Inlander 12/01/2022

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The cost of living is top of mind for most of this year. High prices on potential gifts don’t help. Still, a recent survey reported in Forbes shows that Americans plan to dole out more than $1,000 this holiday season on gifts. We all know that buying that perfect gift for someone you love can be a true bonding experience. But in our precari ous world, we should all be mindful of how — and where — our money is spent.

While the convenience of Amazon is too great for many of us to shun the online shopping megalodon, it really doesn’t need your dollars. Amazon’s owner is worth $120 billion — adding up your savings, home value and everything else you own, that’s still about $120 billion more than you have or will ever earn. So take your money, spend it locally, and keep the money circulating among your neighbors and friends in the Inland Northwest. We have a wide variety of places to choose from in this year’s GUIDE (page 20). From what to buy your witchy friend to how to please those bookworm kids in your life, we’ve done our best to help you buy — lo cally! — that perfect gift.

— NICHOLAS DESHAIS, editor

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Monster Jam • December 9 - 11

Five Finger Death Punch + Brantley Gilbert • Tuesday, December 13

Snoop Dogg • Thursday, December 15

The Illusionists • Monday, December 26

Professional Bull Riders • Saturday, January 14

Harlem Globetrotters • Monday, January 23

Jo Koy World Tour • Friday, February 3

Bluey’s Big Play • February 8-9

Our Planet Live • Saturday, February 18

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IF YOU COULD GIVE ANYONE ANY

GIFT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

BROOKE LORENZ

I would give my parents a vacation for how hard they work for us.

Where would you send them? Hawaii. I might go too.

SARAH ABSALONSON

I would give my grandma my grandpa because he passed away 16 years ago and she’s been a widower ever since.

Aw, that’s sweet. Yeah (sighs).

JACARA FIKE

I would give my 85-year-old grandfather a trip to Sweden because he’s half Swedish.

Has he ever been?

No. He’s traveled across the U.S. and worked as a crane operator in Greenland. He likes the cold apparently.

JUSTIN HERRMANN

A fleshlight.

A flashlight?

No, a fleshlight. We played Cards Against Humanity last night.

MITCH KREPS

Probably the freedom from being afraid of whatever, whether it’s “I’m afraid of dogs” or “I’m afraid of losing a place to live” or “not be ing able to feed my family.” Because nobody should have to live with that fear.

INTERVIEWS BY CARRIE SCOZZARO 11/25/22, WONDER BUILDING

Paralyzed by Polarization

We keep hearing that we can’t agree on anything; what if that’s more self-fulfilling prophecy than reality?

BY BILL BRYANT

Cable news, social media, podcasts all bombard us with analysis about how we are becoming a more polarized, divided nation. Before writing this month’s column, I wanted to see if that was borne out in how Spo kane County voted in the congressional and U.S. Senate races.

In Spokane County, Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray received about 44 percent of the vote in 2010 and about 45 percent this year, nearly the same percentage as 12 years ago. Republican Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers received about 56 percent of Spokane County’s vote this year, compared with about 60 percent in 2010, down a bit, but her results two years ago were about the same as in 2010. I didn’t see any sign of the increasing polarization we hear so much about, until I took a second look at the numbers.

In 2012, Murray outperformed the Demo

cratic congressional candidate by 7,838 votes, and McMorris Rodgers outperformed the Republi can U.S. Senate candidate by 8,929 votes. Those numbers suggest that 12 years ago in Spokane County there could have been roughly 7,800 to 8,900 independent swing voters. Even though there were about 40,000 more voters this year, it appears there were half as many independent swing voters. I’m guessing between 3,700 to 4,300.

began wondering if this was another example of how we are becoming more polarized, so I decided to ask the expert. I called Mónica Guzmán, author of I Never Thought of It That Way, a New York Times staff-recommended read. Her

Comparing the 2010 and 2022 elections shows there are fewer swing voters than ever in Spokane County. COURTESY PHOTOS

book encourages people to lean into curiosity and listen. Guzmán, a Democrat, wrote the book after learning her parents voted for Donald Trump, and after trying to truly understand why and what they were thinking.

I caught up with Guzmán just as she was taking a holiday break from a national tour speaking to university, business and political audiences. She had the perspective I needed.

Guzmán explained that just because voting patterns tighten up does not necessarily mean people are more divided on issues than they were a few years before — it could be they just think they are. She explained there are two types of polarization. Ideologi cal polarization is where policy differences divide groups. Then there is affective polarization, which is where people’s feelings divide groups. Guzmán explained that she has encountered many examples of people being more affectively polarized than they were in years past.

That was the case with this past election in central Puget Sound. There, even though voters agreed with Republicans on inflation, crime, homelessness, new taxes and Olympia’s unsus tainable spending, they didn’t vote for Republicans because they don’t trust them. Voters weren’t as ideologically polarized from Republicans as they were affectively polarized.

When we are affectively polarized, we imagine or suspect or believe what the other side thinks, and often we think “they” disagree with “us” more than they do. Projected differences generate anxiety that prompts judgment more than engagement, which devolves into a downward spiral. In politics, too often we base what “we” think “they” are thinking on signals from media sources; media sources that might have a profit incentive to keep everyone in a lather.

If that’s where we are now, then the good news is maybe we aren’t all that much more divided on issues than we were 12 years ago, but we think we are. I Never Thought of It That Way is a guidebook for getting beyond what we imagine the other side thinks and engaging in conversations that unlock the possibility of finding common ground.

All of us, and certainly all those who were just elected to office, need to be curious. Listen. Engage with those who disagree.

All of us should heed the advice that Cecil Andrus, former Democratic governor of Idaho and President Jimmy Carter’s secretary of the interior, gave me when I first ran for public office in 2007. Andrus wrote me endorsing my candidacy, then added: “Work hard to avoid the partisanship that is poisoning our political process. Neither party nor one individual has all the right answers… We too often forget that the western United States was not built solely by ‘rugged individualists’ but by those willing to seek and find common ground even when that requires working together with political adversaries to achieve visionary goals.”

As we head into the holiday season, let’s all commit to engag ing and working with those we disagree with. Let’s quit grousing about how divided we are and quit demonizing the other side. Let’s turn off cable news and stop reading political social media posts. Let’s be curious and listen. We might discover we aren’t as divided as the media keeps telling us we are. n

Bill Bryant, who served on the Seattle Port Commission from 2008-16, ran against Jay Inslee as the Republican nominee in the 2016 governor’s race. He is chairman emeritus of the company BCI, is a founding board member of the Nisqually River Foundation and was appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to serve on the Puget Sound Partnership’s Eco-Systems Board. He lives in Winthrop, Washington.

All those who were just elected to office, need to be curious. Listen. Engage with those who disagree.

A DAM SHAME

Some Pacific Northwest federal dam workers hurt on the job say the federal compensation program wastes time and money, in some cases leaving them permanently disabled

BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

Two days before Christmas last year, Jim Karney was headed into work as a power plant operator at the Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River in Idaho when he slipped on a patch of ice in the parking lot and injured both of his shoulders.

Between delays for the holidays, the pandemic and federal workers’ compensation approvals, he couldn’t get an MRI scheduled until mid-February so a doctor could properly diagnose his injury.

In the time that had passed, his torn rotator cuff had recessed into the muscle on his left shoulder, leaving no way to fix the loss of strength in his dominant arm.

“This sucks. I’m left-handed,” Karney says. “It’s not Earth-ending, but it is life-altering.”

But his troubles were far from over. On top of dealing with his health, he learned that filing a claim through the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensa tion Programs is painful in its own way. Despite trying to ensure his forms were submitted properly after surgery on his other shoulder, his pay was delayed for weeks as his employer, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, didn’t submit the information exactly how the compensation office requested it.

“If a claimant’s going to sit back and do nothing, then they’re going to get nothing,” Karney says of the process. “It’s a mess. You totally feel alone, you know? … They’ve got to acknowledge a systemic issue and really help people out.”

Karney is far from the only hydropower worker to struggle with the compensation program. In the Corps’ Northwestern District, which includes about 5,500 employees across 14 states, there are roughly 300 open workers’ compensation claims this year, according to the

district’s human resources department.

Several Pacific Northwest dam workers injured in recent years say the employee-driven compensation process has resulted in poor health care. After workplace accidents caused by everything from faulty welding to icy walkways, some faced months- or yearslong delays that made it difficult to find a surgeon willing to operate, or resulted in permanent injuries.

Even when a work injury was clearly documented, some needed repeated appointments to get a medical professional’s detailed narrative showing their injuries resulted from their accident. Others were told to use private insurance for their needs, even though private insurers typically won’t cover workplace accidents.

Above their own pain and suffering, some are frus trated that taxpayers may foot even higher bills — some of the publicly paid employees rely on tax-free workers’ compensation checks during recovery or disability.

“I think this problem is nationwide, I think it extends everywhere,” says Charles “Mark” Wall, who works at the Dalles Dam on the Columbia River and serves as a union representative. “These accidents are unfortunate. They happen, and when they do, the employee is screwed.”

DEBILITATING INJURIES

Anthony Perry, an electronic craftsperson at the Dalles Dam, slipped on the ice in 2018 on his way into work, landing on his coffee thermos and injuring his sciatic nerve.

Perry says it took more than three years before he could get surgery, due to delays getting federally ap proved scans and appointments, and trouble finding a surgeon to work with him.

“The willingness of someone to take your case di minishes because the chances of your full and successful recovery begin to diminish over time,” Perry says.

There’s also Josh Adams, a powerhouse electrician at the Dalles who was injured during a training exercise in July 2021. It would take months to realize he had a herni ated disc, and he didn’t get surgery until September this year. Adams says he had repeated medical visits, at times because he wasn’t aware of specific forms he needed a doctor to sign.

“My employer didn’t give me a checklist” of required forms, Adams says. “Everything was trial and error on my part.”

Wall, the union rep, knew their stories but it was his own workplace injury in June that really opened his eyes to how complicated the learning curve is once an employee is injured.

Wall faced multiple coverage denials, from fighting to get scans to needing his doctor to explain how the tear in his shoulder was related to his accident, which was initially diagnosed as a strain.

Wall ultimately emailed his chain of command about his case, noting that others have struggled to get timely health care. His surgery was approved a month after his commander got involved.

“I don’t know what they’re doing or why they’re de nying these cases, but they’ve actually got people that are refusing to even file a claim through them because it’s just taking forever,” Wall says. “They’re going through their own insurance. They’re lying about the injury and to their own doctors so that they can get the injury repaired, and that’s just not right.”

Federal workers, like those who work at the Dalles Dam (pictured), filed more than 182,000 injury claims in fiscal year 2022.

The Corps no longer uses human resources to help employees file claims with the Department of Labor. Instead, since 2015 they’ve directed injured employees to the Army Benefits Center in Kansas, which is supposed to pair workers with an injury compensation program administrator, says Eric Dehnert, human resources direc tor for the Corps’ Northwestern Division.

“Ultimately the employees are responsible for initiat ing claims, and first and foremost, letting their supervi sor know so they are aware a claim is going to be filed,” Dehnert says. “They’re assigned a [benefits center] admin istrator once they initiate the claim, and then that person will work with the employee or supervisor to make sure everything is filed appropriately.”

Multiple injured workers said that once they got in touch with the benefits center, things worked smoother. But employees weren’t always automatically paired with someone.

Pete Hobart, a power plant mechanic whose back was injured at the Dalles Dam, was hammering equipment in February when he suddenly had stabbing pain in his back and his leg went numb. He was checked at urgent care, got an MRI and had a surgical consultation within a week of his injury. He learned a disc in his spine had splintered and pinched his spinal cord, causing the numb ness in his right leg, but it should be operable.

“I thought everything was going great,” Hobart says.

But workers’ compensation didn’t accept his claim until March, under a “non-billable medical code,” he says. Over the next few months, he and his wife repeat edly called his claims examiner at the Department of Labor, leaving voicemails that wouldn’t be returned for a week or more.

He set a surgery date by late summer, but then got a call: Workers’ compensation needed a second medi cal opinion. He was told near the end of September that appointment would take less than 30 days for the federal office to schedule. As of late November that still hadn’t happened.

“This whole process, I don’t understand why it’s taking so long,” says Hobart’s wife, Terena. “Watching him suffer and go through this pain, that’s not right. This should be done in a timely manner, not almost a year later.”

Meanwhile, Hobart says he’s pretty much given up hope.

“It’s been over nine months,” Hobart says. “The surgeon told me that there’s really nothing he can do at this point, the nerve dam age is permanent.”

Hobart says he didn’t hear from the benefits center until he sent an angry email to the federal workers’ compensa tion office asking his claims examiner to answer their phone and do their job.

“I think a big part of it is that nobody really knows how the process is supposed to work,” he says.

‘STRUGGLE BUS’

Jon Erickson was injured in 2014 when steel plates weigh ing nearly a ton broke through a faulty bracket and fell

on him, crushing many small bones in his ankles and feet and shattering one of his knee caps.

For Erickson, a mechanic at the Chief Joseph Dam at the time, the accident landed him in the hospital for five days, during which time a supervisor opened a claim for him.

“The day after I was discharged I had a medical ap pointment and I get a phone call from the doctor’s office saying, ‘Hey, we can’t see you. … We called [the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs], and they said your case file is closed,’” Erickson says. “For me being a wellpaid, knuckle-dragging mechanic … I don’t know what the hell OWCP is or any of this other stuff.”

He was put in touch with a Corps of Engineers hu man resources staffer to help him through his claim. But it took months, and hiring an outside attorney, to success fully argue that his injuries were not “insignificant.” The 47-year-old remains on workers’ compensation payments with permanent disabilities.

“Somebody needs to be there to help out the employ ee,” Erickson says, arguing that no amount of video train ing will prepare employees for the process of filing a claim.

“It’s been over nine months. The surgeon told me that there’s really nothing he can do at this point, the nerve damage is permanent.”

Antonio Rios, director of the division that handles workers’ compensation claims from all federal employees (from postal workers to dam workers), says that in 2020 the government started requiring all injury claims to go through an online portal, which was meant to help streamline the process. In fiscal year 2022, the office received more than 182,000 injury claims, he says, and each online file’s documents can be viewed by employees in real time.

“We rely on those federal agencies to make sure they dis seminate this information to their workforce,” to ensure they’re empowered to use the online portal, Rios says.

Corps spokesman Matt Rabe says the Corps does train super visors for accident procedures, but at locations with few employ ees, they may not have to deal with those claims often enough to know how to help.

“Our bottom line philosophy is that we take care of our people,” Rabe says.

Dehnert, the Corps human resources director, says that em ployees facing challenges should reach out through their chain of command to ensure they can get help with delays.

“If we don’t hear about these challenges, we can’t seek a reso lution,” Dehnert says.

But for employees who’ve had to become compensation ex perts while advocating for their own care, it’s frustrating that each agency doesn’t have a point person who can help with claims.

“When you have signatures from your supervisor and every body agrees that yes, this was an on-the-job injury, yes, this is legit, why am I still fighting for myself?” says Adams, who hurt his back. “They don’t want people getting hurt at work. People don’t want to get hurt at work. But if you do, let’s make it as painless and as stress-free as possible. What I’ve experienced, and what I’ve heard from others on my project, is it’s exactly the opposite of that. It’s been a struggle bus the entire way through.” n samanthaw@inlander.com

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The Votes Are In

Five big numbers from this year’s election

BY NATE SANFORD

An election season shadowed in concern about drop-box vigilantes and unfounded claims of voter fraud ended in a way that was… pretty uneventful. The projected winners mostly won, turnout was consistent, and the red wave didn’t really happen.

Still, this year’s results did hold a few surprises. Here are five big num bers that stood out.

1%

3Number of ballots being investigated by the Spokane County prosecuting attorney’s office for potential fraud.

Unfounded claims of wide spread election fraud — spurred by former President Donald Trump — continue to haunt local elections offices. Earlier this month, volunteers from both parties observed a threehour, state-required audit of the county’s vote-counting machines that found no issues.

Voter fraud does occasionally happen, but not in great enough numbers to sway elections. An Associated Press analysis found that the six battleground states that flipped the 2020 election for Joe Biden had fewer than 475 cases of potential voter fraud during that election. Out of 25 million votes.

About 225,000 ballots were cast in Spokane County this year. Of those, three are being investigated for potential fraud. The ballots all came from the same household, and had an “X” written on the line where voters are supposed to put their signature.

That was enough to raise the suspicion of the county canvass ing board, who determined that the signatures were not legitimate and referred them to the prosecuting attorney’s office to follow up and investigate for potential fraud. Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton has worked as county auditor since 1998 and says she can’t remem ber ever seeing something like this before.

$3 MILLION

Amount of corporate PAC money received by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

McMorris Rodgers has a tight grip on Washington’s 5th Congressional District. Progressives have been trying, and failing, to unseat her for years, including this year, when Natasha Hill got just 40 percent of voters to back her.

But despite running a reelection campaign that few people expected to be competitive, McMorris Rodgers was raking in the cash this election cycle. According to the Committee for Responsible Politics, which tracks spend ing in political races, McMorris Rodgers re ceived almost $3 million from corporate PACs this year — that’s more than any of the other 800 candidates who ran for the House across

the country this year. Much of the money McMorris Rodgers raised came from big com panies like Amazon, Microsoft, Blackstone, Koch, Sinclair, Target, SpaceX and Pfizer. The closest runner-up, Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., received just over $2 million in contributions from PACS.

Now that Republicans control the House, McMorris Rodgers, who is entering her 10th term, is expected to lead the Energy and Com merce Committee, which oversees a range of industries. Giants of the oil and gas industry — Chevron, Marathon Petroleum, Valero Energy, Southwest Gas and Edison Electric In stitute — all gave money to McMorris Rodgers.

Proportion of ballots that were challenged, mainly due to signature issues.

In Spokane, 2,443 ballots — 1.09 percent of the total — were challenged this election.

More than half of those ballots were challenged because election officials think the signature on the ballot didn’t match the one on file. People can “cure” their ballots by filling out a form fixing the signature issue, but many don’t.

1,183

The signature verification system is designed to protect against fraud, but advocates argue that many of the re jected ballots aren’t fraudulent — people are just inconsistent in how they write their signature. Many voters don’t know how to fix signature issues or simply don’t have time. Last week, three nonprofit groups filed a lawsuit in King County seeking to ban signature rejections and deem them unconstitutional.

The other big reason ballots get challenged is because they’re late. This year, 735 Spokane ballots were challenged because they were turned in after the 8 pm deadline on Nov. 8. There’s no way to cure those.

Votes separating Vicky Dalton, who oversees Spokane’s elections, and Bob McCaslin, who has

To trigger an automatic machine re count in Washington, candidates have to be separated by fewer than 2,000 votes and a 0.5 percentage gap. While the margin between Bob McCaslin, a departing Republican state representative, and Dalton, a Democrat, is less than 2,000, the percentage gap is 0.55 — just high enough to avoid an automatic recount. McCaslin, who can still request a ballot recount that he’d have to pay for, has previous ly alluded to election conspiracies in campaign materials. In 2021 he co-sponsored legislation calling for an audit of the 2020 election.

After it was clear Dalton had won, Mc Caslin sent out an email saying he was still

waiting for the final results, asked why cam eras weren’t running in the auditor’s office and said Dalton’s role overseeing elections “raises suspicions in the minds of voters regarding the integrity of the election.”

Dalton says she voluntarily steps back from managing elections anytime she is on the ballot. As soon as she files to run for of fice, the election manager disables her badge so she can’t open doors to the rooms where ballots are being counted. As for the cam eras, Dalton notes that the cameras were actually turned on before Election Day, and that people can file records requests for the footage.

32,708

The race to replace departing Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich featured two Republicans: John Nowels and Wade Nelson. Nowels, a current undersheriff who had Knezovich’s endorsement, won handily with 57 percent of the vote compared with Nelson’s 40 percent.

But a large number of voters — almost 15 percent of those who returned ballots — didn’t vote for either candidate.

The sheriff’s race had 28,565 undervotes, which means the voter left both bubbles on their ballot empty for that race. There were also 4,119 voters who wrote in someone else’s name, and another 24 voters bubbled in both options, which is not allowed.

Paul Dillon, a progressive activist and vice president of public affairs for Planned Parent hood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, says the two choices for sheriff this year left many progressive voters feeling cold. Dillon thinks many voters on the left had mixed feelings about supporting Nowels, Kne zovich’s chosen replacement. Though Nelson wasn’t exactly an Ozzie 2.0, Dillon notes that Nelson’s policy positions weren’t favorable to progressive ideals either.

While none of the other contested races this year attracted nearly as many undervotes and write-ins, it’s also worth noting that the sheriff’s race was the only county-wide race with two Republicans. n

cast doubt on the elections process.

Number of people who didn’t vote for either candidate for sheriff.

ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

Plow the Bikeways!

Spokane’s first real-deal protected bike lane — stretching from Monroe to Division streets on Riverside Avenue — is nearly finished. There’s still some work to do in the spring, but for now cyclists can ride downtown without worrying about getting squished. By putting a bike lane between the sidewalk and the parking lane, it’s safer — though watch out for passenger side doors opening. But when a big dump of snow hits, how does one plow such a bikeway? With a “baby plow,” says Marlene Feist, the city’s director of public works. (Basically, it’s a compact dozer with a plow attachment recently purchased by the city). Still, some bike lanes likely won’t get plowed if the snow is too deep. “When the snow gets super deep, it’s hard to get curb to curb without killing the pedestrian [space],” says Feist. “Our goal is to find that balance.” (DANIEL WALTERS)

CLEANER TRANSPORTATION

Starting Jan. 1, Washington will begin reducing emissions from transporta tion fuels like gasoline under its new Clean Fuel Standard, which was final ized this week. By 2034, the fuel standard is expected to cut emissions by 20 percent, the equivalent of taking 900,000 cars off the road, according to the state Department of Ecology. Lawmakers passed legislation requir ing the new standard in 2021, and the rules were finalized on Monday. The fuel standard creates a credit system that encourages market adoption of fuels with lower carbon intensity. Fuel suppliers can reach the reductions by increasing efficiency in the fuel production process, mixing more biofuels into their product and purchasing credits from low-carbon fuel providers such as those who provide electric vehicle charging. A third-party analysis found the program is unlikely to significantly impact gas prices, with a predicted increase of 4 cents per gallon by 2025. (SAMANTHA

WOHLFEIL)

OWNERS AND RENTERS

A proposed city law to “assist landlords and tenants” would require business licenses for landlords and a universal background and credit check system for tenants. It would also introduce anti-retaliation protections for renters and funds for property damage mitigation, legal services, and relocation assis tance. The ordinance, which was discussed at the Spokane City Council meet ing this week, has been in the works since 2017 with input from a landlord and tenant workgroup, but many of the property owners who testified on Monday night said they felt left out of the discussion. They described the proposed changes as “cryptic at best” and cited concern about over-regulating an already tight housing market. A renter who spoke in favor of the ordinance framed the debate as a “class war” — at one point taking off his jacket and pointing to his plain, gray T-shirt to highlight the contrast between the simple, working-man attire of renters like himself with that of the property owners who turned out in business casual for the meeting. (NATE SANFORD) n

Spokane’s new bikeway “baby plow.” COURTESY PHOTO

ARTS

A Colorful Community

The Spokane Coloring Book celebrates local landmarks and history while encouraging people to connect over art

BY CHEY SCOTT

Kelley Hudson had little choice but to uproot her family and settle in Spokane. It was mid-2020, and she was living in Denmark on a work visa, having moved there four years prior for her musician husband’s job. As COVID raged, however, the Scandinavian country wanted temporary residents out. So the Hudsons returned to the U.S., even tually landing in Spokane where friends resided.

Hudson was quickly charmed by the friendly Lilac City. Now, two years later, she’s celebrating the publica tion of the Spokane Coloring Book, filled with 30 of her intricate hand-drawn art of local landmarks.

“The universe gave me a gift, because how often do you end up in a town where there’s no coloring books?” Hudson says on a recent snowy evening inside Indaba Coffee Roaster’s Kendall Yards location.

“I’ve been to a lot of places, and that’s usually the first thing I check out when I’m at the airport or like at a city-

themed shop,” Hudson continues. “They almost always have coloring books or activity books. And when I came up here, I just noticed [Spokane] had a little alphabet coloring book [that’s more for kids] and that was it.”

An artist since early childhood and a professional photographer for over a decade, Hudson began to ex plore her new hometown via highly detailed pen-and-ink drawings of historic buildings and locales like Riverfront Park and numerous longtime local businesses. She loves drawing in situ (Latin for “in place”), which she did for all of the places in the book.

Yet Hudson’s initial intent was not to create a color ing book. That idea came thanks to a stranger.

“It was a guy on a plane. I was flying to San Diego to photograph a wedding, and the guy in front of me asked about my sketchbook. He was like, ‘Oh, where’d you get your coloring book?’” she recalls, adding that she’d been working on her drawing of the Monroe Street Bridge.

“I’ve looked for him everywhere, just to say, ‘Hey, thank you, you changed my life!’ I’m hoping that one day he finds me. If he hadn’t said that to me, I would have got off the plane, and I would have painted the whole thing.”

The Spokane Coloring Book was published this fall, with 500 copies initially printed with money Hudson received from Spokane Arts Grant Awards funding and sponsorships from three local businesses, which are also featured as coloring pages in the book: Avista (she drew the Washington Water Power building near the Spokane Falls), the General Store and Chaos Arcade.

When it came to narrowing down a long list of familiar landmarks, businesses and buildings to include in the Spokane Coloring Book, Hudson says she received invaluable feedback and sup port from users in two local groups on Facebook: “Spo kane History Researchers” and “I Love Spokane.”

Kelley Hudson’s detailed coloring book is now available for holiday gifting. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

“They’re the people who really pushed me” to make the book, she says. “They found me almost all of the connections for anybody I needed to talk to to get anything moving forward. I owe them a lot.”

One of the biggest challenges in creating the coloring book, Hudson says, was picking colorful places to include.

“People would be like, ‘Do the Parkade!’ but I’m like, guys, it’s a white building,” she says. “I mean, people could color it pink if they wanted. But then the Milk Bottle was non-negotiable at some point, and if I didn’t put it in there, people were going to get frustrated with me. But it’s also a white building, so if you look at it, I had to tailor it up a bit. I put flowers in the planter boxes and added a couple details to the tree and added birds.”

Among the 30 locations featured are historic businesses like Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor, Dick’s Hamburgers, the Moezy Inn, Maxwell House, O’Doherty’s Irish Grille and the Garland Theater. Manito Park’s Duncan and Japanese gardens, as well as Riverfront’s Looff Carrousel and Clocktower, are also featured.

“I wanted to make sure that Spokane was there,” she says. “It’s Spokane’s book.”

There are even a few private homes Hudson drew because she admired their unique features and architecture. She intention ally chose, however, not to include prominent pieces of public art by other artists (meaning you won’t find the Garbage Goat or Red Wagon inside).

Hudson incorporated nods to regional history and culture with a page of arrowleaf balsamroot flowers, another of lilacs, and a two-page spread in the centerfold that depicts the Spokane River teeming with salmon before White settlers arrived, as an homage to the region’s Native tribes and people.

“The Spokane Tribe really gave me the opportunity to learn about them,” she says. “I got to learn about their history, and what Spokane looked like before people came and built bridges and dams. And that whole experience was life changing and priceless.”

Now that the coloring book is in the hands of fellow artists, Hudson is painting each of her original drawings created for the book using watercolors. She plans to gift some to those whose properties are featured, but also hopes to do a local gallery show featuring all 30 colorized images.

“A lot of times I feel like I could pinch myself — like this isn’t really happening,” she says. “I’ve been an artist since I was a kid, and I’ve never had this much community support for anything I’ve ever done.”

Besides fulfilling her desire that Spokane have a coloring book geared toward an older audience, Hudson also created the hom age because of her own appreciation for coloring books as a social connector.

“I picked a coloring book because I wanted to color with people,” she says. “So in Scandinavia, over the winter time, you’ve got to hygge, right? Which is getting cozy with yourself and your family and your friends. You sit in your house and do things like play video games and board games, drink hot chocolate, have beautiful conversations and color together.

“We did that a lot [in Denmark], and when I came here, I wanted to get cozy and hygge, but I didn’t have any friends yet so I started making this coloring book,” she continues. “And I have literally made so many friends, and people want to know about it, and they want to color together. Getting money for a book is great, but I want to bring people back together.” n

Live Music is back at Coeur d’Alene Casino!

Every weekend, you’ll find live music at the Nighthawk Lounge with local bands playing past midnight. For a more relaxed vibe earlier in the evening, choose the option of live acoustic music in the Chinook Lounge.

Keanu

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2ND & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 6 PM - 9:30 PM

CHINOOK LOUNGE

Looking for a relaxing evening out? Come down to the Chinook Lounge and enjoy the musical stylings of Keanu.

Royale

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2ND & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 8:30 PM - 12:30 AM

NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE

Check out the NightHawk Lounge to hear Royale playing hits ranging from Come Together by the Beatles to Santeria by Sublime.

Kickstarting the Arts

ArtsFund’s Community Accelerator Grant seeks to help Washington art organizations recover from damages caused by the pandemic

BY MADISON PEARSON

Year after year, the Spokane community turns out at annual art events. But when the art community was hit hard by COVID, the outlook was bleak. Local arts organizations still continue to work overtime in an attempt to get their heads above water.

Help is on the way. ArtsFund, a statewide arts ad vocacy and grant-making organization based in Seattle, recently received a private infusion of $10 million from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. The contribution will fund its new Community Accelerator Grant pro gram, which aims to help arts organizations invest in their missions. The grants will go to organizations around the state and will range in amounts from $2,500 to $25,000.

This program is open to Washington-based arts and cultural organizations with a three-year average budget of $25,000 or greater that have primary missions to produce or support arts and cultural activities. Eligibility includes organizations with their own nonprofit status, fiscally sponsored organizations and tribal organizations.

Michael Greer, president and CEO of ArtsFund, says the goal while creating the program was to remove any barriers involved with receiving grants, and include a diverse set of people and organizations in the process.

“This is aimed to be a statewide distribution that is really intended to capture as much geographically and demographically of the state as possible,” Greer says. “That is reflected in our advisory panel. We wanted to create a panel that was reflective of the state of Washing ton as a whole.”

Choosing who sat on the Community Advisory Pan el was “extremely intentional,” Greer says. The panel’s 12 members are all involved in Washington’s art scene or philanthropy and “reflect a wide array of lived experi ences, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities,” Greer explains.

The panel includes two local names: Shelly Wyn ecoop, who administers grants for the Spokane Arts Grant Awards, and Ginger Ewing, Terrain’s executive director.

Both Wynecoop and Ewing have been deeply involved in Spokane’s art community, getting their hands dirty during the thick of the pandemic by applying for grants and doling out funds to struggling artists.

Wynecoop’s role at SAGA has allowed her to see firsthand some semblance of a recovery.

“Many organizations have begun to do what I call a needs assessment,” she says. “They’re starting to reach

out for that support as the shock of the damage from the pandemic wears off. I’m beginning to talk to people and guide them through the recovery process. This program came at a perfect time.”

One unique specification of these grants is that

they’re unrestricted, meaning applicants don’t have to specify exactly what the funds are being used for, just that they’re going into the organization in some way.

“That’s something you don’t see often in the arts sec tor,” Ewing says. “Unrestricted grants are, in many ways,

a gift. That tells us that the program understands that the organizations know what’s best for them and how to spend their money in the most impactful way possible.”

As members of the advisory panel, Wynecoop and Ewing are expected to speak up if something doesn’t seem equitable or if they have any advice for the ArtsFund team on how the program could run more smoothly. They’ll act as advisers for key aspects of the program, including community outreach, application materials, eligibility, the scoring process and the final distribution of the awards.

“I’m really wanting to advocate for the smaller arts organizations,” Wynecoop says. “It’s so hard to be heard and receive necessary funding when you’re not one of those bigger voices. An award of $25,000 will go a lot fur ther somewhere like Spokane than it would in the Puget Sound area. They’re not equal, and that’s what ArtsFund is trying to rectify with this program.”

Ewing has similar hopes for the grants. As the direc tor of Terrain, Spokane’s arts nonprofit, she’s seen just how much significant funding can change the outcome of an organization’s efforts.

“The arts are still struggling with the repercussions of the pandemic,” Ewing says. “Yes, we’re having events again, we’re gathering but we have two and a half years of lost revenue to make up for. That doesn’t come easily for smaller organizations.”

Though the arts are beginning to stir awake and reach out for much needed support, the work doesn’t end with this specific program.

“It’s going to take several years to recover,” says Wyn ecoop. “So I can only hope that this significant private in vestment will lead as an example for others. We hope that they will recognize that we are finding and using those investments and give more support in the future.” n

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY ACCELERATOR GRANT PROGRAM?

Funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Community Accelerator Grant program will provide unrestricted grants for cultural non profit organizations across Washington state in amounts between $2,500 and $25,000.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Washington state-based arts and cultural orga nizations with a three-year average budget of $25,000 or greater. This also includes organiza tions with their own 501(c)(3) status, fiscally sponsored organizations and tribal organizations.

WHEN WILL APPLICATIONS OPEN?

January 2023 with award distribution expected in the first quarter of 2023.

Learn more about the Community Accelerator Grant at artsfund.org/accelerator

Local arts supporters gather at Terrain 2022. CHIANA McINELLY PHOTO

TV TIME

Six Craptacular Christmas Movies

BY BILL FROST

What’s the worst Christmas movie that’s ever made you ho-ho-hope for death? I’m not talking mildly grating holiday flicks like Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn … buddy, buddy, buddy, why?), The Polar Express (creepy AF), or A Christmas Story (Ralphie probably grew up to be a Proud Boy), but gouge-youreyes-out-with-a-candy-cane, garland-decked garbage. Here are six of the most hilarious holiday abominations ever committed to film — dare you to stream any of them to completion over your Christmas break.

SAVING CHRISTMAS (2014; HULU, TUBI)

At one point in Saving Christmas, star Kirk Cameron looks directly at the camera and tells the audience to picture a cross every time they see a Christmas tree (ick). Cameron is trying to convince his cynical brother-in-law (named Christian White — yes, really) that Christmas isn’t commercialized enough and that it’s time to take it back from the pagans (Cameron is all about hammering the Christ back into Christmas). Bonus offense: White people breakdancing.

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT PART 2 (1987; PLUTO TV, TUBI)

You’ve probably heard of the original 1984 Silent Night, Deadly Night, but Part 2 is an obscurity for a reason. For one, Part 2 recycles 30 minutes of footage from the first movie, leaving barely an hour of “new” mate rial. At least that hour includes some creative kills via umbrella, jumper cables, and a classic “Garbage day!” meme, not to mention a decapitated nun. Thirty years later, star Eric Freeman appeared in the Ion holiday movie A Husband for Christmas(!).

JINGLE ALL THE WAY 2 (2014; DISNEY+)

Speaking of sequels you’ve never heard of, Jingle All the Way 2 replaces 1996 OGs Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad with Larry the Cable Guy and an extra from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody — blasphemy. Larry’s

daughter … ugh … Noel … wants the Hot Toy Item of the season for Christmas, but he’ll have to battle it out with her new (and rich) stepdad to get it. Not surpris ingly, Jingle All the Way 2 is a WWE Studios produc tion, a reliable crap cannon.

JACK FROST (1997; PEACOCK, TUBI)

Not to be confused with the feel-good Michael Keaton Jack Frost that came out a year later, 1997’s Jack Frost is a genetically mutated serial killer in the form of a snow man (so it makes as much sense as Keaton’s movie). Future American Pie star Shannon Elizabeth makes her unfortunate screen debut here with the weirdest and most anatomically questionable attack scene of any Christmas slasher flick (an homage to Psycho? Hitch cock is rolling over in his XXL grave).

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS

THE BUZZ BIN

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Art about art is a niche genre, yet fascinating for anyone interested in scholarly context, like how bibliophiles nerd out on couched references in their favorite literature or music fans get excited over a borrowed riff. Juventino Aranda’s exhibit, “ESPERÉ MUCHO TIEMPO PA VER,” at Washington State University’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (on display through March 11) offers two such pieces to pique the curiosity of art history fans. “Don’t Let My Glad Expression Give You the Wrong Impression (After Jasper Johns)” features Aranda’s version of the ubiquitous American flag that modernist Jasper Johns exploited in the ’50s, while Aranda’s monumental yet ominous “Reflections of Tomorrow’s Past (Fog of War)” pays homage to Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” from the 1920s. This is a powerful exhibition exploring the search for identity, something we can all relate to. (CARRIE SCOZZARO)

A SOLID FIND

While recently browsing the massive selection of locally handmade goods at From Here in River Park Square, I noticed some really funky looking earrings hanging on a display. Consider my interest piqued when, upon closer inspection, I find out that they’re made out of poured concrete! AK HARDWARE, the brand of these rock-solid statement pieces, is a collaboration between local makers Kimber Follevaag and Alycia Staggs. All of their pieces are crafted out of items found in a typical hardware store. Some earrings are made of washers, and some are small gold hoops with blocks of concrete attached to them. The non traditional earrings are fun conversation pieces and the perfect accessory to spice up an outfit. (MADISON PEARSON)

(2004; PRIME)

If you barely tolerate Christmas (why else would you be reading this?), Surviving Christmas is the movie for you. Alone and adrift during the holidays, a wealthy advertis ing exec (Ben Affleck at his mid-2000s nadir) hires the family now living in his childhood home to pose as his own while he hangs out over Christmas. That fam ily includes James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara and Christina Applegate, A-list actors who signed onto this miserable Z-grade affair for … reasons?

A MERRY FRIGGIN’ CHRISTMAS

(2014; HULU, TUBI)

Kind of a spiritual sequel to Surviving Christmas in that it features a stacked cast with no material or an ounce of holiday spirit to work with, A Merry Friggin’ Christmas is at least notable for being released after star Robin Williams died in 2014 so he didn’t have to see it. Joel McHale, Lauren Graham, Candice Bergin, Tim Heidecker and Wendi McLendon-Covey weren’t so lucky. This dollar-store Christmas Vacation is all you need to wreck the holidays — you’re welcome! n

POKÉ-MAN…LIGHTEN UP

Listen, I’m a hardcore Pokémon fan. I’ve spent the better part of 17 years playing every iteration of the games ever to exist (Yes, the cards, Pokémon GO, all of it.) For these reasons, I feel like I’m justi fied in saying that the new POKÉMON SCARLET AND VIOLET games aren’t the best, but they’re certainly not the worst, as the internet is making them out to be. Sure, the graphics are nearly identical to those of Legends of Arceus, Sword and Shield, and the Nintendo Switch versions of Diamond and Pearl. Yeah, the storyline isn’t the most interesting, but the open world concept and side quests add some new flavor. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” right? Or maybe I’m just jaded. Whatever, I’m having fun! Hmph. (MADISON PEARSON)

We triple dog dare you to stream these movies this holiday season.

GIFTS FOR FILM LOVERS

Games, prints and Tarantino: Perfect presents for the movie obsessed

BY NATHAN WEINBENDER

Maybe you have a movie obsessive in your life — you know, that person who schedules weekend plans around the big new re leases, who can rank Scorsese’s entire filmography at the drop of a hat, who keeps Criterion Collection Blu-rays on their own shelf and sorted by spine number. Because they’re so discerning in their tastes, the average movie buff may be tough to shop for, but these gift ideas will make your favorite film lover’s holiday truly Oscar-worthy.

RENT OUT THE MAGIC LANTERN

It’s every movie nerd’s fantasy: to have your own theater where you can screen whatever your heart desires. You can experience the next best thing at the Magic Lantern Theatre, Spokane’s longtime arthouse destination, which will rent out either of its screening rooms — one is 100 seats, the other 33 — for you and your friends to enjoy a private showing of your favorite movie. You provide the DVD or BluRay, and they provide the big screen, the booming sound system and the popcorn. From $125 • Magic Lantern Theatre • 25 W. Main Ave. • magiclanternonmain.com

CHRIS BOVEY MOVIE PRINTS (a)

If you went to the Garland Theater to see its roster of Halloween classics a couple of months ago, you might have picked up a print from local artist Chris Bovey, who lent his distinctive visual style to a series of posters for the movies being shown — The Shining, The Thing, Psycho, Ghostbusters. The posters were produced in limited runs, but Bovey is still selling those prints and a few new selections from his new Garland neighborhood storefront, Vintage Print + Neon. It’s perfect for any art-loving movie buff, especially since the gift itself comes wrapped in actual celluloid. $20 • Vintage Print + Neon • 914 W. Garland Ave. • facebook.com/vintageprint.us/

CINEMA SPECULATION

BY QUENTIN TARANTINO (b)

Quentin Tarantino is the ultimate movie nerd success story, a human film encyclopedia who started behind the counter of a video store and wound up behind a movie camera. Now he’s a published critic with Cinema Speculation, which melds formal analysis and personal memoir in its exploration of the American movie landscape of the 1970s. That decade was not only a time of thematic and stylistic daring, it’s also when young Tarantino began his self-

imposed cinematic education, and he reflects on his favorites of the era. True to form, he devotes as much ink to classics (Taxi Driver, Deliverance, Dirty Harry) as more obscure offerings: the scuzzy revenge thriller Rolling Thunder, the Peter Bogdanovich flop Daisy Miller and the Sylvester Stallone wrestling flick Paradise Alley. Whether or not you agree with Tarantino’s admittedly singular opinions, you’ll come away with lots of viewing recommendations. $35 • Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. • The Well-Read Moose, 2048 N. Main St., Coeur d’Alene

BIG SCREEN BOARD GAMES (c)

It used to be that the biggest blockbuster movies got quickie video game adaptations, and those games rarely, if ever, captured the magic of the source material. (E.T. for Atari, anyone?) But now movie classics regularly get turned into slick, complex board games designed for and by people who cherish the original properties. Take the board game version of the ’75 Spielberg masterpiece Jaws, which gives fans the option of either hunting the killer shark or chewing up beachgoers as the shark itself. In Horrified, players team up to fend off a swarm of classic Universal movie monsters that are attacking a provincial village. Fans of The Godfather will have amassed lots of Corleonethemed merchandise over the years, and now they can add the movie-themed edition of Monopoly to their collection — and yes, one of the game pieces is a severed horse’s head. Or pick up the Labyrinth edition of Clue, which lets you hop around that film’s locations to find where Goblin King Jareth has hidden your baby brother. $40-$45 • Uncle’s Games, Puzzles & More • 404 W. Main Ave.; 14700 E. Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley • unclesgames.com

UPGRADE THEIR LETTERBOXD (d)

Odds are high that the cinephile in your life already has an account on Let terboxd, a social media film journal where millions of users regularly log, rate and review the movies they’ve watched. The site is free to use, but it also offers paid accounts with additional perks that movie nerds will love, and you could make their year by footing the bill for an annual membership. If you shell out $49 for the highest-tier Patron account, users can jazz up their profiles with customized movie posters, backdrops and other features unavailable to nonpaying members, and they’ll also get their names added to the site’s list of contributors. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but any Letterboxd diehard will appreciate the personalization. $19-$49 • letterboxd.com n

GIFTS FOR WORLD CUP BANDWAGONERS

Score a surefire goal with these gifts for soccer fans

BY WILL MAUPIN

Every four years, the most popular sport on the planet gets together for the aptly named World Cup. Despite relative disinterest here in the U.S., Americans have been steadily coming around to soccer, and when the World Cup hits — and when we’re good enough to play in it — it feels almost as if America is just as soccer-mad as the rest of the globe. Someone on your list this holiday season is sure to come down with a case of futbol fever — especially with the recent news of women’s and men’s United Soccer League squads coming to town. There may not be a cure, but we’ve found a few things that should help them treat it.

SOCCER BALL (a)

Sometimes it’s smart to keep it simple. You can’t play soccer without a ball, which makes this a can’t miss gift for World Cup converts. Unsurprisingly, the pro shop at Spokane Soccer Center offers a ton of options. Stay on theme, and within budget, with a replica of the Al Rihla ball used in the 2022 World Cup, or splurge for a match-worthy version of the ball used by Major League Soc

cer. As a locally owned, licensed Adidas retailer, Spokane Soccer Center’s selection is unmatched regionally. $16-$165 • Spokane Soccer Center • 7320 E. Nora Ave., Spokane Valley • sscindoor.com

SEASON TICKETS (b)

The downtown stadium currently under construction will soon be home to both men’s and women’s professional soccer teams. Spo kane’s United Soccer League squads won’t take to the pitch until 2024, but now is the time to lock down a permanent spot in the stands for the soccer-crazed on your list. Up to six season tickets can be reserved by purchasing a deposit, the cost of which is then applied to the cost of the tickets once the time comes to pick your seat. $20 • USL Spokane • uslspokane.com

COUNTRY CONNECTION (c)

With 32 nations representing every continent except Antarctica tak ing the stage at the World Cup, fans often find themselves rooting for plucky underdogs from far off countries they know little about.

If a fan in your life falls for one of these squads, there’s a good chance their country is represented not just at the World Cup, but in Spokane as well. Kizuri offers handmade products from artisans all around the world. Whether it’s Tunisia, Senegal, Ecuador or another that ends up catching their eye, Kizuri has unique apparel and ac cessories to bring their fandom of a distant land a little bit closer to home. Prices vary • Kizuri • 35 W. Main Ave. • shopkizuri.com

AMERICAN OUTLAWS MEMBERSHIP (d)

An annual membership in the official supporters’ group of the United States national teams comes with a lot of perks. Members get a T-shirt every year, as well as discounts on merchandise, tick ets and travel packages to national team matches. The best perk of all, though, is the community. Spokane’s chapter of the American Outlaws hosts watch parties at Logan Tavern for every USMNT and USWNT match. With a ton of those on tap over the coming year, this really is a gift that keeps on giving. $30 • AO Spokane • theamericanoutlaws.com/chapters/spokane n

to our sponsors, guests, volunteers and restaurant & libation partners for making the 40th anniversary of Epicurean Delight a success!

GIFTS FOR CRAFTY PEOPLE

What to get the DIYers of the world

BY LAUREN RODDIS

Those who craft are notoriously good gift givers. There are few other types of people than those who DIY who consis tently put the time and care into gifts that we all wish we could. So when it’s time to buy for that crafty person in your life, you can gift them something that rivals their thoughtfulness and keeps their creativity flowing. Here are some gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to the faces of crafters of all levels.

CREATE-A-QUILL KIT (a)

These DIY, all-in-one quilling kits produce four gorgeous cards and a bookmark bursting with color and cool designs. Kizuri has kits tailored for both holiday cards and all-occasion cards, so recipients are all set for season’s greetings and birthdays alike. The kits include instructions, a quilling pen, tweezers, scissors and vibrant paper strips, and provide ample opportunity to practice and be as

creative as possible. This is the perfect gift for anyone who likes to work with their hands and prioritizes the personal touch. $28 • Kizuri • 35 W. Main Ave. • shopkizuri.com

CULTURED SEA GLASS PENDANT & EARRINGS SET CLASS (b)

Give the gift of learning something new and fun this holiday sea son! Spokane’s Corbin Art Center hosts a myriad of art classes that range in price, skill level and artistic creations. This cultured sea glass pendant and earrings set class teaches wire wrapping basics and leaves attendees with a unique pendant and earring set that begs to be worn with any and all outfits. The class is for anyone age 12 and up, and there are multiple times and dates for the class coming up in February and March of next year to accommodate for your giftee’s personal schedule. $45 • Corbin Art Center • 507 W. Seventh Ave. • my.spokanecity.org/recreation/corbin-art/

CROCHET KIT (c)

A little stuffed animal is made all the more adorable if you get to

make it yourself. Spokane Art Supply has crochet kits that make a mini flamingo, unicorn or llama that are perfect to adorn any desk, dashboard or spot experiencing a cuteness deficit. The kits are recommended for anyone 12 and up, and they come with yarn, fiber fill, a crochet hook, two plastic eyes, a plastic needle and easy instructions. They also come with cute names, like Petals and Mocha, so what’s not to love? $11 • Spokane Art Supply • 1303 N. Monroe St. • spokaneartsupply.com

ART KIT ON A BUDGET (d)

Got a beginner crafter or someone interested in dipping their toes in some creative water to give to this holiday season? Art Salvage is home to donated or discarded things that are still worthy of making art with. They offer a wide variety of supplies for any and all art endeavors, and make it easy to craft a comprehensive art kit for cheap. From colored pencils and markers to a plethora of paint supplies, Art Salvage can help you gift a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind art kit that will scratch anyone’s creative itch. $10-$20 • Art Salvage • 1925 N. Ash St. • artsalvagespokane.com n

Presented By:

Proceeds from theconcer t will be donated toCancer CareNorthwestFoundation, tosuppor t local cancer patients Learn more at CCNWF.org

GIFTS FOR URBAN HOMESTEADERS

What to get those back-to-the-land city dwellers

BY KATARINA HOCKEMA

We all know that person who yearns for a simpler way of living, even if there’s a Walmart a few blocks away, Amazon at their fingertips or fast food joints on every corner. Whether they grow their own produce, forage, make their own arts and crafts, or have a knack for food preserva tion, these folks take every step to be as local and homegrown as possible in an ever-outsourced and always disposable world. Here are five gifts that are sure to please the urban homesteader.

100 MODERN QUILT BLOCKS BOOK (a)

This book, from Tula Pink’s City Sampler, provides inspiration and guidance for those interested in colorful and creative homemade quilting. With designs for 100 quilt blocks, as well as five citythemed sampler quilts from quilting icon Tula, this gift is sure to be a great coffee table book, rainy-day read or visual aid for fabric artists. You may even be able to snag a snuggle from a quilt your homesteader makes! $28 • Stitches and Petals • 1016 W. Pullman Rd., Moscow • Facebook: Stitches & Petals

REUSABLE BEESWAX WRAPS (b)

Sold in a colorful, patterned set of three, these wraps are an alter native to single-use plastic wrap. Made from natural ingredients, beeswax wraps keep food fresh and allows those who preserve their own meat and produce to do so sustainably, producing less waste from packaging materials and ill-stored food. These wraps are reusable, washable and biodegradable, and are sure to become a staple in your giftee’s home. $16.65 • Ampersand Oil & Vinegar Tap House • 519 S. Main St., Moscow • ampersandoil.com

THE MODERN NATURAL DYER (c)

If quilting isn’t up the alley of the person you’re shopping for,

consider a different skill through the art of fiber dyeing. This comprehensive book walks readers through the dyeing of dif ferent materials such as silk, wool, linen and cotton, all in the comfort of their home(stead). These techniques are beginnerfriendly and use everything from foraged and garden-raised materials to natural extracts for the dye. Not sure what your homesteader might like to dye? This book includes 20 project ideas for home and personal wardrobe. Simply put, this book is to dye for. $29.95 • The Yarn Underground • 409 S. Washington St., Moscow • yarnunderground.com

MINIATURE CLAY POTS (d)

Nearly every age group has experience with home gardening, especially the classic windowsill display. These miniature pots are perfect for home growers looking to spice up their herb selections or even to plant from seed for a backyard garden or flowerbed. Simple, rustic and classic, these pots provide a perfect starting point for anyone looking to green up their thumb this coming spring. $1 each • Little Shop of Florals • 111 Second St., Moscow • littleshopofflorals.com

BACKYARD FORAGING CALENDAR (e)

Time can be difficult to keep track of, especially for someone with the busy life of an urban homesteader. This 2023 calendar fills ev ery day of the year with interesting and useful information about edible plants, kitchen inspiration, and helpful tips for your local forager. Filled with gorgeous illustrations, it’s perfect for those who have a taste for the finer things in life, even if those things are be neath their feet. Best of all, you can always count on this creative calendar leading to seasonal and very local finds. $15 • Moscow Food Co-Op • 121 E. Fifth St., Moscow • moscowfood.coop n

GIFTS FOR EMPTY NESTERS

What to get those people whose kids (finally?) moved out

BY ANNE McGREGOR

After sending our first two sons off to college, the thought of the last high school senior flee ing the nest had me unnerved. I ran into a mom whose kid was a year ahead of ours in the journey, and after the usual mom-related pleasantries — “Wow! How exciting for them!” — I finally asked, “So… how’s life with the empty nest?” She looked me straight in the eyes and with a conspiratorial smile replied, “It’s glorious.” Gifts for the empty nester should therefore reflect their newfound and glorious independence and freedom. Also, they should not take up much space. The nest is still full of the stuff the chicks left behind.

SONDAHL POTTERY (a)

To celebrate dinner-for-just-two, served whenever your empty nesters feel like it, consider two cozy place set tings of unique dishes from Sondahl Pottery. Located in Spirit Lake, Idaho, the lead-free, hand-thrown pottery is showcased outdoors on wooden racks. You can shop as long as you want with no interference. When you’ve made your choices, add it up — price stickers are on each piece — and then put your payment into an envelope and slide it through the slit in the door. (Yes, that’s really how you pay — old school Idaho charm.) $9-$14 for individual bowls and various sizes of plates • Sondahl Pottery • 6326 Maine St., Spirit Lake • sondahl.com

MAC MEMBERSHIP (b)

With so much free time, the empty-nesters are ready to enjoy the finer things in life. That means frequent sojourns to the MAC where they can, at last, pause long enough to read all the descriptions. Membership not only includes free admission for the whole year to the museum’s regular exhibits and the Campbell House, but also discounted admission to special exhibits, 10 percent off at the museum store, and an invitation to the annual

members-only holiday Wassail Party. Dual membership for two adults $65 • Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture • 2316 W. First Ave. • northwestmuseum.org

TUBBS FLEX TRK SNOWSHOE KIT (c)

A lot of couples seem to include one person who skis — probably with the kids — and one who doesn’t. Now that the kids are gone, it’s uncool to leave the non-skier at home alone. So a couple sets of Tubbs FLEX TRK Snow shoe Kits make for a gift that both fits in a closet and car ries a low bar for participation. In fact, during this La Niña winter, snowshoeing can probably be done right from the front porch. Perhaps more fun is venturing to one of the zillion local city and state parks within an easy drive. And with the chicks off enjoying their budget-busting college experiences, your giftees will be psyched that there’s no need for a pricey lift ticket. $215 per set • Fitness Fanatics • 8919 E. Euclid Ave., Millwood • fitfanatics.com

FEAST WORLD KITCHEN DINNER (d)

Dining out takes on a whole new dimension when picky kids (or voracious eaters) are not part of the restaurantsearch calculus. The freedom! Empty nesters are primed to explore a variety of cuisines and gain a little cultural experience on the side. A gift card to Feast World Kitchen will allow your giftees to partake of an authentic dinner in the cuisine of, say, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Rwanda or Syria — the fare is always changing — and still be home in time to catch a cozy British mystery. The nonprofit kitchen’s mission is to empower former refugee and immigrant chefs by presenting rotating weekly menus, with more than half of the cost of a meal going directly back to the chef. It’s a win-win-win for you, your giftee and the new est members of the Spokane community. Entrees $14-$15, desserts $5 • Feast World Kitchen • 1321 W. Third Ave. • feastworldkitchen.org n

GIFTS FOR GEN Z-ERS WHO NEED TO RELAX

Because living through unprecedented times ain’t easy

BY SAMANTHA HOLM

There’s an underlying strength to Gen Z. The COVID pandemic led to the cancellation of im portant milestones for many younger members of this generation, such as senior prom, sports seasons and commencement. Nevertheless, Gen Z-ers persisted, using their internet savvy and absurd humor to cope with these disappointments. Now, the world finally seems to be spinning correctly on its axis after the pandemic shot it out of orbit. Some Gen Z-ers are in college, having the first truly “normal” school year since 2019. Of course, this comes with its own issues. Pandemic fatigue mixed with the toils of adulting can exhaust even the most resilient. Do you know a Gen Z-er facing these very struggles? Maybe one of these gifts could be a remedy to that stress.

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PERSONAL FREEDOM (a)

Though this book was released in 1997, it holds even more relevance today. Author Don Miguel Ruiz draws upon ancient Toltec wisdom to help readers overcome suffering and experience true joy, freedom and love. The book emphasizes the idea that society imposes expectations upon individuals, which subconsciously influences their behaviors and mindsets. In response, Ruiz proposes four key agreements for individuals to follow in order to find happiness, regardless of external circumstances. For growing young adults surrounded by expectations of what their life should look like, The Four Agreements is perfect spiritual guidance. $5.95-12.95 • Auntie’s Book store • 402 W. Main Ave. • auntiesbooks.com

ESSENTIAL OILS (b)

For a while, the jury was out on whether essential oils actually provide health benefits or not. Newer research seems to suggest that they offer anti-anxiety effects when they’re sniffed, applied to the skin or dispensed

through an aromatherapy diffuser. Oils of the peppermint, lavender, orange and lemon variety in particular are said to reduce anxiety, boost mood and improve sleep. Along with their health benefits, essential oils can serve as an alternative to candles for those living in a dormitory or apartment. $15-$30 • Wonders of the World • 621 W. Mal lon Ave. • wondersoftheworldinc.com

NEW HAIRDO

The rejuvenating effects of a day at the salon cannot be underestimated. Walking out feeling like a brand-new person is one experience, but kicking back and pamper ing yourself is near heavenly. For a stressed Gen Z-er, a trip to the salon could be the well-deserved break they’ve been needing. Plus, a new hairdo is a great form of self-expression, which Gen Z-ers value greatly. However, be warned: If your Gen Z-er walks out of the salon with a vibrant, unnatural hair color, the Inlander cannot be held liable. Prices vary; gift cards available • The Hive Salon and Spa • 1310 N. Mullan Rd., Spokane Valley • instagram. com/thehivespokane

REVIVAL TEA CO. SUBSCRIPTION (c)

Sometimes, a change of venue can boost productivity. Imagine if that venue was an idyllic location, a renovated speakeasy tucked away in downtown Spokane. As a bonus, imagine receiving free refills on award-winning tea while working or studying. Does this sound too good to be true? Thanks to Revival Tea Company, a leading tea retailer based right here in the Inland Northwest, this can be a reality for the Gen Z-er you know. Revival’s monthly college deal provides an opportunity to unwind and reinvigorate with a cup of freshly brewed tea, providing fuel to power through assignments, as well as numerous health benefits. $50/month • Revival Tea Co. • 415 W. Main Ave. • revivalteacompany.com n

BY ELISSA BALL

ate an esoteric gift: your tarot-reading co-worker, your slightly goth cousin or your sweetie who keeps asking if you know the exact time you were born (relax, she’s just trying to read your astrological birth chart). So open your mind — but stay away from Ouija boards, seriously — and allow me, a working witch, to illuminate this weird path.

THE ART OF THE OCCULT (a)

Across cultures and eras, humans have proved we want to peek into the unknown, just a little. Using divination techniques and passed-down knowledge, we keep wading into the murky metaphysical mystery to seek clearer meaning. The word “occult,” after all, refers to knowledge about what is hidden, secret. This vibrant, expansive 240-page hardcover coffee book by S. Elizabeth compiles occult-related art and essays in an engaging way. Covering alchemy, sacred geometry, elemental magic, myth and more, The Art of the Occult: A Visual Sourcebook for the Modern Mystic should please both curious beginner and seasoned mystic. $30 • Giant Nerd Books • 607 W. Garland Ave. • giantnerdbooks.com

INCENSE STICKS (b)

When gifting incense, it’s wise to select two scents and aim for high qual ity over quantity. The sticks that’ll do the trick are at Swale, a big-hearted, small-town shop on Palouse’s Main Street. Swale’s apothecary section features seriously natural products from Bellingham’s Sea Witch Botanicals. Sea Witch’s bamboo incense sticks are dipped in essential oils like cedarwood, fir and frank incense to create dreamy scents that don’t reek of chemical fragrance. Gift your spooky someone both the seasonal Krampus and woodsy White Lodge incense blends. $15 for a pack of 20 • Swale • 125 E. Main St., Palouse • swaleaway.com

“FORTUNE TELLER” POSTER (c)

Madame Talbot is a macabre-minded artist out of Astoria, Oregon, who hand-draws contemporary posters and wall art that look plucked from the past. Her eerie, multicolor “Fortune Teller” poster would brighten the future of anyone who practices some form of divination. Locally, you’ll find Madame Talbot’s artwork at Petunia & Loomis, a friendly goth shop brimming with Stephen King paperbacks, spooky enamel pins and specialty tarot cards like the Garbage Pail Kids deck. $19 • Petunia & Loomis • 421 W. Riverside Ave. • petunialoomis.com

TAROT CARD HOLDERS (d)

Does tarot reading require a card holder to display cards upright? Nope. But would a tarot reader enjoy using one of these celestial-themed wooden card holders from Do It With Soul to help photograph and focus on certain cards? To quote the Magic 8 Ball, “Signs point to yes.” A large holder displays about three cards, while a smaller, crescent-shaped holder displays one. The boutique also has a hodgepodge of amulets, pendulums, and witchy jewelry featuring snakes and skulls. $7-$11 • Do It With Soul • 112 S. Cedar St. • instagram.com/doitwithsoul

FULL PALM READING

With her strong sense of humor and light-up magnifying glass, Mystic Marla gives insightful, accurate palm readings that stir up laughter and tears — good tears! — tears of recognition and validation. By examining the lines and fingerprints in your palms, Marla reveals what makes you tick as a person: your upbringing, personality traits, innate strengths and challenges, relation ship style and potential. While palmistry won’t spell out precisely what the future holds (phew!), a full reading (by appointment) with Marla will deepen self-understanding and empower future choices. $120 • Mystic Marla • 3026 E. Fifth Ave., Suite B • mysticmarla.com n

SUNDAY

Circling

GIFTS FOR GAMERS

Useful and in-the-know gifts for video gamers of all types

BY CLAIRE MUNDS

The following gifts might take a little legwork to research and execute, but I promise you, your giftee is tired of receiving video game coffee mugs and Funko Pops. As the gift-giver, you’ll die inside if you see the dead-eyed, emotionless “thank you, that’s so great” from a giftee who has to make room for yet another Zelda mug in their cupboard. Themed nerd socks are out. No one wants another copy of Settlers of Catan. Posters of their favorite game are fine… but they’re not excellent. Shop for the following instead. (Editor’s note: We’ve mostly omitted store and price info since these gifts are highly customizable and can be purchased from numerous sources. However, please shop local when possible.)

ARTISAN KEYCAPS (a)

Go look at your loved one’s keyboard. Does it look boring? No? Are there lights, clacking, and special colors? If your giftee’s keyboard looks certified-unboring, you might have a mechanical keyboard enthusiast on your gifting list. Browse Etsy and Drop for cute keycaps. Your giftee only needs one or two. Artsy keycaps are somewhat impractical and can realistically only be installed over rarely-used keys (looking at you, tilde).

Lost in the sauce while browsing the thousands of options? Look at their game and book shelf for characters or themes. Still not finding inspiration? Go with food. Everyone loves waffles and, by golly, there are some pretty cute caps that look absolutely ed ible. Prices vary

UNTITLED GOOSE GAME KEY HOLDER (b)

The titular goose from Untitled Goose Game committed famous

crimes carrying a variety of weapons in his petite beak. Now, his strong chompers are out to snatch up our precious belongings. An Untitled Goose Game key holder utilizes a magnet to secure anything from keys to paperclips, actual knives to any number of small-to-medium metal treasures.

Mostly funny and somewhat practical, this key-holding goose trinket is a fun nod to fans of the game. Even if your giftee hasn’t played Untitled Goose Game, the goose has reached Holy Meme Status and is known by all. Your giftee doesn’t even need to know memes. The elderly leaned on kitschy goose decor to sustain them through the ’90s and shouldn’t stop now. $20-$30 on Etsy

ELDEN RING (RATED M, XBOX ONE/X/S, PS4/5)

Every generation needs an epic hero’s journey fantasy game. Millennials had Skyrim. Today, Gen Z can lay claim to Elden Ring’s sweeping landscapes, humongous scope, thrilling enemies and stunning story. Gameplay evolves organically without hints, big red exclamation points, or ceaseless exposition. Forget the hand-hold ing of the past. This is a new, open world where you engineer your own experience and adventure. Consider skipping this game for children due to violence/gore and high challenge. Elden Ring tests anger management skills and a dauntless attention span. Writer George R.R. Martin and creator Hidetaka Miyazaki constructed this magnificent game together. With Martin’s star-power name in the credits, Elden Ring was destined to be pretty good. Fortunately, it ended up being super great. $60

CONTROLLER SKIN WITH WEDDING PHOTO (c)

Frustrated by a partner that spends hours holed up in their gaming

den? Wish you could fondly reminisce over your wedding on the daily? Plaster some wedding photos on a video game controller skin. Your partner will now (be forced to) gaze into your eyes every time they pick up their game. Make sure to double-check their con troller make and model before placing your online order. Warning: This reads as either “clingy” or “hilarious” depending on the current state of your relationship. If you’re concerned your partner might find this overbearing, consider couple’s therapy instead. Prices vary

META QUEST PRO HEADSET (d)

Is your giftee a bleeding-edge tech babe who likes to grab new gadgets the nanosecond after they drop? If so, they’ll be into Facebook’s recent shift to Meta and might be itching to get a hold on the Meta Quest Pro headset. Meta acquired and expanded upon Oculus VR technology. The Meta Quest headset isn’t super new, but the Pro brings some upgrades that are worth looking into if you spend enough time online (in a grimly foretold future where society’s exclusive online interaction speeds the atrophy of our flesh and bones).

If you peel back the case, the Meta Quest Pro has more chippower, memory, and pixels. VR headsets are like phones — higher numbers relating to hardware equals more cred amongst peers (in a world where society will split between those in VR and those who are not, furthering the divide between wealthy and the poor). $1,500

STEERING WHEEL CONTROLLER (e)

Bump up the realism of your giftee’s in-game drive experience with a steering wheel controller. This gift requires research. Collect these four facts before continuing.

 Do they play driving games? This gift only matters for gamers actively racing.

 What console do they have? You must purchase a matching controller for the console.

 Do their feet reach the ground? Steering wheel controllers often come with floor pedals and brakes.

 Do they have a driver’s license? Minors under driving age might seriously be tempted to illegally hop behind the wheel after grasping this realistic controller. Prices vary

18 WHEELS OF STEEL: EXTREME TRUCKER 2 (RATED E, PC)

Did you just buy a steering wheel controller for your PC gamer? Consider throwing in any long haul trucking simulator (the 18 Wheels of Steel franchise is a winner alongside American Truck Simulator). This gift puts humor over practicality. Released in 2011, this game is not new. However, your tongue will be shoved up so hard against your moist cheek, your giftee will be obliged into a chuckle. $10

STRAY (RATED E, PLAYSTATION 5, PLAYSTATION 4, MICROSOFT WINDOWS)

Futuristic and fluffy! Adventure through a cyberpunk world as the main character cat of this spunky platformer. As a kitty, you must free a civilization of trapped robots. (Take that capitalism!) Stray really leans into the fact that as a cat, you are tiny, nimble, love scratching things, and enjoy a good nap. Small detail aside, dedicating a button for on-demand meows is a highlight. Stray also gives you a break on some of the more frustrating components of precise movement. Cats don’t miss jumps and neither do you, removing the frustration that comes with missing narrow hops on tight ledges. Light puzzles are a treat and Stray doesn’t spend a huge amount of time back tracking. Does your giftee want something cute and casual? Stray is a great gift to land on. $30

MEGALODON TRIPLE KNOB MACRO PAD (f)

Does your loved one find themselves with an entire extra arm and auxiliary hand? Keep those extra fingers busy with a macro pad. Macro pads are lil’ add-ons to be used in tandem with a regular keyboard. Completely cus tomizable behavior. Three knobs. Sixteen keys. No one but the owner truly knows what the knobs do (because the owner must actually program the knob’s behavior). Choose this gift for gamers who are already building their own keyboards. Throw some custom keycaps in there and call it a Christmas well-gifted. $70-$80 n

WSU Spokane Sleep and Performance Research Center

GIFTS FOR FASHION FORWARD FOLKS

Help your most trendy giftees stay stylin’ with these clothing, accessory and beauty choices

BY CATE WILSON

Considering they’re probably more on-trend than most people around them, fashionable friends and family can be intimidating to shop for. Fret no longer, we’re here to help guide you through what can seem like a daunting process!

LIP CARE KIT (a)

This gift is the perfect pick for the “It girl” who always takes an opportunity to pamper herself. Self-care is step one in her regiment, and she’s always down for a spa night. In Kendall Yards, Boutique Bleu is one of many local havens for gifting needs this holiday season. Shop their Sara Happ lip care line, now in store, and pick up a bundle of lip scrubs, masks and glosses. The pretty packaging is sure to fit the “clean girl aesthetic.” $24-$34 • Boutique Bleu • 1184 W. Summit Pkwy. • boutiquebleuonline.com

ETHICALLY SOURCED ACCESSORIES (b)

Shopping Fair Trade, handmade and locally owned is a guilt-free and ethical option. We can’t all change the world, but Kizuri is a great find for fashionable and socially conscious friends. Kizuri represents over 40 countries and cultures through their products and is supportive of women artisans. With a handmade gift like these heart-embellished fingerless knit gloves ($24), made in Nepal, you can present a one-of-a-kind, cozy gift straight from the heart. $24 • Kizuri • 35 W. Main Ave. • shopkizuri.com

DOM+BOMB STREETWEAR

supporting the de-gendering of fashion and pushing for size inclusivity. Because dom+bomb carries sizes from XS-5XL, there’s no need to panic about finding a specific or perfect fit. Shop their streetwear collection’s separates and accessories for the perfect gift, and to be an ally to this local Black-, queer- and female-owned fashion line. $35-$89 • 707 W. Main Ave., Suite B1 (in person by appt.) • domandbomb.com

“FOREVER” JEWELRY (d)

This gift is for that one friend who’s afraid of commit ment, but is ready to start dipping their toe in the pool of permanence. Newly opened in downtown Spokane this year, Simple Wildflower Boutique is now offering permanent jewelry and is ready to hold the hands of customers through this innovative process. You can start by purchasing a gift card, and the boutique’s staff will walk the recipient through the rest. Permanent jewelry is custom fitted to the wearer and then laser-welded on. Of course it can be taken off eventually, but not by any easy means. $65-$150 • Simple Wildflower Boutique • 112 S. Monroe St. • simplewildflower.com

KIDS’ SPOKANE GOAT TEE (e)

(c)

Spokane fashion company dom+bomb throws conformity out the window and is committed to being the perfect fit for all shapes and sizes. The brand’s clothes go beyond just looking fashion-forward, as many of its pieces share important messages about inclusion while also

Kiddos can be fashion forward, too! The Pacific Northwest Dream, a newer shop in River Park Square, is an obvious choice for locals who love where they live. With fun prints — all designed by artist owner, Corinna Ren — and comfy threads, kids can sport their PNW pride anywhere. (The shop has adult sizes and styles, too!) Choose from a variety of prints, colors and styles, including this quintessential Spokane motif with the Garbage Goat, the Monroe Street Bridge, and the Pavilion. Other fabric designs are inspired by nature, from flowers to animals. $55 • The Pacific North west Dream • 808 W. Main Ave. • thepnwdream.com n

GIFTS FOR PNW TRANSPLANTS

Consider these picks for those new to the area

BY SUMMER SANDSTROM

Each region of the country has its own defin ing, cultural quirks. Moving from one place to another often entails adapting some of these trademarks, whether that’s wearing plaid flannels and winter boots as a fashion statement, or something en tirely different. For those with friends and family who’ve more recently arrived in the Pacific Northwest and want to show off their newfound regional pride, here are some suggestions.

THE GREAT PNW SWAG (a)

Anyone walking the streets of the Inland Northwest will quickly spot a few items of clothing that almost everyone owns, especially in the winter, including beanies, hats and hoodies. A minimalist but bold “Upper Left USA” sweater or a hat or shirt with The Great PNW’s logo and colorful mountain-inspired artwork are the perfect way to spice up these signature pieces for the PNW newbies in your life. If your recipient is more fond of using stickers or socks to show off their new home, the Great PNW has you covered with a ton of vibrant and unique items that capture the true essence of the region. $3.75-$70 • The Great PNW • 808 W. Main Ave. • thegreatpnw.com

BUNGALOW CANDLE STUDIO CANDLES (b)

Scents can ignite a variety of different feelings of nostal gia and comfort, or remind us of the place we call home. Bungalow Candle Studio has a line of candles and wax melts inspired by the Pacific and Inland Northwest, so if your recipient is new to the area completely or already holds fond memories from past adventures in the region, these candles are the perfect way to gift them a warm

and fuzzy feeling that coincides with being at home dur ing the holidays. Bungalow’s candles and wax melts are made with soy wax, essential oils and nontoxic fragrances that make them last longer and safer for you and your pets. $8-$36 • Bungalow Candle Studio • bungalowcan dlestudio.com

EVANS BROTHERS COFFEE ROASTERS GLASSWARE (c)

Coffee is a beverage that defines life in the Inland North west. Every few blocks there’s at least one drive-through or sit-down coffee shop in Spokane and the Idaho Panhandle. While getting a cup of joe from one of these shops is a daily routine for many, snow and icy roads can necessitate coffee brewing at home. Buying a mug with the Evans Brothers logo or a clear and sleek pint glass for iced coffee drinkers can be perfect for your friends and family with a barista inclination. $12-$36 • Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters • 524 Church St., Sandpoint, 504 E. Sherman Ave., CDA, and 835 N. Post St., Spokane • evansbrotherscoffee.com

WINTER GEAR FROM RAMBLERAVEN (d)

The outdoors and an abundant variety of sports for every season are just a couple of things that define the Inland Northwest. Many locals partake in seasonal trips to the mountains to ski or snowboard, and your outdoorsy loved ones may be joining the ranks of these hardy winter ath letes. Rambleraven has an abundant variety of gear for all winter adventures, along with warmer-season outdoor hobbies (and gift cards, too). $20+ • Rambleraven Gear Trader • 3220 N. Division St. • rambleraven.com n

GIFTS OF

EXPERIENCES

Ideas for the minimalist or someone with too much stuff

BY LILLIAN PIEL

Everyone has that one friend or family member with an abundance of stuff. No matter how hard they try to complete a successful round of spring cleaning each year, this person somehow manages to accumulate more gadgets and gizmos than the year before. Or maybe on the flip side, you might be looking for a present for a minimalist whose love language is quality time instead of gifts. Either way, give the gift of an experience or local excursion. The Inland Northwest has plenty in store to suit everyone, from foodies to art fanatics, to those who love a good puzzle.

ROCK CLIMBING

If

loves to exercise and never shies away from trying new things (and maybe even seeks an adrenaline rush), look no further than Wild Walls. Wild Walls has options for all levels of climbers, and you can choose whether you want to buy a membership ($80/month), class, or private instruction lesson ($40-$60). You can also opt for a gift card so your loved one can choose the option best suited to them. $40-$80 • Wild Walls Climbing Gym • 202 W. Second Ave. • wildwalls.com

WANDER SPOKANE TOUR

For the friend or family member who’s searching for a new way to experience Spokane, gift them a walking tour of the city’s urban food and drink scene. Wander Spokane

offers a variety of walking tours that show off local hidden gems, and you can choose the type of tour you want, from food, beer, wine, or a combo of food and drinks. This is ideal for a group of friends to do together, or for a fun family activity when you want to get out of the house and find some new local spots to grab a bite at. $65-$80 per person • wanderspokane.com

ESCAPE ROOMS

When you’ve run out of ideas for card games or board games for your overly competitive friend or family member, try taking it up a notch by bringing them to an escape room. Think Tank Escape Room features story-driven, themed escape rooms that can be tailored to the desired difficulty level of the group. Just be careful if you bring a competitive group of people to gether for this one, as solving puzzles before time runs out is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. $28/person • Think Tank Escape Room • 327 W. Third Ave. • thinktankescaperooms.com

ART CLASSES

Whether your artsy friend or family member prefers painting or 3D art, Spokane Art School offers classes on a variety of art styles, media and techniques for all ages. Art classes make for a great gift to do with a friend or family member, or a fun activity for someone to do individually if they’re the type who likes trying new things on their own. It’s even a two-in-one gift; your recipient gets to take a class and keep their art, too. $40-$60 • Spokane Art School • 811 W. Garland Ave. • spokaneartschool.net n

GIFTS FOR READERS OF ALL AGES

Graphic novels, poetry, books by local authors, Native authors, and much more

BY SHARMA SHIELDS

Happy Holidays, Spokane book lovers! It’s time to shop local and shop small this holiday season. Rather than order titles from Amazon or other big online retailers, hit up your neighborhood independent bookstores. There are numerous benefits to supporting regional businesses, and primo among these benefits is just the feeling it gives you when you speak to members of your community face-to-face. Yes, the big retailers can offer deeper discounts, but the human experience at local stores is priceless.

It goes without saying that books make the best gifts, and there were scores of beautiful releases this year that will make book lovers of all ages gleeful and grateful. Here are a few of the books I’ll be gifting this year.

BABIES

EL LIBRO DE DAR GRACIAS

/ THE THANK YOU BOOK

BY MARY LYN RAY, ILLUSTRATED BY STEPHANIE GRAEGIN (BOARD BOOK, $6)

A sweetly illustrated introduction to gratitude for the youngest readers in your life. Y también es en dos idiomas.

TREE: A PEEK-THROUGH BOARD BOOK

BY BRITTA TECKENTRUP (BOARD BOOK, $10)

Breathtaking illustrations and playful cutouts make this story about a tree and its seasons an utter delight for readers young and old.

PRESCHOOLERS

LITTLE WITCH HAZEL:

A

YEAR IN THE FOREST

BY PHOEBE WAHL (HARDCOVER PICTURE BOOK, $20)

Washington state writer and illustrator Phoebe Wahl has penned a master piece here. This story, about an industrious gnome witch named Hazel, carves through the seasons of a fantastical Northwest forest and reads like four storybooks in one.

MOUSE’S WOOD: A YEAR IN NATURE

BY ALICE MELVIN (HARDCOVER PICTURE BOOK, $19.95)

This is a must-have for any picture-book collection with gorgeous illustra tions and cut-paper artwork showcasing a year in the life of Mouse and his woodland friends.

K-2ND

THE SECRET SIGNS OF NATURE: HOW TO UNCOVER HIDDEN CLUES IN THE SKY, WATER, PLANTS, ANIMALS, AND WEATHER

BY CRAIG CAUDILL (HARDCOVER, $23)

For your budding biologists and naturalists: This informative hardcover will train young navigators to observe and learn from the natural world with four “most important tools:” Look, listen, smell, and touch.

CAT AND CAT ADVENTURES

BY SUSIE YI (PAPERBACK CHAPTER BOOKS, $9 EACH)

Squee! Squash and Ginny — two very adorable cats — are as mischievous as they are adventurous in this magical series that will enchant your beginning readers. The first of the series, The Quest for Snacks, came out last year, with the second and third published in 2022. Kids who love Narwhal and Jelly and The Bad Guys series will love these books.

MIDDLE READERS (AGES 8-12)

THIRST

BY VARSHA BAJAJ (HARDCOVER, $18)

I read this with a group of fifth graders over the summer for a kids’ book club, and we all (well, almost all, haha) loved it. This is a suspenseful, slim, potent novel set in the poorest neighborhoods of Mumbai, where severe water shortages are affecting daily lives. The protagonist, Minni, is a wonderfully engaging character, and her narration parallels water rights issues happen ing here in the States, from Flint to Standing Rock to Jackson, Mississippi. This is a great gift for middle readers who love change-making fiction with substance.

THE VANDERBEEKERS SERIES

BY KARINA YAN GLASER

(THE FIRST IN THE SERIES IS PAPERBACK, $8)

My 10-year-old daughter says she loves this book series because “it has great storylines and details, and you never know what will happen next!” The latest title was just released this year (The Vanderbeekers on the Road), but make sure to start at the beginning with The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, which takes place in the five days before Christmas as the Vanderbeeker children fight to renew their lease in a beloved Harlem brownstone.

THE DOOR OF NO RETURN

BY KWAME ALEXANDER (HARDCOVER, $18)

My son, age 13, loves all of Alexander’s books and says that this potent novelin-verse, set in Asante Kingdom (Ghana) in the 1860s, is another expertly crafted read, heartbreaking and gripping. This is the first in a series.

GRAPHIC NOVELS SWIM TEAM

BY JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS (PAPERBACK,

$13)

There were so many outstanding graphic novels for middle readers this year, and this is one of them, about a girl named Bree who begrudgingly takes Swim 101 at her new middle school. I love the complex adults in this graphic novel, too, including a dad who must confront his own fears about swimming and an elderly ex-swim-star who helps Bree with training and with navigat ing white supremacy in sports.

MISS QUINCES

BY KAT FAJARDO (PAPERBACK, $13)

This was another of my daughter’s favorites this year, set in Honduras and featuring a soon-to-be 15-year-old who wants nothing to do with her family’s plans for her quinceañera

THUNDEROUS

BY ML SMOKER AND NATALIE PEETERSE, ILLUSTRATED BY DALE RAY DEFOREST (NAVAJO NATION) (PAPERBACK, $17)

Another great new graphic novel release this year, beautifully written by award-winning Montana poets ML Smoker (Sioux, Assiniboine) and Natalie Peeterse. Featuring a young Lakota protagonist, a Raven trickster figure, vivid illustrations, and a moving tale of finding magic and strength in one’s heritage.

TEENS

MAN MADE MONSTERS

BY ANDREA ROGERS (CHEROKEE), ILLUSTRATED BY JEFF EDWARDS (CHEROKEE) (HARDCOVER $20)

Teenagers will go gaga for this gorgeously illustrated collection, whose sto ries follow one extended Cherokee family across generations. This is a book that will scare and thrill horror lovers of any age. “Tsalagi should never have to live on human blood, but sometimes things just happen to 16-year-old girls.” Heck yeah.

FICTION

FIRE SEASON

BY LEYNA KROW (HARDCOVER, $27)

For people who love both historical writing and the fantastical, pick up this captivating novel from local writer Leyna Krow, set here in Spokane during the Great Fire of 1889. Think Jess Walter’s The Cold Millions meets Katherine Dunn’s Geek Love: Regional, weird, funny, engrossing.

TELL ME I’M AN ARTIST

BY CHELSEA MARTIN (HARDCOVER, $27)

I’ve gifted this novel — authored by a groundbreaking Spokane writer and artist — several times already. This expertly and unexpectedly plotted novel is as funny as it is devastating, delving into financial, familial, artistic and social insecurity.

NONFICTION

NORTHWEST KNOW HOW: BEACHES

BY RENA PRIEST (LHAQ’TEMISH/LUMMI NATION)

AND

ILLUSTRATED BY JAKE STOUMBOS (HARDCOVER, $7)

Such a perfect stocking-stuffer of a book, penned by our current (and won derful) Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest. Awesome writing and awesome illustrations make this a must for any Pac NW beachcomber.

THE WOK: RECIPES AND TECHNIQUES

BY J. KENJI LÓPEZ-ALT (HARDCOVER $50)

This drool-worthy recipe book from the author of The Food Lab contains more than 200 fast and delicious recipes — kung pao chicken, pad Thai, beef chow fun and more — and will delight any wok-wielding chef.

POETRY

SELF-PORTRAIT WITH CEPHALOPOD

BY KATHRYN SMITH (PAPERBACK, $16)

For the bright-minded poetry lovers in your life, you can’t go wrong with local writer Kathryn Smith’s gorgeously written poetry collection, which dissects what’s fragile and what’s complex about the environment, the body, and the public and private persona. This won the national Jake Adam York Prize in poetry. Support those local writers and bookstores! n

Sharma Shields is the author of two novels, The Cassandra and The Sas quatch Hunter’s Almanac, and works for the Spokane Public Library as a writing education specialist.

WOODEN CITY

City Sidewalks Happy (Hour) Holidays

Nothing beats a great happy hour special, especially when you’re taking a break from holiday shopping or touring downtown with a group of friends or out-oftown guests. Trendy WOODEN CITY (821 W. Riverside Ave.) has a happy hour every day from 4 to 5:30 pm that offers $1 off draft beer, as well as $9 gimlets (gin or vodka) or glasses of the house red or white. Of course, if you don’t feel like imbibing, there’s also a “zero proof” menu with drinks like a virgin pineapple daquiri or a lavender lemonade. Snacks like pepperoni cheesy bread, mushroom skewers or prosciutto toast curb a growing appetite and pair well with anything.

Meanwhile, TWIGS RIVER PARK SQUARE gives you two chances to enjoy happy hour every single day: from 3 to 6 pm and again from 9 pm to closing! Along with small plates — flatbreads, for example, or pork tacos — there’s a discounted drinks list that features a $10

DowntownSpokane.org

signature martini or an ultimate lemon drop. All draft beer during both happy hour sessions is just $6. “Everyone loves our landing at the holidays, because you can see Santa and the full giant Christmas tree in the mall atrium,” says David Hoblitt, assistant general man ager at Twigs. “Happy hour is also a great time to try our seasonal drink, the Autumn Apple Crisp. It’s an adaptation of a mule with brown sugar bourbon.”

Close to Riverfront Park is TAVOLÀTA (221 N. Wall St.), where happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm daily. As you’d expect from an Ethan Stowell restaurant, the small-plate menu is a little different, offering roasted beets with ricotta and walnuts or a chef-selected salumi board. The drinks menu is equally inspired. Among the cocktails are the Little Italy (bourbon, amaro, black walnut bitters) and rosé san gria, and the wine specials are a mix of local and Italian vintages. 

Windows on the Past

Holiday shoppers of yesteryear always had a special treat when they visited downtown Spokane: the whimsical and wonderful wintry displays in the windows of the Crescent Department Store. Times changed, however, and the display figurines went into deep storage. Fast forward a couple of decades, and suddenly what’s old is new again. The WINDOW DISPLAYS have since been refurbished and are back on show, helping to re establish them as a classic local tradition throughout the yuletide season. Now multiple generations can experience them anew or relive the magic of Christmases past. You’ll find a selection of the displays in the large windows of the (333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.) on the south side (Main Ave.) of the building. Each of the five windows has been curated and designed by local artist Mallory Battista. You have until January 1, 2023 to catch them.

First Friday Art Walk

In downtown Spokane, the first Friday of every month is always an exciting occasion. It’s a time when galleries open their doors just a little wider, when businesses hang new work from artists they love and when venues schedule fun, unique events. The level, thanks to an added sprinkle of seasonal festiveness and cheer. This month, the CHASE GALLERY in City Hall (808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.) will be launching an exhibit titled “Molecular Dances, Art Romances” by the students of the Community School. As part of the project, the high-school-aged students were asked to create original works of poetry and art and use them to communi cate concepts of chemistry. The result finds beauty in the patterns of valence electrons and offers new perspectives on the periodic table. Meanwhile, December 2 is also the day that CERAMIC ART GALLERY (115 S. Adams St.) opens its 9th annual Cup of Joy group invitational. This holiday exhibit features over 150 handmade ceramic drinking vessels and continues through the First Friday of January. Over 40 artists are participating — including a 13-year-old Canadian ceramic artist! For more info on all the above and more, visit firstfridayspokane.org

DowntownSpokane.org

City Sidewalks Great Districts of Downtown

While it’s easy to think of Downtown Spokane as a single location for shopping, eating and relaxing, it actually comprises what you might call “mini districts” — each with its own vibe and amenities. For example, in and around the RIVER PARK SQUARE mall, you’ll find stores like THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST DREAM , which has gifts, clothing and even jewelry celebrating the region. There are also classic clothing stores like NORDSTROM , where a complimentary gift wrap station puts a bow on your holiday shopping before you’ve even left the store. When you’ve worked up an appetite, familiar restaurants like P.F. CHANG’S offer a popular Asian fusion menu that will appeal to the entire family.

Not far away along HOWARD STREET is a cluster of retailers and eater ies. Side-by-side sister stores ATTICUS and BOO RADLEY’S (232 N. Howard St.) have a variety of books, curios, teas and novelties that are almost certain to appeal to multiple people on your list. For rugged workwear and durable outdoor clothes, it doesn’t get more iconic than CARHARTT (530 W. Main Ave.); their current seasonal range of hooded jackets, insulated coats and thermals is especially well suited to stand up to the demands of this year’s chilly winter weather. To recharge during the holiday festivities or cap off a successful day of shopping, stop in at STEELHEAD BAR & GRILLE (218 N. Howard St.). Their steelhead filet garnished with garlic parmesan compound butter is a signature dish, but if you’re in the mood for something more like comfort food, you can’t go wrong with the apple cheddar grilled cheese.

RIVER PARK SQUARE

On the northern edge of downtown is the start of the MONROE CORRI DOR , a sweet spot for rarities and interesting finds. At TELEPORT VINTAGE + CO. (917 W. Broadway Ave.), they pride themselves in deviating from the ste reotypical vintage shop. All of the wares inside have been carefully curated, and the sellers intermingle their inventory instead of having it consigned to separate booths or areas, as is common in multi-vendor spaces. More than just clothing, Teleport also features home furnish ings and fixtures.

FINNBOY RECORDS, BOOKS & CURIO (620 N. Monroe St.), on the other hand,

has a distinct focus on hard-to-find and vintage vinyl and literature as well as nostalgia items and barware. “We don’t sell things people need, just the things people want,” says co-owner Bobb Drake. “We have an eclectic selection of items that are highbrow, but not pretentious, with a little humor mixed in.” Just up the road at the CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOK ARTS (628 N. Monroe St.), you can visit the physical bookstore and maker space that they opened this past year. There you can browse some of the most classic illustrated kids’ books at their shop or even take part in one of their free book making workshops taught by local artists. 

TELEPORT VINTAGE + CO.

Memorable Meals

hether it’s part of a family gathering or a quiet date night, an outstanding meal is one way to make the holidays memorable. And when you’re reviewing Spokane’s many culinary options, MAGNOLIA AMERICAN BRASSERIE (110 S. Madison St.) might prompt a double take. Aren’t brasseries French? That’s exactly what sets Magnolia apart. The menu of this upscale restaurant is a fusion of classic American and rustic French cuisine, with entrees ranging from bouillabaisse to roast celery root ragu. Even the fries are given a French twist as pommes frites with either country mus tard crème fraiche or tarragon aioli.

“This season is truffle season, and although we normally have them on the menu, we really go all out at this time of year,” says Peter Froese, chef and owner of GANDER & RYEGRASS (404 W. Main Ave.). “There’s nothing better than having truffles shaved over hot, housemade pasta right at your table.” The restaurant’s first annual Truffle Dinner on Dec. 14 and 15 is an enthusiastic celebration of the

Taste Your Way Around Downtown

If you needed any extra incentive to sample the libations of some of the best brewer ies, wineries and cideries in Spokane, this holiday season offers a special present for you. SANTA'S PUB HOP AND HOLIDAY WINE WALK has made its much anticipated return, and from now until December 31 you can get rewarded for checking them out. It's easy to take part. Just stop in at a participating tasting room like the Grain Shed Taproom or Tempus

Cellars and scan the QR code to register your Downtown Spokane Flex Rewards account. Next, spend just $5 at one of the designated locations (visit downtownspokane. org for details). Each time you do, you'll be able to scan a QR code to collect an additional stamp. Once you've accumulated five stamps, head to the Visitors Center in Riverfront Park and show your completed digital card to collect your prize. 

delicacy and features a five-course, truffle-centric menu. “During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, we also have a tasting menu that takes things to the next level, almost like a weeklong dinner party. We truly up the ante with even more exciting dishes.” You might assume that summer is the best time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Spokane River from family-owned ANTHONY’S AT SPOKANE FALLS (510 N. Lincoln St.). But the vista has a particular magic in winter when Riverfront Park is dusted in snow and steam rises off the water. It’s a backdrop paralleled only by the incredible food and uncompromising service, which consistently earn rave reviews from impressed diners. The fresh, sustainably sourced Northwest seafood at the heart of Anthony’s menu certainly has something to do with its charm, and dishes like the seafood fettuccine or the chop chop seafood salad are sure to please. 

THE GRAIN SHED

LOCAL GOODS

SAVORING THE CITY

Photographer Ari Nordhagen captures Spokane’s diverse and continually evolving culinary community in a new cookbook

BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

Ten years ago, taking pictures of the food your server placed in front of you might have elicited concern from the restaurant staff. Are you a spy for the competition? From the health department? Or worse, a food critic?

No, probably a foodie, a formerly derisive term coined in the ’80s that has evolved to encompass anyone who delights in food, personally or professionally. Or both, like local photographer Ari Nordhagen, whose recently completed The Spokane Cookbook showcases two passions: food and people.

More than 60 vignettes from the area’s diverse and continuously evolving culinary community are featured in The Spokane Cookbook, plus recipes, a few food-related events and several pages of historical context. Through her photography and writing, the 248-page book highlights Nordhagen’s interest in food and versatility as a storyteller.

Nordhagen photographed Indaba Coffee’s decadent butterscotch latte for the book, but she couldn’t help but snap another image with her phone as we sat together to discuss her two-year passion project. Nordhagen might post the coffee image, or file it, but either way she’ll have captured the moment, she says.

“The first thing you’d take with you is your photos” if your place catches fire, Nordhagen says.

The Spokane Cookbook, however, is more than just sexy food photos or buzzy venues — it highlights the people

behind the food.

“I’m interested in the story,” says Nordhagen, adding, “it’s not about the place.”

For historical context, Nordhagen consulted Larry Cebula, a professor and digital archivist at Eastern Wash ington University, who steered her toward Indigenous culture as a starting point. Nordhagen, who’s still in awe of being invited to a salmon ceremony with the Spokane Tribe of Indians, then enlisted Wild Sage Bistro’s execu tive chef, Elijah Crume, to craft a dish celebrating salmon and foraged foods like morels. She photographed against lilacs, a nod toward Spokane’s Golden Age origins as the Lilac City.

And while Nordhagen included Edward Mathieu, an early Davenport Hotel chef credited in some circles with inventing the Crab Louis salad, she also included Ibrahim Mohammad, who today makes the hotel’s peanut brittle, and his recipe for kunafa, a dessert with sweet cheese and shredded phyllo from his native Sudan.

That’s another difference between past cookbooks and Nordhagen’s contemporary version, which is organized alphabetically by last name — from Zane and Youngchong Huang of The Black Straw to the late David Ross, a chef and culinary instructor — and includes a cross-section of foods and faces.

The book “says a lot about the evolution of Spo kane,” Nordhagen says.

The Spokane Cookbook is a synthesis of many things: Nordhagen’s upbringing, her intense drive to do meaningful work, and an appetite for learning. The catalyst was 2020’s COVID-related upheavals.

Nordhagen was born in the Philippines, plucked from Catholic school at age 12 and plopped into Southern California’s public school along with her older brother and younger sister. School and family were the corner stones of her world, says Nordhagen, who was the family docu mentarian, more likely behind the camera than in the photo itself.

The Spokane Cookbook ($44.95) is available for preorder from spokanecookbook.com. A por tion of proceeds support Big Table, a Northwest-based out reach organization for restau rant and hospitality workers.

Although she was interested in photog raphy and influenced by her father’s creative endeavors around the family home, Nordhagen followed in her mother’s foot steps to pursue medicine at Stanford University.

“It was the furthest I could go and still be in the same state,” says the adventurous Nordhagen, whose world travels include London, Japan and China. (Ask her about hugging panda bears, her love of which inspired her regular feature for Spokane + Coeur d’Alene Living magazine called “Eats, Shoots and Leaves.”)

Ari Nordhagen celebrates the region’s culinary community in her new cookbook. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

Shortly after earning her bachelor’s degree in human biology, Nordhagen married her longtime beau and fellow Stanford alum, Erik, whose career in software engineering took the couple to Reno, Nevada.

With the birth of her first child, Nordhagen switched her focus from children’s medicine to childrear ing, inadvertently spawning a new career in photog raphy. Nordhagen’s images of her children prompted friends to request photo sessions, including elaborately constructed “storybook” shoots like when Nordhagen cast one of her sons as Max from Maurice Sendak’s iconic Where the Wild Things Are. That morphed into requests for other portraits, including expectant families, engagements and weddings.

By 2008, with four children under the age of 8, Nor dhagen had formed Amen Photography, which stands for her first and middle names, Ari Milflores, and her husband’s first and last name. She eventually added food photography, including for Edible Northwest magazine’s Reno-Tahoe edition.

In 2015, the family relocated to Eastern Washington, near Erik’s great-grandparents’ farm in Chattaroy, which has been dubbed Four Brothers Farm. Although Nord hagen returned to Reno for occasional photography jobs, she also grew her business in Spokane.

A chance encounter with Cherry Hill Orchard & Mar ket’s Rhonda Bosma facilitated Nordhagen’s entrée into Spokane’s burgeoning foodie scene. She did photos for Gather and Savor’s Sarah Carleton, an early blogger, then for Edible Northwest magazine, and other clients, which now include the Wonder Building and Eat Good Group.

During COVID, Nordhagen was looking for ways to keep her photography skills fresh. When she hit upon Phoenix-based food photographer Joanie Simon’s online workshops, Nordhagen devoured the infor mation. And she had an idea that would help her and the culinary community she’d become a part of: a cookbook.

Nordhagen scoured the internet for local cookbooks, of which she found several including “Gold’n Delicious,” a 1994 production by the Junior League of Spokane, and the 2011 “Signature Tastes of Spokane: Favorite Recipes of our Local Restaurants.”

“First of all, I wanted to know what was out there,” Nordhagen says. “I didn’t want to duplicate it.”

Then she began planning, aiming for 40 stories, start ing with Bosma’s. By May 2021, Nordhagen posted her plans on social media.

Later, at the urging of her friend and fellow artist Grace June, Nordhagen applied for and won a Spokane Arts Grant Award for $10,000 (so far Nordhagen has in vested roughly $17,000 of her own money on the project).

The project has evolved since Nordhagen won the SAGA grant in December 2021, expanding to 61 entries and featuring more process images.

When Nordhagen photographed restaurateur Tony Brown, for example, he brought out a tray of ingredients for a curry dish he serves at Hunt. Although Nordhagen planned on four pages per entry with just the chef and food, seeing the beauty in the ingredients nudged Nord hagen to adjust her plan.

“What I appreciate about [Ari] is she went into it with an interest to do a huge project,” says Brown, “but also the knowledge” to create the book.

The book was a huge project, says Nordhagen, who was heartened by the encouragement of family, friends, and people in the culinary industry, and the sense that what she was doing was vital. A fan of the blockbuster play Hamilton, Nordhagen was struck by the message in the final song, titled “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.”

“I wanted [the cookbook] to be about the people,” Nordhagen says. “They’re the reason things happen.” n

All Fired Up

Coeur d’Alene Casino opens new Little Dragon Eatery, plus more local food news

BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

For anyone wondering what would replace the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Casino’s High Moun tain Buffet, which closed in March 2020, the answer is Little Dragon Eatery.

Serving Asian-inspired dishes for dine-in or to-go, Little Dragon offers seven savory entrees served over choice of rice or yakisoba noodles. In addition to honey garlic beef with broccoli ($11.95/small, $14.95/ large), options include sweet and sour chicken or pork, cashew chicken or pork, and orange chicken or pork ($10.95/small, $13.95/large). Substitute pork fried rice ($2) or order it as a standalone entrée ($8.95/small, $11.95/large). All large entrees also include an egg roll.

Little Dragon is the first new eatery in the casino’s revamped Smukwe ‘shn food court, which means sun flower in the tribe’s southern interior Salish language.

Additional dining venues inside the casino, which is located in Worley, Idaho, include Red Tail Bar & Grill, Nighthawk Lounge and Chinook Restaurant Crafted by Chef Adam Hegsted. Find out more at cdacasino. com/dining/little-dragon-eatery.

OPENINGS

THE GRAIN SHED recently added a taproom in the freshly vacated Golden Handle Brewing spot at 111 S. Cedar St. The Grain Shed opened in the Perry District in 2018, and unites baker Shaun Thompson Duffy’s Culture Breads and the brewing expertise of Joel Williamson and Teddy Benson along with the landrace grain-growing expertise of Palouse Heritage’s Don Scheuerman. Grain Shed’s new Cedar Tap House features all the beers available at the brewery, plus hot dogs to go-with. Visit thegrainshed.coop.

THE BURGER DOCK opened a Coeur d’Alene location (200 N. Fourth St.), adding to the original spot in Sandpoint. Both locations feature assorted burgers

using North Idaho-based Wood’s Meats, scratch-made shakes, hand cut fries and local Tractor soda.

TRANSITIONS

Two vendors inside Pullman’s Lumberyard have recently relocated. IT’S POKE-MAN has moved to 100 E. Main St., inside Grander Goods natural market. Choose from standard combinations like the Sea-King ($11-$17) with salmon, onion, cabbage and edamame, or build-your-own, choosing from various proteins, sauces and toppings over a base of rice, greens, or a combina tion of both. Visit facebook.com/itspokemanpullman.

MALŌ CATERS recently left Pullman for Mos cow, and a space formerly occupied by Mela Bangla deshi, at 137 E. Second St. Look for island-style dishes such as crispy mochiko chicken ($14) and kalua pulled pork ($13). Visit facebook.com/malocaters.

When you have three locations, you get to call yourself a local chain. In addition to Spokane Valley (7905 E. Trent Ave.) and the North Side (4903 N. Divi sion St.), SUSHI HOUSE ASIAN FOOD & BAR recently opened a spot in Mead, replacing SUSHIWA (603 W. Hastings Rd.). Visit sushispokane.com.

If finger sandwiches and Earl Grey are your cup of tea, visit LA TEA DA TEA ROOM (4009 Riverbend Ave., Post Falls), which is under new ownership. Pam Kyes and her daughter Emily Nuss now operate the business, which offers tea parties for children and adults in any of four themed tea rooms. Visit lateada.org.

CELEBRATIONS

In October, Spokane’s PERRY STREET BREWING won gold for its Mistadobalina in the fresh hop beer category at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival competition. That’s a nice affirmation for the 8-year-old brewery, which also won gold in 2020 for its flagship American-style IPA. Another 2022 festival winner is Sandpoint’s MATCHWOOD BREWING, which won bronze in the herb and spice beer category for its Spruce Tip Pale Ale.

Also, congratulations to VINE & OLIVE EAT ERY AND WINE BAR in Coeur d’Alene, which is celebrating five years in business. n

To-Go Box is the Inlander’s regular dining news column, offering tasty tidbits and updates on the re gion’s food and drink scene. Send tips and updates to food@inlander.com.

Choose from seven savory entrees at Little Dragon Eatery. CDA CASINO PHOTO

DUELING TILDAS

BY JOSH BELL

Even viewers who’ve seen filmmaker Joanna Hogg’s semi-autobiographical dramas The Souvenir and The Souvenir Part II may not immediately realize that Hogg’s The Eternal Daughter is essentially The Souvenir Part III. Honor Swinton Byrne, who played Hogg’s counter part Julie Hart in the first two movies, is gone, replaced by Byrne’s own real-life mother, Tilda Swinton. Swinton played Julie’s mother, Rosalind, in the previous two installments, and here she plays both Rosalind and Julie, in a story that takes place decades after the 1980s-set Souvenir movies.

That sounds confusing, but it’s not really necessary to be familiar with the previous movies to appreciate The Eternal Daughter, which functions as a sort of standalone coda to Julie’s artistic coming-of-age. Middle-aged Julie is firmly established as a filmmaker, and she’s working on her latest project as she and Rosalind arrive at a secluded hotel in Wales, where they appear to be the only guests. Before it was a hotel, the estate was a private home owned by Rosalind’s aunt, where she stayed as a child during World War II. Julie has brought Rosalind there to celebrate her birthday, but she also has an ulterior motive, surreptitiously recording Rosalind’s childhood stories as material for the movie she’s writing.

Like The Souvenir Part II, which followed Julie as she

made a movie about the events of the first Souvenir, The Eternal Daughter is cleverly self-reflexive, both for Julie and for Hogg. Hogg interrogates her relationship to her own mother via a movie about a filmmaker interrogating her relationship to her mother, and she envelops it in the trappings of a Gothic ghost story, as if Julie and Rosalind are staying at Wuthering Heights or Alfred Hitchcock’s Manderley. The hotel grounds are shrouded in fog, and Julie wanders the empty corridors at night, hearing strange noises. Doors open by themselves, and a friendly caretaker (Joseph Mydell) pops up seemingly out of nowhere just when he’s needed most.

Rated PG-13

ALSO OPENING

AMC $5 CHRISTMAS FAN FAVES

To celebrate the calendar turning over to December, AMC is showing holiday films for its discount movie series. The one-day screenings this week include Love Actually, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Best Man Holiday, The Polar Express and two versions of The Grinch (2000 & 2018). Ratings vary At AMC River Park Square

JOHNNY CASH: THE REDEMPTION OF AN AMERICAN ICON

Based on pastor Greg Laurie’s book of the same name, this documentary tells the story of country music’s legendary Man in Black through the lens of his later-in-life commitment to Christian ity. Not Rated Screening Dec. 5-7 at Regal Cinemas and the Magic Lantern

VIOLENT NIGHT

When a group of mercenaries descend on a family’s home on Christmas Eve, the last thing they expect is the actual Santa Claus (David Harbour) to come down the chimney and start very vio lently kicking everyone’s ass. Rated R

character, but here the mother-daughter relationship is the center of the story, and Swinton effortlessly plays op posite herself. Although the two characters are rarely in the same frame, Swinton makes their interplay feel natu ral. She delivers two distinctive performances, connecting back to Byrne’s previous work as Julie, while also empha sizing the similarities between mother and daughter.

THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER

That’s better than the sullen, unhelpful receptionist (CarlySophia Davies) who doubles as the equally surly waitress in the hotel’s deserted restaurant. Davies brings some welcome sardonic humor to a movie that is mostly a somber examination of generational guilt, as Julie struggles with her obligations to her aging mother. She makes late-night phone calls to an offscreen husband and has trouble concentrating on her work, as she focuses all of her energy on pleasing the prim, reserved Rosalind.

Directed by Joanna Hogg Starring Tilda Swinton, Carly-Sophia Davies, Joseph Mydell At the Magic Lantern

The ghosts in The Eternal Daughter are not just meta phorical, and Hogg builds to a twist that is both obvious and a bit disappointing, a perfunctory nod to the Gothic tradition that doesn’t entirely fit with the family narrative. It does, however, fit with the journey for Julie that Hogg has created across three movies now, placing the filmmaker character within various cinematic milieus. Just as The Souvenir Part II blurred the lines between Julie’s movie and Julie’s life, The Eternal Daughter blurs the lines between Julie’s reality and her imagination of it.

Rosalind was previously more of a background

It’s no surprise that by the end, Julie is writing the screenplay for The Eternal Daughter, setting down the opening scene just as it was presented 90 minutes earlier. For Hogg, life can only be lived as a movie, and The Eternal Daughter remains dedicated to that alternately frustrating and rewarding worldview. n

Tilda Swinton plays both mother and The Eternal Daughter in Joanna Hogg’s latest cinematic memoir

Because one Gothic Tilda simply isn’t enough.

Everyday Horrors

Supernatural threats overshadow effective drama in the Sundance-winning Nanny

BY JOSH BELL

Life as an undocumented immigrant in the United States provides enough horror without being subject to actual evil spirits. Writer-director Nikyatu Jusu’s debut feature Nanny piles on the misfortune for its Senegalese protagonist, turning what could be an affecting naturalistic drama about class and race into a wispy, dissatisfying piece of supernatural horror. There are still some sharp insights and strong performances, but Nanny — which won the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival — ends up less than the sum of its parts.

Anna Diop stars as Aisha, who’s come from Senegal to New York City to provide a better life for her young son Lamine. He’s still living back in Senegal, while she stays with an aunt and puts together the money needed to pay for his travel to the U.S. To that end, she’s landed a job as a nanny for a wealthy Manhattan couple, taking care of their young daughter, Rose (Rose Deck er). Rose takes to Aisha immediately, but her parents Amy (Michelle Monaghan) and Adam (Morgan Spector) have more difficulty, and Jusu captures their mixture of friendliness and judgment as they alternately embrace and criticize Aisha.

Dealing with microaggressions and unwanted advances is the price that Aisha pays for a stable job that pays consistently in cash, although the payments become less reliable as time goes on. Amy and Adam are clearly having marital and financial problems, but Jusu keeps those offscreen except when they directly impact Aisha, align ing the audience with Aisha’s perspective. Jusu is perceptive about the small details that make life difficult for Aisha, but she also allows for moments of happiness, as Aisha starts a romance with door man Malik (Sinqua Walls) and forms a bond with Malik’s grandmother Kathleen (Leslie Uggams). That connection isn’t just about Kathleen’s grandmotherly warmth, though. Kathleen is also a stock horror-movie psychic who gives Aisha

cryptic warnings about various spiritual dangers. From the beginning, Nanny builds a sense of dread via ominous music and lingering shots of Aisha staring into the distance, possibly sensing an evil presence. Is the menace coming from the toxic environment where she works? Is it coming from back home in Senegal, where Lamine waits for her to summon him? Or is it just a sort of free-floating dread that’s a byproduct of such a precarious existence?

Nanny provides only vague answers, instead relying on a melodramatic final reveal that over shadows all of Aisha’s everyday difficulties. Jusu creates some striking images, including repeated visions of Aisha underwater, and she intro duces elements of Senegalese mythology that are new to American horror movies. Like Mariama Diallo’s simi lar Master, Nanny hesitates to commit fully to its horrors, lessening their impact and making them a distrac tion from the characters’ emotional reality. Recent movies like Kindred and Good Madam have found a more effective balance, integrating genre elements into stories about ingrained racism and class inequality, but Nanny’s most incisive social commentary essentially has nothing to do with the supernatural.

NANNY

Monaghan and Spector make the entitled, passive-aggressive upper-class couple scarier than any malevolent spirit, and Diop conveys Aisha’s desperation as she’s trapped in the middle of their interpersonal conflict. The ostensibly liberal couple — Adam is a photojournalist who documents oppression and uprisings — see Aisha as little more than a tool for their child care and other needs, passing the blame back and forth when she isn’t paid on time or is asked to put in extra hours at the last minute. That kind of casual mistreatment, more than dangerous specters from beyond, is what makes Aisha’s life terrifying. n

Rated R

Directed by Nikyatu Jusu Starring Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Spector At the Magic Lantern

HUSHED BEAUTY THROUGH THE DARKNESS

John Ross (right) feels lucky to even be back on the road with Wild Pink after the past couple of years.

In the face of a cancer diagnosis, Wild Pink’s John Ross crafted his band’s gorgeous new album, ILYSM

BY SETH SOMMERFELD

MITCHELL WOJCIK

Nothing is “normal” anymore.

For indie musicians, that reality is even starker than in most other lines of work. People by and large don’t buy music any more. Online music companies don’t provide eq uitable compensation for streaming. COVID kept musicians apart. The pandemic completely killed touring for years, and even in its slow return has been financially unfeasible for many artists. It’s a seemingly never-ending series of gut punches.

But New York City indie rock band Wild Pink was grinding through it. Led by singer/ guitarist John Ross, the group released its third album, A Billion Little Lights, in February 2021, finding an audience and critical praise on the strength of its big lush rock sound and Ross’ sen timental lyricism. Wild Pink was on the rise, and by the summer Ross had already written about half of the band’s follow-up record.

Then the “new normal” got even less normal.

In June 2021, the then-34-year-old Ross was diagnosed with cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes.

It’s the type of earth-rocking revelation that makes anyone question everything.

Should he even bother still writing the re cord? Was any of it worth it when mortality was staring him in the face?

Ultimately, his surgeon convinced him to keep living his life as close to normal as possible in order to not go into very dark mental places.

The result is Wild Pink’s new album ILYSM, a soft yet soaring record emerging from the most perilous moments of Ross’ life. Even now he struggles with how much the disease actually shaped the album.

“I don’t know, I think I’m still kind of figuring that out. I think my initial take was it didn’t really affect the writing too much, it more so affected whether or not I should even make a record,” says Ross. “But… my headspace was pretty f---ed up. There are songs that are like clearly about cancer; ‘War on Terror’ is one of them.”

“It was definitely helpful, if nothing else, to write about it at the time,” he continues. “And I made some decisions, like the vocal delivery or getting as hushed as parts of the record do, that I don’t know if I would have done if I wasn’t in that headspace. Those circumstances were pretty unique.”

While Ross is recovered from the cancer after multiple surgeries, you can still hear the tender vulnerability of his headspace at the time of making the album in this collection of songs. But ILYSM (an acronym of I Love You So Much) is anything but a cancer record. While some songs touch on the subject, Wild Pink certainly doesn’t dwell on it. Instead the album strives to be an unconstrained ode to the simple and fragile connections of love in our lives expressed with a vast, seemingly infinite ceiling of sonic space that allows the whispered tones and ornate instrumental work to fully shim mer. ILYSM isn’t an album of sorrow, but of joy in existence.

“That was important to me — to never have it feel like it’s wallowing,” says Ross.

Also important to Ross was moving away from the massive feel of A Billion Little Stars While the album certainly has its moment of ab solutely going for something epic — the album’s

title track approaches Joshua Tree-era U2 levels of sweeping grand euphoria — the singer-songwriter didn’t want that to be ILYSM’s identity.

“Really, I wanted to get away from wides creen-sounding tunes or production. I definitely didn’t want to make another record that just kind of sounded like that again, because I feel like A Billion Little Lights kind of already had that going on,” says Ross. “A lot of songs like ‘Hell is Cold,’ ‘St. Beater Camry’ and ‘War on Terror’ definitely [have a] more small room, hushed, intimate vibe, which is definitely what I was going for.”

And while ILYSM is a deeply personal album for Ross, it would be a mischaracterization to describe the album as his own creation. In fact, it’s the most collaborative Wild Pink album to date. Not only did that mean more tracking together with the core Wild Pink band members — drummer Dan Keegan, bassist/keyboardist Arden Yonkers, and steel guitarist Mike “Slo Mo” Brenner — but the group also brought in an array of collaborators, including vocal backing from the likes of Julien Baker, Julia Steiner (Ratboys) and Samantha Crain, guitar work from J Mascis, Yasmin Williams and Ryley Walker, and special ists to add saxophone, banjo, clarinet and organ detail work.

“I just wanted to use as many different people as I could to just make a record that I couldn’t make on my own, you know?” Ross explains. “Just to get some new sounds and get it out of my comfort zone.”

“I wanted to get away from some of the production techniques from A Billion Little Lights,” Ross continues, “which basically just meant getting everybody together to play as a band and not doing it piecemeal. That was a focus for us making this record — leaving in some of the spontaneity. I think ‘Hell is Cold’ is where we did that the best.”

Another collaborative force that helped Ross shape the record was The Antlers’ Peter Silber man. The frontman of the indie band — who crafted one of the greatest hushed albums about love and death of all time in 2009’s Hospice — is credited as a co-producer in addition to singing and playing guitar and keys on the record.

“Peter is someone whose opinion I sought a lot. It wasn’t so much like him in the studio, we just talked about the record a lot together. He just offered some guidance or critique or opinions whenever I would ask him for it. He kind of just helped me out with the big picture of the record.”

The response to ILYSM has been overwhelm ingly positive so far. It was already ranked No. 20 on Paste’s list of the “Best 50 Albums of 2022” and is sure to end up on many other year-end roundups as they begin to trickle out. But for Ross, simply being around and being able to still share Wild Pink’s music with people in-person provide all the needed positive reinforcement to forge beyond any sense of former normalcy.

“I mean, it’s pretty incredible to come out of cancer and COVID and to be on a two-month tour supporting this record,” says Ross. “I feel very lucky. I try to think about that when I’m tired.” n

Wild Pink, Trace Mountains, Dario Ré • Sun, Dec. 4 at 8 pm • $16 • 21+ • Lucky You Lounge • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • luckyyoulounge.com • 509-474-0511

FOLK DEAD HORSES COUNTRY JEREMY McCOMB

Thursday, 12/1

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Thursday Night Jam

CHECKERBOARD TAPROOM, Weathered Shepherds CHINOOK LOUNGE (CDA) CASINO, Kosh

THE MASON JAR, Mason Jar Open Mic J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin

THE STEAM PLANT, Pamela Benton ZOLA, Desperate8s

Friday, 12/2

THE BEE’S KNEES WHISKEY BAR, Pamela Benton: StringzOnFire!

THE BIG DIPPER, Aweminus, Raskl, King Sh$t, Unrelated, Akuyah

J BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE, Into the Drift Duo

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Bobby Patterson & the Two Tones CHINOOK LOUNGE (CDA) CASINO, Keanu

FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Joe Bonamassa

KNITTING FACTORY, Noche De Verano Sin Ti (Bad Bunny Night)

NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), Royale

OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Son of Brad

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Bright Moments

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Fat Lady, No Soap Radio, The Necessary Sauces

Saturday, 12/3

J J THE BIG DIPPER, Kadabra, Spoon Benders, Itchy Kitty

Milwaukee folk duo Dead Horses keep it simple in the best way. Singer-song writer/guitarist Sarah Vos delivers her lyrics with a hushed-but-confident grace, while upright bassist Daniel Wolff plucks along in a supportive sonic way that never gets in the way of his partner-in-crime’s songcraft. Sure, the pair will bring some other folks in to add some percussive support and other instrumental flairs, but at its core Dead Horses is music that would translate just as well if the pair were bus king on a street corner or in the warm confines of a rock club. Expect a healthy dose of tunes from the group’s new album Brady Street when the duo swings through Spokane.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Dead Horses • Sat, Dec. 3 at 8 pm • $12-$15 • 21+ • Lucky You Lounge • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • luckyyoulounge.com

If you’d rather wear a Stetson than a Santa hat, then Christmas, Cowboy-Style is prob ably your idea of a holiday bash. Country troubadour and Nashville North co-owner Jer emy McComb takes the audience on a holiday celebration through the lens of the dusty West — packing in the familiar tunes, storytelling and a little cowboy poetry. The program includes songs by Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Asleep at the Wheel, Michael Martin Murphey, and more. So before you hang your boot by the fireplace, swing on into Nashville North for a bit of Idahoan seasonal cheer.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Jeremy McComb: Christmas, Cowboy-Style • Thu, Dec. 8 at 7:30 pm • $15 • 21+ • Nashville North • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • thenashvillenorth.com

CHALICE BREWING CO., Son of Brad CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, The Longnecks CHINOOK LOUNGE (CDA) CASINO, Keanu

J LEBANON RESTAURANT & CAFÉ, Safar

Coming Up ...

J J SPOKANE ARENA, Holidaze of Blaze: Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Warren G, Ying Yang Twins, Justin Champagne, Dec. 15, 7 pm.

J LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Lucky You Holiday Show, Dec. 16, 8 pm.

J J FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Dec. 17, 7:30 pm.

J NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO, LeAnn Rimes - Joy: The Holiday Tour, Dec. 18, 7:30 pm.

J LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Dead Horses LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Hot Club of Spokane NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), Royale

J NORTH HILL ON GARLAND, Just Plain Darin

J NASHVILLE NORTH, Jeremy McComb: Christmas, Cowboy-Style, Dec. 8, 6:45 pm.

J J BING CROSBY THEATER, Anuhea: All is Bright, Dec. 9, 8 pm.

J LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Enumclaw, Milly, Dec. 9, 8 pm.

J J BING CROSBY THEATER, Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawaii, Dec. 14, 7:30 pm.

J KNITTING FACTORY, MasterClass Big Band’s Swingin’ in the New Year, Dec. 31, 9 pm.

J J KNITTING FACTORY, Alvvays, March 13, 8 pm.

J MARTIN WOLDSON THEATER AT THE FOX, Jerry Cantrell, Thunderpussy, March 31, 8 pm.

MUSIC | VENUES

219 LOUNGE • 219 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-263-5673

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-927-9463

BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 509-847-1234

BARRISTER WINERY • 1213 W. Railroad Ave. • 509-465-3591

BEE’S KNEES WHISKY BAR • 1324 W. Lancaster Rd.., Hayden • 208-758-0558

BERSERK • 125 S. Stevens St. • 509-315-5101

THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington St. • 509-863-8098

BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 509-467-9638

BING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-227-7638

BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague Ave. • 509891-8357

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL • 116 S. Best Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-891-8995

BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR • 18219 E. Appleway Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-368-9847

BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main St., Moscow • 208-596-0887

THE BULL HEAD • 10211 S. Electric St., Four Lakes • 509-838-9717

CHAN’S RED DRAGON • 1406 W. Third Ave. • 509-838-6688

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley • 800-523-2464

COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-2336

CRUISERS BAR & GRILL • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-446-7154

CURLEY’S HAUSER JUNCTION • 26433 W. Hwy. 53, Post Falls • 208-773-5816

EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-263-4005

FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 509-279-7000

FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-624-1200

IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman, Coeur d’Alene • 208-667-7314

IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL • 11105 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-926-8411

JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208-883-7662

KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-244-3279

LEFTBANK WINE BAR • 108 N. Washington St. • 509-315-8623

LUCKY YOU LOUNGE • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • 509-474-0511

MARYHILL WINERY • 1303 W. Summit Pkwy. • 509-443-3832

THE MASON JAR • 101 F St., Cheney • 509-359-8052

MAX AT MIRABEAU • 1100 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-922-6252

MILLIE’S • 28441 Hwy 57, Priest Lake • 208-443-0510

MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-7901

MOOTSY’S • 406 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-1570

NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128

NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 877-871-6772

NYNE BAR & BISTRO • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-474-1621

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545

THE PODIUM • 511 W. Dean Ave. • 509-279-7000

POST FALLS BREWING CO. • 112 N. Spokane St., Post Falls • 208-773-7301

RAZZLE’S BAR & GRILL • 10325 N. Government Way, Hayden • 208-635-5874

RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-7613

THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside Ave. • 509-822-7938

SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 208-664-8008

SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon Ave. • 509-279-7000

SOUTH PERRY LANTERN • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-473-9098

STEAM PLANT • 159 S. Lincoln St. • 509-777-3900

STORMIN’ NORMAN’S SHIPFACED SALOON • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-862-4852

TRANCHE • 705 Berney Dr., Wall Walla • 509-526-3500

ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 509-624-2416

STAGE THIS LITTLE PIGGY

When it comes to Peppa Pig, the name either haunts you or brings you extreme joy, and it all depends on your age. Every 5-year-old I’ve ever met has a Peppa obsession and, I won’t lie, I kind of get it. Her British accent and clan of animal friends are charming, if not a bit adorable. In this stage show, Peppa, her family and her school friends embark on a winter adventure and oink around in the snow-covered forest while getting up to all kinds of shenanigans. The young’un in your life will thank you for the afternoon of a lifetime, and your inner child might come out to play as you watch this nothing-but-wholesome performance put a smile on the face of the Peppa-obsessed kiddo in your life.

— MADISON PEARSON

VISUAL ARTS FULL STEAM AHEAD

Over the past decade or so, the American education system has increasingly emphasized science, technology, engineering and math, known as STEM education. Also over the past decade, pushback to this movement has come from arts advocates wanting to insert an “A” for arts education into STEM, creating STEAM, which advocates say is not only more engaging for students but also includes so-called left and right brain thinking in the process. A new exhibit involving roughly 30 high school students from The Community School in Spokane tests this hypothesis, showcasing the integration of art and poetry into instruction in chemistry. The wide range of artworks respond to the question: How can we use a deep understanding of atoms, molecules and chemical reactions to communicate their beauty abstractly?

— CARRIE SCOZZARO

Art Romances & Molecular Dances • Dec. 2-30; Mon-Fri from 8 am-5 pm • Free • Chase Gallery • 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • spokanearts.org • 509-321-9416

MUSIC HOLIDAY ELEGANCE

Among the many local traditions of the holiday season in the Inland Northwest is Christmas Tree Elegance, a public display of lavishly decorated Christmas trees that raise money to support mu sicians of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. This year, the 13-day showcase celebrates its 40th anniversary. In addition to more than a dozen trees, collectively displayed along the mezzanine of the Historic Davenport Hotel and the second floor of River Park Square, the event also includes two festive luncheons, during which small groups of Symphony musicians perform. Take in the decadent trees and try your luck by purchasing $1 raffle tickets to enter into a drawing for your favorite(s). Winner takes all, tree included! Then, settle in for a filling brunch followed by beautiful classical music in the Davenport’s Grand Pennington Ballroom.

— CHEY SCOTT

Christmas Tree Elegance Luncheons • Tue, Dec. 6 and Wed, Dec. 7 at 11 am • $55 • Historic Davenport Hotel • 10 S. Post St. • spokan esymphonyassoc.org • 509-458-8733

FOOD X SPORTS CULINARY WORLD CUP

In terms of Brazilian cultural exports, futebol certainly tops the list, but the country’s magnificent cuisine should be a clear No. 2 (sorry, samba). Those two passions come together at Feast World Kitchen for a special World Cup lunch event. Brazil plays its final game of the group stage against Cameroon at 11 am on Friday, and to celebrate, chefs Patricia Cruz and Camila Seim are whipping up food from their homeland to chow down on while watching the game (with chef Jonathan Odeseye of Cameroonian neighbor Nigeria offer ing some culinary competition). Brazil has already advanced to the knockout round and can grab first place in their group with at least a tie, while Camer oon needs to beat Brazil (likely by multiple goals) and for Switzerland to tie or lose to Serbia in order to keep its World Cup dreams alive.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

World Cup Brazilian Soccer & Brazilian Food • Fri, Dec. 2 from 11 am-2 pm • All ages • Feast World Kitchen • 1321 W. Third Ave. • feastworldkitchen.org

ENJOY

THEATER DOMESTIC DIFFERENCES

In Native Gardens, the next show in the Civic’s Firth J. Chew Studio Theatre, Tania, a pregnant doctoral candidate, and her husband, Pablo, an upand-coming attorney, move into a new residential neighborhood. They’re welcomed by their next-door neighbors Frank and Virginia, who also happen to maintain a magazine-quality English garden. However, when Tania starts eyeing her own garden and plans to build a fence, a polite disagreement over property borders and aesthetics erupts into a full-blown backyard brawl. Karen Zacarias’ comedy, directed in this Civic studio production by Dawn Taylor Reinhardt, is about differences in taste, class and perspective — and finding shared values in spite of them.

— E.J. IANNELLI

Native Gardens • Dec. 2-18; Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm • $25 • Spokane Civic Theatre • 1020 N. Howard St. • spokanecivictheatre.com • 509-325-2507

Park Assisted Living Community.

The holidays are our favorite time of year, and we have a busy calendar with no end of festive events and fun!

If you’re thinking of senior living for either yourself or a loved one, see how we help foster that sense of community by visiting us for a tour.

For more information about our community and our current move-in special, call (509) 924-5555, or visit prestigecare.com/sullivanpark

Sullivan Park Assisted Living Community 421 South Adams Rd.

Spokane Valley, WA 99216

THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON WITH PRESTIGE

Embrace the joy and togetherness of the holidays with Sullivan

I SAW YOU

NEVER IMAGINED... There’s so many things that I need to say and so many things I have experienced in the past year. I looked forward to seeing you for a long time. I rehearsed the things that I would say and dreamt of us catching up over a candlelight dinner someplace we’ve never been before. Love you.

CHEERS

THANK YOU FOR CDA SANTA CRUISE To the couple who bought our daughter a unicorn Sunday at Dockside restaurant in Couer d’Alene Saturday, Nov. 19. You ended her first trip on the Holiday Lights Cruise on a high note. Sugar high, but so worth it. Thank you for taking the time to talk to her while we (Mom and Dad) ate. It was so special to see her engage with people, let alone the sweetest people who made her feel so special and loved. Thank you so, so much. We feel bad we didn’t get your names but know you moved back from Spain to Deer Park. We appreciated your kind gesture.

ROAD MAINTENANCE Cheers to the Public Works crews out there repairing our roads and building the North Spokane Corridor. Some may complain about the temporary inconvenience, but it needs to be done and you’re doing good quality work. In the end, traffic will move more smoothly, we’ll be safer, and

your vehicles will suffer less damage. Thank you!

YOU GIVE ME HOPE FOR THE WORLD!

A special cheers to everyone who is gracious to my 5-year-old whenever I’m out and about with him. Just this weekend, a guy at Page 42 gave him a free pen and notebook, a woman at Ladder Coffee gave him free cups of both hot and cold water and offered him a job in 13 years, and all the people at each booth at the Winter Wonder Market were all so gracious to him. I can get discouraged about the world, but then I see the kindness that he draws out of people, and I find a little hope that maybe we’re better off than we thought.

MOSCOW HS FFA Congratulations to the Moscow High School FFA National Championship Team. There are 8,995 FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. They have a membership of 850,000+. Moscow High School’s chapter — though small — won big. Be advised that every chapter and member is instructed in Robert’s Rules of Order. Every city, county, state and congressional meeting is subject to these rules. What an Honor!

BIG HOLIDAY CHEERS Big Holiday Cheers to Judge Mary Logan, prosecuters and public defenders involved in the “Spokane Community Court Program” for all their true dedication and concern for the community. Now I’m not a frequent flyer, but I have been thrown into the Spokane County Court system a time or two. In fact Judge Logan represented me as my public defender in one of my first charges (like 20 years ago). Recently I graduated from the “Community Court Program.” During my time in the program, I witnessed a court system I had never experienced. Instead of being shuffled through like cattle just to get threw the docket and on to lunch, these people were asking questions and had concerns that were real. Questions about real-life problems and how they could help solve them were on the top of their lists, not just charges and punishments. They spent time with each person and really tried to get to the core of their crime, the problems that one might have that could lead them to commit the crimes they

had been accused of. I’ve never seen anything like it before... It was very refreshing. So I say to Judge Logan and all the people involved in the Community Court Program, GOOD JOB! KEEP

JEERS

not founded on the Bible, and if you think it was, you need to delve deeper into the history and the founders of our nation and then delve even deeper. Many of our forefathers practiced Deism NOT Christianity and certainly not built of bigotry and intolerance. I have faith,

WOULD YOU LAUGH? During a very serious scene about anti-Semitic threats in The Fableman’s movie you laughed out loud in the theater. Your small worldview and ignorance are all too common around here.

RE: SHAME ON YOU, INLANDER Bless your heart. Maybe you shouldn’t be so sensitive about criticism of a political ideology that is doing it’s best to remove and/or restrict personal rights in the name of nationalism. If you’re gonna be such a snowflake about this, take some of those supplements Alex Jones sells and follow some of the former president’s pandemic medical advice, and that will fix you right up.

MR. BOSS How can someone with such a beautiful soul be so blind to humanity, and to be raising another generation into that same bigotry and intolerance it’s astonishingly sad. Your child cannot tell me why she feels or thinks the way she does. “I don’t know it’s just a bad sticker.” No child at 7 should say a rainbow sticker is bad and not even understand why! It’s a sticker, sir; girls like rainbows, unicorns and all pretty things. You allow games with magic, unicorns, fairies and the such, but not rainbow stickers and that one sticker in particular. I don’t get it. Jesus didn’t teach bigotry, hatred, judgment or intolerance. The “values” you hold yourself and your child to are not the values of Jesus or the Bible. None of what your “Christian values” entail are part of Jesus. This nation was

so this is not coming from some “left” field. We need to teach our children to be better then we are, not the same, not carbon copies. To love each other as God so loved his son.

JEERS TO THE INLANDER I was going to submit a Cheers to some wholesome members of our community, but after seeing how toxic the I Saw You section has become, I decided it was no place for positivity. Jeers to the Inlander editor for turning a fun outlet for pent-up emotions into yet another political smear section. It used to be a place to jeer bad parkers and cheer Good Samaritans, but I cannot imagine any Good Samaritan willingly reading the Inlander nowadays.

JUST STOP WITH THE SELFCONGRATULATIONS Once again we are forced to endure the incessant self-congratulations for handing out food for Thanksgiving. Once again we are forced to watch the well-fed give bags of groceries to both truly needy families and merely greedy people in their pricey late-model SUVs. This annual display of faux, temporary generosity doesn’t solve the year-round systemic problems of impoverished seniors and hungry kids. Let’s call it what it really is — a way for the Not Needy to feel better about themselves before they go back to their overloaded dinner tables on Thanksgiving and the day after that and the day after that. This food drive (which ran out of food early — now, that’s real news!) is at bottom a public relations gimmick.

GET IT BEFORE IT’S GONE So more than $9 billion — an all-time record — was spent on landfills full of stuff on Black Friday. And airports saw their thirdbusiest day ever over the Thanksgiving weekend. What’s the deal? We can’t blame the really rich for this excess; they don’t need to shop for sales and can fly on private planes. These buyers and fliers are solidly middle class and maybe below, the same people reported to be “crushed” by inflation. Apparently they aren’t so strapped, or they’re racking up debt they can’t pay when the bill comes. One reporter described the airport mayhem as “revenge travel” — yeah, COVID, we’ll show you! We’re getting on stuffy oversold flights with hundreds of strangers who may or may not be carrying a virus or a box cutter. All this frenzied shopping and airport hopping is not a collective expression of determined optimism. At its empty core is a bleak nihilism. Get-It-While-You -Can-ism reigns. Temporarily. n

UP THE GOOD WORK!

DOG CHASING WILDLIFE Downriver Golf Course , the person who allowed her dog to chase off the Canadian geese while they were peacefully sunning themselves. Shame on you.

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.

“

I can get discouraged about the world, but then I see the kindness... ”

BENEFIT

GIVEBACK THURSDAYS: THRIVE A live acoustic performance by Marshall McLean and a raffle to support Thrive In ternational and Ukrainian refugees. Dec. 1, 5-9 pm. Free. Brick West Brewing Co., 1318 W. First. brickwestbrewingco.com

SANTA EXPRESS With the help of an elf, kids (ages 4-12) shop for everyone on their list from a wide selection of gifts priced from $1 to $10. Proceeds benefit Vanessa Behan. Mon-Fri from 11 am-7 pm, Sat from 10 am-7 pm and Sun from 11 am-5 pm through Dec. 22. River Park Square, 808 W. Main. santaexpress.org

LIVE NATIVE ART AUCTION Over 20 artists donated work. The event includes spoken word, a ribbon skirt auction, lo cal vendors and artist booths. Proceeds benefit the artists and Elk Soup. Dec. 2, 5-8 pm. The Philanthropy Center, 1020 W. Riverside Ave. fb.me/e/3EkVmK6co

POST FALLIDAYS TINY TREE FESTI

VAL This seventh-annual event benefits educational and community support pro grams within the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. Dec. 3, 10 am-noon. $35. Red Lion Hotel Templin’s on the River, 414 E. First Ave. postfallschamber.com

CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE HOLIDAY LUNCHEONS This annual fundraiser is hosted by the Spokane Symphony As sociates and benefits the Spokane Sym phony Orchestra. In addition to brunch, Spokane Symphony musicians play holi day favorites. Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, 11 am-2 pm. $55. Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. spokanesymphonyassoc.org

SPS FOUNDATION STEAM POWERED FUNDRAISER: This event takes place at Northwest Winterfest. Celebrate the holi day season and raise money for Spokane Public Schools classrooms and teachers. Dec. 8, 5-7:30 pm. $20. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. spokaneschoolsfoundation.org

COMEDY

KATHLEEN MADIGAN Madigan’s career started more than 30 years ago in local comedy clubs; she’s since risen to come dic stardom. Dec. 1, 7:30 pm. $59-$89. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com

HA!!MARK HOLIDAY SPECIAL A fully improvised satire of heart-warming holi day movies. Fridays at 7:30 pm through Dec. 30. $8. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com

MARLON WAYANS Wayans is best

known for his roles in movies such as Hal loween and White Chicks. Dec. 2-3, 7:30 & 10:30 pm. $45-$60. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedy club.com (509-318-9998)

SAFARI A fast-paced, short-form come dic improv show. Saturdays from 7:30-9 pm. $8. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Gar land Ave. bluedoortheatre.com

SAM MILLER The nationally touring co median and Northwest staple performs in clubs and theaters across the country. Dec. 3, 8-9:30 pm. $12. Black Diamond, 9614 E. Sprague Ave. fb.me/e/3NVlEnkC9

MATTY CHYMBOR Matty is a stand-up comedian who started out on Tik-Tok. Dec. 4, 7:30 pm. $12-$18. Spokane Com edy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecom edyclub.com (509-318-9998)

KATHERINE BLANFORD Blanford is the host of her own podcast and has been featured on The Tonight Show with Jim my Fallon. Dec. 6, 7:30 pm. $10-$16. Spo kane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spo kanecomedyclub.com (509-318-9998)

COMMUNITY

25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW

This annual light show features over a million lights along the floating board walk. Nov. 25-Jan. 2, daily at sundown. Through Jan. 2, 2023. Free. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort. com/holiday-light-show

CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE This an nual holiday event features 15 decorated trees and gifts on the mezzanine of the Historic Davenport and the second floor of River Park Square. All proceeds sup port the Spokane Symphony. Through Dec. 11. Free. River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. spokanesymphonyassoc.org

CRESCENT HOLIDAY WINDOWS Five window bays on the south side of the Grand display scenes rescued from the basement of the former Crescent. Fri-Sat from 12-10 pm and Sun-Thu from 3-8 pm through Jan. 2. Free. Davenport Grand Hotel, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. daven porthotelcollection.com (800-918-9344)

JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE A 40-minute holiday cruise across Lake Coeur d’Alene. Daily at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm through Jan. 2. $11.50-$26.50. cdacruises.com (208-292-5670)

RESALE TRAIL Visit 12 local vintage and consignment boutiques across Spokane for a chance to win prizes. Grab a pass port and get a stamp when you visit each store. Through Dec. 3. instagram.com/ garland_resale

WINTER PALAA-ZA Stroll through the west plaza and visit local vendor booths, enjoy free activities for kids and holiday photo stations. Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, 4-7 pm. Free. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place Dr. face book.com/SpokaneValleyFarmersMarket

MILLWOOD

WINTERFEST & MARKET

This annual street fair features Christmas trees, local artisans, vendor booths, a tree lighting and live music. Dec. 2, 3-7 pm. Free. Bottles, 3223 N. Argonne Rd. millwoodnow.org (509-939-1083)

BOUND 101 In this hands-on shibari rope class, participants learn about consent, safety protocols and more. Ages 18+. Dec. 2, 6-9 pm. $45. Atomic Threads Boutique, 1905 N. Monroe St. atomicthreadsinc.com

BRICK WEST CHRISTMAS TREE FARM North Ridge Farms is selling trees at Brick West. 10% of sales go toward families in need. Fri 4-9pm, Sat 11 am-8 pm and Sun 11 am-6 pm through Dec. 11. Brick West Brewing Co., 1318 W. First Ave. brickwest brewingco.com (509-279-2982)

DECK THE FALLS FESTIVAL A three-day event featuring a Christmas light parade, fireworks, an arts and crafts fair and live music. Dec. 2-4; Fri from 5-7 pm, Sat from 10 am-3 pm, Sun from 2-3 pm. See web site for full schedule. Free. Cutter Theatre, 302 Park St., Metaline Falls. cuttertheatre. com (509-446-4108)

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM The annual Christmas pageant features actors from various denominations and many live an imals. Dec. 2-4 from 6-8 pm. Free. South Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5607 S. Freya St. journeyspokane.com

NORTHWEST WINTERFEST The Pacific Northwest’s largest illuminated lantern display and cultural celebration. Fri 5-8 pm, Sat 4-8 pm and Sun 3-6 pm through Jan. 1. $10-$15. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. north westwinterfest.com (509-477-1766)

ROLE-PLAYING GAME DROP IN Improve your RPG skills by watching and partici pating in games. Fridays from 4-8 pm and Saturdays from 1-5 pm. Free. RPG Community Center, 101 N. Stone Street. rpgcenter.org (509-608-7630)

HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES Free horsedrawn carriage rides through downtown Spokane provided by Wheatland Bank. Each ride lasts about 8-10 minutes. No reservations, standby only. Pick up at 15 N. Wall St. Fri from 3-8 pm, Sat-Sun from 12-5 pm through Dec. 24. Free. Down town Spokane. visitspokane.com

AFTERNOON WITH SANTA Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, a hot cocoa

bar, crafts, the Polar Express and more. Dec. 3, 11 am-4 pm. $7-$10. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague Ave. spokanelibrary.org

ATHOL CHRISTMAS MARKET Lo cal farms, artisans and vendors offer handmade gifts, food and more. Dec. 3, 9 am-5 pm and Dec. 4, 10 am-3 pm. Athol Community Hall, 30355 Third St. atholfarmersmarket.com

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & TREE LIGHT ING This holiday event features free hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, crafts for kids, carolers and a tree lighting. Dec. 3, 3:30-5 pm. Free. Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Rd. fairmountmemorial.com

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR This fair features locally made handcrafts and art. A por tion of each sale benefits the Friends of the Library. Dec. 3, 10 am-5 pm. Free to shop. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org (208-769-2315)

HOLIDAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE A memorial service and candlelight cere mony to remember the lives of the loved ones who have passed. RSVP via phone or email. Dec. 3, 1-2 pm. Free. Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way. heritagefunerals.com (509-838-8900)

LIGHTED VEHICLE PARADE A parade on Main St. consisting of vehicles decorated with holiday lights. Dec. 3, 5 pm. Free. Rathdrum, Idaho. rathdrum.org/rec

MILLWOOD ART & CRAFT FAIR Hand made goods by local vendors are avail able for purchase. Dec. 3, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Zion Lutheran Church of Millwood, 8304 E. Buckeye Ave. millwoodnow.org

PHOTOS WITH SANTA Each visit in cludes a photo magnet and more. Dona tions to Teen and Kid Closet accepted. Sat-Sun from 12-6 pm through Dec. 11. $30. Creative Catch Studio, 1804 E. Sprague. santa.thecreativecatch.com

SPA HOLIDAY PARTY Celebrate with Spokane Preservation Advocates. This party features beverages and hors d’oeuvres at a private residence, register to obtain address. Dec. 3, 4-9 pm. $25$30. spokanepreservation.org

SUDS & SCIENCE: AVATAR & LIVING IN PANDORA Discuss different scien tific aspects from the movie Avatar, from mysterious minerals to its fantastic crea tures. Dec. 3, 7 pm. Free. Golden Handle Brewing Co., 154 S. Madison St. fb.me/ e/2ZJGYRGla (509-863-9167)

WINTERFEST Celebrate the holidays on Main St. with a winter market, decora tions, fireworks and a parade. Dec. 3, 12-6 pm. Free. Colfax. explorecolfax.com

WONDER HOLIDAY MARKET The Won

der’s winter market features live music, arts and gifts, hot cocoa and more. Sat from 10 am-2 pm through Dec. 17. Free. The Wonder Building, 835 N. Post St. wonderspokane.com (509-606-8900)

ADVENTURE OUTPOST An alternative Christmas market that aids the public in finding practical ways to get involved and make a difference through local, regional and global mission partners. Dec. 4, 10 am-1 pm. Free. Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church, 312 W. Hawthorne Rd. whitworthchurch.org

SANTA CARES: A SENSORY-FRIENDLY

SANTA EXPERIENCE Children within ev ery spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private Santa photo session at River Park Square. Visits are free, photos available for purchase. Dec. 4, 9-10:30 am. River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. riverparksquare.com

SPOKANE FOLKLORE SOCIETY CON TRA DANCE Dance to fiddle, guitar, pia no and mandolin by regional musicians. Proof of vaccination and one booster is required; mask wearing is optional. First and third Wed. of every month, 7:15-9:30 pm. $7-$10. Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. spokanefolklore.org

WINTER MARKET AT THE PAVILION Shop local this holiday season with a variety of local farmers, processors, ar tisans, hand crafters and vendors with the Spokane Tribe of Indians. Wednes days from 3-7 pm through Dec. 21. Free. Pavilion at Riverfront, 574 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org (509-625-6000)

41ST TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY This annual event aims to provide a comfort ing space to grieve, mourn and remem ber those who have passed away. Dec. 8, 4:30 & 6 pm. Free. Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave. postfalls chamber.com (208-772-7994)

MANITO PARK HOLIDAY LIGHTS Walk or drive to see the holiday light displays. Drive-through only from Dec. 9-12 from 6-9:30 pm; walk-through only Dec. 13-18, 5-8 pm. Free. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. thefriendsofmanito.org

FILM

A MOVIE NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE This event includes showings of The Woman King, a film about strong, Black female warriors, which was chosen to honor the legacy of Sandy Williams. The event also includes a silent auction to benefit the Carl Maxey Center of Spokane. Dec. 1, 7:30 pm. $20. Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W. Main Ave. magiclanternonmain.com (509-209-2383)

EVENTS | CALENDAR

FALL48 A screening of the top films from the 48-hour filmmaking challenge host ed by the University of Idaho School of Journalism and Mass Media. Dec. 1, 6:30 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

DECISION TO LEAVE A detective inves tigating a man’s death in the mountains meets the dead man’s mysterious wife. Dec. 2-4; Fri at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 4 pm. $7. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenwor thy.org (208-882-4127)

GREEN SCREEN VIDEO MAGIC Get hands-on experience with video record ing and video editing using a green screen and keyframing to incorporate special effects into your videos. Ages 12+. Registration required. Dec. 3, 1-3 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. scld.org/events (893-8400)

HUB DRIVE-IN MOVIE SERIES Watch two holiday classics at the drive-in. Dec. 3, 5 pm (The Polar Express) and 7:30 pm (The Santa Clause). $25/car. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. hub sportscenter.org/drive-in-movies

THE POLAR EXPRESS Support the Pan ida Century Fund at a screening of this holiday classic. Dec. 3, 2:30 pm. $9.27. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida. org (208-263-9191)

NT LIVE: JACK ABSOLUTE

at 7 pm. $2.50. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com

FOOD & DRINK

FIRESIDE DINNER & MUSIC SERIES

Enjoy selections from Arbor Crest’s sea sonal menu along with wine and beer from Square Wheel. Music lineup varies, see website for more. Thu-Sat from 6-8 pm. Free to attend. Arbor Crest Wine Cel lars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. arborcrest.com

KITCHEN CLASS: RAVIOLI Commellini

Estate’s executive chef teaches partici pants how to create ravioli. Class culmi nates in a meal served family style inside the Estate’s main venue. Dec. 1, Dec. 7, and Dec. 8, 6:30 pm. $85. Commellini Estate, 14715 N. Dartford Dr. commellini. com/november-ravioli (509-466-0667)

TAMALES FOR THE HOLIDAYS Try Terra za’s handmade tamales, soup and agua chile while listening to live music and en joying views of the Spokane River. Dec. 1, 6:30-9 pm. $65. Terraza Waterfront Cafe, 1950 Bellerive Ln. terrazacda.com

A TASTE OF FRANCE WINE DINNER

dishes. After, guests vote on their favor ite. Dec. 2, 11 am-2 pm. Feast World Kitch en, 1321 W. Third. feastworldkitchen.org

BAD SANTA PUB CRAWL This pub crawl benefits Spokane Toys for Tots. Registra tion includes a crewneck sweatshirt. Dec. 3, 5 pm. $20. Downtown Spokane. irish drinkingteam.com

CLASSICAL MEDITERRANEAN MUSIC, DANCE & DINNER A Lebanese dinner show with classical Mediterranean/Egyp tian music by Raqs Sharki. First Sat. of ev ery month from 6-8 pm through Dec. 31. $10-$20. Lebanon Restaurant & Café, 707 W. Fifth. lebanonrestaurantandcafe.com

DROP-IN TASTING: WANDERING WOLF Taste local wine and enjoy cheese and crackers. Dec. 3, 2-4:30 pm. $10. Vino! A Wine Shop, 222 S. Washington St. vinow ine.com (509-838-1229)

HOLIDAY HAM SLAM Paula Davis is cooking up a ham meal with all the fix ings. Visit a free arts and crafts show at the same time. Dec. 3, noon. $20. Corbin Senior Activity Center, 827 W. Cleveland. corbinseniorcenter.networkforgood.com

NER Gander & Ryegrass is partnering with winemaker Antonio Sanguineti to feature unique, limited-production wines from Italy. Dec. 5, 5-8:30 pm. $50. Gan der & Ryegrass, 404 W. Main Ave. gan derandryegrass.com (509-315-4613)

WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS DINNER A light dinner of soup, salad and bread with a program to follow that includes a speaker and crafts. RSVP online. Dec. 5, 6 pm. $7. New Horizons Community Church, 3122 W. Lincoln Rd. nhccspokane.com

MUSIC

THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS Ellen Tra volta’s annual evening of holiday music, laughter and stories, featuring special guests Abbey Crawford, Molly Allen, Mark Cotter and Margaret Travolta. Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm; Sun at 5 pm through Dec. 18. $35. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort.com/travolta-christmas-show

holiday ballet performed by the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara with the Spokane Symphony. Dec. 1-4; Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 3 pm. $25-$99. Mar tin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. spokanesymphony.org

CHRISTMAS JOY The Coeur d’Aleers of Cancer and Community Charities of Koo tenai County share music and traditional carols that lift spirits. Dec. 2, 7-9 pm. Free. Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. Fifth St. trinitylutherancda.org

EWU CHORAL CONCERT EWU choral groups perform various compositions. Directed by Kristina Ploeger-Hekmat panah. Dec. 2, 7:30 pm. $5-$10. Central Lutheran Church, 512 S. Bernard St. ewu. edu/music (509-624-9233)

CELEBRATING SEASONS GREETINGS!

FLIES AGAIN

After an aerial dog fight, pilot officer Jack Absolute flies home to win the heart of his old flame, Lydia Languish. Dec. 4, noon. $10-$12. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

TOTALLY TUBULAR TUESDAY A weekly screening of a throwback film; see web site for each week’s film. Every Tuesday

Indulge in award-winning wines from across the region of France paired with a six-course menu crafted by executive chef Jim Barrett and sous chef Taylor Wolters. Dec. 2, 6 pm. $136. Beverly’s, 115 S. Second St. beverlyscda.com

WORLD CUP BRAZILIAN SOCCER & BRAZILIAN FOOD Brazilian chefs Patri cia and Camila and chef Jonathan from Nigeria host a watch party that features a lunch entree competition. During the game, the lunch special features both Brazilian and Cameroonian traditional

HOLIDAY SHOWSTOPPERS COOKING CLASS Make individual beef wellingtons, gorgonzola mashed potatoes, Christmas beet, goat cheese and walnut salad with a decadent dessert. Dec. 3, 5 pm. $95. Wanderlust Delicato, 421 W. Main Ave., Suite 103. wanderlustdelicato.com

SCANDINAVIAN HOLIDAY TREATS COOKING CLASS Create lefse, rosettes and Danish butter cookies. Dec. 3, 1 pm. $65. Wanderlust Delicato, 421 W. Main Ave.. wanderlustdelicato.com

SMALL VINEYARDS ITALIAN WINE DIN

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY WIND SYM PHONY CONCERT The Gonzaga Wind Symphony, under the direction of Peter J. Hamlin, performs music by Carl Orff, Alfred Reed, Steve Danyew and Viet Cu ong. Dec. 1, 7:30-8:45 pm. Free. Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/mwpac

NIGHT OF CHAMBER This concert fea tures North Idaho College’s Cardinal Chamber Orchestra performing music of the romantic, 20th century opera and pop-rock hits of the early 2000s. Dec. 1, 7:30 pm. Free. Schuler Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Garden Ave. nic.edu/ music (208-769-7780)

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET The classic

The symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, music from Disney’s Frozen, Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and Christmas Festival. Dec. 3. $10-$25. Schuler Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Garden Ave. cdasymphony.org

CHRISTMAS BRASS A holiday concert featuring the Washington-Idaho Sym phony brass section. Dec. 3, 7:30 pm. $10-$25. Pullman High School, 510 NW Greyhound Way. wa-idsymphony.org

GONZAGA WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT

The GU Wind Ensemble, under the direc tion of Peter J. Hamlin, performs music by Percy Grainger, Steven Bryant and Andrew Boss. Dec. 3, 7:30-9 pm. Free. Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/mwpac

JIM BRICKMAN WITH MAT & SAVANNA SHAW: A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Brickman is best known for his star-stud

ded vocal collaborations and radio show. Dec. 3, 8-10 pm. $37-$77. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. bingcros bytheater.com (509-227-7638)

NORTHWEST BACHFEST: JASON

VIEAUX The Grammy Award winner performs selections from Bach, Browler, Morel and more on classical guitar. Dec. 3, 7 pm. $15-$49. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. NWBachFest.com

SPECTRUM SINGERS: A PATH TO EACH OTHER This concert features songs of winter, welcome and happiness. Spec trum Singers is an all-inclusive and in tergenerational SATB (all vocal ranges) chorus. Dec. 3, 7-8 pm. $10. Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Whistalks Way. spokanespectrumsingers.com

A VERY WAZZU WINTER The WSU choir ensembles perform winter music and host an in-person silent auction. All proceeds go toward music student schol arships. Dec. 3, 2-4 pm. Free. Bryan Hall Theatre, 605 Veterans Way, Pullman. mu sic.wsu.edu (509-332-9600)

NORTHWEST BACHFEST: JASON

VIEAUX, ZUILL BAILEY The two Gram my award winners perform selections by Bach, Ellington, Piatti and more on clas sical guitar and cello. Dec. 4, 3 pm. $15$49. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. NWBachFest.com (509-465-3591)

GONZAGA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT FEATURING SHLOMO MINTZ

The orchestra, directed by Kevin Hekmat panah and featuring Shlomo Mintz, per form Copland, Verdi, Sibelius and more. Dec. 5, 7:30-9 pm. $15-18. Myrtle Wold son Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Des met Ave. gonzaga.edu (509-313-6733)

HOLIDAY HARMONY A Christmas con cert by Inland Harmony Chorus featuring The Romeos and MHS Encore and Choir.

Dec. 5, 7 pm. By donation. The Kenwor thy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

FOOTY ON THE BIG SCREEN Watch

World Cup matchups on the Kenworthy screen. Concessions available for pur chase. Dec. 1-2, 5-6, 9 and 13 at 11 am, Dec. 18 at 7 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org

“THE FITZ”

MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

A high school basketball tournament honoring the legacy of former Gonzaga University basketball coach, Dan Fitzger ald. Dec. 2-3. Free. Lewis and Clark High School, 521 W. Fourth Ave. spokanehoop fest.net/fitztournament (509-354-7000)

DJ NIGHT ON THE ICE DJ A1 provides the tunes for themed nights, contests and more. Every Friday at 6 pm through Jan. 27. $7-$10. Numerica Skate Ribbon, 720 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. my.spokanecity. org/riverfrontspokane (509-625-6600)

SPOKANE CHIEFS Upcoming matches: Dec. 2 vs. Kelowna Rockets; Dec. 3 vs. Lethbridge Hurricanes and Dec. 6 vs. Seattle Thunderbirds. 7:05 pm. $12-$30. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spo kanechiefs.com

THEATER

A CHRISTMAS CAROL As miserly Ebene zer Scrooge falls asleep on Christmas Eve, three ghosts appear reveal the wrongdo ings of his life. Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm through Dec. 23. $10-$35. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spo kanecivictheatre.com (509-325-2507)

SPOKANE PLAYWRIGHTS LABORA

TORY: A LEAGUE OF HER OWN A col laborative performance by the Spokane Playwrights Laboratory and Just Friends. Showing at a private residence, see link for info. Dec. 1, 8 pm and Dec. 2, 11 pm. $20. spokaneplaywrightslaboratory.com

CHRISTMAS BELLES In the small town of Fayro, Texas, the Futrelle Sisters are not exactly in a festive mood for the holidays. Dec. 2-11; Fri-Sat at 7 pm, Sun at 3 pm. $10-$14. Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union Ave. pendoreilleplayers.com

NATIVE GARDENS A disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privi lege and entitlement. Dec. 2-18, Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $10-$25. Spo kane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spokanecivictheatre.com

THE SOUND OF MUSIC A heartwarming story based on the real-life story of the Von Trapp Family singers. Dec. 2-18, Fri at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm. $12-$16. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia. spo kanechildrenstheatre.org

THE WIZARD OF OZ The classic tale of Dorothy Gale and her friends performed by students in the PACE (People Access ing Careers and Education) program at SCC. Dec. 2, 6 pm. Entry is one food item. SCC Lair Auditorium, 1810 N. Greene St. ccs.spokane.edu (533-7000)

GONZAGA THEATRE SPORTS IMPROV

The student comedy group showcases family-friendly humor in this completely improvised stage show. Dec. 3, 9 pm. $1. Gonzaga Magnuson Theatre, 502 E. Boone. gonzaga.edu/theatreanddance

VISUAL ARTS

HOLIDAY ARTISTS’ SHOP Browse hand made baskets, turned wood bowls, fiber

arts, journals and more. Dec. 1-4; Thu-Sat from 10 am-6 pm, Sun from 10 am-3 pm. Free. Create Arts Center, 900 Fourth St, Newport. createarts.org (509-447-9277)

LILA SHAW GIRVIN: GIFT OF A MO MENT Living and working in Spokane since 1958, Lila Girvin has used vibrant color, form, and unassuming techniques with oil paint to explore new dimensions of feeling through ethereal, abstract paintings. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through March 12. $7-$12. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

MEGAN ATWOOD CHERRY: PRECIOUS CARGO Cherry’s latest series combines painted wood, stone and fiber to create unique artwork. Nov. 29-Jan. 27, Mon-Thu from 9 am-4 pm, Fri from 10 am-2:30 pm. Free. Boswell Corner Gallery at NIC, 1000 W. Garden Ave. nic.edu (208-769-3276)

SEASONS OF COLOR Original watercolor paintings by local artist Gloria Fox de picting the Inland Northwest. Dec. 1-31; Wed-Fri from 2-7 pm, Sat from 12-4 pm. Free. Craftsman Cellars, 1194 W. Summit Pkwy. craftsmanwinery.com

MARY PAT KANALEY The local artist works in mediums from chalk pastel to acrylics and watercolors. Dec. 1-31, daily from 11 am-7 pm. Free. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington. potteryplaceplus.com

WHITWORTH FACULTY BIENNIAL Art created by Whitworth art department faculty including Katie Creyts, Robert Fifield, Marissa Lang and more. Mon-Fri from 10 am-4:30 pm, Sat from 10 am-2 pm through Jan. 20. Free. Bryan Oliver Gallery, Whitworth, 300 W. Hawthorne Ave. whitworth.edu (777-3258)

MELISSA COLE: FIRE & ICE An exhibit inspired by the artist’s recent trips to Egypt and Iceland and features deities and landscapes from both locales, ren

dered in oil and acrylic. Dec. 2-30, Fri from 5-8 pm, Sat-Sun from 11 am-3 pm. Free. Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, 115 S. Adams St. kolva-sullivangallery.com

FIRST FRIDAY Art galleries and busi nesses across Spokane host receptions to showcase new displays of art. Dec. 2, 5-8 pm. Details at firstfridayspokane.org

LR MONTGOMERY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE See and collect this year’s paint ings by LR Montgomery. Dec. 2-3, 10 am-9 pm. Free. LR Montgomery Studio & Gallery, 428 E. 21st Ave. lrmontgomery. com (509-434-8436)

SAP SMALL WORKS SHOW AND SALE: This annual show features small, afford able, original works of art by members and invited guests. Artists include Kurt Madison, Margot Casstevens, Harry Mes tyanek, Becky Busi and more. Dec. 2-31, Fri-Sat from 12-8 pm. Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main. sapgallery.com

STEFANI

ROSSI, SHANTELL JACKSON

& HEATHER BERNDT: REMOTE A col lection of works exploring themes and experiences common to many during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Dec. 3-31, Thu-Sat from 4-7 pm. Reception Dec. 2, 5-8 pm. Free. Terrain Gallery, 728 N. Monroe St. terrainspokane.com

HOLIDAY ARTIST STUDIO TOUR Visit six local artists in their studios to see how they create their work. End the day at the Steam Plant, mingle with artists and enjoy live music. Dec. 3, 10 am-4 pm. $15$20. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. north westmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

PIÑATA DECORATING PARTY Learn about the origins of the piñata and work together with your family to decorate a piñata. Registration required. Dec. 3, 2:30-3:30 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Li brary, 12004 E. Main. scld.org/events n

ECONOMY

Market Success

BY WILL MAUPIN

W ashington’s recreational cannabis market is setting the standard for market share, according to a study from the University of Waterloo in Canada.

The study, which only surveyed cannabis consum ers, found that consumers in Washington buy cannabis through the legal market at a higher rate than consumers in any other legal state in the nation. Seventy-seven per cent of survey participants in Washington indicated that they purchase at least some of their cannabis from legal sources, compared with 57 percent across all states where cannabis is legal. The survey had more than 52,000 participants from Canada, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand between the ages of 16 and 65. Nearly 7,300 of them were from Washington state.

“We are often asked about the impact Washington’s regulated marketplace has had on the illicit market. This study is the first one that we are aware of that shows the degree to which Washington consumers choose licensed cannabis retail stores over illegal sources,” Rick Garza, director of Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board, said in a statement. “It shows that the legal market we have is working largely as it should.”

As the study shows, the emergence of legal markets has not eliminated the presence of illicit markets for cannabis. Some 23 percent of respondents still buy can nabis from illegal sources for a number of self-reported reasons, including price and convenience. The study doesn’t mention the quantity of cannabis purchased by those who say they buy from legal sources and those who don’t.

California legalized cannabis in 2016 but has struggled to move consumers away from illicit sources. In October, cannabis website Leafly published a report that found only 45 percent of cannabis purchases in California took place in the legal market. And just last month, Politico published a story about the strength of the black market in California titled “The black market strangled California’s legal weed industry. Now it’s coming for New York.”

One of the reasons Washington’s legal market has been able to outperform the na tional average and claim such a large market share is the simple factor of price.

When Washington’s first recreational retail stores opened in July 2014, the price was much higher than the black market because there simply wasn’t enough legal cannabis to meet demand.

“We knew then that if the total price dropped to be low $12 per gram that the regulated retail market would be able to compete with the illicit market,” said Garza, with the state’s LCB. “As more stores opened, the price steadily fell month over month until it stabilized in the last five years.”

Despite the highest cannabis taxes in the country, the Waterloo study found that the average price of legal cannabis cost just $7.38 per gram in Washington. That number is well below the price of illicit cannabis in Washington, which averages $13.58 per gram, as well as both the national illicit average of $9.94 per gram and the national legal average of $8.75 per gram. n

Legal sales are highest in the Evergreen State

NOTE TO READERS

Be aware of the differences in the law between Idaho and Washington. It is illegal to possess, sell or transport cannabis in the State of Idaho. Possessing up to an ounce is a misdemeanor and can get you a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine; more than three ounces is a felony that can carry a five-year sentence and fine of up to $10,000. Transporting marijuana across state lines, like from Washington into Idaho, is a felony under federal law.

AWARE: Marijuana is legal for

and older

Washington State law (e.g.,

69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 Initiative 502 and Senate Bill 5052). 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 intox icating effects; there may be health risks as sociated with its consumption, and it 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. Keep out of reach of children. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

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