film’s title, her character (and performance) is a bucking, restless presence that grows into a rallying cry. Mustang is a wonderfully shot and beautifully acted (mostly by non-actors) film that spits in the face of oppressive forces while only mildly stumbling over rookie errors (including a totally unnecessary voice-over). It’s a gripping and wild film that can’t be tamed. 

SISTERS

R Daily (4:40) 7:10 9:35 Sat-Sun (2:00)

WANDERMERE

12622 N Division • 509-232-7727

DIRTY GRANDPA

R Daily (12:30) (2:45) (5:00) 7:20 9:35

THE 5TH WAVE

PG-13 Daily (11:30) (2:00) (4:30) 7:00 9:30

THE BOY

PG-13 Daily (12:20) (2:40) (4:50) 7:10 9:15

RIDE ALONG 2

PG-13 Daily (12:10) (2:30) (5:00) 7:15 9:30

13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI R Daily (12:40) (3:40) 6:40 9:40

NORM OF THE NORTH

PG Daily (1:00) (3:00) (5:00) 6:50 8:45

THE REVENANT

R Daily (11:50) (3:00) 6:10 9:25

THE BIG SHORT

R Daily (1:30) (4:10) 6:50 9:30

THE FOREST

Searchable

by Movie,

by Theater, or Time

PG-13 Daily (5:20) 7:20 9:15

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

PG-13 Daily (12:30) 6:30 In 2D Daily (11:45) (2:45) (3:30) (5:45) 8:45 9:20

JOY

PG-13 Daily (1:40) (4:20) 7:00 9:40

DADDY’S HOME

PG-13 Daily (2:15) (4:30) 6:45 9:00 Fri, Mon-Thu (11:50)

SISTERS

R Daily (2:00) (4:40) 7:10 9:35

GOOD DINOSAUR PG Daily (1:20) (3:20)

Showtimes in ( ) are at bargain price.

Special Attraction — No Passes Showtimes Effective 1/22/16-1/28/16

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 41

LOCAL SCENE

Spokane Valley’s Rock Club is teaching kids how to be in a band

BY LAURA JOHNSON

H

e says he’s 80 percent like Jack Black. He’s loud and selfassured. Sometimes, he belts out daring notes he has no business attempting.

“It’s all about attitude,” says Sean Burgett, 27. “If you believe you can hit that insane note from a Journey song, then maybe you will.”

But the way that Burgett is mostly like Black (or his character Dewey Finn in School of Rock, a film-turned-musical and soon-to-be TV show on Nickelodeon) — he runs a music school for kids wanting to play in a band. Not the symphonic band you’d be a part of in middle school, but an actual rock band, complete with drums, guitar, bass and vocals.

“G

oogle said James Hetfield is lead guitarist for Metallica,” says Blake, a tenacious 10-year-old guitarist who has come with his solos well prepared.

“I’ve been listening to Metallica since I was your age, and I can tell you that Kirk Hammett is the lead guitarist,” Burgett counters into a microphone he uses to be heard above the fray.

Teacher Sean Burgett rocks out with students (from top left clockwise) Drake, Jesse, Claire and Blake at his Spokane Valley studio. KRISTEN BLACK PHOTOS

42 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

Tonight, in Burgett’s cozy Spokane Valley basement, one of the Rock Club’s six bands is rehearsing. He’s explaining to the kids (ages 10 to 15, whose parents prefer their last names aren’t used) about Metallica, before teaching them “Enter Sandman.” A pair of the students are well aware of the metal act. The other two seem vaguely familiar.

“Oh yeah, I’ve played this on Rock Band,” says Claire, the singer.

“The video game?” asks Burgett, who’s playing bass for the group until that position can be filled.

She nods.

They start into the song, which they’ll learn in its entirety tonight. With parents sitting in an adjoining room, the kids are free to tackle this music head-on. Rock ’n’ roll, with all of its angst and danger, is beginning to mean something for them. Burgett guides them through the paces, stopping to fine-tune rhythms, but also urging them on with a smile and head nod, even when the notes aren’t spot on.

Burgett grew up in a home where Pink Floyd and the Beatles were deemed the best bands in the world. But Tool was the act that changed his life, starting his obsession with drums at age 11.

By high school, Burgett was teaching the instrument to kids as a way to earn extra cash. During college, Burgett attended the audio engineering program at Spokane Falls Community College; he expanded lessons to guitar and bass. As his family grew — he’s married, with two young children — it didn’t make sense to drive long distances every day. A new idea was forming.

Performances for his studio were once few and far between.

Kids would show up the day of a recital having their individual parts memorized, and play in temporary bands. It never sounded on point.

But what if the kids could rehearse together all of the time?

Experimenting with some early formations, no one ever wanted to go home. The kids wanted to jam all night.

In 2014, Burgett officially started Rock Club, a style of teaching that currently doesn’t exist elsewhere in the area. Now kids would travel to his basement studio for lessons. While there was turnover with the format change, he maintains 25 to 30 students in his bands, along with continuing to teach private lessons.

L

ast month’s Rock Club show brought in more than 100 fans (read: family and friends) to the Pinnacle Northwest. While none of it was perfect, each band, full of mostly middle schoolers, impressed.

“We’re still all learning,” says Burgett, who enlists volunteers for all of the club’s shows and puts any money a performance might earn back into the business.

So far, the Rock Club has played at Liberty Lake’s Pavillion Park and served as Bloomsday on-course entertainment. Now with a couple of Pin shows under their belt, the kids are working toward a performance at the Bartlett next month. Burgett is glad that his students, who come from all over the area, get to play a variety of venues. Rock bands must be ready to play anywhere, he says.

When it comes to song selection, Burgett lets each band member pick one tune. There’s a lot of classic rock chosen, as well as grunge. He has a hodgepodge of backgrounds to contend with: Mormons, liberals and everyone in between attend his school.

“We’re rated PG here,” says Burgett, who recently started playing in a Blink-182 cover band, Barker Bridge. “If a kid gets super excited about Dr. Dre, I tell him that’s awesome, but Rock Club isn’t the place to make that music.”

In the future, Burgett plans to convert the basement into a larger space, adding a recording studio and bringing in more teachers. Playing bigger stages is a goal as well. “Why not the Spokane Arena?” he asks.

After teaching for the past 10 years, Burgett says he’s learned a lot.

“I’ve made students cry,” he admits. “I don’t want to upset or scare the kids, but my job is to make sure that everyone is learning something. But mostly, it’s about having fun.”

The biggest lesson? Admit when you don’t know something.

“Be human, not a robot teacher,” Burgett says. “Kids always know when you’re not being real.” n lauraj@inlander.com

18+

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 43

MUSIC | SOUND ADVICE

INDIE-FOLK HEY MARSEILLES

I

t’s a mid-January morning and Matt Bishop is hanging around Seattle, where he lives. “It’s rainy and it’s gray,” he says over the phone, “and I feel wonderful.” Bishop, originally from nearby Snohomish, also has reason for optimism about his band Hey Marseilles, a veteran presence in the Northwest music scene known for its brainy, baroque take on indie folkpop. The group has been making music together for nearly a decade, but with a new creative direction and new ambition fueling the release of a new self-titled album on Feb. 5 (produced by L.A.-based Anthony Kilhoffer, who typically works with superstars like Kanye West), this year is shaping up to be a rebirth of sorts for Hey Marseilles. Expect to hear quite a few of the new tunes at the band’s upcoming Spokane show.

— BEN SALMON Hey Marseilles and Silver Torches • Fri, Jan. 22, at 8 pm • $12/$15 day of • All-ages • The Bartlett • 228 W. Sprague • thebartlettspokane.com • 747-2174

J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW J = ALL AGES SHOW

Thursday, 01/21

ARBOR CREST WINE CEllARS, Fireside Music Series: Evan Denlinger J THE BARTlETT, Jazz Night: “Unsung Heroes and Seldom Heard Songs” feat. Scott Steed, Dru Heller, Brian Ward, Brendan McMurphy, Rachel Bade-McMurphy and more BOOMERS ClASSIC ROCk BAR & GRIll, Randy Campbell acoustic show J BOOTS BAkERy & lOuNGE, The Song Project J BuCER’S COFFEEHOuSE PuB, Open Jazz Jam with Erik Bowen BuCkHORN INN, The Spokane River Band J CHAPS, Spare Parts COEuR D’AlENE CASINO, Elvis in Concert feat. Scott Bruce, PJ Destiny CRAVE, Stoney Hawk FIzzIE MullIGANS, Kicho lEFTBANk WINE BAR, Nick Grow J MONARCH MOuNTAIN COFFEE, Open Mic hosted by Scott Reid O’SHAyS IRISH PuB & EATERy, Open mic with Adrian and Leo THE PAlOMINO, DJ Perfechter RED ROOM lOuNGE, Latin Tursdays feat. DJ Wax808 TIMBER GASTRO PuB (208-2629593), Chris Rieser and Jay Rawley THE VIkING BAR & GRIll, “Loops I did it again...” feat. Nate Stratte, Nate Greenburg, Brotha Nature zOlA, Island Soul

Friday, 01/22

ARBOR CREST WINE CEllARS, Fireside Music Series: Karrie O’Neill J BABy BAR, Ancient Forest Band, Jacob Milstein, Holy Cows J THE BARTlETT, Hey Marseilles (See story above), Silver Torches BEVERly’S, Robert Vaughn

44 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

EVENT OUTCOLD VOL. 3

T

he third edition of the Viking’s Outcold festival won’t be so cold; music is set for a heated and enclosed tent outside. “This is the first year we have this setup,” says event coordinator Steven Barclay. “Usually we kind of grin and bear it.” The event, which includes two stages — the outside one that’s all-ages, and one inside the Viking that’s 21 and over — includes a fresh mix of local and national acts, with death-pop rockers Orgy (pictured) headlining. A portion of the ticket proceeds go to the F--- Cancer foundation.

— LAURA JOHNSON Outcold Vol. 3 feat. Orgy, Bobaflex and Death Valley High, The Nixon Rodeo, Elephant Gun Riot, December In Red, Invasive, Death By Pirates, The Broken Thumbs and more • Sat, Jan. 23, at noon • $15 • All-ages • Viking Bar & Grill • 1221 N. Stevens • 315-4547

J THE BIG DIPPER, Kevin Brown and the Beloved Country BIGFOOT PuB, YESTERDAYSCAKE BlACk DIAMOND, DJ Major One BOlO’S, Aftermath BOOMERS ClASSIC ROCk BAR & GRIll, Limousine THE CEllAR, Nic Vigil Trio CHECkERBOARD BAR, Jus Wright and the River City Roots COEuR D’AlENE CASINO, Kosh CRAVE, Stoney Hawk CuRlEy’S, Chris Reiser & the Nerve DI luNA’S CAFE, Kevin Brown and the Beloved Country FIzzIE MullIGANS, Karma’s Circle IRON GOAT BREWING CO. (4740722), Nick Grow IRON HORSE BAR, JamShack THE JACkSON ST., Steve Livingston JOHN’S AllEy, Plane Champagne JONES RADIATOR, Death x California lEFTBANk WINE BAR, Kari Margue-

rite MICkDuFF’S BEER HAll (208-2096700), Scotia Road MOOSE lOuNGE, Tell the Boys NASHVIllE NORTH, Luke Jaxon, DJ Tom NECTAR TASTING ROOM, Daniel Mills NORTHERN QuEST CASINO, DJ Ramsin ONE WORlD CAFE (208-883-3537), Royal Holland O’SHAyS IRISH PuB & EATERy, Common Ground feat. Michelle Stafford PEND D’OREIllE WINERy, Marty Peron & Doug Bond J PINNAClE NORTHWEST, Elektro Grave, DJ F$ion THE RIDlER PIANO BAR, Dueling Pianos feat. Christan Raxter & Steve Ridler THE ROCk BAR & lOuNGE, Black Jack Band THE SNAkE PIT (208-682-3453),

Moses Willey THE ROADHOuSE, 3D THE VIkING BAR & GRIll, Outcold Vol.3 prefunk feat. Thunder & Lightning, Driven In Waves, The Pink Socks, Griffey zOlA, Ryan Larsen Band

Saturday, 01/23

BARlOWS AT lIBERTy lAkE, Jan Harrison J THE BARTlETT, The Round No. 15 feat Matt Mitchell of Folkinception, Hope Hines, Chelsea Hendrickson and more BEVERly’S, Robert Vaughn BIGFOOT PuB, YESTERDAYSCAKE BlACk DIAMOND, DJ Major One BlIND BuCk, DJ Freaky Fred BOlO’S, Aftermath BOOMERS ClASSIC ROCk BAR & GRIll, Limousine THE CEllAR, Nic Vigil Trio

CHECkERBOARD BAR, Mudhelmet COEuR D’AlENE CASINO, Kosh CRAVE, Stoney Hawk CuRlEy’S, Chris Reiser & the Nerve FIzzIE MullIGANS, Karma’s Circle GOOD TIMES TAVERN (208-7772694), Sax Man John Bybee & the Mixed Company Band IRON HORSE BAR, JamShack IRV’S, Masquarade Snowball THE JACkSON ST., DJ Dave JONES RADIATOR, Dance Your Pants Off feat. DJ Irey J kNITTING FACTORy, Tribal Seeds, the Skints, the Steppas lA ROSA CluB, Open Jam J lAGuNA CAFé, Just Plain Darin THE lARIAT INN, Ricks Brothers lEFTBANk WINE BAR, Nick Schauer with Friends MOOSE lOuNGE, Tell the Boys MullIGAN’S BAR & GRIllE (208765-3200), Truck Mills

NASHVILLE NORTH, Luke Jaxon, DJ Tom NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, DJ Ramsin THE OBSERVATORY, Space Odyssey feat. DJ Locke, DJ Case OFF REGAL LOUNGE (473-9401), Donnie Emerson & Nancy Sophia THE PALOMINO, DJ Perfechter PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Jake Robin  PINNACLE NORTHWEST, Lil’ Flip, Demon Assassin, Pest, Alvin Artzis, Disk Jockey Felon REPUBLIC BREWING CO., Johnny and the Moles

GET LISTED!

Submit events online at Inlander.com/getlisted or email relevant details to getlisted@inlander.com. We need the details one week prior to our publication date.

THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Dueling Pianos feat. Christan Raxter & Steve Ridler THE SHOP, Blue Canoe STEINWAY PIANO GALLERY (3274266), Robin Spielberg THE ROADHOUSE, Keith and the Hankers  THE VIKING BAR & GRILL, Outcold Vol. 3 feat. Orgy, Bobaflex and Death Valley High, The Nixon Rodeo, Elephant Gun Riot, December In Red, Invasive, Death By Pirates, The Broken Thumbs, Beyond Today, Banish The Echo, Evolved,

Rising Enemy, Volcanoes on the Sun (See story on facing page) ZOLA, Ryan Larsen Band

Sunday, 01/24

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO, Kosh DALEY’S CHEAP SHOTS, Jam Night with VooDoo Church  KNITTING FACTORY, Excision, Figure, Bear Grillz  THE PALOMINO, Blues and Jazz open jam ZOLA, Troubadour

Monday, 01/25

 CALYPSOS COFFEE & CREAMERY, Open Mic EICHARDT’S, Monday Night Jam with Truck Mills JOHN’S ALLEY, Mike Dillon Band LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Monday Night Spotlight feat. Carey Brazil  PINNACLE NORTHWEST, Words From Aztecs, Heartwork, Method of Conflict, Heart of an Awl, Finding Phaedra RED ROOM LOUNGE, Open Mic with MJ The In-Human Beatbox ZOLA, Fusbol

Tuesday, 01/26

315 MARTINIS & TAPAS, The Rub BROOKLYN DELI & LOUNGE, Open Mic FEDORA PUB & GRILLE, Tuesday Night Jam with Truck Mills THE JACKSON ST., DJ Dave JONES RADIATOR, Open Mic of Open-ness KELLY’S IRISH PUB, Arvid Lundin &

Deep Roots LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Turntable Tuesday MIK’S, DJ Brentano  MOSCOW FOOD CO-OP, Delta G SWAXX, T.A.S.T.Y with DJs Freaky Fred, Beauflexx ZOLA, The Bucket List

Wednesday, 01/27 AUNTIE’S BOOKS (838-0206), Korby Lenker DI LUNA’S CAFE, The Patrice Webb Trio EICHARDT’S, Charley Packard GENO’S TRADITIONAL FOOD & ALES (368-9087), Open Mic with T & T THE JACKSON ST., DJ Dave JONES RADIATOR, Hit the Pitches THE LANTERN TAP HOUSE, DJ Lydell LITZ’S BAR & GRILL (327-7092), Nick Grow LUCKY’S IRISH PUB, DJ D3VIN3 THE PALOMINO, Open Mic PINNACLE NORTHWEST, DJ Freaky Fred THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Jam with Steve Ridler SOULFUL SOUPS & SPIRITS, Open mic THE ROADHOUSE, Open mic with Vern Vogel and the Volcanoes ZOLA, The Bossame

Coming Up ...

PINNACLE NORTHWEST, Hammershot (suspensions) Arsa, Framework, Minds Decay, Vultra, Jan. 28 MOOSE LOUNGE, Hymn & Her’s final local show, Jan. 28

KNITTING FACTORY, Helldorado, Children of Atom, Banish the Echo, Punks in Drublic, Freak System, Jan. 29 THE BARTLETT, Mama Doll, Moorea Masa, Jan. 29 PINNACLE NORTHWEST, Serpentspire, Phjior, Damnit Jim, Knight of Tears, Carved From Bone, Jan. 29 JONES RADIATOR, The Co Founder, the City Hall, Jan. 29 JONES RADIATOR, Starlite Motel, Jan. 30 PINNACLE NORTHWEST, Feather and Bone LATE SHOW Nino Brown, King Skellee, Groove Street, Reservation Maniak, Eazz Muzic and more, Jan. 30 THE BARTLETT, Kris Orlowski, Jan. 30 THE BIG DIPPER, Son of Brad CD Release (Spokane) feat. Winter in June, the Kiarah Perrault Band, Jan. 30 THE PALOMINO, Keith Anderson Unplugged feat. Zach Hinson, Luke Yates, Devon Wade, Courtney Biggs, Christie Lee Comrie, Jan. 31 CHECKERBOARD BAR, The Outer Vibe, Feb. 1 THE BIG DIPPER, Powerman 5000, Knee High Fox, Emissary Echo, Heart of an Awl, Feb. 2 PINNACLE NORTHWEST, Mickey Avalon and Dirt Nasty, Feb. 4 KNITTING FACTORY, GA’s Too Broke to Rock Series feat. Trivium, Vial 8 and more, Feb. 6 ZOLA, Troubadour, Sun..

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO, Kosh,

WIN A TRIP TO THE 58th GRAMMY AWARDS! Listen Weekday Mornings @ 7:40 to the Mountain Morning Show!

Courtesy of:

new country

93.7 The Mountain

MUSIC | VENUES 315 MARTINIS & TAPAS • 315 E. Wallace, CdA • 208-667-9660 ARBOR CREST • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. • 927-9463 BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 847-1234 THE BARTLETT • 228 W. Sprague Ave. • 747-2174 BIG BARN BREWING • 16004 N. Applewood Ln, Mead • 238-2489 THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington St. • 863-8098 BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 467-9638 BING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • 227-7638 BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague • 891-8357 BOLO’S• 116 S. Best Rd. • 891-8995 BOOMERS • 18219 E. Appleway Ave. • 755-7486 BOOTS BAKERY & LOUNGE • 24 W. Main Ave. • 703-7223 BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main, Moscow • 208-882-5216 BUCKHORN INN • 13311 Sunset Hwy.• 244-3991 CALYPSOS • 116 E Lakeside Ave., CdA • 208665-0591 THE CELLAR • 317 E. Sherman, CdA • 208-6649463 CHAPS • 4237 Cheney-Spokane Rd. • 624-4182 CHATEAU RIVE • 621 W. Mallon Ave. • 795-2030 CHECKERBOARD BAR • 1716 E. Sprague • 535-4007 COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw Rd., Worley • 800-523-2464 COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, CdA • 208-664-2336 CRAFTED TAP HOUSE • 523 Sherman Ave., CdA • 208-292-4813 CRAVE• 401 W. Riverside Suite 101. • 321-7480 CRUISERS • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Falls • (208) 773-4706 CURLEY’S • 26433 W. Hwy. 53 • 208-773-5816 DALEY’S • 6412 E. Trent • 535-9309 EICHARDT’S • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208263-4005 FEDORA PUB • 1726 W. Kathleen, CdA • 208765-8888 FIZZIE MULLIGANS • 331 W. Hastings Rd. • 466-5354 THE FLAME • 2401 E. Sprague Ave. • 534-9121 FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague • 624-1200 GRANDE RONDE CELLARS • 906 W. 2nd • 455-8161 HANDLEBARS • 12005 E. Trent, Spokane Valley • 309-3715 HOGFISH • 1920 E. Sherman, CdA • 208-667-1896 IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman Ave., CdA • 208-667-7314 THE JACKSON ST. • 2436 N. Astor • 315-8497 JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. 6th, Moscow • 208-8837662 JONES RADIATOR • 120 E. Sprague • 747-6005 KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 244-3279 LAGUNA CAFÉ • 2013 E. 29th • 448-0887 THE LANTERN TAP HOUSE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 315-9531 THE LARIAT • 11820 N Market St, Mead • 4669918 LA ROSA CLUB • 105 S. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-255-2100 LEFTBANK WINE BAR • 108 N. Washington • 315-8623 LUCKY’S IRISH PUB • 408 W. Sprague Ave. • 747-2605 MAX AT MIRABEAU • 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. • 924-9000 MIK’S • 406 N 4th, CdA • 208-666-0450 MOOTSY’S • 406 W. Sprague • 838-1570 NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128 NECTAR• 120 N. Stevens St. • 869-1572 NORTHERN RAIL PUB • 5209 N. Market • 487-4269 NORTHERN QUEST • 100 N. Hayford • 242-7000 NYNE • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 474-1621 THE OBSERVATORY• 15 S Howard • 598-8933 O’SHAY’S • 313 E. CdA Lake Dr. • 208-667-4666 THE PALOMINO • 6425 N Lidgerwood St • 242-8907 PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545 PINNACLE NORTHWEST • 412 W. Sprague • 368-4077 RED LION RIVER INN • 700 N. Division St. • 326-5577 RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague Ave. • 838-7613 REPUBLIC BREWING • 26 Clark Ave. • 775-2700 THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside . • 822-7938 THE ROADHOUSE • 20 N. Raymond • 413-1894 SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 209 E. Lakeside Ave. • 208-664-8008 THE SHOP • 924 S. Perry St. • 534-1647 SOULFUL SOUPS & SPIRITS • 117 N. Howard St. • 459-1190 SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon • 279-7000 SWAXX • 23 E. Lincoln Rd. • 703-7474 TAMARACK • 912 W Sprague • 315-4846 THE VIKING • 1221 N. Stevens St. • 315-4547 ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 624-2416

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 45

THEATER THEY’RE BA-ACK

If you missed the chance to catch the riotously funny Broadway show poking fun at all things relating to the LDS Church and unsolicited religious missionaries, don’t miss it this time.

Though it last came through Spokane less than a year and a half ago, Book of Mormon sold well enough that there was clearly justification for another run. The enormously popular, award-winning show is worth the ticket price, as long as musical numbers about maggots in a man’s nether regions and saying ‘eff you’ to God don’t rub you the wrong way. That’s obviously the point, by the way. Book of Mormon is parody theater at its best — funny, fresh, campy and definitely not politically correct.

— CHEY SCOTT The Book of Mormon • Tue, Jan. 26 through Sun, Jan. 31, showtimes vary • $45-$165 • INB Performing Arts Center • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • wcebroadway.com • 777-6253

CLASSICAL IT’S A STRING THING

Classical guitar enthusiasts and players speak of Spaniard Andrés Segovia in reverent and hushed tones; he was one of the best to ever play the instrument. Andre Feriante, who grew up between Rome and Eastern Washington, was trained by Segovia and evokes many of his techniques. Feriante, who has played guitar professionally for nearly 30 years, brings his StringStories showcase to Post Falls on Saturday night. On display will be his collection of Pacific Northwest-made stringed instruments, along with his classicalfusion sound and heartfelt life stories.

— LAURA JOHNSON Andre Feriante • Sat, Jan. 23, at 7 pm • $15-$20 • Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center • 405 N. William St., Post Falls • thejacklincenter. org • 208-457-8950

46 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

FILM FOSTERING CULTURE

The Spokane Area Jewish Family Services kicks off the New Year by inviting the Spokane community to its 12th annual Jewish Cultural Film Festival. Four films — A Borrowed Identity, Vishneva, Brave Miss World and Magic Men — are scheduled to be screened this weekend at the Magic Lantern Theatre. A post-film discussion of Brave Miss World will be led by Alissa Ackerman from the University of Washington. Covering multiple aspects of the human experience with narratives of youth identity crises, the horrific story of a Soviet Miss World winner and a Holocaust survivor, the festival encourages the local celebration of Jewish culture on a global scale.

— MEG MACLEAN Spokane Jewish Cultural Film Festival • Fri and Sat, Jan. 21 and 23, 7-9 pm; Sun, Jan. 24, 1-3 pm • $7-$10/film or $18-$28 festival pass • Magic Lantern Theatre • 25 W. Main • sajfs.org • 747-7394

GET LISTED!

Submit events online at Inlander.com/getlisted or email relevant details to getlisted@inlander.com. We need the details one week prior to our publication date.

DREAM IT. BUILD IT.

custom modular designs The building process begins when you share your vision with our construction team and ends with a home, which exceeds your expectations.

stratfordhomecenter.com

BENEFIT LUKE, I AM YOUR LAWYER

Not even Luke Skywalker, the galaxy’s greatest Jedi, can get away with blowing up other people’s things. In the mock trial “Galactic Empire v. Skywalker,” Gonzaga University School of Law students are holding the lightsaber-savvy Jedi responsible for detonating the Death Star, all the way back in Episode IV. Although the The Force Awakens has revived our collective interest in the outrageously popular saga, alas, for Luke, the statute of limitations doesn’t apply. The event raises funds for Wishing Star, a Spokane-based nonprofit that grants wishes to children and young adults with life-threatening conditions. Those who want to weigh in on the case can also join the jury, as Luke faces the gavel of reason.

— CLAIRE STANDAERT Star Wars: The Gavel Strikes Back • Fri, Jan. 22, at 5:30 pm • $3-$5 • Gonzaga School of Law, Barbieri Courtroom • 721 N. Cincinnati • law.gonzaga. edu • 313-3771

WORDS MAGIC OF WRITING

Called a writer of experimental fiction, Lily Hoang’s work is, as suggested, not the expected. One of Hoang’s novels, Parabola, combines photos, math and personality/IQ tests. Another was written following the structure of the I Ching, the ancient Chinese divination text. Most recently, the Inlander published an original short story by Hoang in December’s annual fiction issue. Her piece was a strange tale of a suspected murderer, or, depending on how the reader interpreted it, an imagined scheme inside one character’s head. Currently teaching at New Mexico State University’s MFA program, Hoang is passing on her “magical writing” techniques to another generation of creative thinkers.

— CHEY SCOTT EWU Visiting Writers: Lily Hoang • Fri, Jan. 22, at 7:30 pm • Free • Auntie’s Bookstore • 402 W. Main • getlitfestival.org • 838-0206

Wanted: DEAD OR ALIVE

Return your Poinsettia for 20% Off any foliage plant!

– Through February 15th –

509.926.9397 |14208 E 4th Ave, Spokane Valley | Plant-Farm.com

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 47

W I SAW U YOU

RS RS

CHEERS JEERS

&

I SAW YOU O'REILLY AUTO PARTS ON ROWAN AVE. Hi I held the door for you at O Reilly's auto parts store around noon on Tuesday 1/12. You said "thank you". I didn't get the chance to ask you out for coffee. You were the pretty lady in the white BMW. Please write me.

Keesha610@yahoo.com BLACK AND GOLD FAN ON THE NORTH SIDE LAST WEEKEND Join me for another game at Flamin Joes...same place? This Sunday? 1/17? Hope to see you there!

A BEARDED BEAUTY You stood tall and handsome in the kitchen at Allie's Vegan Pizzeria & Cafe. I was trying to eat my delicious food while holding my crying squiggly baby and you came to my rescue. You held my child and made him smile while I finished my meal. I'm definately going to come back for more food and flirtations! Ps. I love your colorful pants. You make me smile :) DREAM WEAVER I see us in my dreams where there are no boundaries of time, and there we are happy and free, full of light out on the edge of the world getting ready to aboard the ship of love to sail the seas of eternity. Leaving the shores of darkness and confusion behind, full speed ahead! ahoy matey!

TO SAASHA ROSE GARVIN Good bye my tumble weed. Thank you for the few days we spent together. I hope someday you will take your own words and put

them into affect in your own life. Be safe and keep on being you. Your words can save people and your heart can inspire those who are lost. You have a true gift and I am grateful to you, thanks.

Love always your true friend. David Lee McLaughlin AS I STRUGGLE TO RECALL the events of last night, I'm experiencing anxiety.

This due to the fact that I don't know for sure what sort of impression I left and..... I'm getting a bit long winded but what I mean to say is, if I didn't act like a complete arse (I can't remember), if you enjoyed my company, I would very much like to see you again. Maybe under more sober circumstances. I don't mean church-sober or anything. And if I did act like a fool, or a jerk, creep, pretentious douche, lush etc... I am sorry. weakoldfashionedzola@hotmail.com ALL MY LIFE... Lover bucket. Ten years ago we met cruising Division! 17 and 18 years old. We now have a happy and healthy 2 year old son who is the spitting image of you. He is too cute for words.

Everyday you have my best interest at heart, you have helped form me into the strong woman I am today. I can not wait to renew our vows one day and quite possibly add another baby to our family.

You are the most amazing father and husband. Declan and I really lucked out.

Seeing you and him play is my favorite.

The love you have for him makes me fall in love with you more and more. Now here we are, almost 30. I could not be happier with my decision to marry you.

Stay sexy lover butt. I'm always here for you. XoXo. Mrs.Murphy

I SAW YOU THE FLAILER You saw me stop just a little too long more than likely on your local street or area of habitual visiting and either ranged from slightly intrigued to very alarmed. I slyly and gracefully smiled and skipped away. Anyway just wanted to say thank you Spokane for putting up with me... I love you- and thanks for my street crew- GO TEAM!

CHEERS DOT Hello again my love, I want to thank you for all that you have done for us as a family. As usual your ever so graceful

wife fell and you sprang to action, doing all the dishes, getting the kids into bed, did the dishes and all the laundry and then you got up and took them to school this morning so I could sleep a little later.

You rock babe! I'm so grateful to have such a supportive partner in this life, and I am so glad that I married you. We have been through it all together and

“

48 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

JEERS LITTER BUGS This is to all the people who feel the need to just let your garbage fall under the lifts at Mt. Spokane.

Don't be PIGS! find a can or hold on to it.

The mountain is for all of us.

In the end, we all have to look deep inside ourselves and try to become the person that offers others a hand up.

the upcoming chapter is going to be a dream come true, our own little world..... we need a flag! anyway I love you baby, thank you for all you do. Moo MY SWEETS This week 2 of my best girls have birthdays. A.L. you are the most unique, fiesty, ornery person I know, I wouldnt change a thing. I love you like a fat kid loves cake! stay crazy and brutally honest, it's a rare and beautiful trait. M.C. oh wow where do I even begin girl! we have been through some crazy stuff and not once has your loyalty ever even flinched. I wish you could see yourself the way the people around you see you. You have a beautiful soul and the most contagious personality I have ever witnessed. You both are bright lights in an often dark world and I would truly be lost without you. Thank you for the honor of your friendship and for every moment we spend together. I love you both, shot?

OLIVE JUICE Cheers to my one and only - the guacamole sauce on my weeny sandwich. You always make me smile. XO REGAL VALLEY THEATER Thanks to Erika and the rest of the staff!! I went to the late Hateful 8 you all treated me like a OG VIP Regal Crown Club member! The half priced popcorn literally didn't have one un-popped kernel!

LOCKED OUT A huge thank you to the two guys that helped me out

SOUND OFF 1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou by 3 pm Monday. 2. Pick a category (I Saw You, You Saw Me, Cheers or Jeers). 3.

Provide basic info: your name and email (so we know you’re real). 4. To connect via I Saw You, provide a non-identifying email to be included with your submission — like “petals327@yahoo.com,” not “j.smith@comcast.net.”

#wtbevents

today..1/14/16 on the Northside...I didn't get your names, but thank you. That car has been stuck in my carport for days and I was damn determined to get it unlocked today...No telling how long I'd have stood out there with that coat hanger or what I'd have broken had you not been nearby. :-)

— CLEAN NOW

CLEAN NOW I was an active addict for six years and been clean for almost one year. During this time I have learned that only I could save myself. There has been many people along this strange road, some offered me a hand up and others offered me one down, but in the end, we all have to look deep inside ourselves and try to become the person that offers others a hand up. You never know, that one person might change the world. David Lee McLaughlin A LIFE LIVED ON YOUR OWN TERMS To my beloved comrade who is gone now, you will always be in my heart.

You were the brother I never had. Some of my fondest memories are with you, like when we went to Canada together.

I will tell that story to people for the rest of my life. You were a great person who never had a bad word to say about anyone and would have given the shirt off your back. You were clever, intelligent and funny! You always kept me laughing, and you could come up with a fun game to play even if all you had was a stick.

And to your amazing sister, for the half century you two had together. I know this is especially painful for you, given how close you were. But one thing you will not suffer is regret. You were the best sister and friend to him, and it just came naturally, because of the genuine love you two shared.

”

CODE ENFORCEMENT COULD MAKE BANK Code enforcement could make bank. It's simple really, why doesn't Spokane use their resources. It has been snowing lately, quite a bit since last year.

You wanna make some quick easy fines.

Just drive through the neighborhoods you can see the cars with a pile of snow on them, obviously haven't been moved in a month. Most of which are probably broken down and with expired tags. Give them people tickets. Or tow them and give the owners the bill & the tickets. You can barely drive down some streets,with cars parked for the last month. Come on Spokane, use your resources, and help clean up our streets and make income at the same time. 

THIS WEEK'S ANSWERS

NOTE: I Saw You/Cheers & Jeers is for adults 18 or older. The Inlander reserves the right to edit or reject any posting at any time at its sole discretion and assumes no responsibility for the content.

EVENTS | CALENDAR

BENEFIT

A MID WINTER ISLAND PARTY Featuring the music of Keale, with island inspired food and drink, including offerings

by Bellwether Brewing Co. All proceeds benefit Creole, Inc. and their work of land renewal and job creation in northern Haiti. Jan. 22, 7-10 pm. $25. The Porch, 1804 W. Broadway. creoleinc.org/tickets STAR WARS: THE GAVEL STRIKES BACK The Air and Space Law Society are hosting a mock trial in which Luke Skywalker is tried for his actions committed while aboard the Death Star. Jan. 22, 5:30-7:30 pm. $3. Gonzaga University School of Law, 721 N. Cincinnati St. bit. ly/1OiZ2HZ (747-3304) LIFE SERVICES’ PEACOCK MASQUERADE BALL Masquerade gala featuring hors d’oeuvres, dancing, raffles, silent auctions a mask contest and more. Proceeds benefit the ministry work of Life Services. Jan. 23, 7 pm. $30/$55. Red Lion Hotel at the Park, 201 W. North River Dr. on.fb.me/1S0vj9j (326-8000) SAINT LUCY’S BREAKFAST The annual benefit breakfast supports the work of Shalom Ministries, a local nonprofit that distributes meals, clothing and sundries to the homeless in downtown Spokane daily. Jan. 23, 9-10:30 am. By donation. St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th. (455-9019) CAMP NO LIMITS STRIKE NIGHT An event to help send local kids with limb loss and limb difference to summer camp. Bowling offered in four time slots, from 10 am-6 pm. Jan. 30, 10 am-6 pm. $15-$25. Hugo’s on the Hill, 3023 E. 28th Ave. on.fb.me/1Z6Jn6M (926-1403)

COMEDY

GUFFAW YOURSELF Open mic comedy night; every other Thursday at 10 pm.

Free. Neato Burrito, 827 W. First Ave. (509-847-1234) STAND-UP OPEN MIC Local comedians; see weekly schedule online. Thursdays at 8 pm. Free. Uncle D’s Comedy Underground, 2721 N. Market St. bluznews.com CHOOSE TO LOSE An improvised game show performed by the Blue Door Players. Fridays in January at 8 pm. $7. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland.(747-7045) STAND-UP COMEDY Live comedy featuring established and up-and-coming local comedians. Fridays at 8 pm. No cover. Red Dragon Chinese, 1406 W. Third Ave. (838-6688) SAFARI Fast-paced short-form improv games based on audience suggestions.

(Not rated.) Saturdays at 9 pm. $7. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com (747-7045) STAND-UP OPEN MIC Mondays; sign-up at 9:30 pm, show at 10 pm. Ages 21+. No cover. The Foxhole, 829 E. Boone. facebook.com/thefoxholespokane TRIVIA + OPEN MIC COMEDY Trivia starts at 8 pm; stick around for open mic comedy afterward. Tuesdays, from 8-10 pm. Free. Checkerboard Bar, 1716 E. Sprague Ave. checkerboardbar.com DRINK N’ DEBATE A show from the minds of local comedians Nicky J. Cavasier and Harry J. Riley, during which teams debate for beer and bragging rights.

Topics are provided by the audience, and anything is up for debate. Jan. 27, 8 pm. $7. The Big Dipper, 171 S. Washington St.

on.fb.me/1P1RMUd (863-8098) AFTER DARK A adult-rated version of the Blue Door’s monthly, Friday show; last Friday of the month, at 10 pm. $7.

Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com (747-7045)

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY FORUM ON POLICE LEADERSHIP Mayor Condon’s Police Leadership Advisory Committee is seeking community input to prepare for hiring the next police chief. This is an important opportunity for the community to speak out and provide input on the kind of leader we want for the SPD. Jan. 21, 6:30 pm. Free. Community Building, 35 W. Main Ave. on.fb.me/1nfm4H2 (232-1950) STORY TIME AT SPARK Parents and guardians are invited to sit with their little ones for an interactive story time that incorporates song, movement, and puppets. An optional art activity will follow stories. Meets on Thursdays at 10:30 am, through Feb. 29. Free. Spark Center, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. sparkwestcentral.org EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMAN? The Smithsonian’s national traveling exhibit invites audiences to discover what we know about human evolution and how we know it. Visitors may view replicas and images from the Smithsonian’s popular human origins exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History. Through Feb. 2, open daily from 10 am-6 pm. Free.

North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd. (893-8350) FOURTH FRIDAY PUB PEDDLERS Group cycling ride, making a few stops along

the way to a final destination. Meets at 7 pm, departs at 8 pm. Free. Swamp Tavern, 1904 W. Fifth Ave. (251-2107) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE PALOUSE MEET-AND-GREET Volunteers, donors and community members are invited to drop in and meet the new Executive Director of the HSOP, Amanda St.Amand.

Come in to ask questions and share your ideas for the no-kill animal shelter in Latah County, Idaho. Jan. 22, 4:30-6 pm. 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St., Moscow.

(208-669-2249) ROE VS. WADE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Join local community members, activists, change-makers and friends for a special storytelling event that includes the sharing of personal stories about abortion, commitments to end the stigma against this personal choice and more. Hosted by PP of Greater WA/ ID and Spokane Area NOW. Jan. 22. Free.

Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. on.fb.me/1NcfxS5 (509-838-5667) ENGAGING FAMILIES WITH LITERACY ACTIVITIES Learn how to design a family engagement program based around literacy activities that are sure to encourage all your families to attend. Jan. 23, 10 am-noon. Free, registration required.

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. scld.org (509-893-8400) JUST PLAY Come to the library for a community playdate, with favorite toys and activities from the Play & Learn Storytimes to enjoy. For children ages 0-5; all children must bring an adult. Offered Jan. 6 and 23; Feb. 4 and 21 and March 13 and 23. Times vary. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. (893-8400) SPR STATION GRAND OPENING Spo-

kane Public Radio hosts an open house to celebrate the grand opening of its new station at Historic Fire House No. 3, as well as commemorate our 36th birthday.

Tour the facilities, meet the staff and enjoy complimentary snacks. Jan. 23, 12-4 pm. Free. Spokane Public Radio, 1229 N. Monroe. (328-5729) TREASURE! A touring exhibit exploring the history of treasure and treasure hunting, the technology used to look for it, and the people obsessed with finding it.

Show runs Jan. 23-May 15. Museum open Wed-Sun, from 10 am-5 pm. $5-$10/museum admission. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (456-3931) FROZEN FANTASY SNOW BALL Enjoy coffee, cookies and cocoa and watch as your little ones dance the day away with their favorite fairytale characters.

Includes party favors, special live performances and sing alongs, dancing, a winter craft, stories, games, photos and more. Offered at 2 pm and 4:30 pm. Jan. 24, 2 pm. $25/person. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place. on.fb.me/1nfcX9m (688-0300) OUR GENES AREN’T BLUE Discover what you and an onion have in common with this fun, hands-on class from Mobius Science Center. For grades K-8; children under age 6 must bring an adult Jan. 25, 4-5:30 pm. free. Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St. (509-893-8340) JUST PLAY Come to the library for a community playdate, with favorite toys and activities from the Play & Learn Storytimes to enjoy. For children ages 0-5.

Jan. 26, Feb. 23 and March 29, 10:30 am12:30 pm. free. Cheney Library, 610 First St. (509-893-8280)

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 49

GREEN

ZONE ZONING

Closer Together

Reduced buffer zones in Seattle worry one Spokane pot shop owner

BY AZARIA PODPLESKY

I

REAC

H

1 5 5 ,0

SPOK AN COUN E T READ Y ERS

00

BE AWARE: Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under Washington State law (e.g., RCW 69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 and Initiative 502).

State law does not preempt federal law; possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington State, consuming marijuana in public, driving while under the influence of marijuana and transporting marijuana across state lines are all illegal.

Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. It can also impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

CALL 325-0634 xt. 215 EMAIL sales@Inlander.com

n a move that has excited some and upset others, the Seattle City Council recently agreed to reduce the minimum distance between pot shops and so-called sensitive areas (recreation centers, child-care centers, public transit centers, libraries and arcades) from 1,000 feet to 250 feet in the downtown area and 500 feet in other parts of the city.

The 1,000-foot rule, which Spokane businesses must still comply with, will remain in effect for elementary and secondary schools and public playgrounds.

There will also be a 250-foot buffer between producers and processors citywide, and no more than two cannabis shops can be within 1,000 feet, or about five city blocks, of each other.

This reduction was agreed upon in an effort to protect sensitive areas while also preventing clusters of dispensaries the council has dubbed “Little Amsterdams” from popping up around the city.

Estee Wilson, co-owner of Satori, is conflicted about the news of reduced buffer zones.

As a business owner, she understands firsthand the difficulties

the 1,000-foot rule presents.

“That was probably one of the hardest things when we got our license, was to find a location,” she says. “But of all the rules and regulations, that’s probably lower on the totem pole for us.”

As a mother of two, Wilson believes the Seattle City Council made too steep a reduction, and says the buffer zone between marijuana shops and schools should be extended beyond 1,000 feet.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to be that close to any kind of children’s center,” she says. “I have two kids, and I don’t really want to see a bunch of marijuana stores next to my kids’ schools; I just don’t think it’s appropriate.”

It’s a balancing act that Wilson says comes with the territory of being part of an industry that’s still in its infancy.

“It’s tricky, and we’re all just trying to make it work and make sure that we’re not causing an uproar in the community,” she says.

“As long as they’re keeping the community safe, that’s our number one factor here.” n

YOU’LL ALWAYS HIT THE JACKPOT WITH Newly Remodeled Bestprices intown!

509-309-2130 1919 E Francis Ave THEGREENNUGGET Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breast feeding. For USE only by adults 21 and older.

Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.

50 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

DRIVE HIGH GET A DUI

EVENTS | CALENDAR

40 QUARTERS

25% OFF WAX & SHATTER EVERY SAT $

$

6620 N. Market St. 1 BLK NORTH OF FRANCIS & MARKET HOURS: MON - FRI 8-8 | SAT & SUN 10-8

WARNING: This product has intoxicating affects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breast feeding.

For USE only by adults 21 and older. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.

8 GRAMS 20 1/8THS $ 40 1/4'RS

$

DRIVE HIGH GET A DUI

SPOKANEGREENLEAF.COM 509.919.3467 • 9107 N. Country Homes Blvd.

WOMEN IN STEM TOWN HALL In our STEM economy, there is an enormous opportunity for women. Here more about this from Dr. Michele Moore, SFCC astronomy instructor; Mireya Fitzloff, McKinstry LEED Green Associate & Construction Manager; Heather Rosentrater, Avista VP of Energy Delivery and Customer Service and others.

Jan. 26, 4-6:30 pm. $20/$25. Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln. greaterspokane.org (321-3621) WAITER, THERE’S NO FLY IN MY SOUP! More than 80 percent of the world’s cultures eat insects, so why don’t we? David Gordon, author of “The Eat–a-bug Cookbook” hosts an adventure in entomophagy (eating bugs), using crickets, mealworms, and other eco-friendly alternatives to meat. Attendees can sample edible insect snacks. Jan. 27, 6:30-7:30 pm.

Free. Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Rd. (509-893-8350) WASHINGTON WILDFIRES: COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS Share your ideas and opinions about the impact of these wildfires at “kitchen-table” style community conversations. Experts leading the conversations include rep. from local fire districts, Fish & Wildlife, the Forest Service, Dept. of Natural Resources, and faculty from local colleges and universities. Jan. 27, 6-8 pm. Free.

Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. (509-893-8390)

FILM

12TH SPOKANE JEWISH CULTURAL FILM FESTIVAL Catch a glimpse of the reality of Jewish experience with three diverse films, chosen to appeal to a wide audience. $10; $7/students, seniors. $28/$18n festival passes. Jan. 21 and 23, from 7-9 pm and Jan. 24 from 1-3 pm. Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W. Main Ave. sajfs.org (209-2383) MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED This feature-length documentary examines the history of education, revealing the growing shortcomings of our school model in today’s innovative world. Jan. 22, 7-8 pm. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front. gizmo-cda.org SUFFRAGETTE Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep lead the cast of a powerful drama about women who were willing to lose everything in their fight for equality in early 20th century Britain. Jan. 22-24, show times vary. $3-$6. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS Travel to Chauvet Cave, home to the most pictorial art ever discovered, with this Werner Herzog documentary. The film provides a unique view of nearly inaccessible, pristine works dating back 30,000 years. Jan. 26, 6 pm. Free. Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. (509-893-8390) BORN TO LEARN: BRAIN SCIENCE & EARLY LEARNING New imaging technology allows scientists to see the brain in action: how it grows, how it acts, and how it reacts. This documentary explores the fascinating science behind brain development and early learning.

Jan. 27, 6:30 pm. Free. Deer Park Library, 208 Forest St. (893-8300) UI OUTDOOR PROGRAMS: BACKCOUNTRY FILM FEST This film festival celebrates its 11th anniversary with nine unique films aimed to inspire winter adventurers to see the snow less traveled. Proceeds benefit the

RoyalsCannabis_KingsCourtMenu_012116_3H_GG.tif

Wallowa Avalanche Center. Jan. 27, 7-9 pm. $5. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127) BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL A slate of short films that celebrate humans’ love for exploring the great outdoors. Jan. 28, 7 pm. $12. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. (227-7404) RIFFTRAX: THE ROOM The stars of Mystery Science Theater 3000 are bringing “The Best of RiffTrax Live” back to select cinemas this January.

Mike, Kevin, and Bill re-broadcast their hilarious take on “The Room.”

Jan. 28, 7:30 pm. $13. Regal Cinemas, 4750 N. Division. fathomevents.com

FOOD & DRINK

VINO WINE TASTING Featuring Isenhower Cellars; tasting includes cheese and crackers. Jan. 22, 3-6:30 pm. Vino!

A Wine Shop, 222 S. Washington St. vinowine.com (509-838-1229) CLOVER + ROCKET MARKET WINE DINNER A six course dinner prepared

by Clover’s culinary team, paired with Spanish wine selected by Matt Dolan of Rocket Market and Tristan Ohms of Vinea Imports. Reservations required.

Jan. 25, 6:30 pm. $69/person. Clover, 913 E. Sharp Ave. cloverspokane.com COMMUNITY COOKING NIGHTS Each class offers a positive and relaxed environment to learn valuable scratchcooking skills, and to apply those skills to simple, healthy, and cost-effective meals. All recipes are based on what is readily available through Spokane County food banks. Register online.

Wednesdays in January, from 5:307:30 pm. Free. Second Harvest Food Bank, 1234 E. Front Ave. secondharvestkitchen.org LOVE YOUR FARMER, LOVE YOUR FOOD The annual event offers the chance for the community to meet local food producers around the Palouse, with a panel discussion at 6 pm. Also includes locally-sourced appetizers, a no-host bar and resource fair. Jan. 28, 5:30-8 pm. Free. 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St. moscowfood.coop PALOUSE-CLEARWATER FOOD SUMMIT 5.0 The theme of this year’s summit is “Feeding Ourselves: Collaborations for Increasing Local Food Access,” and will feature more than 15 speakers on seed saving, local food production, market development, farm-to-school, and community food security. Jan. 29, 9 am-4 pm. $15-$100.

Pullman. pcfoodcoalition.org 5TH ANNUAL BARTENDERS MIX OFF: BAR WARS The night features world champion bartenders from the Las Vegas Flair Academy, competing for awards including best cocktail, best flair, best theme involvement and people’s choice. Attendees are treated to cocktail samplings and specials, an hors d’oeuvres buffet, prizes and music from DJ Rouge. Jan. 30, 6-10 pm. $30.

Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 S Hwy 95. cdacasino.com (800-523-2464)

MUSIC

CDA SYMPHONY: REALM OF CURIOSITY The symphony’s annual family concert includes a program of works

by Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Mozart and even a Garrison Keillor piece. Jan. 22 at 7:30 pm, Jan. 23 at 2 pm. $10-$27.

Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd. cdasymphony.org (208-765-4957)

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 51

RELATIONSHIPS

Advice Goddess BEN HURRY

I’m a woman in my 40s, and I’ve been happily married for 22 years. Unfortunately, my husband and I have never been very compatible sexually. I had read so much Cosmo in college that I believed sex was something we could work on. Well, he is quick in the sack and uninterested in my pleasure. It’s been two decades of “Wham, bam, thank you, ma’am,” and our old four minutes of intercourse now lasts for about two. And yes, I have asked AMY ALKON him to attend to my needs — for years. He just blows me off. He’s always been satisfied, so he is not motivated to change. After a particularly quick encounter this morning left me feeling used, my thought was that I need a divorce. I’m distraught to think this way. Is there another option?

—Unsatisfied Sex can sometimes be confusing, but timewise, it shouldn’t leave you wondering whether you’ve been having it or poaching an egg.

There is only so much room for improvement if, in bed, two people go together like peanut butter and an oar. Still, Cosmo wasn’t entirely wrong. Sexual technique can be tweaked at least somewhat by working on it — that is, if both partners show up to the office and admit that there’s a job to do. And then there’s your husband, dead set on continuing to have sex on the “success in bank robbery” model: in and out before anybody knows what hit ‘em.

Though your sex face is obviously a frown, the big issue here isn’t bad sex; it’s bad love. You don’t seem to see it that way, perhaps due to “cognitive dissonance.”

That’s social psychologist Leon Festinger’s term for the psychological discomfort of simultaneously holding two conflicting views — like the belief that you’re worthy of love and the observation that your husband’s about as attentive to you in bed as he is to the headboard. To smooth out an inconsistency like this, we typically grab for whichever explanation helps us feel good about ourselves — which is maybe why you describe yourself as “happily married” to a man who acts like the clitoris is a rare exotic bird.

If, outside of bed, he’s actually loving enough for you to want to fix this, you might say something like “I love you and want to save our marriage, but I feel deeply unloved whenever we have sex.” Explain that if he isn’t willing to take steps to change, you don’t think you can stay with him. Specify the steps, like practice sessions in which you show him what you like and maybe some get-togethers with a sex therapist (a referee to call him on his sense of sexual entitlement).

Even if he were to agree to all of it, be realistic. Sex might start feeling more like being made love to than being bumped into by a naked man, but it’s unlikely to ever be mind-blowing or anything close. Still, you might be happy if you just see that he cares enough to make an effort in bed — one leisurely enough that you don’t expect it to be followed by “meep meep!” and a cartoon cloud of dust.

Look Before You keeP

This guy I’m dating had a mean, demanding girlfriend, and it left him kind of a relationship-phobe. He says meeting me two months ago made him want to change that. He is loving and seems excited to be with me, except for how he introduces me — as his “friend” or “ladyfriend.” Should I be worried that he doesn’t call me his girlfriend? —Irked It’s easy to go straight to all the worst reasons for why he won’t call you his girlfriend, like that it would seem disloyal to that secret wife he has stashed away in the suburbs.

However, keep in mind that a label (like “girlfriend”) isn’t just a word. Labels actually have power over our behavior. Research by social psychologist Elliot Aronson finds that we seem to have a powerful longing for consistency — for things to match. So, committing to a label tends to make us feel obligated to follow through with the behavior that goes with it — and never mind figuring out whether it’s what we really want.

Give the guy some time. He’s (understandably!) slow to do a cannonball into a new relationship, but you say he is “loving” and seems “excited” to be with you.

So, sure, he may be on the fence, but he doesn’t seem to be on the run. Until his answer to “What are we doing here?” is no longer “Not sure yet,” you might ask him to drop the likes of “ladyfriend” and just use your name — charming as it is to be introduced with what sounds like 19th-century code for “two-dollar hooker.” n ©2015, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. • Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405 or email AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com)

52 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

EVENTS | CALENDAR GUITARIST/COMPOSER ANDRE FERIANTE A concert by the award-winning, Segovia-trained guitarist and composer who has performed around the world during his 30-year career. Jan. 23, 7-8:30 pm. $15-$20. Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St. thejacklincenter.org (208-457-8950) PIANIST ROBIN SPIELBERG The popular artist tours both as a soloist with her one woman piano show as well as with her trio, American Tapestry. Reservations to this event are required. Jan. 23, 7 pm. Steinway Piano Gallery, 13418 E. Nora Ave. (327-4266) SPOKANE SYMPHONY CLASSICS NO. 5: LOVE HURTS Experience a musical journey of passion and emotion, from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the turn of the 21st century. Featuring Alon Goldstein on the piano. Jan. 23 at 8 pm, Jan. 24 at 3 pm. $15-$54. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague. (624-1200) WASHINGTON IDAHO SYMPHONY A program of works by Ravel, Debussy and Stravinksy, featuring harpist Matthew Tutsky. $10-$25. Jones Theatre at Daggy Hall, WSU Pullman campus. washingtonidahosymphony.org INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT The event brings together the world’s foremost acoustic guitarists to perform their latest original compositions and exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. Jan. 24, 8 pm. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. bingcrosbytheater.com (509-227-7404) NORTHWEST SACRED MUSIC CHORALE AUDITIONS The chorale is looking for people who love to sing. Auditions held on Tuesdays in January, at 5:45 pm. Reserve audition time online.

Free. Community Presbyterian Church, 417 N. William St. nwsmc.org

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SPOKANE CHIEFS VS. KOOTENAY ICE Regular season hockey match. Jan. 23, 7:05 pm. $10-$22. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokanearena.com GOTH RUGBY WINTER TRAINING Spokane’s first boys high school rugby club is holding indoor winter conditioning/training through end of Feb. 2016 to prep for the 2016 spring season.

New players welcome. Meets Wed/Sun, from 7:30-9:30 pm, through Feb. 28.

Free. SYSA Indoor Sports Center, 730 N. Hamilton. gothrugby.com (228-8170) KAYAK CAMPING IN BEAUTIFUL PLACES Hulda Bridgeman presents six beautiful places within a day’s drive, sharing photos, and tips on gear and food. Great for both beginners and experienced kayakers. Jan. 25, 7-8:30 pm.

Free. Mountain Gear Corporate Offices, 6021 E. Mansfield Ave. sckc.ws HANDS-ON WAXING BASICS CLASS A hands-on maintenance class focusing on how to prepare your skis and boards throughout the winter season. Use our waxing benches, irons, wax and brushes as REI shop techs talk and walk you through the best practices in waxing your alpine skis and snowboards. Jan. 26, 6:30-8:30 pm. $35-$55. REI, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)

THEATER

LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES A French tale of seduction among aristocrats be-

fore the revolution, this classic drama explores decadent sexuality, morals, and manipulation played as the ultimate game with tragic results. Through Jan. 31; Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $18-$25. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spokanecivictheatre.com NT LIVE PRESENTS: JANE EYRE This acclaimed re-imagining of Brontë’s masterpiece was first staged by Bristol Old Vic last year. Director Sally Cookson now brings her celebrated production to the National, presented as a single, performance. Jan. 21, 7-10 pm. $12. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org ALL MY SONS Arthur Miller’s masterpiece based on a true tragedy. The shadow of catastrophe is hidden deep in the unbearable power known as The American Dream. Jan. 22-Feb. 7; ThuSat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Thurs.Sun.. through Feb. 7. The Modern Theater Coeur d’Alene, 1320 E. Garden Ave. themoderntheater.org (208-667-1323) THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR A readers theater production of the Shakespeare comedy. Jan. 22-23 at 7 pm, Jan. 24 at 2 pm. $5/door. Ignite!

Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway Ave. igniteonbroadway.org (795-0004) MODERN THEATER SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY Doors open at 6:30 pm for a social hour with live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a display of the 2016-17 season artwork by Jeremy Whittington. Jan. 23, 7:30 pm. $20. Modern Theater Spokane, 174 S. Howard. themoderntheater.org SONGS FOR THE STAGE The CdA Summer Theatre and the CdA Charter Academy’s Performing Arts Dept. share a stage to help build a stage, performing songs from Broadway classics. Jan. 23, 7-9 pm. $25. Coeur d’Alene Eagles, 209 Sherman. cdasummertheatre.com WORKSHOP: IT’LL COME TO YOU The Modern Theater presents the first workshop ever of Doug Dawson’s original piece of musical theater, about a successful businessman’s relapse into drinking. Jan. 24, 7:30 pm. $5. The Modern Theater Spokane, 174 S. Howard. themoderntheater.org (455-7529) THE BOOK OF MORMON The outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Jan. 26-31; show times vary. $44-$155. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. inbpac.com (279-7000)

VISUAL ARTS

CURATORS’ CHOICES: THE GREG KUCERA & LARRY YOCOM COLLECTION Assembled collaboratively over a 30-year span, the Kucera/Yocom collection focuses primarily on contemporary and historic art of the Northwest, while encompassing many significant works by internationally-known artists. Through March 25. Opening reception Jan. 21, from 6-8 pm. Gallery open Mon-Sat, 10 am-4 pm, Thu until 7 pm. Free and open to the public. Museum of Art/WSU, Wilson Rd, Pullman. museum.wsu.edu HARVEST: THE BOUNTY OF WASHINGTON A juried fine art photography exhibition highlighting food products that are grown and harvested in Washington state, with more than 60 works

by Northwest photographers. On display through February during public events. Free. Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. spokan-

ecenter.com/harvest-art-exhibit/ NATURE CONNECTS: LEGO BRICK SCULPTURES The MAC displays 27 giant sculptures created from nearly 500,000 LEGO bricks, created by nationally-renowned, award-winning artist Sean Kenney, the first artist to be named a LEGO Certified Professional.

Through Feb. 7, 2016; gallery hours Wed-Sun, 10 am-5 pm. Museum admission applies. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (456-3931) THE FACES OF THE MOON An exhibition featuring the gallery’s collection of more than 30 local artists, some of which are new to the gallery. Meet the artists, view local art and enjoy appetizers and libations. Jan. 23, 2-7 pm. New Moon Art Gallery, 1326 E. Sprague, Ste. B. newmoonartgallery.com (413-9101) RIVER RIDGE ASSN. OF FINE ARTISTS Spokane’s largest art group begins the year with a show and tell of what’s new and innovative at Spokane Art Supply. Incoming president Gina Hoeffler also outlines what’s in store for the group in 2016.

Jan. 27, 10 am-12:15 pm. Free. Spokane Art Supply, 1303 N. Monroe. (327-6628)

WORDS

EWU VISITING WRITERS: LILY HOANG Hoang is the author of four books and was also a guest contributor to this year’s Inlander Fiction issue. Jan. 22, 7 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. getlitfestival.org (838-0206) LOVE & OUTRAGE OPEN MIC Join the Love & Outrage collective for its first open mic. Bring poetry or prose that expresses your love and/or outrage and your listening ears. Jan. 22, 7-9 pm.

Free. Boots Bakery & Lounge, 24 W. Main Ave. on.fb.me/1OsJyRG 2015 FBP CHAPBOOK AWARD WINNERS Spokane’s Poet Laureate, Laura Read presents a panel of the 2015 FBP award winners/authors: Michael Schmeltzer, Brian Cooney and Maya Jewell Zeller. The poets offer advice and discuss their writing and answer audience questions. Followed by a reading.

Jan. 23, 6-8 pm. Free. Spark Center, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. sparkwestcentral.org READING: NOAH KROESE The Idaho illustrator and author reads from his new graphic novel, “Saturday.” Jan. 23, 7-8 pm. Free. Auntie’s, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com (838-0206) PALEOANTHROPOLOGY WITH JIM CHATTERS The first scientist to excavate and study Kennewick Man presents on his recent work studying Naia, the ancient skeletal remains of a teenage girl discovered in an underwater cave on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Jan. 24, 2-3 pm. Free. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd. (893-8350) GONZAGA VISITING WRITER SERIES: MANUEL GONZALES The author and U. of Kentucky professor’s fiction and nonfiction have been published in McSweeney’s, Fence, Tin House, Open City, One Story and other publications. Jan. 27, 7:30 pm. Free. Gonzaga, 502 E. Boone Ave. gonzaga.edu (328-4220) READING: KORBY LENKER The songwriter, musician and author reads from his book of short stories, “Medium Hero,” inspired by 15 years of touring as a musician. Jan. 27, 7-8 pm. Free. Auntie’s, 402 W. Main. (838-0206) n

Need to Unwind?

MENTION THIS AD

FOR A FREE

355 nder.com 09) 444-7 la PHONE: (5BulletinBoard@In mit Parkway : IL u A S M t Ee s m 01 2 N: 1227 W IN PERSO Spokane, WA 99 Sun Meadow Family Nudist Resort & Year Round Skinny Dipping 208-686-8686

Christian Science Healing Theodora Sallee Practitioner 509-481-8585

Adopt Me!

&

509-590-9098 com highlightssalonandspa.

SAVE 10%

Bring in your adoption papers from SCRAPS, Spokanimal or the Humane Society and receive EVERY 15% OFF on food andWEDNESDAY supplies for your new pet.

Must be within 30 days of pet adoption.

Spokan Locally e’s Own Pet Sto ed r Since 1 e 944

2422 E. Sprague 534-0694 • 7302 N. Division 484-7387

27. Almost never 28. 1994 Peace Prize sharer with Rabin and Arafat 29. Josh of “How I Met Your Mother” 31. “Solaris” author Stanislaw 32. Before now 35. Words before Galilee or Tranquility 36. Have ____ for life 39. Do just what the doctor ordered 41. Bart and Lisa’s grandpa 42. Mello ____ (soft drink) 43. Commoner 44. It contains M.S.G. 45. Composer Stravinsky and others 46. Pelvic bones 48. “Silent Spring” topic 49. Sister 50. It may be struck in a field 51. Holy animal?

52. Bloated, as the stomach

FriendlyFolkFinder. co Find friends in your are m a with the same interests as you .

It’s so easy take a look!

REVERSE

MORTGAGE LIVE A BETTER LIFE!

208-762-6887

Haven Homes is looking for people to join our team as caregivers. Based in Medical Lake our agency supports & cares for adults with developmental disabilities in their homes. Bring your strengths dedication & enthusiasm & see the difference you can make in the lives of our clients!

All training is provided & is paid. Starting at $10/hr with opportunities for incentive pay benefits for full-time.

Full & part time positions available.

Call Eric at 299-4768

Online Scheduling

New Location!

The Pelican Building 707 N Cedar Suite #4

Dezana Aman, LMP

509.998.0255 ArtOfMassage-Spokane.com MA 60016914

Psychic Readings

3425 Briarfield Blvd. Suite 100 Maumee, OH 43537

Lawn & Garden • Pets • Fish • Ponds • Gifts

www.nwseed.com

Deep Tissue :: Hot Rock Sports :: Relaxation

Brittney Kay Ellis

LarryWaters Waters Larry NMLS IDMortgage 400451 Consultant Reverse 1-866-787-0980 Toll-Free 208-762-6887 Local

COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS

ACROSS 1. Uncle ____ 4. Network that put out a ‘09 book of movie-themed crosswords 7. Like some verbs: Abbr.

10. “Paris, Texas” director Wenders 13. Boxer Laila whose last name appears backwards in her first name 14. High-level, as a farm team 15. Prefix with liberal or conservative 16. Signature Obama health measure, for short 17. Alternative to :-) 18. “____ be a pleasure!”

19. Elite athlete 21. Fictional captain who says “Thou damned whale!”

23. “Grey’s Anatomy” locale: Abbr.

25. “No ____ is worse than bad advice”: Sophocles 26. 64-Across alum Carvey

SE

Learn more about LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE reverse loans FREEmortgage INFORMATION

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10-5:30pm Wed: noon - 6:30 & Sun 10-5pm SCRAPS, 6815 E. Trent Ave. (509) 477-2532 spokanecounty.org/SCRAPS

Specializing in Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy

WITH COLOR PURCHA

This cute critter needs a home!

Skol 00189, neutered male, DLH This charming gentleman is a beauty.

He loves to be pet and is very eager to find his forever home.

The SCRAPS website has a complete list of all the animals available for adoption or found.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

HAIRCUT

NMLS1079636 Must be at least 62 years of age.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS581479 3/11-6/11

SALES/ Sales Management positions available with large company expanding into Pacific Northwest. Seeking successoriented salespeople consultants recruiters business owners & managers. Our team is looking for motivated people serious about their financial futures & who want to build a business while changing lives. Training resources & mentoring provided. Full-time part-time & spare-time available.

Contact 509 990 2218.

Mentoring Coaching

For All Your Soap Making Needs!

Beginning Soap Class January 26 & 27, 6-8 pm $55 GreenCastle Soap & Supply 203 N. Stone Spokane 509.466.7223

55. Malaysian designer who created a high-end line of women’s shoes 58. Legendary marathoner Waitz 59. “I think ...,” in texts 60. “... or ____ gather” 61. Kindle and Nook, for two 63. White House website address ending 64. See 26-Across 65. On the ____ (in hiding) 66. Apt name for a crime boss 67. Music genre that influenced No Doubt 68. “Your point being ...?”

69. Expected 70. “Dexter” airer, for short DOWN 1. With 22-Down, something commonly protected by a 20-Down

509.838.4165

Counseling

3606 South Regal. Spokane, WA 99223

smilesofspokane.com

HOT LOCAL GUYS Browse & Reply FREE! 206-877-0877 use code 2658

“SNEEZE GUARD”

2. 2015 film that came under fire for being set in Hawaii but having no non-white actors 3. Where to see Leonardo’s “The Last Supper”

4. Mai ____ 5. Kind of ray 6. Figures in some Renaissance paintings 7. Ideally

Sales Administrative Assistant Accounts Payable Clerk PT Human Resources Maintenance Technician District Supervisor Apply online at www.abm.com ABM is an EEO (M/F/Vet/Disability/Gender Identity/ Sexual Orientation)

8. Hinduism, e.g.: Abbr.

9. Dungeons & Dragons, e.g.

10. They’re often spit out during the summer 11. Start of Caesar’s boast 12. Steenburgen and Cassatt 20. It’s represented by this grid’s long row of vertical black squares (and, judging by the circled letters, it’s doing its job) 22. See 1-Down 24. 2002 animated movie with the tagline “A Hero Will Rise. On Four Legs” 30. Smokestack emission 32. Hooded vipers 33. Big do 34. 1971 Santana hit 37. 35mm camera type 38. NFL pauses 40. Nearly overflowing 47. Milano of “Charmed” 53. Eponymous brewer Bernhard THIS WEE 54. Kind of question ANSWERS K’S 55. Lively dances I SAW YO ON 56. “Don’t worry about me” US 57. Mass. neighbor 62. ____ de toilette

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 53

Wayne Deibel used to be a pastor with an undiagnosed mental illness. Now he’s helped to form a faith-based support group where people can share their common experiences and recovery. JAKE THOMAS PHOTO

Therapy and Prayer

A former pastor seeks to address a topic long considered taboo in churches

BY JAKE THOMAS

W

ayne Deibel stands in the kitchen in north Spokane’s Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church, in front of about a dozen people who drove through ice and snow for a meal of chili and cornbread, and to discuss a common problem that’s frequently left undiscussed in places like this.

As Deibel speaks, his expression brims with enthusiasm. His eyes light up. He gestures emphatically. He speaks with the urgency of a pastor giving a sermon.

That’s because he used to be one. Tonight, in a way, he’s reprising that role.

“We all know people who have mental illness, and you don’t have to go very far to find them,” he says.

Everyone here tonight is part of Fresh Hope, a support group for people who’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, as well as their loved ones. This group seeks to incorporate people’s spiritual lives in their recovery while broaching the topic of mental health with churches, which have long been unsure of how to address it. In 2014, a survey from LifeWay Research, a company that polls church leaders, found that 66 percent of pastors rarely or never talk about mental illness, and only a quarter of churches have a plan to assist families affected by mental illness.

“But you’ve got to figure these things out,” says Deibel. “We need a place for our brains and our hearts.”

T

hese days, Deibel sells insurance out of his Spokane office. Previously, the self-described “people person” spent 25 years as a pastor in Presbyterian

54 INLANDER JANUARY 21, 2016

churches in Cleveland and parts of California before an undiagnosed bipolar disorder helped to end his last job in St. Louis.

During this time, he was grappling with bipolar disorder, a mental illness marked by periods of high energy and joyful, manic intensity followed by depressive episodes.

Deibel, 55, recalls how he’d wake up suddenly at 3 am as if a rock band had set up next to his bed and just turned on their amplifiers.

“There’s no way I was going back to sleep. My mind was like, boom!” he recalls. “I used to say I don’t go to bars, I go to Kinko’s.”

One morning at 3, he awoke with a lyric from a Larry Norman song blaring in his head: “Without love, you ain’t nothing without love.” He drove to Kinko’s and began printing photocopied papers that he assembled into a 8-by-10-foot mural with bright, psychedelic colors featuring the lyric. “I didn’t know what I wanted it to be,” he says. “I just wanted to do something and I kept going and I taped it to newsprint.” He posted it in his house.

His family and visitors weren’t sure what to make of it.

Other times, his mind would be racing with some idea that he just had to share with a friend.

“I would get phone calls from Wayne, sometimes in the middle of the night,” says Keith Beebe, a longtime friend of Deibel who chairs Whitworth University’s theology department. “And he would not be aware it was 2 in the morning or 4 in the morning.”

Another time, he remembers coming to his church

in Cleveland early, printing out pictures of congregation members and pinning them to the wall, along with Bible quotes, in the head pastor’s office. Deibel used yarn to represent connections that he thought the church should be making. His head pastor didn’t appreciate it.

“He said, ‘I’m going to come back in 45 minutes and you need to take this down,’” Deibel recalls.

I

n the 1990s, he returned to California with his family, where he helped set up a new church in the Clovis area. Betty Braddy, who worked on new church development for the Presbyterian Church, remembers Deibel being an energetic pastor who incorporated his love for music into the church’s services. She also remembers times when his condition manifested. He would make brash decisions, such as deciding to move the church to a permanent location without consulting church committees.

The church fell apart after its permanent locations kept falling through. Deibel took his family to St. Louis for another pastoring job. There, he says, he clashed with its other leaders over the church’s direction, which was made worse by his untreated condition. “My mental health definitely ended that job,” says Deibel.

His condition also affected his family life: “There were times when I would get angry, and I would go to hotel for a night, because I knew with that type of mania you’re just frustrated.” In depressive episodes, he was unable to get out of bed, but would get up for Sunday services.

At age 45, Deibel saw a psychiatrist to get help with his sleep problems, leading to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He sees a counselor and is on medications, but says he still struggles with noisy sporting events or even large family gatherings. Now he’s finishing up a book that he hopes will start a conversation with churches about mental health.

“You gotta have both [therapy and prayer],” he says.

“Otherwise the church is just propagating the stigma.

I think the church is making the progress, but it’s slow progress. In our society it’s slow progress.” n

ONE EVENING, YEARS IN THE MAKING...

CHILDREN 15 AND UNDER ONLY $12.50!

All other tickets only $25.

wcebroadway.com 800.325.SEAT GROUPS SAVE! 509.7 77.6253

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 1:00 PM INB Performing Arts Center Thurs 1/21, Inlander

RAY WHITNEY BOBBLE HEAD NIGHT SATURDAY 1/23 vs. KOOTENAY ICE The first 2,000 fans will receive a Ray Whitney Bobblehead.

Sponsored By:

For Tickets Call 509.535.PUCK

Game Time:

7 PM

www.SPOKANECHIEFS.com

JANUARY 21, 2016 INLANDER 55

$45K G I V E A W AY

GIVEAWAY