The December 2012 Current by The Current

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A special guide to eating, shopping and flourishing through the holidays in the greater Spokane Valley Inserted after page 14

THE ‘WHY’ OF NEW HOMELESS NETWORK PAGE 2

MASTERING DRIVE-THRU BULK MEAT PAGE 22

GUILD HAS GENEROSITY SEWN UP PAGE 18

NEWS

2 • December 2012

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The Current

Spokane Valley Partners Emergency Services Program Manager Steve Brown is chairman of the freshly minted Valley Homeless Network.

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Current photo by Craig Howard

Shelter from the storm New Valley Homeless Network rallies to support disenfranchised

A Cup of Joe

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Steve Brown’s official title at Spokane Valley Partners is emergency services program manager, although the five-year veteran of the Valley’s only one-stop community center also serves as counselor, resource guru, mentor, housing specialist and resident conveyor of hope. It made sense, then, that Brown would be named chairman of a new consortium known as the Valley Homeless Network, an advocacy group taking on an issue more associated with Spokane Valley’s municipal neighbors to the west. Yet when you talk to Brown — who is on the frontlines of economic turbulence each workday — the problem goes well beyond downtown Spokane. The Network itself sprang from a community needs assessment conducted by a program called H.E.A.R.T. (Homeless Education and Resource Team) that supports students in temporary or transitional housing from the Central Valley, East Valley and West Valley school districts. From August through October of this year, the program reported 410 students in the greater Spokane Valley area who were without stable housing. Throughout Spokane County, a total of 1,185 people — or nearly five out of every 1,000 residents — have experienced homelessness in 2012, according to Spokane’s Homeless Management Information System. Brown has talked to a number of those seeking shelter. A good portion of those who call the main SVP line at 927-1153 are patched through to his office.

The good news is that Brown and other social service ambassadors are working diligently to gather and connect resources on behalf of those without a roof over their heads. Brown is already part of the Spokane Homeless Coalition, a conglomeration of nonprofits, municipalities and other community groups that gather on the first Thursday of each month to discuss issues surrounding homelessness. While the Valley Homeless Network has only met three times since September, Brown said he has been encouraged by the ambition and commitment of those in attendance. Thus far, the roll call has included representatives from all three Valley school districts, the city of Spokane Valley, the Spokane Regional Health District, Liberty Lake Kiwanis and the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, among other entities. The Current caught up with Brown in his office on a recent afternoon to talk about his hopes for the Network, the stigma of homelessness and other issues related to the quest for stability in an unstable world.

Q. A.

Talk about your daily routine as an emergency services program manager. How did you end up working here? This is about as far off my career path as I’ve been. This is new to me. I was in fundraising and development for ministry organizations like

See SHELTER, page 4

The Current

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The Current

4 • December 2012

news

SHELTER Continued from page 2

the Christian Broadcasting Network and other national organizations. What I do now is talk to people who need help. The calls range from “I’m about to lose my apartment” to “My electricity has been turned off, it’s getting awful cold, can you help?” I get calls from people who are living in their cars. Q: It sounds like fairly daunting work. How do you manage to stay optimistic as you’re trying to help these people? A: The key in all this is the sense of hope. When there isn’t a sense of something to work toward, it’s very difficult to encourage someone. I like to try to support them as much as I can. A lot of times it’s just having someone who cares. It can make a lot of difference. Q: When most people think about Spokane Valley, I’m guessing that homelessness isn’t a prevailing topic. How would your characterize the issue in this area? A: At least a third of the calls I get are about housing. Homelessness is a very real thing here in the Valley. Many of us are just a couple of paychecks from sitting in this office, looking over the desk, saying, “I’m out of work, I need help.” Q: I know there are a few organizations in the Valley like Hearth Homes that specialize in accessible housing as well as some affordable housing made available through groups like Community Frameworks and SNAP, but there doesn’t seem to be any sort of homeless shelter in the Valley. Could we use one? A: It would be something to consider. I think it’s more about how we can maximize our collective efforts to address a problem that is really beyond one organization. What can be effectively done? If you’re in the city (of Spokane), there’s a place to stay. We need to find out what needs there are in the Valley and provide that. I don’t want to compete with the city. I don’t think that’s necessary. Q: Some people claim we’re emerging out of the recession, others say it’s still very much here. How have these uncertain economic times affected what you do here? A: I’ve had seasoned executives who have lost everything sit across from my desk because they couldn’t pay their light bill. Many are almost apologetic when they come in. It’s life situations that even the most affluent people run into. Even if you have money in the bank, you can feel that hopelessness of homelessness. … You feel, “Where do I go from here?” But the thing is, there’s always that sense of the next step, or that hope. If I can somehow communicate hope, then I’ve done part of my job. Q: Talk about the origins of the Valley

Homeless Network and what you think it might be able to accomplish. A: It started with a community needs assessment through the H.E.A.R.T. program. Toward the end of that meeting we started talking about how we could reach out to the community and share with them what the impact of homelessness is. How can we get the community involved? The first discussion was that we needed to form a coalition like Spokane has and bring together clothing banks, food banks and other services. Many of the resources for the homeless are primarily in the city of Spokane. We want to talk about how we can expand their vision, their participation into the Valley. This network should represent resources in the Valley appropriately. Q: You’ve been appointed chair of this group. What do you feel you bring to the table that will benefit its mission? A: All I was asking for was to facilitate the first meeting but already, the leadership has been spontaneous. We’re already starting to connect and get lists of resources. For me, the Spokane Homeless Coalition was a great help. I didn’t know the language, didn’t know the issues, especially in Spokane, what was happening. In the coalition meetings, people there were great. They were an immediate network to tie into. Q: What were some of the lessons you’ve learned through the coalition that have helped you at SVP and could be an asset with the Valley Homeless Network? A: All of the government acronyms, the different way to communicate what resources are out there. There are some great programs, especially on a county level, that I wouldn’t have known about if I hadn’t been part of that group. The whole purpose there is to just collaborate, to coordinate resources and advocate on behalf of the homeless. Q: What can you do in your role at SVP when faced with a situation where a person is literally out in the cold? A: I can encourage them and tell them how places like the Union Gospel Mission and Hope House are excellent organizations. They have marvelous programs. They can help guide you to stability and transitional housing and if you really work on your own behalf, you can move into your own house. Q: Will there be a fundraising component to the Network? A: Fundraising is difficult if you don’t have a structure, and right now we really don’t have a structure. We’re working on that. Just speaking for myself, I think it would make sense to be under the umbrella of an established nonprofit organization that could sponsor us as a program. Q: Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake

both have stringent regulations against panhandling and now the city of Spokane is getting tougher with their law. What are some of your thoughts on the enforcement of these ordinances? A: I think of the people standing on the street corners. We’ve pushed them to the side. We don’t see them anymore, but that doesn’t mean homelessness has gone away. People who rely on panhandling, there’s got to be another answer. I know that Spokane Police have a policy where they’re supposed to give people fair warning, but also guidance on what resources are available, so they aren’t just shoved out. There should be an element of expressing care and concern and pointing them to resources instead of standing on the street. Q: How are we, as a community, doing right now as far as supporting our less fortunate neighbors? A: Right now the utility companies across the board have been a great support. They provide a great deal of support in trying to help people pay their light bill. A lot of times, people put paying that bill off because there’s something else of more importance they have to pay right at the moment. At Valley Partners, it depends a great amount on what we have available from donations and other sources. Q: Do you think that the Network will receive support from cities in the greater Spokane Valley and Spokane County? A: Just speaking for myself, I hope that the community will stand up and provide that hope for people. It wouldn’t take much. I think this community cares. We just need to connect that with practical application. I firmly believe that if the business community supports this network, it will be a success. Q: What are your hopes for the Network? A year from now, where would you like this group to be? A: Of course, we’d like to secure local funding and means by which people can help themselves. I’d like to see additional resources like Work Source where people can find meaningful employment. We want people to join this group who can make a difference. It doesn’t take a lot when you have groups working with other groups to address a problem. We don’t want to enable people. The vast majority of people I work with are not looking for a handout. We want to equip them to become self-sufficient. Whoever is the leader needs to act as a rallying point. It’s going to require the church leaders, the fraternal club leaders, the corporate leaders and city leaders to support it. Q: What can the average person do to help? A: I’d like to encourage people to take action. The answer is us. These people need the support of a caring community.

In case you missed it Compiled by Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

Election results mixed for Valley Greater Spokane Valley area voters cast conservative ballots overall, meaning the results of the November general election varied depending on perspective. On the one hand, the majority of Valley voters agreed with those in other precincts in electing a slate of Republicans locally, including Todd Mielke and Shelly O’Quinn as county commissioners and re-electing Matt Shea and Cathy McMorris Rodgers to the Houses in Olympia and Washington, D.C., respectively. On the other hand, if it had been up solely to the voters in precincts in places like Spokane Valley, Millwood, Liberty Lake and Rockford, gay marriage and marijuana ballot measures would have failed, Rob McKenna would be governor and Mitt Romney would be president.

Shea re-elected to leadership position Republican 4th District State Rep. Matt Shea was easily re-elected despite a campaign fight with challenger Amy Biviano that made headlines for plenty of wrong reasons. In the end, voters favored the representative over his opponent by a safe 57-43 margin. Turns out, his Republican colleagues in the Washington House of Representatives continue to favor Shea as well. Shortly after the election, House Republican leadership elections were held, and Shea retained his position as assistant floor leader. As assistant floor leader, Shea will help manage legislation and debate on the floor of the House, and will represent Republicans in negotiations with majority party floor leaders. He will also participate and provide input in House Republican leadership meetings, including legislative strategy and policy decisions.

A kindler, gentler (and still critical) message Following this summer’s “Drive Hammered, Get Nailed” campaign targeting drunk driving, a new initiative has been launched in Spokane County for the holidays. This one is called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” and while it’s the first time the campaign has gone by that name, what it represents is the familiar and important beefing up of DUI patrols during the holiday season. No matter which phrasing you prefer, the point is to heed the warning. It’s possible to be smart and enjoy a happy holidays.

The Current

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The Current

6 • December 2012

Company Ballet will be performing during Millwood’s sixth annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Santa will be on hand to start the countdown to lighting the tree on the Inland Empire Paper Company’s front lawn, 3320 N. Argonne Road. The festivities include music, caroling, hot chocolate and cookies. For more information, call Shirene Young at 924-1911, ext. 309.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on recommendations made by Spokane Valley’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in December. The committee is tasked with helping the city determine how to spend hotel-motel taxes, and the process has turned controversial in year’s past as organizations such as Valleyfest and the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum were passed over in favor of recipients the committee judges to do a better job of creating overnight stays in the city — thereby replenishing the fund. Neither Valleyfest nor the museum was recommended again this year.

A 1 percent property tax increase and an EMS levy were adopted by Rockford’s Town Council. A budget workshop was also held for council members to discuss measures to generate revenue and cut costs for the town.

Reporting at the Oct. 25 Freeman School Board meeting, Nutrition Services Supervisor Raeann Ducar stated two goals for her department are to strive to be cost neutral and to submit USDA spreadsheets for menus to be certified that they comply with the new meal pattern requirements. Such certification would generate six cents more per meal in reimbursements. She reported she has been successful in narrowing the gap between revenues and expenses, cutting it in half from last year.

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The Current

December 2012 • 7

After receiving an update on the future of municipal animal control from Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus at the Nov. 13 City Council meeting, members of the governing board agreed to hold a workshop on the matter in December. The city of Liberty Lake currently contracts with Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), but is considering other options, including Spokanimal and a city-sponsored system overseen by the police department.

The Central Valley School Board approved a purchase and sale agreement Nov. 13 to sell the city of Liberty Lake a site it has tabbed for a future middle school for $10. The city plans to develop recreational ball fields on the site in step with the district’s future plans for the property. When CVSD is ready to build on the site, something Superintendent Ben Small estimated could be 10 to 15 years, it has the option to purchase the property back for $10 plus the fair market value of improvements made to the property.

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Three Up, Three Down features at-a-glance news of what’s coming UP in December or went DOWN in November. Check out these six on this rendering of the Valley by homegrown artist Casey Lynch, and then turn the page for a breakdown of items by jurisdiction. (The placement of news items on this artistic map do not necessarily denote the actual location of the item described.)

The Current

8 • December 2012

3UP 3DOWN Three Up, Three Down features at-aglance news from the Spokane Valley area: — what’s coming up in December — what went down in November Six of these items are represented on the artistic rendering of the Valley by local artist Casey Lynch on the previous spread.

CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Compiled by Josh Johnson

With the Thanksgiving holiday followed by a training conference, the Spokane Valley City Council cancelled it last two meetings in November. The legislative body returns to its regular Tuesday meeting schedule Dec. 4 with a study session. The City Council is scheduled to vote on recommendations made by Spokane Valley’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in December, which once again didn’t include Valleyfest and the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. See this entry on the artistic map on pages 6-7. The city is preparing for snow, posting a bulletin of helpful winter weather tips on its website and reminding residents of how plowing is handled when a storm arrives. A map of plowing priorities as well as a link to real-time plowing progress is available on the city’s website. For more, visit www.spokanevalley.org and click the “snow info” graphic. The city spent time ironing out the wrinkles and advocating for the need of its Sullivan Road Bridge replacement project. Replacing the span over the Spokane River will cost nearly $20 million, and the city held a session with local lawmakers earlier this month to educate about the need and appeal for funding. The project is also on the annual list of legislative priorities that the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Greater Spokane Inc. advocate for in Olympia. After weeks of discussion, the City Council passed its 2013 budget at its Oct. 30 meeting. In doing so, the city established a new capital reserve fund and funded it with nearly $8 million. Among the likely candidates to receive funding from the account are the Sullivan Bridge replacement project and a future expansion of Balfour Park. Several citizen law enforcement volunteers were honored during annual SCOPE awards. Among those earning lifetime achievement awards were Ruby Emerson and longtime University SCOPE volunteers Arlene Severance and

news the late Dick Ott. Most Valuable Volunteer of the Year awards went to Dot Burdette (University), Ray Baesler (Liberty Lake), Marilyne Rider (East), Ray Westlake (Southeast) and June King (West Valley). Spokane Valley Police Chief Rick VanLeuven was also honored with an appreciation award for continued SCOPE support.

CITY OF LIBERTY LAKE Complied by Craig Howard

The city has until Dec. 31 to approve its budget for 2013, although some at City Hall — like Finance Director R.J. Stevenson — have mentioned Dec. 4 as a target date for City Council approval. Sales tax ($1.94 million) and property tax ($1.85 million) are projected as the primary revenue sources for Liberty Lake’s fiscal programming next year under Mayor Steve Peterson’s proposed budget. Along with a Winter Festival outside City Hall scheduled for Nov. 30, the city will sponsor horse-drawn carriage rides on Dec. 7 and 14. The expanded route will include an illuminated jaunt past participating homes in the Liberty Lake Christmas Light Tour. The city currently contracts with Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), but is considering other options for its animal control services in 2013. See this entry on the artistic map on pages 6-7. Representatives of City Council forwarded 30 inquiries about the preliminary budget for 2013 to Mayor Steve Peterson and other members of city staff as part of a new program known as “MBQ,” or “Mayor’s Budget Questions.” The approach, according to Peterson, has helped him and municipal employees “give council complete, detailed answers” as the city strives for transparency in the budget process. It was announced that Rocky Hill Park in Liberty Lake will host the start of the Windermere Marathon next May. Over 500 runners are anticipated to gather on the grounds for the beginning of the 26.2-mile trek that concludes in Spokane’s Riverfront Park. The marathon route includes 7.6 miles through Liberty Lake city limits with passing views of landmarks like Pavillion Park. Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District General Manager Lee Mellish announced plans for a memorial to honor longtime LLSWD commissioner Frank L. Boyle. Boyle was in his 20th year of service with the district when he passed away on Sept. 28. Meanwhile, commissioners were in the process of interviewing five applicants to replace Boyle at press time.

CITY OF MILLWOOD Complied by Valerie Putnam

Company Ballet and Santa Claus

himself are among those expected on hand for Millwood’s sixth annual Christmas Tree Lighting event Dec. 7. See this entry on the artistic map on pages 6-7. Residents of Millwood can lower energy usage this winter by participating in Sustainable Works, a non-profit energy efficiency program. Sustainable Works offers $95 home energy audits. For more information about the program, visit www. sustainableworks.com or call (509) 4433471. Millwood Better for Business is negotiating with Artist Melissa Cole for city street art. The group plans to pursue grants for funding of the project. Twenty-one people dropped off 194 tires during the Department of Ecology Waste Tire Removal event held Oct. 26. Millwood Art Gallery moved to a new location Nov. 1. Owner Teresa Antosyn is now located at Riverwalk Boutique & Gifts, 1003 E. Trent, with her art glass. Millwood City Council voted on a resolution for the 2013 Revenues and Property Tax Levy during its November meeting. The city’s assessed property value is estimated to decrease, leaving the City an estimated $3,464 less in revenue next year.

TOWN OF ROCKFORD Compiled by Heidi Scott

Dec. 1 will be a busy day for Rockford. The Methodist Church is holding its annual bazaar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Behind the church, the Rockford Community Center is open the same hours with craft vendors. Fairfield, 6 miles south of Rockford, is sponsoring an old-fashioned Christmas event the same day in its community center. Also Dec. 1, the Rockford Lion’s Club is offering an alternative to mall lines. Children can visit Santa at the Rockford Lion’s Club at 1 p.m. and enjoy treats and free pictures. Community Christmas caroling takes place the following day in the park at 2 p.m. Hot drinks and cookies are offered along with a chance to help trim trees around the park. Two church services will be held on Christmas Eve. The Methodist Church will hold a service at 6:30 p.m., and St. Mary’s Catholic Church will have mass at 8 p.m. About 40 people attended the third annual Veterans Appreciation Potluck on Veterans Day. A local veteran and his daughter shared their recent experience on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Three generations of veterans were honored and given an opportunity to share why they chose to serve in the military. A property tax increase and an EMS levy were adopted by Rockford’s Town

Council. See this entry on the artistic map on pages 6-7. The Spokane Regional Solid Waste System held a chipping event in Rockford and neighboring communities.

CENTRAL VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Compiled by Josh Johnson

The near-finishing touches on construction of the new Spokane Valley Tech campus are expected to be completed in December as students ready to move in January 2013. Central Valley is the host district among the four greater Spokane Valley school districts leading the development of the school. CVSD officials reported in November that construction is on schedule. The school board will decide on levy certification for 2013 at its Nov. 26 meeting. CVSD Superintendent Ben Small said at the board’s Nov. 13 meeting that the district will likely be seeking an increase in levy collection that is commiserate with its enrollment growth, which is about 2 percent. The decisions surrounding the school board’s annual change of leadership positions will take place in December. The five board members will determine the 2013 leadership positions of board president, vice president and legislative representative. The school board and city of Liberty Lake worked out an agreement so that a middle school site located next to Liberty Lake Elementary School can be developed with recreational fields before CVSD is ready to build a school there. See this entry on the artistic map on pages 6-7. CVSD published its annual District Report Card and is distributing it to the community. The yearly release measures the district’s progress on achieving its strategic plan. Nearly 200 business leaders, elected officials, community partners, parents, employees and interested residents attended one of seven Community Connections breakfasts held at different district schools in early November. The theme of the events was “Career and College Ready.” The event featured information and conversation between guests and students, a presentation by Superintendent Small and then presentations by students and staff from the host school regarding programs and achievements corresponding to the theme.

FREEMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT Compiled by Jim Ryan

The Freeman PTSA “Freeman Craft Night” is 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and is open to all Freeman Elementary students. The

See 3 UP, 3 DOWN, page 10

The Current

December 2012 • 9

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10 • December 2012

Highlights from your Chamber 3 UP, 3 DOWN Valley Chamber holds Annual Meeting November 30 at 11:30 a.m. Mirabeau Park Hotel 1100 N. Sullivan, Spokane Valley “Like Us” is the theme for the Valley Chamber’s Annual Meeting. The presentation, featuring Frank Kenny as keynote speaker, will help attendees discover the tools and steps necessary to integrate social media into their KENNY businesses. Topics include incorporating social media into your customer relationship management (CRM) system, social media technology costs, social media benefits for all departments, ROI, risks to privacy and reputation and more. Frank Kenny is the leading authority on social media in the Chamber of Commerce industry. As a faculty member for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management, Frank instructs on integrating strategic technology solutions as well as technology tools and trends. He also is the author of

Upcoming Chamber events

November 21, 3 p.m., Office closes through end of week for Thanksgiving holiday. November 27, 5 to 7 p.m., “Meet the Chamber” Member Reception, location TBA. Certificate presentations at 6 p.m. November 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Annual Meeting and Business Connections Lunch. See additional information above. December 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Government Action Committee meeting, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission, Spokane Valley. Program: State Legislative Priorities for 2013. Cost: $20.00 (includes lunch); register at spokanevalleychamber.org. December 6, 4:30 to 7 p.m., Holiday Social, Valley Chamber office. See additional information above. December 12, 5 to 7 p.m., “Meet the Chamber” Member Reception, Quality Inn Valley Suites, 8923 E. Mission Ave, Spokane Valley. Certificate presentations at 6 p.m. There are at least a dozen reasons to attend on 12-12-12! December 20, noon, Transportation Committee meeting, Longhorn BBQ, 2315 N. Argonne, Spokane Valley. Program: Joe Tortorelli will go over the proposed revenue package for the 2013 Legislative Session from the Transportation Commission. December 21, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan, Spokane Valley.

two books, including the newly released, “Get Up To Speed, Social Media for Chambers.” As President/CEO of a regional Chamber, he led a team in doubling the membership of that 45-year-old organization primarily through strategic social media solutions. Registration, which includes lunch, is $40 for members and their guests or $50 for non-members. A reserved VIP Table is $400, which includes 8 seats plus signage. Register at spokanevalleychamber.org. Thank you to our major sponsors:

Public invited to Holiday Social December 6 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Chamber Office 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane (lower level) Liberty Lake

The public is invited to a party to kick off the holidays at the Chamber office in the lower level of the Liberty Square building in Liberty Lake. In addition to festive food and drink, music and holiday cheer, there will be an opportunity to shop for unique gift items in Santa’s Showcase. Showcase tables are available to Valley Chamber members only to sell gifts or holidayrelated items. Space is limited, and members may reserve for $50 each by calling the office at 924-4994. Business Connections Breakfast “Season of Sharing.” Cost: $25 for members and guests, $35 for non-members. Hear from local charities, donate to their causes, and bring an unwrapped toy for the Marines’ Toys for Tots program. December 24 to January 1st, Chamber office will be closed. Office re-opens January 2. Be sure to check our website at spokanevalleychamber.org for more details and updates.

New members

Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce: A & B Motors Avenue Dental Care: Dr. Navdeep Virk and Dr. Warren Mitchell Brett’s Clipper & Shears Barber Shop Creative Outdoor CSK Communications, Inc CW Products Emergency Management Specialists, LLC Floor Coverings International Fresh Start Auto Sales Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Northwest Business Development Association Smooth Transitions of the Inland Northwest, LLC Summit Electric, LLC

1421 N. Meadowwood Lane • Liberty Lake, WA 99019 • Phone: 509 924-4994 www.spokanevalleychamber.org

news

Continued from page 8

PTSA has put together some fun crafts for the event, including bringing back the popular “pet snakes.” One item that is still needed for the event is 24- to 26-ounce glass jars with lids. Facilities Manager Kirk Lally reported to the school board that irrigation has been winterized and snow removal equipment is ready to roll. The security system in the middle school is being upgraded so that the entire campus will be on one system. The next school board meeting for the Freeman School District is 6 p.m. Nov. 27 in the K-8 Multi-Purpose Room. The PTSA board recently announced the recipients of the fall grants. A total of about $800 was awarded to teachers, counselors and therapists in the elementary, middle and high schools. Each fall and spring, the Freeman School District staff members are invited to submit requests for classroom grants of up to $100. The recipients are listed in the October PTSA newsletter. Nutrition Services Supervisor Raeann Ducar reported recently about strides made in food service in the district, including closing the gap between revenues and expenses. See this entry on the artistic map on pages 6-7. Freeman High School saw at least 75 students show up for the PSAT test Oct. 20. The PTSA provided two volunteer proctors, Dana Condrey and Lisa Paternoster, to assist counselor Laura Hamma.

WEST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Compiled by Jim Ryan

Centennial Middle School is in the second year of a six-year GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant. The grant serves all 189 students currently enrolled in the eighth grade and will follow the students through graduation. The program provides an after-school enrichment program, quarterly family nights, college campus visits, summer activities and more. West Valley City School is inviting the community to join students in a special recycling project. Used clothing, household items, stuffed animals, tattered books, broken toys, games with missing pieces, single shoes — it’s all recyclable. Donations can be placed in the collection house on the City School parking lot. Contract Based Education will soon share a building with Spokane Valley Tech. Students and staff are being patient as construction continues

The Current

on the remodel of the vacant portion of the building. Area high school students choose to attend Spokane Valley Tech to gain technical skills and experience in growing industries with a focus on career and college readiness. Students will begin attending Spokane Valley Tech in January; the new campus takes up the western portion of the building, and Contract Based Education will continue to be housed on the eastern side. Ness Elementary is adorned with a new electronic reader board. The Ness PTO worked hard over a three-year period to raise funds for the new sign. It cost close to $12,500 and is attached to the front of the school. The reader board is 9 feet long and 3 feet high and can display pictures, graphics and colors. The West Valley High School National Honor Society held a successful blood drive Oct. 26. Freshman Austin Yoakum will be featured in the Inland NW Blood Center ad campaign. Pasadena Park Elementary students are thrilled with the upgrade to their playground. The Pasadena Park PTO financed the much-needed equipment, including a big toy that has become the favorite new climbing outlet for students.

EAST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Compiled by Jim Ryan

Registration of seventh and eighth grade students for the College Bound Scholarships is currently under way. Parents can find eligibility guidelines and an online application at www.hecb.wa.gov/ collegebound. As part of the application, students pledge to prepare themselves for college. The East Valley High School Band Parents Association hosts the Winter Arts & Crafts Sale 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1-2 at East Valley High School, 15711 E. Wellesley, Spokane Valley. Hundreds of East Valley students will perform in winter concerts throughout December. The performances begin Dec. 4 and take place almost daily in the district through Dec. 19, when East Valley High School’s orchestra plays its holiday concert at 7 p.m. A district-wide choral assembly honored veterans Nov. 7. The East Valley High School girls volleyball team had a great season and competed recently at the state level for the first time in 15 years. The district also had two students qualify for state in cross country: Brittany Aquino finished third, and Scott Kopczynski finished 12th. The East Valley High School marching band scored success in November, placing third out of 11 bands in their division at the Auburn Veterans Memorial Marching Band Festival.

The Current

December 2012 • 11

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community

Railway station, paper mill led to Valley’s first incorporated town

The Current

Valley of the sun A monthly series of historical chronicles providing a window into the past — and a connection to the heritage — of the communities that make up the Spokane Valley. February Dishman March Chester April Opportunity May Vera June Greenacres July Saltese August Spokane Bridge September East Farms/Otis Orchards October Trentwood November Orchard Avenue December Millwood

Photos courtesy of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

By Bill Zimmer and Chuck King Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

In the early to late 1800s, the Spokane Valley floor was covered with bunch grass which provided well for Indian horses. The Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Indians caught salmon from the river, used large rocks for drying fruit and built sweat lodges where the paper mill now stands. There also was a race track where the tribes had horse races, probably where the Millwood School is located. In 1882, the Joseph Woodard family arrived from Kansas and settled in what is now the Millwood area. Joseph Woodard served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1864 in Company A, 9th Kansas Cavalry, before coming to the Valley. Other families soon followed and by the end of 1897, six families were living in the area. When the Spokane Railroad Company planned an electric rail line through the valley, Seth Woodard and his father encouraged them by offering free right-of-way passage through their land. The railroad, in return, built Woodard Station on the edge of Seth Woodard’s property. The first suburban telephone line was solicited by Seth Woodard and installed in 1906 by the Pacific Telephone Company. Woodard and the nine other subscribers agreed to five-year contracts with the company. As development continued in 1908, a road was built across the valley from Sprague to Upriver Drive. That road later became known as Argonne Road in memory of the World War I Battle of the Argonne Forest in France. In 1909, the first steel bridge was built at Millwood linking both parts of the road. Also in 1909, a headline in the Spokane daily paper announced the plans for a million-dollar paper mill. W.A. Brazeau, passing through the area on his way from Wis-

Above: This circa 1930s photo of Millwood was taken north of the Spokane River. The building that now serves as Bethany Place assisted living facility is evident in the upper right of the photo. At left: The Inland Empire Paper Mill locomotive hauls logs to the paper mill in this circa 1920s photo. consin to an “Exposition” in Seattle, saw the local paper and stopped to look over the situation. When the original plan fell through, Brazeau presented the idea of developing a paper mill to the Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company in Wisconsin. Within a year, construction began with capital from NekoosaEdwards and the Inland Empire Company. By 1911, the mill was producing paper. As the paper mill grew, attracting local workers as well as workers from Wisconsin, it was decided that the area known as Woodard Station needed a new name. The accepted name was Millwood, combining the mill and Woodard. By that time, other commercial ventures had been initiated in the immediate Millwood area, including a restaurant, lumber yard, general store, barbershop, hotel, cement factory (1912), post office (1915) and a bank (1920). A school was opened in 1912. A few years later, the students from Orchard Park were moved to the Millwood School which became Millwood High School after an approved curriculum was developed. In 1925, a new “West Valley High School” opened at the corner of Trent and Argonne. Millwood displayed many of the characteristics of a company town, but it was much more than that, as is evident through the many businesses which were devel-

oped by various entrepreneurs. The Inland Empire Paper Company purchased land and offered lots for sale, encouraging their employees to build homes. The company also established a home-loan fund and offered construction ideas and architectural plans from house plans and pattern books. They even laid rails to the development area in order to bring in a steam shovel to dig basements. Between 1920 and 1928, many homes were constructed using a variety of architectural styles. Building materials of lumber, cement, granite and an assortment of clay products were available within a few miles of Millwood. In 1927, following a favorable 75-5 vote by the residents, Millwood became the only incorporated town in the valley. Waldo Rosebush, who was the general manager of the paper mill during the period in which most of the Millwood buildings were constructed, influenced the development and design of many of the homes and businesses in the area. The design of his own home is considered to be the most unique and imaginative in Millwood. It is said that he came up with the exterior design after observing houses in France while serving in the Army in World War I. Though he was a manufacturer, historian and gun collector, he is probably best known locally for his

historical writings and for editing two series of articles which appeared in The Spokesman Review under the title, “The Valley of the Sun.” Most of the homes in Millwood historic district were completed by 1928. To give further identity to the neighborhood, oak and maple trees were planted along Dalton Avenue. The paper mill donated land for a church and on their own grounds developed a park, a swimming pool and a gazebo used for the performances of the mill’s “Paper Makers Band.” In the 1930s and 1940s, businesses in Millwood and the paper mill remained fairly static. During that period several Spokane Valley banks failed, but the Spokane Valley State Bank in Millwood remained solvent. During the 1950s, several new houses were built and businesses added. However, when Argonne Valley Shopping Center opened in 1960, some Millwood businesses moved to the new shopping center while others simply closed. In 1978, seven of Millwood’s 28 commercial spaces were vacant. As the other malls and strip malls opened, Argonne Village was also negatively impacted. Today, Millwood’s commercial space is well used and limited parking has been improved through street widening. Millwood is unique in many ways but especially through the showcase quality of its historic buildings. When homes in the historic district are put on the market, they often sell within days. After 100 years of operation, the Inland Empire Paper Company is still producing paper in a modern stateof-the-art plant. Bill Zimmer is a retired educator and former West Valley School District board member, and Chuck King is a Spokane Valley historian. Additional items about the history and culture of Millwood—or any of the communities in the Valley of the Sun series—are available in the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum archives, 12114 E. Sprague Ave. For more information, call 922-4570 or visit www.heritagecenter.org.

The Current

December 2012 • 13

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The Current

14 • December 2012

community

Shifting gears while maintaining its charitable mission Nonprofit Spotlight: Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels

Greater Spokane County

Meals on Wheels

By Craig Howard

Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels Executive Director Pam Almeida and longtime volunteer Lowell Brocklehurst prep for another delivery.

Current Contributor

As the lunch hour approached on a frosty, overcast day in Spokane Valley last month, Lowell Brocklehurst turned up his coat and braved the late autumn chill to make sure his neighbors had a hot meal. For well over two decades, Brocklehurst has been hauling containers of lasagna, roasted turkey and Salisbury steak over Valley roads as a volunteer with the local branch of Meals on Wheels. He generally delivers to around a dozen stops, a mobile diner with the hospitality to match. “It’s a good way to spend my time in retirement,” Brocklehurst said. “I enjoy the clients. We usually have a little chat.” For years, Brocklehurst and other drivers donated their time under the umbrella of Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit agency that traced its roots to a youth group at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church that began delivering meals to halfa-dozen seniors in November 1973. It’s been almost two years since the organization morphed into Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, a change that took place when it outbid the Spokane Regional Health District to administer the Senior Nutrition program through an agreement with Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington. “We went from a subcontractor to a contractor,” said Pam Almeida, the agency’s executive director for the past 13 years. “We went from serving the Valley to serving the entire county. It’s changed from the three of us running the program to 29 employees.” The transition meant preparing and delivering over double the previous number of meals. When the contract began, the agency was responsible for 600 meals a day between delivered routes and congregate lunch sites. That number is now closer to 900. To qualify for the program, clients need to be over 60, disabled or homebound. “There are more people in need,” Almeida said. “We have 29 routes with many of them maxed out. The demand in the city of Spokane has grown a lot more. I’m seeing more desperate people than ever before … people living in tents and cars.” Add in frozen lunches and liquid nutrition, and Almeida and her team are now churning out around 25,000 meals a month. Routes go east to the state line, west to Cheney, north to Deer Park and as far south as Rockford. The agency also provides free bus passes to over a dozen permanent lunch sites across the county. Wherever a lunch

Current photo by Craig Howard

is served, Almeida says it “goes toward our main goal of helping people stay in their homes.” Volunteers and donations have been central to the success of the program from the beginning. Currently, Almeida said the agency is appealing to the community for both. “There are some routes now where we’re doing frozen meals because we don’t have enough volunteers,” she said. “Our staff has to leave the office and drive the downtown (Spokane) area. As a volunteer, you can drive once a week or once a month. We also need donations. Right now, we’re serving 25 percent more people than we anticipated.” Jane Seaboldt began at Meals on Wheels a month before Almeida started. She served for years as volunteer coordinator and is now assistant director. She said those who donate their time to the cause quickly realize it’s about much more than dropping off a lunch. “It’s work that makes you feel appreciated,” Seaboldt said. “You’re helping to feed someone that needs a meal and then taking a minute to tell them, ‘Have a good day.’ It’s very rewarding.” Seaboldt and Almeida have a bevy of heartwarming stories from over the years, starting with a client in Otis Orchards who was stranded in a mobile home without water one harsh winter and relied on the meals to stay alive. Another senior in Greenacres had nothing but a lawn chair until volunteers rallied to furnish his home. There are many other accounts of volunteers spotting something amiss, calling 911 or connecting clients to advocacy groups like Elder Services or Adult Protective Services. “For a third of our clients, this is their only meal of the day,” Almeida said. “For many more, the volunteer is the only person they see that day. These home-delivered

meals are their lifeline.” Less than a quarter of clients cover the recommended donation of $3.50 per meal. Around 60 percent pay a portion while no compensation is received from the rest. No one is turned away for inability to pay. “We send out statements once a month but don’t rebill them if they don’t pay,” Almeida said. “That’s where we need donations to fill that gap.” The agency’s efforts have won acclaim from groups like Greater Spokane Inc. and the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, which have each honored Meals on Wheels with their respective “Nonprofit of the Year” awards. The organization has also done its part to alter what Almeida calls “the stigma of Meals on Wheels food.” A cozy restaurant called the “Silver Café” opened in north Spokane earlier this year, serving the same fare on delivery routes. The agency also runs a popular catering service and operates its own kitchen. “That’s the whole idea behind catering and the Silver Café, is that it’s good, healthy food,” Almeida said. “I’m not hearing about those stereotypes nearly as much. People we’ve catered to are amazed that this is the same food we give to our clients. It’s low salt, low fat, healthy food. It’s home cooking.” Last October, Meals on Wheels moved its headquarters from a small space on Dishman-Mica to a spacious venue in the nowabandoned University Center on Sprague Avenue near Pines Road. Almeida said the transition was a good one. “There’s good light, good parking and the volunteers like the centralized location,” she said. “Plus, we got a better deal on rent.” While the new home office has made a difference, it’s the sprawling network of carry-out service that continues to define the mission here. For Almeida, the rewards

Volunteer Volunteers deliver meals to elderly and disabled neighbors between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is a critical need for volunteers who are able to even commit to once a week or once a month. Donate More than 80 percent of clients live at or below the poverty level, and most cannot cover the suggested meal donation of $3.50. Help make up the gap by sending a donation to GSC Meals on Wheels, PO Box 14278, Spokane Valley, WA 99214 or by donating through the website. Receive meals Schedule home delivery at 924-6976 or visit a Silver Café Senior Lunch Program location and dine with others. Among the Valley-area locations: • Appleway Court: 221 S. Farr Road, Spokane Valley, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday • Edgecliff Senior Center: 6903 E. 4th, Spokane Valley, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday • Liberty Lake City Hall: 22710 E. Country Vista Drive, Liberty Lake, noon Monday and Wednesday • Opportunity Presbyterian Church: 202 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday • Otis Orchards Elementary School: 22000 E. Wellesley, Otis Orchards, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday • Spokane Valley Senior Center: 2426 N. Discovery Way, Spokane Valley, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday For more Call 924-6976 or visit www.gscmealsonwheels.org. are as diverse and nourishing as the weekly menu. “I like knowing that I’m feeding people,” she said. “I like knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives. Our volunteers are the best group of people I’ve ever met and so are the clients.”

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Happy Holidays, Spokane Valley! Welcome to the first-ever “Eat, Shop and Be Merry” holiday guide. Consider this a road map to spending the holiday season in the greater Spokane Valley. Check out the articles and advertisements on the following pages to be inspired with great gift ideas, practical tips and some succulent dining experiences that will help you pave the perfect road to 2013.

Where did we find 99 ideas? Like a young boy writing his annual letter to Santa, the hardest part of putting together a guide like this is putting down the pencil. The list of great eats, buys and tips for the holidays in the Valley is truly endless, and this effort is in no way exhaustive. What we did include was many of our own ideas and favorites, and we also sought help from friends around the community and on Facebook (thanks to those who responded to our recent inquiries with feedback). As this special guide is an advertising supplement, we also worked to connect our partner businesses with local consumers by asking them for ideas to share with you.

As such, there will be no plugs on the following pages for amazon.com. As much as online commerce has its place, we always encourage readers to support local merchants, restaurants and organizations first. We share a common goal of maintaining and building upon the amazing community that is the greater Spokane Valley, and we can’t forget how important support from one another is to that pursuit. We hope you put this inaugural guide to good use. And as always, share your feedback and ideas at the email address below. Wishing you a season of wonder, joy, peace and love,

Josh Johnson

Publisher, The Splash and The Current josh@valleycurrent.com

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