The February 2013 Current

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New group aims to connect residents to neighborhood resources and opportunities for wellness

EVSD TRYING TO BUCK BOND TREND Page 14

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City of Spokane Valley employees in the permitting office take a pause from the walk-in traffic last month. Pictured from left are Permitting Specialist Jon Hester, City Manager Mike Jackson, Planner Karen Kendall, Development Services Coordinator Mike Turbak, Permit Specialist Mick Bondurant, Community Development Director John Hohman and Building Official Doug Powell. Jackson and Hohman sat down with The Current last month to talk about the ways improved permitting — among a few other priorities — have become central to the city’s economic development philosophy.

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Economic Development 101 SV leaders preach importance of ‘maintaining the edge’ on revamped permitting program and infrastructural needs

By Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

A Cup of Joe to be not all that long ago. What were the signs that took you from not only making major strides in the area, but getting to the point where you felt like it was something worth trumpeting in the community?

Mike Jackson and John Hohman may not have been on the billboards, but they were behind them. The city of Spokane Valley’s city manager and community development director, respectively, were Jackson: It’s something we’ve alinstrumental in revamping a permitting ways worked on. When the new process that was trumpeted by a late 2012 Council came in and selected ad campaign as the “friendliest in Washme as their city manington.” ager, it’s something The challenge of that came up over and building a robust ecoover again, so the pernomic development mitting system was one infrastructure in a of my top priorities. I sluggish economy enGrowing Business think there had been compasses more than improvements made one area, of course. The Current recently along the way, gradual improvements, but sat down with the architects of the recent when the previous community developpermitting improvements to learn more ment director left and I was interviewing about the municipal perspective behind for a new one, the permitting system and growing and developing business in Spo- the ability to provide excellent customer kane Valley. service and a skill set to work with developers and the public was a high priorMayor Tom Towey has noted ity. … We went through a series of real that the permitting process changes. It isn't just minor adjustments. If wasn’t where the city wanted it See ECONOMIC, page 4

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news

The Current

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

Why did the rooster cross the road?

The unofficial Press Release of the Month award for January goes to SCRAPS for its creatively written take on a Jan. 16 Interstate 90 morning commuter jam featuring a Rhode Island Red Rooster attempting to zip through the eastbound lanes and into the westbound counterparts between the Argonne and Broadway exits.

A SCRAPS officer, four state troopers and a DOT employee spent about 45 minutes corralling the rooster while “making sure his commute — and capture — didn’t result in a fender bender on the freeway,” the release said.

“The rooster refused to pull-over and outran the authorities until a ‘rooster block’ was set up, and he was finally taken into custody,” the release said, before concluding, “the owner can get his rooster out of the ‘pen’ by coming to SCRAPS and redeeming him.”

ECONOMIC Continued from page 2

you need to make changes to the system, make them. That's what led to the changes in staffing and going to permit facilitators, so if your title is “facilitator” it’s a little hard to get confused about what you’re supposed to do. You don't just hand the book to someone, you facilitate. In my mind, it was a top priority and we finally made great strides and we were achieving that. … We discussed that we were now at a point where we could tell the public that things have changed. We couldn't do that until it was true. There’s a lot of backing behind this advertising. It's not just a campaign; it’s to tell people the changes that we made.

Hohman: One of the things that helped us out during that timeframe toward the end of last year is that we were getting a lot of compliments from our customers.

I think that led into that it would be nice to have some testimonials, which is where the Wal-Mart ad came from.

Q: Is that where language like “friendliest in the state” comes from — your testimonials?

A: Jackson: Yeah, Wal-Mart said that, and so we asked them if they’d be willing to do a testimonial. And there have been quite a few other companies that have been really positive.

Q: About a year ago, the city spent a lot of time meeting with other stakeholders in the business community such as the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Greater Spokane Inc.

Newman Lake replacement levy Newman Lake Fire District 13 is asking voters to approve an emergency medical services replacement Levy Feb. 12. A yes vote would continue the levy rate for 2014 through 2019 at the current rate of 50 cents for every $1,000 of assessed value.

Online magazines made available to library patrons Spokane County Library District cardholders can now access 157 magazines online at www.scld.org.

Using Zinio for Libraries, patrons can access the library’s catalog of selected digital magazines and be notified when new issues of favorite magazines are available.

at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center.

To participate, items must be made up of at least 75 percent of recycled, upcycled or repurposed materials. A limited number of booth reservations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at $25 each.

Vendors will be supplied with one table, two chairs, and a booth space of 10 by 10 feet. All booths are indoors. Applications are due March 1.

Applications are available at www.spokanevalley10.com. For more information, contact Carolbelle Branch at 720-5411 or cbranch@spokanevalley.org.

Wolfe joins Padden team

Vendors of recycled, upcycled and repurposed craft items are being sought to participate in Spokane Valley's R.U.R. (Recycled, Upcycled, Repurposed) Bazaar.

The Bazaar is scheduled to take place during Spokane Valley's Birthday Party and Carnival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16

Spokane native Angela Wolfe joined the legislative team of Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, in time for the 2013 legislative session, which began last month.

Wolfe is a graduate of Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey and comes to the Senate after experience at the East Valley School District in Spokane Valley, where she worked as a community expert

After that, the city formed an economic development committee, which gathered more information and provided feedback. In many ways 2012 was a bit of a listening and information gathering tour.

What takeaways did you gain from that?

A: Jackson: I’ll answer with the one that comes right to my mind when you said that. I would say confirmation that as a city, our most important role to support economic development is to provide excellent infrastructure. I would call it infrastructure and programs, because it's good roads and bridges and transportation, but it’s also excellent permitting and development support services. ... We kept coming back (that) we're doing the right thing focusing on infrastructure and programs as opposed to going out and attracting new business. We want to attract new business, but we do that by having the infrastructure and programs. … It confirmed our objectives in a big way.

Hohman: And the secondary thing we learned was just how important it is to be involved with our economic development partners, to have those relationships for that communication and collaboration.

Q: How have those relationships changed as a result? What does that look like?

A: Hohman: For example, our relationship with Greater Spokane Inc. On various projects in the past, we had a role on our end and didn't realize GSI was working on the same thing on their end. Now we easily pick up the phone and have participated in several recruitment meetings. We’ve been able to attend those meetings as government representatives.

Also, one of the upcoming things we’re working on is a public portal to our permitting software. What we have been in discussions with (Valley Chamber President and CEO) Eldonna Shaw about would be for the Chamber to sponsor a developer meeting to see exactly what types of information the development committee would like to see.

Q: Now that we’re sitting here at the start of a new year, are there any statistics from the past year that show signs of growth in business vitality or perhaps indicators that there are still a ways to go?

A: Hohman: … We do have permit numbers and our valuation up, so the investment in these development projects has climbed.

Jackson: I’d say this. Obviously, our interest in economic development is tied into the revenue stream for the city. This city has a commitment to grow the revenue stream through the existing tax base.

We’ve seen a slight increase in sales tax, but it seems like there has been some give and take. … What we're looking at and hoping is that we can see an upward trend in sales tax collection.

Q: I saw where Sprague Avenue is being considered for a business route designation. Of course, the idea of assisting business along the Sprague corridor has long been a topic of conversation in the Valley. Are there any short- or long-term ideas on the table for Sprague?

A: Jackson: There’s the business route, and we are pursuing that. And many of the code changes that have been done have looked specifically at the Sprague corridor. We put the new gateway in this year,

R.U.R. Bazaar seeking vendors

and tutor to form parent-teacher partnerships.

Bailey, Rehkow honored The prestigious list of high school basketball players nominated to participate in the McDonald’s All-American game includes a pair of Spokane Valley students, Brett Bailey of University High School and Austin Rehkow of Central Valley High School.

More than 800 players were nominated nationally. The final roster of 24 boys and 24 girls will be announced Feb. 14.

CV adds to Wall of Fame Central Valley High School welcomed a new group of inductees to the school’s Wall of Fame Jan. 25. Inductees included 11 individuals (Harry Amend, Courtney Hepton, Ron Knudsen, Brad Lewis, Bill Pierce, Dale Poffenroth, Duane Ranniger, Steve Rasmussen, Stan Rhodes, Chic Sale and Bump Wills) and two teams (the 1968 boys state basketball champions and the 1993 girls state basketball champions). and I think it’s a beautiful entry in the city and lets them know they are here. We did the Sprague swales project from Park to Thierman. Of course, we’ve done paving projects on Sprague and have other paving planned for next year from basically Park to the overpass. So there’s been a big investment in that corridor.

Hohman: One of the things we are doing from the community development side as well, and we haven't quite formulated how the approach will be, but we’ve heard a lot of feedback that we need to get property owners in the same room and ask, “What are their needs? What are they looking for?” … We would possibly integrate this with a requirement we have to update our comprehensive plan over the next couple of years.

Jackson: We’re definitely seeing improvements along that corridor with economic investment.

Q: Any time we have a discussion about creating a favorable environment for business, the complementary question is how are we making sure we are simultaneously protecting the greater community and what people love about living in Spokane Valley?

A: Jackson: We've said all along, we're not compromising any integrity whatever in the system or in the building code because the building inspectors are making sure we are providing good and safe infrastructure. We adhere strictly to the same code that any other city would. The development code and all the code changes that Council makes are completely open, public processes. They always take public

See ECONOMIC, page 36

The Current

February 2013 • 5

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6 • February 2013

news

Network formed as Valley wellness resource

By Valerie Putnam Current Contributor

A

new community movement hopes to get the greater Spokane Valley connected to wellness.

The purpose of the Spokane Valley Healthy Communities Network is to connect health-focused service organizations to each other to share knowledge and events. About 25 area agencies have been

See HEALTH, page 7

Initiative:

Healthy Valley

Initiative

Healthy Valley

Initiative:

Healthy Valley

An annual Baddlands Cycling Club race zips through the River District neighborhood near the border between Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley.

Whether outdoors or indoors, whether physical, mental or emotional, the recently formed Spokane Valley Healthy Communities Network aims to connect residents with wellness events, opportunities and resources.

Initiative

Current file photo

The Current

February 2013 • 7

news

Event is opportunity to ‘Get Connected’

By Valerie Putnam Current Contributor

Looking for ideas on how to stay healthy and active until the weather thaws into summer? Want to learn more about the resources available in our community for health and wellness?

The debut event of the Spokane Valley Healthy Communities Network is here to help. The group’s “Get Connected” event will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley. The festivities include 45 vendor booths and door prizes.

“It’s a one-stop shop to learn about what’s available in the community,” said Jennifer Papich, city of Spokane Valley recreation coordinator and one of the organizers of the event. “It’s for all ages, abilities and socioeconomic status.”

Get Connected will feature 10-minute demonstrations throughout the event by

HEALTH Continued from page 6

involved in the group’s formation, and nearly double that number will be represented at the network’s debut “Get Connected” event planned for Feb. 28 (see breakout box).

“We want people to be talking together,” said Jennifer Papich, city of Spokane Valley recreation coordinator and one of the founders of the network. “If organizations are doing similar things, they could join together and do one big thing or share resources. It puts more synergy behind what’s happening in the community and where people can get resources and information.”

The Network also hopes to raise awareness for members of the community about what resources, activities and events are available in the area.

“We have a lot of things that are right here in the Spokane Valley and available for the community, so many that are free,” Papich said. “You don’t have to go to other places. I think that (the Network) is a way of getting the information out there.”

On the cover sUBMITTED PHOTO

Participants in a recent Valleyfest 5K/10K fun run set out on the Centennial Trail.

Encouraging active, healthy lifestyles and general wellness topics is the focus of the newly formed Spokane Valley Healthy Communities Network.

participating organizations such as Taichi and Zumba Demo, and Tune Tales Preschool music, a musical education program for children ages 1-9.

“We wanted to show families what there is to do this time of the year to stay healthy,” said Valleyfest Executive Director Peggy Doering, another event organizer.

“You don’t just close the door and watch TV. There are the parks, the Centennial trail is open, go to the HUB or the Y. There are all kinds of programs out there.”

Besides being a resource for the community, Papich hopes it creates a stronger connection between service organizations.

“It’s as much for the public as it is for the vendors,” she said. “When setting up, it’s going to give all these groups opportunity to network and find out what everybody’s doing, making those connections and hopefully bettering the services we provide to the community by partnerships.”

Get Connected When: 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 28 Where: CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley Details: The event is free and open to the public. All ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. The event will feature winter and spring activities with door prizes and demonstrations happening throughout the afternoon. This is the first official event put on by the Spokane Valley Healthy Communities Network.

Among the participating vendors: Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation, Liberty Lake Parks and Recreation, Spokane Kids Calendar, SoccerTots, YMCA, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, Zumba

hoods, which did The idea for the Network can be not have access to FOR MORE ... traced back to Valgood nutrition and leyfest Executive were not physically The Spokane Valley Healthy CommuniDirector Peggy active, had a lifesties Network meets at 3 p.m. the second Doering fielding pan reduction of 10 Wednesday of each month at Centercalls from people years.

Place Regional Event Center, 2426 N. looking for infor“That is a stagDiscovery Place, Spokane Valley. For mation about area gering statistic,” more information, attend a meeting or services.

Doering said. contact Jennifer Papich at 720-5408 or “ Va l l e y f e s t “Your health care jpapich@spokanevalley.org. sounds like it’s conand longevity is innected to the Valfluenced by income ley in some way,” and where you live.”

Doering said. "FortuRelated story Hoping to involve nately I’m connected the health and wellto a lot of nonprofIndoor options keep seniors fit ness community in its and agencies, but over the winter or year round. their dialogue, Papich there are some areas and Doering invited that I wasn’t too sure PAGES 22-23 area service providabout." ers to meet and learn Doering saw a need about what each was to learn about what service providers doing in the community. were in her area. Searching for a solution, “We wanted to get together and put she was inspired while attending a workfaces with names and let everybody know shop on the Cheney “Let’s Move” project what everybody did,” Papich said. “The back in April 2011. Let’s Move is a White Valley is still forming its community, and House-endorsed movement to reduce so we wanted to make sure we knew, as childhood obesity. That May, she and community service providers, what was Papich began talking about creating a out in our own area. ” health-related organization in the Valley.

The initial meeting brought a large “We knew we wanted to do something,” Papich said, “but didn’t know group of agencies from a variety of difwhat exactly it was we wanted to do, so ferent health and wellness organizations.

“Health is the big umbrella,” Papich we just started meeting.” said.

“We understand health is more — Doering referred to a 2012 Spokane Regional Health District Odds against emotional, social and financial. We want Tomorrow Health Inequities in Spokane it to be a resource, one place to go to get County survey. The survey revealed that information.” people living in lower-income neighborThe group continued to meet monthly.

Fitness, ValleyFest, Liberty Lake Learning Center, Spokane Valley Senior Center, Tune Tales Preschool Music, TOPS, Boy Scouts, SHIBA, Take Shape for Life, Spokane Transit, Tai Chi for Health, Realiv/Advanced Fitness, Girl Scouts, Valley Hospital, Hospice of Spokane, Holly and Heather Parties, HUB Sports Center, Peak 7 Adventures, Spokane COPS, Heart Program, Health Connections LLC, Care to Stay Home, Blessings Under the Bridge, Spokane Valley Partners, Heart in Hand Program, Washington State Attorney General, Valley Homeless Network, Harmonic Wellness Therapy, Sonshine Sanctuary, Rachel’s Heartful Hands, Community Minded Enterprises, Pine Ridge Alzheimer’s Care Center, Spokane County Library District.

For more: Contact Jennifer Papich at 720-5408 or jpapich@spokanevalley.org

Beginning at the January 2012 meeting, speakers from different organizations — such as Step Up Spokane, Let’s Move in Cheney, Central Valley School District and Second Harvest Food Bank — spoke to the group about the services they provide.

The Network is currently comprised of 25 health and wellness agencies from around the Greater Spokane Valley area, including Liberty Lake and Spokane.

The group plans to host three events a year, the first of which is the Feb. 28 “Get Connected” function. In May, summer activities such as swimming, water safety and boat safety will be featured. Valleyfest will be the location for the third Get Connected event, with an information kiosk available.

“This event has created more organizations to be aware of the Healthy Community Network,” Papich said of “Get Connected.” “They’re excited about it and want to be a part of it. I think the more events we do like this it’s going to grow the awareness and who knows what could come of it, hopefully a lot of other things in the future.”

The group’s next step is to develop some form of communication between the different organizations. One idea the group is exploring is utilizing an online digital bulletin board where organizations can post information.

“We’re evolving into something,” Papich said. “We just want to find the right direction. The possibilities are limitless, based on ideas that get sparked and what people’s interests are. We’re going in the right direction.”

8 • February 2013

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The Current

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In addition, Nelson is available for speaking at your In an industry where regulation fosters complexchurch or event, life and faith coaching, ministry ity, Mike has carved a place for himself. “My niche is and team development, and pastoral assistance. To providing transparency to an industry that is blamed learn more, Nelson invites everyone to visit the for the global meltdown and for good reason,” he website or catch up with him at one of his favorconcedes. “My biggest challenge in the current ite places to hang out – Starbucks. market is translating ever-changing lender requireRegarding his current location, Nelson rements for borrowers.” Despite the fact that many of marked “Our office at the Liberty Lake Portal has the requirements do not follow any common sense, been a real blessing. The owners and manageMike had realized success, stemming in part from ment are supportive and responsive, and the mix his ability to understand the moving target that is his of tenants lends to a professional working enviindustry. ronment – this place is top notch!”

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The Current

10 • February 2013

3UP 3DOWN

West Valley School Board Member Sam Andrews is now West Valley School District employee Sam Andrews. Andrews recently began work in an accounting/payroll officer position, assisting Payroll Director Robin Hendrick at the district office. Following interviews for the job that was posted last November, Andrews was selected for the position. The West Valley alumnus earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Eastern Washington University last spring. According to district rules, Andrews had to resign from the school board before he could be hired. Andrews officially resigned at the board’s Dec. 12 meeting.

The Spokane Valley City Council is expected to announce an interim replacement this month for former Council Member Brenda Grassel, who left the governing board on Dec. 31 based on an imminent move outside city limits. A total of nine council hopefuls completed applications for the post, and five finalists were interviewed by the Council Jan. 29. The eventual appointee will need to run in the November general election to retain the seat beyond 2013. The finalists are current Spokane Valley planning commissioners Kevin Anderson and Rod Higgins; Linda Thompson, executive director of the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council; Samuel Wood, a real estate appraiser; and recent state representative candidate and accountant Amy Biviano.

For residents of the town of Rockford, ballots are due Feb. 12 for a vote on a property tax levy that would raise money to cover the cost of the town’s law enforcement contract with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

The approximately $33,000 raised would go to law enforcement, meaning money currently spent on that could be diverted to other pressing needs, such as invested into upgrades to the town’s aging water system and wastewater treatment plant.

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The Current

February 2013 • 11

The Spokane Valley City Council unanimously approved a contract renewal with Spokane County Regional Animal Control Service at its Jan. 8 meeting. The agreement — combined with decisions by the cities of Spokane and Liberty Lake to go with SCRAPS — paves the way for a regional approach to animal protection. Multiple agencies held a special press conference and tour on Jan. 28 at the location where a new regional facility will now be developed, 6815 E. Trent Ave. in Spokane Valley.

East Valley School District voters will decide the fate of a $65 million capital facilities bond Feb. 12. A successful bond vote — requiring a supermajority, or more than 60 percent to pass — would mean complete renovations at a quartet of district sites that currently house pre-kindergarten through seventh-grade students — East Farms, Otis Orchards, Trentwood and Continuous Curriculum School. A new gym would also be installed at each of the four schools as well as at Trent Elementary. East Valley High School would receive a new artificial turf field, athletic field house and performing arts/community center.

Three Up, Three Down features at-a-glance news of what’s coming UP in February or went DOWN in January.

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 Central Valley High School marching band represented the Central Valley School District, the Spokane Valley community and Washington state in the U.S. President’s Inaugural Day parade on Jan. 21 in Washington, D.C. A total of 134 band and color guard students made the trip to march in the parade. The decorated band was the only high school from Washington state and one of just 14 high school bands nationwide selected for the honor.

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12 • February 2013

3UP 3DOWN Three Up, Three Down features at-aglance news from the Spokane Valley area: — what’s coming up in February — what went down in January 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 Craig Howard

The city of Spokane Valley will continue to accept applications each month as part of the 10-Year Community Anniversary Recognition Program. Residents can be nominated for efforts on behalf of their neighbors, organization, church, event, business or community. Honorees will be invited to a City Council meeting and receive a Key to the City from Mayor Tom Towey. Nomination forms can be completed online at www.spokanevalley10. com, while printed forms are available at a number of sites, including city offices, Spokane Valley fire stations and the Spokane Valley Library. The first honoree in the series, Greenacres Elementary School teacher JoAnn Dowling, was recognized at the Jan. 29 meeting (see separate story, page 39).

On Feb. 5, the City Council is expected to replace former Council Member Brenda Grassel, who left the governing board on Dec. 31 based on an imminent move outside city limits. Five finalists were interviewed by the Council Jan. 29 for the position. See the full version of this entry on the artistic map on pages 10-11.

The quest for funds to replace the southbound Sullivan Road Bridge will headline Spokane Valley’s legislative agenda for 2013. An estimated $4 million is needed to span the gap and reach the $19.7 million goal to rebuild the bridge.

Bill Bates was selected to serve as the chair of the Spokane Valley Planning Commission for 2013. Joe Stoy was picked as vice-chair. This will be Bates’ second go-around as commission lead since being appointed in January 2011.

Former City Council Member Bill Gothmann was honored with the Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year Award by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce at its 10th annual Gem of the Valley Galaon Jan. 26 at Mirabeau Park Hotel.

In addition to his many contributions as a community leader and benefactor, Gothmann has distinguished himself as an engineer, college instructor and author.

The City Council unanimously approved a contract renewal with Spokane

news County Regional Animal Control Service at its Jan. 8 meeting, helping pave the way for a regional approach to animal protection with other partner jurisdictions. See the full version of this entry on the artistic map on pages 10-11.

City of Liberty Lake Compiled by Craig Howard

In a vote that could have wide-ranging impact on the future of the election terrain in Spokane County’s easternmost jurisdiction, the Liberty Lake City Council will address a proposed amendment to the municipal development code regarding political signage. The shift would once again allow political signs on public property within the right-of-way or a public easement.

Buoyed by $35,000 in city funds, a committee led by Liberty Lake resident and former Marine Bob Wiese will discuss details of an impending project at Rocky Hill Park known as the Fallen Heroes Circuit Course. The feature will include outdoor exercise equipment and citations for veterans who died in the line of duty.

Wiese hopes to eventually include installments at five sites in Liberty Lake encompassing a five-mile loop.

The city continues to get the word out about a utility tax rebate available to seniors and residents with disabilities who qualify under established income guidelines. Applications for the rebate will be accepted until April 30.

Mike Terrell, a Liberty Lake-based landscape architect, provided City Council with a design drawing for the ornamental portion of a roundabout scheduled for construction later this year. The future landmark will include gateway signage in brick and granite, a backdrop of evergreen trees, perennial plants and space for an art feature.

City Council voted unanimously in favor of an interlocal agreement with Spokane County to allot $264,160 for the design and construction of a new trail along the north side of Sprague Avenue from Liberty Lake Road to Molter Road. The funds represented the remaining revenue generated by the Transportation Benefit District formed by residents of the area in 1999 to pay for a local trail system.

The city’s bill for snow clearing on arterials and residential streets from Jan. 6 and 7 totaled $9,000, according to City Administrator Katy Allen. Liberty Lake’s cost for winter road maintenance with Peplinski Construction can range from $30,000 to $75,000, depending on the weather.

City of Millwood Compiled by Valerie Putnam

Company Ballet School and Performing Arts Center, 3201 N. Argonne Road, is opening a new facility, Company

B, next door to its current location. Beginning in mid-February, Company B will open with adult classes of beginning ballet, jazz and open dance. Beginning tumbling will be available for children. Free and open to the public, an Alice in Wonderland inspired formal fundraiser will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. March 16 to raise money for the renovation of Company B and the June Ballet Performance of Alice in Wonderland. A silent auction with Alice in Wonderland-inspired art will be auctioned off along with Alice in Wonderland goodies.

Millwood Better for Business is meeting monthly to begin planning its annual summer event, Millwood Daze. For more information, contact Shirene Young at 924-1911, ext. 309.

Millwood will continue consideration of an amendment to its zoning regulations to adopt an airport overlay zone, which would be intended to protect nearby Felts Field from land use incompatibility issues. Similar regulations exist in other adjacent jurisdictions, and the planning commission held a hearing on the concept Jan. 28.

The Millwood City Council approved an order for engineering services provided by Welch Comer and Associates for an estimated $52,000 at the January meeting. The order is for constructing 1,950 feet of sidewalk along the north side of Buckeye Avenue between Argonne Road and Vista. Funding for the project comes from a $261,345 Transportation Improvement Board grant awarded to the city last fall.

Millwood Council approved an agreement with Spokane County to provide aerial imagery of the city. Avista had been providing the city aerial imagery prior to the new agreement.

Spokane Fire Department Chief Mike Thompson, who is planning on retiring in March, invited a representative from Millwood City Council to participate in the interview process of six candidates vying for the position on Jan. 22.

Town of Rockford Compiled by Heidi Scott

Ballots are due Feb. 12 for a vote on a property tax levy that would raise money to cover the cost of the town’s law enforcement contract with the Spokane County Sheriff ’s Office. The town would likely invest the money that would normally go toward law enforcement into water system and wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

See the full version of this entry on the artistic map on pages 10-11.

An open position on the town council is expected to be filled this month by appointment.

The weekly Rockford Crochet Class is continuing in 2013. This group meets

every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Community Center, located at 229 ½ S. First St. Join other participants to crochet or enjoy other types of crafts such as sewing and needle work. Stop in to stitch and visit with others.

It’s never too soon to begin planning for the 2013 Southeast Spokane County Fair, held annually in September. The fair board held its first meeting Jan. 28 at Rockford Town Hall to begin planning the big event.

The Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce met Jan. 10 to launch its 2013 calendar. Dues are being collected, and an additional fee is required in order to be included in the banner on the Chamber’s website. 2012 Christmas lighting contest winners were announced as well, which can be found at www.hangmancreekchamber.com.

The first Rockford Kids meeting was held at Rockford City Hall Jan. 17. Pizza and pop were provided for kids to enjoy as they discussed their activities and ideas for the coming year.

Central Valley School District Compiled by Josh Johnson

At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Central Valley School Board will see student presentations and an update of the district program in honor of Career & Technical Education Awareness Month.

With phase one construction completed, Spokane Valley Tech is seeing its first students this month. The innovative career and college readiness school actually opened to three classes of students Jan. 28. Remaining students will move in September 2013 when programs expand to include biomedical sciences, engineering and entrepreneurship. Some new summer classes will also be available for high school students at Spokane Valley Tech.

CVSD officials are continuing to talk about the facility capacity crunch, particularly as enrollment is continuing to trend upward throughout the district. Conversations about possible solutions to relieve the strain and welcome new students are picking up in anticipation of the 2013-14 school year.

The Central Valley High School marching band represented the district, community and state in the President’s Inaugural Day parade on Jan. 21 in Washington, D.C. See the full version of this entry on the artistic map on pages 10-11.

The school board had a busy month, adding a two-night planning retreat on top of the usual two meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. At the Jan. 14 meeting, the board heard a pre-

See 3 UP, 3 DOWN, page 13

The Current

February 2013 • 13

news

3 UP, 3 DOWN Continued from page 12

sentation about suggested improvements to the district-wide grading standards at the elementary school level. Greenacres, South Pines and Progress elementary schools will participate in a pilot program to test drive the new “standards-based” grade book.

January featured two of the most popular annual contests pitting rival district high schools University and Central Valley. The shoe fit for the Bears in the Stinky Sneaker spirit contest held in conjunction with the boys and girls basketball games, while the Titans wrestling team evened the score by coming out victorious in the Battle of the Bone.

East Valley School District Compiled by Jim Ryan

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A feasibility study from GeoEngineers is expected to be shared with district leaders in February, helping to provide options and recommendations regarding a well project for the district’s water supply.

Once a decision is made in February, officials believe there will be enough time to complete the project by the June 30 deadline provided in a $100,000 grant given toward the project.

The Freeman High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter is hosting a “Burgers with a Heart” fundraiser at the Spokane Valley Red Robin from 5 to 7p.m. Feb. 7. A percentage of each meal is donated to the FHS FBLA for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Center.

The Freeman Softball Club is attempting to update its facilities: batting cage, pitching machine, drainage issues and more. The club is reaching out to the Freeman community to help it raise an additional $3,500 so it can take care of the high-priority items before the upcoming spring softball season.

Anti-bullying coach Travis Brown, known as Mr. Mojo, visited the elementary and middle school Jan. 4 to inspire students and the community to make an impact on the anti-bullying movement by touching the lives of students who are bullies, victims or bystanders. In addition to speaking to thousands of students across the country, Brown is also the author of “Teen Leaders are MOJO Makers,” “Mojo Up and Stop Bullying” and is the creator of the “Operation Mojo Bullying Prevention Program.”

January was National School Board Appreciation Month, where the community is encouraged to attend school board meetings (as the public always is) and share gratitude with members. Present Freeman School Board members are Neil Fuchs, Chad Goldsmith, Annie Keebler, Randy Primmer and John Zingg.

Raeann Ducar, the district’s director of nutrition services, reported that Freeman Elementary School has received the “Healthier U.S. School Challenge Award.”

Superintendent Randy Russell submitted the menu and application last June. The United States Department of Agriculture reviewed and issued the award, anticipated to be $500.

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On Jan. 8, Superintendent John Glenewinkel attended a meeting of the staff at East Farms, where they presented their work and vision as they transition to becoming a STEAM Magnet School. Glenewinkel reported that the staff ’s energy level shone through not only in the presentation, but in the school culture he has witnessed through visiting the school.

Peggy Estey, social studies teacher at East Valley High School, was named the KHQ-TV Teacher of the Month for December.

The East Valley Knights boys basketball team enjoyed a breakthrough victory over the West Valley Eagles, 51-44, on Jan. 12, the team’s first win over the cross-town

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Registrations are being taken for the 29th annual “Rapid Rabbit Run,” which will be used to help fund the Senior AllKnighter Class of 2013. The 3- and 5-mile race is set to kick off at 10 a.m. March 23.

Trophies will be given to the top male and female finishers, and ribbons will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group. The 5-mile run is a qualifying race for the Bloomsday 2nd seed. For more information on the Rapid Rabbit Run, call Jeni Ragan at 226-2197 or email tjragan@ comcast.net.

The district is gearing up for kindergarten registration, which takes place from March 5 through the end of the school year at the neighborhood school your child will be attending. A child must be 5 years old

by Aug. 31 to enter kindergarten.

East Valley voters will decide the fate of a $65 million capital facilities bond Feb. 12 that, among other things, would provide complete renovations at a quartet of district sites that currently house pre-kindergarten through seventh-grade students — East Farms, Otis Orchards, Trentwood and Continuous Curriculum School. See the full version of this entry on the artistic map on pages 10-11.

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news “It’s been 1996 since the last bond passed in this district. The tendency is for people to say, ‘That new building.’

Then they think about it and they say, ‘Oh yeah, that new building that was built in 1986.’”

East Valley School District Superintendent John Glenewinkel has been at his post since the summer of 2008.

When he arrived, the district had already failed in two tries to pass capital facilities bonds earlier in the year. Since that time, voters have also turned bonds away in 2009 and 2011. On Feb. 12, voters will consider a $65 million capital facilities bond to make upgrades throughout the district.

— John Glenewinkel, East Valley School District superintendent

Bond-ing issues EVSD hoping to reverse trend with latest capital facilities vote Story and photos by Craig Howard Current Contributor

When it comes to school districts going to the ballot for new and improved facilities, John Glenewinkel would rather talk about last November in Washington state than the previous decade in the greater Spokane Valley.

The success rate of statewide capital facility levies and bonds in the general election has the superintendent of the East Valley School District feeling optimistic about a $65 million initiative that EVSD is running on Feb. 12, despite the district’s four failed capital requests since 2008. East Valley’s track record is not unique in the Valley, where only two bonds have succeeded in the past decade. Ballots for the bond went out in late January.

“What we’re doing is trying to address all the health, safety and learning issues associated with our schools,” said Glenewinkel, the lead administrator in East Valley since the 2008-09 school year. “It’s been 1996 since the last bond passed in this

The Current

district. The tendency is for people to say, and efficiencies.’ That’s actually the title in ‘That new building.’ Then they think about the ballot. Sure, 35 years ago, or whenever it and they say, ‘Oh yeah, that new building these schools were built, they were OK, but Innovative Education that was built in 1986.’” the infrastructure systems in these schools A successful bond vote — requiring a are worn out. There are serious deficits at supermajority, or more than 60 percent to every school, with the exception of Trent pass — would mean complete renovations (Elementary).” at a quartet of district sites that currently According to house pre-kinderGlenewinkel, the garten through sevlist of concerns inenth-grade students cludes inadequate — East Farms, Otis indoor sprinkler Orchards, Trentsystems, kitchens, wood and Continualarms and parking Innovative Education ous Curriculum — and that’s just the School. A new gym beginning.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? would also be in“We’re talking stalled at each of the To be resolved: The inability of school about roofs, winfour schools as well dows, remodeling districts to pass capital facilities bonds as at Trent Elemenfor safety, parking has a negative impact on the education tary. East Valley lots we can manof Spokane Valley kids.

Weigh in, High School would age and technology PAGE 35 receive a new artiinfrastructure that ficial turf field, athallows us to have letic field house and Innovative Education state-of-the-art performing arts/community center. communications for learning,” he said.

Glenewinkel has already heard rumIf approved, the capital projects would blings from some district residents about begin construction this spring. The bond what they perceive as some of the nonwould mean a tax rate of $1.35 per $1,000 essential aspects of the proposed upof assessed property value, or about $270 a grade, particularly at the high school. He year on a home valued at $200,000. responds to the criticism by emphasizing “It would keep our tax rate right at, or that the campaign “is not about opulence; lower than, all of our neighboring disit’s about function.”

“Our kids deserve buildings that are tricts,” Glenewinkel said.

When EVSD went to voters in April safe, provide a good learning environment and are efficient to operate,” Glenewinkel 2011 with a bond totaling just under half said. “In fact, what the ballot says is that of the current request, only 39 percent of this is ‘a bond to increase learning, safety ballots supported the idea. According to

Initiative:

Initiative

Initiative:

Initiative

the Spokane County Elections Office, less than 44 percent of registered voters in the district turned out for the election that would have generated $35.4 million in facility improvements.

“That’s the biggest challenge we’ve seen over the years — that many of these people are not voting,” said Guy Gifford, an East Valley parent who has advocated on behalf of EVSD election campaigns with his wife, Ruth, since moving into the district more than a decade ago.

This time around, the Giffords are part of a grassroots effort in support of the Feb. 12 vote that will not include many of the trademarks of past elections like yard signs, bumper stickers or doorbelling.

Taking a cue from the district to run what Glenewinkel calls “a face-to-face, talk to your neighbor sort of campaign,” there is no community committee in place, other than each building and principal rallying parents to get the word out.

“It’s about us contacting people who support schools and saying, ‘There’s an election coming up, make sure to vote,’” Gifford said. “Some people feel that their vote doesn’t count, but we’ve seen elections around here that have been decided by just a few votes.”

Successful bonds a rarity Residents of the Freeman School District understand the importance of each ballot. In 2002, a capital facilities bond failed by a mere 26 votes. Finally, in 2008, after three successive defeats, an initiative

See BOND-ING, page 15

The Current

February 2013 • 15

news

A decade of Valley educational votes Spokane Valley-area voters have only approved two bonds in the past decade in the four area school districts despite seeing 11 requests for this level of capital facilities funding during that timeframe. Levies — which unlike bonds often deal with maintenance and operation issues and are often an extension of present taxes as opposed to new taxes — mostly passed, and when they didn’t, they passed on successive attempts. The following data shows election results for Central Valley, East Valley, West Valley and Freeman school districts from 2003 to present. No ballot issues were brought before voters in 2007 or 2010.

2003

Currently home to prekindergarten through seventh grade students, Otis Orchards Elementary School is one of four sites that would be renovated if East Valley School District voters approve a $65 million bond request Feb. 12. To make way for the district’s plan to put prekindergarten through eighth grade at various campuses in the district, Otis Orchards had three modular buildings added to the northwest corner of its campus this school year.

BOND-ING Continued from page 14

to fund extensive improvements at the high school and elementary passed with more than 65 percent of the vote.

“We basically said, ‘We need buildings that are functional; we don’t need the fanciest buildings in town,’” said former Freeman Superintendent Sergio Hernandez, who led the successful campaign and now works as an educational consultant and part-time superintendent in the Kahlotus School District, northeast of Pasco.

Other than a West Valley initiative that passed in 2004 and provided $35 million for the overhaul of West Valley High School and improvements at half-a-dozen other campuses, the Freeman vote stands as the only successful bond election in the greater Spokane Valley area in more than a decade. Central Valley voters approved a $78 million request in 1998 that built two new high schools and funded renovations at several other buildings.

Hernandez said the Freeman campaign emphasized “a consistent message and concentrating on the ‘yes’ votes and ‘maybe’ votes” leading up to the election. The $19.5 million bond included $10.5 million in state matching funds.

“I think people understood that our students needed an environment where they could learn and be safe,” Hernandez said.

From school tours to focus groups to a separate community campaign that raised an additional $84,000 for the high school

gymnasium, Hernandez remembers the project as “a true community endeavor.”

“Everyone can be proud of the work that community did to pass that vote,” said Hernandez, who still owns a home in the district and pays taxes on the bond that he ushered through.

Glenewinkel said East Valley has integrated some of the approaches utilized in Freeman with a hope that the vote on the second Tuesday in February will produce similar results.

“They have some of the same issues that we do,” Glenewinkel said. “They don’t really have a community center — their school is their community center. I’ve looked at their success and that’s part of why we’re moving in the way we are now, trying to first build that coalition of folks who say ‘We’re proud of East Valley; we support East Valley,’ and then move that out.”

One of the folks who won’t be part of the movement is longtime East Valley resident and former District 81 teacher Art Tupper. Before the last bond vote, Tupper put up anti-tax signs from the Citizens for Responsible Taxation group led by retired business owner Duane Alton. He has also called out Glenewinkel and the EVSD board of directors at their regular meetings, expressing opposition to capital facility campaigns and Glenewinkel’s program to move schools from a Kindergarten through sixth grade format to a K-8 system.

“I think it’s frivolous,” Tupper said. “This is really not going to improve students’ test scores. Why not spend money for something

In March, a West Valley technology capital projects levy narrowly fails, 59.3 to 40.07 percent, despite a recount. A similar technology initiative in Freeman passes with 60 percent. Central Valley’s $25 million bond falls short, 55 to 45 percent. Central Valley, East Valley and Freeman all pass their maintenance and operations levies with the required supermajority of at least 60 percent. West Valley falls just short, but runs again in April and earns approval with 73 percent of ballots. In the September primary election, West Valley re-runs the technology capital levy and garners 68 percent.

2004

In May, West Valley celebrates an approval of 63 percent in a bond vote for $35 million. The funds would support a major upgrade of West Valley High School as well as improvements at Valley City School, Centennial Middle School and four elementary schools.

2005

Freeman falls well short of the supermajority when running an $11.7 million capital facilities bond in May. Only 50 percent of ballots indicate support for the funding request.

2006

In March, voters in Central Valley nearly pass a $55.2 million bond, voting 57 percent in the affirmative. Central Valley, East Valley and Freeman all secure over 60 percent in votes to replace their existing maintenance and operation levies. Freeman also passes a technology and capital projects levy that’s going to improve basic education?”

Tupper said he was upset when two representatives of the school board — Roger Trainor and Mike Harris — were absent in December when the district voted to put the bond on the ballot. While Tupper is

with 62 percent. West Valley voters pass a technology and capital projects levy but fall one percentage point short of M&O levy passage. That levy appears on the ballot again in May and collects 70 percent. A $75.7 million bond in Central Valley is voted down in November, earning 54 percent of the necessary 60 percent.

2008 In March, a $33 million bond in East Valley is defeated, despite more than 55 percent voting in favor of the initiative. A retry in May fares slightly better, but still falls short with nearly 57 percent. Meanwhile, on the March ballot, Freeman collects almost 66 percent favorable vote, securing a $19.5 million bond with $10.5 million in state matching funds.

2009 In February, Central Valley, Freeman and West Valley all collect more than 60 percent of the vote to pass their respective replacement levies. The statewide change to a simple majority requirement (any percentage over 50) in order to pass levies also means East Valley is safe with 58 percent. West Valley gets a replacement technology and capital projects levy through with 61 percent, although a $34.5 million bond in East Valley is not as fortunate, gathering only 52 percent of the mandatory 60 percent.

2011 In February, the supermajority lands far out of reach for Central Valley as only 47 percent of voters support a $69.6 million capital facilities bond request. In April, East Valley runs a $35.4 million bond that doesn’t come close, as nearly 61 percent of voters oppose the idea.

2012 In February, replacement levies pass in the Central Valley, East Valley, Freeman and West Valley school districts, and West Valley’s replacement of an expiring technology capital projects levy is a winner with 55 percent.

2013 This Feb. 12, East Valley is asking voters to approve a $65 million capital facilities bond. quick to point out he holds “no personal resentment toward John Glenewinkel,” he maintains that “people don’t need additional taxes during these tough economic times.”

See BOND-ING, page 37

The Current

16 • February 2013

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Contact Steven Daines at 509.343.0103 to secure your spot at the PORTAL.

The Current

February 2013 • 17

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The Current

18 • February 2013

By Chuck King and Jayne Singleton

Early pioneer builder Thomas Newlon, left, built a bridge north of the Spokane Valley Mall near where the railroad bridge now stands. He also operated a ferry across the Spokane River near Harvard Road.

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

In the early 1800s the first white men— mainly fur trappers and military personnel—came into the Spokane Valley. The options for crossing the Spokane River were few. At this time these men crossed at a few different fords used by the Indians, places shallow enough to ride their horses across when the river was low.

In the 1850s, as traffic increased and supplies were needed by the new settlers, crossing the river by ferry or bridge became a necessity. The first ferry was built around 1856 at a site near one of the Indian fords by Antoine Plante. Plante operated the ferry with the help of his brother-inlaw Camille Langtu who lived on the south side of the river. Plante was French-Canadian and Flathead Indian who spoke both English and French. The ferry was around 40 ft. in length and secured at both sides by a cable. In 1861, Mullan Road used Plante’s ferry as a river crossing. Territorial Governor Issac Stevens crossed the river on Plante’s ferry on his way to Colville.

In 1864 the first bridge across the Spokane River was built by Tim Lee, Joe Herring and Ned Jordan near the Idaho State Line. Over the years this bridge site would be called by many names: Pioneer Bridge, Lee’s Bridge, Kendall’s Bridge and Cowley’s Bridge. The Spokane River had been named by the Spokane Tribe, and so eventually the bridge became known as Spokane Bridge.

In 1862, A.C. Kendall built a store by the bridge. Mullan Road ran along the north side of the river, and this now became the main crossing point. In the early 1860s, with news of gold in the Kootenai area, thousands made the trek using Spokane Bridge as a crossing. By 1867 there were three stores, a blacksmith shop and a post office.

When the first bridge was built, it put an end to Plante’s Ferry because it cost less to cross by the bridge than to pay the $4 fee charged per wagon. In 1864 Plante leased his ferry to James Silcott of Walla Walla. This ran only around a year, and by 1866 Silcott had moved his business to the Snake River. In 1865 the first Spokane Bridge washed out but was quickly rebuilt.

In 1867 a story in the Walla Walla newspaper mentions that “over the winter considerable work had been done on the bridge and that practically everyone crosses here.”

About 1869 Kendall bought the bridge and, along with his store, had a hotel. By 1872 Kendall was in ill health and sold his properties to Michael M. Cowley and Thomas Ford. It appears around this time the bridge was again destroyed by high water from spring run-off or logs floated down the river. As early as 1866, Thomas Newlon built another lesser-known bridge

Below, this circa 1936 photo shows the stump where Antoine Plante tied the cable of the first ferry that was built around 1856. Secured at both sides by a cable, the ferry was around 40 feet in length.

Photos courtesy of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

just north of the Spokane Valley Mall near where the railroad bridge now stands.

Newlon was an early pioneer builder who was already in the bridge and ferry business along the Snake and Palouse Rivers. It would have been competition to the owners of Spokane Bridge, but they decided to buy the bridge and then destroyed it to keep their monopoly intact. In 1872, Newlon came on the scene again and built a ferry across the river near Harvard Road.

This may have been operated with Cowley because Newlon’s obituary said he built a ferryboat for M.M. Cowley.

In 1872 Cowley’s bridge had “fallen in.”

Or perhaps Cowley bought this ferryboat from Newlon and brought it up to his old bridge site. By 1873 Cowley had rebuilt his bridge and James Glover wrote about

crossing it when he arrived there on May 10, 1873. Glover had heard that Kendall was selling his properties but was unaware that Cowley and Ford had already purchased it. Glover settled by the falls in what is now Spokane. In 1898, Cowley’s bridge was destroyed by logs being floated from Post Falls to The Sawmill Phoenix in downtown Spokane. A fourth and final wooden bridge was built to replace it.

Another bridge was constructed near the site of the former Newlon bridge that had been destroyed probably by dynamite in 1866. David J. Schneblys’ bridge was built in 1867 and operated until 1875. Anton Blessing, who came to Trent in 1884, said the bridge was in ruins when he arrived, so he used the old timbers for building his home.

A Valley of opportunity A monthly series on the heritage of the greater Spokane Valley Jan. Missionaries and Indians Feb. Bridge Builders and Ferrymen March The Lake Men April The Real Estate Developers, Land and Power May Immigrants claim their Valley June Irrigation July Depots and Platforms Aug. Purveyors of Leisure Sept. Commerce Oct. Ladies of the Valley Nov. Veterans of the Valley Dec. Old Timers’ stories In 1911 a steel bridge was constructed over the Cowley Bridge site. This steel bridge had a wood deck and became part of Highway 10. The bridge was used until 1940 when the Appleway Bridge was built.

The steel from the old bridge was torn down in 1951 and was used for a bridge on Sullivan road. The concrete piers from the 1911 bridge still stands in the river north of the visitor center/dog park near the state line.

There was also a story of another bridge built by Isaac Kellogg that appears on the stone monument at Plante’s Ferry Park, but there is no proof Kellogg ever built a bridge over the Spokane River. He also was in the ferry business on the Snake River previously and moved here in the fall of 1865 with intention of building a bridge at the old Plante’s Ferry site. He did put up some buildings. In April 1866, after an argument between Kellogg and Joe Herring (one of the builders of the first bridge), Kellogg was killed in a gun battle. It was recorded as Spokane County’s first homicide. Herring then moved from the area, and Kellogg’s bridge was never built.

Today, the Appleway Bridge has been replaced with a new one which opened last spring. There are no remnants of any of the previous river crossings, bridge or ferry, with the exception of the abutments of the 1911 bridge. The River is the only witness to history of the many early attempts to cross it.

Chuck King is a co-founder and research manager of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, and Jayne Singleton is director of the museum. For more about the history of the Valley, visit the museum at 12114 E. Sprague Ave., call 922-4570 or visit www. valleyheritagecenter.org.

The Current

February 2013 • 19

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An Alpine ski whiz

By Jocelyn Stott

Wave Contributor

About a week after Lizzy Quesinberry went skiing at Mount Spokane for the first time, she was approached by a racing coach who assumed she was a ski racer — that’s how quickly she learned.

“It only took me about 20 minutes after learning to try the runs off chair five,” Lizzy said.

The 10 year-old from Spokane Valley just learned to ski last winter, and she’s already found some success. In the handful of downhill ski races she has competed in, she has always had times in the top five of her division.

Lizzy’s mom took her skiing for the first time last winter, hoping to have her daughter as a ski buddy. But that didn’t last very long as Lizzy quickly jumped into ski racing and earned her first medal by February 2012.

The slalom ski event, which is slower and more sweeping, helped Lizzy learn the techniques of ski racing. But after some work at perfecting her form, Lizzy said she learned to love the giant slalom which is

The truth about honesty On February 18, many people will have the day off school and work in honor of Presidents Day. This holiday originated based on the birthdays of two of the most famous U.S. presidents, George Washington (1st President) and Abraham Lincoln (16th President), who are also both known for their honesty.

This holiday ties in well with the Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) character trait of the month. Honesty is

Lizzy Quesinberry Parents Bryan and Teresa Quesinberry

Real name Elizabeth

Activities Alpine ski racing, soccer and cross country

Favorite spectator sport UFC Cage Fighting and Gonzaga men’s basketball

Likes Going fast — up to 50 miles per hour!

Words of inspiration Never give up

tighter and faster… and her favorite event.

“I love to go fast,” says Lizzy, who uses an iPhone app called Alpine Replay that clocks her speed during runs, sometimes at almost 50 mph!

She likes to be the first one to show up on the podium, which is ski racing’s version

See SKI, page 21

Submitted photo

Lizzy Quesinberry prepares to tackle the mountain during a race.

“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

— Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. president

defined as sincerity and love for the truth. Being an honest person can affect the responsibilities given to you by parents and teachers, as well as impact your friendships and relationships with others.

If you’d like to learn more about this trait, here are a few stories that deal with the consequences of telling the truth or being dishonest: “Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big” by

Berkeley Breathed A disgruntled sister shares the story of her brother who tells such big lies that the army, the air force and the dog catcher are called in to deal the situation.

“Ruthie And The (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie” by Laura Rankin A young fox tells everyone a camera she finds lying on the ground is hers, but she

knows she’s done something wrong and works to set the record straight.

“The Boy Who Cried Wolf ” from Aesop’s Fables This timeless tale shows the consequences a child faces after repeatedly telling lies to people… even if he is speaking the truth this one time.

Source: www.childrensbooksguide.com

The Current

Amazing records that will (literally) give you chills Seattle residents experienced a “Snow Day” of sorts on Jan. 12 when nearly 6,000 people came together to set a Guinness World Record at the Center Square in Seattle. Not only did they set a world record, but they experienced a lot of fun while raising funds for the Boys and Girls Club of King County. Listed below are some fun facts about the Seattle “Snow Day” as well as other crazy feats involving snow or ice that have set Guinness World Records.

Largest snowball fight: As mentioned, Seattleites set the record with 5,834 verified participants. Over 30 truckloads of

February 2013 • 21

Community snow were brought in from the Cascades for the event.

The previous record was held

by Taebaek City’s Snow Festival in South Korea with nearly 5,400 participants.

Tallest snowman: Five years ago this month, residents from Bethel, Maine, built a snow woman measuring 122 feet, 1 inch tall. After a month of building, she was completed on Feb. 26, 2008.

Most people making snow angels simultaneously: The record for the most people making snow angels at the same time is 8,962 which was set on Feb. 17, 2007 in Bismarck, North Dakota, for an event organized by the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Largest snow sculpture: The sculpture, titled “Romantic Feelings” and measuring 115 ft. tall and 656 ft. long, was created as part of

the 2007 annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China. A team of 600 sculptors from 40 different countries used 120,000 cubic feet of snow to create the Olympicthemed landscape, which included a French cathedral, an ice maiden and a Russian church.

Longest chain of people licking ice cream: The chain of 2,728 participants licking ice cream happened on July 23, 2011. The event took place as part of a promotional campaign advertising Morielli’s ice cream in Northern Ireland.

Largest snow cone: Bahama Buck’s Original Shaved Ice Company in Lubbock, Texas, created the largest snow cone weighing 11.38 tons (25,080 lbs) Dec. 10, 2011. The flavor of the snow cone was “Birthday Cake.”

Source: www.guinnessworldrecords.com

spray bottles or old ketchup or mustard containers with water and a few drops of food coloring. Then create a colorful masterpiece on the snow in your yard.

M-n-Ms for buttons, mini chocolate chips for eyes and pretzel sticks for arms. Or for a healthier alternative, replace the marshmallows with three sliced banana pieces.

• Create a snow globe. If staying inside a warm house is your idea of fun, why not make it snow inside with a do-it-yourself snow globe? All you need is a small glass jar, glitter, water, glue and whatever object you’d like to put in “the snow.” First, glue your object to the lid of the jar and let dry. Then fill your jar with water, 1 to 2 teaspoons of glitter and a teaspoon of optional glycerin or baby oil (to make the glitter float more slowly). Tightly screw or glue the lid on the jar, shake it up and tip upside down to enjoy a wintery scene!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Wondering what to do this winter?

We urge parents to bring their children in for a visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. However, if you've missed this deadline, it's never too late to start protecting your child's smile.

• Modify games for the weather. What better time to play freeze tag! Or change up the game slightly by making a rule that you can only step in one another’s footprints. Better yet, set up a game of minigolf by packing tins cans or cups under the snow.

Visit KiDDS Dental in February for your chance to win an iPod Touch. "Like" us on Facebook for more contests and events.

Whether you’re a kid who hates being out in the snow or you can’t get enough of the white stuff, there are plenty of creative activities to try when the snow starts flying. If you’re tired of building forts or making snow angels, ask a parent or friend if they might help you try one of these cold-weather activities.

• Catch and examine snowflakes. Put a piece of black construction paper in the freezer until it is cold. Then place it outdoors while snowing to view the different shapes and sizes of snowflakes that land on the paper. A magnifying glass just increases the fun!

• Use the snow as your canvas. Fill

SKI Continued from page 20

of a scoreboard, so that motivates Lizzy to push for faster times without mistakes. She said she hopes to someday be as good as Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn.

Lizzy practices on Saturdays and Sundays and two nights each week for two and half hours at a time. Because of that, she has to stay on top of her schoolwork too.

“We don’t have time to procrastinate,” says Bryan Quesinberry, Lizzy’s dad.

Lizzy said she does her homework right after she gets it, which has earned her all As and one B+ in school currently.

“I’m very competitive,” she said. “If I

• Take a winter treat break. When it’s time to warm up, ask a trusted adult to help you make a snowman kabob treat.

You can do this by placing three large marshmallows on a skewer and using mini get 45 out of 50 (correct), I study what I missed so it won’t happen again.”

Lizzy Quesinberry, a 10-yearold Spokane Valley ski racer, sports her medals and trophies from skiing, soccer and cross country competitions.

A cross-country runner with the Spokane Mercury and a select soccer player for Washington East, Lizzy knows what it’s like to compete at an intense level. She said she has also tried gymnastics and competitive cheer, but there’s not enough time to do everything so she makes choices about how she spends her time.

Lizzy said it’s important for kids to try a lot of things to see what they like and what they are actually good at. But she said the most important thing is to keep at it for a while to get past the initial awkward phase that comes with new things.

“Never give up,” she said.

Wave photo by Jocelyn Stott

Children deserve to experience a gentle, caring approach to their dental care. A positive, enjoyable dental experience will help them build confidence and knowledge, setting a great precedent for their future dental health.

Grow Up Smiling!

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The Current

22 • February 2013

The Fountain

Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Finding wellness in the water Pool program aims for everything from fitness and rehab to friendships

By Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

After her back surgery, Debbie Paullin was looking for a gentle approach to getting a good workout and rehabilitating her body.

She found it at what some might call an unexpected place: the pool at a nearby senior living community. Today, more than a year later, Paullin said she is stronger, more flexible and has lost weight.

“I was looking for something that was gentle and yet gave a good workout,” Paullin said. “The water is very forgiving.”

It’s also 88 degrees in the pool at Evergreen Fountains, an independent and assisted living facility at 1201 N. Evergreen Road. Upwards of three times a week, Paullin drives from her Spokane Valley home to the community, which offers its pool fitness program to “outsiders” of all ability levels for a fee. Classes are also offered to the approximately 130 residents of Evergreen Fountains as an amenity.

For Paullin, who had a fear of the water before giving the program a try, the investment has been well worth it.

“I didn’t think you could sweat in a pool, but you can,” she said. “I think I’m a lot stronger than I was a year ago.”

She gives a lot of credit for that fact to Colleen O’Donnell, the wellness coordinator at Evergreen Fountains who teaches the classes. Paullin said the small class size, one-on-one attention and O’Donnell’s ability to modify the workout to each student’s capabilities make the program particularly effective.

Staying indoors, but staying fit

Three more ideas for keeping active over the winter months

Submitted photo

Evergreen Fountains Wellness Coordinator Colleen O’Donnell is surrounded by class members during a recent class in the facility’s 88-degree pool.

“Modification is huge,” O’Donnell agreed.

“That's truly what I strive for is that everyone fits in somewhere without being overwhelmed.”

Whether it’s jogging, walking, working with weights or swimming against the swim jet, O’Donnell is described by students such as Donnie Rugel as a “fun taskmaster.”

“She wants you to do what you can, but she wants you to be doing something,” Rugel said.

Rugel is an Evergreen Fountains resident, meaning she participates in any of the 24 classes per week in the facility’s wellness program as part of her room and board. Other classes include yoga, walking, strength training and sit and fit. O’Donnell

estimates that between 80 and 85 percent of Evergreen Fountains residents participate at some level in the fitness program, which also contributes to the sense of community.

By Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

In the greater Spokane Valley, the cold air isn’t excuse enough to keep many seniors from exercise. Here are three among a plethora of ideas for staying in motion — while staying in a controlled climate.

1. Y ask Y? The 48,000-square-foot Spokane Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place, features a variety of programs and activity options for people of all ages, including seniors. While membership

Between the friendships and the health benefits, she said her regular 9 a.m. classes aren’t difficult to get motivated for.

A three-times-a-week regular at the pool classes, Rugel said she suffers from lupus and nerve damage in her legs.

“It’s a good way to start your day,” Rugel said. “It's a lot better than getting up and sitting in front of ‘Today’ or ‘Good Morning America.’”

“My balance was the big thing, and this is really helping my balance and coordination and the strengthening of my legs and back,” she said. “I think that’s the biggest thing for me.”

Rugel and Paullin both shared the rehabilitation benefits of the classes, whether from injury or disease, but in the end believe the fact O’Donnell “smiles all the time” doesn’t hurt the allure.

Also noteworthy, she said, is that she has lost 20 pounds, impressed her doctor and her kids have noticed that she is getting around better.

“If you’re not having fun, it’s not worth coming back,” O’Donnell agreed. “And just being a part of the results of it, I can honestly say I have the best job in the house.”

fees apply, day fees are a way to make sure the club is the right fit for you. For more on opportunities available at the club, call 777-9622 or visit www.ymcaspokane.org.

hubsportscenter.org.

2. Find yourself in a pickle: Drop in and try your hand at pickleball at the HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. in Liberty Lake. The club encourages drop-ins Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. to try their hand at the sport at a special senior rate of $2.

Badminton is also available at the HUB. For more, call 926-0602 or visit www.

3. Go for a walk: It’s not a walk on the beach or a walk in the park, but it is a great walk nonetheless. The Valley Striders club is a community walking and exercise program that holds regular walks in the warmth and protection of the Spokane Valley Mall. For more about this program, which has been around since 1995 and also boasts of fellowship among member seniors, call 926-1697 or visit www.striders-ped.org.

The Current

February 2013 • 23

Community

Are Kinkade originals increasing in value?

‘Collecting’ column by Larry Cox King Features Syndicate

Q: I have a painting by Thomas Kinkade, the "Painter of Light." In addition to the painting, I also have a teapot he produced with the inscription "Home Is Where the Heart Is." Since Kinkade died recently, is his artwork now worth more? — Barbara, Alton, N.Y. A: Thomas Kinkade cranked out thousands (yes, thousands) of paintings, lithographs and related items during his very productive lifetime. Since he flooded the market with his art, when he died there was little or no bump in values. I spoke to several gallery owners who think interest in Kinkade has, in fact, declined. Texas Art Depot specializes in Kinkade's artwork and might be a helpful second opinion. Contact info is 301 West Oak, Palestine, TX 75801.

Q: My dad was one of the first people in our Chicago neighborhood to own a television. It was a RCA Model 8T241 with a 10inch screen. What is it worth? — Carl, Pasco, Wash.

A: According to "The Antique Trader Ra-

TRIVIA TEST 1. GEOGRAPHY: The island state of Bahrain lies in what body of water?

2. HISTORY: In what year did Germany invade Poland?

3. CARTOONS: What is the name of Donald Duck’s girlfriend?

4. NATURAL WORLD: What part of the cotton plant is known as the “boll”?

5. MOVIES: Which actor produced and starred in “Bonnie and Clyde”?

6. MYTHOLOGY: In Greek mythology, which god is associated with winged sandals?

7. MILITARY: In Great Britain, what is the Victoria Cross awarded for?

8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of porcupines called?

dio and Television Price Guide" edited by Kyle Husfloen, your set was made in 1948 and is worth about $150. For some reason, vintage radios have outpaced early televisions as far as desirability with collectors is concerned.

Q: I have a copy of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” published by Dodd, Mead & Company in 1935. It is illustrated by H.M. Brock. I am curious about how much it is worth. — Grimes, Kokomo, Ind. A: I found a copy of this edition of “A Christmas Carol” at The Bookstall, www. bookstall.com, for $55. Depending on the condition of the one you have, it could be worth a little more or a little less. Keep in mind that what something is priced at and what it eventually sells for are sometimes two different things.

Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to questionsforcox@aol.com. Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally answer all reader questions. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.

9. ENTERTAINERS: What famous singer/ songwriter was born with the name Stevland Judkins?

10. MUSIC: According to the song, where does Johnny B. Goode live? © 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers to Trivia Test 1. Persian Gulf; 2. 1939; 3. Daisy; 4. Seed pod; 5. Warren Beatty; 6. Hermes, messenger of the gods; 7.

Valor in the face of the enemy; 8. A prickle; 9. Stevie Wonder; 10. Louisiana

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The Current

24 • February 2013

Community

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY Feb. 1 | I Love Clean Air Day 10 a.m. to 2

p.m., Mobius Science Center, 811 W. Main Ave., Spokane. EnviroKids’ Club is hosting I Love Clean Air Day to engage children in hands-on activities.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Admission for Mobius Science Center is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 4-18 and free for children three and younger. EnviroKids’ Club members will receive $1 off admission.

More info: www.SpokaneEnviroKids.org

Feb. 1 | Mobile Food Bank 11 a.m. to 1

p.m., 15 S. University Road, Spokane Valley.

In partnership with Contract Based Education High School and Second Harvest Food Bank, this event provides free fresh produce and perishable products for all families in need of assistance. No appointment or documentation necessary to participate, but you must be present and bring a box in order to receive products. For more: 927-1100 or sherri. wagemann@wvsd.org

Feb. 2 | Groundhog Day

Ave. Jayne Singleton, director of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, will share the story of how the Valley area began before there was a Spokane. The Northwest Heritage Alliance Forum’s speaker series, offered the first Wednesday of each month, features a variety of topics on the history and culture of the Valley.

For more: www.valleyheritagecenter.org

Park Place Assisted Living, 511 S. Park Road, Spokane Valley. The public is invited to learn more about and share input on the project to improve stormwater drainage on the east side of Bettman Road and Dickey Street between 11th and 14th Avenues. For more: 720-5013 or www. spokanevalley.org

Feb. 7 | T.W.I.N.E. 4 p.m., Spokane Valley

Feb. 14 | Horticulture Class Series 6 to

Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Teen Writers of the Inland Empire (T.W.I.N.E.) is a writing club for Spokane County students in grades 6 through 12.

Participants write fiction and poetry and share work in an encouraging and positive environment.

For more: 893-8200 or www.scld.org

Feb. 9 | 12th Annual Eastern Washington / North Idaho Regional Lakes Conference

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spokane Community College Lair - Student Union Building, 1810 N. Greene Street, Spokane. RSVP by January 31. To RSVP or for more: bijay@libertylake.org or 922-5443, ext. 230

Feb. 11 | Beyond Books: Northwest Navigation 2 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322

Feb. 4 | Spokane Valley Toastmasters 6:45 to 7:45 a.m., Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., 2nd floor conference room. The theme of the meeting is “The Elevator Speech.”

For more: grovedozen@comcast.net

N Argonne Road, Spokane Valley. Join Christine and Jeffrey Smith as they share their experiences of restoring an old boat and offering nature-based tours, making their dream turn into reality. For more: 893-8200 or www.scld.org

Feb. 6 | Spokane Valley History, Chapter 1 6 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main

Feb. 13 | Stormwater Improvement Project public meeting 6:30 to 8 p.m.,

Feb. 14 | Valentine’s Day 9 p.m., Spokane County Extension, 222 N. Havana St., Spokane. The 12-week Horticulture Class Series is designed for those who want in-depth horticulture training for personal use or professional development. The 2013 series runs Jan. 10 through March 28. Registration and payment required. For more: 477-2048

Feb. 15 | PRExperience VCS 8:10 a.m. to

3:10 p.m. Valley Christian School, 10212 E. 9th Ave., Spokane Valley. An opportunity for families and students to learn more about VCS, a PreK12th grade all-inclusive school from start to finish with God at the core. Register by Feb. 8.

To register or for more: 924-9131

Feb. 16 | Science Saturdays with Mobius

11 a.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E Wellesley Ave. Kids ages 5 and up are invited to come experience the explosive science of chemical reactions with Mobius. For more: 893-8200 or www.scld.org

Feb. 16 | Basic Beekeeping Classes 9 a.m.to 5 p.m., Spokane County Extension, 222 N Havana St., Spokane. Presented by the Inland Empire Beekeepers Association (IEBA), classes begin Feb. 16 followed by four field days at WSU Spokane County Extension. Registration is required, and there is a cost for the classes. For more: 924-3652, 477-2195 inlandbeemail.com.

Feb. 18 | Presidents Day Feb. 18 | Cabin Fever Gardening Symposium 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., WSU Spokane Campus Phase I Classroom Building, 668 N. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane. WSU Master Gardeners present A Winter Cure for Gardeners.

Registration of $65 includes parking, continental breakfast, choice of four gardening classes and catered lunch. Half-day options also available.

Register by Feb. 8. To register and for more: 477-2195

Feb. 20 | Spokane Valley Library Adult Book Club 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,

12004 E Main Ave. Read the book “The Tiger’s Wife” by Tea Obreht and then join the discussion. For more: 893-8200 or www.scld.org

Feb. 20 | Liberty Lake Relay for Life Kick Off Party 5 to 7 p.m., Twisp Café, 23505 E.

Appleway Ave., Liberty Lake. The public is invited to learn more about what it takes to form a team and be a part of this fundraising event.

For more: www.relayforlife.org/libertylakewa

7668 or www.gigspokane.blogspot.com/

Feb. 28 | Budgeting 101 workshop 5 to 6:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Learn the importance of financial goals, discover the steps to a successful spending plan and then set your goals in action. A free light dinner will be provided at 5 p.m. with the free workshop immediately following. To register or for more: 344-2202 or www.stcu.org/workshops March 2 | “Evening in Paris” Father Daughter Dance 7 to 9 p.m., CenterPlace

at Mirabeau Point, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Save the date for this 8th annual event sponsored by the Liberty Lake Kiwanis and K-Kids. Tickets are $20 per person if purchased by Feb. 25 (or $25 after that date).

For more: www.libertylakekiwanis.org

Recurring Spokane Valley Camera Club photography exhibit Center Place, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Runs now through March 15. On display Monday through Friday in the reception area, the free exhibit is a collection of color and monochrome photographs from members of the club. For more: 924-9754

Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague.

Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. Bingo on Thursdays at 1 p.m. For more: www.foe3433. com Cribbage Club Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Puerto Vallarta Restaurant, 6915 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley. Meets September through May. For more: 489-0799 or carlvennes@hotmail.com

Rockford Crochet Class Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon, 229 South First, Rockford. Come and join the other participants at the weekly Crochet class held in the Rockford Community Center. Other types of craft, sewing, needle work are also enjoyed. Stop in and stitch and visit with others. For more info: 509-291-4716 or rockfordwa.com/index.php/calendar Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave.

Various clubs and weekly meetings: Book Clubs, LEGO club, RLM Women’s Group, Spokane Valley Writers Group, Beading Club, Computer Drop-in Class, Knitting Club. See website for more information: www.libertylakewa.gov/ library

MUSIC & THE ARTS Feb. 8 | Van Gogh and Merlot painting event 6:30 p.m., Twisp Café and Coffee House,

23505 E. Appleway, Liberty Lake. Instruction, supplies, appetizers and one glass of wine are all included for $45 in this fundraiser for Friends of Liberty Lake Library. Sign up at Twisp, or for more info: 474-9146

Feb. 21 | Spokane Valley Library Teen Anime Club 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,

Feb 8-9, 14-17, 22-24 | “Crimes of the Heart” Ignite Community Theatre, 10814 E.

Feb. 23 | Gluten Intolerance Group of Spokane 1:30 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N.

Feb. 12 | Make Some Noise 4 p.m., Spokane

12004 E. Main Ave. Students in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to come watch anime, hang out with friends, eat snacks, play games and more. For more: 893-8400 or www.scld.org/ anime.asp

Argonne Road, Spokane Valley. For more: 535-

Broadway. This moving tale of three sisters escaping their troubled pasts and embracing their futures is rated PG-13/R for language.

For show times, tickets and more: www. ignitetheatre.org or 795-0004 Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Kids in

See CALENDAR, page 25

The Current

February 2013 • 25

Community

CALENDAR Continued from page 24 kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to play with musical instruments, telephones, water xylophones, the human voice and more to make sound waves at the library. Also offered at 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at Otis Orchards Library and 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at Argonne Library. For more: 8938200 or www.scld.org

Feb. 15-17, 22-24 | “Three Musketeers” Theater Arts for Children, 2114 N. Pines Road, suite 3S, Spokane Valley. Based on an adaptation of Alexander Dumas’ classic story, the show features a timeless swashbuckler who share a tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes, and above all, honor. For tickets and more: www.theaterartsforchildren.org

Feb. 16 | Inland NW Bluegrass Music Association Concert 7 p.m., Trent Elementary, 3303 N. Pines, Spokane Valley.

Regular admission is $5. For more: www. spokanebluegrass.org

CIVIC & BUSINESS Feb. 1-9 | National Boat Show Fair and

Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley.

Ticket prices: $8 adults, $5 youth (ages 12 to 17), children under 12 free. For more: 747-4604 or www.spokaneboatshow.com

Feb. 2 | Shop, Spirits & Spa 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Calm, 1303 S. Grand Blvd., Spokane. Women’s Resource Partnership is hosting this event for ladies ages 21+ to shop for new or gently used clothing, shoes and books while sipping on a glass of wine and hanging out with friends. Entry fee is $5, but a portion goes to Cancer Patient Care.

For more: 768-1139 or www.facebook.com/ womensresourcepartnership Feb. 5-7 | 2013 Spokane Ag Expo and Pacific Northwest Farm Forum 9 a.m. to

5 p.m. (Feb. 5-6) and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Feb. 7), Spokane Convention Center Complex, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane. The largest farm machinery show in the Inland Northwest will host 250 exhibitors and conduct 36 educational seminars and forums relating to agri-business.

Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for ages 12 to 18 and free for children under 12. For more: www. agshow.org

Feb. 15 | Chamber Business Connections Breakfast 6:30 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Coffee & networking begins at 6:30 a.m., program 7 to 8:30 a.m. Cost is $25 for members and guests, $35 for non-members. To register or for more: spokanevalleychamber.org

Feb. 15 to 17 | International Auto Show

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Feb. 15), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Feb. 16), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Feb. 17), Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane. Admission: adults $7, seniors (62 and over) $6, 12 and under no charge with an adult. For more: 998-1100 or www.spokaneautoshow.com

Feb. 16-17 | 5th Annual Spokane Golf & Travel Show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m. (Sun.), Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane. Golf manufacturers, PGA seminars, retailers, area and regional golf courses and new equipment will all be in one location. Plenty of fun contests and interactive golf attractions will also be available. Admission is $12, but children

twelve and under free. For tickets: 621-0125 or http://www.spokanegolfshow.com/www. spokanegolfshow.com

CHURCH DIRECTORY Greenacres Christian Church

Feb. 18-22 | Week of Free Presentations

10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day, Artworks Spokane, 15310 E. Marietta Ave., studio 8, Spokane Valley. The free classes offered include: When Color Sings — Choosing Color (Feb. 18), Curb Appeal—Outdoor Concrete Design (Feb. 19), Artwork Annie—Fun with Chalk Paint (Feb. 20), Psychology of Color (Feb. 21) and Love Your Home Decorating & Design (Feb. 22). For more: 998-2726 or www.artworksspokane.com

Feb. 21 | Charmed & Dangerous 5 to 8 p.m.

Spokane Events & Catering, 10512 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. This NW Power Woman networking event will feature self-defense tips, a fashion show and a special performance by the Lilac City Roller Girls. For more:charitydoyl@ yahoo.com

(Disciples of Christ)

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

WorShip Service 10:45 a.m.

A traditional, family oriented church.

Adult & Youth Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Gary Hann, Minister

18010 E. Mission - 926.2461 Established 1902 Member of CUIC

23304 E. Wellesley, Otis Orchards, WA

509-926-9552

Feb. 28 | City Hall at the Mall 10 a.m. to

9 p.m. Spokane Valley Mall, 14700 E. Indiana Ave., 2nd floor food court. Opportunity for community members to meet elected City of Spokane Valley officials and staff members and access city information and services in a casual and convenient location. For more: 720-5411 or cbranch@spokanevalley.org

Feb. 28 to March 3 | 35th Annual Custer Home & Yard Show Noon to 9 p.m. (Thursday

The inTersecTion church www.theintersection.info 905 N. McDonald Rd. • Spokane Valley Sunday Service: Traditional 8:30 a.m.

Contemporary 10:30 a.m.

924-3705

& Friday), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday), Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane. Features hundreds of displays and demonstrations offering the latest in home and yard related products, services and improvements. Admission, which is good for all weekend, is $7 for adults and children 12 and under free. For more: 924-0588 or www. custershows.com

Feb. 17 & 24 | Cross country ski lessons 1

March 9 | Spring Desperate Housewives Shop Hop 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A day of shopping,

noon, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. This cheerleading clinic for girls in kindergarten through 8th grade will emphasize the basics in motions, jumps, cheers and basic stunting. Cost is $30. For more: 927-0602 of www.hubsportcenter.org

tasty treats, new products and free gifts.

Participating locations include Orchid Boutique, Jemma Lane Boutique, Simply Northwest and Trellis Marketplace. For more: www. trellismarketplace.com

Recurring Spokane Conservation District Tree and Shrub Sale Spokane Conservation District,

210 N. Havana St., Spokane. Get a great deal on native tree and shrub seedlings. Orders can be placed through March 15. Pick up seedlings April 5-6. Cost: $9 per 5 seedlings. For more: 535-7274 or treesale@sccd.org

HEALTH & RECREATION Feb. 3 | Super Bowl Feb. 5 | Bridal Boot Camp CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery, Spokane Valley. This challenging, eight-week program is geared to help brides and grooms exercise and get fit for their big day. Morning sessions available on Tuesdays and Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. or evening/ weekend sessions are on Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 to 10 a.m. Cost is $75 per person (or $65 group rate if four other people from your bridal party participates).To register or for more: 688-0300 or www.spokanevalley.org Feb. 16 | Women’s Self Defense Class 1 to 2 p.m., 101 N. Argonne Road, Suite B, Spokane Valley. Learn practical and applicable defense methods that you could confidently use in an emergency. Cost is $10 per class. For more: 8919821 or hitpitmma.com

to 3 p.m., Trailhead Golf Course, 1102 N. Liberty Lake Road, Liberty Lake. Taught by a certified ski instructor, the lesson will cover equipment, balance, gliding, pole use and skiing time. Cost is $25 which includes equipment. To register or for more: 755-6726 or www.libertylakewa.gov

Feb. 18 | Elite Flyers Cheer Clinic 9 a.m. to

Feb. 18 | HUB February Basketball Clinic

9 a.m. to noon, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Ball handling, shooting skill development, sportsmanship and teamwork will be taught in this clinic offered for boys and girls in grades 1 through 6. Cost is $30 per player and pre-registration is required. For more: 927-0602 or www.hubsportscenter.org

Feb. 23 | Special Olympics Polar Plunge 9 a.m., Liberty Lake Regional Park, 3707 S. Zephyr Road, Liberty Lake. This fundraiser organized by law enforcement agencies is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to support local Special Olympics athletes by collecting pledges and plunging into the frigid water of Liberty Lake. The event is free to the public, but there is a $50 fundraising minimum for participants. For more: 299-7117 or www.

SpecialOlympicsWashington.org Feb. 28 | Healthy Communities Network Get Connected 3 to 6 p.m. CenterPlace

Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Fun and free event to learn more about and connect with local health, wellness and community services providers. Door prizes, demonstrations, activities and more. For more: 720-5408 or jpapich@spokanevalley.org

Recurring Upward Soccer League Registration ends

• Strong Academic and Moral Foundation • Preschool and Kindergarten Programs • Community and Service Focus • Before and After School Care

Preschool-Eighth Grade Scholarship Joining Values Over 50 years of academic excellence

MaSS TiMES:

Saturday Vigil - 5 p.m.

Sunday - 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m., except Wednesday which is 8:15 a.m. adoration Reconciliation

The last Wednesday of every month 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday, 4-4:30 p.m. or by appointment

Pastor Fr. Joseph Bell Assoc. Pastor Fr. Charles Skok Deacon Kelly Stewart

St. John Vianney Church 503 N. Walnut | Spokane Valley 99206 926-5428 | admin@sjvchurch.org

YOUR CHURCH GOES HERE

For as little as $7 a month, area churches can share service times, special programs or upcoming events in The Current. It’s simple. Call or email to learn more about the Church Directory: 242-7752 • advertise@valleycurrent.com.

Feb. 24 for the league open to boys and girls ages 4 years to sixth grade. Games start March 30 and run through May 18. For more: 990-6762 or www.valleyreallife.org

5th annual Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon Early registration for the May 19th race that runs from Liberty Lake to Riverfront Park is available until March 31. For more: windermeremarathon.com All calendar listings were provided to or gathered

by Current staff. If you would like your event considered for the community calendar, please submit information by the 15th of the month to calendar@valleycurrent.com.

26 • February 2013

local lens

‘Cowgirl Up’ rounds up a crowd

The Current

Locals indulge in mini spa sessions

Kelly Quashnik snapped these shots of the 200+ ladies (and a few brave men) who attended the Cowgirl Up event at Spokane Events and Catering on Jan. 17 held by Spokane and North Idaho Power Woman Networking Events. In addition to booths and networking, the event featured a special performance by Northwest Cowgirl Brenna Yaeger and line dancing lessons with Eric Centenari.

Submitted photos

Submitted photos

Over 1,000 people attended the health*beauty spa show Jan. 5 and 6 at the Spokane Community College Lair to be pampered as well as sample therapies and treatments available from the Spokane-area spa industry.

Rotary donates energy vouchers Nils Ohlsen of Sunrise Valley Rotary recently presented $3,200 worth of Avista Energy vouchers to Ken Briggs of Spokane Valley Partners. The vouchers were purchased with $2,200 donated from club members during their annual Christmas Party and $1,000 donated from Avista.

Local Lens

Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page. Email photos@valleycurrent.com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos.

Submitted photo

The Current

February 2013 • 27

Woodlake Village,

Find us on Facebook!

a cozy, little community, located on the Inlet of Liberty Lake.

Featuring OPTIMAL views, ice skating in winter, swimming & fishing in summer, and direct/private beach access!

2BD, 1BA units feature a lake view patio or balcony, spacious living areas, W/D, fireplace, all major kitchen appliances and optional garage parking (based on availability).

Please call us today to find out about availability and details of this one of a kind community!

(509) 255-9955

Highlights from your Chamber

Chamber thanks Major Sponsors We want to thank our Major Sponsors from 2012: Platinum Investors: Avista, Modern Electric Water Company, Washington Trust Bank Platinum Sponsors: Greenstone Corp., Infusion IT, Mirabeau Park Hotel

Gold Sponsors: Banner Bank, KXLY Radio Group, Numerica Credit Union, Outback Steakhouse, STCU, The Splash/The Current

Boys & Girls Soccer League

Silver Sponsors: MOJO Reprographics, Staples, Valley Hospital

Ages 4yrs - 6th Grade Registration ends Feb. 24th Games start March 30 - May 18

Bronze Sponsors: Baker Construction & Development, Inc.; Comcast Business Services; Commercial Video Solutions; Gary Roberto Photography; Graham Construction & Management, Inc.; Graphic Business Systems; Inland Power & Light; Pacific Flyway Gallery & Framing; Signs for Success; Sterling Bank; U.S. Bank

Register Now! www.valleyreallife.org (Click on Kids, then on Upward Soccer)

509-990-6762

Members that pledge support now as Major Sponsors maximize their visibility throughout the year. They are listed on our website home page, monthly e-newsletter, event banners and in promotional materials for our events (including Facebook). If you would like more information on what the Major Sponsor program involves, please call the Valley Chamber at 924-4994.

Chamber events in February

Darwin and Dianne Ronngren Spokane, WA

Y

ou can really feel at home here.

But don’t take our word for it.

In this time when community is so important, our focus was a village of caring for one another. In the pastoral setting of this campus, residents can feel the natural surroundings, the compassion of all service providers toward community, respect of another, and celebration of life whatever stage we are in.

February 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Government Action committee meeting, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission, Spokane Valley. Program: TBA. Cost: $20 (includes lunch). Register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

February 12, 4 to7 p.m., Business After Hours Networking: Anderson, Peretti & Co., CPAs, P.S., Interlink, Grady Financial Network LLC, and Switch Up Web & Marketing, 609/611 N. Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley. Ribbon cuttings at 5 p.m.

February 13, “Meet the Chamber” member reception, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Grand opening and ribbon cutting at Robert L. Wilder, DDS, 930 N. Mullan, Ste. 2, Spokane Valley. Certificate presentations at 6 p.m.

February 15, Business Connections Breakfast, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Coffee & networking begins at 6:30 a.m., program 7 to 8:30 a.m.

SAVE THE DATE ...

Spokane Valley Chamber Business Show “Innovative Ideas to Grow Your Business”

Wednesday, March 27 • 2-7 p.m.

Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center M AJ O R SP O N S O R : AV I STA A F T E R HO U R S N E T WO R K I N G SP O N S O R : ST C U

Mark your calendar for Business Connections meetings Business Connections are our general membership meetings for the Valley Chamber held on the third Friday of the month. Each meeting begins with a social time for making connections before the program starts. They have typically been breakfast meetings in the past, but this year we will have a mix of breakfast and lunch meetings.

Three meetings in 2013 will be the “Biz Buzz” networking format. Six meetings will offer guest speakers on relevant topics. For the Annual Membership Meeting in November, we bring in a national speaker. To round out the year, our December program is called “Season of Sharing” to focus on area non-profits and their work.

If you are not already a member of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, we invite you to attend one regular meeting at the member rate. Our next meeting will be held on Feb. 15 at the Mirabeau Park Hotel (see details below). Al French, Spokane County Commissioner District 3, will speak on Economic Development in Spokane County. Register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

Cost is $25 for members and guests, $35 nonmembers. Register at spokanevalleychamber. org.

February 28, noon, Transportation Committee meeting, Longhorn BBQ, 2315 N. Argonne, Spokane Valley. Program: TBA. 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: Anderson Ink Barber Engineering Company Dry Fly Distilling Empire Digital Imaging Grady Financial Network, LLC Industrial Communications Nordstrom Law Firm Solar Express LLC Spokane Seed Company

Cottage Homes Available ... Rates Just Reduced!

To meet people like the Ronngrens, call (509) 924-6161 All faiths or beliefs are welcome. 12-G1904

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

business

28 • February 2013

The Current

Homemade cooking delivers divine goodness at Mama Doree’s Rotisserie The building at 14720 E. Sprague, home of the new Mama Doree’s, is itself the exact spot of a few strange and mysterious disappearances. Please let this not be the case this time. If everyone would skip their next meal at one of the big chains that soar like giant trees choking off sunlight from the independent local seedlings that try to take hold below and give Mama Doree’s a try, the place will be fine.

The idea of stopping by my beloved Grannie’s home and picking up a quick dinner to take home is a dream that I can only pray comes true in heaven. Until then, I hope Mama Doree’s is there to help satisfy my longing for my grandmother and her divine cooking as well as make the wait a little easier to endure… and a tad more tasty.

By Craig Swanson Spokane Valley Scoop

Look carefully at the picture to the right.

It is a masterpiece to the eyes of a hungry man’s empty paunch. At the center of this classic you see a pulled pork sandwich, my standard first choice at every new opening that dares to put this American staple on their menu. The rendition at Mama Doree’s Rotisserie easily manhandled the anticipation that always bursts inside my head as soon as I realize some new place can pull off their pulled pork promise.

To the lower right of the main attraction is as tasty a squash casserole as you will ever slide your fork into. You immediately know this is the kind of food you came to expect when you went and ate at which ever family member cooked really well. Personally, I was blessed with a grandmother (named Grannie as far as I was concerned) and a mother (who I always call Mom) that put out this kind of food as a matter of routine.

With great family recipes dovetailing with culinary skill and flair, they made everything they touched excellent.

The coleslaw in the work of art above reaffirmed what the squash and pork had stated before. It was tastefully and texturally just right while being different and unique, and so I knew it was another tried-and-true family recipe. The cornbread also had the taste and feel of generationally great grub.

Then there was the blueberry cobbler which, by now, had a lot to live up to. The bar set and raised by each of the previous selections was easily sailed over by this clean-up batter of a dessert, a walk-off home run cobbler. It was just the kind of

Submitted photo

Mama Doree’s Rotisserie, located at 14720 E. Sprague Ave., offers southern-style dishes and cuisine. dreamy meal-ender I always saved just a sliver of stomach for every Sunday dinner at my Grannie’s table growing up.

It turns out that Mama Doree is the grandmother of Frank Hunter, owner of the new place. It appears as though the idea is to sell to the drive-thru customer at least as much as to the dine-in crowd. My meal, which included everything pictured, was $10.95. It was dished into to-go containers as I made my selections to the server on the

other side of the buffet line. Think KFC buffet line dished up like at Subway, but think of your Gramma’s finest going on the plate.

I hope the Valley rises to this new dish man’s opportunity in Veradale, which has become something of a Bermuda Triangle for eateries, having swallowed up the likes of the Staggering Ox and an A & W in the last year or so. Porky G’s is sadly the most recent new business to vanish shortly after entering the quadrant.

Craig Swanson and his wife, Elaine, operate a blog and newsletter called Spokane Valley Scoop. A graduate of University High School, Craig is a lifetime resident of Spokane Valley. The Spokane Valley Scoop can be read online at spokanevalleyscoop.wordpress.com.

Biz Notes Valley Hospital honored

Ron's Drive-Inn Valley Hospital and Medical Center celebrating 55 years

was the only hospital in the Spokane area — and one of three in Washington state — that received the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence from Healthgrades for 2013.

Overall, 262 hospitals in the country met the awards criteria for overall clinical excellence across a broad spectrum of care. While many hospitals have specific areas of expertise and high-quality outcomes in certain areas, the award is intended to single out those that exhibit comprehensive high-quality care across clinical specialties.

More on awards is contained in the Healthgrades Hospital Quality Clinical Excellence Report at www.healthgrades. com/quality.

Ron’s Drive-Inn, one of the Spokane area’s longest-established fast food restaurants, is celebrating 55 years in business with a series of daily, weekly and monthly specials.

“We are celebrating another year of great food and service— and honoring one of the Spokane area’s best-loved landmarks,” owner Denny Hegewald said. “It is hard to believe that we have been serving the Valley for 55 years.”

Monthly special calendars are available at the restaurant, 12502 E. Sprague Ave. Ron’s Drive-Inn opened in 1958 and was owned and operated for 37 years by Joe Genova, who named the restaurant after his eldest son. The original building was

designed by Genova and built on the land where his childhood home once stood.

Numerica donates $13,600 Numerica Credit Union employees donated $13,600 to five community organizations that serve Washington and Idaho: Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, Lake City Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels, Inland NW Baby, Teen Challenge Pacific Northwest in the Tri-Cities and Haven of Hope in Wenatchee.

The donation was raised at Numerica’s annual Benefit Auction, coordinated by employees for the past 21 years. “I’m very proud to be a member of an organization that is as dedicated to helping our local communities as Numerica is,” Chrisanne Apperson, chairman of Numerica’s Community Involvement Committee, said of

the Spokane Valley based credit union.

“The excitement this event brings each year is unparalleled. When we can pull together as a team and generate such a large impact, I call it a success.”

Other fundraising activities at the annual Numerica employee event included a silent auction and raffles. Most of the items donated for auction or raffle were made or donated by Numerica employees and family members.

Chamber gives awards Former Spokane Valley City Councilman Bill Gothmann received the Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year award and the family of Dick Behm was honored with a special lifetime achievement award during the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of

See BIZ NOTES, page 30

The Current

February 2013 • 29

SERVICE DIRECTORY $10 A MONTH = THOUSANDS OF READERS Our service directory offers bang-for-the-buck reach into thousands of Valley-area homes. It’s a simple and convenient way to connect Valley residents searching for the right person for whatever the job may be. Priced simply and affordably, as little as $10 gets a business into 10,000 copies of The Current. Call to learn more: 242-7752.

BarBershop under new ownership Brett’s Barbershop Your old-fashioned, classic barbershop $12 Men’s cuts, $10 Senior & Military Cuts, Boy’s cuts, ages 1-5: $5, ages 6-11: $1/year.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

15114 E. Sprague Ave. • 509-714-9851

Home decor

salon services

High-end eclectic home decor, furnishings and so much more. Consigners welcome. Good, clean, quality items.

Offering eyelash extensions, body wraps, aromatherapy, skin care, scrubs, facials and complete salon services

13817 E. Sprague at Evergreen Square • 509-413-2094 www.juleshomedecor.com • Open Monday through Saturday

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Thank you for your support in The Current directories!

We extend our gratitude to the following advertisers who have participated in either the Church Directory or Service Directory. The directories exist because of their support.

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You are The Current Want to see your name in print (for all the right reasons, of course)? Or maybe you just want to help point out great ideas for content worth sharing with your neighbors? The Current is a community newspaper, so if you are part of the greater Valley community, we want to know what’s important to you. We like to say there are six of us, and there are more than 100,000 of you. Maybe one of the questions below applies to you? If so, you can help us out. ď ˝ Do you go on vacation?

Maybe you’re heading somewhere fun (and warm) for spring break. If so, pack a copy of The Current and pull it out to snap your photo in front of your favorite destination or landmark. When you return to the Valley, drop us a line with the pic, and we’ll share it with readers. Call it “Current Travels.â€? ď ˝ Are you part of a club or service organization?

Well, what do you know? We were planning to debut a list of recurring Valley events in the near future that will be well-suited for clubs and organizations that have regular meetings.

Send us the info. ď ˝ Do you celebrate?

We want people to know about everything from your new baby, to your upcoming wedding or anniversary, to your incredible office or sporting achievement. Photos, announcements, honors — please send! ď ˝ Did you capture a shot?

Shutterbugs, unite! If you are capturing great Valley moments, whether while out and about or in your backyard, email us your photo so we can share it around the neighborhood. Send along names of those pictures and complete caption information as much as possible. ď ˝ Are you a local freelance journalist?

The Current sets aside a budget and great assignments for people like you.

Send some clips our way, and we’ll be in touch. ď ˝ Do you eat?

We thought so. Perhaps you have a favorite order at a Valley eatery? Before you clean your plate, get your picture taken with your order and send it to us.

Include the place, order, cost and why you love it. It’s just one more way we can point one another to all the best the Valley offers.

You Are The CurrenT. Email editor @valleycurrent.com so we can share the things that are important to you.

509-242-7752 www.valleycurrent.com

30 • February 2013

Connect your business to Valley consumers

business

BIZ NOTES Continued from page 28

The Otis Grill, located at the corner of Wellesley Avenue and Harvard Road, offers a variety of burgers and homemade options to tempt the taste buds.

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“Informing , connecting and inspiring communities”

The Current

The Otis Grill serves behemoth of a burger As I heaved the Otis Burger to my face, the rest of the restaurant was blocked from view. I pressed the buns holding endless layers of meat, veggies and cheese to a width

By Kyle Hansen just small enough for my mouth and took Critics on Bikes a bite. I would have needed a scissor jack to unhinge my jaw any farther.

In the nine years since new management took over the old Burger Barn and turned it of their burgers, the waitresses at the Otis into The Otis Grill, customers have come in returned our order reasonably quickly and swarms, drawn by the restaurant’s friendly with smiles on their faces. service and freshly-prepared Located at the heart of burgers. The Rodeo Burger Otis Orchards at the corner IF YOU GO features a hefty blend of of Wellesley Avenue and The Otis Grill grilled onions, onion rings Harvard Road, The Otis and barbeque sauce, and the Grill is out of the way for 21902 E. Wellesley Ave. Chili Burger, an open-faced most people in the Valley.

Otis Orchards hamburger drenched in chili, But it’s just about a mile off 922-9136 cheese and onions, seems to the Centennial Trail, makCritics on Bikes rating: be a big hit. But most people ing it a perfect lunch stop for +3/4 Bike Lane come for the Otis Burger, a bicyclists. Whether you’re beef patty with ham slices, taking a day’s ride or a long bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheese, lettuce, drive, it’s well worth the trip. tomato and onion, all packed into a single Critics on Bikes is a monthly column writcolossal sandwich. ten by Kyle Hansen, a lifelong Millwood As each compressed layer of the Otis resident and junior at West Valley High Burger unfurled in my mouth, flavors began School. Local businesses are reviewed on a to mingle. The juices of meats in blankets four-point rating system: 1/4 (road rash), 2/4 of veggies and cheeses created a tasty and (flat tire), 3/4 (bike lane) and 4/4 (Tour de complementary mixture. However, in some France). ways, the combination seemed overwhelming, and the subtle zest of key elements was lost. Standing alone, the beef patty would be satisfactory. But the Otis’ onslaught of addons distracts from it, turning the burger into more of a sub sandwich. Yet, for the most part, the combined components seem to work well together.

All Otis Grill burgers are priced at between $8.29 and $8.99. They come with your choice of soup, salad or endless steak fries. The fries are crisp without being charred and seasoned simply.

The service at The Otis Grill was exemplary. It is usually expected that burgSubmitted photo ers from locally-owned restaurants will take much longer to prepare than the pre- Kyle Hansen enjoys the combined compocooked patties of most fast-food chains. nents of ham, bacon, cheese and other conWithout sacrificing the homemade quality diments on the Otis Burger at The Otis Grill.

Commerce’s annual Gem of the Valley Gala Jan. 26 at Mirabeau Park Hotel.

Others honored through the 2012 Awards of Excellence included Independent Wealth Connections (15 or fewer employees) and Greenstone Corporation (16 or more employees) as Businesses of the Year. HUB Sports Center was the recipient of the Human Services Award, and the late Cindra Shields, a longtime board member who passed away in January, was honored as Chamber Member Volunteer of the Year.

SHBA hires marketer Peggy Shirko recently joined the Spokane Home Builders Association, 5813 E. 4th Ave. in Spokane Valley, as marketing and communications director.

Shirko has 25 years of experience as an advertising account executive for the Journal of Business, Banner Marketing and The Spokesman-Review. She holds a journalism degree from Eastern Washington University and is working on her MBA. She has been a member of Greater Spokane Inc., the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and the West Plains Chamber of Commerce. A Rotarian, Shirko also volunteers for American Childhood Cancer Association of the Inland Northwest.

Among her duties will be to help promote SHBA’s Spokane Premier Home Improvement Show in April and the annual Fall Festival of Homes. Founded in 1947, SHBA, represents nearly 700 member businesses in the building industry.

Valley couple finalists for award Spokane Valley’s Kenny and Paula Smith, franchise owners of The Grounds Guys, were finalists in the young entrepreneur(s) category for the 2013 Business Excellence Awards, which were handed out at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Jan. 25.

The Business Excellence Awards honor the “best of the best” in small- and medium-sized businesses from around the world.

“The Business Excellence nomination has been a humbling and gratifying experience,” Kenny Smith said. “We have given an incredible amount of time and effort into building a company that provides an experience for the residents and businesses in our region. We are thankful to live in a place where we can build our dreams while giving the opportunity to our team and serving the community.”

Biz Notes features Valley-connected business items. Contact The Current with business news at editor@valleycurrent. com.

The Current

February 2013 • 31

business/NEWS

Eye on the Valley: Sprague Avenue between Flora and Evergreen Recognize the photos, win a prize The following 12 photos were taken within 50 yards of a two-mile stretch of Sprague Avenue between Flora and Evergreen roads. Do you know what these photos are taken of?

The reader who is first to submit the correct answers (or the highest number of correct answers) by Feb. 14 wins a $20 gift card to a business of his or her choice that is located along the corridor. Submit your answers by Facebook message at www.facebook.com/valleycurrent or

email them to editor@valleycurrent. com.

Want to know the answers? Check out The Current’s Facebook page on Feb. 15.

Last month’s winner: Michelle Anderson correctly identified 11 of the 12 pho-

1

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3

5

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7

9

3 UP, 3 DOWN

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Continued from page 13

in this area. For a more precise idea of the director districts, stop by the district office or visit www.wvsd.org.

board director Sam Andrews (see the item concerning Andrews taking a different position in the district below). The replacement will serve out the rest of Andrews’ term. West Valley is divided into five director districts to ensure there is a director from each geographical area. The open position is in director district four, which is roughly south of Marietta to Sprague and west from Vista to the western district boundary. The new director must reside

Twenty-five students from Eric Groshoff ’s West Valley High School robotics team are off to Portland in early March following school board approval in January of their travel request. The team will be competing in its first regional robotics competition at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. According to the team’s application, the event is “a culmination of the hard work the students completed in marketing, designing and

manufacturing a robot.”

West Valley City School was recently awarded a Target Field Trip grant, which will allow City Escape students to make visits to their real-world counterparts.

West Valley School Board Member Sam Andrews recently began work in an accounting/payroll officer position, assisting Payroll Director Robin Hendrick at the district office. According to district rules, Andrews had to resign from the school board before he could be hired. See the full

tos that were taken along the Argonne/ Mullan/Dishman-Mica corridor, edging out Amanda Konzal, who came in second with 10 correct answers. For her $20 gift certificate, Anderson selected Prior’s Auto Care at the corner of Mission and Mullan. Congratulations, Michelle!

4

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version of this entry on the artistic map on pages 10-11.

Centennial Middle School seventh grade students are forming a Mobile Media after-school club sponsored by Tincan.

Students will create videos and applications entirely on an iPad, offering an excellent opportunity for students to design and build videos.

Pam McLeod officially began her service as president of the West Valley School Board, presiding over its January meetings. Bob Wentworth served as the board’s 2012 president.

sports To jump or not to jump … on the GU bandwagon

The Current

32 • February 2013

By Chad Kimberley Current column

My assistant coach might have a field day with this column.

Roughly two years ago while traveling for a district basketball game, we got into a heated debate about the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

He claims he is a committed Washington State Cougars fan but cheers for the Bulldogs. I told him he MUST be loyal to one school and he is jumping on the Bulldog bandwagon simply because they are better, and he wants to cheer for a regular participant in March Madness.

In my high-and-mighty voice, I proclaimed that I am an Iowa Hawkeye fan and loyal to no one else regardless of how poor we may be playing or how few NCAA tournaments we have been invited to dance in over the past decade.

Yet here I am torn.

My Hawkeyes are playing a bit better but

definitely living in the basement of the Big Ten standings, and I live in eastern Washington where Hawkeye games show up on ESPN once a month if I am lucky.

I love college basketball. I want to get behind a team, cheer them on, advance them ridiculously further than I should in my bracket, and watch them on television regularly.

So on the night of this writing, I am going to crack open the door of my college basketball loyalties. I plan to see if the Bulldogs can shove their way in, compelling me to jump on the bandwagon and forcing me to face the ridicule of my friend and fellow coach.

I realize that if I am going to do this, I have to do it right. I’ve picked up my Gonzaga Bulldog game day-priced pizzas from Papa Murphy’s. The game pits probably the two best mid-major teams in the country — Gonzaga and Butler — and I even watched a YouTube video of trick shots from Zags players to potentially prepare me to make the jump.

trailing Kansas, Duke and Michigan State?

An impressive point for the Bulldogs especially considering the fact that Iowa hasn’t danced since 2006.

T minus 15 minutes

Final Fours. Maybe I have to consider how I feel about that if I am about to become a Gonzaga fan. Hmm, I think I want to beat Butler by about 40.

Gonzaga wins the tip and gets a quick two points from Kelly Olynyk, while the Hawkeyes currently lead the first place Wisconsin Badgers 34-18 at halftime.

The first pizza is nearing completion as I compare the best point guards to come out of Gonzaga and Iowa: John Stockton and B.J. Armstrong. Stockton had just a few more career assists in college and a bazillion more in the NBA. Armstrong does have more NBA titles, but I think that credit goes to a guy named Jordan. Another point for the Zags.

Gonzaga off to a great 11-4 lead with some nice inside play and a deep 3-pointer from Pangos. I love that the Zags roster has players from Canada, France, Germany, Poland and, of course, Spokane. Diversity city.

T minus 5 minutes

11:49 before the half

Before the game tips, I feel I have to get a few points for my Hawkeyes on the board.

We have actually played in a Final Four contest, and we have an awesome name for our football stadium: Kinnick Stadium. The stadium was named after the 1939 Heisman Trophy winner, Nile Kinnick, who died in service to our country during World War II. Top that one, Bulldog fans.

T minus 30 minutes

Opening Tip

The oven is pre-heating, and the research is being done. Did you know that Gonzaga currently has the fourth longest consecutive tournament appearances (14 in a row), only

I wonder how Bulldog fans feel about Butler, considering that most pundits consider Gonzaga the best mid-major in the country yet Butler has been to two recent

15:15 left in the first half

Gonzaga is maintaining its seven-point lead as Sam Dower becomes my current favorite Zag by dropping in four straight silky smooth lefty jump shots, including one from 3-point land, for an early 9 points.

Iowa is up 15 with 15 to play in their game.

7:10 left in the first half Gonzaga now trails by two as the Bulldogs have missed two straight lay-ups while Butler has gotten hot from the outside. This game features two of my favorite college coaches: Mark Few and Brad Stevens. I wonder if either of these coaches would want to coach my Hawkeyes if they

See BANDWAGON, page 37

Improbable victory propelled memorable Titan team 1980 district title game played out like movie script

By Mike Vlahovich Current Contributor

They were the unlikeliest of Greater Spokane League basketball state qualifiers, worthy of an against-all-odds sports movie script.

More than three decades later, theirs is a story worth retelling, dredged up from the deep recesses of memory after reading a recent Spokesman-Review feature about stellar Colfax basketball player Brandon Gfeller.

Gfeller led the Bulldogs to a State 2B championship last year, is averaging more than 21 points per game this season and is headed to the University of Montana.

How does he relate to University High’s 1980 magical journey to state? Gfeller is the nephew of Steve Shagina, who was the leading scorer on a Titan team that Shagina and fellow stalwarts Aaron Alteneder and Jim Peck agree probably had no business being there.

Consider that the Titans had an average 14-6 regular season that tied them

See 1980, page 36

Submitted photo

Former all-GSL basketball standout Steve Shagina, center, is draped by fellow members of the state-placing 1980 University High School basketball team. Back row, from left, Jeff Jones, Aaron Alteneder, Kelly Sigel, team manager Lenny Urguleit, Chris Ericksen and Jim Peck.

The Current

February 2013 • 33

sports

Another chapter in a spirited rivalry: Stinky Sneaker 2013

Current photos by Bob Johnson/ Spokane Sports Shots

A couple of closely fought basketball games added additional allure to the annual Stinky Sneaker rivalry between Spokane Valley heavyweights University High School and Central Valley High School. The teams squared off at Spokane’s Veterans Memorial Arena Jan. 15. In the end, it was the Bears who used late-game free throw shooting to outlast the Titans 53-45 in the boys game. The CV girls, meanwhile, avenged a lopsided early-season loss by scraping out a 41-38 victory. A pair of McDonald’s All-American candidates paced their respective teams in the boys game, with Austin Rehkow tallying 19 points, and Brett Bailey dropping a gamehigh 26. The girls game saw Mariah Cunningham lead the way for CV with 13 points, while senior Kayleigh Valley scored 17 points for the Titan girls in her final Stinky Sneaker performance.

Local Lens Share your

snapshots for The Current’s photo page. Email editor@ valleycurrent.com with game shots and team photos.

As a spirit contest, University and Central Valley students pulled out all the stops in the battle for the Stinky Sneaker. University rocked a patriotic, Uncle Sam-inspired “We Want Shu!” theme, while CV went with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory approach of “Shoempa Loompa.” In the end, it was the Bears who retained the iconic trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

The Current

34 • February 2013

sports

Downhill determination CV grad competes at Special Olympics World Games

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

About a week before she left for South Korea to compete in the 2013 Special Olympics World Games, Heather Comer was featured in a special segment on a local TV station.

The original idea was to have the crew follow Heather as she skied down the winding course at Mt. Spokane. That all changed when the reporter realized just how difficult it is to keep pace with a blur.

“They couldn’t keep up with her, so they just waited at the bottom of the hill,” said Heather’s dad, Tim. Since Heather first started skiing at Mt. Spokane as part of a therapeutic recreation program sponsored by the city of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, such a scenario has been familiar. Tim remembers standing on the slopes one winter day when he saw a downhill racer cascading down the mountain at a ridiculous speed.

“I thought she was going to wind up in the parking lot,” Tim said. “People will see her ski and say, ‘No way! Was that Heather?’”

A 2003 graduate of Central Valley High School, Heather is one of five athletes from Washington state who will represent the United States in the Special Olympics World Games, Jan. 29-Feb. 5. A contingent of nearly 200 athletes, coaches and support staff comprise Team USA. Overall, the event will include over 100 nations represented by some 2,300 athletes.

“It’s awesome to be able to represent my country,” Heather said.

Heather qualified for the national squad by winning three gold medals at the state competition last March in Wenatchee. In December, she flew to upstate New York to practice with Team USA at the Lake Placid training facility, site of the 1980 Winter Olympics. There, she soaked up the history

of American legends like skater Eric Heiden and a certain collection of U.S. hockey players who stunned their rivals from the Soviet Union in perhaps the biggest upset in Olympic history.

“We got to go in the arena where the 1980 Olympic hockey team played,” Heather said. “It was pretty cool.”

Over the years, Heather has participated in a variety of sports beyond skiing, including bowling, basketball, swimming and golf. Each summer, she hits the fairways at courses like Downriver, Pine Acres and Trailhead at Liberty Lake. She is also a regular competitor at Hoopfest.

“I tried snowboarding too, and it was a lot of fun, but I like skiing better,” Heather said.

In over a decade of competition, Heather has established herself as a mature and responsible leader respected be her fellow Special Olympians, according to her coach, Joanie Sloan.

“Heather’s great with her fellow skiers,” Sloan said. “She’s a very motivated person who has a lot of fun out there. She also has a great sense of humor. She’s just fun to be around.”

While her effort and determination are never in question when Heather is on the court, slopes or green, it is the unique oath of the Special Olympics that seems to define Heather’s experience in athletics and life: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

“Special Olympics is very supportive,” said Heather’s mom, Joanne. “Everyone is cheering for each other. I think Heather’s gained confidence and independence, along with some great skiing skills. She’s also gained a lot of friends. It’s about the competition but it’s more about the camaraderie.”

While Heather hopes to garner gold in South Korea, she says her main prerogative is “to go there, have fun and see different things.” Tim, Joanne and Heather’s two siblings, Kristen and Shane, will also be making the journey.

“It’s great to know I have the support of my family,” Heather said. “It’s not all about

Heather Comer’s parents, Tim and Joanne (pictured), and two of her siblings will be cheering on Heather at the Special Olympics World Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Current photo by Craig Howard

Current photo by Craig Howard

Heather Comer, a 2003 graduate of Central Valley High School, will represent Team USA in the Special Olympics World Games being held Jan. 29 through Feb. 5. She is one of five athletes from Washington state who will represent the United States in the games.

Submitted photo

winning. It’s about doing your best and having fun with family and friends.”

While at CV, Heather immersed herself in choir and rarely missed a game between the Bears and their crosstown foe, University, though she says she never harbored any ill will toward the rival Titans.

“I wanted CV to win, but I never hated U-Hi,” Heather said.

“She just liked going to school and learning” said Joanne, a longtime employee of CVSD who currently serves as principal of Liberty Lake Elementary.

Born with Down syndrome, Heather still runs into the occasional stereotyping in some circles. Yet, similar to the way she barrels down a snow-covered mountain, this gold medalist simply churns on.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Heather said. “I just do my own thing.”

The resolute approach has translated into success well beyond sports with a list that includes continuing her education at Spokane Falls Community College and establishing a stellar work history as a YMCA employee over the past eight years. She also

takes part in the P.A.C.E. program (People Accessing Careers and Education) through Community Colleges of Spokane.

“She’s always been very, very capable,” Tim said. “She’s always made the point for herself more than we have to make the point.”

Whether she’s flying to another country, reporting to work or pulling up an app on her iPhone, Heather continues to dispel the notions of those who may underestimate her ability and potential.

“She wants to do everything for herself,” Joanne said. “She’s very independent and we know that just giving people the opportunity to have those chances is very important.”

After arriving in South Korea, Heather will visit Seoul for two days before moving on to the Special Olympics village in PyeongChang. While the culture and surroundings will be new, Heather says she at least knows what to order when Team USA sits down for a pre-race meal.

“I don’t know much about South Korea,” Heather said. “There’s a Korean restaurant in Airway Heights that we’ve been to that was good. I liked the chicken fried rice.”

Innovative Education

The Current

opinion

February 2013 • 35

Current Editorial

Safe, effective school buildings Submitted photo

Lacey Grummons’ class at the Central Valley Kindergarten Center shared its reflections on honesty for this month’s Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) guest column.

What have you done to show honesty?

CVKC students share thoughts on PACE trait Current Guest Column

Recently, students in Lacey Grummons’ class at the Central Valley Kindergarten Center were asked the question, “What have you done to show honesty?” Classroom para-educator Tracy Allen also helped out with the project. Honesty is the Partners Advancing Character Education trait of the month for February. Student responses are shared below.

Tanner Hintz: Telling my sister that I was hurt.

Zack Morris: When I got a cut on my nose, my mom asked how I got the cut. I said I don’t know.

Jared Stock: I went downstairs, and I told Jacob’s parents that we had a popcorn fight and we cleaned up the mess.

Jaycee Lawhead: After I hit my sister at home, I told my mom.

About the Opinion Page The Current wants to hear what’s on your mind. Interact with the opinion page with a le er to the editor (350 words or fewer), guest column (700 words or fewer; please send a mug) or via Facebook or Twi er: editor@valleycurrent.com facebook.com/valleycurrent @valleycurrent As with all content, opinion page submissions may be edited for space, style or clarity. This is a community newspaper, so be relevant to the Valley for the best chance at publica on.

“In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory or an unjust interest. And endeavor to gain, rather than to expose, thy antagonist.”

— William Penn

Angela Mead: Every time I do something that I am not supposed to do, I tell the truth.

Kayleena Long: I tell my parents and my brother when I did something I am not supposed to. I tell the truth so I can be nice.

Aundreya Arnold: Giving my brothers a hug.

Natalie Thompson: Telling the truth.

Trevor Dunham: I fell down the stairs, and I told my mom.

Gavin Inman: This morning, I did something that my mom didn’t have to tell me. I put on my coat without being asked.

Jacob Gilstrap: Play by the rules.

Landon Garner: In the summer, I played by the rules when I played this monkey game.

Whoever gets the most monkeys loses.

Ali Fridye: When I got to play something and my brother didn’t get something, I gave it to him. Then I told my mom I gave it to him.

Cameron Fitting: When I play Lego Star Wars it doesn’t matter if my brother plays number one or number two.

Omari Fletcher: When I play in the snow, I don’t pick it up and I don’t throw it.

Rebecca Ophardt: If I did something mean and didn’t tell the truth, I would just tell it.

Kate Leiby: Before I go outside, I always ask my mom.

Owen Packebush: Sharing the XBOX with my brother.

Riley Spackman: Being a friend and being nice.

Samee Patch: I tell the truth.

This column appeared as part of a monthly series highlighting the Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) trait of the month. The trait for February is honesty.

There are many reasons to consider upgrades to school facilities, but Valley residents rarely approve bonds. Where do we go from here?

Every school board in the greater Spokane Valley is doing what every school board in the United States has been doing in recent weeks: Talking about the safety of school facilities.

Following the tragic Newtown, Conn., shooting Dec. 14, safety has received due attention as a top-of-mind reason to be talking about the design and security of schools. But safety isn’t the only reason to talk about facilities.

The greater Valley community has seen an average of more than one capital facilities bond per year over the past decade requested from among the four local public school districts. Safety issues have seemingly always been among the reasons our districts have requested voters to consider facility needs, but so have issues like deterioration, capacity and the need for modernization. In order to meet the demands of innovation in a 21st Century classroom, it stands to reason that some changes would be in order. Our businesses, our technologies and our world in general are

Editorial Cartoon

Initiative

Innovative Education evolving constantly. Schools must as well at the infrastructural levels, including the bricks-and-mortar infrastructure.

The case has been made for such renovation 11 times since 2003, and it has been made well. Even still, only two school facility bonds have passed during that timeframe. Many failures have been in the past five years, when a shaky-at-best economy has rightfully placed every spending decision under additional scrutiny. But bonds failed prior toInnovative 2008 as well, when the econEducation omy was relatively strong. What gives?

While the reasons people vote yes are relatively simple to spell on paper, the reasons for “no” are less so. Indeed, an educational system full of unfunded mandates from the state and federal levels can leave local districts not only holding the bill for unpopular measures — but suffering the most because of them. There are many examples of a “no” vote being tied to things far beyond local control.

And then, of course, there are the “no” reasons that are very local: “The last school voters helped pay for had too many frills.”

“I don’t like so-and-so in such-and-such leadership position.” “I don’t see where my kids will be helped by this bond; it will only benefit people in a different neighborhood.”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg — an iceberg that our local school districts continue to slam up against.

Initiative:

Initiative

See BUILDINGS, page 37

36 • February 2013

news/sports

ECONOMIC Continued from page 4

comment. Just like what you saw with St. John Vianney, the neighborhood came in and the Council decided not to allow that particular development because of the impact on the community.

Hohman: I think from our perspective from the permitting side, we recognize we have a vast variety of customers, be it the Wal-Mart or Providence type buildings down to the individual property owner that wants to add a room to their house, add a garage, a patio, a carport, a deck, a fence. It doesn't really matter how big or small the project is. What we want to bring forward is an attitude that really focuses on the project end. I think one of our issues before was not really knowing what our product is. Is our product the permit, or is it the list of requirements that we have to put together, or is the product helping someone build a project? And that's one of the biggest shifts we've had in focus is trying to keep the end game. Why are we here? We're helping somebody who wants to build something. … We want to help them invest in the community, and bring our level of expertise to help them.

1980 Continued from page 32

for third place in the GSL. Twelve of their wins and losses during that overall 19-9 season were by three points or fewer.

Shagina was in the company of giants on that season’s All-GSL team, NBA Hall of Fame John Stockton and Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien among them.

Yet they wrote their own version of “Hoosiers” with a district title victory over Shadle Park that defied logic.

“I kind of sound like a moron,” Shagina said during a phone interview. “But I can remember it as clear as day.”

Peck added: “Overachievers, baby! That was the best game I’ve ever been in. Luckiest is one way to put it.”

The district title game was down to its final 10 seconds or so. The Titans trailed by three points, and Shadle had the ball.

Game over? Divine intervention was more like it.

Peck, chasing Steve Rector, dove for the ball and knocked Rector down while sliding under the scorer’s table.

“I have nothing to lose,” Peck recalled.

“I jump on him, and the ref calls the foul on him!”

Rector understandably reacts. The official was leaning over him, when Rector reached up and swatted his whistle.

“The (referee) is fumbling for it to call

The Current

Q: A quote I’ve heard attributed to you, John, is the idea of when you are recruiting businesses, you need to “find out how to get to ‘yes.’” So what are some common reasons you are seeing why businesses may or may not choose Spokane Valley?

A: Jackson: That’s the million dollar question.

Hohman: It really is, and it’s difficult to answer on a generic basis. It really is specific to case by case.

Jackson: I can say one thing, though, just to kind of chat with you. There are so many variables, and the developers don’t always share them, but we want to make sure they are not saying “no” because of our permit system and what the city of Spokane Valley is responsible for. It’s kind of a roundabout way of answering it, but we absolutely are focused on making sure we’re not part of why people aren’t coming. The turnaround time is so important to developers, so that's part of the reason we are building our reputation for permitting. So we can eliminate that. Maybe it's a process of elimination. …

I think a lot of times the business locates in this region — not necessarily in this city — and that’s a success for everyone of regional economic development.

Hohman: … These companies coming in are looking more at regions, not specific cities as much. So the decision may have little to do with what we actually do here on our own, but more to do with what is our region doing and how are we regionally cooperating and comparing our area to others in the Pacific Northwest.

Q: So looking ahead a little bit, is there a next thing happening right now that you feel like should be on billboards and part of ad campaigns say a year from now? What’s happening now that the city might consider touting as it has done with the permitting upgrades?

A: Jackson: We want to keep the permit system in front of the public, but the other area we are very proud of as a city is our investment in road infrastructure. We found a way to fund a street preservation program for the next four years with our existing revenues in budget and maintain a very sound budget with a 50 percent ending fund balance. But it's taken some sacrifices in other areas. The city of Spokane Valley is very focused on law enforcement, road infrastructure, community development, permitting and then the other programs to a lesser degree. So we’re very careful about what we add to that. So the next one we would consider would be our

road preservation program.

Q: Maybe looking into a longer-term lens, is there anything out there right now you feel might be a little bit of a weakness that you want to flip into a strength, something you could trumpet some day?

A: Hohman: One of the things not to lose focus on is our continued ability to provide the customer service that we have this last year. I think that’s going to be a big challenge for us is to maintain our focus, maintain our edge, so that we don't become complacent and slip a bit.

Q: Are there any other elements to the concept of economic development or growing business that should be touched on in a story like this?

A: Jackson: Just that it's important to us that the average citizen understands the services we offer and is able to speak positively of our community. If they have issues or questions, we want them to call us. Call John or myself or whichever department in the city it's related to. What we really want is that when people talk to someone (who) asks about our city, (that our citizens) can respond in a positive manner. If there is a reason they can’t, we'd like to know. It's important to us.

the technical foul, and I can’t believe it,” Shagina said. “How can he do that when Peck ran into him? (I thought), ‘you’ve got to be kidding!’”

Peck, a 58 percent free throw shooter, goes to the line.

“He was not the greatest on Earth,” Alteneder said. “But when a game was on the line, he was money.”

Peck made both.

“I was praying old Marv wouldn’t make me shoot the third,” Peck continued.

Coach Marv Ainsworth signaled for Shagina to shoot the technical.

“We (Peck and Shagina) slap hands, I hit it and jumped around like a fool,” Shagina recalled.

Following the inbounds play, Shagina, a near 19 points per game scorer, misses what normally was a money shot for him, sending the game into overtime.

After Alteneder won an important jump ball — “We had the ball and were holding it, and I got tied up,” Alteneder said. “I can’t jump but there was no way on planet Earth I lose the jump ball.” — Shagina hits a much tougher shot in overtime for the 49-47 win.

Shagina said he was only 6-for-20 in the game, but “I remember distinctly it was a fade-away, I put a huge arc on it and let it go. It went right through.”

Miraculously, the Titans had advanced to regionals, then to state, where they finished sixth.

Titan memories

he said with a laugh. He also learned from opposing players later that he was considered the “dirtiest player we ever met.”

“I didn’t think I was that dirty,” he said.

“We were pretty physical. With only two refs, we could get away with a lot.”

Peck averaged 14.6 points and seven rebounds a game and led the team in assists.

They weren’t as gifted naturally as some previous Titan teams and those in league.

What they did have was camaraderie and a sixth sense of a group of friends that met in elementary school and spent years playing together on the playground.

“The thing is you’re playing with your best friends, and that’s not very common,” said Shagina.

“We knew each other like brothers,” said Peck. “It helped to have trust in each other.”

“We were not as talented, but I think it was the fact we got along so well, things came through at the end,” Alteneder added.

The team to this day gathers annually catching up on each other’s lives and reminiscing about their “Miracle on the Court.”

And when Shagina gets to see his nephew’s game, it brings back memories of that earlier time.

“I was watching him play the other day and part of his game reminded me of mine,” he said.

The late-blooming Shagina was a twoyear double-figures scoring starter, the offensive go-to guy who played briefly in college. He patterned his driving, jabstep, pull-up jump shot after a college player he’d watched. After working in Alaska and Idaho, he today is business manager for Spokane Public Libraries.

“It’s funny,” he said. “About 10th grade, I noticed I was getting muscles and could actually jump when I’d shoot.”

Alteneder, a teacher at Valley Christian School, and Peck, employed at Pacific Seafoods, were kindred spirits. Neither could jump well but had an uncanny knack knowing where the ball was on the court and finding an open man.

“They were craftier than hell,” is how Shagina put it. “And they played with a chip on their shoulder.”

“At some point,” 6-foot-4 team leader and captain Alteneder said, “I played all five positions depending upon who was in the game.”

He averaged 11 points and nine rebounds a game and was second in assists.

When Shagina had the ball, Peck said he would simply turn, block out and wait for the rebound. At the other end, when a shot went up, he’d head the other way.

“I don’t know how many (easy layins) he made taking off early and getting a pass,” Alteneder said.

“Ferris called me ‘cherry picker Peck,’”

The Current

BANDWAGON Continued from page 32

continue to struggle; I am guessing neither.

46 seconds left in the half Dower just buried another three to give Gonzaga a one-point lead and now has 16 points. Butler plays for a final shot and gets swatted at the half. Iowa is trying to break my heart again by blowing a big lead at half.

The Hawkeyes now only lead by 7 with a few minutes left. Time for more pizza.

Second half under way Butler gets the first five points of the second half as the other Bulldog crowd is rocking. The Hawkeyes game goes final as they knock off Wisconsin 70-66 for a huge Big Ten win. It is like my Hawkeyes knew my loyalty might be hedging, and they came out and got the job done. Unfortunately I had to “watch” it hitting refresh on my computer constantly.

13:15 remaining Elias Harris puts in one from close range as the Zags keep pounding the ball inside.

He knocks in a couple of free throws a few seconds later. Gonzaga within two and playing some Big Ten basketball, I love it.

8:22 left to go Wow! Stockton to Malone for the dunk … oops … I mean Stockton to Harris for the hoop and some harm. That was pretty and Gonzaga gets within two.

3:43 on the clock Gonzaga gets ripped on a call that gives Olynyk his fourth foul and gets Few fired up. It also causes me to jump up and yell at the television. I sit and realize that my reaction puts me one jump from the bandwagon.

20.6 seconds left Great last two minutes of college basketball; Gonzaga takes the lead, Butler takes the lead, back and forth. Butler has a one point lead coming out of a timeout. Pangos to Olynyk … gets fouled and makes both free throws. One point lead Zags.

4.6 seconds till bandwagon Turnover. Butler player flying towards the lane. Throws up a prayer. Answered. Heartbreak city for Gonzaga. Butler wins 64-63.

Postgame I have to admit I got into that game, and I think I put myself right out to the edge of the diving board that leads to the bandwagon … but not yet! The Hawkeyes retain my sole loyalty, but I will admit I am pulling for the Zags to make a deep tourney run unless that first round matchup is Gonzaga as the No. 5 seed versus my Hawkeyes sneaking in as a No. 12 seed.

Columnist Chad Kimberley is a sports aficionado and teacher at Valley Christian School.

February 2013 • 37

sports/news/opinion The last capital facilities bond passed in the Central Valley School District was approved in 1998, when nearly two-thirds of voters cleared a $78.1 million measure that led to the construction of Central Valley (pictured at right) and University high schools. Since that time, however, the Valley’s largest district is 0 for 4 in bond requests, the closest attempt coming in March 2006, when 56.65 percent of voters approved a $55.2 million request, short of the required 60 percent supermajority.

After a string of three unsuccessful attempts to pass a bond to modernize and upgrade facilities in the Freeman School District, a $19.5 million bond was approved by voters in 2008. Among the results was a new Freeman High School (pictured below).

BONDING Continued from page 15

“I’m not against education, I just think the district should spend their money wisely,” Tupper said. “That’s why you have a maintenance and operations levy. I feel the same way I did when they ran this last time and couldn’t even get 40 percent. In my opinion, the direction the superintendent and the board are taking is having a negative effect on the unity of this community.”

Meanwhile, Tupper’s former district is one of the exceptions in the greater Spokane area when it involves success on the capital facilities ballot. District 81 has instituted a 25-year construction plan for schools and passed a pair of bonds in 2003 and 2009 representing more than $450 million in building improvements.

Central Valley introduced a similar 25year strategy in 2010, but the failure of a bond in February 2011 — only 47 percent of voters supported the effort to raise nearly $70 million — means “the plan is in need of updating,” according to CVSD spokesperson Melanie Rose. She added that the district has begun the conversation about facilities again but has not yet determined when to return the issue before voters.

Toward ‘positive change’ for EVSD Glenewinkel said the transition to K-8 in East Valley — which will be complete at the start of the next academic year — has meant addressing facility requirements at the four schools slated for full renovation.

Currently, eighth graders in the district attend East Valley Middle School, with K-7

BUILDINGS Continued from page 35

Yes, there are things that are broken in the “other Washington,” in Olympia and even here at home. Less metaphorically, there are things that are broken in our local school facilities. Again, what gives? What’s the answer?

Sorry to tell you, you’re not going to find a solution on this page today. But a conver-

Current photos by Craig Howard

occupying East Farms, Otis Orchards, Trentwood and CCS. This year’s seventh graders will stay at their home schools for the 2013-14 school year, while EVMS will become the district’s administrative headquarters.

Glenewinkel , who led a charge to install a quartet of portable buildings at four schools last year, said that while there have been “some bumps in the road” with the K-8 shift, “overall there has been significant improvement.”

“It’s part of the positive change in this district,” Glenewinkel said. “Our test scores continue to trend up, our graduation rates are up, our attendance is up — all of those factors that demonstrate that our kids deserve better buildings and learning environments. If we’re going to continue this progress and continue to make this change, we’ve got to have the facilities.

We’re at a point right now that our facili-

ties are being used as efficiently as possible, but we’ve got to get these buildings up to a modern standard.”

Glenewinkel said he is well aware of the opposition fronts led by people like Tupper and Alton, but emphasized that he will continue to lead the rally for upgraded schools — even if the vote fails this month and the district has to put it on another ballot in April.

“If it doesn’t pass in February, we’ll run in April, if it doesn’t pass in April, we’ll run the next February,” he said. “I’ve heard from some people who say they’re going to vote against the bond because they don’t like the superintendent. I realize we’re not going win over some people. There’s an anti-tax group that will use any excuse to vote ‘no’ on this, but our message is that it’s an investment in our community. Better schools improve learning, bolster real estate values and mean stronger communities.”

sation won’t hurt, particularly if it’s the type of conversation that endeavors to gain an ally (as opposed to the upper hand). One hundred percent agreement is the stuff of fairy tales, but fair-minded discussion is the stuff of slow and steady progress.

Through the One Valley Initiative, this is the type of conversation we’re seeking to participate in. Moving forward in 2013, check out this page for comments and commentary from your neighbors on topics like this one.

Do you believe the inability to pass a facility bond is having a negative impact on our ability to educate the children of the greater Spokane Valley? If you don’t, what is your perspective of a proper philosophy for dealing with facility needs? Share your thoughts at editor@valleycurrent.com, or write to The Current at P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019.

Then check back here in a month’s time, and let’s keep the dialogue going.

The Current

38 • February 2013

Wondering where you can find The Current?

Volume 2, Issue 2 Editor/publisher

Josh Johnson

General Manager

Tammy Kimberley

josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@valleycurrent.com Senior account Janet Pier

executive janet@valleycurrent.com

account Cindy Esch executive cindy@valleycurrent.com

graphics editor

Sarah Burk

Office manager

Kelli Dexter

Circulation

sarah@valleycurrent.com kelli@valleycurrent.com

Mike Wiykovics

circulation@valleycurrent.com Contributors

Kyle Hansen Craig Howard Chad Kimberley Chuck King Valerie Putnam Jim Ryan

Heidi Scott Jayne Singleton Jocelyn Stott Craig Swanson Mike Vlahovich

On the cover: Submitted photo

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PARTING SHOTS

February 2013 • 39

When your teacher gets the key to the city …

By Josh Johnson Current staff column

Greenacres Elementary School firstgrade teacher JoAnn Dowling was prepping for the day during a morning recess when the sight of a dancing former student at her window caught her attention. The girl was wearing a huge grin and making quite a scene to catch Dowling’s attention.

Dowling opened the door to her classroom to learn the nature of the spectacle.

“You’re getting a key to the city!” the girl celebrated.

Indeed, JoAnn Dowling had recently learned she would be honored with a ceremonial key to the city of Spokane Valley through the municipality’s community recognition program. The city initiated the honor as part of its 10-year anniversary festivities in 2013. Dowling, who is the sole remaining member of the original staff that opened Greenacres Elementary 33 years ago, received the honor at the Jan. 29 City Council meeting.

The dancing girl? That happens to be my second-grade daughter, Kylie. When we told Kylie about the honor, she might have been more excited than Mrs. Dowling was. Every parent understands the importance of teachers in the lives of their children, and our girls have been blessed with excellent ones. Kylie loved her year in Mrs. Dowling’s class, and after noticing her reaction, I asked Kylie if she would like to interview her former teacher about the honor.

A few days before the City Council meeting, Kylie and Mrs. Dowling sat down. The result interview? Well, let’s just say this is one thing you’ll only read about in The Current.

Kylie: How long have you been teaching?

Mrs. Dowling: I have had the pleasure of teaching for the past 33 years right here in the Central Valley School District.

Kylie: What do you like about Greenacres Elementary?

Mrs. Dowling: There are so many things that I enjoy about this school. I enjoy the people, I enjoy the children that go here.

Our principal makes it a very special place for the teachers to do our very, very best.

Every year is a special year because things change, and I love change. So even though maybe the curriculum doesn’t change, my children change and their needs change, and so that makes me change. And when I get to do that I feel like I grow as a person, too.

Current photo by Josh Johnson

Greenacres Elementary School second-grader Kylie Johnson interviews her former teacher, JoAnn Dowling, about her recent honor of receiving a key to the city of Spokane Valley.

Dowling is a first-grade teacher at the school, and is the sole remaining member of the original staff that opened the school 33 years ago.

I would have to say that the whole Greenacres family makes it a joy to come to work.

You are met with smiles and hellos every day of the week, and if you need someone to talk to there is also someone there to listen.

Next, would be the children that I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 33 years. My entire teaching career has been at Greenacres. I have never regretted not changing buildings. I have also enjoyed the parents of the students I have taught. I am still in contact with many of them. I love it when they are in the school and just stop by to say hi.

Sometimes when I am out shopping, parents or past students make it a point to come over and tell you about their child or what they are doing now. What an honor to still be a small part of their lives. I hope it never stops.

Kylie: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Mrs. Dowling: I love the opportunity to come in and make a difference in the children's lives that I am fortunate enough to be a part of every day. I love seeing the light bulb go on inside their little heads when they get something. I love when it's a little bit tough for them, and we try to work it out and make sure they understand the concept that’s being taught. I just love being around young people.

Kylie: How long have you lived in Spokane Valley?

Mrs. Dowling: I have enjoyed living in

RECOGNIZE A VALLEY RESIDENT The city of Spokane Valley’s community recognition program will honor individuals, organizations and businesses that have made the community a better place each month in 2013. For more information about how to nominate a person or entity for the recognition, visit www.spokanevalley10.com. the Spokane Valley for the past 26 years.

My four children all graduated from University High School. TJ, Jeremy and Katie were very involved in the wrestling program with Don Owen and had many wonderful experiences while at U-High. Will, our youngest son, invested his time in the music and drama programs with Mrs. Green and Mr. Seaton. Those were some of the best years of my life.

Kylie: What do you plan to do with a key to the city anyway?

Mrs. Dowling: Well, I've thought about that a couple times. I wonder what doors it might open. And I wonder if I could get duplicate copies made to give to some of my friends, because they deserve a key to the city, too. I probably shouldn’t open any banks.

What would you do, Kylie, with a key to the city?

Kylie: Probably just put it in my special box.

Mrs. Dowling: Ah, why didn't I think about that? Well, I will have a place of honor in my home to keep it.

Kylie: Are you nervous about getting the key to the city?

Mrs. Dowling: Ah, Kylie, I’ll have to say yes I am. It's a big honor, because they are honoring one person, but deep in my heart I feel like they are honoring my profession, which is being a teacher. And so they couldn’t give the key to everyone, so they are giving it to one person but really it’s an honor for everyone in the field of education.

Kylie: What’s your favorite animal?

Mrs. Dowling: From the time I was little, I wanted a chimpanzee. I think it's an amazing animal. I had a friend who had one and dressed it in doll clothes. My mom said I could have one — as soon as I got a job and moved out.

Kylie: What are your favorite places to eat in the Valley?

The Spokane Valley is a wonderful place to find a quick meal or just sit down with family and friends for a nice visit. We enjoy The Three Sisters Vietnamese place on Sprague and Ambrosia Bistro over by Argonne and Montgomery.

33 years, one school As the interview closed out and Kylie started talking about why the best thing to order is at McDonald’s, I visited with Mrs. Dowling further about the connections she has made during her long career at Greenacres — the only school she has ever taught at.

“You don’t do this by yourself,” she said over and over again, before launching into the names of all eight principals who have “had a big part in who I am as an educator” — Elmer Fox, Hal Temple, Lynn Thomas, Benita Gallon, Fran Erickson, Jim Berry, Terry Ellifritz and Sue Rasmussen. She also singled out former Superintendent Wally Stanley as having a big impact on her. Rasmussen and Stanley she characterized as cheerleaders, a trait she feels is of critical importance in the field of education.

“I don’t know if you’ve ever read the story, ‘The Balcony People,’” she said, “but we all have a balcony above us with people in it, and those people come from all walks of life. They’re up there cheering us on all the time. I think people need to look up to the balcony.”

And Mrs. Dowling, much deserved, is getting a chance this month to hear from hers.

Josh Johnson is editor and publisher of The Current. Write to him at josh@libertylakesplash.com.

40 • February 2013

The Current