The October 2012 Current

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es to p a c s e arby e n t h g i E e in g l u d n i help you ge 12 a P n m autu EMERGING FROM THE RECESSION PAGE 2

COUPLES’ QUEST FOR MONTE CRISTO PAGE 18

SYKES SOLID FOR BEARS PAGE 22

NEWS

2 • October 2012

Medicare Open Enrollment

The Current

If you want to change your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan this year, you must do it from October 15 – December 7.

Reviewing your plan options can save you money.

Need help sorting through all the plans?

For FREE, NON-BIASED advice, bring your list of medications, with dosages, and your Medicare card to:

Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern WA 1222 N. Post St., Spokane, WA 99201

Any Tuesday Oct. 16 through Dec. 4, 2012 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You will be helped on a first come, first served basis.

Volunteers will also be available at: Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave.: Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 29 & Dec. 5 • 1 to 6 p.m.

North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd.: Nov. 1 & Nov. 15 • 1 to 5 p.m.

Cheney Library, 610 First St.: Oct. 19 • 1 to 5 p.m.

Volunteers are also available by appointment at the Spokane Valley Senior Center, 2426 North Discovery Place SHIBA provides free, unbiased information about health care coverage and health care access. SHIBA’s a free service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Current photo by Josh Johnson

Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Eldonna Shaw said it’s been a rebuilding year for her organization, but that signs of a turnaround for the local economy have been encouraging.

For more information call: Margaret or Kathy at 509-458-2509 SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors)

The emerging recovery Zeroing in on small business development, the Valley Chamber aims to help rebuild economy

By Josh Johnson

We’re banking on the businesses, and all those who make business happen.

Current Staff Writer

In the 11 years Eldonna Shaw has spent as president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, she has seen her share of ups and downs.

After explosive growth in membership and programs in her first several years, the chamber reflected national trends as it saw major decreases in membership during the recession. This year, the chamber consolidated two offices into one, with its board of directors choosing to shift all resources into its Valley Chamber Business Center at Liberty Lake.

Through the highs and lows, Shaw says a focus on coming alongside small businesses has been central, and she believes it will also be key to recovery. The Current sat down with Shaw in late September to learn more about the Valley Chamber’s efforts to play a role in the rebound.

Q. A.

2012 has been a busy year for the Chamber. How do you describe it?

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It’s been a year of rebuilding, emerging out of the effects of the recession and strengthening our areas of expertise — the things we do well

A Cup of Joe — and minimizing the things that may not be as important to our long-term membership needs and growth.

We know that we serve small businesses, and we have found our niche in small business development.

Q: Expand on that niche. In what ways has the Chamber dialed in on helping small businesses?

A: About eight years ago, we started with business incubation when we moved to the location on Sprague. About two years ago, we had the opportunity to manage and create the Valley Chamber Business Center at Liberty Lake (also a business incubator).

We knew there were small businesses that needed to test the water. There were some companies that would contact us that wanted to see what it would be like to be here before they launched into a fullscale lease or operation. There were also companies starting up in their homes, and they were outgrowing their house, so we new there was a need.

We’ve helped about 45 businesses over that period of time. Some grow strong and are great success stories; others not

See CHAMBER, page 4

The Current

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4 • October 2012

news

CHAMBER Continued from page 2

as successful, but that’s kind of the way of things. We can’t guarantee. ... Some criticism in the beginning, “Oh, you’re nothing more than an executive office space.” No, because we’ve had a history of helping members with referrals to businesses and sources for their supplies and services. So we were a whole lot more. We were — we are — the entree for small business into the community.

Q: Talk about the Liberty Lake center, as that has recently become the Chamber’s home.

A: This year, we decided to look at what our strengths were and how to best use our resources. We surveyed our members and everyone wanted us to continue to be resourceful, and everyone liked what we were doing. So the best decision by the board was to consolidate the operation over here, because we already had some duplications (between the two locations).

And we also, when we looked into things, had a long, distinguished history in the eastern end of the Valley. I mean, we basically got our start over here in 1921, and probably in the portion of Greenacres that’s now a part of Liberty Lake.

Q: Talk more about how you’ve carved out this focus on helping and resourcing small businesses.

A: Besides business incubation, and because we had success with that and built relationships with the Washington Small Business Development Center, I was contacted and asked if we’d consider being a site for NxLevel entrepreneur training. ...

We became certified, and now, some four years later, we have graduated 116 people through the program. Some have started successful businesses — there are really some fun success stories — and some have not. There were even some who took the class and decided afterwards, “Wait a minute, this is not for me.”

And we help them, because we save them from a lot of wasted expense. ... Most communities don’t do it they way we do it, but I think it works because we are helpful and inclusive. I think there’s a pervasive sense in the Valley that people are helpful, and if businesses are successful, in a sense it helps everybody. ... Our motto sums it up: We’re in business to help you do business. Everything we do is geared to help our members do business better, and I’m very proud of that. ... Our NxLevel program, the way we do it, probably wouldn’t work in some communities that don’t have that mindset of wanting to help others succeed.

Q: And one of the new wrinkles on

“It was hard. I think small businesses can last through a couple of bad years, but really we’ve been experiencing four bad years. And it’s only been into the spring of this year that you are starting to see people emerge.

Sometimes I laughingly say, ‘Either things are getting better, or people are just sick and tired of being sick and tired.’”

— Eldonna Shaw that NxLevel program I understand has to do with providing scholarships for veterans to take the class.

A: Last year at the Chamber’s retreat, we started talking about the number of potential returning veterans, and what could we do? Some of them might want to start a business. ... It’s good because it’s an incentive for someone who has been in the military to basically get that tuition reimbursed if they complete the class. We have two veterans in our fall class.

Q: You started out by talking about how this has been a time of the Chamber emerging from the recession. Can you talk about the ways the Chamber has perhaps reflected the local economic challenges?

A: Well, it really has. Because we’re small businesses, I think we’re impacted to a greater degree. There’s a certain amount of fragileness about being in business. And yet the SBA and the Department of Labor still says most of the growth in jobs is going to be in small business.

In 2007, we had the peak of our number of members. We had 1,058, and that was so exciting. In the first six years of being here, I was able to double the membership, and then it went further with growing it to that point. And then the recession started hitting, and so at the end of the calendar year last year, we were down to 750 members. But i’ve asked in other communities across the country, and many Chambers suffered worse than we did.

It was hard. I think small businesses can last through a couple of bad years, but really we’ve been experiencing four bad years.

And it’s only been into the spring of this year that you are starting to see people emerge. Sometimes I laughingly say, “Either things are getting better, or people are just sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Membership is starting to perk up. We

have a good message to tell people, and we can point to how we help folks.

Q: So you ended 2011 with 750 members, but you say membership is perking up. Are you adding more members than dropping now?

A: Yes. Our goal was to have 800 members by end of December, and we’re on track to meet that. ... In August, and typically the end of summer is not great for membership sales, but we brought in 23.

And to me, the business growth means a better reason to be part of the chamber, because you’re meeting new prospects and new people and experiencing new ideas.

Q: So this has been recovery. Where is the Chamber building from here?

A: We’re finishing up the first year of our three-year strategic plan. I think we did a ton this year toward financial sustainability, which was one of those initiatives. We’re looking for different ways to provide adequate resources for the organization without necessarily always looking to dues, even though that still is major, it’s 51 percent of our revenue. ... Our fifth strategy is developing business, and I think that’s where we’re going to build. We have the ability to add phase two here at the business incubator. I only have two small offices left right now. We will be looking at some training and information sessions for our members that wouldn’t have to be just for startups or entrepreneurs, but information people need. So I think in developing business and the whole area of training and information, that’s a direction we’re moving.

For the strategy of positive business climate, that is something that doesn’t happen overnight. But we have two of our members on the city of Spokane Valley’s economic development council, and that’s been good. And to be able to work hand in hand with the city of Liberty Lake on issues that are important, I think that’s been good.

Q: We’re speaking in the thick of an election cycle, and while I know the Chamber doesn’t endorse candidates, is there anything in particular you think people should be paying attention to?

A: My message to people is please be objective and vote. I am shocked at voter apathy and that a very small percentage make decisions that effect all of us. And if you don’t vote, you really don’t have a reason to complain.

Q: How does the Chamber work with local governments?

A: We made a presentation to the city of Spokane Valley’s economic development council, and I have spoken to the councils of Millwood and Liberty Lake this year. We can offer to help on certain things. We can do things like collecting public opinion and providing some addi-

The Current

tional information that’s helpful in their decision making.

Q: Professionally, you’ve spent 11 years in Spokane Valley. What has been gratifying and what continues to drive you to serve the local business community?

A: There is so much to be done, sometimes it seems insurmountable. But there are good people who emerge. I get excited when I see a new member or new business excited to be a part of this community. ... I really enjoy getting people to work together positively to do something better than what one person could do alone.

There’s so much more to be done, and some day when I retire, I hope to just step back and the chamber doesn’t miss a beat because the chamber belongs to all the people who make this a good business community.

Q: Talk about some of the growth sectors where the Valley is set up to do well?

A: Wow, there are a lot of things. Light manufacturing is still structured as a growth area. I see aerospace as an amazing thing. When i went on a tour to Kaiser recently, I had no idea they had the sophistication to be able to do really finite recipes for building materials for the aerospace industry, and they get orders from all over the world. ...

I think health care as well. ... My family still lives about 65 miles away, and all of their major doctors and specialists are here. They come down here and shop and go to the doctor. So we serve about a 200-mile radius. They’re not thought of as tourists because they are driving in for a business purpose for the most part, and then they leave. But they dine out and go to movies and concerts and plays and often times stay over.

Q: What will be important to nurturing our business climate into the future?

A: I really hope that there is a true vision for where we’re headed. In the Valley, I think that’s important and continuing to work cooperatively throughout the county and region is important.

Q: There seems to have been a lot of talk lately about a renewed sense of regionalism. Do you feel like that’s on the increase?

A: It’s moving in the right direction. I think there’s more cooperative spirit, and some of that comes about from limited resources. It’s been a tough economic time, but some good things may come out of this.

It used to be chambers were limited to a location, but that really isn’t the case anymore. If people live, work or do business in the greater Valley, we really think we have something to offer.

The Current

October 2012 • 5

news

In case you missed it Shea-Biviano getting press The campaign for the 4th District state House of Representatives seat between incumbent Republican Matt Shea and Democrat challenger Amy Biviano has been getting media exposure for all the wrong reasons.

We’ll spare you the details — type “Facebook” or “road rage” along with their names into a Google search and you’ll have more than enough reading material — but part of the controversy revolves around a road rage incident involving Shea a year ago. There is much to the story a voter should look into and evaluate objectively, but the whole episode has provided plenty of fodder for Spokesman-Review humor columnist Doug Clark.

Since he was sharing a good-natured barb against the Spokane Valley area, we thought we’d reprint an election season pun. “Shea is seeking a third term in the Valley,” Clark wrote. “Being armed and angry will only get him more votes.”

For his part, Shea isn’t speaking to the Spokesman-Review or many media outlets, though he did speak with Current correspondent and longtime Spokane Valley journalist Craig Howard for a

Wednesday, Oct. 10

story on the race in last month’s Current.

He, along with Biviano, are also scheduled to speak at a question-and-answer forum hosted by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce’s government action committee Oct. 2. That event is for Chamber members.

Here’s hoping it provides an opportunity for the candidates to talk about what differentiates them on the issues most important to Washington residents. For more election coverage, check out The Current’s sister publication, The Splash.

Liberty Lake’s weekly newspaper will report on this race and others of local interest in its Oct. 11 issue, which can be read online at www.libertylakesplash.com.

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One other change is that recycling will move to every-other-week service.

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The Current

6 • October 2012

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3DOWN

All students in the West Valley School District will register to “vote” this month for a district-wide mock General Election on Oct. 30. “Citizenship preparedness is a main pillar in the West Valley mission statement and also in our strategic plan,” Superintendent Gene Sementi wrote in a letter to students and parents. Included with the letter home was a mock voter registration form for students — and a couple copies of the real deal to encourage parents to be registered as well.

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The Current

October 2012 • 7

The Spokane Valley City Council voted in early September to negotiate a new contract with Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service — SCRAPS — to provide animal control services. The city considered Spokanimal as an alternative, but in the end voted to continue with the popular county system. Still to be determined is whether the city of Spokane will enter into an agreement that will enable SCRAPS to move into a new shelter.

A team of 27 goats roamed some of the steepest city-owned terrain in Liberty Lake much of September, gobbling away at weeds that had become an eyesore to neighbors and a pesky foe to contain. The city touted the goats, rented from Green Goat Rental of Hayden, Idaho, as not only an environmentally friendly solution, but an economical one. When the goats finished grazing on the property, the city contracted with Green Goat Rental to move them on to battle some challenging spots at Rocky Hill Park.

The Spokane County Library District board of directors wasn’t able to get all the way through its agenda at its September meeting, but the body plans to vote in October on entering into a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Liberty Lake Municipal Library, SCLD Library Director Nancy Ledeboer said. The agreement would allow city of Liberty Lake residents to take out free library cards with the county system. County residents can already obtain access to the Liberty Lake library for free. There are some restrictions to the accounts, such as an inability to access e-books, but most traditional borrowing would be allowed.

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

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.)

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The Current

8 • October 2012

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

CITY OF MILLWOOD Compiled by Valerie Putnam

The Millwood Better for Business group is currently working on a brochure for the city. It will list items of interest and local business information.

A separate brochure promoting special events, such as Millwood Daze, is also being planned.

A costume party is planned at the Millwood Gallery, 9009 E. Euclid Ave., on Oct. 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event features a reception for artist/photographer Pat Schilling, live music by Bob and Beverly and refreshments, including roasted hot dogs, homemade chili and wine. There is no admission charge, and the best costume wins $25. For more, call Teresa Peluso-Antosyn at 927-2222.

Millwood’s annual leaf collection begins in mid-October and continues to mid-November, weather permitting.

Rake leaves to the curb or edge of the road. No bags or tarps permitted. For more, call Millwood City Hall at 9240960.

The passage of an ordinance amending Millwood City Council’s regulations for business licenses ended the city’s year-long moratorium on the establishment and licensing of medical marijuana dispensaries and collective gardens. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7.

An amendment to the city’s traffic ordinance regarding commercial trucks in residential areas clears up an issue the Council did not intend to make. The original ordinance prevents large trucks from taking short cuts through residential areas, but allows property owners to drive a work truck to their property. The amendment makes it all clear, providing time restrictions for the work vehicles to be parked in front of a residence.

Spokane Transit Authority (STA) is attempting to move its Millwood route bus layover area from Bridgeport. Temporarily moved to a section just west of Argonne on Euclid Avenue, the location may move further west to avoid interfering with parking for area businesses.

news CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Compiled by Josh Johnson

The Spokane Valley City Council will be continue its debate of how to fund desired capital improvements through its 2013 budget. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7.

The city will begin weighing applications for tourism grants, applications for which were due at the end of September.

The grants are funded by hotel-motel taxes and given to facilities, events or projects that promote tourism and thereby replenish the fund by encouraging more people to stay in the city. In past years, the grants have stirred some controversy as city leaders debate whether certain events, such as Valleyfest, generate visitors from out of the area for overnight stays.

A small tax is expected to continue to garner debate as the 2013 budget process finalizes. The City Council is allowed an annual property tax increase of 1 percent, which would collect an additional $108,000 for the city in 2013, but Council members offered mix sentiment during September meetings as to the fate of the tax, with Mayor Tom Towey saying he would like to see the proposal be kept alive through the budget process so the public could have opportunity to comment.

Perhaps the most recognizable road construction project of the season, the reconstruction of Sprague Avenue between Evergreen and Sullivan roads, was completed in mid-September. The city sent out a statement thanking businesses, their customers, residents and motorists for their understanding and patience during the project. Anyone interested in providing comments on the project or any other Spokane Valley road construction project are encouraged to e-mail cbranch@spokanevalley.org.

The Spokane Valley City Council voted to negotiate a new animal contract with SCRAPS. The city considered Spokanimal as an alternative. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7.

Spokane Valley was host to several major events in September, including Valleyfest Sept. 21-23 at Mirabeau Point Park and the Spokane County Interstate Fair Sept. 7-16 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. A third event was much shorter and smaller, but was significant nonetheless. On Sept. 20, the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum held a party for the building it’s housed in.

Opportunity Township Hall turned 100 years old this year.

CITY OF LIBERTY LAKE Compiled by Josh Johnson

The Spokane County Library District board of directors will vote on a reciprocal agreement that would allow city of Liberty Lake residents to take out free library cards

with the county system. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7.

Mayor Steve Peterson is scheduled to present his proposed 2013 budget to the City Council at its Oct. 16 meeting. A September presentation of potential expenditures and revenue from Finance Director RJ Stevenson showed the city expects general fund revenue of $5.43 million against $5.14 million in expenses.

The Liberty Lake Lodging Tax Advisory Board is seeking applications for tourism grants by Oct. 26. The Hotel/ Motel Tourism Promotion Fund is fed by hotel-motel taxes, and grants are given to facilities, events or projects that promote tourism and thereby replenish the fund by encouraging more people to stay in the city.

The annual Labor Day Weekend Lud Kramer Memorial Spokane Symphony concert played Sept. 1 at Pavillion Park.

Crowds packed the grass for the free event, and people watching from golf carts lined the upper ridge of the natural grass amphitheater area. The event capped another summer of free events through the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series.

A stretch of Country Vista Drive between Henry Road and the Spokane Valley city limits will increase to 45 mph after the Liberty Lake City Council unanimously approved the speed limit revision for the isolated stretch of road. The fourlane road has a turn lane, but there is no development and little cross-traffic along the stretch. A previous City Council had unanimously approved to decrease the speed on a longer stretch of Country Vista to 35 mph in 2008.

The city has turned to goats to battle weeds in strategic locations, calling the solution both environmentally and economically friendly. The city contracted with Green Goat Rental for the work, and the company had 27 goats grazing on city of Liberty Lake property through much of September. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7.

VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICTS Compiled by Josh Johnson

The PACE trait of the month for October is “responsibility.” Schools, businesses and citizens are all encouraged to emphasize this character education initiative, defined by PACE as “being accountable, the pursuit of excellence and the exercise of self-control.” For more on Partners Advancing Character Education, visit www. pacecommunity.org.

The Central Valley School District and city of Liberty Lake hope to finalize a development agreement this month that would allow the district to “sell” a vacant property owned by CVSD to the city of Liberty Lake so the latter could develop it into ballfields and open space. The lot, next door to Liberty Lake Elementary School, has been considered in the past

for school construction, including a new middle school, but is not planned for pending development in the near future.

Under the sales portion of the agreement, the city would pay CVSD $10 for the land, and the school district would buy it back for the same price when its plans for the property crystallized in the future, Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson said.

All students in the West Valley School District will register to “vote” this month for a district-wide mock General Election on Oct. 30. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 6-7.

School is back in swing at all Valley school districts, with classes beginning Sept. 5 for West, East and Central Valley students. (Freeman students got a head start on the year a week sooner.) Early reports on enrollment in the Valley’s largest district, Central Valley, showed larger than anticipated growth.

A new bicycle safety program received wheels and is officially rolling in the Central Valley School District after a $6,100 grant from the SpokeFest Association provided 30 new bicycles for CVSD. Nearly 2,000 children attending 13 Central Valley elementary schools will learn the basics of bicycle safety this year thanks to the grant, which funded the bicycles.

The bicycles were assembled and delivered by the Bike Hub in Spokane Valley, and SpokeFest also provided 30 bicycle helmets.

Classes officially launched at Spokane Valley Tech, the new school for college and career preparation that is a joint effort of the Central Valley, East Valley, West Valley and Freeman school districts.

Meanwhile, the actual building to house the classes is being finished so that it will be ready to hold classes in January. In the meantime, Spokane Valley Tech’s sports medicine and aerospace and advanced manufacturing classes are being taught at West Valley High School. The cosmetology and fire science curriculum will be temporarily housed at the former University High School campus owned by the CVSD.

TOWN OF ROCKFORD Compiled by HEIDI SCOTT

The Rockford Grange on First Street is hosting a political forum Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Candidates from state legislative district 9 and U.S. Congressional district 5, along with the judges on the ballot and others running for office, have been invited to attend. Community members are encouraged to come get to know the candidates.

The Rockford Community United Methodist Church, 217 S. First St., will be offering a harvest dinner Oct. 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Adults, $8; kids 6-12, $4; under 6, free. The menu includes turkey, dressing, veggies, salad and pie.

See 3 UP, 3 DOWN, page 25

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October 2012 • 9

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community

10 • October 2012

The Current

Valley of the sun A monthly series of historical chronicles providing a window into the past — and a connection to the heritage — of the communities that make up the Spokane Valley.

Photos courtesy of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Mary Rauscher stands with the wheat harvest of 1914. The Rauscher place was in east Trent near Barker Road.

Many family histories have been carved along Trent

By Jayne Singleton Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Trent, Trentwood, Steno, Irvin — all are names that have been used to describe a section of the north central Valley. By 1883, the Northern Pacific Railroad had completed tracks through the Spokane Valley. The origin of the name Trent is unclear. Trent has been called by many other names, but it generally referred to the area east of Argonne Road, west to Barker Road, south to the river and north to the rock bluffs. It may have gotten its name from the station master, but no records indicate the correct answer.

Irvin was the name of the man in charge of the Ideal/Portland Cement Plant and the area around the plant was referred to as Irvin. Trentwood is the area north of the Northern Pacific tracks where it is more wooded. Steno was named after a man who had some land in the area and was a court stenographer.

The area may have become called Post or Fredericks if Frederick Post would have stayed on and finished building the mill he was constructing along the Spokane River near where the Valley Mall is today. Post was working on setting the races for the mill when James Glover enticed him with an offer of 40 acres free if Post would build the mill near the Spokane Falls.

Around the early 1880s, settlers included Mr. Dart, who operated a small store in the area and Mr. Jacob Esch, who donated the land for the first Trent School. The Blessings, Zimpricks, Ulowetzs, Stitzs and Rauschers came in 1884. Arriving by rail, other families homesteaded in Trent. J.A. and Matilda Stegner (Stegner Road named for them) arrived in Spokane by rail in August 1889. They were greeted by the ruins left by the great fire, which destroyed 32 square blocks and any chance of gainful

This photo, also circa 1914, shows a class from Trent School, with an arrow singling out Catherine Narup. The school was on North Pines Road where the Trent Elementary School is today. employment. Changing course, the Stegners went to Latah and set up a small store.

In 1890, they moved to the Trent area and bought the store from Mr. Dart.

In 1895, J.A. Stegner, suffering from appendicitis, was taken into Spokane, operated on and did not survive. He had an insurance policy of $2,000. Matilda bought 160 acres of land for about $800 with the money and later made quite a profit selling the land to the Inland Empire Electric Railroad for $16,000. She continued to operate the store, manage the farm and raise five kids until marrying J.A. Narup. The Narups built a very large home west of Pines Road and south of Trent Road. The home was quite a show place and rivaled anything in Browne’s Addition at the time. The Narups continued to acquire more land along Trent Road, including the Spokane Distillery and the land around it. It was located near the bridge over the river and had produced some quality spirits. The area was platted as Louisville, after the famous Kentucky Bourbon place. Matilda Greenfield Stegner Narup was strongly against the consumption of alcohol. Buying the distillery put it out of business, and the building was used to store hay. It burned down some years after, and rumor was the fire was started by a couple of guys angry over the loss of a local source

of spirits or their jobs.

Brothers, Anton Blessing and Isadore Blessing, arrived from Minnesota and farmed in the Trent area, south of the Spokane River east and west of Sullivan Road.

Anton’s place was close to where a bridge had been built over the river earlier. It was either built by Thomas Newlon or W. Schnebly or possibly a man name Keppler.

The bridge was gone when Anton arrived, but the supporting timbers and abutments remained and were used by Anton in the building of his house. Many of Anton’s and Isadore’s descendants still live in the Valley.

Not long ago there was the Blessing’s Tavern at Pines and Trent Road. It was a favorite stop for workers from Kaiser Aluminum.

Pioneers of the Trent area began educating their children by building a schoolhouse in 1887. It was located near Trent and Barker. Later schools were located on Pines Road, Flora Road and one of the Trent Schools still exists on University Road north of Montgomery.

Most of the early settlers to the Trent area were Catholics and in 1892, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was built on Trent Road.

Shortly after the church was completed, a cemetery was created just to the east. Pioneers to the Trent area are buried there. The

February Dishman

March Chester April Opportunity May Vera June Greenacres

July Saltese

August Spokane Bridge September East Farms/Otis Orchards October Trentwood November Orchard Avenue December Millwood church burned down in 1928. Many records of marriages, births and deaths were lost in the fire. The church was rebuilt and used until a new St. Joseph’s was built in Otis Orchards. Trent Congregational Church was built on the east side of Pines Road around 1903. It was also used as a school for a time.

Entertainment options in the summer were swimming in the irrigation ditch, taking the bus or train to Natatorium Park. In 1946, the area’s first outdoor drive-in theater, the East Trent Motor In Theatre, was built on Trent Road. The first film shown was “Doll Face.”

As the landscape gradually changed from agricultural to urban and industrial, farms disappeared, replaced by housing tracts.

Most of the irrigation ditch that paralleled Trent Road was torn out when the deadly curve near Barker Road was realigned. In the 1940s, employment was easily found either in building the new Naval Supply Depot (now the Spokane Industrial Park) or at Alcoa Aluminum (bought out by Henry Kaiser) or the at the Portland Cement Plant.

Royal Riblet sued the cement plant because of the dust coating his property. He died before the lawsuit was settled.

In the 1960’s large new schools were built to accommodate the growing population of Trent, Trentwood and East Trent. East Valley High School, Trent Middle School and Trentwood Elementary replaced the older one room or larger schools and now serve the population in the Trent area.

The only things that have not changed in the area are the Trent Road, as it was called in the pioneer days, the Northern Pacific Tracks and the Spokane River.

Jayne Singleton is director of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, located at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. Additional items about the history and culture of the Trentwood area — or any of the communities in the Valley of the Sun series — are available in the museum archives. For more information, call 922-4570 or visit www.valleyheritagecenter.org.

local lens

The Current

October 2012 • 11

A Sept. 11 dedication

Submitted photos

The Spokane Valley Fire Department held a special dedication ceremony Sept. 11 for the new Gateway Station under construction at 6306 E. Sprague Ave. At left, Greg Bennett, Dave Vegele and Mike Fields prepare to raise the American flag while Bill Clifford holds an axe in the background. Above, Clifford, Bennett and Vegele participate in the ceremony.

Pool hosts dog day to end summer

Behm family honored by Chamber Eldonna Shaw, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, visited Ivah and Ken Behm of Behm's Valley Creamery recently to present a plaque for the business’ Golden Member status. The creamery has been a member of the Chamber since April 1, 1950. Ivah Behm and longtime owner Dick Behm, who passed away last year, purchased the business in 1974 from Dick’s father. In all, Dick and Ivah worked more than 50 years in the business.

Ken Behm operates it today.

Submitted photo

Growing over the summer More than 90 Central Valley students enjoyed getting their hands dirty this summer alongside community volunteers from the Master Composter/Recyclers Program of the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System and the Washington State University Master Gardener Program. The program offered hands-on gardening, composting and science lessons. Young growers donated their freshly grown items to the Spokane Valley Food Bank, a yield of more than 67 pounds of produce so far.

While Valley Mission Pool closed for the summer Aug. 26, it reopened for a special event the following week — one for the dogs. A total of 48 dogs registered to take part in Paws in the Pool, a dog swim event organized by the city of Spokane Valley parks and recreation department. The success of this first-ever event has organizers believing it will become an annual tradition.

Submitted photos

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

12 • October 2012

community

Current file photo

Carver Farms

Three: Get lost in charity

Eight ideas for making the most of October

By Heidi Scott Current Contributor

At the end of summer, who doesn’t look forward to the cooler and calmer days of autumn? The crunching of leaves and the tang of apple cider are special annual treats, not to mention the harvest-fresh vegetables and a few more days of sunshine.

To take full advantage of the weather before it turns too cold, here are eight ways to lose yourself in another treasured Inland Northwest October.

One: Get lost in the harvest

Carver Farms 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 9105 N. Idaho Road, Newman Lake Nothing says autumn quite like the smell of fresh produce and the squeal of children as they pick out their own pumpkins. From apples to carrots, this family-owned farm is your one-stop spot for the full autumn harvest experience.

Even better, each Sunday, authentic Mexican food is offered by Tacos Fiesta Brava.

Free hayrides are running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first three weekends of October, transporting you to the pumpkin patch if you’d prefer not walk or drive.

Refreshments include caramel corn, caramel apples, popcorn and drinks. Plenty

of produce is also still available at the farm — which has been open for weeks selling seasonal items — including onions, cabbage and squash.

Of course, the pumpkin patch is full of standard carving-size pumpkins that can get bigger than 25 pounds as well as pie pumpkins running 3 to 4 pounds. There are thousands of different colors and sizes of gourds, along with the trendy mini decorating pumpkins.

The first week of October, there will likely still be corn to pick. And don’t miss the variety of frozen berries in small packets. The packets of frozen pie cherries from Flathead Lake are extremely popular, coming in sizes just right for making a 9-inch pie.

And for something a little different, go to the free popcorn maze, and wander through the corn. While you do, pick your own ear of multicolored popcorn to bring home. Let it dry for a few weeks, then pop it. It has an excellent nutty flavor, just right for fall.

For more: 226-3602 or www.carverfarms.com

Two: Get lost in time

Spokane Renaissance Faire 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 6; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 20424 N. Dunn Road, Colbert (Back side of Green Bluff) Transport yourself to the “Tournament of the Golden Apple” in the year 1545,

Submitted photo

Spokane Renaissance Faire compliments of the Spokane Entertainers Guild. Visitors will be immersed in the chivalrous world of knights in shining armor, storytellers and royalty. Enjoy music, dance, shopping and specialized events including jousting, sword fighting and archery.

This fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank has set a goal to collect 6,000 pounds of food for the local charity.

Tickets range from free (for active duty and retired military or children 5 years old or younger) up to $10 for an adult.

Group and family rates and weekend passes are available.

For more: www.theguild2010.org

RYPtoberFest 2012 4 p.m. to midnight, Oct. 27 Greyhound Park, 5100 W. Riverbend Ave., Post Falls Whether a football fan or someone who just enjoys a good Oktoberfest event, this one is not to be missed. Wear traditional German Leiderhosen, sing along to polka and catch autographed footballs from Super Bowl XXVI MVP and Spokane native Mark Rypien — all for a great cause.

Local bands will perform during the whole event, including popular German band, The Polkatones.

Raffles are planned all day, and for $10 you can catch an autographed football. Prizes will be awarded for the best Halloween costumes, German or otherwise. Delight in a smorgasbord of German food and beverages from the NoLi Brewery in Spokane.

The event benefits the Rypien Foundation, supporting families of children with cancer, as well as Inland Northwest Honor Flight, which flies WWII veterans to see their memorial in Washington, D.C. All-inclusive tickets cost $55 and include all-you-can-eat dinner buffet and snacks, five beer tokens and a commemorative beer stein. Base tickets for $30 include two beer tokens, one food ticket and a commemorative beer stein. The event is for adults 21 and older.

For more: ryptoberfest.ticketleap.com, 362-1781 or ryptoberfest@yahoo.com

Four: Get lost on the rails

Lion’s Club Excursion Train 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. every weekend day in October

See AUTUMN, page 13

The Current

October 2012 • 13

community build your own home or simply wanting to learn how to caulk or compost, the seminars offer a range of options.

Aimed at virtually every homeowner, this is a chance to gather ideas for remodeling, decorating, and landscaping — or just getting ideas for new ways to increase the value of your home.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, and 12 and under are free.

For more: www.homeideashow.com

See AUTUMN, page 25

CHURCH DIRECTORY Introducing the Church Directory The Current now offers a place for readers to find service times, special programs or upcoming events of area churches. To find out more, contact a Current advertising executive at 242-7752.

Submitted photo

Lions Club Train

AUTUMN Continued from page 12

Train depot is located at the end of Main Street, Ione (in northeastern Washington) For your chance to view the autumn colors in style, take a train ride along the Pend Oreille River. The North Pend Oreille Valley Lions Club is again offering its popular rides three times a day every weekend in October. This annual fundraiser helps the Lions Club provide service locally and globally.

The ride takes approximately an hour and a half, and riders can choose from three enclosed coaches, three open-air coaches (bring a blanket for fall weather) or a caboose.

Visitors are encouraged to get there early. It’s also a good idea to purchase tickets well in advance because they sell out fast. The depot does not process credit cards, and pets are not allowed on the train.

Purchase or pick up tickets at the depot in Ione or buy tickets online at www.lionstrainrides.com.

For more: www.lionstrainrides.com or 877-525-5226.

Five: Get lost in nature

Clarkia Bunkhouse Open by reservation year-round Located in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, near Clarkia Looking for a chance to enjoy the mountains in a new way? Try the Clarkia Bunkhouse, owned by the US Forest Service. At 2825 feet of elevation, the structure was built in 1942 and served as a ranger bunkhouse, office, shop/garage and ranger headquarters. At one point, it was even the Blister Rust Control Headquarters for the St. Joe National Forest.

intersection open bible www.theintersection.info 905 N. McDonald Rd. • Spokane Valley Sunday Service: Traditional 8:30 a.m.

Contemporary 10:30 a.m.

924-3705

Submitted photo

Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center The public is now welcome to bring sleeping bags and stay in this unique setting. Located near the town of Clarkia, Idaho, it is ideally situated for nature lovers and bird watchers.

The Bunkhouse has a communal kitchen and dining area along with cooking utensils, dishes, BBQ grill, single and double beds, and communal bathroom facilities with showers and laundry. The site offers two trails nearby, the Hobo Cedar Grove nature loop through ancient cedars and the Marble Creek loop which takes you to a 1900s logging camp and steam donkey. To get to the Bunkhouse, visitors take Freezout Road No. 301, which has been called one of the best kept secrets of North Idaho.

Open all year, the cabin can accommodate up to 15 people, in 2-, 3- and 4-person rooms. The cost is $30 to $45 per room per night or $200 for the entire bunkhouse.

For more: 208-245-2531

Six: Get lost in culture

Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center Open various times depending upon event or exhibit 405 N. William St., Post Falls

Affectionately called The Old Church, the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center is a bustling destination. Theater performance, musical concerts, cooking classes, puppet shows and parties are all on tap for the coming months. Some highlights for this fall are the Rising Stars, a new group of young, local music talent; ongoing children’s music classes; and blues, jazz and classical performances by local and globally recognized musicians.

The art gallery is currently exhibiting a watercolor show featuring local artists.

For more: 208-457-8950 or www.thejacklincenter.org

Seven: Get lost in thought

Home Idea Show Oct. 12-14 Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley This 34th annual event offers a chance to see the latest trends and developments in home furnishing and building. Compare prices and qualify for special promotions as well as hunt for great deals among the many exhibitors. Meet with professionals and negotiate great deals, arrange quotes and take in educational seminars. Whether you’re planning to

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

The Current

14 • October 2012

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October 2012 • 15

community

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS

Haunted Pool 7:30 to 10 p.m., Mission Park pool, 11123 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley.

Discover what’s lurking in the locker rooms and prepare to be petrified on the pool deck. Geared to ages 12 and older. $3 per person, $2 with a can of food for Spokane Valley Partners.

Sept. 28-29 | Small Farms Conference Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. For more: 535-7274 Sept. 28-30 | Just Between Friends consignment sale Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. For more: www. jbfsale.com/spokane

Nov. 1 | Great Candy Buy Back 4 to 7 p.m., KiDDS Dental, 1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite 5, Liberty Lake. Dental office buys leftover Halloween candy at $1 per pound and sends it to troops overseas in this fifth annual event.

Also, goodie bags and prizes. For more: 8917070 or www.growupsmiling.com

Sept. 29 | Home Depot annual Safety Day 10 a.m., 5617 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley.

Free event featuring representatives from fire department, law enforcement, Neighborhood Watch, Operation Family ID and others. Bicycle rodeo and special clinic for children ages 5-12 and games throughout the store. For more: lorance813@gmail.com or 534-8588

Nov. 2 | Fifth Annual Valley Christian School Harvest Festival of Fun 6 to 9 p.m., 10212 E. 9th Ave. Food, fun with entertainer Marty Campbell, carnival, silent auction and more. Tickets $30 each or $100 per family at VCS. Seeking sponsors, volunteers, auction items and guests. For more: 924-9131

Sept. 29 | Family Fun Day and Cow Pie Bingo 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Good Samaritan Society, 17121 E. 8th Ave., Spokane Valley.

Games, bouncy house, craft included for $15 wristband. For more: 924-6161

Oct. 5-7 | Custer’s Fall Antique Show Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana. For more: 924-0588 Oct. 6 | “Long Live to Ride & Drive Poker Run” benefiting Cancer Care Northwest 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Starts at Bolo’s, Spokane Valley and ends at Curley’s, Hauser, ID. Ride sponsored

by Buck Holliday. For more: 290-5256 Oct. 6 | Holistic Festival 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Admission $6. 50 booths, free lectures, organic and natural remedies, body care, pain relief, massage, healers, readers, chiropractic books, bio-feedback, oils, crystals, jewelry, arts and more. Vendor space available.

For more: 624-1865 or www.holisticfestivals.com Oct. 9 | An Evening of Dialogue with Spokane Catholic Diocese Bishop Blase

Nov 2 to 3 | Flanagan’s Wake Performances Ignite Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway. PG-13/R for language. For tickets and more: www.ignitetheatre.org or 795-0004

See CALENDAR, page 26

“ IT’S

THE LAW ”

Nov. 8 | Ladies Nite Out Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. $50 ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, wine, and the opportunity to bid on a selection of items, experiences and services to benefit Spokane Valley Partners. Table sponsors and donors also sought. For more: www.svpart.org or 927-1153, ext. 13

Sept. 29 | Inland NW Baby third annual Peek a Boo Tea 1 to 3 p.m., Appleway Event Center, 10512 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley.

Sponsorship opportunities available; individual tickets $25. Treats, games and silent auction. For more: www.inlandnwbaby.org Sept. 29 | Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park’s 2012 Annual Dinner and Auction 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Arbor Crest Wine Cellars.

Wine, silent auction, music and buffet dinner. $75 per person. For more: 238-2220

Family-friendly comedy performed by the Liberty Lake Community Theatre. Tickets: $8 adults, $5 ages 4-12, 3 and under free. For more: www. libertylaketheatre.com

Current file photo

A vendor sorts through produce at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. The market is one of the few area markets still open in October. Its last day of the season is Oct. 13.

Cupich 7 p.m. St. Joseph Church, 4521 N. Arden Rd. Otis Orchards. The Bishop will address the issues of religious freedom and same-sex marriage. For more: 926-7133 Oct. 13 | CV Grad Night Fundraiser: Brats & Brews for Bears 2 to 5 p.m. Noli Brewhouse, 1003 E. Trent Ave. Micro brews, a signature beer glass and brats for $25, plus auction items. For tickets and more: mlorge@yokesfoods.com Oct. 16 | Fifth Annual Crime Prevention Program 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CenterPlace Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Free oneday conference. For more: 477-3055 Oct. 19-20, 26-27 | Spokane Valley Mission

Recurring Liberty Lake Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through October 13, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. For more: www. llfarmersmarket.com

MUSIC & THE ARTS Sept. 28-29, Oct.4-6, 12-13 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 7 & 14 at 2 p.m. | Rumors Ignite Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway. PG13/R for language. For tickets and more: www. ignitetheatre.org or 795-0004 Sept. 29 | Artist Showcase Auction 5 p.m., Great Room at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Annual Spokane Valley Arts Council fundraiser features wine, food, live music and art. Tickets: $35 individual, $50 couple. For more: www.spokanevalleyarts.com/ ArtistSh.html Oct. 12-14, 18-20 | “Hit the Road, Jack” 7 p.m. each day except Oct. 13, which is 2 p.m., The Kave, 4904 N. Harvard Road, Otis Orchards.

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The Current

16 • October 2012

al s e

tio

st for kids u j n

A speci

Slimy fish, cool cars and fighting a disease

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community

Bailey Wills Age 12

School City School in the West Valley School District

Favorite food Pizza

Hobby Magic the Gathering, a card game

Brought to you by

Favorite car 1929 Ford A Sedan Delivery, a one-of-a-kind vehicle owned by Lynn and Susie Main

Pets “We have a zoo.” From fish and frogs to bugs and dogs, Bailey is surrounded by dozens of pets.

Some of their names are Shiloh, Avocado, Blade, Crash, Godzilla, Camo and Henry.

Favorite animal “I like all of them — except the snow leopard.” (Bailey says the snow leopard is a predator to the rare red panda, so that has turned him off.)

Bailey Wills sits with his dog, Shiloh, at his grandma’s house.

Bailey and Shiloh often look for fish, frogs and tadpoles at the lake.

Family Wave photos by Josh Johnson

Avocado the praying mantis spends some quality time with his owner, Bailey Wills. Bailey feeds Avocado a steady diet of live crickets.

12-year-old lives a full life despite his diabetes

By Josh Johnson Wave Staff Writer

Meet Bailey Wills. He is a businessman with his own company licensed with the state of Washington. He is an advocate who has helped raise thousands of dollars through a charity that is named after him.

And he is only 12 years old.

Bailey has a lot to keep him busy already, but he deals every day with a disease called juvenile diabetes. This disease means Bailey’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin, which is used by the human body to help the food people eat turn into the

energy they need. Bailey makes sure he gets the right amount of insulin in him by wearing a pump on him at all times.

“This is the thing that keeps me alive,” he says of his insulin pump.

He also has to poke his finger several times a day — kind of like giving himself a shot! — to test and make sure his body has what it needs to function properly. He says he is used to it, and it is worth it because the testing helps him make sure he eats and drinks the right things to make sure his body is feeling good.

“Sometimes, if I do too much exercise, I get what you call wobbly,” Bailey says. “That means I don’t have enough sugar in my body. … Truthfully, being low is the worst. If I get too low, I can pass out easily.”

Parents, Shea Wills and Marcus Wesche; sister, Jaelyn Wesche; grandparents, Jackie and Robert Wills and Jan and David Wesche

Website www.baileysbrigade.com

Bailey said when his body or his tests tell him he is low, he has to do things like drink juice to help his body get back to normal.

Bailey has lived with juvenile diabetes for most of his life, and his family started a charity called Bailey’s Brigade to help raise funds to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Many of his friends also support him by helping with his fundraisers, like an annual car show he held last month or a walk his team participated in to raise money for a cure. This year, Bailey’s Brigade raised more than $10,000.

“I think that so many people actually care about this dis-

ease and seeing how much they want to find a cure for it, that’s really hit me,” Bailey says. “I didn’t think that so many people would help cure this diabetes.”

Bailey said his favorite fundraiser is probably the car show, and he has met a lot of people and seen a lot of amazing cars through the event.

“One of my favorite cars even came to City School to pick me up,” Bailey says. “I’m just like, ‘See ya!’”

When he is not involved with Bailey’s Brigade activities, Bailey has a business called Bailey’s Pond Place. He sells some fish and supplies, and he is thinking of starting a worm farm to sell bait to fishermen. He calls himself a “fish freak,” but said he

likes just about anything “slimy.”

“Most people don’t like catfish, and I just love them,” he says. “They have battle scars, and they are good parents as well.”

He said his grandma, Jackie Wills, helps him with his business. His mom, Shea Wills, is also a big supporter of everything from caring for him to helping raise funds through Bailey’s Brigade.

“My mom, she’s the best at everything with diabetes,” Bailey says. “She does the walk, she does the car show, and my grandma helps a lot, too. They are like the queens of everything. They know what to do and when to do it.”

The Current

October 2012 • 17

community 10 most fattening Halloween treats

10 best things to do with a pumpkin

— www.dailybeast.com

1. Make pumpkin pie 2. Carve it 3. Make pumpkin bars 4. Paint it 5. Roast the pumpkin seeds 6. Make pumpkin cake 7. Use it as a decoration 8. Compost it 9. Hollow it out and use it as a bowl 10. Cut a hole in the bottom and make it into a helmet.

— The Wave staff

Thanks but no thanks!

1. Pennies 2. Apples 3. Raisins 4. Advice such as “look both ways when crossing the street” 5. Canned food 6. Stickers 7. Coupons 8. A toothbrush 9. Little bags of microwave popcorn 10. Homemade treats — www.candyaddict.com

Gre a t C a ndy Buy B a Ck

10 most popular kids Halloween costumes of 2011 No. 1 not recommended for boys 1. Princess 2. Witch 3. Spider-Man 4. Pirate 5. Pumpkin 6. Fairy 7. Action or superhero 8. Batman or vampire (tie) 9. Disney princess or zombie (tie) 10. Star Wars characters — National Retail Federation

Nov. 1 • 4pm to 7pm

Wave challenge: Take responsibility In October, Spokane Valley neighborhoods will be talking about this month’s PACE trait: responsibility. PACE is a program that reminds kids and adults about qualities that we should all try to improve in ourselves, and taking responsibility is definitely one way we can do this.

Listed with this article is the definition of responsibility. There are three parts that PACE focuses on, and here at The Wave, we have three suggestions for how you can practice being responsible this month.

1. Being accountable. Do you have expectations in your class at school or chores at home? Of course you do! Responsible people keep on top of the things they have been asked to do without needing a gazillion reminders. This month, focus on doing your homework or chores without

Responsibility

[ri-spon-suh-bil-i-tee]: Being accountable, the pursuit of excellence and the exercise of self-control.

being asked to do them. You know what you are supposed to do. People who are responsible doesn’t wait to be reminded or forced to do what they know they are supposed to do.

2. The pursuit of excellence. So did you do your homework or chores without being asked? Great! But there is one more step with responsibility. Responsible people do everything with their best effort.

You have the capacity inside of you to do outstanding work. When you are working

KFWS • MindGym

A few top 10 lists to get you in the Halloween spirit 10 worst things to get when trick-or-treating

5th Annual

September 24, 2012

Trick or treat?

Don’t eat too much!

1. Twix 2. Milky Way 3. Baby Ruth 4. 3 Musketeers 5. Mounds 6. Butterfinger 7. Rolo 8. M&Ms 9. Almond Joy 10. Snickers

on assignments that have been given to you, make sure to give it your maximum effort. You will feel proud when you are done of your efforts, and rightfully so!

3. The exercise of self-control. There are plenty of areas of life where people need to remember self-control, but some common areas that kids face are eating and video games. Have you ever wanted to eat a whole bag of cookies? How about when you get a new video game, do you sometimes wish you could do nothing but play the game all weekend? This month, focus on being responsible in these situations and only eating one cookie or maybe just playing a video game for a little bit after you’ve taken some time to exercise by playing outside. Make the right choice without having to be told, and you will be showing responsibility.

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18 • October 2012

business

The Current

Their count of Monte Cristo? Nearly 30 Friends unite in quest for the perfect sandwich

By Jocelyn Stott Current Contributor

A group of Spokane Valley retirees may have found the perfect way to avoid the latest political and religious rhetoric that can polarize relationships — by sharing a sandwich. The three couples set out on what started as a whim for a Monte Cristo sandwich and turned into a quest to find the best one in the area, by sampling nearly 30 of them, starting in 2010.

Not only did they find the elusive sandwich, they enjoyed the deepening friendship that came with it.

“My favorite part about this has been the sandwiches, followed closely by the good conversation. We don’t talk about religion or politics,” says Ron McIntee, 74, an Air National Guard retiree.

“The wives actually just go along for the sandwich,” confesses Judy Lanphear, 75, a retired secretary. And the sandwich is not typically on most menus.

What is a Monte Cristo? It’s essentially a grilled turkey, ham and Swiss cheese sandwich that has been dipped in an egg batter like French toast. Some variations, the group discovered, are prepared by deep-frying. The sandwich is often served with some sort of sweet dipping sauce, such as raspberry or huckleberry jam or syrup.

McIntee’s partners in the search for the perfect lunch include his wife Jacque; Jim and Judy Lanphear, and John and Nancy Horstketter, all of Spokane Valley, who all met through the Striders, a fitness club for local retirees. The group insists they’re not food critics and may not know what the ideal standard is, but they’ve learned that food interpretations can vary.

“Well, I retired from running an elementary school cafeteria; it’s got to be better than that,” jokes Nancy Horstketter, 65.

“Some are grilled on the sides, some have three pieces of bread, and different quality and quantity of meat,” says John Horstketter, 69. “They can actually be quite different.”

The statistician of the group is Jim Lanphear, 80, a retired engineer and college instructor, maintained spreadsheets to study the data the group collected.

“The scores ranged from 0 for bad up to 9 for good, and then we average the scores allowing one vote per couple,” explains Lanphear. Criteria include taste, quality/quantity of ingredients, presentation and service of the restaurant.

Ron McIntee said he collected target

Sandwich royalty The following six restaurants surfaced as the top destinations for a Monte Cristo sandwich in the area, as determined by three Spokane Valley couples who have sampled nearly 30 of them. The next phase will be to determine three finalists.

1. Old European, 7640 N. Division Street, Spokane 2. Skyway Café at Felts Field, 6105 E. Rutter Ave., Spokane 3. Fedora Pub and Grill, 1726 W. Kathleen Ave, Coeur d’Alene 4. Grandma Zula’s Kitchen, 306 N. Spokane Street, Ste. K, Post Falls 5. Laguna Café (not on the menu), 4302 S. Regal Street, Spokane 6. Wolf Creek Lodge Spokane, 104 S. Freya Ave., Spokane

restaurants by searching the Internet and in some cases actually contacting the restaurant to see if they could prepare a Monte Cristo. One place did prepare their request, despite not offering it to the public.

All the sandwiches ranged in price from $7 to $10. Sometimes they were large enough to share between couples, sometimes not.

“It depends on how hungry we are,” says John.

Some restaurants weren’t scored if the experience was bad, one restaurant went out of business, but overall six made the first cut by scoring over 24: Old European, Skyway Café, Fedora Pub and Grill, Grandma Zula’s Kitchen, Laguna Café and Wolf Creek Lodge Spokane (see breakout box).

The group was even treated to a homemade version of the Monte Cristo by fellow Strider Carol Stobie.

“Carol’s was amazing. And served at Priest Lake! But we can’t really count it because she made it just for us,” says John Horstketter. The group consensus was similar in regard to Stobie’s rating.

Now that the group has narrowed the finalists down to six, they enter what they refer to as phase two. This segment will result in three finalists. After that, well, it’s on to the next sandwich. Will it be a Reuben? A Club?

They’re open to suggestions.

Current photo by Jocelyn Stott

The Monte Cristo sandwich crew, from left, includes John and Nancy Horstketter, Jim and Judy Lanphear and Ron and Jacque McIntee. The Spokane Valley couples paused for a picture before setting out on their Centennial Trail walk with the Valley Striders.

Current photo by Josh Johnson

The Monte Cristo from Skyway Café at Felts Field is one of six finalists from nearly 30 such sandwiches that a group of Spokane Valley couples have rated. Not pictured: The accompanying fresh strawberry sauce with which the sandwich can be drizzled or dipped.

The Current

October 2012 • 19

business

Biz Notes Providence begins work on Valley facility Providence Health Care broke ground in September on a new outpatient facility in Spokane Valley. Located off Interstate 90 east of Sullivan and Indiana, the $44 million, 11-acre property on the north side of the freeway will house two connected buildings: one for physician offices and another for diagnostic and treatment services.

“We are very excited to be expanding Providence services into Spokane Valley to provide quality, compassionate care to more residents of this growing area,” said Michael Wilson, chief executive of Providence Health Care. “It is an extension of our vision to make Providence services more convenient, accessible and affordable for residents of Spokane Valley—ensuring patients have access to the right level of care in the right settings.”

Providence Medical Park-Spokane Valley will include a two-story facility with access to urgent care, a wide array of imaging services and an outpatient surgery center.

The adjacent three-story building holds offices for primary care and specialty physician services such as oncology and cardiology. An on-site pharmacy and lab complete the setting.

Providence Health Care Chief Executive Michael Wilson shares remarks at the groundbreaking last month for Providence Medical Park-Spokane Valley.

Below: An artist’s rendering for the $44 million facility that will take shape east of Sullivan in Spokane Valley.

Submitted photo

“This is the direction health care is moving,” Wilson said. “Whereas the hospital has been the center of the medical system in the past, comprehensive outpatient centers are the way of the future, focusing on convenience and affordability.”

Providence Medical Park-Spokane Valley, located at 16528 E. Desmet Court, is expected to open in the spring of 2014. The facility will add to the Providence Health Care imprint in the region. Providence is the parent company for Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital, Holy Family Hospital and Providence Medical Group-Eastern Washington.

Submitted illustration

STCU honored for performance The release last month of the Raddon Performance Index — a measure of growth, service and overall performance for credit unions across the nationwide — saw a familiar name on the list, STCU. The Liberty Lake-headquartered financial institution was one of just five U.S. credit unions that have been judged among the nation’s highest performers by Raddon Financial Group for four consecutive years.

Raddon considers a vast array of data provided by more than 500 credit unions, and STCU was among 22 credit unions nationwide receiving its 2012 Crystal Performance Award for performance, and honor it also received in 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Camping World celebrates opening Camping World, 19651 E. Cataldo Ave., held a grand opening and ribbon cutting event Aug. 30 as well as related festivities and promotions into September.

The RV sales and service and outdoor recreation chain moved into the Liberty Lake building that last was home to a Mastercraft boat dealership. To prepare for the opening, Camping World added a ramp for access into the retail showroom, converted a previous shop into retail space and built a new seven-bay shop on the campus.

Hurd Mercantile opens every day Hurd Mercantile, 30 S. First in Rockford, announced new hours in September, en-

abling the gift mall to open every day. The retailer is now open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Hurd is also planning a holiday open house Nov. 17.

Did your business recently open, receive recognition or experience some other noteworthy milestone? What about a new hire or promotion? Submit the information to Biz Notes at editor@valleycurrent.com.

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The Current

20 • October 2012

business

Darcy’s positioned to fan flames of success New restaurant located at long-popular U-City site

By Craig Swanson Spokane Valley Scoop

A friend of mine who worked for the forest service said he used to go into burn areas months after a forest fire became buried under deep snow. They would use heat seeking instruments to detect smoldering, buried logs. In my years as a camper, I have several times restarted the dead coals from the previous night’s fire by adroitly placing twigs and branches and then giving forth a few hardy blows, reigniting the fire without striking a match.

Most new places open at old sites, like fire rings in the wilderness, where prior inhabitants enjoyed a glowing, comfortable establishment. Sometimes the bed of coals lies waiting for the right combination of combustibles to be laid on top with a fair amount of huffing and puffing by the new owner to be blown back to life.

The new owners of Darcy’s Restaurant and Spirits, which at 10502 E. Sprague Ave. lays on the old smoldering bed of Percy’s Café Americana, should not have to waste a lot of breath considering the prices on the new menu and the quality of the food they have set out to serve.

I can’t think of a spot in the Valley where so many have gathered around the fire for so many years. Personally, I go back to 1966 or so when University City was being built by my great uncle, Clyde Higgenbottom, who was a superintendent for Halverson Construction.

The shopping mall that Clyde built became the center of the Valley as soon as the occupancy permit was issued. My first love at U-City was the wishing well at the heart of the mall, where I would toss pennies into the clear water and watch them sway back and forth as they came to rest alongside the other glistening coins on the white and blue mosaic tile that made up the pond’s floor.

My favorites changed over the years as I went from childhood to adulthood wandering the stores at the mall. As a gradeschooler, I loved the pet department in the back southeast corner of Newberry’s, where I bought tropical fish for my first aquarium.

Then in junior high it was the second floor of The Crescent where I bought my first album, “Talking Book” by Stevie Wonder, and got lost for hours in the small book section attached to the record department.

(Back then there was no such thing in town as B. Dalton’s, let alone a Barnes and Noble). Later, when I became aware of the opposite gender, Hamers and Harvey’s clothing stores had the all the threads I needed.

And always the crowded aisles of the Hallmark store yielded the perfect gift for every occasion I was forced to shop for.

Submitted photos

Craig Swanson calls the Hawaiian one of his longtime “go-to” sandwiches. “Now I know Darcy’s is the place to go to for my goto,” he said.

A burger and fries at Darcy’s is comparable to fast food alternatives in price, but much tastier, according to the Spokane Valley Scoop’s Craig Swanson.

My appetite for good food never changed, however, and so the one constant favorite from the beginning was The Golden Hour.

Back then there were no chains, not McDonald’s or Arby’s, which were the first two to arrive in the Valley just across the street (Arby’s then McDonald’s if memory serves). The Golden Hour was the pinnacle of Valley dining, and their Sunday buffet was the pinnacle of the pinnacle.

I worked there in high school and knew the buffet line well. I whittled away at the baron of beef with a long, white-handled carving knife at the end of the line, attempting to figure out where to place the slabs of beef on the already too-full plates of the glutonous customers that came smiling up to me.

Then I graduated and moved on. The Golden Hour soon graduated into Percy’s as my old boss, Percy Howell, slipped

into retirement and turned the reins over to his daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Greg Kroetch, who certainly kept the coals stoked. For years, the campfire ring at Percy’s enjoyed the Valley’s warmest blaze.

It packed them in with karaoke way too many nights a week, and it was the place to go after shopping, especially Christmas shopping. That folkway long outlasted UCity as shoppers found their way from the U-Surper Mall on Indiana every Christmas season, and most particularly on Christmas Eve where a toddy at Percy’s was a local tradition and hidden treasure for Valley natives and newbies alike.

Then after the better part of a career, Greg passed away and Pat left the building like Elvis, turning it over however reluctantly to the new owners of the Luxury Box. With the King gone, the building that had warmed so many for so long became

cold. Like a transplant recipient that rejects its donor organ, the old building would not accept its new enterprise, and for whatever reason the Luxury Box slipped into the annals of soon-to-be-forgotten history.

And now we have Darcy’s.

As I said, I go back a ways with this particular spot on Google Earth, and I predict with the confidence of Nostradamus that these new guys will fan the tired but stillalive coals that have been at that location longer than most of our citizens have either been alive or lived here. Their idea is one I think Percy himself would approve.

Having opened the sandwich shop, Casey’s Place, several years ago, Annette and Kevin Hayes do know the first thing and everything else about making good sandwiches and salads. While they have

See DARCY’S, page 21

The Current

DARCY’S Continued from page 20

a dinner menu that includes traditional American favorites, the bulk of their menu reads like a sandwich shop, a very good sandwich shop that knows how important good salads are these days in a Weight Watchers world.

They also know how important price is in our present penny-pinching paradigm.

Most new places push the envelope just a tad when it comes to prices, apparently thinking their newness justifies it. Not Darcy’s.

Their prices are so good that McDonald’s next door needs to be worried as should all the Valley sit-down restaurants.

Why would you want a $5 fast food burger you get handed to you in a bag after waiting in line when you can pay just $2 more at Darcy’s and get one served with fries by a smiling young waitress? And for that matter, why would you go to any other sitdown restaurant where you would pay $3 more for perhaps an inferior restaurant burger?

Beyond their brilliant and bold price positioning, Darcy’s is obviously emphasizing quality recipes with fresh ingredients. While my time to test things out has been limited, I have been doing my part to help rekindle the flames, having sampled the menu on four separate occasions in the few weeks they’ve had their doors open. It is apparent to me that the owners are hands-on and heads-up in the kitchen.

On top of their food and prices and beautiful setting, Darcy’s has location, resting on the Valley’s warmest bed of coals where we have been blessed with decades of professional yet down-home hospitality. The new owners appear to have all the right talents and skills to rekindle the blaze and tend to it for years to come.

October 2012 • 21

business

Coffee, cookies and comfort served up at The Rocket

By Kyle Hansen Critics on Bikes

As Millwood’s warm, colorful summer days are slowly taken over by the prolonged, relentless fall and winter seasons, it is time for bike riders to accept the inevitable and make a crucial decision. Everyone has a place to retreat in the winter. Rabbits have their warrens, ducks fly south and I abandon my icy riding routes to wet my chapped whistle with a mug of hot cocoa at the Rocket Bakery.

As soon as I was old enough to ride a two-wheeler, I was riding it to The Rocket. They may be famous for their coffee, but a selection of pastries makes visits a treat for all ages. The frosted pumpkin bars are gooey and moist with just the right amount of sweetness. The peanut

employees greet customers with a smile. It’s also nice to support a business whose owners, Jeff and Julia Postlewait, are so actively involved in the community.

There are lots of chain coffee shops to choose from in Millwood, but The Rocket goes the extra mile, with a friendly environment and a strong, locally oriented influence to put itself ahead of all the others. Whether you’re looking for a quiet study area for after school or simply a place to have a bite to eat and socialize at the end of a long day, it’s worth your time to come in and blast off.

Critics on Bikes is a monthly column written by Kyle Hansen, a lifelong Millwood resident and junior at West Valley High School. Local businesses are reviewed on a four-point rating system: 1/4 (road rash), 2/4 (flat tire), 3/4 (bike lane) and 4/4 (Tour de France).

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butter chocolate chip cookies have a subtly crispy texture that breaks away into scattered bursts of flavor with every bite.

All of the baked goods are made fresh in The Rocket’s own kitchen, not shipped in frozen, days prior.

Parallel in excellence to the Rocket Bakery’s desserts is its general atmosphere. It’s a quiet, peaceful place in Millwood for neighbors to go and work on business memos and school essays with Wi-Fi access and a cup of coffee. The eclectically decorated and cozy seating area in the back of the bakery is a great space to sit and talk on cold winter days.

There are a variety of local newspapers to read, or one might wish to bring a cribbage board and a deck of cards. When it’s nice enough out, I like to stake out a seat on the patio or the Adirondack chairs outside.

Since it doesn’t have a drive-through, it is made clear that The Rocket Bakery is meant for healthy conversation, and not just for grab-and-go goodies. The

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sports

22 • October 2012

The Current

Sykes’ success no surprise to father Influence of former all-Pac 10 lineman helps CV standout

By Ryan Collingwood Current Contributor

Grayson Sykes has never had to seek out sage football wisdom.

Seek would imply a concerted effort.

When the 6-foot, 175-pound Central Valley star ever needs guidance beyond his own light, though, a call to Los Angeles follows.

His father, former Washington State University lineman Greg Skyes, fields those calls.

In those instances, the two discuss the week's opposition, the recruiting trail and life's generalities.

The 2000-mile separation isn't far enough to hinder their bond.

"He's always been there," said Sykes, an all-Greater Spokane League selection in 2011. "He's been pretty influential and has always helped me strive to do the best I can."

Sykes, the Bears’ leading rusher who also splits time at outside linebacker, is part of a diminutive group of seniors that returned from CV's run to the 4A quarterfinals last fall.

Naturally, leadership duties were bestowed upon the threeyear letterman, whose carries have increased substantially each season.

That volume has especially ascended in his senior campaign.

The 32 carries in the Bears' first three games is a little more than half of what he totaled all of last year.

None of this surprises his father. If anything, the ex-Cougar — an all Pac-10 selection during a career that stretched from 1977-1981 — figured the mass carries would have come sooner.

"In junior high, he was a big kid running all over the place," said the elder Sykes, who also had a short stint with the San Diego Chargers. "By the time he got to (CV), I think he was very

“He’s a (NCAA Division I) caliber player. And I’m being as objective as possible here.

He’s got the athleticism, the speed and size. He’s better than a few of the guys I played with. On top of that, he’s a great person. I don’t think he’s said a bad thing about anyone.”

— Greg Sykes prepared. He runs very hard."

Starting off in the trenches was a key component in the yard-churner's progression.

Before Sykes' parents separated eight years ago — his mother Rebecca is remarried and lives Liberty Lake — the family lived across the street from CVHS. Sykes, the oldest of the two brothers at the time, had seemingly inherited his father's impressive measurables. Greg was a 6-foot-7, 290-pound figure, and Grayson, bigger than most of his peers in grade school, looked as if he, too, had a fruitful future in the trenches.

Turns out Grayson was fleet of foot, too, so his time up front was cut by the time he reached seventh grade. His growth rate decreased a bit as well, so it worked out. "(Being on the line) really helped him, I think," said Greg Sykes, who's made it up to a grip of his son's games. "It taught him toughness and how to use his hands."

It's his legs, however, that have Central Valley aiming for another postseason.

While Sykes has been clocked as low as 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, he isn't beating the GSL defenses with his speed. Not initially, anyway.

When his number is called, he'll take a short handoff between the tackles before bursting to the outside, a feature that makes him attractive to a slew of college coaches.

"I just open my stride when I hit the outside," said Sykes, whose sophomore brother, Max,

Current photo by Ryan Collingwood

All-GSL selection Grayson Sykes is a leader for the Central Valley Bears. is getting reps on varsity on special teams. "That's when I get moving," Offseason track and field didn't hurt Sykes' speed, either.

His personal best in the 400-meter was a better-than-average 51.7.

"He's a (NCAA Division I) caliber player," his father said.

"And I'm being as objective as possible here. He's got the athleticism, the speed and size. He's better than a few of the guys I played with. On top of that, he's a great person. I don't think he's said a bad thing about anyone.

Just a very humble team player.

I'm very proud of him."

Sykes has an upcoming recruiting trip scheduled at FCS power Montana this month.

The Grizzlies are among a few schools interested in Sykes' services, but he's yet to receive a scholarship offer.

"I'd like to play somewhere warmer," Grayson said. "But, obviously, I'm used to the cold so I can deal with that, too."

photo by bob johnson/spokane sports shots

Grayson Sykes looks for open daylight around the end while taking a carry for the Central Valley Bears during a 2011 game. Sykes, now a senior, is hearing from college football programs interested in his talents.

The Current

October 2012 • 23

sports

Highlights from your Chamber

Riding all over the Valley

Chamber announces 2013 officers, new board candidates The following list of nominees will stand as elected in 10 days, unless there are additional people that want to serve on the Board of Directors: Officers

Submitted photos

Participants in the family ride portion of the Rotary In Motion bicycling event leave the starting area in Liberty Lake Sept. 16. The ride featured distances from 5 to 100 miles. The century route saw riders criss-crossing the Valley, from the Newman and Hauser Lake areas, through Otis Orchards, along the Centennial Trail and then north to Bigelow Gulch and back south to Valleyford.

Following the ride, a group of finishers enjoyed lunch provided

by Quiznos. From left, Sam Brubaker, Ryan Hagmann, Katie Hagmann, Ethan Hagmann, Lono Hagmann and Stephen Holcomb work on lunch.

Sam, Ryan, Lono and Stephen completed the 50-mile race, while Ethan and Kate bicycled the 25-mile route.

Champions of the ‘Shootout’ The Honey Badgers — from left, Lacie Hull, Kalle Crouch, Courtney Carolan and Lexie Hull — were crowned champions this past summer in the seventh and eighth grade division of the Coeur d'Alene Shootout. The girls are all students in the Central Valley School District.

Jason Whiteley, Witherspoon-Kelley John Bogensberger, Signs for Success Chris Ballard, Pacific Print & Fulfillment Steve Florance, Inland NW Insurance Karla Kaley, KPS Management

Chair: John Guarisco, MDI Marketing Chair Elect: Barry Baker, Baker Construction Vice Chair: Dennis Barts, Valley Hospital Vice Chair: Mike Baker, Modern Electric Water Co. Secretary: Josh Johnson, Liberty Lake Splash/Peridot Publishing Treasurer: Diana Wilhite, Safeguard Northwest At Large: Cindra Shields, Graphic Business Systems Past Chair: Nancy Holmes, Avista President & CEO: Eldonna Shaw

Entrepreneur scholarships available If you are interested in starting your own business and are a veteran or a citizen of Spokane Valley, there are still scholarships available for the NxLeveL® Entrepreneurs Course. In order to start the selection process, submit a letter of interest explaining your need.

New board candidates serving threeyear terms beginning Jan. 1, 2013:

For more information, go to Entrepreneur Training under The Valley Chamber tab on our home page, spokanevalleychamber.org. Additional questions can be directed to NxLeveL® Administrator John Pederson at 924-4994.

Chamber events in October

Committee meeting, Longhorn BBQ, 2315 N. Argonne, Spokane Valley

October 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Government Action committee meeting, “A Conversation with the Candidates” featuring Amy Biviano and Matt Shea, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission, Spokane Valley. Cost is $20 (includes lunch); register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

October 10, 4 to 6 p.m., K Salon Open House and Ribbon Cutting (5:30 p.m.), 16823 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley October 17, 7:30 a.m., Walmart Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting (7:50 a.m.), 5025 E. Sprague (next to Costco), Spokane Valley October 17, 4 to 7 p.m., Robert L. Wilder D.D.S. Grand Opening of new location and Ribbon Cutting (TBA), 930 N. Mullen, Ste. 2, Spokane Valley October 19, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., Business Connections Breakfast BIZ BUZZ, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan, Spokane Valley. Register at spokanevalleychamber. org.

October 23, 5 to 7 p.m., Meet the Chamber Member Reception, Wheatland Bank, 14732 E. Indiana, Spokane Valley.

Certificate presentations at 6 p.m.

October 25, noon, Transportation

October 30, 4:30 to 7 p.m., After Hours Networking, Holiday Inn Express, 9220 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Think ZOMBIES! 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: Cornerstone Physical Therapy Hymas Family Dental Ian Robertson Liberty Lake Auto Glass Little Corner Preschool Origin Engineering, LLC Providence Health Care R & R Construction Robert P McKinley, CPA PC Staker’s Website Consulting Storaway Self Storage Tacoma Screw Products, Inc Tom Haney, Mortgage Banker, Chase Union Gospel Mission Motors Walmart

Submitted photo

Local Lens Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page.

Email photos@valleycurrent.com with game shots and team photos.

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

24 • October 2012

opinion

A responsibility and a privilege

By Keith Kelley Current Guest Column

They say it takes a village to raise a child. But what of the village? In the United States, we have developed a strong culture of individualism, reflective of the American Dream. We are taught to believe that in this country, anything is possible for any individual. One could argue, however, that we have given so much focus on individual achievement that we have lost focus on doing what is best for our local community. Blame it on the internet, social media or some other device if you will. The point remains: Few of us truly know our neighbors, and even fewer of us invest our support in them.

There is a poverty that exists in the U.S., but it is not for a lack of resources. In our communities, we do not see individuals hiking 10 miles in one direction to gather water for their family. Our restaurants, stores and households throw away enough food every day to feed all our hungry.

Then why do roughly 48 percent of adults here in Spokane report missing meals for a lack of money to buy food? (Source: “Odds against tomorrow: Health inequities in Spokane County,” published by Spokane Regional Health District, 2012) The poverty we know and the poverty we have created in our great country is, in a word, relational. Our relational communities are more easily defined by the address books in our smart phones or on our “friends” list on some website than they are on a local map. In a sense, it should be celebrated that we can connect so easily with friends and family all the way around the world and be able to experience and learn from other cultures not always found in one’s local community. It is our loss, however, when we lose touch

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

with those living within a stone’s throw of our own front door.

Just as it is a both a great responsibility and a tremendous privilege to parent a child, it is just the same to truly be a member of one’s local community. We need to reconnect with our neighbors and with those we sit next to in church. We need to re-learn to share our stories and our struggles. There is a unique sense of fulfillment found while developing these relationships and while watching our community grow, just as there is a unique sense of fulfillment in watching our own children grow and develop.

Consider for example a local organization called Reach for the Future. Just a few short years ago, a group of friends decided they wanted to invest their time and resources into a group of kids in a low-income, Title-1 school so these kids could later attend college at no cost and dream to be anything they wanted to be.

These friends reached out to other friends and grew their network of support. They fundraised to pay for these kids’ college education, and in the meantime invested thousands of hours of time volunteering to support these kids through tutoring and mentoring relationships. Just a few years later, these kids (now entering 6th grade) are testing first and second in the State of Washington for reading, writing and math test scores by comparison to their peer groups at all the other Title 1 schools across the state (a monumental jump in their rankings from just three years prior). The lives of these kids, their families and the Reach volunteers are forever changed.

Let us not rely on government policy or handouts as the primary solution to our community’s greatest needs. Let us grow more familiar with our own community, and let us experience the struggle and the joy of growing our community together.

We are a privileged nation. Just as you and I can attribute our successes and our freedom to countless others, we owe a debt of responsibility to care for and to provide for those who are not currently in a position to do so for his or her own self.

Keith Kelley is director of the Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement at Whitworth University. He also owns a small business and volunteers on multiple boards throughout the community. This column was written as part of a monthly series highlighting the PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) trait of the month, which is “responsibility.”

Editorial cartoons: Election 2012

The Current

The Current

Continued from page 13

Eight: Just get lost!

The Incredible Corn Maze Open Friday-Sunday through October (plus additional hours the week leading up to Halloween) Across the street from 3405 N. Beck Road, Hauser, Idaho With 4.2 miles of paths winding across more than 12 acres, you may never find your way out of the The Incredible Corn Maze, just over the state line in Hauser, Idaho. Then again, you may never want to. With three separate mazes along with other attractions, there’s enough here to fill a day.

For the ninth season, big kids can seek out the thrills of the Field of Screams Haunted Maze after Oct 6, and younger

community/news kids will enjoy earning prizes by finding checkpoints in the mazes. The little tykes can play on the Tractor Tire Playground. Everyone is invited to enjoy food concessions and prove their skill at the corn cannon. If that’s not enough, helicopter rides are available on weekend afternoons, and a 1.25-acre pumpkin and gourd patch is open for Upick.

This annual attraction serves as a fundraiser for several local nonprofits and also sells cornstalk bundles. Keep in mind, strollers and wheelchairs enter at their own risk.

Tickets for adults and teens are $9, children 5-12 and seniors are $6 and children under 4 are free. The Field of Screams has separate hours and pricing.

For more: www.IncredibleCornMaze.com or 855-855MAZE

3 UP, 3 DOWN Continued from page 8

The Rockford Lions Club is holding its annual free Weenie Roast in City Park on Halloween night. A bonfire for folks to roast hot dogs will start beginning around 5:30 p.m. Nearby, the Grange will hold its annual costume party around the same time with pumpkin games and free treats.

Each Saturday in September, the Rockford Community Center held a Farmers Market. The center also launched its first fundraiser, urging folks to look to the future and buy spring bulbs. Swing by the community center and fill out an order form or just go online to flowerpowerfundraising.com. Flowers will be delivered to homes, and the proceeds benefit the new center.

On Sept. 19, the Rockford Town Council met to continue discussion from last month. The contract with Spokanimal was approved. The contract with the Sheriff ’s office has been tabled pending further clarification.

The 68th Annual Southeast Spokane County Fair was held from Sept 21-23. The event opened with a flag-raising ceremony, carnival and exhibits. Saturday began with the traditional Lions Club/Firefighters Breakfast and Harvest Hustle Fun Run. Then came the parade, kids games and basketball. The rest of the afternoon was spent with royalty, awards, bingo, music, a magic show and pie-eating contest. The final day closed with a horse show, more music and bingo and a community worship service.

Current PHOTO BY hEIDI sCOTT

The Incredible Corn Maze

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This free newspaper is available on a monthly basis at more than 170 hightraffic locations around the Valley.

Purchasing a subscription allows the convenience of having each copy mailed directly to your home.

Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for12 issues, or $24 for 12 issues to addresses outside of Spokane or Kootenai counties.

Stay connected with The Current.

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SUBSCRIPTION FORM

AUTUMN

October 2012 • 25

First and last name Address Phone number

Email

*All information is for internal use only and will not be shared with third parties. Checks can be made out to Peridot Publishing.

Mail subscription form to Peridot Publishing, PO Box 363, Liberty Lake WA 99019.

Subscriptions must be received by the 20th of the month in order for the subscription to begin with the issue printed the end of that month.

“Informing , connecting and inspiring communities”

509-242-7752 | www.libertylakesplash.com

The Current

26 • October 2012

community Volume 1, Issue 9 Editor/publisher

Josh Johnson

josh@valleycurrent.com General Manager

Tammy Kimberley

tammy@valleycurrent.com Senior account Janet Pier

executive janet@valleycurrent.com

account Cindy Esch executive cindy@valleycurrent.com graphics editor

Sarah Burk

sarah@valleycurrent.com

Office manager

Kelli Dexter

kelli@valleycurrent.com

Ken Nagle Mike Wiykovics

Circulation

circulation@valleycurrent.com Contributors

Ryan Collingwood Kyle Hansen Bri Kirsch Heidi Scott

Jayne Singleton Jocelyn Stott Craig Swanson

On the cover: Current photo by Heidi Scott

About

Wondering where you CALENDAR can find The Current? Continued from page 15 Around 10,000 free copies of The Current are distributed near the end of each month at more than 170 locations from Newman Lake to Rockford, from stateline to Havana. A list of drop-off locations along with corresponding Google maps is available at www. valleycurrent.com.

The Current can be found at the following locations (organized alphabetically by community and then by street proximity):

Liberty Lake Albertsons, Anytime Fitness, Barlows Restaurant, Carl’s Jr., Chevron, City Hall, Curves, Ding How, Dominos, Expect A Lot Visual Images, Great Clips, Great Harvest Bread Co., Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greenstone, John L. Scott, Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt, KiDDS Dental, Liberty Lake Athletic Club, Liberty Lake Golf Course, Liberty Lake Library, McDonald’s, MeadowWood Golf Course, Palenque Mexican Restaurant, Papa Murphy’s, Pawpular Companions, Quiznos, Rockwood Liberty Lake Clinic, Rockwood Urgent Care Center, Safeway, San Francisco Sourdough, Seasons Cafe, Supercuts, Trailhead Golf Course, True Legends Grill, Twisp Cafe and Coffee House, Walgreens, Washington Trust Bank

Mica, Rockford and Valleyford Fairfield Library, Freeman School District office, FredNecks, Freeman Store, Hurd Mercantile Gift Mall, Harvest Moon, On Sacred Grounds, Rockford Mini Mart

Millwood

The Current 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com

Albertsons, Anytime Fitness, Argonne Library, City Hall, The Corner Door Fountain and Books, Dairy Queen, Great Clips, Rocket Bakery, Rockwood Urgent Care Center, Papa Murphy’s, Walgreens, West Valley School District

The Current is published monthly. It is distributed by or before the first of each month to more than 170 drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake — just about anywhere that has historically been referred to as part of Spokane’s Valley.

Exxon Gas Station, Jack and the Bean Shop, KH Grocery Market, Otis Grill, Otis Orchards Library, River City Pizza, Sweet Tooth Bakery & Espresso

Newman Lake and Otis Orchards

Spokane Valley Off or near Barker Road Central Valley School District, Cozy Coffee, Hico Village, HUB Sports Center, King’s Restaurant, ScrumDiddilyUmptious Donuts, Ziggy’s

Off or near Sullivan and Evergreen Roads Deadlines: The deadlines for submitting story ideas or placing advertising vary slightly with each issue.

To be safe rather than sorry, consider the 15th of each month the cutoff point to be considered for inclusion in the following month’s Current.

Subscriptions Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for 12 issues, or $24 for 12 issues to addresses outside of Spokane or Kootenai counties. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 or call 242-7752 for more information.

Correction policy The Current strives for accuracy in all content.

Errors should be reported immediately to 2427752 or by e-mail to editor@valleycurrent.com.

Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery.

Advertising Integrity Inaccurate or deceptive advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints about advertisers should be made in writing to the Better Business Bureau and to advertise@ valleycurrent.com. The Current is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads.

Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved. All contents of The Current may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Ace Hardware, Auto Licensing Plus LLC, The Brickhouse Massage and Coffee Bar, Carl’s Jr., Dairy Queen, Donna’s Diner, Fitness Center Valley, Forza Coffee Co., Froyo Earth, Great Clips (Broadway), Harvest Foods, Hastings, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s (Broadway), McDonald’s (N. Sullivan), Mirabeau Park Hotel, Mongolian BBQ, Oz Fitness, Rockwood Valley Clinic, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Round Table Pizza, Safeway, Schlotzsky’s, Sport Clips, Subway (Broadway), Walgreens, Zelia’s, Zip’s

Spokane Valley Mall area Arby’s, Barnes and Noble, Bean Positive, Krispy Kreme, Outback Steakhouse, Oxford Suites, River View Corporate Center, Thomas Hammer Coffee, Twigs, YMCA

Off or near Pines and University Roads Arby’s, Albertsons, Ben’s Yogurt and Deli, Buck’s Pizza, Burger King, Centerplace, Cuppa Joe’s Cafe, Dairy Queen, East Valley School District office, Flamin’ Joe’s, Giorgio’s Fitness Center, Halpin’s, HuHot Mongolian Grill, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists, O’Doherty’s Irish Pub and Grill, Peters Hardware, Qdoba, Quiznos, Ringo’s Casino, Ron’s, Senor Froggy’s, Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, Spokane Valley Library, Spokane Valley Partners, Starbucks, Subway, Thrifty Scotsman, Valley Hospital ER, Value Village, Walgreens, White Elephant

Liberty Lake City Council 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive

Sept. 29 | Business After Hours 5 to 7 p.m., Mountain West Bank, 12321 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Greater Spokane Inc. networking event is free to members, $10 for non-members. For more: events.greaterspokane. org or 321-3619

We’re always on the lookout for business and community partners willing to be drop-off points! If you are interested in carrying this monthly publication in your place of business, please contact our circulation manager at circulation@valleycurrent.com.

Rockford City Council 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, Town Hall, 20 W. Emma St. Spokane County Board of Commissioners 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 1026 W. Broadway, Spokane

Oct. 6 | AAA Cruise Show Passport to Cruising 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center, 1100 N. Sullivan Road.

AAA Travel experts will be joined by cruise line representatives to discuss cruising trends, offer tips for travelers and reveal exclusive deals for bookings with top cruise lines. No cost to attend; free parking. For more or RSVP: aaawa.com/ travelshows/rsvp or 358-7039

Spokane Valley City Council 6 p.m. Tuesdays, City Hall Council Chambers, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Suite 101

HEALTH & RECREATION Sept. 28-30 | 2nd Annual Inland Northwest Squash Championships Spokane Club: 5900 E, 4th Avenue, Spokane Valley. Play some of the best squash players in the Inland Northwest.

Complimentary t-shirts, food and beverages for participants. For more: www.spokaneclub.org/ athletics/on-the-courts

Oct. 10 | “Organize your finances” workshop Noon to 1 p.m., Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Suite 30 (lower level), Liberty Lake. Free lunch and workshop put on

by STCU. For more or to register: www.stcu.org/ workshops or 344-2202

Sept. 28-30 | Wellness and Beauty Expo 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 N. Pines Road. More than 100 vendors, activities, demonstrations, free wellness checks, mini spa and beauty treatments, a fresh market and concessions. Admission is $7 or free under 12 or bring two nonperishable items for NW Harvest and pay $5. For more: www.wellnessandbeautyexpo.com or 434-0133

Oct. 19 | Biz Buzz 6:30 a.m. networking, 7 a.m. program, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. A focus on networking will highlight the regular monthly meeting of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Member and non-member tickets are available. For more or to register: www. spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994 Oct. 23| Meet the Chamber reception 5 to 7 p.m., Wheatland Bank, 14732 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free networking event through the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce includes recognition of new members.

For more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994 Oct. 30 | Business After Hours 4:30 to 7 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 9220 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Greater Spokane Valley Chamber networking event encourages attendees to “think zombies.” For more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994

Recurring Citizen’s Academy 6 to 9:30 p.m. every Thursday, October 4 through November 15.

Get a free, eye-opening look at your Sheriff’s Office plus hear from experts in forensics, major crimes, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, internal affairs and more.

Ride-a-long on patrol and experience a pursuit ending PIT maneuver. For more: 477-6044 or tpendell@spokanesheriff.org

Off or near Argonne and Havana Roads Ben’s Yogurt and Deli, The Black Diamond, Broadway Diner, Caruso’s, Casa De Oro, Chan Bistro, Chester Store, Cottage Cafe, Curves, Global Fitness, Goodtymes Bar and Grill, Hico Village, Jack in the Box, Jenny’s Café, Longhorn BBQ, McDonald’s (Argonne), McDonald’s (Havana), Papa Murphy’s, Puerto Vallarta, Rite Aid, Safeway, Savageland Pizza, Skyway Cafe, Smacky’s on Broadway, Spokane Club, Subway, Terry’s Breakfast & Lunch, Valley Bowl, Yoke’s Fresh Market, Zip’s (Broadway), Zip’s (Trent)

Millwood City Council 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave.

CIVIC & BUSINESS

Index of advertisers Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern WA 2 AmericanWest Bank, Sullivan 2 Amy Biviano - 4th Dist St Rep Candidate 28 Barlows Restaurant 15 Bug-a-boos 6 Callahan & Associates Chtd.

5 Careful Cleaners 7 Casey’s Place 3 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Comfort Keepers 9

Sept. 29 | Open house and five-year anniversary celebration Noon, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Free event features sports activities, competitions, food, games, prizes and more. Open house festivities through 4 p.m. with Greenstone Homes sponsoring a showing of “The Lorax” at 4:30 p.m. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org or 927-0602 Sept. 29 | Take Steps Eastern Washington for Crohn’s & Colitis 1 to 4 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway. For more: www.cctakesteps.org/easternwashington Oct. 19 | Dads & Dudes Night 6 to 9 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Fathers and sons invited for basketball, volleyball, soccer, pickleball, badminton and other races and games. Preregistration is $10 for father and son combined, $15 at the door. $3 for additional sons. For more: info@hubsportscenter.org or www.hubsportscenter.org All calendar listings were provided to or gathered by Current staff. If you would like your event considered for the community calendar, please submit information by the 15th of the month to calendar@valleycurrent.com.

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Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 15 Kathrine Olson DDS 9 KiDDS Dental 17 Lakeside Vision PLLC 3 Legacy Animal Medical Center 3 Liberty Lake Community Theatre 19 Liberty Lake Montessori 19 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 5 Lund’s Carpet Cleaning 7 Millwood Liquor Store 9

Northwest Insurance Brokers 9 Numerica Credit Union 9 Prior’s Chevron Auto Care 6 Simonds Dental Group 3 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 23 STCU 28 Sunshine Gardens 5 Take Shape for Life 6 Zip’s Drive In 7

PARTING SHOTS

The Current

October 2012 • 27

A day at the fair, abridged Despite the four-hour countdown until the kids’ nap time, the whirlwind was well worth it

By Bri Kirsch Current guest column

submitted PHOTO

When it comes to fairs, I consider myself a rookie. Now, I’m not totally green, but my fair experiences up to this point have been limited and tinged with disaster. Nonetheless, I decided that this was the year to get over my mild case of fairaphobia and experience the Spokane Interstate Fair “for real.”

In preparation, I tried to recall my previous visits to fairgrounds. This was difficult because I do not remember one smell, sight or sound from my first fair visit. That’s right, not one iota. My mom claims that I went with some family friends back in my younger years, and—here comes the endearing part—I apparently spent my fair money on a souvenir mug for her. Now I know why she remembers it, and I don’t.

My next and only other fair experience came in college. I went on a group date to a fair in eastern Texas after a long, exhausting week at school. My date and I split an elephant ear for dinner, went on some spin-and-barf rides, and as some of you have already predicted, I got sick.

Lesson learned: Elephant ears do not equal dinner I anticipated that this fair would be better. Not only did I have some fair experience I actually remembered under my belt, but I won a ribbon for class champion dahlias before I even stepped foot on the fairgrounds. I had to think that this was a good omen. OK, OK, so I didn’t really win. The truth is, I have a kind-hearted neighbor who gave me one of her many ribbons because I watered her dahlias for a week while she was on vacation this summer. As misplaced as it was, I quickly developed an unhealthy amount of pride over this unearned ribbon, perhaps because it relieved me of

Elly and Kaden Kirsch enjoy the Kiddyland Carnival. “In the euphoria induced by the exhilaration of riding in circles, they both quickly fell into a happy sleep on our way home,” their mom, Bri Kirsch, reported. the guilt of not having a fair-worthy plant anywhere near my yard. Much to my John’s dismay, the only thing that is unusually healthy in our yard is a stubborn strain of clover. Now, if there’s a clover division at the fair, I’ll get first prize for sure. My clover could withstand a direct hit from a nuclear missile.

Finally, the morning came, the last Saturday of the fair. We wanted to arrive “early,” which turned out to be 10:30 a.m. I could tell from the beginning this was going to be an adventure just by the meandering journey we took to get to our parking spot. We filed past a dozen parking attendants twirling signal batons like they were in a circus, through a field stained with a week’s worth of auto grease and tire tracks, to a non-premium parking spot located 100 yards from the south entrance. We strolled past antique motors, railroad cars from decades long gone, an overpriced zip line—and I had the uncanny sense that I was a kid stepping into Charlie’s Chocolate Factory. There was something going on everywhere, in every direction. Where to first? Cows, cotton candy or carnival?

Mutton, muffins or merry-go-rounds?

Animal, vegetable or mineral? We put together a spontaneous “must-see” list: food, carnival rides, pig-racing, muttonbustin’, farm animals and of course, “my” prize-winning dahlias. Our goal: See it all before the kids’ 2 p.m. nap time. That’s right, we had less than four hours.

My pride determined our first stop: dahlias! I found my neighbor had won a couple more prizes that morning, so I took pictures of her accomplishments as proudly as if they had been my own. A

faint glimmer of hope spread through me as I glanced over the rest of the floral bay. There were so many plants around that maybe, just maybe, there might be a clover division somewhere. Maybe, just maybe, I had a shot at winning my own ribbon after all! I scoured the entire bay, but apparently the fair organizers have as much disdain for clover as my husband does.

We wandered through the other bays of homemade achievement, and I was awed by the vast variety of handiwork.

John explained that you could enter almost anything in the fair — anything except clover.

Now, we were off to the races! The pig races, that is. My dahlia neighbor and her family met up with us there, and her daughter Selena led our section in cheering for our appointed swine— “Sourdough Jack.” Despite our best efforts, ol’ Sourdough placed last in the final race. Maybe he pulled a hamstring. (I stole that pun from the announcer. Pretty good, eh?)

Tummies were growling by now, so we grabbed some lunch. Navigating away from the elephant ears, we picked up a barbecue beef sandwich, a Turkish panini and a single order of curly fries. That Mount Everest of fry orders could have fed eight and put everyone in the vicinity at an increased risk of cardiac arrest. But boy, were they tasty!

We were now halfway through our “must-see” list, and my dahlia neighbor and her family escorted us to the animal buildings. Skipping the beef building (John graciously recalled for me his

memory of its strong aroma), we made our way to what was incompletely labeled “Rabbit, Poultry, Swine” on our map. The first animal I saw there was a camel, then a baby kangaroo and after that, mostly turtles. My dahlia neighbor explained that we had gone into the “exotics” section of the building. Wandering into the adjoining room, I then saw the building’s namesakes: a healthy helping of pigs and more rabbits and poultry than I could count. Surprisingly, I was most impressed with the pigeons. The ones at the fair aren’t the typical fry-stealers you’d find in Central Park. No, these peacockwannabes have feathers on their feet and a proud strut. I almost expected them to be carrying designer handbags.

But alas, allergies flared and we needed to relocate to somewhere with less dander. Not only that, but the kids were starting to show signs that we were steadily creeping through nap time. The must-see list still had two final attractions — mutton-bustin’ and carnival rides — but we decided we could only pull them through one final adventure before we experienced preschooler meltdown. Riding a sheep sure sounded fun to me, but since I didn’t meet the age or weight requirements and my sleep-deprived kids would rather count sheep rather than ride one, carnival rides won out.

Upon arrival at Kiddyland Carnival, I realized that fair rides had something in common with college textbooks, visiting a doctor and a soy mocha double frap: They’re all considerably overpriced. For roughly a dollar per minute, my kid could ride in circles in a brightly-colored vehicle. Wow, what a deal. I briefly considered painting teal polka-dots on my car, strapping them into their seats, and doing a few donuts in the parking lot instead, but alas, I could tell my kids had bought the carnival ploy hook, line and sinker. We let them decide on one ride that did not require adults to ride along. (We just saved at least $3!) John stood in the ticket line while the kids salivated over the paradise that lay before them. They decided on the four-seat cars that looked absolutely boring to my jaded eyes.

They loved it. I mean, they really had a blast. My son even said it was his favorite part of the fair. In the euphoria induced by the exhilaration of riding in circles, they both quickly fell into a happy sleep on our way home. Perhaps that is worth a dollar a minute.

My kids are only preschoolers, so they probably won’t remember this first fair experience, but I will (even if they didn’t buy me a souvenir mug). I now understand why some families make the fair a yearly tradition. The fair is a wonderland of activity in all shapes, sizes and smells, and it deserves to be on everyone’s “mustsee” list.

Bri Kirsch lives in Spokane Valley with her husband, John, and two children.

The Current

28 • October 2012

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Free lunch and workshop from STCU. • • • •

The benefits of getting organized.

How to develop an efficient bill-paying system.

What records to keep, where, and how long.

What to have handy in case of a natural disaster.

Noon – 1 p.m.

Wednesday, October 10 Spokane Valley Chamber 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Suite 30, Lower level Liberty Square, Liberty Lake, Wash.

Register online at www.stcu.org/workshops or call (509) 344-2202.

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