PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #017 ZIP CODE 99019
FREE
AUGUST
2014
The scoop on ice cream in the Valley Options are limited ... and oh so worth it! PAGE 8
We’re open.
HUTTON GAVE CHILDREN A PLACE TO BELONG PAGE 20
TIPSY MUSE INSPIRES CREATIVITY WITH PAINTING PARTIES PAGE 23
WV HONORS ATHLETE, COACH AND EDUCATOR, JACK SPRING PAGE 28
Our unique facility offers a variety of services in one location, reducing the waiting time for patients, providing quicker diagnosis and faster treatment, which results in better patient outcomes! • Urgent Care • Primary Care • Imaging
• Specialty Physicians • Labs • Pharmacy
Providence Medical Park • 16528 East Desmet Court • Spokane Valley
phc.org
2 • AUGUST 2014
Magnanimous in Millwood
West Valley causes important to Young By Craig Howard
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
If the city of Millwood was to ever establish the role of an official diplomat, Shirene Young would be one of the leading candidates. The native of southern California began working in the accounting department at the Inland Empire Paper Co., Millwood’s hub of business in October of 1989, the same year she moved to the Spokane area. She has lived in Millwood for the past 20 years, taking on the role of ad-hoc ambassador for a variety of causes that range from the Millwood Better for Business group to an annual summer celebration known as Millwood Daze. Young earned her degree in organizational management from
Whitworth University and rose through the ranks at IEP, working in the forestry division and purchasing. She is now the business manager of a company whose roots in the town go back to 1911. In addition to producing specialty paper products and some 500 tons of newsprint each day, IEP has contributed consistent support to a variety of community causes, including the Millwood Historical Tour, Valleyfest and the Millwood Christmas Tree Lighting. In a town of around 1,800 residents, Young is recognized as a savvy and caring leader without a personal agenda. She has served on the SCOPE board and regularly attends meetings of the Millwood City Council, keeping the governing board updated on news from IEP as well as the latest from the Better for Business group.
NEWS A Cup of Joe Millwood Daze, which will celebrate its sixth year on Aug. 23, arose in the wake of a major overhaul on Argonne Road in 2009. Young and others who organized the event wanted to make it clear that businesses along the town’s main thoroughfare had made it through the extensive renovation and were looking to the future with optimism. True to the organizers’ civic-minded emphasis, the celebration has turned into an annual fundraiser for MidCity Concerns-Spokane Meals on Wheels. The Better for Business group — which has become an effective marketing vehicle for local commerce and networking — also has its origins in the Argonne Road project as Young and others recognized the importance of mitigating the impact of construction on local retail.
The Current
Young and her husband have a blended family that includes six kids and a dozen grandchildren. When not volunteering her time to a community cause, she enjoys gardening, music, baking and golf.
Q. A.
What do you like most about living and working in Millwood?
At first, the greatest benefit of living in Millwood was to work close to where I lived and be able to walk to work. However, one of the best things I discovered quickly about Millwood is the greatest neighbors and neighborhoods around. I first lived to the east of the mill, and even though most residents had been there a long time, they are all very friendly and open to welcoming new people to their neighborhood. I moved from the east side of Millwood to the west side of Millwood a few years later and found the same warm welcome. Millwood has everything close. Of course, this isn't by accident and is the result of a very involved and dedicated city mayor, council and staff.
FREE CUSTOM MOUTH GUARD FOR YOUTH ATHLETES! ($100 value) AUGUST SPECIAL: New patients receive a complimentary customized sports mouth guard PLUS a new guard every year they remain current patients. With Purchase of a New Patient Exam, Necessary X-rays & Recommended Cleaning. Offer also valid for current patients. Expires 8/31/14.
CALL TODAY!
Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Amanda Roper
Q: You are a frequent attendee at Millwood City Council meetings. What have you learned about municipal government over the years, and have you ever considered running for office? A: Yes, I have learned quite a bit about the process particularly in Millwood, but I don’t have any plans to run for office. No time! Which is also to say I very much appreciate our elected officials that give quite willingly of their time to understand the issues and spend time to research outside of their regularly scheduled meetings. Each one is diligent to understand all of the viewpoints surrounding a question. Q: When you started at Inland Empire Paper in 1989, what did you know about the history of the mill and its role in the development of the town? A: I had no idea of the depth of history, although I knew the mill had been around for a long time. In fact, I think most of us had the concept of history simply from the retirement board we keep in our breakroom listing retirees from as far back as the 50s. However,
See YOUNG, page 4
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 3
WE’LL MEET OR BEAT COMPETITOR PRICES. WE WON’T BE UNDERSOLD! M-F 7am to 6pm Sat. 8am to 5pm
16010 E. Sprague Ave. (Near Sullivan)
“Chris is always quick to set a higher level of genuine friendliness and expertise. Price and service stand alone at Clark’s, and there’s that intangible feeling of family and a very sincere effort on Chris’ part to support the community, truly setting Clark’s apart. Over the years Clark’s has supported the various sports teams of my two sons. Thanks Chris for all you do!” — Travis Hadley
924-1681
www.clarkstires.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK 6 MONTHS SAME AS CASH O.A.C
Instant Credit • Same Day Service • Customer Shuttle • Nationwide Warranty • Certified Technicians
AC SPECIAL
$
89
95 PLUS TAX
Includes complete AC inspection and up to 2lbs refrigeration 134A. Dye extra if needed.
Most vehicles. Additional parts not included. Not valid with other offers. Coupon required. Exp. 8/30/14.
Is your vehicle overheating?
FREE COOLANT SYSTEM CHECK Most vehicles. Additional parts not included. Not valid with other offers. Coupon required. Exp. 8/30/14.
OIL CHANGE
$
19
95 PLUS TAX
ON MOST VEHICLES
Most cars/light trucks. Not valid with any other special offer. Coupon required. Exp. 8/30/14.
The Current
4 • AUGUST 2014
NEWS
YOUNG Continued from page 2
when our centennial came up, the company commissioned an author, Joni Sensel, to research and document our history. The result is an excellent book, "Challenge and Change — Inland Empire Paper Company’s First Century,” which has history but also the color and interest stories as told by retirees, current employees and historical documents. I think the book is inspiring to everyone who has read it. Q: Tell us about your involvement in SCOPE over the years and how you think the program benefits smaller communities like Millwood. A: I was very fortunate to be a part of the board for SCOPE and work with people highly dedicated to our community’s safety. Neighborhood Watch is particularly suited to smaller areas as most people know their neighbors and this program simply promotes what is already intrinsic — watching out for each other. Recently, Millwood had a rash of burglaries, and having SCOPE and our sheriff come out and talk directly with the city and residents about steps to take was very helpful. Q: The arboretum just north of Millwood City Hall and south of IEP is one of several examples of the town's emphasis on trees and greenspace. Why do you think the city has been so successful in preserving this aspect of the community? A: I think part of this is the recognition of Millwood as a Tree City USA city, but I think it goes back to the initial development of Millwood. The boulevard trees along Dalton were planted by IEP back when the city was first
CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD
Shirene Young has worked for the Inland Empire Paper Co. in Millwood for the past 25 years. She was integral to the formation of the Millwood Better for Business group and the community’s annual summer celebration, Millwood Daze, which will observe its sixth rendition on Aug. 23. developing. There was a desire to make the city a beautiful place to live. Millwood was never a “company town,” but instead the mill supported efforts by businesses and residents to build houses and buildings to create a place to both live and work. This has been carried over all these years, and we continue to have residents and businesses that appreciate and support beautiful street trees. Q: In 2009, Millwood began a major renovation of Argonne Road. Prior to the project there was a lot of talk about the disruptive impact of traffic on the main thoroughfare through town. Do you think things are better since the improvements were made? A: I believe having the bulbouts and wide sidewalks is a benefit for the businesses along Argonne. I know for sure having nice sidewalks on the west side of Ar-
Carver Farms AUGUST ON THE FARM
U-PICK: beans, cukes, corn, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries & much more ALSO AVAILABLE: peaches, tomatoes, blueberries, huckles, garlic, honey & more
www.CarverFarms.com
509-226-3602
Open daily: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1/2 mile north of Trent at 9105 N. Idaho Rd. (Newman Lake area)
gonne, south of Euclid is definitely a benefit — before it was more like a goat trail. We still have a way to go with adding street art, benches, flower baskets, but we’ll get there. The goal is to create an interesting and calming scene for drivers on Argonne that perhaps will entice people to stop and see what Millwood has to offer. Q: Tell us about the origins of Millwood Better for Business. How do you think it has made a difference in the community's approach to commerce? A: I believe by joining together with a united voice we can accomplish so much more than individuals, and it isn’t because city hall ignores the individual. It is because most of our businesses are small, independent businesses without time or resources to spend a lot of time to get issues addressed. I would hope our group believes we
can accomplish a lot by working together. I believe having a group such as Better for Business also assists the city by providing a focal point to broadcast information or pass along ideas to the group as a whole. Q: The IEP mill has been a cornerstone of Millwood in many ways, starting with its impact on municipal tax revenue. In what other ways do you think the company has positively influenced the community? A: The impact of IEP economically goes well beyond the tax revenue as we try very hard to support local businesses for items we need to purchase, which in turn provide local jobs. A study done by EWU estimated our economic impact at over $200 million and 500 jobs, which obviously goes beyond our own payroll. We have already talked about trees and the desire to build a beautiful community. We continue to be interested in building strong neighbor ties with events, including our annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which brings together West Valley High School, local businesses and our community. We also support Millwood Daze, which is coming up Aug. 23. We hope everyone will come on out to join the fun. We also work on being good stewards of the environment and resources around us so that our community stays a great place to live. Q: You have contributed time to a number of projects with the West Valley School District. How important is the district in the overall culture of Millwood? A: We are very interested in the partnership opportunities with WVSD as the educator of our next generation. I think we are both receptive to working together to prepare students for the working world with emphasis on math,
science, mechanics, etc. We also provide an annual scholarship to a West Valley senior and support the PACE attributes. We will continue to look for ways to work together for our community. Q: You mentioned Millwood Daze, the sixth annual installment of which will take place this month. Tell us about how this event got started and what you like most about it. A: From the road construction in the summer of 2009, we developed our first Millwood Daze event in 2009, which we named, "Taking Back Our Street.” It was a chance to make sure our community knew the businesses survived and invite people to walk along Argonne and see everything Millwood has to offer. It is amazing to consider this will be our sixth Millwood Daze event. It has grown tremendously with the involvement of (Mid-City Concerns) Meals on Wheels. We have moved off of Argonne onto our tree-shaded Dalton and still hope to showcase the local businesses here to serve the community. This year, our own West Valley High School band will kick off the 5K fun run, the Masonic Temple is offering their country breakfast starting at 8 a.m. and the rest of the day is filled with booths, activities for kids, music and fun. We invite everyone to a potluck picnic and old-fashioned baseball game at Millwood Park starting at 4 p.m. to wind down the day. I really like that we are now in the shade. August is a hot month, and people can come down to the shade of our Dalton Boulevard, walk around and enjoy ice cream, fun activities and friendly people. We also have a great red wagon parade, and last year was the inaugural Dachshund Dash. I also really like that this event supports both Millwood and Meals on Wheels.
You can make a difference
Volunteer with the Eastern Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Ensuring the rights, dignity and well-being of individuals living in long-term care…today and tomorrow.
Screening now for training in September — Call 509-456-7133 or toll free 1-800-660-7133 or visit www.waombudsman.org for more information
A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization administered through SNAP in Spokane
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 5
HALF OFF
Daily Special
7
$ 95
OPEN
ANY COMBO
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Buy any deli combo at regular price, get half off second combo ❶ Cup of soup, garden salad ❷ Small sandwich, cup of soup ❸ 1/2 Sandwich, chips, cup of soup 13817 E Sprague (Across from Target) www.caseysplacedeli.com Like us on Facebook for specials!
General, Implant, Cosmetic & Computer Dentistry
EXP. 8/31/14
921-6545
We Deliver!
Since 1999, same location and going strong!
2014 Junior Lesson Programs - $70
KIMBERLY A. SILER, D.D.S.
Session 4 Tuesday - Friday August 12-15 10:00 - 10:45 11:00 - 11:45
SCOTT M. HAGER, D.D.S.
•Same Day Emergencies •Oral Surgery •Extractions •Dentures •3D X-Rays •Root Canals •Periodontal •Pediatrics •One Day Crowns •Accepts Most Insurances •Care Credit
Also available: Advanced Season Improvement, Advanced Mini-Season & Private Lessons
2014 Adult Lesson Programs - $110 1102 N. Liberty Lake Road www.libertylakewa.gov/golf | 509.928.3484
MICHELLE OLMSTEAD, D.D.S.
509-891-5001
Session 4 Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 August 6, 13, 20, 27
1328 N. Stanford Lane, Suite 100 www.LibertyLakeFamilyDentistry.com
Chris Johnston, PGA Professional
N orth I daho
d ermatology L iberty L ake O ffice ER
T H IDA H
Y
OR
N
D
O
Providing state-of-the-art medicine and timeless skin care, so you can be healthy and feel beautiful.
-O
F -T
HE-
RE
TE
A
ST
LO G Hill’s ATO Another one ofMDr. Hilary A
ART
MEDICINE
•
TIME
LES
K S S
IN
C
specialties: Happy patients. “Love Dr. Hill and her nurses!!” — Diana
O
N
“Both my husband and myself were very pleased with Dr. Hilary Hill and the staff at NID. We now have a dermatologist that we trust who operates in Oour neighborhood!” — Pamella
RT H IDA H
“Very professional, friendly staff, and short wait time. Dr. Hill DERMATOLOGY is personable and readily answered my questions and made STATE-OF-THE-ART MEDICINE TIMELESS SKIN CARE me feel very at ease during treatments.” — Janet •
“My experience was personalized and the care outstanding. Dr Hill was responsive and pleasant. Excellent experience. Couldn’t have been better.” — Robert Now Accepting New Patients in our offices in Liberty Lake, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and Moscow
Dr. Stephen Craig • Dr. Hilary Hill • Hilary Schoonover, NP E.
.
LTER
G LN
O N. M RD.
ON
ADS N. M
E. Y AV EWA
RD.
PPL
E. A
WIN
N. S
E. KNOX AV
Call today: 208-665-7546 Most Insurances Accepted www.niderm.com Now accepting 2207 N Molter Rd Ste. #101-B Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Group Health
at our Liberty Lake office
The Current
6 • AUGUST 2014
Ask the expert
Q&A with Susan Ashley, MD Q: What are bioidentical hormones? A: Bioidentical hormones are identical in chemical structure to your body’s natural hormones. They are produced in a lab from plant matter containing an abundance of “phyto-hormones” which can be easily converted into bioidentical hormones. These hormones include estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol), progesterone, testosterone, melatonin, pregnenolone and adrenal hormones such as DHEA and cortisol. Bioidentical thyroid hormones are also available. Q: How do bioidentical hormones work? A: Bioidentical hormones have an identical chemical and molecular structure to the natural hormones produced by the human body. They are custom formulated for each patient to generate normal, physiological responses when taken in the required doses. The human body has receptors for specific hormones and bioidentical hormones attach easily to these receptors for a “perfect fit.” Synthetic hormones are different in molecular structure to human hormones and do not provide an exact fit, which can result in numerous side effects. Q: What are the benefits of bioidentical hormones? Bioidentical hormones reestablish hormonal balance in the body in a natural way. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can ease the symptoms of menopause, peri-menopause and andropause. BHRT is also effective in alleviating symptoms of uterine fibroids and PMS, and regulating menstrual cycles. BHRT has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and heart disease, reduce osteoporosis risks, slow down the aging process, and improve muscle tone, skin quality and sleep quality as well as enhance energy. Q: When is BHRT beneficial? A: BHRT is beneficial whenever a hormone imbalance is diagnosed. Hormone imbalances can manifest as peri-menopause,
menopause, andropause, PMS, uterine fibroids and polycystic ovarian syndrome. The goals of BHRT are not only to ease unpleasant symptoms, but to also restore hormonal balance naturally and provide the body with the same protective health benefits that the body’s own hormones would provide. Q: How long can I take BHRT? A: BHRT has many positive health benefits and no dangerous side effects when administered and monitored by a doctor who specializes in bioidentical hormones and BHRT. While bioidentical hormones can be taken for a prolonged time, the length of BHRT depends on the individual hormonal imbalance and health conditions. Q: How do I begin BHRT? A: Consulting with a medical doctor who specializes in BHRT is the first step. Baseline hormonal testing will ensure the safe and precise application of BHRT. Hormone levels should be tested every three months until a proper hormonal balance is established, then tested on an annual basis. Q: Who can prescribe BHRT? A: Very few physicians are trained in bioidentical hormones and BHRT. You must follow the guidelines of a bioidentical hormone doctor to experience the full range of benefits BHRT provides. An experienced, knowledgeable bioidentical doctor can interpret a hormone test and prescribe a BHRT program customized to an individual patient. Q: Does BHRT cause weight loss? A: Weight gain is one of the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Many women gain weight during menopause. How much weight gain and where it is distributed depends on which hormones are declining and out of balance. Weight gain is in the middle of the body when estrogen decreases out of proportion. Cortisol facilitates increased fat storage and weight gain around the waist. If progesterone is too low and estrogen is too high, weight gain is around the hips. Low levels of thyroid can cause obesity. The balance of all hormones in the body is important to maintain the correct weight and body composition. Dr. Ashley is board certified in Family Medicine and in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. She provides a mix of traditional with alternative medicine and specializes in bio-identical hormones for both men and women.
Stop Suffering Needlessly! Hot Flashes • Weight Gain • Mood Swings
Dr. Susan Ashley is a proud member of Forever Health™
Feel Young and Vibrant Again. CALL NOW!
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 7
NEWS
In Case You Missed It
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Spokane Valley Fire Department battled a blaze at Barney’s Harvest Foods June 27.
Fire briefly closes Barney’s Harvest Foods Units from the Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a structure fire at Barney’s Harvest Foods, 11205 E. Dishman Mica Road, just after 2 p.m. June 27. The grocery store was closed at the time of the fire, and crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading to inside the building. While there was some damage to the roof, the store opened later that week. The fire remains under investigation.
Burn ban in place Restrictions on outdoor recreational fires were put in effect July 17 for the cit-
ies of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County. According to a press release, campfire pits and other open burning is prohibited. As of press time, citizens could still use manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces, barbecues and patio warmers. Governor Inslee has issued emergency burn restrictions in 20 eastern Washington counties as a result of recent fire events. For more, contact Spokane Valley Fire Department at 928-1700.
SCRAPS receives grant The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recently provided a grant to enable SCRAPS to purchase a transportation and outreach vehicle suited to meet the needs of rescue coordination. According to a press release, the grant will fund a Nissan NV200 compact Cargo Van which will be equipped with special shelves to hold crates and kennels. “We have so many volunteers who would like to help our transport program, but they just can’t use their own vehicle to travel hundreds of miles,” said Nancy Hill, SCRAPS regional director. “This new transport van will open up that opportunity to
SCRAPS volunteers will no longer have to transports animals in their own vehicles (as shown above) thanks to a grant from ASPCA. SUBMITTED PHOTO
more volunteers and end up saving the lives of thousands of dogs and cats, which is our ultimate goal.” The vehicle, which will also be used for outreach and community events, is expected to be purchased, outfitted and ready for its first road trip by the end of the summer. For more, visit www.spokanecounty.org/ scraps.
Freeman SD refinances bond Freeman School District recently refinanced a portion of its outstanding bond, which will save the district’s taxpayers over $700,000 during the next 14 years. According to a press release, the Board
approved the issuance of $9,995,000 in refunding bonds. Interest rates average 2.66 percent on the new bonds compared to 5 percent on the old debt.
County commissioner elected president of MRSC Spokane County Commissioner Al French was recently elected president of the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC). His term began in July 2014 and continues until July 2015. French will lead the non-profit organization’s board of directors in establishing priorities and policy direction, a press release said. MRSC’s mission is to provide professional consultation, research and information services to local governments. Once his term as MRSC President has concluded, French will automatically transition to the position of past president for the following year. In addition, Governor Jay Inslee appointed French to the State Building Code Council (SBCC), an organization that reviews and establishes building and code requirements necessary to promote the safety and welfare of the people of the state of Washington. Nominated by the Washington State Association of Counties, French’s term continues through January 2017.
FREE
REGISTRATION SPECIAL!
Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop
ENROLL NOW! CLASSES START SEPT. 8TH
Gymnastics • Cheerleading
Kids 3 yrs. & up • Family Discounts Available!
www.kidfitspokane.com • 509.953.7501
Conveniently located at the HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Avenue (off Barker Rd.)
COVER STORY
8 • AUGUST 2014
The Current
Danielle Blackwell, manager of Brain Freeze Creamery in Spokane’s Kendall Yards, serves ice cream to Fred Lind. The gourmet ice cream is created locally in Spokane Valley.
Ice cream dreams
One family’s mission to track down the perfect Valley scoop Story and photos by Treva Lind
Brain Freeze Creamery
Hot summer days in Spokane Valley welcomes the ideal time to go in search of the season’s coolest treat: ice cream. The dream assignment to visit a few local ice cream shops and write about them took less than 30 seconds to consider taking. Uh, get paid to eat ice cream? Then reality hit. I’d have to spread out these stops strategically to avoid me spreading out. For each visit, I snagged the nearest available family member who wasn’t at a job. Sons Cameron, 17, and Kelby, 20, normally don’t have to be dragged to go get ice cream, so I just had to catch them between summer lifeguard shifts. I even got creative in scheduling a “lunch date” with my husband, Fred. The hunt for old-fashioned retail ice cream outlets proved a bit challenging at first. Frozen yogurt, or commonly called froyo, seems the current rage. Tradition held, though, ice cream fans. We found a handful of sweet options.
Technically, our first stop required venturing a bit farther afield to find a retail outlet for Brain Freeze ice cream, which is directly tied to the Valley. The small-batch, hand-crafted gourmet ice cream is made, though not sold, at the Brain Freeze Creamery in Spokane Valley, at 9608 E. Montgomery Ave. This locally founded business carries a motto that sets the stage: “high fat, high quality, high prices ... Everything you'd expect from a ridiculously small company.” Nathan Purdum, manager at the Brain Freeze Creamery, said the company currently doesn’t have any Valley retail outlets, but, “We’re looking. That’s our next spot to look.” You can buy Brain Freeze at a few independent shops near downtown Spokane and at The Scoop, 1001 W. 25th Ave. on the South Hill. However, the Brain Freeze company in May opened its first direct retail outlet in Kendall Yards, at 1238 W. Summit Parkway, so we chose the new digs. It’s an easy stop if you have even the slightest ex-
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
butter. A glance at other selections presented too many choices: Valley Vanilla, Maple Bacon, Salted Caramel, Banana Pudding, Blackless Licorice, Dirt (a chocolaty blend), Rastachio, Chipotle Chocolate, Palouse Crunch, and so many more.
cuse to go downtown, and Fred and I found one. We visited the outlet for the quick Wednesday “lunch” trip and talked to assistant manager Danielle Blackwell for our order. She said the shop allows the company to sell a broader range of ice cream and sorbet, including 24 flavors. “We make about 125 flavors at the creamery,” she said. “We’re able to test out new flavors here.” One of the new concoctions, “The King,” playfully blends a favorite sandwich of Elvis with banana, chocolate, bacon and peanut
Fred played it safe with his first choice, Peanut Butter ice cream, but jazzed it up with Coffee & Doughnuts, made with the local brand of Anvil Coffee and chunks of glazed old-fashioned doughnuts. He liked the bold coffee flavor, as well as hints of pastry. I wanted a new taste adventure, so I first picked Lemonder, a blend of lemon and lavender in vanilla ice cream. I also chose Palouse Crunch for its mix of honey, cinnamon, almonds, and red lentils. Both were so worth the calories, but PC, I’ll be back for more. Total bill: $10 (for two 2-scoop cones)
Pete & Belle’s Ice Cream Shop Conveniently located next door to the new Valley outlet for Rocky Mountain
See ICE CREAM, page 9
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 9
COVER STORY
ICE CREAM Continued from page 8
Manager Davice Johnson scoops up a cone at Pete & Belle’s Ice Cream Shop. The shop is located at 1330 N. Argonne, right next door to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
Chocolate Factory, Pete & Belle’s Ice Cream Shop opened in October at 1330 N. Argonne, in Suite C, near the new Ace Hardware. Owners Aaron and Rachelle Blackmer, also the Rocky Mountain franchisee owners, decided to open an old-fashioned ice cream shop they named after their children, Peter and Annabelle. They also set it up so that a short interior hallway lets customers walk between Pete & Belle’s and Rocky Mountain. Cameron went with me to visit this spot on a 91-degree afternoon. We entered the Mullan Road-facing doors of Pete & Belle’s to find a long ice cream counter. Here, our choices fell across 48 flavors of frozen concoctions made in Madison, Wisc. Four of those selections are Italian Ice, to offer nonfat and nondairy choices. Manager Davice Johnson said the shop does rotate flavors. “It’s a super-premium ice cream, so it has a higher content of butter fat and less air pumped in,” she said. “It’s creamier than store varieties.” As a bonus like no other, customers can pay a bit extra to get sundae toppings that are candy pieces from the adjacent store. Johnson also told us about the most popular ice cream flavor, This Just Got Serious, a smooth salted-caramel ice cream filled with sea-salt fudge and cashews. “We go through six to nine gallons a week,” she said. For someone who influenced music so much, Elvis sure seems to inspire namesake ice cream creations. Here, it’s Fat Elvis, described as sweet banana ice cream all shook up with salty peanut butter ripple and rich liquid chocolate chips. Cameron went for another intriguing mix, Heaps of Love, which literally piles on ingredients — Oreos, brownies, cookie dough, pecans, caramel and fudge ripples in
vanilla ice cream. For his second scoop, he asked for the flavor, This Just Got Serious, and almost didn’t have to eat for the rest of the day. My first choice sided with a coffee-addict’s friend, Iced Latte-Da, which is labelled in bright red letters that it’s “caffeinated” as an espresso ice cream with fudge swirls and chocolate chunks. A second scoop loaded in Cherry Chocolate Chip, a sweet vanilla ice cream with, you guessed it, cherries and chocolate chips. Two words describe both: rich and addicting. Total bill: $7.61 (for two 2-scoop cones)
Neighborhood Ice Cream Truck OK, I have to admit this was a solo endeavor as I followed an ice cream truck to witness the summer tradition of children running after frozen treats. Driver Candy Magnuson was kind enough to let me tailgate her rig in the south Valley area, just east of Pines. Drumstick, frozen Snickers, Strawberry Shortcake, Firecracker, ice cream sandwiches — Magnuson stocks them all as she carefully drives through neighborhoods at around 10 or 15 mph. “The Entertainer” ragtime piano song heralds the truck’s arrival. Perhaps, the heat got to clients that day. Nobody ran. Simple waves sufficed. “When you get the little kids with pennies, that’s the best,” Magnuson said. She sold to kids near a park, as well as to at least one adult, Jim Egan, who walked toward the truck while on his work break to order a Strawberry Shortcake. “I haven’t done this in years,” he said. I went back later for my favorite, Drumstick. Total bill: $2 (Drumstick)
Mike’s Burger Royal Most people go to Mike’s Burger Royal for its hamburgers and stromboli sandwich. It came as a surprise that this longtime eatery at 6115 E. Trent in Spokane Valley also
See ICE CREAM, page 10
What about Mary Lou’s?
Candy Magnuson provides Kane Bird (left) and John Rowland (right) with frozen treats from a neighborhood ice cream truck.
Reportedly, Mary Lou’s Homemade Ice Cream on Evergreen probably won’t open this summer. This sad news came with a call to reach Ed and Kris Ritchie, the owners of Mary Lou’s, who also own Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle in North Spokane. A Milk Bottle employee put down the phone to ask Ed Ritchie, who was busy but told her to report back that he didn’t think the Valley location would open for the season. A quick drive-by confirmed that the Valley’s barnlike structure looks vacant and unused. Ritchie couldn’t be reached for further comment about any status changes in the near future.
The Current
10 • AUGUST 2014
COVER STORY
WIN CASH! 2nd Annual
Hot Air Balloon
Golf Ball Drop
August 7, 2014 MeadowWood Golf Course
6:30 p.m., after the 18th Annual Golf Tournament
Get tickets from an Ambassador or at the Chamber office (lower level of the Liberty Square Bldg.) Must be 18 to enter. Need not be present to WIN!
Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane • Liberty Lake, WA 99019 • Phone: 509 924-4994
www.spokanevalleychamber.org
ICE CREAM Continued from page 9
has the some of the best prices for handscooped ice cream ordered at its walk-up window. Watch the time, though, as we almost missed out because Mike’s closes at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. On Saturdays, Mike’s ends the day at 4:30 p.m. Kelby was handy for this option to join me at one of Spokane’s last traditional driveins, which is still owned by the granddaughter of the original founder, Mike Aquino. We were greeted by employee Jesse Stansbury and manager Frankee Trowbridge. Trowbridge said Mike’s stocks premiumquality, Cascade Glacier-brand ice cream in only a few flavors. On hand were Huckleberry, Mint Chip, Death by Chocolate, and Vanilla. The best part: these options are only 99 cents for a single scoop or $1.99 for a double in a traditional cake cone. Kelby, who ordered Mint Chip, promised to tell all his friends and coworkers about the sweet deal. I opted for Huckleberry, of course, since I missed whether I saw that regional fruit flavor anywhere else. As part of the fun of this visit, we got to enjoy our desserts while sitting at a picnic table under the shade of Mike’s awning. With good ice cream and traffic to watch, we got to visit and slow down a bit during a busy day of errands. Total bill: $2.15 (for two single-scoop cones)
At Mike’s Burger Royal, Jesse Stansbury scoops up Huckleberry inside the order window. The establishment, located at 3115 E. Trent, is one of Spokane’s last traditional drive-ins. Below, Cameron Lind enjoys a cup of Berry Strawberry at Baskin-Robbins, 12510 E. Sprague.
Baskin-Robbins We couldn’t miss an institution, and the Spokane Valley Baskin-Robbins at 12510 E. Sprague has anchored its spot since the 1970s. Kristine Schmunk, franchisee owner, said she is the second generation in her family to operate the outlet. When I told her about remembering my excitement as a child going to Baskin-Robbins, Schmunk agreed that many customers describe feeling the same way. “That’s what so nice,” she said. “BaskinRobbins has been around since the 1940s, so we have folks who grew up with BaskinRobbins. We see people from that generation who grew up with it, and now they’re
grandparents bringing in their grandchildren.” Cameron joined me again, and I saw a lot of the familiar flavors but also what seemed like new twists like State Fair Fried Dough and Pineapple Wildberry Breeze. Cameron and I better recognized our limits with this last trip, so we both got kid-sized single scoops. I ordered my childhood favorite, Chocolate Chip, and my son selected Berry Strawberry. Blame it on nostalgia, but my ice cream tasted just as sweet as I remembered. Total bill: $4.33 (for two kid-sized scoops)
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 11
small enough to see your dream…
4 TO 6 p.m. MON-FRI • $3.50 all pints • $5 premium wells Including Grey Goose Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Jack Daniels Whiskey, Lunazul Tequila, Dewars White Label Scotch and Bacardi Rum
• Appetizers starting at $2 • $1 off signature cocktails
Our patios await you! Every Friday night, Prime Rib Dinner starting at 4 p.m. Best in town! Come early — always a sell out! Worth the short drive to Liberty Lake!
BARLOWS
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • BREAKFAST UNTIL 3 P.M. ON SAT & SUN DINNER STARTS AT 4 P.M.
1428 N. Liberty Lake Rd. 509-924-1446
Homemade Soups & Daily Specials
The thyroid factor
Understanding the importance of this gland to your optimal health The thyroid, also known as your master gland of energy and metabolism, is a small gland shaped like a butterfly located in the lower part of your neck. The function of a gland is to secrete hormones. It produces the master metabolism hormones that control every function in your body. Thyroid hormones interact with all your other hormones, including insulin, cortisol and sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. The fact that these hormones are all tied together and in constant communication explains why an unhappy thyroid is associated with so many widespread symptoms and diseases. The thyroid gland produces two major thyroid hormones: T4 and T3. About 90 percent of the hormones produced by the gland is in the form of T4, the inactive form. Your liver converts this T4 into T3, the active form, with the help of an enzyme. Those two hormones, T3 and T4, are what control the metabolism of
every cell in your body. However, their delicate balance can be disrupted by nutritional imbalances, toxins, allergens, infections and stress. If your T3 is inadequate, either by insufficient production or not converting properly from T4, your whole system suffers. T3 is critically important because it sends messages to your cells to speed up your metabolism by burning fat. That is why T3 lowers cholesterol levels, regrows hair and helps keep you lean. Thyroid problems have unfortunately become quite common. Lifestyle factors such as sugar, processed foods, stress, environmental toxins and lack of exercise wreak havoc on the thyroid gland. Many people suffer from symptoms that are directly related to suboptimal thyroid function.
big enough t0 make it happen.
Dr. Pamela Langenderfer
www.lakesideholistic.com
EVERYONE IN EASTERN WASHINGTON CAN JOIN
WWW.UHSCU.ORG • 16402 EAST SPRAGUE
Liberty Lake
Coeur d ’Alene
21651 E. Country Vista Dr. Ste. F 518 North 4th Street Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 (509) 385-0218 (208) 758-0568 Most insurance accepted
UNITED HEALTH SERVICES CREDIT UNION
DEDICATED TO YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH
COMMUNITY
12 • AUGUST 2014
The Current
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Aug. 1-2 | Inland Empire Rabbit Breeders Show Town Park, Rockford. For more: 481-3976 Aug. 2 | Spokane Highland Games
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. This family-oriented Scottish day-adventure will be full of entertainment, competitions, music, food, exhibits, kids games and Celtic vendors. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and youth 11-17, $5 for children 6-10 and free for children 5 and under. For more: www.spokanehighlandgames.org
Aug. 4-8 | Community VBS 9 a.m. to noon,
Town Park, Rockford. Rockford United Methodist Church and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church are partnering to provide the vacation bible school program “Training Super Heroes for God” for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. To register or for more: 291-3444 or rockumc@ rockumc.org
Aug. 5, 6, 12 & 13 | Summer Movie Express 10 a.m., Spokane Valley Mall Regal
Theater, 14760 E. Indiana Ave. Two PG movies to choose from each Tuesday and Wednesday: Aug. 5-6, “Turbo” and “Walking with Dinosaurs;” Aug. 12-13, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” and “Rio 2.” Cost is $1 per person. For more: 922-2590 or www.regmovies.com
Aug. 5 | National Night Out safety fair
1 to 3 p.m., Spokane Valley Target, 13724 E. Sprague. Visit with the Valley Fire Department, Operation Family ID, Neighborhood Watch and others. For more: 477-3055
cybercrime novels and bring their favorites to share. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 8 | Late Night @ the Library 7 to 10
p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. What happens at night when the library is closed? Wear play clothes and be prepared to create, play, eat, sing and more! This event for kids entering grades 3—5 requires preregistration and signed permission slip. To register or for more: 893-8400 or www.scld.org
Aug. 10 | Northwest British Classics Car Show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Millwood City
Park. Set up at 7 a.m., followed by show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. For more: 891-7850 or www. cityofmillwood.org
Aug. 13 | A Journey to Middle-earth
6 to 8:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Dress up and drop in for Middleearth snacks, games and lots of fun. All ages are welcome; children 6 and under should be accompanied by an adult. For more: www.scld. org
Aug. 15 | Squishy Circuits 2 to 3 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Those in grades 4 and up can create their own blinking, buzzing creatures and sculptures while learning about electrical circuits and conductivity. For more: www.scld.org Aug. 16 | Mutt Strut 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
potluck dinner, the group will be collecting backpacks and school supplies for Spokane Valley Partners. For more: 924-6320
Pawpular Companions, 21950 E. Country Vista Dr., Liberty Lake. The fourth annual pledge event will consist of a 2.5-mile route around the Liberty Lake business/residential walking path, an ice cream social, store vendors, free giveways and raffle prizes. All funds raised benefit Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary. To register or for more: 927-8890 or www. pawpularcompanions.com
Aug. 6 | Frankentoys 3 to 7 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. Channel your inner mad scientist to recycle old toys into art and make monster mash-ups. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult to assist with construction. A Summer Reading Event for All Ages. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 18 | Pokémon Tournament 7 to 8:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Bring your cards or borrow a deck and do battle to catch ‘em all. All ages are welcome; children 6 and younger should be accompanied by an adult. For more: www.scld. org
Aug. 6 | Cybercrime: Mysteries and Suspense 2 to 3 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,
Aug. 20 | Spokane Valley Book Club 2 to 3 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “O Pioneers!” by Willa Cather. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 5 | Spokane Valley Quilters annual picnic 6:30 p.m., Valley Mission Park. At the
12004 E. Main Ave. Presented by SCLD librarian Kandy Brandt, adults are invited to discover new d an Gr ing n e Op
Experience the Difference of
Pentecost
Aug. 20 |Secrets of Sauerkraut (and other basic fermentations) 6:30 to
7:30 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. Presented by Anna Kestell, food safety/preservation specialist, learn about transforming food without the addition of chemicals, additives or even vinegar. For more: www.scld.org
HigH ScHool / Adult clASS 9 A.m. WorSHip Service 10 A.m.
Aug. 22 | Outdoor showing of “Frozen”
8:10 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows Park, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway. Starting an hour before the show, there will be free activities at the park hosted by the city of Spokane Valley. Attendees should bring chairs, blankets and snacks. For more: 720-5408 or jpapich@ spokanevalley.org
Aug. 23 | Millwood Daze 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dalton Street, Millwood. The sixth annual event will feature a country breakfast, 5K race, wagon parade, art fest, dachshund race, vintage motorcycle show, robotics show, free outdoor movie at dusk and more. For more: www.cityofmillwood.org or www. mowspokane.mycustomevent.com
Aug. 24 | Salmon Barbecue Festival
Noon to 4 p.m., Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road. The public is invited to a salmon barbecue dinner along. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (age 65 and over) and $6 for children (12 and under). Dinner consists of salmon, potato salad, green salad, roll, baked beans, fruit, ice cream and beverage. Square dancing performances will also take place at 2 p.m. For more: 688-4060
23304 E. Wellesley, Otis Orchards, WA
509-926-9552
THE INTERSECTION CHURCH www.theintersection.info 905 N. McDonald Rd. • Spokane Valley Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 924-3705
THE CHURCH DIRECTORY
For as little as $7 a month, area churches can share service times, special programs or upcoming events in The Current. Call to learn more: 242-7752.
Aug. 24 & 25 | Paws in the Pool 1 to 3:45 p.m. (Aug. 24); 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. (Aug. 25), Valley Mission Pool, 11405 E. Mission Ave. Once the pool closes to humans, it is open to the dogs for two days. Dogs must be six months or older, and times are based on size of dog. Space is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged. For more: 688-0300 or www. spokanevalley.org
Wellesley. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “The Imperfectionists” by Tom Rachman. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 26 | Artful Flower Arrangements
Aug. 27 to Sept. 1 | Pig Out in the Park
6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne. Presented by Steve Nokes, master gardener. Learn about flower arranging, from the basic tools to the best flowers and foliage to use. For more: www.scld.org
Aug. 26| Otis Orchards Book Club 3:30 to 5 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E.
Aug. 27 | East Valley School District first day of school Riverfront Park, 507 N Howard St., Spokane. Free to the public, Pig Out in the Park features 45 great food booths, three adult beverage gardens and 100 free concerts on three stages during the six-day food and entertainment festival. For more: www.spokanepigout.com
See CALENDAR, page 13
Kathrine Olson, D.D.S. • Gentle
Family Dentistry Patients Welcome • Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry • Teeth Whitening • Preventive Care • Relaxed Environment • Over 20 Years in Practice • New
www.spokanecornerstonechurch.org Sunday at 11am and Wednesday at 7:30pm 21326 East Mission Avenue, Liberty Lake, Wa.
Member American Dental Association & Spokane District Dental Society
210 S. Sullivan Rd. Spokane Valley
924-9596
See us at www.kathrineolsondds.com
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 13
COMMUNITY
4th Annual
Community Briefs Donate to clothing drive Local residents are encouraged to clean out their closets to donate men and women’s dress clothes for the annual Best Foot Forward clothing drive Sept. 4 to 15. Best Foot Forward provides clothing suitable for job interviews or white collar jobs as well as dressier occasions for clients of the Valley Clothing Bank. Donations of clothes, shoes and accessories such as belts, ties, purses, etc. are also welcomed. Items may be dropped off at Liberty Lake Safeway, corner of Liberty Lake Road and Country Vista Drive, or at The Trading Company, corner of Sprague and McDonald. If you’d like a donation slip for tax purposes, take your items directly to the Valley Clothing Bank located in Spokane Valley Partner, 10814 E. Broadway, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more, call 255-6758.
Teams wanted for bed races The 3rd annual bed race is to be held
6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 before the Valleyfest parade on Sprague Ave. between University and Bowdish. Cost is $125 for a five-person team to enter the non-motorized bed races fundraiser. The event is sponsored by the Liberty Lake Lion's Club in partnership with the Valley Lion’s Club. Proceeds from the race will go toward improvements to the Nature’s Place at Meadowwood Arboretum, as well as Lion initiatives for sight and hearing, health and diabetes education and homelessness. To register or for more, call 869-7657 or 220-1557.
Submit photos for contest What makes the Valley area a picturesque place to live? Peridot Publishing requests local residents to share photos answering that question for the One Valley Business & Community Directory annual photo contest. Whether it's a breathtaking outdoor scene or a beautiful shot of residents gathering at a local event, shutterbugs are asked
CALENDAR
This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. For more: 570-4440
Continued from page 12
MUSIC & THE ARTS
Recurring Catholic Singles Mingle This group with no
dues is for single adults of all ages. For more: www.meetup.com/Catholic-Singles-Mingle
Liberty Lake Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. Saturdays, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. For more: www.libertylakefarmersmarket.com
Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave.,
Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club and more. For more: www.libertylakewa.gov/library
Millwood Farmers Market 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Marguerite Road. For more: 924-2350 or www.facebook.com/ MillwoodFarmersMarket Rockford Crochet Class Saturdays,
10 a.m. to noon, The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St. Hairpin Lace, knit, embroidery, needlepoint and arm knitting of infinity scarves are some of the activities. For more: 892-4412 or 291-3722
Rockford Pioneer Museum Noon to 4 p.m. (Fri.) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sun.), June through September, 10 S. First Street, Rockford.
Spokane County Library District Valley
branch locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, teen anime club and writing clubs. For more: www.scld.org
Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague. Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more: www.foe3433.com
Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6 p.m. the
first and third Thursdays of every month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave.
July 31 to Aug. 2 | “Goldilocks and The Three Pigs” 7 p.m. (along with a 3 p.m. Sat.
matinee), Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. This delightful take on a couple of old storybook standbys is full of energy, humor and adventure for all ages. For tickets and more: www.libertylaketheatre.com
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | Sunday Concerts on the Cliff 5:30 p.m., Cliff House Estate at
to submit images capturing the essence of the community. The winner's photo will be highlighted on the cover, and other selected images will be featured on the inside pages of the 2015 One Valley Directory. Amateur or professional photographers age 16 or older are eligible to enter by the Sept. 12 deadline. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. For rules and details, go to www.libertylakesplash.com and click on the camera graphic at the top of the page.
Financial class offered Registration is now open for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, a 9-week study being offered at Valley Real Life Church, 1831 S. Barker Road. Classes start Sept. 9 and will run every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. The course teaching families to get rid of debt, manage their money, spend and save wisely. Cost is $100 per family which covers all materials. To register or for more, go to www.valleyreallife.org. traveling troupe is back in Liberty Lake for the fourth year in a row to present “As You Like It.” Hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park, attendees are encouraged to bring low-back chairs; concessions will be available. For more: www.pavillionpark.org
Aug. 25 and 26 | Auditions for “This Old Haunted House” 6:30 p.m., Liberty
Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Males and females ages 14 and up are encouraged to audition; no prep or experience needed. For more: 342-2055 or www. libertylaketheatre.com
Aug. 30 | Lud Kramer Memorial concert
Arbor Crest Winery, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road. The month’s lineup for the outdoor concert series includes David Raitt & the Baja Boogie Band (Aug. 3), Sammy Eubanks (10), Sara Brown Band (17), Tuxedo Junction (24) and Soul Proprietor (31). Admission is $8 per person. For more: www. arborcrest.com
6 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. The Spokane Symphony will play a mix of classics, show tunes and patriotic marches during this free performance. Hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park, attendees are encouraged to bring low-back chairs; concessions will be available. For more: www.pavillionpark.org
Aug. 5 | Spokane Taiko Drummers 10 to 11 a.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Spokane Taiko is a performing group bringing traditional music from Japan with big drums. Also offered at the Fairfield branch Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m. and the Otis Orchards branch Aug. 7 at 2:30 p.m. For more: www.scld.org
Recurring
Aug. 8-10 | Cowboy Supper Shows Rockin’
B Ranch, 3912 Spokane Bridge Road. The 20th anniversary commemorative performances will also be held Sept. 12-14 and Oct. 10-12. For more: www.rockinbranch.com or 891-9016
Aug. 22 | “This, That or the Other” improv group 8 p.m., Liberty Lake Community Theatre,
22910 E. Appleway Ave. This new on-the-spot, live comedy encourages audience participation. Tickets for this PG-13 show are $5 at the door. For more: www.libertylaketheatre.com
Aug. 23 | Montana Shakespeare in the Parks 5 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. This
2014 Summer concert series Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road, Spokane. Arbor Crest offers Thursday Performers on the Patio and Sunday Concerts on the Cliff where you can enjoy fine wine, music and spectacular views. For more: www.arborcrest.com
Mutt Strut In memory of Chris Anderlik
Saturday, August 16th 8:00 am • Liberty Lake The “Strut” will begin at Pawpular Companions Pet Supplies and consist of a 2.5 mile route around the Liberty Lake business/ residential walking path. Please register yourself and your companion(s) at www.pawpularcompanions.com In addition to the pledge walk event, we will end at Pawpular Companions parking lot for an ICE CREAM SOCIAL (people AND doggie ice cream!), store vendors with FREE GIVEAWAYS and RAFFLE PRIZES! Please join us to celebrate and contribute to Chris’ dream to “Go an extra mile to practice true compassion for animals!” All pledge monies raised go to benefit Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary
THANKS TO OUR 2014 SPONSORS ALPHA DOG Sponsors:
SPOKANE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION WATERING HOLE Sponsors: Big Trout Lodge Liberty Lake, Classic Clips at Ponti, Cullings Family Dentistry, Doggyland Day Care, Farmers Insurance - Niles Agency, George Gee Automotive, Inland NW Veterinary Specialty Care, Liberty Lake Vet Center, Legacy Animal Medical Center, Mind & Body HQ, Stimulus Realty, ZRT K9 Services Additional thanks to: Albertsons, Continental Contractors, Dr. Scott Ralph Orthodontist, F5, Happy Tails Canine Massage, KiDDS Dental, Safeway, SCOPE
Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concert series
Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Roar, Airway Heights. The upcoming lineup includes Rascal Flatts 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8; Jeff Foxworthy 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12; and Toby Keith 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. For tickets and more: www. northernquest.com
Spirit of Spokane Chorus Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a capella harmony in the barbershop style. For more: 2184799
See CALENDAR, page 14
Check our Facebook page for updates or call 509-927-8890 21950 E. Country Vista Dr. Suite 100 • Liberty Lake
14 • AUGUST 2014
NOW ENROLLING! Why Choose Pioneer School?
∙ Accredited by the Washington Board of Education since 1980 ∙ Grades K-5 ∙ State-certified kindergarten teacher ∙ Full Day Kindergarten! (8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Limited openings for gifted and highly capable students in grades K-5
∙ Small Classroom Sizes ∙ Thematic Approach to Teaching ∙ Regular Field Trips & Events Outside the Classroom ∙ Achievement Scores Consistently High Among Students ∙ Hands-on Learning ∙ Family Atmosphere ∙ Convenient Valley Location ∙ Large, Tree-shaded, Fenced Playground
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
for ages 7 to 18 cost $225 per player. For more: www.advantagebasketball.com
Continued from page 13
Aug. 8 | Current night with Spokane Indians 6 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana.
CIVIC & BUSINESS Aug. 7 | Scramble Golf Tournament
11:30 a.m., MeadowWood Golf Course, Liberty Lake. Hosted by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, the $100 entry fee includes dinner, drink, raffle ticket and goodie bag. Immediately after the tournament, the second annual hot air balloon golf ball drop will take place where a hole in one wins $1,000 or closest to the pin wins $500 or a golf getaway. For registration and more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org
Aug. 15 to 17 | Goodguys Great Northwest Nationals 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Fri.
and Sat.), 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sun.), Spokane Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Enjoy manufacturer and vendor exhibits, model and pedal cars, live music and kids entertainment! Admission is $15 for adults, $6 for kids ages 7-12 and free for children 6 and under. For more: www.good-guys.com/GNWN
Aug. 15 | Business Connections Lunch A Non-Profit Educational Organization
CALL NOW
922-7818
618 N. Sullivan Rd. betty@pioneerschool.com
www.pioneerschool.com Non-Discriminatory
LIBERTY LAKE, WA
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Spokane County Fairgrounds, 404 N. Havana. Program: Goodguys Car Show along with a special speaker. Cost is $28 for members and guests; $45 for non-members. For more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org
Aug. 16 | Fly-in Felts Field Felts Field, 6105 E. Rutter Dr. The AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) has chosen Spokane as one of six places in the U.S. to host this free event. The public is invited to come out and see historic Felts Field and these wonderful aircraft. For more: www.aopa.org Aug. 21 | The White Party 5 p.m. to
8 p.m., Bumpers, 12828 E. Sprague Ave. A free networking event mixing business with girls night out. Men also welcome. For more: Charitydoyl@yahoo.com
HEALTH & RECREATION Aug. 2-3 | Barefoot Soccer Tournament
CENTURY AND FAMILY BIKE RIDE
5MI~15MI~25MI~50MI~100MI
FORSTS I CYCFLALL O S& AGEITIES! ABIL
SEPT.14
SIGN-UP TODAY AT WWW.ROTARYINMOTION.COM
The Current
Pavillion Park. Enjoy music, food and jumpy castles at this second annual event. Cost is $150 per team from U6 through U15, adult rec and competitive divisions. For more: www. facebook.com/Barefoot3v3
Aug. 3 | Pitch for the Cure 3 p.m.,
Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana. Come out to the stadium before the game to help raise breast cancer awareness. For more: www. spokaneindians.com
Aug. 4-7 | Advantage Basketball Camp
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. These camps designed especially
Find us on Facebook!
Join with other baseball fans for a game against the Everett AquaSox followed by a fireworks show. For tickets and more: spokaneindians.com
Aug. 12-14 | Breakthrough Basketball Camp 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., HUB Sports Center,
19619 E. Cataldo Ave. These camps designed especially for students in grades 2 through 8 cost $145 per player. For more: www. breakthroughbasketball.com
Aug. 14 | Digestion and gluten intolerance class 7 p.m., La Quinta Hotel,
3808 N. Sullivan Road. Those who suffer from symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, mood swings, infertility, migraines, joint pains, arthritis or more are invited to attend this educational presentation to find out what the main underlying cause might be. For more: 928-1997
Aug. 18-20 | NBC Basketball Camp
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. These camps designed especially for ages 8 to 12 cost $145 per player. For more: www.nbccamps.com
Aug. 21-23 | NAIA Volleyball Tournament
HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Teams from the Cascade and Frontier Conferences compete in a crossover volleyball tournament. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org
Aug. 25-28 | ESS Speed & Fitness Soccer Training 9 a.m. to noon, HUB Sports Center,
19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Soccer players age 12 to 18 desiring to get an edge for the upcoming season are invited to this camp. Cost is $79. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org
Recurring KidFIT Spokane HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. This children’s movement and fitness program offers classes in dance (ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop), gymnastics and cheerleading for boys and girls ages 3 and older of all levels. Enrollment is open now for classes starting Sept. 8. For more: 953-7501 or www.kidfitspokane.com Liberty Lake Running Club 6 p.m.
Thursdays, Twisp Café & Coffee House, 23505 E. Appleway Ave. The club meets for a threemile run weekly through October. For more: kathyawhybrew@msn.com or 924-9806
Ride the Rim Register now for a century or family bike ride Sept. 14 starting in Liberty Lake. To sign up or for more: www. rotaryinmotion.com Sports opportunities HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Badminton, basketball open gym, pickleball, Zumba and other recreational options available. For more: www.hubsportcenter.org Valleyfest signature events Register now for a 5K/10K run (Sept. 20), boat/bike/run triathlon (Sept. 21) or family bike ride (Sept. 21). For more: www.valleyfest.org All calendar listings were provided to or gathered by Current staff. If you would like your event considered for the community calendar, please submit information by the 15th of the month to calendar@valleycurrent.com.
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 15
COMMUNITY
Education Briefs Rotary awards scholarships The Rotary Club of Spokane Valley recently awarded scholarships to local students in the amount of $1,000 each. The recipients included: • Chanoa Marx from Barker High School who will be attending The Evergreen State College; • Melaney Lamb from Freeman High School who will be attending Carrington College; • Megan Jennen from Barker High School who will be attending Spokane Community College; • Joshua Ramsey from University High School who will be attending Loyola Marymount; • Haley Feider from Central Valley High School who will be attending the University of Montana.
In addition, the annual Al Stevens Music Scholarship was awarded to Drew Keeve from Central Valley High School. Keeve will be attending the University of Colorado-Boulder in the fall.
Colleges honor local students The following Valley area residents were recently recognized by colleges for their recent academic performance or meeting graduation requirements. Information was
YES!
provided via press releases submitted from schools. Eastern Washington University Spring 2014 Graduates
Liberty Lake: Brendan Allen Bowman, Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, cum laude Newman Lake: Stevie Nesbitt, Bachelor of Science in Basic Medical Sciences Otis Orchards: Andrew Stanley Bartleson, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, magna cum laude; and Maryann T Nguyen, Bachelor of Science in Biology Spokane Valley: Jamie Lynn Bircher, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude; Rhianna Christine Brady, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, summa cum laude; Karst Nicholas Downey, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Daniel Martin Hall, Bachelor of Science in Zoology; Matthew Joseph Hyndman, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, magna cum laude; Jessica Marie Jacot, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Randi Lynn Jennings, Bachelor of Arts in Humanities; Matthew James Langford, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, magna cum laude; Shaina Breann Marvel, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology; Haleigh Michal Miller, Bachelor of Sciences in Basic Medical Sciences, summa cum laude; Ashley Nicole Nilson, Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, summa cum laude; Ryan Allan Ristau, Doctor of Pharmacy; Josh Raymond Schroeder, Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology;Michael Zach Varner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude; Aaron Todd Verhei, Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences; Mary Iris Wakeling, Bachelor of Arts in English; Molly Ann Wakeling, Bachelor of Science in Physics, cum laude; and Leah Katherine Willard, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Valleyford: Daniel Joseph James, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry; and Spencer Evan Mattausch, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Veradale: Amanda Myles Bridge, Bachelor of Arts in English, magna cum laude; Amanda Myles Bridge, Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Cultures, magna cum laude; and Kelly Nicole Lopez, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude
Eastern Washington University Spring Dean’s List, 3.5+ GPA
Liberty Lake: Jack Applegate, Brandon Carey, Ryan Conley, Evelyn Fletcher, Tori Hacker, Garrett Hendrick, Sarah Herner, Anne Johnson, Kyle Kallestad, Victoria Leichner, Brittany Lorenzen, Travis Mackay, Alexis Marlatt, Jordan Marlatt, Maria Mccauley, Ryan McCauley, Madison McNett, Iliya Mikheyev, Nathan Nelson, Abby Pedersen, Kayla Peterson, Hannah Robb, Jessica Sharpe, Kendra Sherrill, Taylor Simpson, Acacia Smith,
Moriah Svenonius, Connor Szott, Nicholas Valentine, Ashley Wiggs Newman Lake: Michelle Stout Rockford: Leaira Anderson, Miranda Atwood, Nicholas Cherrington, Casey Christiansen, Tyler Cossey, Meicha D'Auria, Andrew Duncan, Jordan Freer, Justin Grandinetti, Aubrey Hamilton, Samuel Lewis, Casey Phinney, Beth Primmer, Alex Quinnett, Colbi Smith, Bryan Verhei, Andrea Zimmerman Spokane Valley: Miranda Atwood, Nicholas Cherrington, Casey Christiansen, Tyler Cossey, Meicha D'Auria, Andrew Duncan, Jordan Freer, Justin Grandinetti, Aubrey Hamilton, Samuel Lewis, Casey Phinney, Beth Primmer, Alex Quinnett, Colbi Smith, Bryan Verhei, Andrea Zimmerman, Chandra Abney, Blake Albretsen, Travis Allen, Christopher Altmaier, Leah Amsden, Natalie Anderman, Courtney Anderson, Zachary Anderson-White, Jack Applegate, Mckenzie Arnold, Teresa Asbury, Gurkirat Atkar, Mark Avena, Madison Babb, Ryan Babcock, Michael Barnhart, Alaina Bates, Shelbea Bean, Skylar Belfry, Jonathan Bell, Taylor Berdar, Tye Bill, Stacey Bilte, Amanda Bliesner, Brianna Bogart, Shelby Bollman, Sarah Bowden, Colleen Bowerman, Melissa Braid, Brianne Brewer, Michaela Brownell, Olivia Budde, Alla Burlakov, Taylor Caires, Hannah Calligan, Rayanne Calton, Abraham Campbell, Carmen Candelaria Garnes, Nicolas Cantrell, Brandon Carey, Timothy Carlson, Madison Casto, Miranda Caudill, Kiyomi Chadwell, Daniel Christensen, Jacqueline Churchill, Tiffany Churchill, Sean Cope, Anthony Cortez, David Covillo, Elizabeth Covillo, Chad Creighton, Erin Creighton, Alivia Cunanan, Mika DAmico, Samantha Daniel, Michael Davies, Stephanie Davis, Benjamin Deccio, Sanne Dixson, Brianna Dobson, Tristan Dodson, Tyler Dotson, Weston Dotson, Jessica Doty, Karen Doty, Brandon Duckett, James Duncan, Aimee Dursma, Charlotte Edwards, Alyssa Farrell, Kelly Fay, Hailey Ferguson, Cuinn Fey, Kaley Fields, Rilee Fields, Camille Frank, Erica Fuhrman, Timothy Gales, Anna Garbuz, Cailynn Garcia, Carly Garza, Stephannie Gerard, Brittany Gibson, Jaspal Gill, Rachael Glamp, Tami Glaze, Alexander Godun, Derek Goehri, Payton Goodwin, Mariya Gorbenko, Hailee Gordon, Brolin Graham, Jorin Graham, Samantha Grater, Michaela Groh, Carolene Guinn, Brandon Gunn, Rigoberto Gutierrez-Pinon, Tori Hacker, Kayla Hagerty, JD Hall, Jennifer Hammond, Michael Hanley, Cody Hanson, Hannah Harder, Kaylin Harris, Connor Harrison, Michael Hays, Christina Hebert, Jonathan Helm, Garrett Hendrick, Sarah Herner, Dalton Herron, Kristina Hill, Steffany Holten, Tyna Holzmiller, Renee Honn, Donald Horn, Amy House, Stephanie House, Arianna Hudson, Kaitlyn Hudson, David Ivanov, Austin Jacobs, Anne Johnson, Justyn Jones, Stephanie Juhnke, Ilona Kalpakchi, Brandon Kautzman, Stanislav Kazatskiy, Abigail Keenan, Kevin Kelly, Tyler Kennedy, Karen Kenny, Tiffani Kittilstved, Wyatt Kittilstved, Cassandra Koch, Scott Kopczynski, Emily Korotish, Laura Kramer, Sara Kruger, Edward Kvasov, Kalen
Lakoduk, Steven Langford, Eric Larson, Kristina Lattin, David Leap, Victoria Leichner, Jessie Levno, Madison Lewis, Rachel Locke, Katelynn Loessin, Terri Lonam, Brandon Lorentz, Brittany Lorenzen, Gabrielle Lucente, Jolene Luebke, Ashley Lunden, Travis Mackay, Cristal Magallon Gutierrez, Kaitlin Malakowsky, Jamie Manning, Alexis Marlatt, Jordan Marlatt, Jessica Martin, Jeremy Martire, Phillip Mason, Lindsey Mattison, Caleb Mazzola, Tyler McCartney, Maria Mccauley, Ryan McCauley, Michael McConville, Cameron McDaniel, Jennifer McGovern, Susan McInerney, Jobeth Mckoon, Madison McNett, Richard Mehlbrech, Myra Menzer, Titus Mertens, Iliya Mikheyev, Jacob Miller, Trevor Moles, Seth Mongan, Danika Morgan, Kelsey Morrison, Catherine Mors, Brianna Morse, Rebekah Mulloy, Kaleena Murphy, Nathan Nelson, Polina Nikolayev, Andrew Nilson, MacKenzie Norman, Logan Norton, Evan Oeflein, Vanessa Orozco, Carissa Page, Austin Parker, Thomas Patton, Abby Pedersen, Brandon Pellett, Stephanie Pendleton, Sadie Perry, Trent Petersen, Nathan Ployhar, Kirsten Poldervart, Timothy Potts, Chase Powell, Wyatt Price, Jason Pritzl, Dana Prussack, Johnathan Pryor, Christin Quinn, James Randall, Kaitlyn Ranf, Lindsey Rantzow, Kendra Reilly, Daniel Replogle, Hannah Robb, Lucas Rockstrom, Christina Rohm, Sydney Russell, Paige Salveti, Jordan Sampilo, Yana Sarioglo, Dakota Schiermeister, Zachery Schultz, Ashley Schutz, Jacob Schwartz, Elizabeth Seagrave, Matthew Seeman, Jessica Sharpe, Hannah Shawen, Kendra Sherrill, Chloe Sholtz, Evelina Shuvarikov, Kelsi Sibley, Alexis Sicilia, Lex Silvrants, Ashley Simmet, Emily Simmons, Sara Simpson, Taylor Simpson, Yekaterina Slyusarev, Acacia Smith, Adrianna Sosa, Nicole Stewart, Nathan Stranberg, Darlene Suesue, Justin Sulya, Moriah Svenonius, Robert Swanson, Zachary Szabrowicz, Brittney Szoke, Connor Szott, Jennifer Tabert, Danielle Tabish, Joshua Taylor, Mikayla Taylor, Emily Teichmer, Sarah Teichmer, Todd Teller, Megan Tellessen, Gretchen Tempel, Makinzee Thomas, Gabriel Tinder, Stephen Trainor, Robert Trukositz, Mckinzie Turner, Danae Unland, Austin Upmeyer, Nicholas Valentine, Mariya Vasyukhnevich, Morgan Voelker, Jacklyn Von Steuben, Kolby Wade, Robyn Wallin, Sarah Wallis, Madeleine Walsh, Samantha Waltermire, Toshick Watson, Shayla Weiler, Ethan Whitney, Ashley Wiggs, Jacob Williams, Megan Williams, Scott Williams, Tanner Wirth, Jacquelynn Womack, Sarah Yates, Alexander Yoseph, Stephen Zeller Veradale: Vasiliy Blagikh
Oregon State University (Corvallis, Ore.) Honor Roll, 3.5+ GPA
Spokane Valley: Stephen P. Lucas (4.0); Nicole M. Craigmile
University of Wisconsin (Stout, Wis.) Chancellor's Award, 3.5+ GPA Paul Smith, Greenacres
You Can Eliminate Pain Once and For All — At a Price You CAN Afford! If you suffer from chronic lower back or neck pain, you’ve probably been told that you only have three basic options: #1) Take prescription medications to try to mask the pain. #2) Have epidural injections to temporarily ease the pain. #3) Resort to surgery.
But you do have other options!
There are Non Surgical Options, treatments that are gaining support in the medical community and helping thousands of back and neck pain sufferers get back to an active and pain-free life. At Spokane Spine & Disc, we have put together a comprehensive combination of the most innovative and breakthrough pain relieving treatments available for you!
Until now, these treatments have been very expensive! Clinics have historically charged $5,000 to $15,000 for this Care!
But That’s Not What You’ll Pay! So Who is a Candidate for these Procedures? The literature on Decompression and Laser says that it provides relief for: • Degenerative Discs • Neuropathy • Herniated or Bulging Discs • Headaches • Leg or Arm Pain • General Lower Back Pain • Failed Back Surgery • Stenosis • Sciatica • Neck Pain • And a variety of other conditions
I’m So Confident I Can Help You That I’m Offering You
Dr. Daniel S. Chamberlain, DC 2207 N. Molter Rd. Ste. 250 Liberty Lake, WA In the Liberty Lake Medical Center
2 FREE Pain Relieving Treatments! Just Mention This Ad When You Call
(509) 893-9939
Finally, for Payments as Low as $84 a Month, You Can Receive Comprehensive Care that is unlike any other that will Relieve Your Pain! Your Personalized Pain Relief Program may include: ✔ Class IV Laser Treatment ✔ Spinal Decompression ✔ Active Therapeutic Movement
✔ Personalized Pain Reducing Exercises ✔ Pain Relieving Supplements & Creams ✔ Spot Massages
www.spokanespineanddisc.com you may be asking yourself.......
Why haven’t I heard about this before? Class IV laser and Non Surgical Spinal Decompression are FDA cleared and together have shown to be very effective in treating a variety of chronic and acute conditions. I’ve seen patients quit using canes, walkers and even get up out of wheelchairs. I’ve seen people go from severe chronic pain to no pain at all. Many patients become rejuvenated and excited about life. They’re no longer consumed with pain and they are able to get back to gardening, golfing or whatever activity it was that they loved to do before they were crippled with pain. These treatments are for corrective care which create long lasting to permanent relief not just a temporary band-aid. As amazing as these treatments are, with the changes in health care these treatments are NOT covered by Insurance, with the exception of Auto Insurance coverage for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. This is why many offices are not willing to spend the time and money on equipment and training for these amazing breakthrough treatments. However, I offer programs that range from $900 to $3500, and we have great financing options available for good or bad credit if needed. Better yet, we are so positive we can help we offer two free visits so you can see for yourself. No catch, no gimmicks. Just call to schedule for your FREE no obligation treatments so you can experience pain relief today. Call now!
What have you got to lose.... but the pain!
Brought to you by
Fixed on fiddling
11
Family Parents, Ed and Kerri Miller; brother, Drew
Pets Four dogs, one cat
Favorite movie
By Tammy Kimberley
“Scooby-Doo”
CURRENT STAFF WRITER
When 11-year-old Emilie Miller says she’s been fiddling her entire life, she isn’t exaggerating. Her parents laughingly recall how they couldn’t keep Emilie from crawling into her brother’s fiddle case. “She was probably one and half when we decided to get her a 1/32-size violin,” Kerri Miller, Emilie’s mom, said. Emilie started taking lessons from JayDean Ludiker, a local fiddler instructor, and found her way to the stage at Rockin’ B Ranch before she was two years old. And she’s not stopped playing since. Music is what her family does, Emilie said, whether it’s traveling to competitions, performing with The Pearl Snaps or just jamming on the back porch together. Her dad plays guitar and her mom sings, while her brother plays lots in instruments including fiddle, guitar and mandolin. The family even runs a Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest (for eight states and three Canadian provinces) in the Spokane area each spring. Every June the Millers attend the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest in Weiser, Idaho, where Emilie competes against other fiddlers her age. Kerri said that the family has created friendships with fiddlers from
Pack a picnic and your best behavior Compiled by Tammy Kimberley SPLASH STAFF WRITER
Friends of Pavillion Park is hosting two August events where kids and their families can experience some of the arts — for free! Just because the events are free and open to the public doesn’t mean you should leave your manners at home. All attendees should be respectful and follow proper
EMILIE MILLER
Age
Interests Fiddling, dancing, swimming
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Emilie Miller started fiddling with her family when she was just a toddler (above). The 11-year-old enjoys traveling to competitions and entertaining others with the band, The Pearl Snaps.
Band she is a part of The Pearl Snaps
Music she enjoys playing
Colorado, Idaho, Texas and across the U.S. “Music keeps people coming together,” Kerri said. “Music is something that lasts. They’ve made friends that they will have the rest of their lives.” Fiddling also helps bridge the gap across generations. At competitions, Emilie said she gets to interact with national champion musicians who are usually quite willing to help up-and-coming musicians. Emilie said she often asks older musicians to teach her how to play certain tunes. “It’s fun to play with other people,” she said. “If you hear a song you really want to learn, you can learn it by asking the other person.” As the youngest member of the band, The Pearl Snaps, Emilie has had plenty of opportunity to learn from those older than her. The band formed when a group of local fiddlers, including Emily and her
brother, were buskBusking: To ing at a local store to raise money for charplay music ity when local blues or perform musician Sammy Euentertainment banks took notice. He in a public asked them to open place, usually for him at the Knitto raise money. ting Factory, so they put together a song list, came up with a band name and started touring from there. The group has been together over two years and consists of Emilie and her brother Drew, Amanda Poulos and another set of siblings, Trevor and Haley Beeching. Besides looking up to her band members and instructor JayDean, Emilie said she considers Kimber Ludiker a fiddling role model. The daughter of JayDean, Kimber is in the Grammy-nominated bluegrass band, Della Mae. Besides the fiddle, Emilie also plays guitar, cello, some mandolin and a little ukulele. She enjoys using her musical talent to
etiquette (rules on how you should behave) when viewing the show. Here are a few tips to help you be prepared to fully enjoy the performances. • Arrive early and come prepared. Plan to be seated at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the show. Since these productions are being held in the park, bring a blanket or low-back chair to sit on. • Remain quiet. Try not to talk or whisper while the performance is in progress. The theater is “live” space, meaning you can hear the performers easily and they can hear sounds from you, too! Remind your parents to turn off cell phones so that performers and other audience members will
not be disrupted. • Focus on the show. Musicians and performers must concentrate in order to do their best. They feel supported when the audience is focused on them. Get all the wiggles out of your bodies during intermission (break times) so that you can sit still during the performance. • Show appreciation by applauding. You can show your enthusiasm and appreciation by respectfully clapping your hands at the appropriate times. Wait until a piece or scene is finished to applaud. If you’re unsure if a piece is through, wait for the rest of audience to clap before you start. Source: www.csphilharmonic.org
Texas-style fiddling
give back to the community by playing for the elderly in nursing homes or busking to raise money for charities and causes she believes in, such as the Starlight Children’s Foundation. She also appreciates listening to all different styles of music and said music is a great way to express how you’re feeling. “If you’re happy, you can play an upbeat tune,” she said. “If you’re feeling a bit sad, you can play a waltz.” By driving the kids to competitions, paying for lessons and backing them when needed, Emilie said her parents are her biggest supporters. Her dad, Ed Miller, said he’s enjoyed watching the confidence his kids have gained from playing in front of thousands of people. “It’s fun to watch the kids get in front of people and perform,” he said. “They speak with their instruments.”
IF YOU GO ... Montana Shakespeare in the Parks 5 p.m. Aug. 23, Pavillion Park The traveling theater troupe returns for the fourth year in a row with a performance of the comedy, “As You Like It.” Spokane Symphony 6 p.m. Aug. 30, Pavillion Park Lud Kramer Memorial Concert Both events are free and open to the public. For more: www.pavillionpark.org
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 17
Whose Line Is It? A) Taming of the Shrew A sweet, beautiful girl’s sister, who happens to be a pain, must get married before her sister is allowed to wed her love
B) A Midsummer Night’s Dream Fairies make the wrong people fall in love, but it all works out in the end
C) Macbeth A king deals with the results of his murderous actions, partially brought on by his wife and three witches
COMMUNITY While there may be no more famous playwright than William Shakespeare, little is actually known about his life. What we do know is that he was an actor and poet who wrote many plays that his company, Lord D) Twelfth Night
E) Julius Caesar
A duke is in love with a lady in mourning, and a love triangle ensues when costumes are donned
A king is assassinated by conspirators, but then the tables are turned
F) King Henry the Fifth A young king must learn to live down his wild past and lead his country
Chamberlain’s Men, performed in England. Test your theater knowledge by matching the productions below to the correct quotes from within the plays (answers can be found at the bottom of the page). G) Romeo and Juliet
H) As You Like It
A young man and woman from feuding families attempt to get married in secret
A story of exile with a complicated love triangle
I) Hamlet A prince questions how his uncle got the throne
1. ____ “I’ll not budge an inch.” 2.____ “Men of few words are the best men.” 3.____ “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” 4.____ “The course of true love never did run smooth.” 5.____ “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?” 6.____ “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.” 7.____ “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” 8.____ “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.” 9.____ “Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Source: www.absoluteshakespeare.com
Wave rewards winner of summer contest
Answers: 1) A; 2) F; 3) I; 4) B; 5) G; 6) C; 7) H; 8) E; 9) D
Honorable mentions included creations by (from left) Katherine Kovich, Karlie Kelly and Sarah Kovich.
In the July issue, The Wave offered a coloring contest where kids were asked to artistically decorate an ice cream cone. Our judges selected Danielle Chalpin’s CHALPIN ice cream creation, pictured at right, as first prize in the contest. For her prize, 11-year-old Danielle was awarded a $10 gift card to an ice cream place of her choosing. We appreciate all the kids who took the time to create deliciouslooking treats (see more entries at left). Be on the lookout for more contests in future issues of The Wave!
Going to the dentist can be fun and easy! We’ve got convenient hours to fit your family’s schedule. Evening, early morning, and Saturday appointments available.
Call to schedule an appointment today!
509.891.7070 New patients welcome
Check out our Facebook page for contests and events.
1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite B Liberty Lake, WA
www.GrowUpSmiling.com
The Current
18 • AUGUST 2014 Brought to you by
About and for Valley seniors
Dancers rally for festival, salmon dinner By Valerie Putnam
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Dancers from around the Northwest will converge on the Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road, for the 58th annual Square Dance Festival and Salmon Barbecue Aug. 22-24. The event, featuring three days of square and round dancing, is expected to draw 400 dancers. The dancers will be directed by the calls of Jerry Story from McAllen, Texas and cueing by John and Fran Downing of Newport, Wash. The festival opens to the public on Sunday with its traditional salmon barbecue dinner. Served from noon to 4 p.m., this annual feast including salads, baked beans, fruit, roll and beverage. Entertainment begins at 2 p.m. featuring live blue grass music and dancers showcasing the different levels and styles of dance. “We want to try and get people interested in square dancing,” Western Dance Association president Richard Snyder said. “If they’re interested, they can sign up for classes.” The dinner serves as the Western Dance Association's annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the event go toward maintenance on the Dance Hall located 1901 N. Sullivan Road. "We need the fundraiser to keep the building going," Snyder said. "The Salmon barbecue is the life of that building." Snyder anticipates serving over 600 dinners Sunday. He says the association typically grills over 700 pounds of salmon over an open pit using apple wood. "You won't find a better fish dinner anywhere in the country," he said with a laugh. Longtime dancer Elaine Mann would agree. "They have what they call a secret recipe for the sauce they put on the salmon," she said. "It's really good." The association has volunteers on hand to assist the elderly with seating and getting them their meal. The group’s first salmon barbecue was held in 1957 at Spokane’s Natatorium Park to raise money for a new dance hall. The Western Dance Association formed the same year as a means to handle the business affairs of the future hall. The idea for the fundraiser came from late square dance caller Walt Baer. He joined forces with fellow square dancer Jack
IF YOU GO ... 58th annual Square Dance Festival Aug. 22-24 Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road
The event begins Friday with a casual “Trails in Dance” at 7 p.m. On Saturday, an intermediate round dance workshop will be 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., along with dancing from 2 to 10:30 p.m.
Salmon Barbecue
Noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 22 Western Dance Center
SUBMITTED PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN PETERSON
The public is invited to the dinner and performances at 2 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (age 65 and over) and $6 for children (12 and under). Dinner consists of salmon, potato salad, green salad, roll, baked beans, fruit, ice cream and beverage.
Square dancers take to the floor at the Western Dance Center during last year’s Square Dance Festival. Gary Johnson puts the secret sauce on the salmon last August. Several hundred people typically attend the salmon barbecue, where proceeds go toward maintenance on the dance hall located on Sullivan Road. Morrison, a public relations professional at Kaiser, to organize the barbecue. Baer, whose day job was selling fish at Empire Fish Co., got the salmon wholesale. Morrison taught the dancers how to cook the salmon on metal racks over apple wood, a tradition that is still being practiced today. According to a historic document written by former dancer Grace Libby, the idea for the dance hall came from a former square dance club known as the Shin Diggers in 1957. In 1960, the association purchased a dismantled steel frame building, complete with metal roofing, maple floor and several thousand feet of lumber for $7,120. The first dance was held Sept. 9, 1961. Mann, who has attended 55 barbecues, was at the first one held on Sullivan in 1961. She remembers the dance hall was under construction at the time. "There was a floor in the hall but the walls were not finished," Mann said. "We had to
For more information, call 688-4060.
FOR MORE…
prepare all the food ourselves. I remember slicing homegrown tomatoes." Attendees of the event should know modern square dancing is a far cry from the barn dances of the past. Though the basics of square dancing are still four couples arranged in a square directed by a caller, today’s dancers move to modern music. “Square Dancing is not the blue grass that everyone thinks it is,” Festival Chairman Dan Bailly, who started dancing in 1981, said. Even the traditional square dance attire has changed from frilly skirts with petticoats to more casual prairie skirts. "It is slowly getting away from the dress code," Snyder said. "It is slowly relaxing to the keep the activity alive. The younger generation is not interested in wearing the costumes." According to Bailly, the median age of square dancers is in the 50s. "As long as you can move, you can dance
The Spokane area Council is comprised of 25 dance clubs throughout the region. Dancing lessons begin in late September/October. Each lesson costs $5. Classes are offered at the Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road, or the North Spokane Dance Center, 7424 N. Freya St. A variety of dancing is done at the Hall including square and round dancing, clogging and line dancing. For more information, call 979-2607 or visit www.squaredancespokane.org. as long as you want," Bailly said. "You can put as much or as little into it you want." For both Mann and Snyder, square dancing has been a big part of their lives. Mann met her dancing partner Roger Olson on the dance floor 12 years ago, and have been dancing together ever since. "It's where you meet your friends," Mann said, who dances three to four times a week with the Valley Crosstrainers. "We can't say
See DANCERS, page 19
The Current
AUGUST 2014 • 19
COMMUNITY
Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life
Join us for a
Hawaiian Luau SATURDAY, AUGUST 9th
DANCERS Continued from page 18
enough about it.” Snyder met his wife Barbara on the dance floor at a National Square Dance convention in Salt Lake City in 1991. Snyder was living in Kansas at the time while Barbara was from Spokane. The couple married one year later and eventually moved to Spokane in 1998. Besides the potential of meeting someone special, square dancing has several benefits. According to the WebMD website, square dancing has the potential of lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, age-related memory loss, osteoporosis and depression. And by offering a chance for companionship, square dancing can be a solution to loneliness. "It's very good exercise," Snyder said. "It keeps the mind alert because you have
to learn the steps to dance. It's a constant learning process and you have to practice what you learn." Snyder added that square dancers are the best group of people in the world. "Once you walk through the doors of the dance hall, it doesn't matter what you do for a living; you are all the same," he said.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. •
Live Music • Food & Beverages • Hawaiian Dancers • Community Tours!
• Independent Living • Light Assisted Living • Walking Trail • Wellness & Fitness Center • Gourmet Chef • Cottage Homes • Swimming Pool & Spa • Assisted Living • Bistro
Locally Owned and Operated by the Arger Family
HISTORY
20 • AUGUST 2014
The Current
Vision for settlement provided for orphans Millionaire turned troubled past into treasured legacy By Bill Zimmer |
SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM
Hello again! This is Howard Stegner and Seth Woodard introducing you to Levi Hutton who will tell you how and why he became involved in the planning and development of Hutton Settlement. My wife May and I were both orphaned and denied the experiences of growing up in a family. I was born in Fairfield, Iowa, and was orphaned at age six. I was passed around among relatives, but spent most of the time on a farm with an uncle and his family. I was treated like a hired hand, and there was no feeling of family. From the beginning, I was expected to earn my keep. I ran away at age 15 but returned when I had nothing to eat. When I turned 18, I left the farm and started working my way west, eventually winding up as a train engineer in the mining country of Wardner, Idaho. May (Arkwright) was also born in 1860, in Washingtonville, Ohio. Her mother abandoned her at an early age, and at age ten her father left her with her blind paternal grandfather to care for. She later thanked her grandfather for her aggressive approach to life as he encouraged her to “place no limit on your aspirations.” At age 22, May married a stable boss and mule driver, but after he disappeared she also worked her way west where she established herself as a cook as well as a boarding house manager in Warder Junction (now Wallace), Idaho. She also began accumulating bits of mining stock. I met May at her boarding house/restaurant when the train I was engineering stopped there. After an uneventful courtship, we were married in 1887 and settled in Wallace. Ten years later we had an opportunity to invest in a 1/16th share of the Hercules Mine for $505. I guess you would say the rest is history. We made our fortune from the
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM
Clockwise from above: Babe Ruth, an orphan himself, visited the Hutton Settlement to play baseball with some of the kids. A circa 1940s brochure included information about the settlement to interested parties. Founder Levi Hutton is photographed with an early resident of Hutton Settlement. mine, and in 1906 moved to Spokane where we built the multi-story Hutton Building which was also our original home in Spokane. We became involved in a number of benevolent causes and were especially involved in the Florence Crittendon Home for unwed mothers and their children as well as the Spokane Children’s Home. We had no children of our own but provided for several children under our temporary care. May also worked long and hard for women’s suffrage and was instrumental in its passage in the state of Washington. May died of Bright’s disease in 1915 at the age of 55. As a tribute to her and because of our commitment to help homeless children, I decided to build a children’s home. It had to be a secure place where families could stay together and be educated, not shifted about. I purchased 111 acres on Upriver Drive just west of Riblet’s Point. It was enough land to function as a working farm (and later increased to over 300 acres). After sending an architect on a nationwide tour to research orphanage facilities, we decided on the cottage plan as the best option. The architect designed an administrative building and four cottages (more were added later). Each cottage was de-
Today’s Hutton Settlement
Levi Hutton bequeathed to the Settlement his mining shares as well as his Spokane commercial properties. Though some things have changed over the years — for example, fewer orphans and more special needs children — the board and administration have kept Hutton Settlement true to the plan envisioned by its founder. For more on today’s Hutton Settlement, go to www.huttonsettlement.org. signed as a functional home able to accommodate up to 20 children under the care of house parents with the goal of providing a happy and healthy environment in which orphaned and needy children could grow up. We welcomed the first orphans in November 1919. They were admitted under the following principles of guidance: the home is non-sectarian; siblings are to be admitted together; the education is to take place in local public schools; special consideration is
to be given to orphans from the Coeur d’Alene mining district; and the children are to do reasonable farm and house chores. The Settlement was intended to be partially self-sufficient by using crops grown on the property for food. As a member of the Shriners, I was particularly pleased when the 1921 National Shrine Convention developed a plan to start the Shriner Hospital for Crippled Children. The board I appointed to oversee the operation of the Settlement was all women. Many were or had been members of the Ladies Benevolent Society. Most were society matrons, the wives of Spokane leaders. They were truly a working board, furnishing cottages, sewing
for the children and seeing to their personal needs. For nine years I had the opportunity to enjoy the children — years which included a visit from Babe Ruth (also an orphan) who played baseball with them. I believed that I was as close to being a father to the children as most had ever known. Bill Zimmer is a retired educator and longtime West Valley school board member. For more about this article or other aspects of the history of the Spokane Valley region, visit the museum at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. or call 922-4570.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE VALLEY In this 2014 history series from the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, “History Heroes” Seth Woodard and Howard Stegner will take readers on a tour of “Footprints in the Valley,” month by month, through photos, documents, articles and treasure hunts. This month: The history of Hutton Settlement
The Current
LIBRARY
AUGUST 2014 • 21
Beat the summer brain drain TALES SCLD offers support to keep students’ skills fresh By Mary Kate Koch
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Far removed from the last days of the school year and well into the dog days of summer, it’s common for kids to have dumped what they learned in school in favor of spending long days swimming and watching cartoons. While it may be fun in the moment, Gwendolyn Haley, library services manager for the Spokane County Library District, said this brain drain can prove detrimental when the new school year comes around. “The summer slide is when kids lose skills they learned in school because they just aren’t practicing them during summer,” she said. “It’s a problem when school starts again because kids maybe aren’t reading or writing at the same level they were before summer break.” The panoply of resources the Spokane County Library District provides ensures that there is something for both school children and lifelong learners to use to help them beat the summer brain drain. One of the most popular services for children in kindergarten through 8th grade is TumbleBook, Haley said. TumbleBook is an online library of picture books, graphic novels and eBooks from a wide array of genres that ensures there
is a book for everyone. With a read-along option, TumbleBook is a useful tool to help readers gain more confidence with pronunciation and fluency. “We really want kids to become lifelong readers,” Haley said. “That means finding books that interest them, not just giving them rewards. Summer is a great time for kids to explore what they want to read and not what they have to read.” Other popular services are the multimedia resources the district provides. OverDrive facilitates the digital distribution of eBooks, audiobooks, music and video titles to library patrons. OverDrive has over 1.8 million digital titles to choose from in its media catalogs. Similarly, the hoopla program provides thousands of movie, television, music and audiobook titles through its library partnership. OverDrive and hoopla can be used for both entertainment and educational purposes. Gale Courses are aimed at older patrons, offering six-week long classes taught by professionals on topics ranging from accounting to digital photography. These courses can be taken to further professional development, as well as to explore personal interests. After the competition of each course, participants receive a completion certificate to display their accomplishment. Those interested in learning a new language or brushing up on some rusty language skills can use Pronunciator. Pronunciator is the world’s largest language
Combat the summer slide with these SCLD resources! Gale Courses
By Gwendolyn Haley
SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Hiking part of the Appalachian Trail— a 2,184-mile public footpath that traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Mt. Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia is on my bucket list. My family moved from North Carolina to Spokane when I was 10, and I have longed to return to the Smokey Mountains ever since. My minor obsession with the A.T. began when I read “A Walk Across America” by Peter Jenkins because he walked part of the A.T. on his journey from New York to Louisiana in the 1970s. The obsession grew after I read a kid’s book called “Halfway to the Sky” by Kimberley Brubaker
[Record-Breaking]
TRAIL
HelpNow Hoopla OverDrive Pronunciator TumbleBook For a complete list, go to www.scld.org.
service and offers lessons in 80 different languages. Users can select from typical choices like Spanish and French, or go the more eclectic route with Haitian Creole or Slovak. In addition to these readily available programs and digital libraries, the Spokane County Library District also offers digital tutors to assist with any educational needs through HelpNow. From 2 to 10 p.m., patrons can receive one-on-one attention with tutors in all topics ranging from kindergarten to college courses. Users can also access stored lessons and quizzes that help facilitate learning if tutors are unavailable. For more on SCLD resources and programs, go to www.scld.org.
Book Review Bradley. After reading “Called Again” by Jennifer Pharr Davis, I have now talked my husband into planning a trip sometime in the next few years to hike part of the trail. Davis is an impressive person. She holds both the women’s Appalachian Trail record (57 days and 8 hours, an average of 38 miles per day) and the overall Appalachian Trail Record (46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes, an average of 47 miles per day). In her first book, “Becoming Odyssa,” she chronicled her first-through hike of the trail and the lessons she learned about hiking, herself and the trail. In “Called Again,” she recounts the times she set the women’s record and the overall record. As an armchair hiker, I found these accounts both inspirational and honest. She talks candidly about coping with shin
FROM THE
splints, diarrhea, storms, tough terrain and exhaustion while trying to maintain a grueling pace of 47 miles a day. At the same time, she paints a beautiful portrayal of love and friendship in the amazing support, encouragement and dedication her husband and friends provided as she struggled to set the record. Early in the narrative Davis said, “…the trail has a way of stripping off the excess layers of worry, fear, and even pain.” Her first record-setting hike was an attempt to find some emotional healing. I think this is what resonates with me the most. What is it about the human spirit that allows us to find healing and coping mechanisms through tremendous physical effort? I’m looking forward to hearing Jennifer talk about her trail experiences in person 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Moran Prairie Library. Gwendolyn Haley is a Library Services Manager at Spokane County Library District.
Jennifer Pharr Davis is no stranger to adventure. She first hiked the Appalachian Trail as a 21-year-old fresh college graduate, all on her own. Her most recent book tells the story of setting the 46-day record for the Trail and growing closer to her husband (her support crew), in the process. You won’t want to miss this evening of inspiration, love, and endurance as Jennifer shares some tales from the trail.
MORAN PRAIRIE Wednesday, Aug 27 at 7pm
www.scld.org
LOCAL LENS
22 • AUGUST 2014
The Current
A successful post-Fourth sale
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The annual hot dog and T-shirt sale, sponsored by the Fire Auxiliary and Newman Lake SCOPE, was held July 5 at the Tri-Community Grange. Over $2,100 was raised via hot dog and T-shirt sales and cash donations to benefit Newman Lake Fire and Rescue, the community’s volunteer Fire Department. The Fire Department, Auxiliary and NL SCOPE extends thanks to the Newman Lake community and those who contributed to the event including North Spokane Costco, Longhorn Barbeque Production, Terry White and LIVE Real Estate and the Bellefeuille family.
Shutterbug snapshots
Getting ready to race
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Volunteers prep the soap box cars prior to sending them to race during the soap box derby held July 19 in Liberty Lake. Special needs kids and their drivers raced down Molter Road and then were pulled back up to the starting line by an ATV. The 7th annual event was hosted by Spokane East Rotary Club and sponsored by other local organizations including the GU Alumni Association. Leo Finnegan, founder of the race series, talks with kids prior to their start.
LOCAL LENS
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Michael Hassett has photographed various wildlife around Newman Lake this summer including a moose calf with its mother, a bullfrog and a tree swallow.
Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page. Email photos@ valleycurrent. com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos.
The Current
PROFILES
AUGUST 2014 • 23
Tipsy Muse fans local artistic flair
TIFFANY SARACENO
Saraceno at helm of company that hosts painting parties
Favorite artist
By Mary Kate Koch
Worst job
The original Greek muses offered inspiration in the arts to those who would invoke them, but all Tipsy Muse asks is that you schedule your artistic experience ahead of time. Tipsy Muse is an event company that offers step-by-step painting tutorials for private or corporate parties. Although it is now based in the Spokane area, Tipsy Muse originated in Coeur d’Alene as “Painting with Spirits.” After the business changed hands a few times, local Tiffany Saraceno and her husband eventually purchased Tipsy Muse last January. Although she may be at the helm the event painting company, you won’t find Saraceno guiding your tutorial anytime soon. Saraceno is more at home working with business and individuals in the community than she is with paintbrush in hand. “I’m actually more into meeting new people and networking than I am just art,” Saraceno said. “I am not good at creating pieces. I leave that to the artists. But what Tipsy Muse has done for us is given us a way to get into the community and I love that.” While Tipsy Muse provides the paint, canvases and artistic know-how, the company does not have a hosting studio of its own nor does it necessarily provide the wine. Instead, Tipsy Muse partners with local restaurants and wineries if customers want food and drink provided, as well as promise to go anywhere customers want their parties held. “The cool thing is that since we don’t have a space we get to know the different restaurateurs, winery owners and testing rooms in the area,” Saraceno said. “We’ll go basically anywhere. We have canvases to set up on the floor, tables and stools. You know, have space, we’ll travel.” Tipsy Muse hires local artists to create original paintings. The artists guide parties of 10 or more through a step-by-step process of how to paint these original creations, eventually culminating in a finished acrylic canvas that each participant gets to take home. There are four artists that Tipsy Muse commissions for different pieces and events, one of which is Saraceno’s sister. These artists all work other day jobs, but help run the Tipsy Muse workshops out of a genuine love and passion for art. “What makes Tipsy Muse a really great experience are the people,” Saraceno said.
Dream job
Vincent Van Gogh
Red or white wine? Red
What I’m reading now “The Purple Cow”
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Waitress Being a mom
First thing I do in the morning Hit the snooze button
Couldn’t live without My husband
Person (living or dead) I most want to get drinks with Her grandpa
IF YOU GO ... Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 1018 S. Garry Road Noon Aug. 16 Create a red wine glass acrylic on canvas. Cost is $50, which includes appetizers, first glass of wine and all painting supplies. Twigs Bistro 14728 E. Indiana Ave. 3 p.m. Aug. 31 Paint a field of poppies on wine glasses. Cost is $40 which includes two wine glasses and all painting supplies. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
A peacock painting party hosted by Tipsy Muse was recently held on the patio of Twigs Bistro in Spokane Valley. The public is invited to a wine glass event at the restaurant on Aug. 31. “Our girls are friendly, they love what they do and they are passionate about art. Not only do people get to learn how to create a piece, but they also get a lot of tips on the different aspects of art.” Saraceno said local wineries and restaurants are particularly supportive of the Tipsy Muse venture. While Saraceno is looking to expand Tipsy Muse in professional relationships with wineries, restaurants and corporate parties, she would prefer to keep Tipsy Muse in the local Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area. Tipsy Muse is popular with corporations as an alternative form of office bonding or work parties. Saraceno said that the Coeur d'Alene Resort often partners with Tipsy Muse as entertainment for conference parties that come to town. In addition to these planned private events, Tipsy Muse hosts events that are open to the public at venues such as Twigs Bistro. What Saraceno really loves to see at Tipsy Muse events is people really getting into
their paintings and having their inhibitions slowly fade away. According to Saraceno, even if people think that they are terrible at art, they will find that they can complete their painting and do it well with the guidance at Tipsy Muse. “Really anyone can recreate the piece,” Saraceno said. “Honestly, we’ve had sixyear-olds do it.” When Tipsy Muse finishes with pieces, they oftentimes end up being donated to local schools or charities for different fundraising events or silent auctions. “We work a lot with fundraisers,” Saraceno said. “On Instagram I end up meeting a lot of different groups. I met a charity on there that I like to work with called Go Shout Love that helps families who have kids that either of disabilities or are struggling with medical issues.” Running Tipsy Muse and doing charity work on the side may sound like a full-time job, but for Saraceno and her husband, Tipsy Muse is their “for-fun” activity.
To register or for more, go to www.tipsumuse.com.
Tipsy Muse owner Tiffany Saraceno poses by a sign advertising a party at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. “I wear a lot of hats,” Saraceno said. “I am a mom, I’m a sales rep at a software company, my husband owns an auto shop with his dad, and we own Tipsy Muse. We’re definitely on a wild ride.”
24 • AUGUST 2014
Rising to the occasion
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Elevations works to raise money for children’s therapeutic needs By Valerie Putnam
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Ten years ago Brian and Dottie Price's seven-month-old daughter Jenna was diagnosed with Leukemia. At that time they had no idea what impact the diagnosis would have on them or their finances. Brian, who was doing contract work, quit his job to be with Jenna during her treatment. Dottie, whose job provided the insurance, continued to work full time. "Our insurance wasn't capable to keep us going through the whole thing," Brian said. After completing treatment in seven months, Jenna required therapeutic services such as physical, occupational and speech. The family found Youthful Horizon Therapy in the Spokane Valley through a recommendation at the hospital. "We were seeing three different therapists three times a week for varying services," Brian said. "Costs continued to escalate with co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses." David Owan, Owner of Youthful Horizons approached Price offering to help. "That is literally how it went," Brian said. "Here is a guy out of the kindness of his heart saying 'What can I do to support you?' It takes a very special person to do that." Price's story is one of many stories of local families struggling to pay for therapeutic services that prompted Owan to form a team of four professionals and launch Elevations in the fall of 2012. "There is no shortage of people in need," Brian, who became a founding board member, said. "None." Elevations is a nonprofit organization created as a special needs children's therapy resource working to fill the gap for struggling families. "I noticed a real change seven years ago," Owan said about rising co-pays and insurance deductibles. "Over the last four to five years it has gotten much worse with the changes within health care." Elevations assists families in covering the cost of their children's needs such as
SUBMITTED PHOTO
During a May fundraiser at the Garland Theater, Elevations raised $2,000 to help local children with their therapeutic needs. Pictured at the event are Julie Hannan, David Owan, Nancy Huettl, Brian Price and Kelly Lynch along with her children. physical, occupational, speech, nutritional and horse riding therapy. It also helps children acquire equipment they may need. "A lot of Insurance companies don't pay for equipment," Owan said. "That's where we come in." Elevations works with area licensed therapeutic professionals to identify uninsured and underinsured children, ages birth to 18 years old. Identified families are encouraged to apply for grants awarded through Elevations. "We require the parents to write a story about their child, (including) what the child has been through and the therapy that has helped," Owan said about the application process. Qualifying children must be undergoing therapy and require a recommendation from a licensed provider as part of the application process. Applications are reviewed twice a year, spring and fall, by the Elevations Board. "We see a lot of kids with some rare genetic disorders," Owan said. "We help anybody regardless of diagnosis or financial situation."
FOR MORE… Elevations is located at 325 S. University Road, suite 202. To make a tax deductible donation or learn more, visit www.elevationsspokane.org or call 385-2116. The Ghost Ball is Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Riverside Events Center in downtown Spokane. For more information, go to www.ghostball.org or call 981-6475. Funds are dispersed directly to the specific providers. Any pediatric provider can participate as long as they agree to the terms of the grant. Currently, the organization has undergone two funding cycles. The next one is planned for this fall. During the first cycle, all eight families who applied received assistance. This May, the Board received 23 applications but the board was only able to provide funds for 18 of the families due to limited funding.
The Current
"Saying no to any family that could use help was difficult," Owan said. "I think the needs families have is bigger than we thought, and I thought there was a huge need." Elevations is funded strictly by donations and grants. Eighty percent of the funding received goes directly to the families. Last year, Elevations received financial help from two area businesses. The organization was the charity of choice during Idaho-based Bayshore Systems Inc.’s annual Golf tournament. Bayshore donated all the proceeds from the event, which amounted to over $15,000. "Non-profits work for years to get a company to do that for them," Owan said. "We were very fortunate." Hot Start, a Spokane Valley engine heating manufacturer, donated all proceeds from the annual company barbecue to Elevations last year. "They raised almost $4,000 for us, and they have given us other money throughout the year," Owan said. "We were very fortunate to receive a financial kick start from the generosity of those two companies." Executive Director Nancy Huettl, hired last fall to handle fundraising, is currently organizing several upcoming fundraisers. This May, Huettl organized a fundraiser at the Garland Theatre and raised $2,000. "It went well for our first event," Huettl said about what she hopes to become an annual fundraiser. On Oct. 25 the organization is planning a Halloween charity, The Ghost Ball. Huettl said she would like to organize three to four big fundraisers every year, along with smaller events every month. In addition she is also applying for several grants. Individuals can donate through the Fred Meyer Community Rewards program. Donations are made by shoppers who link their Fred Meyer Rewards card to Elevations. Each time the rewards card is used it goes towards Elevations earning a donation. Both Huettl and Owan's goal is to raise $75,000 this year. "That would be a good start," Owan said. "I think if we could ever on a consistent basis generate somewhere between $75,000 and $100,000 a year, that would go a long way to help a lot of families in Spokane County." Owan's future vision is to grow the organization to help families in other areas such as Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene. "I would love to see Elevations become the charity of the Northwest," Brian Price said. "I can't think of a better place to serve the greater good than in an organization that serves children."
The Current
‘They call us the Knotty Girlz’ Valleyford woman runs rope business from rural home By Valerie Putnam
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
Robyn Slate-Doloughan never dreamed the small business venture she began with $500 cash and a tub of rope inside her camper would be what it is today. Columbia Basin Knot Company, the business Robyn Slate-Doloughan began in 1998 to make a little extra cash, generated threequarters of a million dollars in sales in 2013 and is shooting for the million dollar mark. "Isn't that amazing?" Business Manager Chris Kovacevich said. "She grew it to that." Based in Valleyford, Columbia Basin Knot Company is an international manufacturer of equestrian products such as rope halters, leads and reins. "We're one of the top 200 distributors for Samson rope," Slate-Doloughan said. "And we're probably one of the leading manufacturers of horse halters and lead ropes in the U.S. that are private labeled." The company also wholesales different lines of rope products and hardware internationally for industrial, marine, theatrical, climbing and government purposes. A woman-owned business, Columbia Basin Knot Company is completely managed by seven women. "They call us the Knotty Girlz," Slate-Doloughan said, who named the manufacturing division the same name. Any product made at the facility is sold under the Knotty Girlz name. Slate-Doloughan, who is married and has four children, wants the company to be a laid-back, family-friendly workplace and allows her employees to have the flexibility to work around their schedules. "It's a great place for a woman to work," Kovacevich said, noting that all school holidays are con-
sidered days off. Columbia Basin Knot Company originated when SlateDoloughan was a young mother working nights temporarily at Pathology Associates. As a suggestion to earn a little extra money, a family friend gave her the idea of making horse rope halters. "I didn't own a horse," SlateDoloughan said. "I didn't know anything about horses but thought I'd just try and make one." Finding instructions online, the first horse halter she made took her six hours to complete one knot. Persevering, she made more halters and sold them on a website she designed. Over the next three years, she sold over $5,000 worth of equestrian products. In 2001, Slate-Doloughan decided to expand her business from strictly selling equestrian products into selling the rope used to make the products. "People kept asking me, 'Where do you get the rope?'" Slate-Doloughan said. "I found out that by the time rope gets into the store, there is a 100 to 600 percent mark up. I thought, ‘I'm going to sell it.’" That was also the year the company officially became Columbia Basin Knot Company. "My husband had a good point when we came up with the name," Slate-Doloughan said. "If you put equine in the name, you're limiting where you can go. So we put knot in the name, and then we could sell anything pertaining to knots. It just opened the door." Since 2001, the company has grown and expanded its inventory. No longer in a camper, the company operates out of a 40x70 shop on the Doloughan's property and is currently being renovated to provide additional square footage. The company's expansion is due in part to Slate-Doloughan's business tactics. "When someone asked for something I didn't have, my goal was to find out what that rope was and where I could get it," she
BUSINESS
AUGUST 2014 • 25
CURRENT PHOTO BY VALERIE PUTNAM
Columbia Basin Knot Company is managed by an all-women team including (left to right) Daphne Hunt (standing), Brandy Mallery, Brook Gibson, Robyn Doloughan, Alyssa Doloughan, Kyanna Fejes, Chris Kovacevich and (front center) Leaira Anderson.
FOR MORE… Columbia Basin Knot Company is located at 17015 E. Washington Road in Valleyford. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The manufacturing division is under the name, Knotty Girlz and can be found at www. knottygirlz.com. For more information, go to www.cbknot.com or call 2913024. said. "We say yes, and if we can't (find a way), we give them a different option.” With limited space available, Slate-Doloughan works with several rope mills across the country to drop ship orders from their locations. "We like to say 'the middle women,'" Slate-Doloughan said with a laugh. The stock she has on hand is sold by the foot. She also carries different hardware used for various purposes and DVDs demon-
strating how to tie a rope horse harness. Acquiring the Samson rope distributorship also broadened Slate-Doloughan's perception on new products she could sell. "When I got their catalog, I realized there are tons of different ropes," Slate-Doloughan said. "I thought, ‘Wow, I'm just limiting myself.’" Besides Samson rope, Columbia Basin works with ten rope mills from across the county including New England and Continental Western Corporation (CWC). According to Slate-Doloughan 95 percent of the products sold are manufactured in the United States. "We pride ourselves in keeping it U.S.-made," she said. Over the years Columbia Basin has expanded into diverse industries and sold product to clientele such as movie stars, theatrical riggers and rodeo stars. She recently sold a rope curtain used during the Academy Awards, as well as a custom-made rope with 3M reflectors wove through it to the Arab Potash Company based in Jordan.
"They used it at night to pack the camels with product so when the lights flashed they could see the camels," Slate-Doloughan said of the purchase. The company has even sold custom-made kayaks made out of carbon fiber to the government in Brunei. "I said we could get kayaks, even though I wasn’t sure how we would do it," Slate-Doloughan said. The kayaks were made in China with pictures sent to SlateDoloughan throughout the process. Once completed, they were shipped to Portland, stored, and then sent onto Brunei. Five years ago, Slate-Doloughan started selling clearance merchandise on eBay, and three years ago she began selling merchandise on Amazon. With business steadily growing with only word-of-mouth referrals, Slate-Doloughan wants to continue expanding. "It all grew from that camper and that one little idea," SlateDoloughan said. "I would love to grow as long as we can do it in a way that we're not overwhelmed."
The Current
26 • AUGUST 2014
BUSINESS
Biz Notes Servpro receives honor Serving Liberty Lake since 1985 Residential and Office Cleaning Licensed and Insured Hourly Rates
Side by Side Counseling Services Spokane Valley Location Traditional and Art Therapy Medicare Provider Private Insurance Accepted
509-808-2653
Changing Lives Together ... Side by Side
“ IT’S
THE LAW ”
In WASHINGTON Click or Call Two Business Days Before You Plan To Dig
www.CallBeforeYouDig.org
1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org
Servpro, an industry leader in disaster cleanup, restoration and remediation services, recently presented honors for outstanding revenue performance to companies during the 45th annual convention held June 24-27 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Scott & Denise Patton, owners of Servpro of Spokane Valley, received the Director's Gold award. For more, visit www. SERVPRO.com.
Wachholz hired by DEI Electrical Dale Wachholz has joined DEI Electrical Consultants of Spokane Valley as an electrical engineer. Wachholz began his career in 1976 working for electrical engineering firm WanlessCook Associates. He has been licensed in Washington since 1992. An alumnus of the Electrical Engineering Program at Wenatchee Valley College and Washington State University, Wachholz was previously employed by NAC|Engineering and is a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. Wachholz's current projects include the Spokane VA Medical Center operating room addition and renovation, Spokane Veterans Home engine generator upgrade, and Walla Walla Community College electrical upgrades. For more, visit www.deicorp.com.
Hooper joins Incyte Diagnostics Stephen H. Hooper, M.D., joined Incyte Diagnostics in June as a hematopathologist. Dr. Hooper is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and hematopathology. Hematopathologists work closely with area oncologists to decide the best treatment for patients with diseases of the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Medicine, Dr. Hooper completed his residency at the Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He was a physician in the U.S. Armed Forces for 20 years prior to arriving in Spokane.
Kohl’s rewards young volunteers The Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recently recognized 37 youth from Washington who have made a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism. Philip Howard, 17, and Sebastien Huffmanparent, 8, are two Spokane Valley youth in that group. Those selected each received a $50 gift card and recognition certificate from Kohl’s to honor their community service efforts. These winners qualify for the chance to receive additional scholarships for higher education. In total this year, Kohl’s will recognize more than 2,300 young volunteers with
SERVICE DIRECTORY BEAUTY PRODUCTS
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
3D Fiber Mascara takes your lashes from OK ...
• Weekly/Bi-weekly Lawn Care • Fertilization/Weed Control • Spider Barriers/Pest Control • Power Raking/Core Aeration • Shrub Bed Maintenance/Cleanups • Sprinkler Repair/Adjustments/Turn-ons
to Oh, Wow!
• Organic & all natural • Not tested on animals • Hypo allergenic • Gluten free
FREE ESTIMATES As always, first mow FREE
www.LashFun.com Presenter: Mavis Hogan
mavishogan@comcast.net Ask me how to have your own online Lash Bash ... or to become a presenter!
509-218-1775 Pacific-Lawn.com
BICYCLE REPAIR AND SERVICE
Painting
SMOOTH RIDING AHEAD
Heinz Painting & Handyman
Tune-ups, repairs and restorations of all models and types of bicycles by expert mechanic. Reasonable rates and expeditious service. Make your appointment now. Call Tony, 509-998-2359.
BBB accredited, hardworking, honest, and on time. Free estimates! Now is the time to get your house painted. Call today! Dave Heinz, 509-953-8093. Licensed, bonded & insured, HeiNzpH924Bw. Many satisfied Valley customers.
HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES
TILE & FLOORING
SPARKLING CLEAN
Housecleaning & Windows Call Debbie
509.926.7726 or 509.217.8324 The Cleanup Specialists LICENSED & EXPERIENCED
MONTHLY • WEEKLY • BIWEEKLY
nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes. For more information, visit www.kohlskids. com.
STCU partners with Avista for entrepreneurship program Local residents are invited to make a difference in the community by supporting Avista Center for Entrepreneurship at Spokane Community College, which helps launch new small businesses. Avista has given more than $100,000 to start the program as part of a larger regional initiative by the company to help aspiring entrepreneurs get started and have the necessary support to become successful. In addition, Avista has created a $500,000 revolving micro-loan fund to help those who have completed their studies. The program has already created more than 40 small businesses. However, the SCC program has a $50,000 funding gap to fill this year to become self-sustaining. Funds raised will directly support the students and programs at the Center for Entrepreneurship through scholarships, program support, and enhancement of the innovative micro-enterprise loan fund to provide necessary start-up capital for program graduates. STCU is offering a one-for-one match up to $10,000 for donations made on-
$10 A MONTH = THOUSANDS OF READERS Our service directory offers bang-for-thebuck reach into thousands of Valley-area homes. Organized alphabetically by category, it’s a simple and convenient way to connect Valley residents searching for the right person for whatever the job may be. Priced simply and affordably, as little as $10 gets a business into 10,000 copies of The Current. Call or email to learn more: 242-7752 • advertise@valleycurrent.com.
line through the recent Spokane start-up Crowdswell platform. For more information, visit crowdswell.com/swells/launchentrepreneurship-in-spokane or follow on Twitter at #LaunchSpokane or @FoundationCCS. Did your business recently open or receive recognition? Submit the information to Biz Notes at editor@valleycurrent.com.
SPORTS 1970s trailblazers laid foundation for girls sports The Current
By Mike Vlahovich THE FINAL POINT
The newspaper photos were familiar: Basketball players driving to the hoop, long flowing locks flopping atop their heads — except these weren’t from last winter’s girls games. Coming as they did in the early-tomid 1970s, these long-haired athletes were, unmistakably, high school boys. Conspicuously missing in the sports pages back then were action shots of female athletes, and any stories of their accomplishments were few and far between. Though initially virtually inkless, these ladies, today pushing their 60s, paved the way for today’s female superstars whose well-chronicled accomplishments we take for granted today — Emily Westerberg, the Arizona State standout via Central Valley, or sisters Jami and Angie Bjorklund, who played at Gonzaga University and national power Tennessee respectively and came by way of University. It got me to delve into the archives to jog my memory about some of those early pioneers I followed. The late Fred Peterson, publisher of the Outdoor Press fishing and hunting news,
AUGUST 2014 • 27
told me back in the day that he thought I was the first sportswriter in town to write about female sports. Maybe so, maybe no. Early on, before there was no football state playoff in 1971, the resultant two-week break before basketball left this weekly newspaper reporter trying ingeniously to find a photo op that helped fill the wanting sports page. That meant the precursor to female interscholastic sports, an annual powder puff football game among the girls teams as part of Homecoming activities. There was little powder or puff in these ladies, who hit like the guys in what was ostensibly gentile flag football. Linda Zeis was “too fast for the camera,” the cutline read. Jean Brunelle quarterbacked as her brother would a few years later for West Valley’s state finalist. One girl, who came from a long line of WV sibling athletes, lamented the lack of interscholastic opportunity. Witnessing first-hand their competitiveness, I couldn’t disagree. By the way, the seniors beat the juniors 38-8 that year. I became a women’s libber. In 1974, the only sports available for them were tennis, gymnastics and volleyball. The first gymnastics state tournament was in 1969. Tennis followed in 1971 and volleyball in ’74, in one classification. Since, that number has expanded to nine state sports in six classifications. Within five years, about the same time I got up to speed photographically (back then, I actually drove out to Reardan to
cover an East Valley girls basketball game), schools had produced a couple of state team qualifiers. Too many to mention, here’s but small sample of those groundbreakers pioneers from half a century ago (my how time flies), gleaned from old Spokane Valley Heralds: • Knights players such as the Kim Curran, Dee Ann Weiler and Claudia Mead helped carry the load in both volleyball and basketball. • In 1973, Mandy Kister was a U-Hi standout, who went on with three other Valley athletes to play on a Spokane Falls Community College conference champion volleyball team. • A pair of locals the “Misses” Sylvia Liddell (CV) and Cheryl Schoessler (U-Hi) were playing basketball at Eastern Washington in 1975. I don’t recall cutlines saying “Mister” Joe Blow. • Joanne Greenlund was an oft-photographed West Valley gymnast. Progress takes its own sweet time. But the girls didn’t wait. By 1976, CV’s basketball team, including double figures scorers Pam Thompson and Kelly McKinney, reached postseason. In 1977, East Valley’s Connie Benson was state cross country runner-up and Jan Weitz (who would coach a state championship team at North Central) finished fifth that year when West Valley wore team AA state crown. Jan’s sister, Judy, was state AA
Tri-ing toward a strong finish
CURRENT PHOTOS BY HALLE SHEPHERD
About 500 women traveled to Liberty Lake July 13 to compete in the Valley Girl Triathlon. Competitors battled the warm morning temperatures during the 1/3-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3-mile run.
champ the next year. Since the 1980s, the girls have rivaled their male counterparts. Some set school records that remain today. CV’s Annette Helling could drop 33 points on a basketball foe and was an exceptional track athlete (who coaches today at Mt. Spokane). Annette Hand became a Hall of Fameworthy college and nationally ranked distance runner. West Valley’s Lisa Comstock set basketball records at EWU and coached state championship high school teams 20 years later. The Valley’s four schools have combined for 39 girls state basketball tournament appearances. CV has reached the finals five times, winning three; WV was a state champion and U-Hi reached the finals. They’ve made 17 state volleyball tournaments and 38 softball tournaments, with University winning state fastpitch softball in 2003, which evolved from slowpitch where WV took second in 1985. Track individual and team champions abound. To borrow from the old cigarette commercial catering to women’s movement for equality back then, “they’ve come a long way, baby.” Today’s myriad high school stars and college recruits and high school stars owe it to the girls of the 1970s who started it all. Mike Vlahovich is a longtime Spokane Valley sportswriter and member of the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame Scroll of Honor.
The Current
28 • AUGUST 2014
SPORTS
Stadium name “ranks very high” to Jack Spring WV will honor athlete, coach and educator during Homecoming By Mike Vlahovich
CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
The twinkle in his eyes and droll wit peculiar to athletes remain the same, and stories left to tell still entertain. Truth be told, even at age 81, Jack Spring hasn’t changed much from when he was coaching, teaching and administering West Valley athletics following a 17year career in professional baseball. But those stories are labored now as words struggle to come while Spring holds court sitting in his wheelchair at home. He is bedeviled by an aggressive Parkinson’s disease that has weakened his body and affected his speech, but not his mind or spirit. In September during Homecoming, West Valley will dedicate Jack Spring Stadium, the baseball field on which the former Major League pitcher spent 16 of his 23 years in education, coaching the game he loves that included the Spokane area’s first baseball state championship. “I’ve had a lot of honors, but this ranks very high,” he said. “This is so personal.” His son, Chris, the youngest of five children, followed in his footsteps as an educator, baseball coach and now athletic coordinator at Medical Lake. “It was as happy as I’ve seen him in a long time. I saw his eyes light up like I hadn’t seen in a couple of years.” Considered one of Spokane’s finest high school athletes in his day, the peripatetic lefty traveled coast-to-coast and across an ocean pitching in relief for seven Major League and several minor league teams with his bride of 62 years, Vona, and five children in tow — up to a point. She was loath to fly, saying the only way she’d have followed Jack when he played in Hawaii was “when they paved a road over to there.” When she flew home to have a baby, on the flight to Spokane from Syracuse with oldest daughter, Vicki, “I think I cried all
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Jack Spring enjoyed several years as a Major League relief pitcher until he and his wife, Vona, decided to settle back in Spokane where he became an educator and coach at West Valley High School. the way. A nice guy sat beside me. I don’t think he held my hand, but he might as well have.”
got a bad arm from packing.”
When he was traded from St. Louis to the Chicago Cubs, it was the final straw. “I said we are never leaving home again. I’d never taken the kids out school until that year.”
His career took him to the Phillies, Red Sox, Washington Senators, Angels, Cubs, Cardinals and Indians — plus minor league cities in between. He finished with a 12-5 record and a 4.26 ERA, but 70 days short of his Major League pension.
“She did all the dirty work,” Jack added. When asked what all those years of travel were like, she joked, “It was easy for him. I didn’t know where his suitcase would land with all his travel.” “There’s truth to that,” admitted her husband. “One year, I moved around so much someone said I
A sense of humor runs in the family.
The highlight was 1962, the expansion Los Angeles Angels’ second season. They were second in league behind the Yankees and won a series in New York. But a disastrous home stand knocked them out of contention. “We finished third with every
player on that team someone who was rejected, you might say,” Jack said. “Nearly every guy including me looked up their stats for other years. (In California) they had the best years of their lives.” The time came, as it invariably will, for his career to end. Vona and Jack had married at age 19 and seen the country. It was time to settle down. Vona wouldn’t have said it at the time, but looking back, “It was the best times of our lives. We met so many great people and had a lot of fun. It had its moments. We did a lot of difficult traveling, particularly because of the kids.” He’d been going to Eastern Washington University between
Recalling a championship season
West Valley’s 1978 baseball state champions offered evidence that sometimes mental toughness trumps sheer athleticism. The veteran team had the talent, and given the state history in other sports, its athletes expected to do well. But they needed a doubleheader win over Pullman in the final week of the regular league season merely to make the playoffs. A dramatic steal home by Ron Soss with two outs and two strikes on the batter in the last inning kept the drive alive, and they went from fifth place (and out of the postseason) to second in the league.
It was part of a 10-game winning streak that carried the Eagles to the top and included a 2-0 upset over runaway regular season champion Ephrata and its unbeaten pitcher Ed McNamara — despite only two hits.
Jack Spring had saved regular starters Mark Robinson and Kent Luedtke for state, but got shutout ball for five innings from No. 3 Bob Spencer. From there, an offense that had been missing much of the season showed up, and the Eagles won four state games, including 2-1 over Capital for the title behind Luedtke’s 3-hit, 10-strikeout pitching.
“They were a special group,” Spring said. “To win state is very difficult. It’s one loss and you’re out.” Let alone winning 10 in a row. Team members were: Pitchers Robinson, Luedtke, Spencer and Randy Braun; infielders Chuck Estey (1B), Soss (2B), Mark McIntyre (SS), Ray Moss (3B) and Mike Hobbs; outfielders Aaron Gannon (CF) Dennis Bowman (RF), plus Kevin Brunelle, Greg Gillam and Tim Edwards; catcher Scott Malone. Ironically, Spring said, he still has season stats from every year he coached, except that one. — Mike Vlahovich
baseball seasons, did his student teaching at East Valley and got the job at West Valley. “I’ve talked to a lot of former students,” Chris Spring said. “Dad is a great story teller, which I think made him a great history teacher.” And what better man to have as baseball coach than one with a Major League resume and minor league managing experience. In 1971, he began his second career as an educator. His Eagles baseball teams made seven state appearances, winning what is now the Class 3A state title in 1978. When the basketball job opened, Jack applied and was given that post as well. “I’m the only basketball coach in the history of WV that never lost.” Pause. “I never coached,” he quipped. “Anyway, a couple weeks after I was named varsity basketball coach, (athletic director) Rich Shulkin retired. It was the job I wanted, applied, got it and fired myself.” Roughly five years ago, not long after induction into the Inland Northwest Hall of Fame, while undergoing a physical, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. “I thought it was wear and tear on my left arm,” he said, the side most affected by the disease. He has occasionally used a walker but is mainly relegated to his wheelchair. Some days are better than others, Chris said. Fortunately, there’s a large family support group, but he gives most of the credit to his mother for Jack’s care. “Everybody’s pitching to keep him comfortable and positive, and there’s never been a day where I’ve seen him seemingly down,” Chris said. The hardest thing is watching other people do things when he can’t, Jack says. “It’s frustrating to someone who has been active.” At their gorgeous Pend Oreille lake house he built with help, they’ll get him into a pontoon boat and out on the water. “He can stare at the cabin for eight hours and say: ‘I don’t get to see it from this angle very much. I’m just admiring my work,’ ” Chris said. Quite a few others have admired his work as well.
The Current
OPINION
Choosing gratitude in the midst of adversity By Linda Bartholomew CURRENT GUEST COLUMN
One of my favorite contemporary theologians is Paul McCartney. Don’t you marvel at how being one of the Beatles was only the start of his career, and how he has had things to say not only about love and life, but also often about God all along? One of his latest albums, “Memory Almost Full,” has a favorite song of mine titled “Gratitude.” The opening goes like this: Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve ever given me. How can I explain, oh, what it means to be loved by you, by you, loved by you, loved by you? Show my gratitude, gratitude. Show my gratitude. I wanna’ show my gratitude. Gratitude, yeah. That about sums it up, doesn’t it? We can and should be grateful. He says it over and over. And then over again. "But wait, didn’t even Paul McCartney go through some hard times?” you might wonder. “I think I remember that Linda, his first wife and the love of his life, died some years ago? Then he remarried, but that relationship took a nosedive and ended in a divorce? Surely this suggests that even one of the most famous, wealthy, adored persons that has ever walked the earth has suffered, so why is he crooning on and on about gratitude?” Perhaps Paul is going through another great infatuation
About the Opinion Page The Current wants to hear what’s on your mind. Interact with the opinion page with a le er to the editor (350 words or fewer), guest column (700 words or fewer; please send a mug) or via Facebook or Twi er: editor@valleycurrent.com facebook.com/valleycurrent @valleycurrent As with all content, opinion page submissions may be edited for space, style or clarity. This is a community newspaper, so be relevant to the Valley for the best chance at publica on. “In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory or an unjust interest. And endeavor to gain, rather than to expose, thy antagonist.” — William Penn
(no doubt a possibility). Or maybe, just maybe, he has grown into a wise and even holy man. Recently, a sister of mine (I am blessed to have six) and I were lamenting how a mutual friend, no matter how much she has, is never happy. It would be so tempting to lecture her about developing a grateful heart. Indeed, our friend has also suffered. But somehow a rebound seems beyond her. That spirit of gratitude is just not there. Everyone can see it, and the tragedy of her life is difficult to bear, for her and for those who love her. Have you ever met our friend? This reminds me of a true story that changed my life. Several years ago, a prominent preacher named John Claypool had a 10-year-old daughter, Laura Lue, who lost her valiant fight with leukemia. Her parents had been with her every agonizing step of the way. Her suffering was so bad that they sometimes had to put a cloth in her mouth just so she could bite her way through the pain. At other times, their little Laura would turn to them and ask them if they were praying to God that she would get better. Oh yes, they assured her, they were storming the heavens with their prayers. “Then what did God say?” she pleaded. They had no answer for their littlest angel. I mention their story because at the funeral, her father John preached one of the most powerful sermons I have ever heard. One of the truths he clung to, and of which he assures all who have followed in the difficult footsteps of suffering, is that no matter what else, he and his wife would always choose to be suffused with gratitude for the life of his beloved daughter. Gratitude is one of the deepest and most formidable choices we can ever make. G.K. Chesterton said it well, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” God has blessed us with a world of wonder, particularly in the marvel and gift of his own Son who didn’t bypass the suffering at all, but rather entered into to it for our sake. In doing so he sung his own song of gratitude, a song I am spending my own life learning to sing. It has a catchy tune. Two years ago The Rev. Linda Bartholomew moved to Spokane to serve the loving, generous and energetic people of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Spokane Valley. She and her husband Adam (also an Episcopal priest) have a beautiful daughter Jessica, granddaughter Emma, and soon to be son-in-law FJ, who live too far away in Cincinnati, Ohio.
AUGUST 2014 • 29
Letters to the Editor More money needed for marching bands We are familiar with the crisp fall days when football starts and the warm spring days that signal baseball season. No matter the season, a high school marching band plays through them all. Unlike seasonal sports, band is a class that lasts the entire academic year. Sports have a set budget for travel and uniforms. Since band is a yearlong activity, it is necessary to have a much larger budget. Last year, the West Valley High School Marching Band travelled to Yakima, Everett and California to compete. Because of the amount of music equipment necessary, including uniforms and props, the band must take multiple buses and rent a truck. The band stays at different high schools which require additional payment. Traveling is a year-round part of the program meaning the band usually pays three times more than sports teams because they play through all three seasons, and more money is necessary to keep the program running. When a team walks onto a field, they are recognized by their uniforms. Marching band is the same but with more expensive uniforms. At West Valley, uniforms include six separate pieces. Additionally, WVHS has special feather plumes for the helmet. Plumes are white, but they yellow over time and must be replaced. Each plume costs $50 and the full uniform is $500. At West Valley, a common phrase is, “once the uniform is on, the competition starts.” One is expected to respect the uniform and the program it represents. This maintenance takes money. Some argue that since marching band has
Editorial Cartoon
a large parent group to help, funding from the district is not needed because parents can provide money through various fundraisers and personal donations. Yet not everyone can help with fundraising or pay out-of-pocket. Many families work several jobs to make ends meet. A marching band program consists of many parts and, while not as large as sports teams, it is a huge part of the band student’s life. Enough money gives the program and the students what they need throughout the entire school year.
Abbie Freeman
Sophomore, West Valley High School
Keep Chase and Shea in office Campaign season is in full swing and therefore the attacks are on. I have been involved in political campaigns for nearly 20 years. This year has been the most egregious against the freedom and liberty minded folks who we have elected to represent and serve us, the people. Our current treasurer, Rob Chase, has actually engaged his staff to be an active part of the office he serves, to do the job they were hired to do. He has the highest satisfaction rating ever, both among the staff that he works with and the people of the county he serves. Rob Chase worked with the State Legislators this past year to introduce and pass a phenomenal property rights bill. This bill gives Rob’s constituents an avenue that they can use to pay their property taxes incrementally and not lose their home to a fee hungry county. Thank you, Rob, for looking
See LETTERS, page 30
The Current
30 • AUGUST 2014
OPINION Volume 3, Issue 8 EDITOR/PUBLISHER
Josh Johnson
GENERAL MANAGER
Tammy Kimberley
Sarah Burk
josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@valleycurrent.com GRAPHICS EDITOR
sarah@valleycurrent.com CIRCULATION Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics
circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS
Gwendolyn Haley, Craig Howard, Mary Kate Koch, Treva Lind, Valerie Putnam, Halle Shepherd, Mike Vlahovich, Bill Zimmer On the cover: Current photo illustration by Sarah Burk
About
The Current 23403 E. Mission Avenue, Suite 102 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 P: 242-7752; F: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com
The Current is published monthly. It is distributed by or before the first of each month to drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake — just about anywhere that has historically been referred to as part of Spokane’s Valley.
LETTERS Continued from page 29
out for those you serve. And as for Rep. Matt Shea, the ugliness of politics rears its ugly head within the Republican Party to destroy and dissuade voter support of a representative who not only fights for our freedom, but fights to restrict government and not the people. Rep. Shea works on lessening the impact of regulations and opening doors to cost effective legislation that reaches across party lines. Do not fall for half-truths that distort this man’s integrity. Lies and deception are tactics of those who will not stand with constitutional freedom fighters, who take their oaths seriously. Both of these men, Rep. Matt Shea and Treasurer Rob Chase, are upstanding truth seekers and freedom fighters. They are standing in the gap to defend you and I against a government that seems to want to strip away every right and bring you under a mentality of slavery. Think for yourself, look at their records, do not listen to rhetoric. Vote for freedom. Vote to re-elect Treasurer Rob Chase and 4thDist. Rep. Matt Shea.
Love The Current? Support our partners. The Current is committed to “informing, connecting and inspiring” the Greater Spokane Valley area through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when offering your patronage. Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships with The Current and its partner publications:
Liberty Lake
PORTAL at Mission & Molter
Cindy Marshall Otis Orchards
History stories appreciated Submitted materials Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to editor@valleycurrent.com or mail them to The Current office. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Current.
Subscriptions Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for 12 issues. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 or call 242-7752 for more information. Subscriptions must be received by the 15th of the month in order for the subscription to begin with the issue printed the end of that month.
Correction policy The Current strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 2427752 or by email to editor@valleycurrent.com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery.
Advertising information Display ad copy and camera-ready ads are due by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. Call 242-7752 for more information.
Advertising Integrity Inaccurate or deceptive advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints about advertisers should be made in writing to the Better Business Bureau and to advertise@valleycurrent.com. The Current is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved. All contents of The Current may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
Thank you for publishing the historical article about the Spokane Industrial Park (July 2014 Current). My dad was a crew chief in the 336th Squadron, 95th Bombardment Group. His job was to keep a B-17, named the Bomber Queen, combat ready. He met my mom while the 95th was stationed at Geiger Field. After WWII he returned to Spokane, married my mom then was hired as a mechanic at the Velox Naval Supply Depot. Thanks to your article, I now know its name and the purpose of the Depot during WW II. When it closed we moved to Leavenworth, where dad worked as a mechanic at the federal fish hatchery. Your historical articles are a plus.
Barlows Family Restaurant • City of Liberty Lake Clark’s Tire and Automotive • Family Medicine Liberty Lake • George Gee John L. Scott Real Estate • KiDDS Dental Liberty Lake Liberty Lake EyeCare Center • Liberty Lake Family Dentistry Liberty Lake Orthodontics • North Idaho Dermatology • STCU
Index of advertisers Following are the local advertisers in this issue of The Current.
Duwane Huffaker
Spokane
There are five of us. There are 100,000 of you.
Please share your thoughts. Send us story ideas, letters, rants, events we shouldn’t miss, hole-in-the-wall places we should highlight, your newborn’s photo, the best place to pick huckleberries, your aunt’s chocolate chip cookie recipe: editor@valleycurrent.com.
Amaculate Housekeeping 26 Barlows Restaurant 11 Carver Farms 4 Casey Family Dental 3 Casey’s Place 5 City of Spokane Valley 32 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Committee to Elect Matt Shea Insert Cornerstone Pentecostal Church 12 Evergreen Fountains 19 Healthy Living Liberty Lake 6 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 26 K Salon 6
Kathrine Olson DDS KiDDS Dental KidFIT Spokane Lakeside Holistic Health Liberty Lake Family Dentistry Liberty Lake Orthodontics Mutt Strut North Idaho Dermatology Northern Quest Resort & Casino Pioneer School Providence Health Care of Spokane Rotary in Motion - RIM Ride Side by Side Counseling Services
12 17 7 11 5 32 13 5 3 14 1 14 26
Simonds Dental Group 2 SNAP Eastern Washington 4 Spokane County Library District 21 Spokane Indians 32 Spokane Spine & Disc 15 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 10 Trailhead Golf Course 5 United Health Services Credit Union 11 Valleyfest 5 Church Directory 12 Service Directory 26
Of note: This thank you message was produced by The Current’s advertising team, which works its tail off on behalf of partner businesses, helping them share their messages through advertisements. This is an independent function from The Current’s editorial team, which has its own evaluation process to determine the community news stories and features it pursues. For more information about a win-win partnership that expertly markets your business to thousands of readers (while making this home-grown community newspaper possible), email advertise@valleycurrent.com. With story ideas, contact editor@valleycurrent.com.
The Current
PARTING SHOTS
AUGUST 2014 • 31
Promoting towns along the Palouse
O
rganizers and local politicians gathered July 14 to unveil a new Palouse Scenic Byway sign near Rockford (about 15 miles south of Spokane Valley). Former Rockford mayor and long-time byway supporter Micki Harnois organized the gathering prior to an official installation of the sign at the north boundary of the byway on State Route 27 in Rockford (at right). Harnois explained the byway’s history to the group, including when Spokane County commissioners provided funding several years ago for an Eastern Washington University study to grow economic development in rural areas. Surveys brought attention to the need to create a scenic byway with maps, signs, historic facts and promotion of small-town flavor. State of Washington legislative support followed, which paved the way for securing federal grants toward the Palouse Scenic Byway. The Palouse Scenic Byway combines 208 miles of rolling hills and farmland with rich history, small town charm, historic stops, scenic vistas and recreational opportunities. With a quick turn off SR 27, motorists can find Rockford’s many attractions, as shown in the sign at right For more information, go to www.palousescenicbyway.org.
CURRENT PHOTOS BY TREVA LIND
Those present for the unveiling of the Palouse Scenic Byway sign included (front row) Steve Meyer, Rockford mayor; Susan Fagan, District 9 state representative; Kim Freyaldenhoven, Rockford clerk; Vivian Plank, president of the North Palouse Chamber; Micki Harnois, former Rockford mayor; Linda Evans, president of Rockford Historical Society; Heidi Turnbough, Latah clerk; Carol Cooper, tourism director at the Pullman Chamber of Commerce; (back row) Mark Richard, former Spokane County commissioner; Cheryl Loeffler, Fairfield clerk; Shelly O’Quinn, Spokane County commissioner; and Dan Quinn, owner of Walls That Talk sign company.
The Current
32 • AUGUST 2014
Smiles Created Here
HOME
SCHEDULE
august July 30-Aug 3 vs. Hillsboro Hops Aug 7-9 vs. Everett AquaSox Aug 16-18 vs. Tri-City Dust Devils Aug 25-29 vs. S-K Volcanoes
You have a personality. Our office does, too. When it comes to your teeth, our speciality is bringing out that one-of-a-kind smile.
Michele,
ts e Assistan il m S ’s h lp . Ra one of Dr
LIKE US ON
NO REFERRAL NECESSARY
Make Your Appointment Today
Game Time:
6:30pm
509.892.9284
Sundays:
3:30pm
FEATUREDGAME GAME 7/5 FEATURED
LIBERTY LAKE: E. 23505 Appleway Ave. Ste. #204 SOUTH HILL: E. 3154 29th Ave.
Fireworks Night & Military Appreciation Night Friday August 8th vs. Everett AquaSox Game time 6:30 pm
Join us for another great Fireworks show immediately following the game courtesy of Toyota. sponsored by:
.com
- FREE PARKING - 343-OTTO (6886)
www.DrScottRalph.com