2022 December Current

DECEMBER

2022

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Eat, Shop, &

Be Merry Shop local Holiday Guide UNIVERSITY ALUM MIKE PETERSON PAGE 2

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SPOKANE VALLEY WINTER MARKET PAGE 32

BAKERY EXPANDS TO OPEN STORE FRONT PAGE 39

2

• DECEMBER 2022

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Utility Man –

U-Hi alum Peterson excels in various arenas

By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor

The 2022 version of the Apple Cup is set for Nov. 26 in Pullman and you can rest assured Mike Peterson will be wearing crimson.

It was 40 years ago that the in-state football rivalry between Washington State and the University of Washington took place on a cold, overcast evening on the Palouse with Peterson lining up as a senior wide receiver for the Cougars.

WSU came in as an injury-riddled 24-point underdog, sporting an underwhelming 2-7-1 record. The Huskies stood at 9-1, ranked fifth in the nation.

“All the Huskies had to do was win and they’d go to the Rose Bowl,” Peterson said.

Washington went up 17-7 at halftime but the tables began to turn early in the third quarter when Washington State recovered a fumble on the UW 28-yard line. The Cougars closed to within 17-14 when quarterback Clete Casper found Peterson for a 6-yard touchdown.

The play served as a springboard to a stunning 24-20 WSU upset that is still ranked by many as the most memorable Apple Cup ever.

would-be qualifiers for the roster, Peterson was told by an assistant coach that he was part of the team but would begin at the bottom of the depth chart.

“I said, ‘Coach, I’m here to start and help WSU win games,’” Peterson said. “It was a statement of conviction not arrogance.”

Within three varsity practices, Peterson had climbed up the list of a dozen wide receivers. Several practices later, he moved up again, following a breakthrough touchdown catch of 70 yards in full stride.

“Mentally, I had to get through my head that I belonged,” Peterson said. “I still had that question, ‘Can I get open at this level?’ After that catch, I knew I could.”

Peterson went on to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards that season while sharing the lead in touchdown catches. He graduated from WSU in January of 1984 with a degree in engineering. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Robin, a micro-biology major at WSU. They have been married for 39 years.

The two met while students at University High School where Peterson was a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball.

Peterson’s family moved to Spokane Valley from north Spokane before the start of his eighth-grade year at Bowdish Junior High.

role model.”

In football, Peterson developed into a top-flight receiver thanks in no small part to lessons learned at a quarterback/receiver camp held each summer at Whitworth. NFL standouts like Ken Stabler, Fred Biletnikoff, Jim Zorn and Steve Largent served as coaches. At U-Hi, Peterson’s coach was Dave Holmes who brought experience from the college level at Eastern Washington and the University of Hawaii.

Holmes had also coached Peterson’s dad, Dennis, at North Central High.

At EWU, Peterson was tabbed as a starter but fell ill and missed the first three games of the season.

A slow comeback followed before he decided to transfer to WSU as a student.

The oldest of three boys, Peterson grew up around sports. His dad – a three-sport athlete at NC – coached his son’s teams and served as a college basketball and football official which meant Mike having access to the sidelines as a kid.

“My parents were awesome,” Peterson said. “My dad was a real

“It snowed the morning of the game,” Peterson recalls. “We just knew. No matter what anyone said, we felt we could win.”

The final game of Peterson’s career at WSU concluded as improbably as his tenure in Pullman began. An unheralded walk-on, he had played two years at Wenatchee Valley College and transferred to Eastern Washington University following an injury. After being accepted to the Mechanical Engineering program at WSU, he decided to try out for football with one year of eligibility left.

After emerging from the rigorous process that eliminated around 80

Photo by Craig Howard Spokane native Mike Peterson graduated from University High School in 1978 and went on to play wide receiver for Washington State University. He also established a successful career as a college basketball official and sports broadcaster while thriving in the business world. Peterson is pictured with a framed photo of the catch he made for the Cougars in the 1982 Apple Cup.

By the time he graduated from U-Hi in 1978, Peterson had achieved All-GSL first team status in baseball and football and second team honors in basketball. The next stop would be Portland State on a football and baseball scholarship.

“I learned major lessens from my junior year at EWU before moving on to WSU,” he said.

After WSU, Peterson latched on with IBM in Spokane, the beginning of a successful career in the technology field spent largely in sales and management. Other stops for Peterson have included Sysco, F5, Tanberg and Telect where he worked as global vice president. He is currently employed as an account manager with Palo Alto Networks.

“I’ve been able to ride the wave of technology,” Peterson said.

Peterson’s journey as an athlete didn’t quite end after the Apple Cup victory years ago. He established himself as an elite modified fastpitch softball player, earning All-American honors seven times and contributing to iconic teams like the 1995 National Championship club based in Spokane that went 42-0. Peterson batted .532 that season, part of a career that eventually landed him in the Region 9 Softball Hall of Fame.

As a proud dad of three children – Bryan, Mitch and Leah – Peterson made time to coach his kids’ youth teams. All three excelled as studentathletes at West Valley High School with Bryan, the oldest, being drafted by the Boston Red Sox and playing minor league baseball before returning to college as a standout quarterback at Whitworth. Mitch earned a baseball scholarship to WSU before walking on to the football team like his dad where he became a starting defensive back.

Leah played volleyball at Pacific University and later Spokane Falls Community College before coaching See PETERSON, Page 4

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• DECEMBER 2022

The Current

Opening 2024!

In the season of giving, please consider an end-of-year tax-deductible donation to this privately-funded legacy project. A gift to the Inland Northwest Region for generations to come!

Join us as we come together to build the Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center.

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The Current

PETERSON

NEWS

Continued from page 2 at West Valley.

These days, Peterson can be heard as a color commentator for football, basketball and baseball on KHQ and SWX. His broadcasting career began in 2006 for the Spokane Shock. He has also been in the booth with ESPN3 for coverage of the NAIA World Series.

Q: You excelled at three sports in high school and your kids followed suit at West Valley. Yet it seems like we are seeing more specialization in sports at that level and fewer prep athletes competing in more than one sport. What is your opinion of that trend?

A: I am not a fan of specializing. I believe in the “entire experience” and that means experiencing as many sports as possible. It builds diversity of skills, training and meshing with different sets of teammates. If you are an all-round athlete and like multiple sports, I say “play them all.” It brings balance to your life and social circles. The benefits of physical crosstraining from each sport helped me build skills that translated from each sport to the next. My observation is that specializing is usually driven by parents and coaches of select teams, less so by the athlete themselves.

Q: What did you learn about yourself in the process of not only walking onto the roster at Washington State but becoming an important part of an NCAA Division-1 program?

A: At the end of my junior year at EWU, I transferred to WSU to pursue an engineering degree. EWU did not offer engineering degrees at that time. After my first semester at WSU, I was accepted into the college of Mechanical Engineering program – a major academic goal achieved.

Being a transfer from EWU burned that first year at WSU as a redshirt year leaving me left with a single year of eligibility. I continued to train as though I was still playing.

Watching the Cougs play that fall, I knew I could compete and contribute at the PAC-10 level. I attended walkon tryouts at the end of the 1981 football season. I developed an inner strength that was tested at a very high level. I learned three key lessons – Have a vision; trust that vision and be determined to make that vision a reality. Those lessons learned have helped me achieve success in many aspects of my life.

Q:

During your accomplished

career as an official, how often did you look back and think of how you viewed and treated referees when you were an athlete? Would your perspective have been different with the knowledge and experience gleaned during your time with a whistle?

A: Having played organized sports from 8 years old, through middle school, high school and college, I had a mindset of not getting wrapped up with the officiating. My mindset was to simply go about my own business and help my team win.

I think this approach comes from being the son of a high-level college football and basketball referee. In that regard my perspective hasn’t changed. I was very fortunate to have a father who was my role model, coach and mentor. He was an amazing father to me and my two brothers Tim and Dan. Q: On the broadcasting side, what do you try to bring to a game that will help viewers appreciate the behind-the-scenes aspects that you recognize as a former athlete?

A: Being a TV color commentator has been so much fun. I try to bring a blend of many different perspectives to a broadcast. Those elements are from the eyes of the players, coaches, referees and viewers. I enjoy teaching and educating, so I attempt to craft my messaging to the viewers in an educational manner. Examples are different schemes, key matchups, clock/situational analysis and the rules of the game. I also like to have fun facts, interesting statistics and personal stories of players and coaches. I guess that touches on my life philosophy – stay balanced and have fun.

Q: What elements from your experience as an athlete have benefited you in the business world?

A: So much of what I learned as an athlete playing team sports has directly translated into the business world. I go back to what I touched on earlier and here are my five keys to achieving success: 1) Have a vision of what you want to accomplish 2) Belief that you can accomplish that vision 3) Have a plan to drive to success of that vision 4) Be determined to do the work, day-byday, to see that vision become reality.

5) Have fun through the entire process. Those five fundamentals have helped me immensely not only in my career but have carried over to virtually every aspect of my life.

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The Current

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DECEMBER 2022 • 7

The Current

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel

The maps provided depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Burglaries, Malicious Mischief and Thefts. 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. Citizens who have been a victim of crime are encouraged to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 509-456-2233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

2022 October Malicious Mischief Hotspots

Published Date: 11/8/2022 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

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Spokane Valley Districts

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Published Date: 11/8/2022 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

Spokane Valley Districts

Incident counts summarizes the events within 1/4 of a mile of each other. The heat map shows the density of events within the area.

l ow Bigeul c h G

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2022 October Burglary Hotspots

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8

• DECEMBER 2022

NEWS

Spokane Valley City Council

By Lincoln DoWright Current Contributor

Stormwater Utility Rates The Stormwater Utility, an enterprise fund, is funded through the collection of Storm and Surface Utility (Utility) fees from developed parcels located within the City, and the Spokane County Aquifer Protection Area (APA) fee. The Stormwater Utility Fee of $21 per year is assessed uniformly on single family residences, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. All other developed property is charged $21 for every 3,160 square feet of measured impervious surface area. The current stormwater rate is expected to generate about $1.9 million in 2022 to City Fund 402.

The fee was established when the City incorporated and is in the adopted Master Fee Schedule. The Stormwater Utility Fee has not increased since 2003.

The APA fee, a voter adopted fee, is imposed on each water meter within the City by water meter size.

The APA funds are collected by

The Current

Spokane County, county-wide and distributed proportionately to local jurisdictions. APA funds must be “expended entirely on stormwater related projects that are designed to protect the aquifer.” Without a regional public vote, this fee will sunset in November of 2024. This fee is expected to generate about $460,000 in 2022.

The City has recently developed a Stormwater Utility Plan to establish the long-term goals of the Utility, identify solutions to adverse stormwater conditions, aging and non-standard stormwater facilities, address capacity and water quality issues, identify strategies necessary to ensure compliance with the MS4 permit and UIC programs, and develop a sustainable financial plan for the utility. The Stormwater Utility Plan identified two Level of Service (LOS) recommendations, Minimum Required and Pro-Active. The Levels of Service recommendations guided a Stormwater Utility Rate Study and recommendations for potential stormwater utility rate structures

and fees.

The Minimum Required LOS, if adopted, will increase the Stormwater Utility Rate by $24/ year to $45/year. This rate increase includes funding for an additional 3.0 full time employees (FTEs).

Currently, there are 4.13 FTEs funded by the Stormwater Utility.

The estimated 2023 revenue for this LOS is $4.4 million.

The Pro-Active LOS, if adopted, will increase the Stormwater Utility Rate by $37/year to $58/year. This rate increase includes funding for an additional 7.0 FTEs from the existing staffing levels and is expected to provide $5.6 million in annual revenue.

While the City Council had different opinions on the matter the Council ultimately voted to implement the Pro-Active Plan and raised the Stormwater Utility Rate to $58/year beginning in 2023 with Councilmembers Wick and Peetz against the Pro-Active plan preferring to implement the Minimum LOS plan for 2023.

Legislative Agenda Adopted

The City Council adopted its 2023 State Legislative agenda with the top priorities being: A $5 million state funding allocation to complete the funding of the Pines Grade Separation Project. The City had received a federal grant in this last summer but it requires a nonfederal match which is what the city is seeking from the state. Funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and Land Water Conservation Funds which could provide the city with upto $1.5 million for the Phase 2 of the Greenacres Park. Funding for the Youth Recreational Facilities program and the Building for the Arts program which are recommending allocations of $3+ million towards the Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center. Support for the Minor League Baseball Stadiums seeking $24 million of state funds to assist with the upgrades for publicly owned stadiums, including Avista Stadium across the state. On the Policy side, the city is also advocating for public safety reforms around possession of a controlled substance, vehicular pursuits, and funding for alternative police response teams,

+ 78% + 60% + 4% + 9%

The Current

DECEMBER 2022 • 9

NEWS

and law enforcement training opportunities; removal of barriers to the construction of housing; amendments to the state law regarding municipal utility taxing authority; general tax relief; and local decision-making authority.

Tourism Marketing

With the Cities decision to withdraw from the regional Tourism Promotion Area, Visit Spokane the regional Destination Marketing Organization which gets a large portion of those funds provided notice that they will no longer be including Spokane Valley facilities or events in their website or promotions without future funding. They provided a proposal to continue the inclusion of Spokane Valley events and hotels however the city staff hosted a meeting of the Spokane Valley based hotels with Visit Spokane to discuss the proposal and the hotels voted with 10 of the 18 valley hotels recommending to not continue working with Visit Spokane for marketing and only 2 hotels wanting to find an agreement with Visit Spokane. City Manager John Hohman commented that other options will be brought forward for what the city can do to provide some destination marketing for Spokane Valley.

Balfour Park Cost Update Balfour Park Project is the buildout of the park surrounding the new Spokane Valley Library Building being built along Sprague Ave. The park was broken into multiple phases for the development with Phase 1 consisting of the main park infrastructure including excavation and grading, water, electric and sewer utilities, some of the park pathways and lighting system, the easterly parking lot, some landscaping/irrigation, and the new restroom building. This phase was bid out in February of 2022 but the lowest bid came back at $5 million whereas the budget was only $3.1 million. So the city decided to update the design to find costsavings opportunities. Staff returned with an alternate design documents in hopes of getting the cost down by moving different elements of the park into bid alternates. The largest of those was the separation of the restroom building (at an estimated cost of $950,000). After some discussion the Council decided to include the restroom apart of the

base bid to minimize the rework of adding it later and gave consensus to allocate another $1,000,000 towards the project from unallocated money in the capital projects fund. The project is planned to go out to bid in December with a bid opening in January and possible construction in 2023.

Upcoming Council Meetings The Spokane Valley City Council meets each Tuesday beginning at 6pm and all meetings are open to the public in person as well as available online via zoom. While it is preliminary and subject to change the city council is planning on discussing the following items for the rest of the year.

Nov 22nd, action is expected on: Law Enforcement Contract Renewal and the Comprehensive Plan Docket.

Administrative reports include the 2023 Fee Schedule, and the Spokane Valley Fire Department Monthly Report Nov 29th, is cancelled due to the Thanksgiving day holiday.

Dec 6th includes a special meeting with our local state legislators beginning at 4pm to review the upcoming state legislative session and the cities priorities. Then at the 6pm regular session action is expected on an appointment to the Spokane Housing Authority Board and reports on the Federal Legislative Agenda, CenterPlace Catering, Sprague Ave Stormwater Project (this was the project that had a demonstration held during the beginning of October), Chronic Nuisances, Right-ofWay Maintenance, and Pavement Management Program Funding Options.

Dec 13th action is anticipated on Street & Stormwater Maintenance and Repair services contract, the Street Sweeping Service Contract, CenterPlace Catering Contract, and the Lodging Tax Awards.

Reports will be held on Sullivan / Trent Interchange designs, Graffiti Abatement Program, and an update on Annexation.

Dec 20th action is anticipated on the Sullivan/Trent Interchange design selection and reports will be held on Neighborhood Restoration and a River Loop Trail Update.

Dec 27th meeting has been cancelled due to the Christmas Holiday.

With an exceptional security system and extensive camera surveillance throughout the facility, along with extra wide drive aisles, Eagle Rock wants to be your storage facility for your boat, your RV, or any of your toys. Or if you just need extra garage space at home, we have you covered. With unit sizes available from 12 x 24 up to 18 x 50, we’re sure to have what you need. And all our indoor units have electricity available and come with extra wide and high doors to accommodate all vehicle sizes. We also offer easily accessible and maneuverable outside parking. Give us a call or better yet, come visit and let us show you around.

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(Idaho Exit 1)

VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT no matter where you are on your spiritual journey, all are welcome here

Sundays Bible Classes 9:30 Worship 10:30

17221 E Broadway Ave · (509) 928-4084 · www.valleycofc.org

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18th Annual Father Daughter Dance

• Estate Planning • Probate and Trust Administration • Long-Term Care Planning • Free Initial Consultation

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No attorney-client relationship is created by this ad, or your use of this ad. Neither your receipt of information from this ad, nor your use of this ad to contact Tate Law Offices, PLLC (hereinafter “the Firm”) or one of its lawyers creates an attorney-client relationship between you and the Firm. You will become a client of the Firm only if you sign an engagement agreement setting forth the scope of the Firm’s engagement, the fee arrangement, and other relevant matters. As a matter of policy, the Firm does not accept a new client without first investigating for possible conflicts of interests and obtaining a signed engagement letter.

1400 N Meadowwood Ln • Liberty Lake 509-891-7790

Patio

March 4, 2023 6:30 - 9:00 pm @ Mirabeau Park Hotel

Early bird $75 per couple through Feb. 14, $85 per couple after Feb. 14, $95 at door. Additional daughter $25 Dinner and dance package for two: $154. Dinner, dance and overnight package: $225

Raffle prizes and giveaways

Tickets available December 14th, go to libertylakekiwanis.org

oPen!

serve s u t e L ! dinner e t a L you 11 am till 10 pm Fri - Sat 11 am till 11 pm

View menu at WhiteHouseGrill.com

Eat, Shop, &

shop local holiday guide

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

Be Merry Shop local Holiday Guide

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 to keep their doors open in order to keep serving all of you. We hope that you will utilize these exceptional small businesses to choose one of a kind options this holiday season and all year long.

These establishments will guide you to“Eat, Shop and Be Merry.”

Ben Wick, Publisher

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

shop local holiday guide

Brought to you by LCM

Eat, Shop & Be Merry this Holiday Season at

Halletts Market & Café, 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

Curbside pick up available BE MERRY: We serve & sell Wine & Beer

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

Holiday hours start Nov. 26th M-F 10 am - 5 pm, Sat 9 am - 3 pm

shop local holiday guide

Max at Mirabeau Restaurant and Lounge 509-922-6252, 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 509-928-2303, 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 509-924-3023, 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.

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

Craft and Gather 509-290-5141, 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.

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 delicious.

Conley’s Place Restaurant 509-924-5411, 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.

er

Longhorn Barbecue

True Legends 509-795-1243, 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.

509-924-9600, 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!

Shogun 509-534-7777, 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.

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

shop local holiday guide

Fares to Share

Shopping Tap Out

When you’ve finished for the day and need a little extra relaxation.

Trailbreaker Cider 509-598-8927, 11003 E Sprague, Spokane Valley We have drink options for everyone including our 24 taps of cider, beer rotation and wine. Plus amazing food and fun atmosphere for your night out.

HG

Snow Eater Brewery 509-862-6954, 2325 N Mckinzie Ln, Liberty Lake Where beer and adventure meet. Gather and celebrate in the kid-friendly and dog-friendly tap room. All are welcome.

Fujiama Japanese Steak House 509-903-0888, 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.

Millwood Brewing Company 509-368-9538, 9013 E Frederick, Millwood

Millwood Brewing began as a simple idea by a guy who had a passion for really good craft beer. It has become more than just a place that makes beer, it’s where friends meet.

509-710-3426, 11027 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley

Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11am till 8pm. We have all your favorite BBQ and Sides, Mixed Drinks, Margaritas, and Beer available for Carry Out and/or curbside. Call or text pre-order 7 days a week.

Arbor Crest Winery 509-927-9463, 4705 N Fruit Hill Dr, Spokane Our Tasting Room & Kitchen is open all year round! Come enjoy new meals and wines added to our menu this winter. Tasting Room & Kitchen is open daily from 12:00 - 5:00PM

The Boneyard 509-435-6773, 17905 E Appleway, Spokane Valley The Boneyard serves craft cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks featuring our syrups and drink mixes. This all age lounge also serves local beer and wine, along with offering light eats to share.

Smokeridge BBQ

TT’s Old Iron Brewery 509-919-4798, 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.

Barlows 509-924-1446, 1428 N Liberty Lake Rd, Liberty Lake

A favorite since opening in 2009, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in their friendly atmosphere.

shop local holiday guide

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

Fares to Share

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!

The Garden Coffee and Local Eats 509-315-8612, 213 S University, Spokane Valley This is a must try in Spokane Valley! Foodie Specials: The Merry & Bright Butter Board, Egg Nog French Toast, Seasonal Avocado Toasts, & some fun seasonal coffee & drinks!

See their facebook for holiday classes.

Pint House Burgers and Brews 509-242-3650, 2914 E Mission, Spokane Valley The second location for owners Josh Blair and business partner Tom Griffiths opened earlier this year. They have remodeled, so stop by to see what they have to offer!

Haymaker Kitchen & Tavern 509-242-3402, 6412 E Trent, Spokane Valley The new place to hang out in the Valley! Bring your family, bring your friends, or just come in and hang out with us! Elevated pub food and one of the best patios in town.

Caruso’s 509-474-0254, 2314 N Argonne Road., Spokane Valley

Ambrosia 509-919-4798, 9211 E Montgomery, Spokane Valley Great food, fine wine, and special friends… what else is there? Explore our creative menu.

Where fresh is a way of life. Bread and pizza dough made, from scratch, daily in our kitchen. Fresh, crisp vegetables. Highest quality meat and cheese that we can buy. Stop by and taste the difference fresh makes.

Crimson Hearth 509-598-8927, 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.

Hallett’s Market and Café 509-926-4076, 14109 E Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley

A longtime Valley favorite for shopping and eating.

We will still be OPEN for Take Out, Curbside service and Safe Shopping. Our store is load with Holiday Gifts, Home Décor and Northwest foods.

Don’t forget to pick up some goodies for those on your holiday list while you are there!

Rancho Viejo 509-927-8428, 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.

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

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Spokane Valley Senior Center

Searching for that perfect gift for your 50+ loved ones?

Why not consider a Gift Certificate for a yearly membership?

2426 N Discovery Place Spokane Valley, WA 99216 Hours: 9 AM - 3:30 PM

509-926-1937 Cash/Check Only $25 Individual / $45 Couple

9:00 AM Traditional Service Sunday School Nursery 10:00 AM Youth Sunday School 11:00 AM Youth Group 8:00 PM Christmas Eve Candle Light Service

Spokane Valley United Methodist Church 115 N. Raymond RD. Spokane Valley www.spokanevalleychurch.org

509-924-7262

shop local holiday guide

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

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.

1.The Bike HUB

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509-443-4005 12505 E Sprague Ave. #101, Spokane Valley

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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.

2.Uncle’s Books and Games 509-891-7620 Located within the Spokane Valley Mall Locally owned shop featuring board games, puzzles, books and more. Online and pick-up options available.

3.Adorkable Flowers and Gifts 509-922-6300 1326 N Liberty Lake Rd, Liberty Lake

4

3

HG

Purchase custom or prearranged flowers, candy bouquets, potted plants, collectibles, local artist work, and more.

4. Chocolate Apothecary

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509-324-2424 11425 E Trent Ave., Spokane Valley Gourmet chocolate, caramels, gelato, coffee, and tea. Bean to Bar Chocolate made in store.

5. The Bohemian 509-309-3236 16814 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley A collection of unique refurbished and handcrafted items ranging from decor and furniture to clothing and skin care. Roam through and find some treasures.

6. Elz Tastes & Tea Market

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509-315-4036 328 N Sullivan, Spokane Valley Specialize in an array of of herbs, olive oils sourced from California, balsamic vinegars produced in Modena, Italy, and specialty loose leaf teas sure to please any conesuer.

7. Hallett’s Marketplace and Cafe 509-926-4076 14109 E Sprague Ave., #2, Spokane Valley

7 8

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. Curb side pick-up and private shopping options available.

8. Irv’s Rock and Gifts 509-924-5464 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 509-927-8890 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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509-924-9998 13210 E Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley 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.

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

shop local holiday guide

Gift Guide

11. Greenacres Vendor Mall 509-309-3236 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. They will be hosting a couple of events this season before they close this location.

12. Appleway Florist and Gifts 509-924-5050 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 509-228-9509 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

&

509-891-1999 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!

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15. Lorraine Fine Jewelry 509-309-3236 16814 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley

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Your new neighborhood jewelry store with unique custom pieces and some standard favorites.

16. My Favorite Things 208-773-4110 503 E Seltice Way, Post Falls North Idaho’s premier vendor mall specializing in the interesting and unusual!

See their facebook page for sales and special events.

17. Pine Street Market 509-263-2232 12107 E Sprague, Spokane Valley Find unique gifts from over 100 vendors featuring antiques, vintage items, handmade, and one of a kind.

18. The Great NW Vendor Mall 509-413-1369 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 509-891-2662 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.

20.Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 509-255-9205 23110 E Knox Ave, Liberty Lake Liberty Lake Wine Cellars is a boutique winery offering big bold reds from the Red Mountain AVA. All wine production takes place on-site from crush, to fermentation, to barrel aging, to bottling and storage. Come find the perfect gift.

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shop local holiday guide

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

We have something special for everyone on your list!

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509-927-8206 Holiday Hours Monday through Saturday 9-6PM and Sunday 10-4PM

Shop with us in person, with curbside pickup or delivery

14

Shop Local, Shop Happy

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

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www.simplynorthwest.com We deliver locally and ship nation wide

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

shop local holiday guide

S P OK A NE’ S PR E MI E R HOL I DAY A TTR A C TI ON

Nov. 29 - Dec.11 Historic Davenport Hotel & River Park Square

Presented by

Title Sponsor

spokanesymphonyassoc.org

SPOKANE VALLEY

Winter

MARKET

EE FR NT! E EV

Thursdays December 1, 8 & 15 CenterPlace West Lawn Plaza 4:00 - 7:00pm

Local vendors Photo Stations

Crafts for kids Beer Garden

WINTER Palaa-za Dec 17 10am - 4pm

Centerplace West Lawn Plaza 2426 N Discovery Pl, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

For more info visit: www.spokanevalley.org/winterevents

FREE TIVITIES AC T CIDER HO VE AFT NDOR R C AMILY FUN S F

shop local holiday guide

m

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OR S N

21. 509 MetalWorks facebook.com/509metalworks

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We specialize in the following services: business signs, small fabrication jobs, customized metal art,and more. Contact us to get started on your order!

22. Simply Northwest 509-927-8206 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.

23. Tracy Jewelers 509-893-2929 106 N Evergreen, Spokane Valley

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Family owned since 1950, they stock a broad selection of diamond and colored gemstone jewelry along with offering jewelry repair, custom design, restoration and appraisal services.

24. Fleet Feet

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509-309-2174 13910 E Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley

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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, apparel, and supplements to meet your needs.

25.Latah Creek Winery 509-309-3345 3201 N Argonne, Millwood Since 1982 they have continued to blaze new trails in winemaking, producing new varieties each season along with their acclaimed lineup of established wines. Stop by and check out their wine of the month.

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26. Movher

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509-300-3930 6010 E Broadway Ave, Spokane Valley Holiday Open House Friday, December 9th, 1 - 4 p.m. Featuring tours of our climate controlled wine storage, wine tasting area, vault storage along with information about moving, packing, and cleaning.

Hot cocoa and cookies are served and participants have the opportunity to win a cozy Christmas package featuring a holiday blanket, candles, treats and an Amazon Firestick.

27. Cutco 509-701-2130 Tara has been a representative for Cutco for the past 14 years. Cutco is American made kitchen products that are guaranteed forever.

Go to her website for more information, www.bladesbytara.com

28. Rebel Junk

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360-689-5622 4102 S Bowdish, Spokane Valley

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Rebel Junk is a vintage flea market with vendors who incorporate Vintage, Shabby Chic, Cottage, Farmhouse, Industrial, Antiques, Pottery Barn Style, Online shopping available at rebeljunk.com. 10-5 Mon. Sat. Curbside pickup, shipping and delivery available.

29. Painting with a Twist 509-413-9892 11703 E Sprague, Suite B3, Spokane Valley No creative or artistic skill needed. Connect with friends and enjoy an evening of paint and fun!

30. Sarah Hamilton FACE 509-210-0228 1334 N Whitman Ln, Suite 210, Liberty Lake Specializes in anti-aging and skin rejuvenation for all ages. Offers and extensive selection of treatments and products. Call or visit to find the perfect gift.

Gift Guide

a

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

shop local holiday guide

31. Ramax

Gift Guide

509-928-1222 31. Ramax 12411 E Empire Ave, Spokane Valley 509-928-1222

Ramax offers many types of personalized gifts 12411Shop E Empire Ave,curbside Spokane Valley for the holidays. in person, pickup, or delivery. Ramax offers many types of personalized gifts

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32

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for the holidays. Shop in person, curbside pickup,

32. Sculptured or delivery.Gardens

509-290-6866 32. Sculptured Gardens 15614 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley 509-290-6866

Locally 15614 ownedE Sprague and operated, Sculptured Ave., Spokane Valley Gardens is conveniently located in the heart of Locally owned and operated, Spokane Valley, Washington. We pride ourselvesSculptured Gardens customer is conveniently located in the heart of on offering superior service, high-quality Spokane healthy Valley, Washington.

Weplants, pride ourselves gardening supplies, and beautiful and unique on giftoffering items. superior customer service, high-quality gardening supplies, healthy and beautiful plants,

and unique gift items.

33. Spokandy

33. Spokandy 509-624-1969, 509-624-1969, 1412 W. Third Ave., Spokane 1412 W. Third Spokane Chocolates made from Ave., tradition, these are sure to find a Chocolates part to playmade in yours. over 100these are fromFor tradition, years this company hasa part beentoproviding us with sure to find play in yours.

For over 100 Murphys, mints, nut clusters other us with years caramels, this company has beenand providing treats. For Murphys, your convenience, placenut your orderand other mints, caramels, clusters and have it treats. delivered yourconvenience, door.

Forto your place your order

33 33 35 35

and have it delivered to your door.

34. Side Hustle Syrup

34. Side Hustle Syrup

made madeeasy! easy!

509-435-6773 509-435-6773 17905 E Appleway, Spokane Valley

17905 E Appleway, Spokane Valley

IFT CA�DS

Side Hustle is a locally owned and operated Side exceptional Hustle is a locally ownedinand company providing syrups made the operated company providing exceptional syrups made in the Pacific Northwest.

IFT CA�DS

BUY $20

GetBUY F�EE20 Cookie Dough

Pacific Northwest.

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35. Papa35.

Murphy LibertyLiberty Lake Lake Papa Murphy

BUY $50

BUY $50

509-926-7272 509-926-7272 1318 N Liberty Lake Rd, Lake Liberty 1318 N Liberty Rd,Lake Liberty Lake

Get a F�EE Family Size Get a F�EE Family Size 1-Topping Pizza 1-Topping Pizza

BUY $100 BUY $100

Now underNow newunder ownership.

Stop by to tellby to tell new ownership.

Stop them congratulations and give yourself break a break them congratulations and give ayourself from cooking their with taketheir and take bakeand pizza fromwith cooking bake pizza offerings. offerings.

GetGet a F�EE Meal Deal a F�EE Meal Deal

(Family SizeSize 1-Topping pizza, (Family 1-Topping pizza, Cookie Dough & Cheesy Bread) Cookie Dough & Cheesy Bread)

3434

In-Storeexpires promotion expires 12/31/2022.

Gift cardredemptions voucher redemptions thru 2/28/23 at participating locations.

In-Store promotion 12/31/2022.

Gift card voucher valid thruvalid 2/28/23 at participating locations. on Thincrust or Original crustvalid only.with Not valid other offers,promotions specials promotions or discounts.

Free pizza onFree Thinpizza or Original only. Not otherwith offers, specials or discounts. © 2022 Papa Murphy’s International © 2022 Papa Murphy’s International LLC CounterLLCCardCounter 49318 Card 49318

NONPROFITSHOWCASE SHOWCASE NONPROFIT

Friday, December 9th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | CenterPlace Friday, December 9th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | CenterPlace Join us and enjoy learning about the inspiring work being done

Join usby and learning about the inspiring work done ourenjoy 40 featured nonprofit organizations and being how you can by our 40 featured nonprofit organizations and how you can get involved and support their work. get involved and support their work.

This event is free for anyone to attend.

This for anyone to attend.

Learnevent moreisatfree spokanevalleychamber.org Learn more at spokanevalleychamber.org

UNDERWRITING SPONSORS

UNDERWRITING SPONSORS

HOSPITALITY SPONSOR

HOSPITALITY SPONSOR

shop local holiday guide

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

Come See

Santa!

11 am - 2 pm

cate ta o L o t San Scan

station

#4

ments!

Enjoy Refresh mera!

Bring your Ca Tour!

Take a Station

Formerly Spice and Vine Mercantile

Deluxe Meat & Cheese

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Crab Lovers Delight

BBQ Pork

Assorted Cookie Tray

328 N Sullivan Rd, Suite 2 Spokane Valley WA 99037

(509) 315-4036

www.tastesandtea.com

Deli trays for any occasion See stores for details

Now open 7 days a week Mention this ad for FREE 50 ml of Oil or Vinegar with any purchase

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

shop local holiday guide

Coffee Stops While out enjoying the magic of the season and spreading Christmas cheer, you may find yourself in need of a little pick me up. Here are some great local shops and drive-thrus to grab a cup of brew so you can finish your list.

1.The Garden

9. Pavilion Coffee

17. Wake Up Call

213 S University

9921 E Trent Ave

112 N Evergreen

M-SAT 7 am – 3 pm

2. Breauxdoo Bakery 14109 E Sprague

SUN – Th 8 am – 6 pm F - Sat 8 am – 10 pm

3. Dagny’s 12925 E Trent Ave

M-F 5 AM -9 PM SAT-SUN 6 AM – 8 PM

4. Fueled Coffee Co 12303 E Grace Ave

M-F 5 AM – 6 PM SAT 6 AM – 6 PM SUN 6 AM – 5 PM

5. Wake Up Call 3105 N Pines

EVERY DAY 5 AM – 7 PM

6. LaLozy 13917 E Trent

M-F 5 AM – 7PM SAT 6 AM -6 PM

7. Shotzy’s 3413 N Sullivan

M-F 4:30 AM – 6:00 PM SAT 6 AM- 6 PM SUN 6:30 AM -5 PM

8. Amsterdam Coffee 10525 E Trent

EVERY DAY 8 AM – 6 PM

M-F 5 AM – 6 PM SAT 6 AM – 6 PM SUN 7 AM – 5 PM

10. Ladder Coffee Roasters 13105 E Sprague

M-S 7 AM – 4 PM SUN 8 AM – 3 PM

11. White Dog Coffee

EVERY Day 5 am – 7 pm

18. Grind Central Espresso 8015 E Trent Ave

M-F 5 am – 6 pm SAT 6 am – 5 pm SUN 6 am – 5 pm

19. Crush Coffee 16923 E Sprague

1014 N Pines

M-F 5 am – 6 pm SAT-SUN 6 AM – 6 PM

M-F 5:30 am – 5 pm SAT 6 am – 5 pm SUN 6 am – 4 pm

12. Blissful Blends

20. Shotzy’s

9611 E Trent

507 S Pines

13. Natural High Coffee

21. Whistle Stop

13325 E Sprague

16409 E Sprague

M-F 5 am – 6 pm SAT 6 am – 6 pm SUN 7 am – 5 pm

M-F 6 am – 5 pm SAT 7 am – 5 pm SUN 7 am – 4 pm

14. Jacob’s Java 624 N Sullivan

M-S 5 am – 6 pm SUN 6 am – 6 pm

15. Para Dice Espresso 13112 E Sprague

M-F 5:30 am – 5:30 pm SAT 6:30 – 5 pm SUN 7 am -4 pm

16. Walnut Street Perk 15918 E Sprague

M-F 5:30 am – 6 pm SAT 6 am – 6 pm SUN 6:30 am – 6 pm

M-F 5 am – 5 pm SAT 7 am – 5 pm SUN 7 am – 3 pm

M-F 5 am – 7 pm SAT-SUN 6 am – 7 pm

22. Wake Up Call 210 N Sullivan

M-SAT 4:30 am – 7:30 pm SUN 5 am – 7 pm

23. Cafe Perfezione 10510 E Sprague

EVERY Day 5 am – 6 pm

24. Cozy Coffee and Bistro 514 N Barker

M-F 5:30 am – 7:00 pm SAT 6:30 am – 5 pm SUN 6:30 am – 4 pm

shop local holiday guide

18

5 4

34

7

29

35

37

11 26

23

1

20

30

10 13 2 15 17

28

14 22 32

16 19 21

27

33

38

24

40 36 39

25

31

25. Swell Coffee

30. Wake Up Call

36. Crazy Beagle

1604 S Sullivan

1703 S Dishman Mica Rd

22026 E Country Vista Dr

M-SAT 6 am – 6 pm SUN 6:30 am – 5 pm

26. White Dog Coffee 7803 E Sprague

M-F 5 am - 6 pm SAT-SUN 6 am – 6 pm

27. International Coffee and Bakery 18209 E Appleway

M-TH 6 am – 3 pm F 6 am – 5 pm SAT 8 am – 5 pm SUN Closed

28. Galaxy Grind 12402 E Saltese

M-F 5:30 am – 4 pm SAT-SUN 7 am – 4 pm

29. 4 Seasons Coffee Roasters 12410 E Indiana

M-F 7am – 4 pm SAT-SUN Closed

EVERY Day 5 am – 7 pm

31. Crush Coffee Bar 13411 E 32nd

M-F 5:30 – 5:30 SAT–SUN 6 am – 5 pm

32. Casual Friday Donuts 325 S Sullivan

EVERY day 6 am – 6 pm

33. New Love Coffee 21802 E Indiana

M-F 6 am – 5 pm SAT-SUN 7 am – 4 pm

M-F 5:30 am – 6 pm SAT 6:30 am – 6 pm SUN 7 am – 6 pm

37. Blissful Whisk 1612 N Barker Rd

T-F 6 am 2 pm SAT 8 am – 2 pm SUN-MON Closed

38. Hello, Sugar 1950 N Harvest pkwy

Every Day 7 am – 5 pm

39. BocoPOP 21980 E Country Vista Dr

34. Jack and the Bean Shop 4707 N Harvard

M-F 6 am – 5 pm SAT-SUN 7 am – 5 pm

35. Blissful Blends 3118 E Mission

M-F 4 am – 6 pm SAT 5 am – 6 pm SUN 6 am – 5 pm

M-F 7 am – 7 pm Sat 8 am – 8 pm Sun 8 am – 6 pm

40. Wake Up Call 22011 E Country Vista Dr.

EVERY Day 5 am – 7 pm

Coffee Stops

6

3 9 8 12

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

shop local holiday guide

Holiday Desserts 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

Crabby Mourning Bakery crabbymourningbakery.com (509) 953-3617 Follow their facebook for specials!

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.

Sweet Frostings Located in Spokane Valley Mall (509) 381-5927

shop local holiday guide

Yoke’s Fresh Market 1233 N Liberty Lake Rd, Liberty Lake (509) 927-0300

HG

Celebrations 315 S Sullivan, Spokane Valley (509) 315-5973 Stop by or take out available

Happy Cake 1312 N Mullan, Spokane Valley (509) 924-8455 Can order online

Breauxdoo Bakery 14109 E Sprague., Spokane Valley (509) 290-6389 Call or stop by to order Bake my Day 18123 E Appleway, Spokane Valley

(509) 270-9573 Call in advance to order

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. Call to order

Holiday Desserts

Rise Espresso & Dough 1201 N Barker, Spokane Valley (509) 924-5129

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

Eat, Shop & Be Merry S P O K A N E

C O U N T Y

shop local holiday guide L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

Shop SMALL. SHOP Local.

Small Business Saturday & all week long Valley YMCA, Get a glimpse of summer

In Millwood November 26–December 3 Find great gifts for everyone on your holiday list!

When you support small businesses, you support the whole community.

Located at 2421 N Discovery Place. This 48,000 sq ft facility has amenities from Family Day Programs and Aquatics (lessons, open swim, and jacuzzi), climbing wall, and workout / sports facilities. You don’t have to be a member to utilize the facility. Day passes are $35 per family. Sometimes it just worth getting escaping the winter weather even for a day.

Enter to win a prize: Stop by Argonne Library to get your Shop Small passport to fill in as you shop. www.scld.org/shop-small-2022

www.scld.org

Historic Flight Foundation

5829 E Rutter Ave in Felts Field.

EXPERIENCE HISTORY IN MOTION Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Admission ranges from $10 to $15 based upon age.

Historic Flight offers a collection of the most important aircraft produced between 1927 and 1957, all restored and airborne again. Our mission goes beyond serving as trustees of an era. We want you to experience the roar of piston engines, watch engineers restore vintage aircraft to flying condition, and view aeronautical displays from every angle.

Mica Moon Zip Tours & Arial Park

Liberty Lake Washington Choose between No Ordinary Zip Line for $99 to $109 per person where: 9 zip lines + 2 hikes + 1 Big Mama (3500′ zip) + 2 amazing guides + 2 UTV rides = The Best Time of Your Life. Or a tree top adventure for $44 to $55 per person with Canoe bridge + wine barrel bridge + high rise tight ropes + tree platforms + UTV rides = Fun in Trees Only Tarzan Has. The math is simple but the choice is hard and may get you thinking about needing to do both. Discounts for groups of 10 people or more.

Swing Lounge, Indoor Golf

Located at 3808 N Sullivan Rd #103. Utilizing the TrackMan technology, you can play on iconic courses with 120 courses available, keep playing through the winter weather, get a lesson, or even join a golf league. 30 minutes of Trackman Tee Time for $20 (a golfer can complete 18 holes in about 1 hour) or provide

shop local holiday guide

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

Jump For Joy, Bouncy Fun for those under 5ft tall

Located at 15310 E. Marietta Ave Ste. 1 Open Jump is generally available from 9:30 AM - 7 PM 7 days a week, though we do shut down for Private Parties which can be after 5 on the weekdays, or any time on Sat. or Sun. Call us if planning on being here on the weekends or after 5 PM on the weekdays. Prices start at $9.75/hr Punch Cards available $80 + tax for 10 jump sessions

DECEMBER 16-18

17 professional musicians and 18 singers!

Music Direction by Andrea Olsen Conducted by David Brewster Directed by Yvonne A.K. Johnson TICKETS: SVSUMMERTHEATRE.COM BOX OFFICE: 509-368-7897 At University High School Theatre 12420 E. 32nd Ave. • Spokane Valley DAVID AND CHRISTINA LYNCH FOUNDATION

Spokane Valley Summer Theatre, A Big Band Christmas

Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, Jumping Good Time

Located at 15312 E Sprague Ave open Tuesday through Saturday. Great for all ages, with prices starting at $19 for an hour and special events with dancing to the hottest music under the glow of the Neon Lights, every Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 11pm.

Available Dec 16th through 18th with tickets at $25 for students and $42 per adult. Big Band Christmas features holiday headliner music favorites from yesteryear, featuring the songs of: Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and MORE! This special, limited four performance run is sure to get the entire family in the holiday spirit!

Also a good choice for those wanting a year round experience, Spokane Valley Summer Theatre produces three shows each year and season tickets are available for $68 per student, $114 for adults or $108 for seniors / military.

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

12114 E Sprague Ave. Open Wednesday through Saturday 11am to 4pm. Admission between $3 to $6 per person with kids under 7 being free. Come check out the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum which is the largest repository for the heritage of our area from Havana to west of Post Falls, Peone Prairie to Fairfield including Millwood and Liberty Lake.

You can also find books about our area or if you want a year round gift, consider a membership for only $30 per family and includes free admission for a year. (Note: The museum is organizing an Ellis Island Smithsonian exhibit to be opened soon).

Making Memories

Making Memories

Eat, Shop & Be Merry

shop local holiday guide

DECEMBER 16-18

17 professional musicians and 18 singers!

Music Direction by Andrea Olsen Conducted by David Brewster Directed by Yvonne A.K. Johnson TICKETS: SVSUMMERTHEATRE.COM BOX OFFICE: 509-368-7897 At University High School Theatre 12420 E. 32nd Ave. • Spokane Valley DAVID AND CHRISTINA LYNCH FOUNDATION

Brought to you by

S P O K A N E

CO U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

Family Museum Passes from the library

Entertaining & educational activities await you at: • Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture • Mobius Discovery Center Reserve a pass with your library card. www.scld.org/museum-passes www.scld.org

32

• DECEMBER 2022

The Crest

NEW winter market coming to Spokane Valley

By Ashley Humbird Current Contributor

As the holiday season approaches and the pressure to find unique and thoughtful gifts intensifies, shopping for a locally made gift is your ideal choice.

The first annual Spokane Valley Winter Market will begin on Thursday December 1st. It is a loving endeavor that is being brought to Spokane Valley by the same group that coordinates and operates the Spokane Valley Farmers Market at Centerplace, the JAKT Foundation.

The Winter Market will be held on the Centerplace West Lawn Plaza regardless of weather.

The idea to bring a Winter Market to the Spokane Valley began with John Bottelli, the Director of the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department. He reached out to Katy Lee, the Market Manager for the Spokane Valley Farmers Market and employee of the JAKT Foundation to help bring the Winter Market to life. The JAKT Foundation is a local non-profit whose main goal is to “uplift and bring communities together through events in the Spokane Valley.”

The Spokane Valley Farmers Market just wrapped up its fourth successful year with Katy at the helm in September. She knew that with the loyal and large customer base that the Spokane Valley Farmers Market had, Spokane Valley would be the perfect home for a Winter Market. Katy has a passion for nonprofits and the value they bring to a community. When asked about why she is involved with nonprofits, she shares, “Giving back to the community. It is fun to build something and watch it come to life and fruition. It is the if ‘you build it, they will come’ kind of thing. I love

coordinating events and I love the people I work with. It’s expanded my community so much, so of those people have become my very best friends. It’s really awesome to see that after four years of doing the Spokane Valley Farmers Market how many people have started a store front in Spokane Valley after being at the market. It is fun watching people grow.”

The Spokane Valley Farmers Market is partnering with the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department and team to host and organize the Winter Market.

Unique and thoughtful presents will be easy to pick out with an average of between 20-30 vendors each week. Many of the favorite vendors from the spring and summer Spokane Valley Farmers Market will be setting up a booth at the Winter Market. Items that will be offered include: wood worked creations, soy candles, pet gifts, crochet and knitted items, hand crafted jewelry, soaps, macramé, cupcakes, cookies, frozen beef, spices, olive oil, vinegars, craft hard cider, craft cotton candy, jams, bath bombs, goat milk soap, honey, and much more!

Each week a food truck and the

infamous Swell coffee truck will be serving up delicious eats and drinks to thaw you from the inside out. A beer garden hosted by LeCatering will feature local beers for those above 21 years of age. To keep your hands warm while shopping for the perfect gift, hot cider will be available and warming heaters will be set up throughout the market.

Holiday tunes will be playing over the speakers to help set the winter mood.

“You’ll find unique crafts that you won’t buy on Amazon or at Walmart,” Katy shares about her enthusiasm to help bring a winter market to Spokane Valley. “You are still supporting local. I feel like after the farmers market season ends it becomes difficult to support local.

You get to meet your vendor and hear about the product. I think that is a larger gift of explaining how it was made and that you met the person who made it, it’s more of an intimate gift than what you can get commercial.”

The Winter Market will be held on Thursday December 1st, 8th, and 15th from 4pm-7pm. Each week the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department will provide crafts and activities for kids and holiday

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photo stations throughout the West Lawn Plaza. Guest appearances will include Santa and his elves!

On Saturday, December 17th, there will be a final special indoor and outdoor all-day event, Winter Palaa-za, from 10am-4p. The event will have an area with capped pricing for kids to shop and pick out gifts for loved ones and have them wrapped. There will be free family-oriented activities and crafts provided by the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department.

“I hope that we can start doing lights all around the West Lawn and maybe start doing it in November versus December,” Katy explains about the future of the Winter Market. “It really depends on how this year goes and if the community likes it and people show up. We want it to be successful for vendors too.”

The Winter Market will be a great way to take the whole family out for a bit of time and enjoy the brisk air while browsing some of our local area’s best items. Follow the market and get more information on Facebook and Instagram; search for the Spokane Valley Farmers Market. There will be updates often on the weekly Winter Market and the Winter Palaa-za.

DECEMBER 2022 • 33

The Current

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34

• DECEMBER 2022

The Current

Sponsored By:

www.hubsportscenter.org

Stocker relives World Series memories with Phillies’ latest run

By Craig Howard

despite being a rookie.

Current Contributing Editor

“I knew I had a job to do,” he said. “I had to focus in.”

The leaves were turning orange and red in southeastern Pennsylvania when Chuck and Lu Stocker made a special trip from Spokane Valley to cheer on their son 29 Octobers ago.

The 1993 World Series pitting the Philadelphia Phillies against the Toronto Blue Jays included Kevin Stocker, a 1988 graduate of Central Valley High School, starting at shortstop for the National League champion Phillies. Stocker’s parents and older brother Steve made sure they were in the stands for both home and away games on baseball’s biggest stage.

On the subway in downtown Philadelphia en route to one World Series game, Lu was wearing a large button pin with Kevin’s picture on it.

At Central Valley, Stocker played on teams that were in the middle of the Greater Spokane League pack and never saw the playoffs. Later, at the University of Washington, he was part of Husky squads that were competitive in the Pac-10 but fell short of any post-season bid.

“That ’93 season was my first experience on that stage, without a doubt,” Stocker said. “At the time, it felt like a piece of cake. As a rookie, I didn’t know what losing was. I got into the World Series but never sniffed it again.”

Stocker was traded to Tampa Bay in 1997 and retired in 2000 as

an Anaheim Angel. He posted a .254 career batting average and a .970 fielding percentage, making only 116 errors in 3,756 chances.

Stocker joined a Philadelphia roster in 1993 that finished in the cellar of the National League East the season before. The team was led by veterans like Darren Daulton, Lenny Dykstra, Curt Schilling and John Kruk who took Stocker under their wing. After his first game – a 20-inning win over the Los Angeles Dodgers – Stocker remembers Daulton standing by his locker while reporters peppered him with questions.

“Darren told me afterward that it was OK to say, “No comment.’”

Stocker said.

Mickey Morandini played second base on the ’93 team and recalls Stocker as a reliable teammate “who took a lot of pride in his defense.”

“We were a veteran team that knew how to win,” he said. “Kevin was able to stay even-keeled and knew how to work through any issues he had.”

Like Morandini – who now works for the Phillies as a team ambassador – Stocker has maintained ties to his former club.

He has served as a broadcaster for years and, this season, was a parttime color commentator on radio in addition to games he has called for Pac-12 Network and CBS College Sports.

“Even early, I truly felt this team could make the playoffs, probably as a Wild Card,” he said. “The bullpen really carried them and they went into the playoffs at full strength.”

Stocker was called up from triple-A in early July that season and quickly secured a spot on the Phillies’ roster, batting .324 in 70 games while playing stellar defense.

The Phillies’ latest roster includes a player that Stocker can relate to – rookie shortstop Bryson Stott who made his Major League debut at 24.

Stocker was 23 when he premiered.

“It was extremely exciting for Lu and I and Kevin’s siblings,” Chuck said. “He was given the opportunity to succeed and he did.”

Looking back, Stocker said the pressure and bright lights of the post-season didn’t rattle him,

Morandini recalls Stocker blending in well with an established team featuring no shortage of personalities.

Stocker, who lives in Liberty Lake with his wife Brooke, said the 2022 version of the Phillies showed postseason promise in Spring Training.

“These Phillies’ fans, they know their players,” Chuck said. “They said, ‘Hey, that’s our shortstop, do you know him?’ Well, you can imagine their reaction when Lu told them he was her son.”

While Philadelphia fell to Toronto in six games that October, Stocker maintains positive memories of his first and only appearance in the Fall Classic. The experience nearly three decades ago was revived this autumn as Stocker’s former team defied the odds and won their first National League pennant since 2009 to earn a World Series bid against the Houston Astros – again falling in six games.

“Kevin was very calm and collected,” Morandini said. “I remember (Phillies assistant coach) Larry Bowa telling him, ‘I don’t care if you get one hit, just catch the ball.’

Well, Kevin gave us a lot more than that.”

“They brought Stott into Spring Training so he got to know the guys,” Stocker said. “I was a nonroster invite in ’93 and shuffled back and forth between Minor League camp and where the Phillies were, only about a mile away. So when I got called up that July, the guys knew who I was, that I didn’t party or cuss. I was there to work and win games.”

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies Liberty Lake resident Kevin Stocker, a 1988 graduate of Central Valley High School, was a rookie shortstop on the Philadelphia Phillies club that advanced to the 1993 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Stocker served as parttime color commentator on radio this season for a Phillies’ team that squared off against Houston in the Fall Classic.

Stocker demonstrated his winning mettle in Game 5 of the World Series with the Phillies facing elimination. His double down the right field line in the second inning knocked in a run and gave See STOCKER, Page 38

DECEMBER 2022 • 35

The Current

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Lily Jones thrives in a variety of arenas at Freeman High School. The senior maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is vice president of the National Honor Society chapter. She also serves as ASB treasurer. Jones has contributed to a variety of community service projects while at Freeman, including clean-up efforts on Highway 27 and at Fairview Cemetery in Rockford. As part of the Conservation Club, she promotes recycling and other green campaigns. Jones has participated in Future Business Leaders of American since her freshman year and has competed in FBLA national competitions. She has competed in cross country each year at Freeman and qualified for state as a junior, placing 10th. She also participates in track and advanced to state in the 800 meters last season. Jones represented the Southeast Spokane County Fair as a princess this year.

Senior Ryan Delcour has been one of the catalysts in Freeman High’s bid for a 1A football state title this season.

He was named to the Northeast A League first team as a defensive back for the second consecutive year and was also named first team wide receiver.

During the regular season, Delcour had 28 catches for 487 yards. In a game against Cascade last year, he collected three interceptions. Delcour is a threeyear letter winner for the Scotties who defeated King’s of Seattle in a first round 1A playoff game Nov. 11. In track, Delcour competed in the pole vault for the first time last year and improved from 8 feet to 13 feet, capturing a state title and earning second team all-state honors. He has also lettered in baseball and basketball. Delcour maintains a 3.5 grade point average.

Teacher, public servant, dad, man of faith, community volunteer – all these and more describe Bill Gothmann. The Spokane native served on the Spokane Valley City Council for seven years and was part of the Planning Commission prior to that. Gothmann taught at Eastern Washington University and Spokane Community College for a combined 18 years in the engineering and electronic technician programs. He has his MBA from Eastern, a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Gonzaga and a Master’s in Teaching from Whitworth. Gothmann worked as an engineer for Boeing and was part of the Air National Guard. He is the author of five books and is founder of the Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration. Gothmann serves as an elder with Valley Church of Christ. He and his wife Pam have five kids, 12 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren in their combined family.

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

Not for Profit = More for People See what banking is like when people come first. All Pacific NW residents are eligible to join.

becu.org/community Federally insured by NCUA Members Michael F., Matt N., & Christa S.

36

• DECEMBER 2022

LIBRARY

Resources to spark your creativity for the holidays and beyond

By Melissa Rhoades and Erin Dodge Spokane County Library District

Maya Angelou said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

SCLD ONLINE

Authors Series Author Talk with

Fredrik Backman Bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, and Anxious People.

Backman discusses his breathtaking new novel, The Winners, the third installment of the Beartown series.

ONLINE Saturday, Dec 10, 11am Sign up at www.scld.org/backman-talk

The library offers many resources to help with taping into your creativity and reaching creative goals. You can check out books, DVDs, and CDs. You can take online and on-demand classes at no cost. You can find library programs to try new things. And the library even hosts a website featuring local artists and craftspeople at www. spokanecreators.org.

The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional artist to enjoy the creative process. Anyone can benefit from dabbling in creative activities. Trying and pursuing art can give the mind a respite from worries and also open new avenues of thinking.

Check out these books for advice on how to fit art into busy lifestyles, begin doing art at any age, brainstorm new ideas, and ramp up your creative flow: “Art Thinking,”

by Amy Whitaker; “Art Before Breakfast,” by Danny Gregory; “Old in Art School,” by Nell Irvin Painter; “Steal Like an Artist,” by Austin Kleon; and “Fishing for Elephants,”

by Larry Moore.

To pique children’s interest in arts and crafts, it’s helpful to focus on the process rather than what the final “product” will look like.

In fact, focusing on process is what allows artists of all ages to break out of preconceived notions and create something new and exciting!

It’s also a good practice to encourage children to tell you about their creation rather than to ask, “What is that?” Despite good intentions, the second phrasing suggests the inability to decipher the artwork and can be deflating for a child.

Books to help encourage children’s creativity include: “The Creative Family,” by Amanda Blake Soule; “Anyone Can Teach Art,” by Julie B. Abels; “Dribble Drabble,” by Deya Brashears Hill; and “How to Be an Artist,” by S. Natalie Abadzis.

www.scld.org

Some of our STEM Explorer Kits for elementary-age children and

Ready for School with STEM Kits for pre-kindergarten and kindergartenage children also include creative elements, like building and designing. You can place a hold for one of these kits at www.scld.org/ stem-kits.

When you visit one of our libraries, you’ll find arts and crafts books and other media on our shelves with the call numbers 740 through 770 in both adults’ and children’s sections. You’ll find a multitude books on how to draw, paint, carve, work with clay, knit, take artful photographs, and more.

In our Digital Library, you can explore how-to eBooks and holiday movies, television, and music at hoopla. Create party popcorn, explore crafting and baking you can do with kids, and learn to knit Fair Isle ornaments.

Visit www.hoopladigital.com/ collection/13989, and sign in with your library card to get started.

The library’s collection on OverDrive, accessed online and with the Libby app, is filled with a plethora of eBooks for crafting, cooking, baking, and finding new ways to practice self-care and feel inspired this holiday season and into the new year. For eBooks offering projects and ideas for kids and adults, check out the curated booklist “Better with a Sweater: Crafts, Cookbooks & Cozy Reads” at https://scld.overdrive.com/ collection/1265894.

For a focus on holiday baking, explore the OverDrive booklist “Baked for the Holidays” at https://scld.overdrive.com/ collection/1391637.

You’ll also find several resources

The Current

for inspiration, patterns, howto videos, and technique tips, including Creativebug (www. scld.org/creativebug), Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center (www.scld. org/hobbies-crafts), and LinkedIn Learning (www.scld.org/linkedinlearning). All you need is your library card.

In Creativebug, you’ll find quick classes on how to make ornaments, a tree skirt, stockings, custom holiday cards, hand-rolled truffles, gifts bags, and more. You’ll also find STEAM and crafting projects for kids as young as 5 years old.

The 3D Printer and The Studio are both available for public use at Spokane Valley Library. Learn more during Drop-in Hours for the 3D Printer on Thursdays, 3–5pm, and during Drop-in Hours at The Studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12–4pm.

You can also check for upcoming library programs featuring creative hobbies and activities on our events calendar at www.scld.org/events.

In December, you can drop in during the “Holiday Ornaments” program to use our supplies to create an ornament that you can take home. In January, you can pick up a blank postcard from the library to use to create art and return for the February art show.

Some creative classes offered in the library and online sometimes include supplies and require registration. So be sure to sign up before they fill up!

We look forward to seeing what you create! We invite you to take advantage of all the resources available at your local library to get started on your next creative project.

DECEMBER 2022 • 37

The Current

Northwest Winterfest open

By Ashley Humbird Current contributor

During the winter, it can be difficult to find a fun and affordable event to experience with your family.

This year you can make the short trip to the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of handmade giant lanterns at the Northwest Winterfest.

Northwest Winterfest is the brainchild of Charity Doyl, co-chair of Northwest Winterfest, and Sam Song, Executive Director of Northwest Winterfest. They teamed up together after the successful 2015 Washington State Chinese Lantern Festival to bring a similar event to the region each year.

The thought was to bring more and keep it local. The team brought on Lee Cameron as co-chair of Northwest Winterfest to help see this idea come to life.

Charity, Sam, and Lee began hosting cultural arts, in-person performances, and other light festivals in 2018. Despite setbacks during the pandemic years, this year is finally the full vision of what the team had dreamt of back in early 2018.

To make the production a reality, the large, welded steel structures have been stored in Tri-Cities until ready to be displayed here in Spokane Valley.

There are between 800 and 1,200 separate pieces of lanterns that a team of around 30 artists created fabric for over three months. The fabric is painted either by hand or airbrushed and then assembled onto the lanterns with the LED lights inside.

The lanterns arrived in Spokane in early October after briefly being displayed in Tri-Cities. A team of craftsmen and craftswomen helped repair damage caused by high winds in the Tri-Cities area. It was not until November 14 that the first of the lanterns were set up in their proper position and turned on. The bamboo forest and happy pandas instantly came to life.

This kind of event is typically showcased in larger cities like Chicago, New York or Los Angeles.

“We want people who come to feel like it’s something from a big city, but it’s not. Spokane Valley deserves this!” Sam excitedly shares.

When deciding on a location for the event, Charity says the choice was easy. She lives in Spokane Valley and

Sam owns and operates a business in Spokane Valley. They wanted to bring a fun, safe, and educational family event to Spokane Valley.

Northwest Winterfest is an inclusive cultural exchange for people to experience. One such area of inclusivity is the decorated Christmas trees. After making your way through the bamboo forest with beautiful and fun-loving pandas, you will come to the cultural Christmas trees. There are over a dozen intricately hand-painted trees representing many different cultures from artists in and around Spokane Valley. Sindhu Surapaneni, a young Liberty Lake resident, has painted one tree representing India and one tree representing Pakistan.

Her brightly colored peacocks seem to come alive when lit up from within by the lights. While strolling through the artisan trees, you will spy little gnomes around the base of Norway’s tree. The art work displays scenes of Scandinavian homes and boats sailing across the seas.

performances as long as they’d like,” Sam explains.

Northwest Winterfest is a 501 c(3) non-profit that actively works to give back to the community that supports it. They offer school group tours and other private tours special pricing. They started a way to support charities by giving back $2 of each ticket sale using the charity’s unique discount code during checkout.

Northwest Winterfest will be open December 2nd to January 1st

This year the event is held indoors away from the elements. This helps to prolong the life of the magnificent art structures by protecting them from color damaging UV rays and snow, wind, and rain damage. Moving the event indoors allows another advantage for people: “they are going to stay here much longer! Cause it is cold outside! We heard kids crying because they wanted to stay. They are not afraid of the cold. But parents are concerned that their kid is cold. And they themselves are cold. But now, they can all stay inside and watch the

Follow Northwest Winterfest on Facebook and Instagram. Search for Northwest Winterfest, or visit their website at northwestwinterfest. com.

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There are three trees that have yet to be adorned with paint. They will be completed during the events for people to stop and watch the process of a local artist creating a work of art.

One tree will represent the Japanese culture, one will have scenes from the Middle East, and the last tree will be representative of Spokane and Spokane Valley.

Northwest Winterfest works with over thirty different cultural groups to bring a wide range of art and performances to a stage in one of the bays. “It’s a multi-cultural event that celebrates diversity through the different ways that the holidays or New Year’s Day are celebrated around the world. For an example, [The Philippines] celebrate Christmas the longest. Homes in The Philippines are already decorated and they are already playing Christmas music.”

Charity shares about the event.

“It’s fun to see how all the different cultures celebrate Christmas!”

on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Their hours of operation are Fridays from 5pm-8pm, Saturdays from 4pm8pm and Sundays from 3pm-6pm.

Children 10 and under are free. Ticket prices range from $9.90 to $14.00.

Parking will be free during the entire event; look for the giant Santa.

CALL 509• 242• 7752 OR EMAIL ADVERTISE@LIBERTYLAKESPLASH.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

SEEKING MECHANICS Application Deadline

December 27, 2022 Spokane Valley Fire Department is recruiting for experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanics. Candidates must have three (3) years experience as a mechanic; ASE(T) Certification; heavy equipment experience, a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid drivers license. Interested applications need to complete an application packet that can be found at www.spokanevalleyfire.com/join-svfd

Benefits Include: • • • • • •

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FOR APPLICATION DETAILS VISIT SPOKANEVALLEYFIRE.COM EMAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKETS TO: CALLAHANP@SPOKANEVALLEYFIRE.COM

38

• DECEMBER 2022

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Continued from page 34 Philadelphia a 2-0 lead that held up and sent the series back to Toronto.

The Phillies led the Blue Jays 6-5 going into the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 before Toronto outfielder Joe Carter hit one of baseball’s most iconic home runs, a three-run blast that ended the game and the World Series. Stocker remembers watching the ball sail over his head into the right field seats at the Sky Dome.

“He hit it so high, I didn’t think it would get out,” Stocker said. “I though (Phillies left fielder Pete) Incaviglia was going to catch it at the wall. I remember Carter running by me and celebrating. He made a good swing on the pitch.”

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Since Stocker had not been on the roster for the entire season, he earned half the $95,000 share allotted to each player on the World Series runner-up. He would remain in Philadelphia for four more seasons before being traded. Along with 846 games atYOU theLOVE Major League level, Stocker belongs to an exclusive group of only 14 percent of players to compete in a World Series.

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ON THAT NOTE

DECEMBER 2022 • 39

New store front for Breaüxdoo open now

By Ashley Humbird Current contributor

When walking into Breaüxdoo, you will be instantly greeted by a bright red chandelier hanging in the middle of a black-walled store with shining clear display cases showcasing a wide range of desserts.

The bakery was conjured in the mind of Gage Lang in 2016. He wanted to create a space where rock and roll and delicious treats could live in harmony together.

Gage, the owner of Breaüxdoo (The Gold Tooth Baker), has roots in Spokane Valley as a hard-core, gothrock musician. He was the lead front man of the band Stigmata Dolls while attending University High School and subsequently graduating in 2014. During his days as a bona fide rockstar with an online following, he pursed his need for creativity through face makeup design and baking with his mom and stepmom.

“I was in a rock band, kinda big on social media at the time. So, in my head I just wanted to be a young rock star.” Gage went on to take culinary courses the last few years of high school, which proved to be fortunate when he had the vision of creating Breaüxdoo.

After graduation, adulthood hit hard and he moved to Seattle where he started working at Biscuit Bitch in early summer of 2017. The experience and atmosphere of both the bakery and teamwork at Biscuit Bitch solidified his drive to create his own bakery.

Taking inspiration from Biscuit Bitch in Seattle and Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, he moved back to Spokane Valley in the fall of 2017 to begin seeing his vision take place.

Gage floated around working in stores in Spokane and Spokane Valley. Prior to 2020 he was gearing up to open a bakery, but the pandemic hit. Gage was working at a bar that his mom owned when a family member came in and started asking what he had been up to recently; he mentioned that he had hoped to open a bakery soon in May. They mentioned that if he needed

Photo by Ashley Humbird Breaüxdoo celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony October 28th. an investment to let them know. He played it off cool, “I’m good. I’m cool. But really I was broke as s***.”

A few weeks later he reached out to the family member and after some discussion, a small loan of $10,000 was in hand ready to find a space for a bakery. Gage used the money to rent a commercial kitchen and do cookie deliveries around town with six cookie options and milk.

He quickly outgrew the operation and in November of 2020 he moved into the current location on Sprague Avenue.

He proceeded to start tearing out the previous kitchen, and revamping the space with his own equipment.

He started baking cookies and delivering them warm in a large pizza boxes to Spokane Valley residents.

The cookies that Gage began with were Chocolate Drop, Sugar Daddy, Hollywood Diet, Devils Advocate, Basic But Necessary, Glazed and Confused, and a Red Rum cookie.

His cookie band was solid and he began gaining a cult following.

of eight different cookies, four different cake pops, five unique and childhood-themed nostalgia bars, multiple flavors of full-size, halfnaked cakes, biscuits and gravy, and biscuit sandwiches. There is also an extensive brew bar with many different drink options.

When talking about his favorite dessert, Gage shared love for another local restaurant. “My favorite dessert has always been Twigs’s Sticky Cookie. It is so flippin’ good!” Gage shares, getting passionate. “I have always had this love for ice cream and cookies. Those two are my ultimate two favorite things in the world, and so that’s why we brought in soft serve: for the cookies. You can’t beat a hot/cold dessert.”

The recipe process for Gage is the artistic outlet that playing

music once filled. Gage is always in recipe development, whether for a new cookie like the Morticia Addams, a personal favorite, or the recently perfected pies for the holidays. “Prior it was my face and androgynous lifestyle where I could get out that creative expression.

Now I say that old me is just me in dessert. Now I just put it out on a plate. 100% it’s a creative outlet!”

Gage lovingly shares about his passion and business. “My favorite thing is the recipe development stages. Where you really get to mess around with every ingredient and have your whole team test to see what they think.”

Breaüxdoo is located at 14109 E. Sprague Ave Suite 7A. Find more information and order delicious treats online at breauxdoobakery. com. You can follow them on both Facebook and Instagram. Look for holiday specials online now.

His warm cookie delivery model lasted through the pandemic years when leaving your home was not advised, and it offered families a way to connect over a delicious treat. In the spring of 2022, backstage access was granted to purchase cookies from the rear of the building near a recently painted rockstar mural of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love.

They also stopped doing deliveries and moved to a more retail bakery model.

The ribbon cutting and grand opening of the retail store was held on October 29th where a large crowd of supporters came to witness the event and sample Gage’s desserts.

The menu has evolved from just his cookie days; they are currently over 40 different pastry offerings.

Gage and his team have a lineup

Photo by Ashley Humbird Gage Lang, owner of Breaüxdoo, started the company in 2020 during a pandemic.

40

• DECEMBER 2022

The Current

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