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The Water Front

Leading Fairchild with dedication and community focus

By Matthew Stephens Stream contributor

Col. Chad Cisewski, Commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base, has spent more than two decades in service to the U.S. Air Force. His journey, shaped by family tradition, a love for aviation, and a commitment to community, has brought him to his current role as both a leader and advocate for military and civilian partnerships.

Cisewski’s path to military leadership began in Duluth, Minnesota, where he graduated from the ROTC program at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2002. Military service runs deep in his family. His grandfather served in Okinawa during World War II, his father in Vietnam, and his wife’s grandfather also wore the uniform.

“It’s something that’s always been part of my life,” Cisewski said.

That legacy of service was coupled with an early fascination with aviation. Cisewski earned his private pilot’s license at 17, a passion sparked by humble beginnings.

“I started out washing dishes at a restaurant, then moved on to pumping gas at the airport,” Cisewski recalled. “It was there that my interest in flying really took off. From that point, it was all in on the Air Force.”

Over 22 years of service, Cisewski has held a variety of roles, including his arrival at Fairchild AFB in the summer of 2022 as the Operations Group Commander. In this position, he was responsible for overseeing all flying operations on the base.

“The experience has been great for my family and me,” Cisewski

his stay at Fairchild and take on a new challenge as Commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. Now six months into the role, Cisewski also serves as the Installation Commander for the base.

His leadership style is defined by a strong connection to his team and the surrounding community. “In the two and a half years we’ve lived here, I’ve seen firsthand how good the community is in the Spokane area,” Cisewski said. “Especially

Spokane area. One key initiative is the Honorary Commander Program, which pairs base leaders with community members to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.

“We make them aware of what the Air Force is up to, and they pull us out into the community too,” Cisewski said. “It’s a great way to look outward instead of being insular.”

branch and is a member of the Air Mobility Command Commander’s Civic Leader Program. Murray praised Cisewski for his seamless transition into his new role and his focus on community engagement.

“He already had the intimate familiarity with the base’s structure and community that allowed him to hit the ground running,” Murray said. “He has participated in various community events, strengthening partnerships without missing a beat.”

“He leads with great insight and enthusiasm,” she added.

Cisewski has also been instrumental in organizing community-focused events like Skyfest, an air show that attracts thousands of attendees. The 2024 event attracted over 80,000 visitors, building on the success of Skyfest 2022.

“These events are incredibly rewarding,” Cisewski said. “They bring kids and families from the community to the base, and they promote careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”

Plans are already underway for a 2026 Skyfest, an effort Cisewski says is vital to inspiring future generations.

Beyond large-scale events, Cisewski is passionate about programs like “Treats to Troops,” which collects community donations for deployed service members. With approximately 180 Fairchild airmen on deployment at any given time, such gestures make a meaningful impact.

“Seeing the community support is very important to airmen stationed overseas,” Cisewski said.

While Cisewski can’t cite any outstanding catalyst moments in his career, he finds fulfillment in consistent dedication to his mission.

“It’s all about grinding the daily

Contributed Photo

Colonel Chad Cisewski is the Commander of the 92d Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Wing provides global reach airpower and deploys expeditionary forces in support of worldwide combat, contingency, and humanitarian requirements.

grind each and every day,” he said. “My goals moving forward are simple: take it one day at a time and continue boosting community involvement and support.”

Under Cisewski’s leadership, the partnership between Fairchild Air Force Base and the Spokane area has flourished. His vision reflects not only his commitment to the Air Force but also his understanding of the importance of community connections in achieving success.

As Col. Cisewski looks ahead, his legacy of service, leadership, and community engagement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Fairchild AFB and the surrounding region.

Q: You mentioned Skyfest as a big-time event and partnership for the base. What other recent partnerships have been important to the base?

A: One thing we are really proud of is the partnership between the base and Spokane County that helped build the small arms range and training facility we can now use. This is a big time boost for the community in terms of public safety as well, because the sheriff’s office also uses the facility. It sounds like a nice deal, but it is actually much bigger than that. This is the first time the United States Air Force has partnered with a local agency on a joint use construction project. If you understand how bureaucracy works within the Department of Defense, those partnerships can be very hard to do, and this one took years to develop and get across the finish line. It has actually become a model for the Department of Defense, so they can use it to see if it can be applied to other communities across the nation.

Q: So, Fairchild is a big part of the local communities and has a big print here. What does Fairchild do not only locally, but for the nation as a whole?

A: There is no mission that this country can do outside of our borders that doesn’t rely on tanker gas, whether we need to move aircraft to Europe, the Middle East, or the Pacific. All of that requires our tanker gas, and that means our Fairchild airmen are continuously involved in that. We have airmen deployed to the Middle East 365

COL. CISEWSKI

Continued from page 3 days a year, and our squadrons rotate. We have four flying squadrons at Fairchild, and they rotate on six month cycles currently deployed to the Middle East. But to deploy anywhere in the world, we run the 24/7 Homeland Defense Alert missions out of Fairchild.

Q: Is the base involved in any partnerships for the holidays?

A: Yeah, so there is one thing I would like to call out as a thank you is the program run by the local community called “Treats to Troops.” There are a couple community partners that have sponsored this program for the past few years. It is usually just through the holidays, but this year they also did it in the Summer. We put

out some information, and we got community donations of snacks, candies, treats, and other commonly used and needed items. The items were bundled up into individual packages and then shipped out to our deployed members. We are also holding a tree lighting and holiday party, so a lot of funs stuff for this time of year.

Q: What about the Honorary Commander Program helps the base connect?

A: Sometimes when you’re on base and working on all of the things that happen, it can be easy to become very insular or look inward. This gives us a great chance to partner with active community members to connect with what’s happening right around us. The program gives us direct lines to connecting with and interacting with the local population.

AH Council releases draft zoning regulations

By Nina Culver Stream contributor

The city of Airway Heights is working on what is known as a Missing Middle Housing Project, altering city codes and regulations to make options such as duplexes and accessory dwelling units easier to build.

The goal is to create more housing supply for everything in between single-family housing and apartment complexes, the missing middle, said Airway Heights Associate Planner Zachary Becker. It is hoped that allowing more housing options will lower housing costs, he said.

“It’s to provide more units, but also to provide unit choice,” he said. “I think this bill is really well intended, which is great.”

Last year the legislature passed a bill requiring 77 jurisdictions, including Airway Heights, to adopt new development regulations allowing for middle housing options on lots zoned for residential use. An additional bill, House Bill 1337, requires cities to allow at least two accessory dwelling units on all lots that are zoned for single family homes.

“We’ve previously allowed accessory dwelling units, but they were conditionally permitted,” Becker said. “Now they’re permitted by right.”

Though Airway Heights is small in size, it was one of the 77 jurisdictions mandated to create a Missing Middle Housing Project because it is adjacent to Spokane, Becker said. “Any suburban jurisdiction that shares a boundary with a large city is required to do this as well,” he said.

The idea is that qualifying lots can have three living units on them whether that is a singlefamily home and two accessory dwelling units, three accessory dwelling units or a duplex and one accessory dwelling units. “We’re required to allow a minimum of

three units per lot,” he said. “That includes accessory dwelling units. It’s providing more flexibility to developers to provide housing.”

The city has asked for input from the public on the draft rules, hosting an open house and popup events. Developers have also

been giving the city feedback, Becker said. “I think generally they’re excited,” he said. “A lot of conversations we’re having now are super in the weeds. A lot of them are trying to look at cottage housing.”

There are more opportunities

for public input scheduled as the city enters the final stages of the project. There will be a public hearing on the new proposed development rules at the next planning commission meeting at 6 p.m. December 11 at 149 S. Garfield. The next opportunity after that is a public hearing

tentatively scheduled during the January 20 city council meeting.

As part of the new rules, the city is proposing consolidating its residential housing zones from four to two. The current residential zones are single family housing, duplexes, high density housing and manufactured homes. Aside from the housing located on tribal land, most of the land zoned residential inside the Airway Heights city limits is located north of Highway 2 between Craig Road and Garfield Road, though there is a significant pocket of residentially zoned land north of 12th Avenue and east of Hayford Road.

In the new zones, high density housing would remain as a multiple-family residential zone and the other three zones would be combined into a new zone called neighborhood family residential.

“The zoning is getting simpler,” Becker said.

The city is still debating the minimum lot sizes in the new zoning categories, Becker said. Currently, lots are required to be 7,200 square feet for single family homes. That is the same lot size currently recommended for lots in the neighborhood family residential zone, but there have been some discussions on whether that should be reduced to 6,000 square feet. That issue will be voted on at the planning commission meeting set for December 11, Becker said.

Some people who have heard about the Missing Middle Housing Project have been confused about some of the finer details, Becker said, but most seem to like the idea of having more flexible housing options.

“I think some of the ideas are hard for people to understand,” he said.

All the city regulations that include the development changes, including a new zoning map, are available online at https://cawh. org/missing-middle-housingproject. Those who want to provide input on the proposed regulations can send an email to planninginfo@cawh.org.

The new rules will take effect after they are approved by the city council.

Blackhawk girls eighth at state meet, winter sports action begins

By John McCallum Stream contributor

The Cheney girls swimming team had a good showing at the 3A state championship meet, Nov. 14-16 at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. Cheney placed eighth overall with 79 points, edging Sammamish High School by four points for the spot but well back of state team champion Mercer Island’s 381 points.

Three individuals scored points for Cheney. Senior Lauren Howe placed seventh in the A final of the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 53.72 seconds. Howe was also eighth in the A final of the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 24.56 seconds.

Senior Joyalise O’Dell was 15th overall, seventh in the B final of the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1 minute, 0.95 seconds. O’Dell finished in the same position in the 100-yard backstroke B finals with a time of 1:02.49.

Sophomore Madi Bauman placed 11th overall, third in the B finals of the 200-yard freestyle, touching the wall in 1:59.43, bettering her preliminary time of 2:00.23 by 8/10ths of a second.

Sophomore Jezelle Schmidt also competed in the preliminaries of the 100 back, placing 25th overall in 1:06.51.

Cheney’s three relay teams also brought home points in the final standings. The 400-yard freestyle team of Joyalise O’Dell, Bauman, freshman Acacia O’Dell and Howe was seventh overall in the A final with a time of 3:46.22.

The 200-free team of Bauman, sophomore Bethany Bleam and seniors Sage Schaefer and Howe was 10th overall, second in the B finals with a time of 1:44.78. Finally, the 200-yard medley team of Schmidt, the O’Dells and Bleam finished 13th overall, seventh in the B final with a time of 1:58.17.

With fall sports wrapped up,

both Cheney and Medical Lake athletes have begun competing in winter sports competition.

CHENEY

Boys basketball

The Blackhawks are still searching for their first win after three games as of press time, Dec. 11. Cheney lost its opener to Greater Spokane League 2A West Valley, 55-49, on Dec. 3, followed by a 66-55 loss to North Central Dec. 6 and 6559 to Mead, Dec. 10.

Girls basketball

Cheney is 1-2 through Dec. 10 action. The Blackhawks opened with a 50-27 loss to West Valley, but got into the win column with a 57-28 win over North Central.

The girls lost 52-28 at Lakeland on Dec. 11.

Wrestling

The Blackhawks placed five wrestlers in the finals and collected a couple of titles at the Medical Lake Scramble, Dec. 7. Alex Kurakin pinned Mt. Spokane’s Ethan Hayward to win at 120 pounds while Maddoc Finch notched an 11-4 decision over North Central’s Malachi Moyer to win at 175.

Colten Bowthorpe, Hank Ghering and Cooper French were each second at 113, 138 and 190 pounds respectively.

Cheney was to compete at Ferris, Dec. 11, Central Valley on Dec. 18 and at the West Valley Invitational Dec. 21 before heading into the winter break. They resume action Jan. 4 at home in the Blackhawk Invitational.

MEDICAL LAKE

Boys basketball

The Cardinals are 1-2 as of Dec. 11. Medical Lake lost their first two games to a pair of 2B schools, KionaBenton on Dec. 5, 63-57 and 76-55 to St. George’s on Dec. 7, but found their way into the win column on Dec. 10 with a 72-64 win over Northport.

Girls basketball

The Cardinal girls are 2-1 in action through Dec. 10. They opened with a 40-19 loss to Kiona-Benton, but rebounded with wins over St. George’s, 41-40, and Northport, 4331.

Wrestling

The Cardinals put three wrestlers in the finals of their home invitational on Saturday, Dec. 7 – and emerged with three individual Medical Lake Scramble titles.

James Oliver won at 126 pounds with a 5-1 decision of Colville’s Bryce Davis. Hudson Raulston followed with a 34-second pin of Lewis and Clark’s Kaydn Norris at 132 pounds while Tru Cole closed with a pin of LC’s Mike Mann to win at 215 pounds.

A Season of Giving - Local non-profits make a difference

By Ben Wick Stream publisher Christ Kitchen

In the 25 years since opening their doors, Christ Kitchen announces more than 800,000 hours of job training and employment for impoverished women has been completed, and 100,000 hours of community service has been donated by volunteers. Since 2017 alone, nearly 120 women have graduated to find family-sustaining employment, breaking the chain of generational poverty for themselves and the children who rely on them for survival. Christ Kitchen was recently awarded the Best of the West - Non Profit from the West Plains Chamber of Commerce.

Christ Kitchen hires up to 24 women at a time, to learn job skills in nine fields: Commercial Baking, Culinary, Barista, Catering, Food Truck Management, Office Administration, Retail/Wholesale, and Customer Service/Marketing. Women hired by Christ Kitchen are working to break the chains of poverty, addiction and abuse in their own lives, so that they can provide for themselves and their children without reliance on destructive relationships, substances, or government assistance. Since 2017, Christ Kitchen reports a 96 percent retention rate among their graduates; and in 82 percent of cases, are able to reunite mothers and children who have been placed in the foster care system.

Christ Kitchen began in 1998 as an offshoot of Christ Clinic, which

was started by a team of five local physicians to treat the uninsured and underinsured in Spokane. In 2017, Christ Clinic closed its doors and Christ Kitchen became a standalone ministry, with just $327.69 in the bank.

Christ Kitchen products can be purchased at Rosauers, Yoke’s Fresh Market, My Fresh Basket, Huckleberry’s, at their site at 2410 N Monroe Street, and at other locations around Spokane. Products can also be purchased online at www.christkitchen.org, or at River Park Square during the month of December. The launch of their new mobile barista truck and new food truck is expected Spring 2025.

Cleone's Closet Food Pantry

The City of Airway Heights is considered a Level 2 food desert. A food desert exists when fresh fruits,

Contributed photo

Christ’s Kitchen offers an assortment of baskets, so you can shop and support at the same time. Order online or visit today to pick out that 'just right' basket!

vegetables, and other healthy whole foods are difficult to find due to unavailability, affordability, distance, or limited shopping options. We’re here to help create a happier and healthier Airway Heights. Serving the needs of the citizens of Airway Heights and the surrounding area.

Cleone’s Closet Food Pantry wants to stop the Level 2 cycle by providing local residents access to healthy and nutritious food. We are stronger with your assistance and support.

Please donate. Your taxdeductible donation will help provide meals to families struggling

with hunger. Your generous charitable donations provides so much more than food; it provides hope those facing hunger.

Learn how you can donate or get involved by calling us at (509) 3217071.

If you need help, Cleone’s Closet is located 13114 W Sunset Hwy, in Airway Heights

Re-Imagine Medical Lake

Re*Imagine Medical Lake is a citizen-driven 501(c)

(3) organization founded by community members with a desire to create a vibrant, local community. We take pride in our city and want to promote economic and community revitalization while honoring the history of Medical Lake.

Our goal is to create a culture that supports business development, promotes community education and welcomes citizen involvement. We recognize that to achieve this goal we must build trust and create meaningful partnerships with our government, businesses, schools, non-profit organizations and local residents. Together we can do more!

Signature Events and Projects include, the Medical Lake Founders Day Celebration (the 3rd weekend in June), Farmers Market (Saturdays from June through October), Fall Festival (the last Saturday in October), and Winter Festival (the 2nd Saturday of December each year).

Interested in getting involved? Our team is a group of Medical Lake citizens and volunteers that are passionate about seeing healthy growth and engagement in our community. If you’re interested in getting involved we have a wide variety of opportunities available. Donations are also greatly appreciated to help bring these events together.

This years Winter Festival is on Saturday Dec 14th from noon to 5pm all across Medical Lake and includes a Stocking Stuffer 5k run starting at Coney Island Park at 12:30pm, Santa’s Workshop for kids at Cela’s Creative Learning Academy beginning at 1pm (while supplies last), a Reindeer Exhibit on Lake Street, Cookies with Mrs. Claus and Elf Crafts upstairs in City Hall beginning at 1pm until 4:15, a Gingerbread House Challenge at The Vault, a Christmas Parade beginning at 4:45pm, then finally with a tree lighting and fireworks at Coney Island Park at 5pm.

The Favored Few Support Crew

COVER STORY

Supporting military service member quality of life, mental health, wellness and morale.

The Support Crew group, consisting of Honorary Commanders and Civic Leaders, seeks to strengthen the overall quality of life of our military personnel and families stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. Funds raised will be used to provide grants for initiatives and events that will provide mental health, wellness and/or quality of life to support this project. Tonya Murray, FFSC Director states ‘As civic and community leaders we are taking on the responsibility of supporting in ANY way we can so that our airmen can stay focused on their mission.’

Examples of programming that may be funded through grants from the Favored Few Fund include purchasing school supplies for junior enlisted, filling and maintaining the on-base food pantry, deployed family picnics and events, as well as educational and support programs.

Spokane is such a supportive

Medical Lake Dollars for Scholars (MLDFS) is a locally operated and supported, nonprofit, tax-exempt scholarship foundation, and is a chapter affiliate of Scholarship America, a nationally recognized nonprofit student aid organization. Governed by a local Board of Directors, MLDFS provides scholarships for graduates of Medical lake High School. Since inception in January 2001, we have provided $756,036 in scholarships to 931 students; our fundraising includes great support from individuals, businesses and organizations in Medical Lake.

Next year will be the 25th anniversary of our local chapter of Dollars for Scholars. We couldn't do it without the support of all of you in our community, and please know how deeply grateful we are for your support this past quarter century!

military town. When groups want to put on a mental health supporting event, take families to a ball game, do a picnic etc, it usually falls outside of what can be funded by the Air Force, so they have to ‘solicit and fundraise for donations which is where this fund comes in.

We at Favored Few Support Crew are honored to bring this fund to Fairchild and are excited for the positive impact it will make in the lives of our Airmen and their families. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at favoredfewcrew@gmail.com

Checks can be mailed to: Innovia Foundation 421 W. Riverside Ave, Suite 606 Spokane, WA 99201. Please indicate Favored Few Support Crew Fund in the memo line.

Medical Lake Dollars for Scholars

For Giving Tuesday, we'd like to ask if you'd consider a $25 donation to celebrate our 25th anniversary--every bit of it will go towards the students. You can donate at the online https://www.facebook.com/ MedicalLakeDollarsforScholars Thank you for considering, and best wishes for a great holiday season!

Also the Holidays Hopes and Dreams Fundraiser is going on through Dec 14th where you can visit local Medical Lake businesses to purchase $1 raffle tickets to win wreaths that local businesses put together with all proceeds going towards the scholarship fund.

Medical Lake Dollars for Scholars is an all-volunteer scholarship foundation. You are invited to join MLDFS. Whether you want to become a Board member and become part of the decision making process, or you just have a few hours to volunteer at fundraisers, we would like you to join us! Contact MLDFS: medicallakedfs@yahoo.com

Contributed photo

The Crew has established the Favored Few Support Crew fund to support the overall quality of life of military personnel and families at Fairchild AFB.

Brought

Create Holiday Ornaments at the Library!

For families & kids 5+

Celebrate the holidays with us by making festive ornaments. We provide all supplies.

AIRWAY HEIGHTS LIBRARY

1213 S Lundstrom St

Tuesday, Dec 17, 3:30–4:30pm

MEDICAL LAKE LIBRARY

321 E Herb St

Wednesday, Dec 18, 3:30–4:30pm

SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

THE NEIGHBORHOOD SOUND

Thursday night, Airway Heights Fire Department and Airway Heights Police Department teamed up with the City of Spokane Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Spokane County Fire District 10, Department of Corrections, Santa, The Salvation Army Spokane, and Walmart employees to spend time with children in our community. During Shop With A First Responder, first responders became personal shoppers for children as they set out for a special Christmas shopping spree. We were honored to help kids in our community shop for clothing, gifts for family, and a little something for themselves.

Team Fairchild's leadership kicked off the tree lighting ceremony with the help of Airmen, family members and children at the Fairchild Chapel! This holiday celebration included crafts, snacks and a special performance by the Michael Anderson Elementary school choir.

LOCAL LENS

and

During a grand

Santa

his crew of first responders made their way through the neighborhoods of our community, spreading good cheer along the way.

opening at its newest branch, Airway Heights leaders helped welcome Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU). Still, the best surprise came when ICCU donated $5,000 to a local nonprofit.

The Airway Heights Police Department had the opportunity to partner with Walmart Spokane - S Hayford Rd, Grocery Outlet, Airway Heights Kiwanis Club, Cheney Public Schools, and The Heights Church to provide 77 turkeys for Turkey Bingo at Sunset Elementary.

In a surprise ceremony, Airway Heights Police Chief Bradley Richmond honored three officers and an expert K9 trainer with the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) for their leadership and community service.

Bryan Perry that owns Medical Lake Morning Brew last Wednesday night at West Plains Chamber of Commerce Best of the West awards was the recipient of the “Small Business of the Year Award.”

photos from Fall Festival! What a fun day! We loved seeing all of the costumes and having fun together! Thank you to all of our sponsors, trunk or treat participants, Hero Event Support Medical Lake Farmers Market, and Medical Lake Kiwanis, for making such a beautiful sunny day even more special!

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Council hears ARPA report, other city plans outlined

By Matthew Stephens Stream contributor

The Medical Lake City Council session on Tuesday Dec. 3 provided updates on fire recovery efforts, upcoming holiday programs, and progress on critical city projects.

Mayor Terri Cooper expressed optimism regarding the city’s recovery in fire affected areas, noting that Medical Lake is doing well, and is ahead of the average in Spokane County. Cooper said that many occupancy permits are advancing and that she hopes to see more residents return to their homes by next spring.

City Administrator Sonny Weathers shared plans for the holiday season, highlighting the “Find the Christmas Cardinal” program organized by Re*Imagine Medical Lake. Local shops will participate in the initiative, where shoppers will potentially collect stamps from different shops to try and win prizes.

Weathers also reported progress on several city projects, including wastewater treatment upgrades and plans for a commercial kitchen. Additionally, the city secured $800,000 in grant funding to install backup power generators in municipal facilities.

Public Works Director Scott Duncan announced a major funding milestone, with Medical Lake receiving over $1.2 million to complete its scrub seal street project. Duncan said the grant will allow the city to finish the project and ensure the roads are in great condition.

Finance Director Koss Ronholt provided a detailed update on the city’s allocation of remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Of the $300,000 still available, $105,738 is earmarked for downtown beautification, $46,907 for city technology upgrades, and $106,408 for remodeling the auditorium’s kitchen. Mayor Cooper praised the city’s effective use of ARPA funds, emphasizing the importance of finalizing these projects by year’s end.

The kitchen remodel, envisioned as state-of-the-art, will be presented with design specifics in a future meeting.

The council also addressed wastewater treatment plant updates and other general business items during the session.

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Ben Wick

ben@westplainsstream.com

CO OWNER Danica Wick

danica@westplainsstream.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Matthew Stephens, John McCallum

Plains Stream P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Phone: 509-242-7752

www.westplainsstream.com

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Winter Reading Challenge encourages you to “Be a Reading Machine”

By Erin Dodge Stream Guest Correspondent

The library invites you to participate in the Winter Reading Challenge: “Be a Reading Machine” during January. Each person is challenged to read a total of 300 minutes (or more) during the month.

Discover compelling stories, new information, and a gratifying sense of accomplishment. All reading counts toward your total—reading with a child or pet, listening to audiobooks, reading magazines or graphic novels—so read what you love!

Registration for the reading challenge opens December 15, 2024. The challenge begins January 1 and

Kanopy gives you free streaming movies, shows at home, on the go

By Erin Dodge Stream Guest Correspondent

These colder months are the perfect time to find cozy activities to do at home. If you have a regular movie night or are thinking of adding a film-viewing event to your holiday season, check out Kanopy at scld.org/ kanopy for free streaming with your in-district library card. You can create your account with your library card and an email to start viewing films and shows today.

Kanopy’s collection of Christmas films includes “Christmas with the Kranks,” “Santa’s Wild Home,” and even the more-scary-than-merry film “Black Christmas.” Check out these and others, including kids’ shows, by searching for Christmas. If you missed Noirvember and enjoy dark thrillers, you can

continues through January 31, 2025. You can power up your reading with just 20 minutes each day. Claim victory by tracking your progress to earn badges with Beanstack. You can also complete activities to reflect on your reading journey and goals, earning even more badges.

The activities provide you with questions to think about your reading. Reflect on your past reading habits, and set reading goals for the month or the whole year. Identify a support person to help you stay on track. Describe what you think makes a person a reading machine. Imagine how you can make sure your daily routine includes logging your reading. Plan how you will celebrate your achievement of completing the reading challenge.

One way to stay motivated with your reading is to play Beanstack’s virtual bingo with the badges you earn. Each badge you collect gets you closer to bingo! Can you get it in different directions—vertically, horizontally, and diagonally? Aim for the ultimate bingo by gathering

plan a regular film noir viewing party of classic and modern films with a quick search for Film Noir. Watch Grace Kelly in “Dial M for Murder,” see Humphrey Bogart in “Beat the Devil,” and explore modern noir with Michael Keaton in “Pacific Heights” and Korean cinema with “Lady Vengeance.”

You can look beyond Hollywood to the global stage with Kanopy as well. With over twenty countries and regions represented, you can delve deeper into new stories and films that explore the human condition. Just click on World Cinema within the Browse menu.

What makes a film a cult favorite? Watch a few to find out! Kanopy has a variety to share, including comedy, horror, scifi, and classic cinema. Check out Werner Herzog’s “Aguirre, the Wrath of God,” the 1922 film “Nosferatu,” and “Kentucky Fried Movie,” to name a few. A search for Cult Films will bring up a few. To see them all, click on the button with the magnifying glass at the top of the search results.

Shifting gears to familyfriendly films and shows, you can

all badges to complete the whole card!

The Beanstack website can be accessed at scld.beanstack.org. And you can find the link for the Beanstack mobile app at scld.org/ beanstack-app. The mobile app even has a timer you can activate with just the tap of your finger, making tracking that much easier.

Get personalized book recommendations from Beanstack based on your reading interests, helping you discover new titles and authors in SCLD’s collection. You can also add your book review to Beanstack to help other readers find their next read. And check out others’ reviews to find yours.

The whole family can be added to Beanstack with one login—making for easy access and tracking.

SCLD encourages readers of all ages to challenge themselves to become reading machines this winter. Learn more, including special hashtags to share on social media, at scld.org/winterreading-2025.

watch beautifully animated films such as “Swallows and Amazons” and “The Water Horse: Legends of the Deep” as well as liveaction movies, including “This Beautiful Fantastic” and “Heidi,” by selecting Family Friendly from the Browse menu.

Keeping kids entertained with educational shows is easy over holiday breaks as well. Favorites like “Scaredy Squirrel,” and “Click, Clack, Moo” can be found with tried-and-true characters, such as Curious George, Franklin, and a full lineup from PBS Kids! Click on the Kids icon with the smiling puzzle piece to get started. You can learn about parental controls at scld.org/kanopy-kids.

Along with watching on your computer and mobile devices, you can get Kanopy on your smart TV with apps for Amazon Fire, Apple, Android and Google, Roku, Telstra, and Samsung. Head to scld.org/apps to find the link for these options.

Go easy on your wallet this winter with streaming movies and shows from Kanopy at home and wherever you have access to the internet.

Happy Streaming for the Holidays

View films & shows at home or on the go:

• Holiday Hilarity

• Festive Documentaries

• More Scary Than Merry

• Romance Under the Mistletoe

• Holiday Kids’ Shows & Specials

Get started at scld.org/kanopy

Access to Kanopy requires an in-district SCLD library card.

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