2020 December Current

DECEMBER

2020

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

FREE

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

and

RESTAURANT GUIDE PAGE 11

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019

SHOP SMALL GIFT GUIDE PAGE 15

HOLIDAY DESSERT GUIDE PAGE 21

2

• DECEMBER 2020

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Positive Energy –

Damschen a catalyst for Valley-based business

By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor When Elaine Damschen and her husband Todd decided to move their company – Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing – from Innovation Way in Post Falls to a space along I-90 in Spokane Valley last year, the transition was no small undertaking.

A half century earlier, Damschen was part of a different migration with its own set of challenges – this one from one continent to another.

Damschen’s father Jack Heston served in Southeast Asia for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. It was there where he met and married Elaine’s mother Ton. In June of 1969 – the same month the first American troops were sent home from South Vietnam – the couple traveled over 7,500 miles from Saigon to the U.S. and settled in Spokane shortly before their daughter was born that August.

Damschen is quick to express gratitude for her American roots.

“I love America as I know what my life could have been like as an Amerasian child growing up in Vietnam,” she said. “This is where my passion for our community comes from. I feel like I was meant to be here and I want to make each day count in business, as well as giving back.”

As president of Mainstream, Damschen has been part of one of the most successful business ventures in the region – and nation.

Both the Financial Times and Inc. 5000 business publications have highlighted Mainstream as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. Over the last year, Mainstream has gone from 30 employees to nearly 60 while Damschen says revenue this year is expected to double from 2019 if the fourth quarter goes as anticipated.

Along with turning a consistent profit, Mainstream has made it a

point to give back. The company, now in its 21st year, has supported a wide variety of nonprofits and recently launched their own charitable 501c3 effort – Miracles from Mainstream – that provides furnaces, hot water heaters and other equipment to low-income households free of charge with support from various vendors. The program has already benefited residents served by local organizations like Family Promise of Spokane and SNAP. “I feel like the community has blessed us with a thriving business and we want to bless them back,” Damschen said. “I love the Gahdhi quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Damschen has served as a board member and bookkeeper for the nonprofit Kids Helping Kids Fix Broken Hearts since 2010. She is also on the board with the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau and Nexstar Network, a nationwide group representing the residential service industry.

Last year, Damschen was named a “Woman of the Year” by the Spokesman-Review, one of 10 women to receive the honor.

Damschen grew up in Spokane and Post Falls, the oldest of three kids.

She excelled in school and graduated from Post Falls High School in 1987 where she was a cheerleader. She went on to attend North Idaho College on a cheerleader scholarship.

Damschen’s educational path would take her to Boise State University where she received a degree in Elementary Education, becoming the first college graduate in he family. She later returned to BSU to earn an Executive MBA. Damschen went on to teach for eight years with the Emmett Independent School District in a rural area 30 miles north of Boise. Many of the students came from low-income families and Damschen stepped up to help establish a free breakfast program. She recalls one parent – a classroom volunteer – exemplifying what it meant to have, in her words, “a giving heart.”

“She was facing her own challenges, financially and otherwise, but really went out of her way to help,” Damschen said. “It was something that definitely influenced

Photo by Craig Howard Elaine Damschen is the co-owner of Spokane-Valley based Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. She became the first college graduate in her family in 1992 after receiving a degree in Elementary Education from Boise State. She later earned her Executive MBA.

my life philosophy.”

Elaine and Todd are proud parents of three grown children, all of whom work at Mainstream.

Earlier this year, Damschen was named Mrs. Coeur d’Alene and will be participating in the Mrs. Idaho Pageant next June.

Q: How have you enjoyed Mainstream’s move to Spokane Valley and what are some of the major differences between running a business in Idaho and Washington?

A: It has been almost a year since Mainstream relocated from a quiet and hidden location in Post Falls to a much larger and highly visible space in the Spokane Valley. A fish can only grow as large as its bowl. Our move from a 3,000-square-footish space to 12,000 square feet made sense for growth primarily for all three trades – HVAC, plumbing and electrical.

Not to mention that 80 percent of our service work has been on the Spokane for many years, so why not move to where are clients are? The migration has not only increased our visibility for recruitment purposes, we’re also visible to our clients and potential clients as well. Not only will we double in staff in this year, our call volume has nearly doubled. I’d say the biggest difference in running a business in Idaho vs Washington for us is working to keep up with demand and we are so grateful to Spokane!

Q: Mainstream seems to be growing by leaps and bounds -- not exactly the norm for most businesses during the past year. What do you think have been some of the keys to this significant pace?

A: Mainstream is so, so blessed, and we are grateful to our communities that contribute to our growth. Electricians, HVAC technicians and plumbers are responsible for the comfort, health and safety of our nation through electricity, heating and cooling, air quality, clean water, moving sewage away from the population and much more. With many working at home and children being homeschooled, household equipment is experiencing more wear and tear requiring more servicing. In addition, I believe that with adults home more, they are See DAMSCHEN, Page 23

DECEMBER 2020 • 3

The Current

a message from:

spread kindness. not covid-19. be safe for all of us. keep wearing a mask. keep washing your hands. keep staying 6 feet apart.

#KindnessNotCOVID

#InlandStrong

#InlandBizStrong

KindnessNotCOVID.org

4

• DECEMBER 2020

NEWS

Work at city hall continues amidst emergency declaration

By Bill Gothmann Current Contributor

Valley Mission Horse Arena Land to be a Park Plans were presented to Council proposing that the former Valley Horse Area be turned into a skating/ biking park. This is the area south of I-90, north of Mission Park, and adjacent and west of Bowdish Rd. For many years it was used as a horse arena. However, a 2006 fire destroyed 31 of its stables and the property has not drawn any renters for the past six years. In 2020, its remaining structures, being in poor condition, were removed. With input from the public, a master plan has been developed for the area. There would be two major areas: a bike pump track and a skate park. The 15,000 sq. ft. pump track would be a place with a loop of hills and curves for bike riders, designed to maximize the cyclist’s momentum, so he/she can ride it with minimal pedaling.

The 12,000 sq. ft. skate park would be an outdoor area having structures

and surfaces for roller-skating and skateboarding. The park would also include a restroom, shelter, berms for movies and performances, walking paths, landscaping, a large parking area, and an improved Bowdish Road. When finally developed the cost would be about $3.5 million.

Work would be divided into three phases. The first, $2.25 million phase would provide the pump bike area, parking lot, rest room, play area, berms, Barker Road improvements and some landscaping. The second, $1.1 million phase would provide the skate park. The third $157 thousand phase would provide the shelter/ event structure and paths. Council consented and staff will bring forth a Horse Arena Master Plan for council approval.

Tree City Ordinance Proposed At Council’s request, City staff brought forward a proposed tree ordinance which would allow the city to participate in the Tree City USA program. The program has four requirements: a department or

The Current

tree board, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day proclamation and observance.

Once meeting these requirements, the City would apply for status, be granted Tree City for one year, and would have to renew annually. The City already satisfies the dollar per capita and the Arbor Day rules. Staff proposed an ordinance that governs all public trees that are not street trees, that is, those within the improved right of way of City streets.

It provides planting standards and a recommended planting list. The code would prohibit City tree removal without written permission from the city and would prohibit damaging the City’s trees. It also provides penalties for violation of the code. On a vote of 6:1, Council approved staff bringing this forth for action at a future date, with Councilmember Arne Woodard dissenting, fearing that this was the first step toward controlling trees on private property.

2020 Budget Proposed

Amendments

At a public hearing, staff reviewed a number of substantial amendments to the existing 2020 budget. Most of these were caused by COVID-19 effects and the timing of projects.

For an example, a project may have been planned to be completed and the funds spent in 2020, whereas due to circumstances the project and its ensuing expenses and grants were delayed until 2021. Some important changes are enumerated as follows: In the General Fund, there was a decrease of $3.3 million due to decreased sales and gambling taxes, a decrease of $540 thousand in Parks and Revenue funds due to effects of the COVID-19 on program operations, an increase in $4.4 million because of federal CARES act grants for COVID-19 expenses (most of which was given out in grants by the City to assist agencies within the City with their COVID-19 expenses), a $500,000 increase for potential settlement funds for repair of City Hall (and a corresponding expense), and an increase of $100,000 from a grant from the Department of Commerce to develop a Housing Action Plan.

There were also transfers out of $350 thousand to the street fund to cover decreased fuel tax receipts, $500 thousand to replenish the Winter Weather Reserve fund for extraordinary winter snow removal last winter, $402 thousand to Parks and Recreation for Centerplace lawn improvements and $810 thousand

for repair of the Centerplace roof.

Hotel/Motel taxes decrease by $511 thousand. There were several changes in revenue and associated expenses related to street and grade separation projects that shift from one year to another. This item will return to Council for final action on Dec. 8.

Final Action Taken on 2021 Property Tax Council approved the 2021 property tax levy as discussed in last month’s The Current. Total funds collected are expected to be $12,724,226. This figure includes the same $12,399,226 taken in 2020, to which is added an estimate of new construction of $325,000. Note that, again next year, Council does not increase taxes on existing property as permitted by State Law. By dividing the tax to be taken by the total assessed valuation of property within the City of about $11.5 billion, the levy rate computes to be $1.06 per $1000 of assessed valuation. The 2020 rate was about $1.22 per $1000. It should be noted that an increased assessed value of a particular property could offset the decreased tax due to the lowered levy rate.

Council Need

Declares

Substantial

City declared a substantial need relative to “banked capacity.” The banked capacity is the difference between what the Council could legally collect in property taxes and the amount it actually has decided to collect. Thus, if the City ran into problems, it could increase property taxes to the legal amount. The maximum amount that the City could collect is limited to $1.60 per $1000. However, the maximum it can increase taxes from one year to the next is limited to either a one percent increase or the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD) which is a measure of inflation.

Usually the IPD is more than one per-cent, but this year it is 0.602%. If Council wants to increase the banked capacity to the one per-cent level when the IPD is less than one percent, it can declare a substantial need and would be allowed to increase taxes by the full one percent. Council decided to make this declaration. Note that the City is actually leaving unchanged the total taxes collected on existing property in 2021 compared with those collected in 2020.

Portion of Garland to be Vacated The City, in partnership with Centennial Properties, completed the paving of Garland from Flora to Barker earlier this year. This road was

The Current

DECEMBER 2020 • 5

NEWS

needed not only to provide access to the area, but to provide a temporary detour around the Barker Grade Separation Project (BGSP) planned for 2021. However, since that time, there became a need to vacate a segment of Garland between Tshirley and Greenacreas Roads because the path of the road is needed to support a very large private development within the area. The City worked out an agreement whereby the developer, at his expense, can remove this segment of Garland and replace it with a rerouted segment no later than May 15, 2021 so it can be used as a BGSP detour. Council held a public hearing on an ordinance supporting this agreement and then suspended the rules and passed the ordinance on this reading.

Two Property Condemnations Approved Council approved condemnation proceedings for portions of two parcels on the south-west to corner of Wellesley and Sullivan. These are needed as part of the County/ City projects providing a traffic corridor from Bigelow Gulch to Forker to Wellesley, to Sullivan and then south to I-90. Five parcels are involved at the Wellesley/Sullivan intersection. However, three have already been acquired by the City or in the process of being acquired.

The other two parcels front the west side of Sullivan. The City has offered the assessed market value of $6,300 for a portion of the first parcel and $9,500 for a portion of the second parcel and received no response.

Following public hearings on the proposals, Council member Arne Woodard moved to suspend the rules and authorize the two condemnation ordinances and Council agreed. The City will, however, continue to try to reach a negotiated settlement with the property owners.

Comprehensive Plan Changes to Move Forward Council approved placing four changes to the Comprehensive Plan on the Planning Commission’s docket. Lindsay Goodman is asking that the zoning of a parcel of land on the east side of Skipworth, north of Sprague be changed from MultiFamily Residential to Corridor Mixed Use. The City is asking that a portion of the property west of Balfour Park to Herald be rezoned from Corridor Mixed Use to Parks and Recreation Open Space.

The City is also requesting that the proposed City park, the 45-acre WSDOT Flora Road property, be rezoned from Industrial

to Parks and Recreation Open Space.

Another City request is for a text change to “add goals, policies, and strategies to formalize the City’s position on homeless shelters.”

Council approved sending these to the Planning Commission which will hold public hearings on the requests and return their recommendations to the Council for final action.

Revenues from Western Dance Association Temporarily Suspended Starting in 1958, the Western Dance Association has partnered with the City and, before that, the County for 62 years for use of their dance hall in Sullivan Park. Under the present agreement, the Association pays the City $500 per month. However, because of the pandemic, they have been unable to use the facility. The City proposed that these payments be suspended until the first day of the month and an additional 30 days after Spokane County moves to Phase 4. In addition, the City would credit them with six months of payments for which they have paid but been unable to use the facility. Council agreed to place this on a future agenda for action.

Donation and Facility Naming Ordinances Approved Council approved amending the rules for accepting donations and for naming City facilities. Existing rules permit the City Manager to approve donations up to $200,000 but require Council action for donations exceeding this limit. New rules were added that recognize donations exceeding $5,000 with a dedicatory plaque, describing its size and requiring the cost be borne by the donor. A memorial guide will be created listing all donations. New rules also permit sponsorships of certain “approved special events and programs recognized as fundraising activities” to be made available by the City Manager.

New rules specify that City facilities can only be named by the Council. They can be named after natural or geographic features, neighborhood locations, or in terms of historical/culture significance. They can also be named after a person who has made a significant land, building, or monetary contribution to the city, or has contributed outstanding service to the city, the State, or the Country.

However, it can only be named after an individual if that person has been deceased for at least one year. This does not apply to dedicatory plaques.

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• DECEMBER 2020

The Current

CITY COUNCIL

2020 October Malicious Mischief Hotspots

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Spokane Valley Districts

Dis

The maps provided below depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Thefts from a Vehicle (also known as vehicle prowling), Burglaries and Thefts. As you view the map each circle will contain a number indicating how many instances of a particular crime were reported at that location.

Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. I encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

2020 October Burglary Hotspots

11-15 >15 2 Miles

4. Make time for mental health. The holidays can be a difficult time for many people.

5. Use caution with candles. A lighted candle creates a cozy atmosphere, but it can also be a major fire hazard.

6. Space heaters are another common fire hazard when not used properly.

7. Inspect your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. A small amount of effort now will ensure these are in good working order in the event of an emergency.

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• DECEMBER 2020

The Current

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

As senior class president at West Valley High School, Gabby Andres is committed to leading by positive example. The 4.0 student is part of Link Crew, a program that helps welcome and support incoming freshmen. She was recognized with a group Chase Youth Commission Award in 2013 at City School for contributions to the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center and has been honored with a PACE award for character. She was also selected to participate in the Hugh O’Brian Leadership Conference.

Andres has been part of a WV Dance Team that has qualified for the state competition the last three years.

She also dances with a competitive program in genres like jazz and lyrical. Andres would like to major in chemistry, attend medical school and establish a career in medicine. “I want to do something to help people,” she said.

Two years ago, Blaine Vasicek was the only sophomore to suit up for the West Valley varsity basketball team.

Last year, the 5-9 point guard emerged as one of the best players in the Great Northern League. Vasicek averaged 16 points, four assists and three rebounds a game for the Eagles and was named to the All GNL first team, finishing runner-up for MVP. He had a seasonhigh 36 points in a win over Pullman, including eight-of-11 from the threepoint line. He tallied 28 points against rival East Valley. Vasicek has been on the Eastern Washington Elite select team the past three years. Last summer, at a tournament in Houston, he had two 30-point games, helping his team advance to the finals. The senior maintains a 3.36 grade point average and would like to continue his basketball career in college.

Whether working in homeless ministry outreach in Florida or teaching microenterprise development in Honduras, Shelly O’Quinn has made it a point to make a difference. The Central Valley High and Whitworth University grad has her MBA from the Monterey Institute for International Studies. She has worked for a variety of nonprofit causes, including SNAP, the George Nethercutt Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and Greater Spokane Inc. as the director of Education and Workforce Development.

She has also run for state legislature.

From 2013 to 2017, O’Quinn served as one of three representatives on the Board of Spokane County Commissioners, representing the county on 20 regional and statewide boards and commissions.

In 2017, she began a new role as CEO of the Innovia Foundation which funds charitable causes throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. O’Quinn is the proud mom of two sons.

Come visit your Spokane Valley Neighborhood Financial Center located at

615 N Sullivan Road

800-233-2328

Thanks you for all you do in our community

OUR MEMBERS ARE WHAT MAKE US. MORE THAN JUST MONEY

Federally insured by NCUA

The Current

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This guide has been made with our community in mind. We have made a tradition of gathering as many offerings from the heart of our community, small businesses.

Shops have been suffering. These hard working people have been doing their best to keep their doors open in order to keep serving all of us. We hope that you will utilize these exceptional small businesses by choosing one of a kind options this holiday season and all year long.

I hope this guide will inspire you to “Eat, Shop and Be Merry.”

Ben Wick, Publisher

DECEMBER 2020 • 9

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• DECEMBER 2020

The Current

We have something special for everyone on your list!

509-927-8206 Holiday Hours Starting November 27 Monday through Saturday 9-6PM and Sunday 10-4PM Shop with us in person, with curbside pickup or delivery

Shop Local, Shop Happy

11806 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley, WA, 99206

www.simplynorthwest.com

We deliver locally and ship worldwide

DECEMBER 2020 • 11

The Current

Max at Mirabeau Restaurant and Lounge 922-6252, 1100 N Sullivan, Spokane Valley As the holidays approach, MAX at Mirabeau offers Family Dinner Packs To-Go Menu seven days a week! These dinners feed 4 to 6 people and are available from 4pm to 8pm daily. Please order by 8pm the day before pick-up. Available Curbside, To-Go or by Delivery!

Ferraro’s 928-2303, 11204 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley Family owned and operated Italian restaurant.

Very family friendly. take out - curbside pick up we are masked up and sanitized to serve you in a safe environment. Family style dinners (feed 4-5) off the mama classic entrées and take n bakes still available!

LaLozy 13917 E Trent, Spokane Valley If you haven’t yet discovered this unique establishment, get ready! Although they look like just a coffee shop, they also serve fresh, made from scratch, Asian food that you will sure enjoy and be coming back for more. Since discovering this place last year it has become a staple for us. All of their dishes are made to order, using their signature sauces that are made from scratch, using NO MSG. And the couple that owns the establishment is so nice every time.

Fares to Share

We have gone in search of tasty morsels to tantalize your taste buds this holiday season when you need a break from the kitchen. Here are some local establishments ready to serve you something yummy.

Longhorn Barbecue

True Legends 1803 N Harvard Rd. Liberty Lake Now serving a new burger menu! “Legendary Movie Villians”. We offer curbside pickup and delivery. Visit www.TrueLegendsGrill.com and place your order.

924-9600, 2315 N Argonne, Spokane Valley A longtime family favorite in Spokane Valley. Their sandwiches (beef, turkey, ham, or pork) can be eaten in the restaurant or picked up and taken back to your home to enjoy. Don’t forget their juicy steaks and yummy ribs too!

Craft and Gather 290-5141, 14403 S Dishman Mica, Spokane Valley The clubhouse of the old Painted Hills Golf course brings you approachable food that is a step beyond your expectations. Pick-up and delivery options available.

Conley’s Place Restaurant 924-5411, 12622 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley Offering American fares with an Irish twist. Whether you visit them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner you are sure to leave with a full, happy stomach. Check out our facebook for specials. Pick-up options available.

Shogun 534-7777, 20 N Raymond Rd, Spokane Valley Shogun is a family owned restaurant which has served the community since 1991. Here you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine with a professionally trained Hibachi Chef. Offering lunch and take-out options.

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The Current

What did Spokane Valley Fire Give our Community this Holiday Season?

Small Business Saturday Millwood Neighborhood Champion Argonne Library invites you to shop local this holiday season Argonne Cycle 3215 N Argonne Rd Bottles Wine and Beer 3223 N Argonne Rd Joe’s House 3117 N Argonne Rd Male Room Precision Haircuts 3309 N Argonne Rd

The Corner Door Fountain and Books 3301 N Argonne Rd The Rocket Bakery 3315 N Argonne Rd

1. SHOP at any of these

Millwood businesses during the week of Nov 28–Dec 5

Millwood Brewing Company 9013 E Frederick

2. GO ONLINE and write

Millwood Spirits and Grocery 3409 N Argonne Rd

3. STOP BY the ARGONNE

Paisley Pooch 3207 N Argonne Rd

a review of the business

LIBRARY (4322 N Argonne Rd) to pick up your prize (while supplies last)

Stockwell’s Chill n Grill 3319 N Argonne Rd

www.scld.org

DECEMBER 2020 • 13

The Current

Mongolian BBQ 15416 E Sprague, Spokane Valley Family owned and operated, roomy establishment.

Go in, choose all your own fruit, vegetables, meats, noodles, and sauces. Watch them cook it up and then enjoy!

Palenques 1102 N Liberty Lake Rd, Libery Lake Palenque Mexican Restaurants est in 1993 owned and operated by Jose “Chuy” and Gena “Mama G” Ceresero. Our Mexican Fare recipes are based out of Jalisco Mexico. Family meal deals and take-out options availble. See our facebook for specials.

Fujiama Japanese Steak House 903-0888, 21801 E Country Vista Dr., Liberty Lake Authentic Japanese hibachi style dining. Not only is the food delicious, but the experience is worth checking off your list. Offering take-out options.

Marandos Bar and Restaurant 381-5956, 11420 E Sprague, Spokane Valley If you are looking for new foods to try and absolutely love new gastronomic discoveries, Marandos is the ideal spot for your upcoming food journey. Find them on facebook.

Crimson Hearth 598-8927, 11003 E Sprague, Spokane Valley A Eurpoean inspired restaurant specializing in open hearth cooking. Many of the recipes are made-from-scratch and have been passed down generations.

Ponderosa Bar and Grill 934-1979, 11205 E Dishman Mica Rd, Spokane Valley The Ponderosa Bar & Grill is a hometown restaurant in the Ponderosa community specializing in all the comfort foods you know and love! Take the Dishman Mica until you get to Barneys grocery store on the left.

Lumpia Loca 599-2279, 14700 E Indianda, Spokane Valley inside the Spokane Valley Mall. Filipino food and culture curbside pickup only

TT’s Old Iron Brewery 919-4798, 4110 S Bowdish, Spokane Valley We’re proud to offer the highest quality barbecue and beers brewed onsite. From our family to yours, we put lots of love and careful attention in each item. We hope you enjoy our work as much as we enjoy bringing it to you..

Rancho Viejo 14201 E Sprague, Spokane Valley Enjoy a bit of Mexican? Try this family friendly locally owned establishment. Great for large groups.

Friendly service with yummy choices. Don’t worry they will let you take home the left overs.

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The Current

Eat, Shop & Be Merry this Holiday Season at

Halletts Market & CafĂŠ, Inc 14109 E. Sprague #2, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

509-926-4076 www.halletts.com

Holiday Gift Boxes - ready for shipping & we will do the shipping for you!

facebook.com/hallettsmarket

BE MERRY: We serve & sell Wine & Beer

Holiday hours start Nov. 27th M-F 10 am - 5pm, sat 10 am -4 pm This year we are offering early morning and private shopping hours 8 am - 10am

SHOP: Tasteful Holiday Gifts for Everyone on your list;

Family, Friends, Employees, Business Associates - we specialize in corporate gifts Holiday Gift Baskets - premade or custom make your own

Brought to you by LCM

store will be closed except for you and a friend or two. free coffee or tea, christmas music and safe hassle free shopping.

Call now to schedule your time.

Curbside pick up available

DECEMBER 2020 • 15

The Current

Shop Local Gift Guide

When you go out shopping this holiday season check out these local businesses and support members of our community while finding unique, eclectic, personal or elegant gifts for anyone on your shopping list.

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1.Adorkable Flowers and Gifts 922-6300, 1326 N Liberty Lake Rd, Liberty Lake Purchase custom or prearranged flowers, candy bouquets, potted plants, collectibles, local artist work, and more.

2.Uncle’s Books and Games 891-7620, Located within the Spokane Valley Mall Locally owned shop featuring board games, puzzles, books and more. Online and pick-up options available.

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3. The Bike HUB 443-4005, 12505 E Sprague Ave. #101, Spokane Valley A friendly, full-service bicycle shop in the heart of Spokane Valley. Go in and let the friendly staff help you, or browse their catalog online. Either way you are sure to find cool gadgets or just the right bike for you.

4. Chocolate Apothecary 324-2424, 11425 E Trent Ave., Spokane Valley Gourmet chocolate, caramels, gelato, coffee, and tea. Bean to Bar Chocolate made in store.

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5. The Bohemian

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309-3236, 16814 Spokane Valley

E

Sprague Ave,

A collection of unique refurbished and handcrafted items ranging from decor and furniture to clothing and skin care. Roam through and find some treasures.

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6. Coin Corner 928-0860, 9215 E Trent, Spokane Valley For over 35 years and through three generations, the Coin Corner has been the go to location for investment coins.

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7. Hallett’s Marketplace and Cafe 926-4076, 14109 E Sprague Ave., #2, Spokane Valley

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The marketplace section of this unique business offers a generous makeup of soup mixes, jams, candles, beverages, dips and the largest variety of huckleberry items, all made in the Pacific Northwest. Crub side pick-up and private shopping options available.

8. Irv’s Rock and Gifts 924-5464, 11907 E Trent Ave., Spokane Valley

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For over 50 years Irv, and now his daughter Liz, have been educating the community on the intricacies of jewelry, rocks, stones and gems. see specials and options on facebook.

9. Pawpular Companions 927-8890, 21801 E Country Vista Dr. #111, Liberty Lake The owners, Carl and Mara, and their staff are friendly and knowledgeable and take the time to help you make choices that are best for you and your furry family.

10. Silver Bow Fly Shop

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924-9998, 13210 Spokane Valley

E

Indiana Ave.,

With a goal of “making fish nervous,” this business focuses on carrying gear that is tried and true for all those who wish to try the art of fly fishing.

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11. Greenacres Vendor Mall 309-3236, 16814 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley

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An eclectic collection of vintage and one of a kind finds that will last for years.

12. Appleway Florist and Gifts 924-5050, 11006 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley This longtime valley business has a large selection of candles, plush, balloons and gift items to choose from along with their beautiful floral arrangements.

13. Bruttles 228-9509, 12609 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley Original soft peanut brittle, salt water taffy, caramels, butter toffee and chocolate bark. Holiday themed gifts ready for quick pick up. Online shopping and pick-up available.

14. Brickhouse Coffee Bar

Massage

&

891-1999, 14222 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley Whether you are coming in alone, with your sweetheart or with a group of friends, we have the spa package to fit your needs. Give us a call to schedule your perfect BrickHouse spa day today!

15. Lorraine Fine Jewelry 309-3236, 16814 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley Your new neighborhood jewelry store with unique custom pieces and some standard favorites. Join them on Saturdays for champagne while you shop now through Christmas!

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16. Valley Candles Found at Hallett’s Marketplace and Simply Northwest - You can also purchase on Amazon A hobby that turned in to a love and now a thriving business. These candles are crafted with US Soy grown wax that is non-GMM and scented with oils that do not have any harmful chemicals.

17. Hummingbird Eclectic Boutique 473-9815, 17325 E Sprague, Spokane Valley A family owned business where It’s about love, family and cherishing all of our uniqueness’. You can find anywhere from antiques, modern unique items and artisans at our location.

18. The Great NW Vendor Mall 413-1369, 6206 E Trent, Spokane Valley Start your Christmas shopping off right this year by shopping local. So may one of a kind treasures! We have vintage items, used items, new items, and hand made items! If you are looking for a personalized gift we have vendors who can help with that too!

Fill your stockings and your hearts with gifts from our local vendors!

19. Big Bear Chocolates 891-2662, Located near the food court in the Spokane Valley Mall Here you can find delicacies ranging from fudge and chocolates to caramel apples and ice cream.

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DECEMBER 2020 • 17

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Offering Home Delivery service now in Spokane and surrounding areas, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Orders must be placed the day before delivery day. To order go to duncanproduce.com You can pre-order online or on your smartphone with the Duncan Produce App found in your App Store.

You can also Just drive up and order for immediate pick up in our drive thru line. Over 100 grocery items available including fresh cut veggies, veggie mixes, dairy, meats, pastas, and more. See our website for a full list.

Follow us on Facebook for specials

69 S Henry Rd • www.duncanproduce.com

509-720-1982

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S P O K A N E ’ S P R E M I E R H O L I DAY A T T R A C T I O N

11 fabulous trees and gifts www.spokanesymphonyassoc.org

December 1-13

presented by

Only at River Park Square Visit the tree displays to purchase your raffle tickets.

Online sales are not available due to Washington state regulations.

Safety Measures Enforced - Masks and Social Distancing Required

DECEMBER 2020 • 19

The Current

20. 509 MetalWorks facebook.com/509metalworks

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We specialize in the following services: business signs, small fabrication jobs, customized metal art, home and lawn decor, automotive parts, CNC plasma parts. Contact us to get started on your order!

21. Simply Northwest 927-8206, 11806 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley They offer the ability to choose, or have them create, unique gifts for any family member or friend this holiday season and all year round. Shop online at simplynorthwest. com. Curbside pick-up and delivery available.

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22. Tracy Jewelers 893-2929, 106 N Evergreen, Spokane Valley

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Although their slogan may be “where Spokane gets engaged,” engagement rings are far from the only items carried here.

They stock a broad selection of diamond and colored gemstone jewelry along with offering jewelry repair, custom design, restoration and appraisal services.

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23. Fleet Feet 309-2174, 13910 Spokane Valley

E

Indiana

Ave.,

Fleet Feet Sports Spokane is dedicated to supporting Spokane’s running and fitness enthusiast communities by providing quality training programs, educational opportunities and the right footwear and apparel to meet your needs.

24. Hammer and Stain

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309-3345, 3201 N Argonne, Millwood

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Gift items like this charcuterie board available at hammerandstainspokanevalley. com under the “Gift Sets” tab. Projects can be picked up to be completed at home. Call for availability.

25. Cami Lee Designs 862-4731, 21950 E Country Vista Drive, Suite 500, Liberty Lake Whether you want quirky, simple, elegant or charming this jewelry line has all of them covered in a variety of metals and gemstones.

Can be personalized on site until Dec 20, as the retail location is closing.

26. Spokane Gallery 747-0812, 409 S Dishman Mica, Spokane Valley

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We are a full time, 3000 sq ft, Art Gallery, providing a full Custom Frame shop and boutique - showcasing work by over 80 regional artists and national limited edition publishers.

With an ever-changing selection of art, jewelry, pottery, carvings, sculpture, handmade and vintage home decor items, we always have something new to delight the senses.

27. Rebel Junk 360-689-5622, Spokane Valley

4102

S

Bowdish,

Rebel Junk is a traveling vintage flea market with 3 storefront locations which include many vendors who incorporate Vintage, Shabby Chic, Cottage, Farmhouse, Industrial, Antiques, Pottery Barn Style, Painted Furniture, Rusty...

Boho Style, & Retro! Online shopping available at rebeljunk.com. 10-5 Mon. - Sat. Curbside pickup, shipping and delivery available.

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• DECEMBER 2020

Dental Emergencies • Dental Cleanings • Wisdom Teeth Extractions • Invisalign • Crowns • Oral Surgery • Root Canals Dental Implants • Teeth Whitening • White Fillings • Children’s Dentistry • Dentures and Partial Dentures • Veneers

We make it easy to smile!

Call us to schedule your appointment today!

509-924-0381

919 N Pines Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99206

www.spokanefamilydental.com info@spokanefamilydental.com

The Current

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VALUED ADVERTISING PARTNERS AND LOYAL READERS WHO SUPPORT AND CONNECT OUR COMMUNITY! Affordable Arborist Tree Care Inc Amaculate Housekeeping Amylou Lagaras Attn: Caroline Wright Attn: Rachel Nelken Banner Bank Banner Furnace & Fuel BECU Brand It Advertising Brooke Carey Calla Ferguson Casey Family Dental Central Valley Citizens for Education Central Valley School District City of Liberty Lake City of Spokane Valley Clark’s Tire & Automotive Cornerstone Pentecostal Church CV Theatre Diane Sarber Eagle Rock Rv and Boat Storage East Valley ECEAP Estates and Elders Evergreen Gymnastics Falco’s Family Medicine/Healthy Living Liberty Lake Fieldhouse Pizza Freedom Holdings Friends of Lori Feagan Friends of Mary Kuney Greater Spokane Inc. Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Greenstone Homes Gus Johnson Ford Hallett’s Market & Cafe Hennessey Valley Funeral Home HUB Sports Center Hummingbird Ignite! Community Theatre Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council Jim Custer Enterprises John L Scott Real Estate Liberty Lake John Roskelley Judge Staab Kathrine Olson DDS Kiwanis of Liberty Lake Lance Gurel

Larkin Barnett Leonard Christian Liberty Cross Ministries Liberty Lake EyeCare Center Liberty Lake Family Dentistry Liberty Lake Farmers Market Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District Lilac Family Eyecare Marc Rubin - Edward Jones Advisor Martin, Anthony Mattress by Appointment Max J Kuney Co Mica Moon Zip Tours Mike Conrad for State Representative Mike Padden For State Senate Mirabeau Park Hotel Northern Quest Resort & Casino Orchard Crest Retirement Community PACE. (Part of CVSD) Pawpular Companions Pet Supplies Peridot Publishing Peterson, Bruce RAMP - CenturyLink Share Farm Shogun Simonds Dental Group Simply Northwest Spokane County Library District Spokane Family Dental Spokane Furniture Spokane Gymnastics Spokane Train Show Spokane Valley Farmer’s Market Spokane Valley Fire Dept Spokane Valley Heritage Museum Spokane Valley Partners Spokane Valley United Methodist Church STA In House Tate Law Offices The Mat Tri-Community Grange True Legends Grill U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers Duncan Produce Valleyfest Vision Marketing Waste Management of Spokane

s ay id ol H py ap H , as m st ri Ch ry er M and Happy New Year from The Splash and The Current!

These Advertisers Supported

in 2020

DECEMBER 2020 • 21

The Current

Why not take something off your list this year to give you some extra time to share with friends and family? Here are some excellent desserts that you can pick -up or order last minute to finish off your holiday table with the same tradition and flair, but without all the time and clean-up. We hope you will try out these tasty treats this holiday season.

Conley’s 12622 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley (509) 924-5411

Rocket Bakery 3315 N Argonne Rd., Milwood (509) 462-2345 Call in advance to order International Coffee and bakery 18209 E Appleway, Spokane Valley (509) 321-7479 Take out available

Desserts by Sara 10502 E Montgomery Dr., Ste 3, Spokane Valley (509) 922-6039 Can order online Just American Desserts 213 S University Rd., Spokane Valley (509) 927-2253 Menu available on their website. Call to order.

Cash & Carry 211 S McKinnon, Spokane Valley (509) 535-7710 Just Chillin’ 1322 N Liberty Lake Rd., Liberty Lake (509) 413-1615 Call or stop by to order

Blissful Whisk 1612 N Barker, Spokane Valley (509) 242-3189 Open for take-out. all to order

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DECEMBER 2020 • 23

The Current

DAMSCHEN

Continued from page 2 experiencing more of what they really want out of their homes in regards to comfort, such as tankless water heaters that provide endless hot water or air quality products, such as an Air Scrubber or Pristine Air, that cleans indoor air that we breathe and rebreathe.

Q: What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced as a business owner who happens to be woman and also a person of color?

A: I see business as a two-sided coin – one half is the business side and managing by numbers. The other half is the human side and making human connection and building relationships. At the beginning, I’d say my biggest challenge as a woman was gaining the respect of the technicians. I am an energetic human! I love to smile and I so enjoy getting to know people on a deeper level that I had several technicians tell me to go back to teaching and the trades is no place for energy like mine.

Also, because I am a trained teacher, I know how to train on the human side in an effective manner that reaches the visual, auditory and/or handson-learner, technicians didn’t see value in spending time on customer

service. My insecurities as a woman in the trades took me back to school in 2009 where I earned an Executive MBA through Boise State. While the school of hard knocks have been and continue to be quite an education, that certificate was a confidence builder to me that I do know what I’m doing, now both on the business side, as well as the human side. Being a minority has never been a challenge for me, personally or professionally, ever. My philosophy has always been that successful people do what unsuccessful people refuse to do. I choose to work long hours behind the scenes – 4 a.m. is typically the start of my work day and many days I work 12-to-16 hour days and some weekends too. If there are offcolored comments about me, I view judgement as a reflection of them, not me.

Q: Mainstream prides itself as a local, family-owned business.

How have you and your husband been able to find a healthy balance between home and work? And how did you juggle work and being a mom?

A: Todd and I both knew that instant success takes about 20 years and that we’re in it to win it. We’ve done and do what it takes, period.

Our best friends are in the trades and own service companies such as Mainstream and we are constantly seeking ways to be better than we were yesterday, every single day. A business can only be as successful as its owners’ mental limitations.

We know that, so we intentionally seek to grow, we surround ourselves with mentors and we are constantly learning. Being a working mother was definitely my biggest struggle – the mom guilt! My mantra is “I grow the business and the business grows me.” Thanks to my parents and Todd’s mom, we couldn’t have grown Mainstream to what it is today without their love and support. It takes a village, and they dropped the kids off at school, picked them up and anything else we needed them to do. I knew our children were in good hands and that they’d all cherish their time together.

Q: It seems like you and Todd really prioritize the whole idea of giving back. Can you tell us how and why Mainstream decided to start its own nonprofit - Miracles from Mainstream?

A: Todd and I have always done pro bono work for those in need over the past 20 years and we envisioned that someday we could have a

service van for each electrical, HVAC plumbing one day only serving those in need. Still a vision! The idea came to fruition with a partnership with SNAP in Spokane where we were connected with those in need. While Mainstream pays for equipment and labor, we realized if we can have our community contribute to Miracles from Mainstream that would purchase equipment, then we could provide more labor and do more for those in need.

Q: Let’s say someone wants to start their own business. What is some of the best advice you could give them?

A: Do it! Sometimes you can be unsure of the “how.” Just get started and the how eventually presents itself. Also, this is a personal philosophy. If I were to draw a circle around myself, there are 360 degrees on that circle. If I put a human on each degree, that would be 360 people who see me a little bit different or from a slightly different angle. Surround yourself with people whom can share their perspective about you, your leadership, your business decisions in a healthy way, even if it’s a conflicting perspective.

It’s our job as leaders to seek out an entire picture, not just our own.

Building lasting communities for everyone to be a part of.

ENRICHED LIVING. LASTING VALUE.

New homes in Spokane, Liberty Lake, Post Falls & Coeur d’Alene. greenstonehomes.com

Brought to you by

DECEMBER 2020 • 25

The Current

Spokane Gymnastics Saturday Afternoon Camp

Every week from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Parent's Night Out Gymnastics Camp Saturdays from 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Gymnastics Classes for all Ages and Abilities

Winter Session – December 7 – March 20

533-9646

Two CLEAN and spacious facilities in Spokane Valley Argonne Village and Pines!

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• DECEMBER 2020

The Crest

The Current Brought to you by

About and for Spokane Valley Area Seniors

Valley firefighters collecting coats for Operation Warm From Current News Sources

The Spokane Valley Firefighters Local 876 Labor Union is on a mission to make sure local kids have a warm coat this winter.

Of the nearly 23,000 students in West Valley, Central Valley and East Valley school districts for the 2019-20 school year, 43 percent were classified as low income with 546 students also classified as homeless. At Trent Elementary School alone, 87.5 percent of the 537 students qualified for freeor-reduced lunch. Most of these thousands of children across the Valley have trouble accessing other area winter coat programs that primarily focus on the city of Spokane.

Local nonprofits, churches rally for free options: (masks required) Thanksgiving meals Two 1) For couples and families (all members but be present) From Current News Sources

The following is a list of free Thanksgiving meals being offered in the community this year. Priority is given to low-income seniors, families and individuals as well as those experiencing homelessness.

Grab-n-Go (mask required/masks also distributed: distribution is outside only) Shalom Ministries 455-9019 518 W. Third Ave., Spokane, WA. 99201 Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1-2:30 p.m.

Grab-n-Go (masks required, meals collected inside the entrance on the southwest corner of New Community Church)

Thank you for your help in keeping our kids warm this winter!

West Central Abbey. 309-6168/325-5252 1832 West Dean Ave., Spokane, WA 99201 Wednesday, Nov 25, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Grab-n-Go: Food Box pick-ups: Spokane Valley Assembly of God 15618 E Broadway 924-0466 Monday, Nov 23, 1-6 p.m. (pick-up) RSVP one week before (masks required) Thursday weekly meal 5-6:30 p.m. cancelled

Tom’s Turkey Drive. krem.com For donations: 2-harvest.org/turkeydrive. Or Mail: 1234 E. Front Ave. Drive-thru for those with cars and an STA option for those who don’t. They are at different locations.

1) Pick up location: Spokane County Fairgrounds (Drive-thru only. Check krem.com website for any updates) Pick up date and time: Tuesday, Nov. 24, 6 a.m.-5 p.m., or while supplies MOBILE last.

2) Spokane Transit Authority riders: FOOD BANK Pick up turkey meal boxes at Second Harvest (1234 E. Front Ave.) from now open!

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or while supplies last. This distribution location will be accessible only to transit riders and walkers.

Union Gospel Mission 1224 E. Trent Ave., Spokane, WA. 99202 Wednesday, Nov. 25, 6-7 p.m.

Call 535-8510 to RSVP (not mandatory but encouraged for meal count)

There are two ways people can donate to Operation Warm: Monetary donations to purchase coats are always welcome as are donations of new, unused winter weight coats. There is currently not the ability to clean and process used coats so the program is respectfully not accepting used coats at this time.

New, unused winter weight coats can be dropped off at donation boxes located in the lobby of fire stations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and Otis Orchards. Monetary donations to buy coats can be made online easily through the following website: www.

OperationWarm.org/SpokaneValley.

pick up meals that Grab-n-Go 2) Men (dining is inside after regular meal for men’s shelter complete) meal is sit down.

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Women’s & Children’s Free Restaurant 1408 N Washington 324-1995 Tuesday, Nov 24, 12-3 p.m.

A female adult should be present pick up curbside. (mask required & empty trunk) wcfrspokane.org City Gate 455-9670 170 S. Madison St, Spokane, WA. 99201 Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1-3 p.m.

Seniors: Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels Thursday, Nov. 26, lunch, MOW delivery *current client only Mid City Concerns Thursday, Nov. 26, Dinner, MOW delivery *current client only

DECEMBER 2020 • 27

The Current

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• DECEMBER 2020

The Current

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Sloan bears rich CV heritage as player, coach

By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

During his days as a standout threesport athlete at Central Valley High School, Rick Sloan never considered coaching a career option.

For Sloan, who grew up rooting for the Bears, a goal like landing in the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame was even more remote. Yet, this fall, there was Sloan, announced as the latest inductee, joining the likes of CV legends like Ray Thacker and Terry Irwin as well as coaching icons like Judd Heathcote and Marv Harshman.

As a Bear, Sloan was focused on quarterback duties in the fall, becoming the Greater Spokane League’s all-time leading passer. In the winter, Sloan excelled in basketball, leading the GSL in scoring and rebounding as a senior at 21 points and 12 rebounds per game. He was a serviceable pitcher and first baseman in the spring, though remembers turning out mostly to be with his pals and avoid “sitting home after school and doing nothing.”

It wasn’t until Sloan wrapped up a successful college football career – first at San Jose State then the University of Idaho – that coaching became a consideration. He had earned a business degree at Idaho and latched on to a sales job after college – but Sloan saw the rewards of teaching exemplified by his wife Nanci. He returned to school to get a teaching degree at Eastern Washington University and became a graduate assistant coach for the football team.

His first teaching job was in the West Valley School District but CV Head Football Coach Rick Giampietri gave a nudge to administration that “they needed to get Rick into the building” at his alma mater.

“I didn’t want to lose him to West Valley,” Giampietri recalls.

Sloan soon got a call to coach the sophomore boys’ basketball squad. He served as an assistant to Irwin and by the 1996-97 season was at the varsity

helm. Sloan compiled a 331-197 record in 22 seasons, placing second at the 4A state tournament in 2006 and 2012. The run included seven 20-win campaigns.

He retired after the 2017-18 season.

“Rick’s teams always had that toughness – it was a reflection of him,” said University High Head Coach Garrick Phillips who coached against Sloan for 11 years. “I definitely had a respect for Rick and his teams. He never seemed to be rattled. I think it gave a calmness to his players.”

As for his early impressions of coaching, Sloan said it took some seasoning to appreciate the trade.

“It was probably because I didn’t realize how impactful a high school coach can be until after I graduated from college,” said Sloan, an ’81 CV grad. “Once I was older and more reflective, I was able to look back and see how my coaches helped shape me and my future.”

Sloan also found success on the football sidelines as an offensive coordinator known for his creativity and intuition. He joined the CV staff in 1989 and was part of the 1997 state championship squad, the only state football title in school history.

Giampietri remembers Sloan’s play calling in the first drive of the state semi-final game that year against topranked and undefeated Puyallup as the catalyst in a 10-0 victory.

“Rick had put it together and scripted it,” Giampietri said. “That drive was huge. We got a field goal out of it and took the lead, plus it took up seven or eight minutes and kept their offense off the field.”

Sloan would add a special play to the game plan almost every week, incorporating imaginative ideas like giving a tackle an eligible number so he could be incorporated into a pass formation.

“Rick was always looking for an edge,” Giampietri said. “He called a great game. It was like having a head coach as an assistant. He had some fourth down calls that were unbelievable.”

Sloan was a good enough signal caller in high school to draw college offers. He decided on San Jose State after a visit to campus and dinner with Head Coach Jack Elway and his son John, the starting quarterback at Stanford bound for a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. Dennis Erickson was the offensive

Contributed photo Rick Sloan graduated from Central Valley High School in 1981 and went on to play quarterback at San Jose State and the University of Idaho. He is shown above in a 41-22 win over Oregon State as a junior. Sloan returned to CV as an assistant coach for boys’ basketball and was named head coach in 1996.

coordinator at San Jose State at the time and when he accepted the head coaching role at Idaho, Sloan followed.

His senior season in 1985, Sloan led the Vandals to a 9-2 record and their first outright Big Sky championship since 1971. He was named second team All Big Sky and earned a non-drafted invite to the Los Angeles Raiders’ training camp where he practiced alongside players like Marcus Allen, Howie Long and Matt Millen before being released after four weeks.

“It was pretty cool,” Sloan recalls.

“That was a good team.”

At CV, Sloan stepped away from football after the state trophy in 1997 to focus on basketball. He returned to the gridiron in 2008 and later coached his son Tanner, a quarterback who threw for over 4,000 yards. Rick and Nanci also have a daughter, Mackenzie.

Sloan’s teams on the hardcourt were known for relentless defense and unselfish play. The 2005-06 squad placed fifth in the GSL but went on a post-season run that included upsets of Gig Harbor and South Kitsap at state before losing to a Franklin squad full of Division 1 recruits in the final.

“That year was an example of how Rick had his teams prepared to play,” said Mike Laws, a longtime Sloan assistant and current CV head coach.

“He always put the team before the individual. He was also really good at scouting a team and identifying what we had to do to take away their strengths.”

Laws said he never recalls Sloan swearing at a player.

“That wasn’t him,” Laws said. “He just had high expectations of players.”

Sloan’s big brother Ron was a year ahead of him in school and also excelled in sports at CV. Twenty years ago, Ron passed away from cancer, leaving a void for Sloan.

“I still miss him a lot,” Sloan says.

“You realize that every day is a gift.”

Sloan still teaches P.E. and team sports at CV and says he stepped down from coaching “because after 30 years, it was time to pass the torch to someone else,” adding that Laws “has done a great job and will continue to do so.”

“The relationships built with my players was something I will always cherish,” Sloan said. “I enjoyed coaching so much that I would have done it for free. Just that idea of building a team.”

The Current

Start those resolutions in December

By Crystal Miller, librarian Spokane County Library District

Have you started thinking about New Year’s resolutions? If the answer is yes, you can start doing some prep work now for success in 2021.

For many of us, at least one resolution involves finances. If you’re already financially fit, kudos to you! Some of us still have some room for improvement (myself included!), and when it comes to personal finances, there’s always something new to learn. Spokane County Library District has digital resources that are just a click away to help you work on your personal finances.

With the holiday shopping season upon us, now is a great time to check Consumer Reports, an independent product research and review resource. You can see how the latest

LIBRARY mobile phones, gaming systems, TVs, laptops, and more stack up on durability and performance. For big dollar purchases, it is always a good idea to check Consumer Reports for unbiased reviews at www.scld.org/ consumer-reports.

Sometimes, you just need to narrow down the list of possibilities when tackling a financial resolution.

Will you learn how to create your perfect budget or improve your credit score or invest in the stock market? Or maybe you want to learn a little bit about everything that falls under the topic of personal finance?

Our online training resource Lynda.com, from LinkedIn Learning, offers online video courses on a variety of topics that you can view at your own pace. For example, you can follow the learning path “Stay Ahead in Personal Finance” that goes over how to manage your personal finances, develop personal accounting skills, and manage investments when you’re ready.

You can get started at www.scld. org/lynda.

‘Tis the season for streaming holiday music from hoopla

comics, and television shows that stream instantly to your computer or mobile devices. And returns are automatic.

It’s a contentious and potentially divisive subject: When does the Christmas and holiday music season start? Is it okay to play holiday music before Thanksgiving? Before Halloween? In July!?

• “A Christmas Together”

by John Denver and The Muppets (Their version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” is definitive.)

By Gwensolyn Haley, Librarian Spokane County Library District

Personally, I find that my preference for holiday music depends upon the year. Sometimes I am fully ready to dive in as soon as November starts. Other years, I wait until well after Thanksgiving.

This year, I was ready for good cheer and to put up lights, bake, and start listening to my favorite holiday songs very early.

Now that December is here, there’s no reason to hesitate! You can stream holiday music, day and night, through the library’s digital resource hoopla.

To access hoopla, just create an account at www.hoopladigital.com.

Then select Spokane County Library District as your library and enter your library card to borrow popular movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks,

Here’s my holiday music playlist on hoopla:

• “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Vince Guaraldi (The Charlie Brown animated specials have been perennial favorites.)

• “Merry Christmas II You”

by Mariah Carey (Play it, and try not to dance. I dare you.)

• “Christmas Classics” by Bing Crosby (If this album is not on your holiday playlist, are you even from Spokane?)

If you need a learning schedule to stay on track, Gale Courses is an excellent source for online educational courses that are instructor led and 6-weeks long. Gale Courses offer classes on personal finance, stock options, successful money management, and the ever popular “where does all my money go?” Sessions start monthly in this interactive learning environment.

Check it out at www.scld.org/galefinance.

For a quick one-hour jumpstart to getting your finances heading in the right direction, you can sign up for a free financial workshop with our community partner STCU. These workshops (previously held at our libraries) have moved online.

Workshops include “Becoming Debt Free,” “Homebuying 101,” “Protect Your Credit Score,” “Retirement Income,” and more. You can sign up at www.stcu.org/learn/workshops.

Here’s to starting New Year’s resolutions at any time of year! I hope you’re inspired to get started preparing for a successful 2021 today. styles.)

• “Building a Christmas to Remember” by The Singing Contractors (Bearded men in flannel with tool belts deliver homespun harmonies with plenty of cheese.)

• “Home for the Holidays”

by Darius Rucker (The former front man of Hootie and the Blowfish has a holiday album. You’re welcome.)

• “Llego Navidad” by Los Lobos (This 2019 release of Christmas music includes songs from Central America and South America, as well as an original song. Honestly, they just get better and better.)

DECEMBER 2020 • 29

BOOK A LIBRARIAN Get personalized help at a distance Discover the tools, skills, and strategies to successfully do the things you want to do.

One-on-one appointments with library staff are by phone or an online video session.

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If these aren’t your holiday groove, I guarantee you’ll find even more choices once you start to explore. Whatever your holiday mood, hoopla has something to stream for everyone.

• “Christmas Portrait” by The Carpenters (Mellow out with songs like “Merry Christmas, Darling.”)

• “Warmer in Winter”

by Lindsey Stirling (Her violin instrumentals soar from classical to pop, from rock to electronic dance music.)

• “A Fabulous Christmas” by John Barrowman (This is for fans of “Torchwood” and “Doctor Who” and lush Broadway production

www.scld.org

30

• DECEMBER 2020

The Current GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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Remembering a Spokane Valley Legend – Sally Jackson

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Sally Jackson, known to generations of Spokane Valley residents as simply “Sal,” was Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their CONTRIBUTORS a larger than life figure known foundational partnerships with The Current and its partner publications: for her community and political Nina Culver, Bill Gothmann, involvement. Those who knew her Craig Howard, Tie Lemerond best describe her as a tough, nononsense woman with an often R EN R ICH ED LIV IN G . LA STIN G VA LUE. rated vocabulary who was also kind The Valley Current and generous.

Jackson, 88, died suddenly of a P.O. Box 363 heart attack on Nov. 2, the day before Liberty Lake, WA 99019 the presidential election.

YO U LO VE THE THE YOU WA NT Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 Son Andy Jackson said she was rooting for Joe Biden and would have www.valleycurrent.com wanted to see the election results.

The Current is published monthly by or before “Well, she didn’t miss the election,” the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge he said. “She saw. She knew. She was to every business and home in the greater Spokane here.”

Valley area. Copies are located at drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and the surrounding Andy Jackson remembers a area. steady stream of politicians coming The Current is brought to you by to the house to meet with Jackson, including former Speaker of the House Tom Foley and former governor Booth Gardner. “We’ve Publishing House had Foley at our house, (Governor Submitted materials Liberty Lake Family Dentistry THE YOU DE SER VE Jay) Inslee at our house (Senator Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor Maria) Cantwell at hour house,” he and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in said. “It was just normal to us.”

Spokane Family Dental • Spokane County Library District writing to publisher@valleycurrent.com. Submissions should be received by the 15thFalls of the month for New homes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post & Coeur d’Alene.

Jackson and her husband, Ron, best chance of publication in the following month’s were staunch Democrats, but they Current. also provided bipartisan support. “It Subscriptions wasn’t just Democrats,” he said. “It gr e e nst o ne ho me s.c o m GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 was Republicans, too. If there were Index of advertisers for 12 issues. Send a check and subscription address Republicans they believed in, she to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. Subscriptions Following are the local advertisers in this would endorse and support them.” must be received by the 15th of the month in order issue of The Current.

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE for the subscription to begin with the issue printed She could sometimes be a the end of that month. polarizing figure, but Andy Jackson Amaculate Housekeeping 6 Hallett’s Market 14 Simply Northwest 10 Correction policy said she was always up front with people about what she thought. “She The Current strives for accuracy in all content.

Banner Fuel 5 Hennessey Funeral Home 4 Spokane County Library District 12, 29 Errors should be reported immediately to 242-7752 was just honest and true,” he said. or by email to editor@valleycurrent.com. Confirmed “She didn’t beat around the bush.

BECU 8 Liberty Cross Ministries 14 Spokane Family Dental 20 factual errors will be corrected on this page in the If she didn’t like you, you were the issue following their discovery.

Christmas Tree Elegance 18 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Spokane Gymnastics 25 second to know.”

Advertising information She would often speak about Duncan Produce 17 Liberty Lake Smile Source 18 Spokane Valley Fire Dept 12 Display ad copy and camera-ready ads are due government and politics before high by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month for the following Greater Spokane Valley Chamber 3, 32 Mica Moon Zipline Tours 22 school classes. Five years ago, Boston Sweet Annie’s Artisan Creamery 17 month’s issue. Call 242-7752 for more information.

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Contributed photo Sally Jackson teaching swim lessons in her back yard pool.

Tacke sat in his classroom listening to her speak. He was so impressed, he went home that night and told his parents that Sally Jackson was his hero. He tracked down her phone number and called her. The two became friends and Tacke said he would visit her every week or two.

“I’d go over there, she’d tell me stories, we’d talk about politics,” he said. “It was a pretty unlikely friendship. Just last year she got me involved in the 4th Legislative District (Democrats) and now I’m the vice-chair.”

Before he heard Jackson speak, Tacke wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. She inspired him to study political science, which he is majoring in at Eastern Washington University. He hopes to eventually earn a PhD in political science and become a professor.

Their relationship wasn’t just about politics, Tacke said. She also offered a sympathetic ear and advice.

“She was definitely my go-to when I needed a laugh or advice,” he said. “That’s just who she was. She inspired people. I was so lucky to have gotten to know her.”

Despite her being well known in the community, Jackson was first and foremost a mother to seven children – five sons and two daughters. Andy Jackson remembers wanting for nothing, not even her attention as he and his siblings participated in a variety of sports.

“I only remember once or twice that I don’t remember seeing them in the stands,” he said. “I never remember wanting time or not having them there to support me.”

Son Casey Jackson has similar memories. “I had an exceptional childhood,” he said. “We were relatively poor. It just never felt that way because we were always doing something.”

Jackson was a teacher before she married Ron Jackson, who was a

professional baseball player when they met. He played for several seasons, including a few with the Spokane Indians. But when the couple married, Jackson told her husband he had to get a steady job.

“We grew up ridiculously poor,” Andy Jackson said. “There were seven of us and dad drove a bread truck.”

Jackson quit work to stay at home, but that’s not to say she didn’t work, he said. “Raising us was a job, trust me,” Andy Jackson said. “We were a fairly difficult group.”

But just because she was a stayat-home mom didn’t mean that Jackson stayed home. She coached softball and baseball on and off for 40 years. She started out coaching a boy’s team, then started the Spokane Valley Girls Softball League in the early 1960s. She wasn’t afraid to go up against teams coached by men.

“She just liked competing against the men, I guess,” Andy Jackson said.

“She was good at it.”

She taught swimming lessons in her backyard for most of her adult life in a pool she built herself, with some occasional help from neighbors. It took her two years. “She dug most of it by hand,” Andy Jackson said.

“She laid the rebar. She was pretty amazing.”

He estimates she taught thousands of children to swim, sometimes three generations of the same family.

“People come from all over,” he said. “There’s people who flew their grandkids down from Alaska.”

It was those swimming lessons

where Spokane Valley Councilman Tim Hattenburg first met Jackson.

She taught his two younger sisters how to swim. When he started teaching at North Pines Junior High School in 1975, he taught her sons Andy and Casey and daughter Sally. He was also their softball and basketball coach. “She was just so enthusiastic,” he said.

He taught history and was always somewhat interested in politics, but Jackson cemented that. “I was invited to her first fundraiser in 78,” he said.

“I kind of got hooked.”

She always supported him when he ran for office, Hattenburg said. “Politically speaking, she was probably one of the toughest people,” he said. “When she put her mind to it and set her goals, she would do everything she could to make it happen.”

It was clear any time Jackson left the house how many people she knew, Casey Jackson said. She was always stopping to chat. “Most parents just go to the grocery store and go home,” he said. “That was never the case with us. You just don’t go with mom if you have anything planned for the rest of the day.”

Jackson was also a guardian ad litem for 35 years, supporting children in court. After her children were grown, she took in more than a dozen foster children.

In the last couple of years, Jackson had checked something off her bucket list when she did a couple stand-up comedy routines at the Comedy Club. “She just always had

Contributed photo Sally Jackson, bottom right, with Ron and all her children.

DECEMBER 2020 • 31

an inkling to do it,” Andy Jackson said.

As the years passed, Jackson had increasing health issues. When she was 58, she had diverticulitis of the heart. Doctors were amazed that she lived through the experience, Andy Jackson said, but she recovered after treatment. “A pint of blood was sitting on her heart,” Andy Jackson said. “After that she was back to mom and great.”

She had a pacemaker put in about 10 years ago and fell off a ladder several years ago and hurt her back.

She had the pacemaker replaced two years ago and hadn’t had any indications of health problems since.

But the lack of socialization mandated by the COVID-19 pandemic was hard for her.

“Our house literally had a revolving door,” Andy Jackson said.

“When COVID hit, she deteriorated.”

Until recently she had been living with her son, Casey, and his husband, Matt Fleming. It was only supposed to be for two weeks while her home was treated for black mold found in the basement, but she stayed longer because she got foot massages every night and called it a “spa” experience, Casey Jackson said. “It was pretty fun,” he said.

There were no hints that Jackson’s death was imminent, Andy Jackson said. “It just caught us all off guard,” he said. “I truly thought she was immortal. Most people I talked to never thought she would die because she was so large.”

It’s one of the simple things she did that Andy Jackson will miss the most. “Every birthday, no matter what, no matter where you were, she’d call and sing happy birthday,” he said.

He also knows that there are plenty of other people who will miss her. “She was the foundation for Spokane Valley, not just my family,” he said. “that will be missed, because she held things together.”

Casey Jackson said that while his mother lived with him, she told him that he was making a difference.

It’s a moment he will cherish. “She just loved each one of us so much,” he said. “She was our biggest fan.

Nobody replaces that. I’m just going to miss my mom. She was my best friend.”

The family hopes to have a memorial for Jackson in a few months, hopefully at the Spokane Indians ballpark where she and her husband met and where a service was held for Ron Jackson when he died in 2011.

32

• DECEMBER 2020

The Current

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Our Mission

We are the catalyst for building relationships, driving collaboration, and championing opportunity in the Greater Spokane Valley.

Membership Benefits

Advocacy Programs

We advocate for public policy changes and programs that stimulate and sustain growth for business. Our Government Action Committee consistently reaches out to elected officials at all levels of government to keep you informed on the latest developments.

Regardless of the size or type of business, Chamber membership provides an affective means to network with business leaders, share ideas and receive valuable insights on common business challenges. Our membership provides: • Opportunity to collaborate and network • Member-only discounts • Referrals to member businesses • Sponsorship and advertising opportunities

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