Prime Magazine 46

Spirit Awards

10 Over 60 Who Inspire Gino Lisiecki

Free Tax Assistance Indoor Gardening With Hydroponics

contents 6 8

Editor’s Letter Masthead

February - March 2014

features 14

9

Having the time of your life in the Inland Northwest

The Front Porch

Pinot’s Palette; painting, drinks, and merriment | AARP: Free Tax Aid | In Case of Emergency listing advice for your cell phone | Call out for Washington State Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year Awards.

14 Your Third Life 16

Spirit Awards

Cheryl-Anne Millsap has been watching her grown children navigate nascent careers, relationships and forays into the adult world, and it has been difficult in a way she never expected. Although she celebrates that they’re out of the nest and living their own lives now, it eats away at her that all the lessons she’s learned along the way can’t do them a bit of good.

16 Gardening: Hydroponics

Every year, as our food supply becomes more questionable, the advantages of indoor gardening become more apparent. By taking things into our own hands, we can save on increasing food costs, and also know exactly where our food comes from. Imagine being able to harvest lettuce, carrots, eggplant, strawberries, green beans and culinary herbs year-round.

19

Spirit Awards: 10 Over 60

30

Inspiration

19

We are never too old to realize a new dream or goal. In the words of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, the purpose of life is not merely to be happy—it is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to make a difference. Our annual Spirit Awards follow that honorable path, celebrating those in our community who continue to live their lives with purpose and inspire those around them with their humble acts of kindness, generosity and commitment to making our community a better place to live. We honor ten inspirational adults in this year’s Spirit Awards.

An abandoned 1935 Chevy pickup makes for a captivating winter photo.

30

contents 4

| www.primespokane.com

About the cover Spirit AWARDS

10 OVER 70 WHO INSPIRE

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE INDOOR GARDENING WITH HYDROPONICS

At 72, Gino Lisiecki is the road race coordinator for the Sea Otter Classic in Laguna Seca, Calif., the largest bicycle event in the United States, and coordinator for setup and take down of Spokane’s largest bicycling event, SpokeFest.

Photo by Don Hamilton

February - March 2014

5

editor’s letter

Photo by Diane Maehl

Finding your Way to your Prime

S

pokAnimal called with the news that my cat had been found. “That is strange,” I replied, “I haven’t had cats in years.” The woman on the other end of the line cheerfully described my old cat Toots, a grey and white tabby who had disappeared when she was four years old. “But, we’ve mourned Toots,” I explained. “She has been gone for over three years.” As the news settled into my mind that Toots, aka Tooter Rooter Pudding Pie or Mama, for short, was indeed alive and well, and now waiting for me down at the shelter, I wondered if she would remember me and how she would fit into our new life.

We had moved from the north side to the south side of Spokane; life was different now. We had a new dog, a new life in a cat-free home. “So, when can we expect you to come pick her up?” the gal asked.

As I entered the cat facility, my eyes fell upon a familiar grey ball of curled up fluff in a corner of one of the cold, metal cat cages. “I’m not sure that she’ll even remember me,” I said with apprehension. I slowly approached her cage, tears welling in my eyes. I laced my fingers through the bars and quietly said, “Hi, Mama.” She unfurled and rose to greet me, meowing and rubbing her body against my fingers. “You remember me,” I cried, as the staff circled around me sharing that she hadn’t interacted

6

| www.primespokane.com

with anyone up to this point. She hadn’t even eaten or cleaned herself in the two days it had take the staff to track me down (the chip information was for my old house, my old life). I opened the door and lifted her out as she rubbed her wet little nose against my chin, chirping her familiar meow. In the “cat room,” I set to work filling out the paperwork that would reunite our lives, and she set to work cleaning her fur of the dust and unexplainable, crusty paint splatters.

Toots swiftly made our new house her new home, and now it is hard to remember a time without her. I don’t know what her life was like during the three years we were apart, but I like to think the story I told the kiddos was the reality, as I tried to explain what had happened to her in those early days of her disappearance. I had mused she had met a lonely older lady and stayed with her to love and keep her company. It was when the older lady moved on or passed away, perhaps, that Toots found herself homeless and unable to find us. For a short time, we know, she was hiding in an abandoned garage, stealing scraps out of trash bins before being trapped by annoyed neighbors and turned in to SpokAnimal.

Out of her nine lives, I’m not certain which number Toots is on, but, at the age of ten and considering her loving spirit in spite of life’s twists and turns, I have no doubt she is in the prime of her life.

What is the prime of your life? The prime of your life is the “someday” you’ve always referred to, maybe even dreamed of. It’s today.

I am grateful to be here with you now, as your editor, and I look forward to the journey with you, through your prime. I would love to hear your stories of living in the now, and of you enjoying the prime of your life. Please write, and together we can honor the goodness and the beauty of those life moments on the pages of Prime.

My Best,

Stephanie Regalado Stephanie@spokanecda.com

Restoring your smile's natural frame with the New Strickland Facelift Dentures ™

A picture is worth a thousand words!

Before

Before

When a person first gets their dentures made, their face (or picture frame) is as big as it's going to get.

As time goes by, their teeth wear out, the jaw keeps closing up and their face continues to collapse between the nose and chin (that's the picture frame getting smaller). With traditional dentures, new teeth can now be made but in an "older looking face" (that smaller picture frame).

Strickland Facelift Dentures™ not only create warm, natural looking teeth, they enlarge the picture frame back to where it was before they lost their natural teeth.

After

After

Call today for a FREE CONSULTATION to ask,

"What are my possibilities?"

Doug Brossoit, D.D.S. 510 E. Hastings Rd., Suite A Spokane, WA 99218

888-999-9688

DrBrossoitRestoringLives.com

February - March 2014

7

Disclaimer: The Strickland Facelift Dentures™ services are in no way related to Dr. Sam Muslin's exclusive Face Lift Dentistry® treatment.

Having the time of your life in the Inland Northwest

Vol. 8 Issue 1 February / March 2014

Editor

STEPHANIE REGALADO • stephanie@spokanecda.com

Creative Director

David Crary • david@spokanecda.com

Lead Graphic Designer

Kristi Somday • kristi@spokanecda.com

Traffic Manager | Graphic Designer camille mackie • camille@spokanecda.com

Contributors

Darin Burt Cheryl-Anne Millsap Judith Spitzer

Photographers

Diane Maehl don hamilton donald sewell joseph canyon Luke Davis

Senior Account Manager

debra j smith • debra@spokanecda.com

Senior Account Executive

Cindy Guthrie • cindy@spokanecda.com Jeff Richardson • jrichardson@spokanecda.com Diane caldwell • diane@spokanecda.com

Director of Events and Promotions

Melissa Halverson • melissa@bozzimedia.com

Operations & Finance Manager Kim Morin • kim@spokanecda.com

Accounts Receivable & Distribution

theresa berglund • theresa@spokanecda.com

Publisher

Vincent bozzi • vince@spokanecda.com

Are your savings earning what they should?

Associate Publisher

emily guevarra bozzi • emily@spokanecda.com

Carla E Brooks, AAMS ® Financial Advisor

2901 N Argonne Suite 1-B Spokane Valley, WA 99212 509-924-0581 Member SIPC

8

| | www.primespokane.com

Prime magazine is published by Bozzi Media Tapio Yellow Flg Bldg, Suite 209 • 104 S. Freya, Spokane, WA 99202-4866 • Phone: 509.533.5350 Prime magazine (ISSN 1938-5714) is distributed freely in the Inland Northwest. For distribution locations, subscription rates, or to read this month’s or previous months’ issues, visit us at www.primespokane.com.

All contents © 2014. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Neither Bozzi Media nor Prime™ magazine assume responsibility for errors in content, photos or advertisements.

Pinot’s Palette Paint. Drink. Have Fun.

B

ring your friends, open your favorite bottle of wine and get ready to be inspired by local artists who will guide you stepby-step through a featured painting. At the end of the night, leave with your own masterpiece. Pinot’s Palette is the upscale destination in downtown Spokane where you can “Paint. Drink.

Have Fun.” At this studio, anyone can be an artist and have fun being creative—no art experience required.

In two or three hours you can create a festive, whimsical and colorful painting while sipping on your favorite beverage . . . you’re sure to create a night to remember as well as your very own masterpiece.

Pinot’s Palette offers a unique way to help you celebrate a fun night out, a special date night, birthdays, anniversaries, time with friends and family, or any other private parties.

Pinot’s Palette is located at 32 W. 2nd Ave, Suite 100.

For more information, visit www.pinotspallette.com SpokaneSoDo or call (406) 860-1049.

frontPorch February - March 2014

9

front porch

AARP Tax-Aide to Provide

Free Assistance Beginning February 2014

Starting February 1, AARP

Foundation began providing free tax

preparation and electronic filing at sites

throughout the state. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 45th year, is the nation’s

largest free tax assistance and preparation

service, giving special attention those 60 and older. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free service.

AARP’s IRS tax-certified volunteer

preparers can handle most common tax

returns for employed or retired individuals,

which include earned and retirement income,

investment income (Schedule D), and various education, child and earned income credits.

AARP Tax-Aide sites are not able

to prepare returns with rental income or

depreciation, but do prepare Schedule C

for individuals with small businesses that

have less than $10,000 in annual expenses.

Taxpayers utilizing the free service can

receive their tax refunds rather quickly as all

AARP Tax-Aide sites will be using electronic filing.

For more information and to locate an AARP

at the Flour Mill 621 W Mallon Spokane WA 10

| | www.primespokane.com

Foundation Tax-Aide site near you, visit www.

aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation TaxAide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

February - March 2014

11

front porch

Kathy Bryant Seniors Real Estate Specialist & Top Spokane Realtor

509-993-3538 Century 21 Beutler & Associates 41 W Riverside – Ste 310 – Spokane, WA kathybryant@21goldchoice.com www.YourMoveYourTerms.com

Escorted

Southern Journey Savannah, Georgia Charleston, South Carolina Bahamas Cruise April 22-May 1, 2014 Air, hotels, city & plantation tours, ground transportation, 19 meals, and cruise fare included.

$1,899

Register by February 20 for $100 savings

Jason Armstrong

Independent Vacation Specialist Spokane, Washington www.VacationASAP.com

509-720-6984 Fare is per person based on double occupancy; airfare from Spokane included. Price includes port charges and government taxes and fees and reflect $100 early booking discount. Interior cruise stateroom at this price, upgrades available at additional cost. $300 non-refundable deposit required at time of booking. Carnival Cruises reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $10 USD per guest per day on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65 USD per barrel. WA 601698664

12

Local Families Urged to ICE Cell Phones A s col d temper atur es blanket our area, a growing number of seniors may wind up in trouble, stuck in life-threatening situations.

They may slip and fall, their car might break down, and they may get lost, confused, or stranded—literally left out in the cold. That’s why Visiting An-

gels, one of the nation’s largest in-home senior care agencies with a location in our area, has launched the ICE a Cell Phone Safety Campaign to help seniors in case of emergency.

To ICE a cell phone, you load emergency contacts in seniors’ phones with the word ICE in front of the emergency contacts’ names, so when someone finds a senior in trouble they know who to call ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE). Visiting Angels hopes this will become a universal emergency plan—a quick way for emergency responders to pick up a senior’s cell phone, and press the letter ‘I’ to find seniors’ emergency contacts.

“We urge families to ICE seniors’ phones, or come by our offices and we will ICE seniors’ phones for free,” says Larry Meigs, CEO of Visiting Angels. “We care for thousands of older Americans, and we constantly hear stories about how families need an

The Search is on for Washington’s

Outstanding Senior Volunteer Every d ay, Washington senior volunteers generously give their time and service to help others. Now here’s your chance to give back by nominating a deserving older adult in our community for his or her outstanding service through the Salute to Senior Service program.

Sponsored by Home Instead, Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network, Salute to Senior Service recognizes the invaluable contributions of adults age 65 and older who give at least 15 hours a month of volunteer service to their favorite causes.

“Seniors have so much to give and make a positive impact on our communities daily,” said Lois Etienne, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Spokane. “Senior volunteerism not only benefits others, but also helps seniors stay active and socially engaged in their communities—important elements of healthy aging.”

Members of the community are asked to nominate and vote for these everyday heroes between Jan. 15 and March 1, 2014, at SalutetoSeniorService.com. State winners will be determined by popular vote. A panel of senior care experts will then select a national Salute to Senior Service winner from among the state honorees.

Home Instead, Inc. will donate $500 to each of the state winners’ designated and approved nonprofit organizations, and their personal stories will be shared online

| | www.primespokane.com

emergency plan for seniors. One family told us their elderly loved one with dementia roamed five miles from home. When police tried to help they had no clue who to call. ICE contacts help responders know who to call in emergencies in this cold or at any time of year.”

How to ICE Cell Phones: Under “I” in the cell phone contact list, load the In Case of Emergency contact names, beginning with the word ICE (ie: ICE_Heather).

Make sure the emergency contact(s) agree to be an ICE partner.

Include every phone number (home/ cell/work) of the ICE partner. ICE partners should know the person’s medical conditions, doctors’ names and medications they’re taking.

An ICE sticker can save a life. Place a Visiting Angels ICE Loaded sticker on seniors’ cell phones, so if someone finds a senior in trouble they know who to call in an emergency.

Agent for Allied Van Lines

Three Generations of our family

moving yours

Spokane's oldest familyowned and operated full-service moving company

509-747-1111

www.americanvanservice.com

Friendly Dentistry on Spokane's South Hill

on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame. In addition, $5,000 will be donated to the national winner’s designated and approved nonprofit charity.

To complete and submit an online nomination form for a senior age 65 or older who volunteers at least 15 hours a month, and to view the contest’s official rules, visit SalutetoSeniorService. com. Completed nomination forms can alternatively be mailed to Salute to Senior Service, P.O. Box 285, Bellevue, NE 68005.

For more information about Salute to Senior Service or the Home Instead Senior Care network’s services, call our local Home Instead Senior Care at (509) 835-5898.

3144 E. 29th Ave Spokane WA 99223 509-536-8888

To ot h C o lo r e d F i l l i n g s C ro w n a n d B r i d g e T r e at m e n t D e n ta l I m p la n t R e s to r at i o n s Dentures E x t r a ct i o n s T r e at m e n t o f G u m D i s e a s e Zoom® 1 Hour Teeth Whitening

Visit us at

Care for clients of all ages

dentalcliniquespokane.com

February - March 2014

13

third life

Listen to your Mother

W

Story and photo by Cheryl-Anne Millsap

atching my grown children navigate nascent careers, relationships and forays into the adult world has been difficult in a way I never expected. I don’t mind that they’re out of the nest and living their own lives now. I celebrate that, I’d be disappointed if they weren’t.

What eats away at me is the fact that all the lessons I’ve learned along the way can’t do them a bit of good.

Having been right where they are now, I could help them. I know where some of the biggest booby traps are hidden. I could save them from all sorts of setbacks and disasters if they’d let me.

Oh, they are polite. They are good kids, after all. They listen to my long stories, full of warnings (and metaphors where the truth would be too embarrassing for us both) nodding or making noncommittal responses from time to time. But we both know what they’re thinking is, “What does any of this have to do with me?”

It’s true the world they’re living in is nothing like it was when I was their age: The Cold War is over.

AIDS isn’t a death sentence. A black man is president. Cars can parallel park themselves.

But the basic tenets haven’t changed that much: Education is good but experience is better.

Everything in moderation. If it looks or sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Love can break your heart. Someone will steal your lunch out of the office refrigerator.

14

| | www.primespokane.com

S t a f f fa m i l y o w n e d a n d m a n a g e d

That is the most frustrating thing about growing older. What’s the use of living and learning if you can’t pass it along to those you love the most? I have this long history of experiences— some good, some not so good—and I’d give anything to save my children from the same heartaches. If it would help, I would put every wrong-headed, impulsive, stubborn, vindictive misstep I’ve ever made down on paper and print a long list for each of my children.

Mistakes #12, #26, #42 and #113 were especially hard to get over, I would tell them. You really want to avoid those.

You’ll also notice there are quite a few duplicates on the list. Obviously, I didn’t learn some lessons as quickly as I should have. Study those. Oh, and pay particular attention to mistake #995, I would tell them. That one’s a killer.

But truth be told, even exposing my own foolishness and frequent lack of judgment wouldn’t make much of a difference. Ultimately, the mistakes we make belong to us alone. We can pull them out and wave them like a warning flag, but we can’t stop someone else’s train.

Still, we’re never too old to learn.

Writing this, it occurred to me there must have been times my grandparents and my parents tried to warn me about a particular path I was on, but their words never pierced the rainbow around me.

I’m sure I was polite. I nodded and made a show of listening to what they were trying to tell me, but, in the end, I did just what they had done, and what my children are doing now. I stepped out into the world, leading with my heart and my chin, and made a few mistakes along the way.

"Our Family Cares for Your Family."

• Worry Free Alzheimer’s/ • Therapeutic Living Environment Dementia Care with Wander • Spacious Studios with a Full Guard Technology Private Bathroom • Fun Social/Activities Program • 24 Hour Professional Medication • 3 Savory Meals Daily Management and Personal Care • Competitive All-Inclusive Pricing

New Alzheimer’s Memory Care Center We provide the highest standard of personal care in a home environment, with loving and patient nursing and care staff.

12016 E Cataldo, Spokane Valley www.colonialcourtassistedliving.com

(509) 921-5473

Cheryl-Anne Millsap’s essays can be heard on Spokane Public Radio and on public radio stations across the U.S. She is the author of Home Planet: A Life in Four Seasons (available at Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane). Read more of her work at www. spokesman.com/blogs/homeplanet.

February - March 2014

15

gardening

How does your garden grow?

Without soil, if you’re using hydroponics Story and photo by Darin Burt

I

“The yield is faster, higher and more consistent because you t may sound like something straight out of a science fiction are providing a perfect environment in which the plants can movie, but hydroponic gardening is not futuristic at all. grow,” says Paul Mihara, owner of Spokane Organic & HydroOne of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the ponic Supply.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon, was a hydroponic garden.

“With the food market the way it is, you want to eat someThe ancient Aztecs, Greeks, Romans and Chinese also utilized thing that tastes good,” he adds. “When you’re growing inside, hydroponics in their horticulture practices. and harvesting the day you are eating it, there’s an increase in Add electricity, artificial lighting, automatic timers, and sciflavor and quality.” entifically tested nutrient solutions, and you have the modern What can be hydroponically grown? In reequivalent, which still has the same basic ality, any plant that can be raised outdoors in principal of growing plants without soil, A perfect solution soil can be grown indoors in water. Imagine without sunlight, and with less water than for controlling your being able to harvest lettuce, carrots, eggtraditional gardening.

There are a variety of benefits associated own food supply and plant, strawberries, green beans and culinary herbs year-round. Greenhouse plants like towith hydroponic gardening. When plants are nutrition, which is the matoes and peppers, which are susceptible to grown using hydroponics, the roots do not cold temperatures, and typically have a very need to search for required nutrients. The nubasis of life. short season in northern climates, do exceptrient solution is provided directly to them, tionally well indoors under controlled conditions. which results in plant growth, much more quickly and more “We had a four and a half year old jalapeno plant and have abundant. also kept tomato plants alive and producing for three years Growing mediums like Rockwool (cubes of spun volcanic straight,” Mihara says. rock and limestone fibers) and clay aggregate anchor and help Visit Spokane Organic & Hydroponic Supply, at their shops aerate roots. Water pumps circulate the water and deliver nutriin North Spokane and Spokane Valley, and you’ll find complete ents to roots, while air pumps allow for oxygenated water and hydroponic systems in action; at the north store there’s even an the movement of nutrients.

16

| | www.primespokane.com

avocado tree in the front window producing fruit.

For those with no space for a traditional outdoor garden, a hydroponic system can be set up in a spare bedroom, closet or basement. Aside from the initial financial investment for special equipment, the method only requires attention to water, nutrient and acidity levels to be successful.

Unlike outdoor gardening, hydroponic gardens don’t have weeds. There is no tilling, mulching, heavy sacks of soil amendments or wheelbarrows, either. And for those of us with bad backs and creaking joints, there’s no need for bending, as the planting beds are traditionally placed at just the right height for easy access.

Hydroponic gardening doesn’t have to be difficult. For the beginning hobbyist, Spokane Organic & Hydroponic Supply sells a starter kit, called the Water Farm, which includes a reservoir, pump, growing medium, and nutrients for around $60.

While it’s possible to grow indoors using the sunlight from a window, best results are achieved with controlled artificial lighting. Many gardeners recommend metal halide grow lights because they provide excellent light distribution and emulate the energy from bright summer sunlight.

To determine how much light a plant will require, consider where and how it grows best in its natural environment.

Most vegetables, for instance, grow best in full sunlight, which means as much light as possible must be supplied.

A basic knowledge of what plants need for healthy growth is needed before embarking on gardening indoors. The Internet is full of hydroponic gardening information—progressivegardening.com will expand your knowledge on new plant growing techniques.

Every year, as our food supply becomes more questionable, the advantages of indoor gardening become more apparent.

By taking things into our own hands, we can save on increasing food costs, and know exactly where our food comes from.

“It’s not only an enjoyable hobby,” says Mihara, “but in our geographical area, especially, hydroponics and indoor gardening is a perfect solution for controlling your own food supply and nutrition, which is the basis of life.”

Spokane’s only true one stop grow shop

• Greenhouse equipment & supplies • Indoor gardening equipment & supplies • Nutrients/fertilizers • Soils and organic amendments • Organic seeds • Hydroponic Systems spokaneorganicandhydroponicsupply.com

North:

8710 N Division St 509-468-4800

Valley:

4823 E Sprague Ave, 509-534-4055

Greenacres:

15916 E Sprague 509-290-5313

Have you considered a

Reverse mortgage as

part of your financial strategy?

Spokane's Reverse Mortgage Specialist Call TODAY to arrange for a (no cost or obligation) loan comparison that will help you make that important decision. Don't spend your days worrying about money. TAKE ACTION NOW!

Jack Tenold NMLS #10261

1500 W Fourth Avenue | Suite 410 Spokane WA 99201 First Priority Financial, Inc. NMLS #3257. Washington CL-3257

jack.tenold@fpfmail.com

www.JackTenold.com

(509) 623-1623 February - March 2014

17

509-893-9500 | acmeintegration.com

With the Telguard Allin-One Cellular PERS Solution, assistance is there when you need it!

Be like thousands of other American seniors who enjoy an independent lifestyle with the help of an emergency system.

It’s simple to use and lets you live the life you choose to lead.

Live in your own home and enjoy an emergency system at your fingertips.

This sophisticated system allows you to notify emergency assistance just by wearing a pendant!

Call today for a free consultation!

18

| | www.primespokane.com

A

By Judith Spitzer

lthough aging can be difficult at times, none of us is immune to it. Even though our physical appearance changes, our spirit does not. It often comes down to one thing: our outlook on life. The Fountain of Youth can be found simply by looking within oneself. And we are never too old to realize a new dream or goal. In the words of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, the purpose of life is not merely to be happy—it is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to make a difference. Our annual Spirit Awards follow that honorable path, celebrating those in our community who continue to live their lives with purpose and inspire those around them with their humble acts of kindness, generosity and commitment to making our community a better place to live. Join us in celebrating this year’s Spirit Award honorees.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~C.S. Lewis We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing. ~George Bernard Shaw Everyone is the age of their heart. ~Guatemalan Proverb

C

Spirit Awar

ds

arol Williams is a quite the Renaissance woman. She has been a pastor, a teacher, a florist, a hospice volunteer, the owner of a bed and breakfast and more.

Friends say she’s there to help people whether they’re neighbors, friends, co-workers or strangers.

“I like to help connect people for friendships and needs they might have whether they’re neighbors, friends or whatever. I do what I can to help other people, making a difference in people’s lives in different ways,” Williams says. She believes we can all help bring peace, justice and kindness wherever we live.

Williams moved to Spokane 30 years ago from Memphis, where she worked as an elementary school teacher in an underprivileged neighborhood. Later, at the university level, she taught teachers.

She worked as a florist for Rosauers Stores in the area for many years before becoming Pastor of Mission Community Presbyterian Church. She worked to build a strong youth program and maintained close ties with the Mission photo by Luke Davis Community Outreach Center, a project initiated by members of the church, before leaving there in 2007.

She is often asked to perform weddings and funerals. Friends say she is a phenomenal gardener, who loves to feed friends and neighbors. Williams also When she thinks volunteers through Hospice of about this time in Spokane. her life, Williams says Carol and her husband, Tom, her goal is to be a host a bed and breakfast service helping hand for at their home, supporting P.E.O. other people.

International, an organization that promotes educational opportunities for women.

Williams’s most recent volunteer work is for PET (Personal Energy Transportation) a ministry that provides small, low to the ground transportation devices for people who have lost the use of their legs. The devices are made in Spokane by volunteers and shipped around the world.

Carol

Williams

February - March 2014

19

spirit awards

Gino Lisiecki

“Hanley is always eager to help organizations that work toward giving people a hand up—not a hand out.”

Jim Hanley photo by Don Hamilton

G

ino Lisiecki is co-owner of Round and Round Productions, Ltd., a sports management company managing events in the Spokane area and around the country.

Lisiecki moved to the Spokane area from New York in 1970 just in time to help renovate the old Coeur d’Alene Hotel in downtown Spokane for the 1974 World’s Fair. A college professor in exercise kinesiology science, he was hired by Eastern Washington University where he taught until he retired.

Today, at 72, Lisiecki is the road race coordinator for the Sea Otter Classic in Laguna Seca, Calif., the largest bicycle event in the United States, and coordinator for setup and take down of Spokane’s largest bicycling event, SpokeFest. He works with Vino! The Wine Shop and Spokane Parks and Recreation in setting up Bike and Wine Tours in Walla Walla “Spokane is such and the Yakima Valley. He is also co-coordinator of the a perfect place Red Rocks Rendezvous climbing event at Red Rocks, to live—there are Nevada. so many outdoor He has served on the board of the Riverside State Park opportunities.”

Foundation and Advisory groups for the past ten years.

He is also operations director of the 24-hours Round the Clock Mountain Bike Relay Race, an annual race for the past 15 years, at Riverside State Park on Memorial Day weekend.

Lisiecki says he loves giving back to the community and enjoys working with people in the area.

“Spokane is such a perfect place to live—there are so many outdoor opportunities.

We live next to the two largest state parks in Washington State, Riverside State Park and Mt. Spokane State Park, and the area is not overcrowded and it doesn’t take forever to get to recreational areas,” Lisiecki says.

Lisiecki also directs the Wednesday Sunset Mountain Bike Race Series at Riverside State Park every Wednesday in May and June.

20

| | www.primespokane.com

photo by Joseph Canyon

J

im Hanley has been a member of the community since 1946. In that time he’s seen many things change in Spokane.

His family business, the Tin Roof, is a furniture and unique home décor store, on East Sprague. Hanley considers it part of his job to help develop and grow Spokane, not only for his children but for all residents.

As co-founder of the East Sprague Business Association and vice chair of the East Central Steering Committee, Hanley’s main focus has been the development and improvement of the East Central area. As a long time member of the East Central community (his father started a business in 1945 across the street from their current location) he has served on the East Central steering committee for more than ten years.

Hanley has helped improve living conditions for residents there and has been very active in the business development of the area.

“Our biggest achievement has been helping to facilitate the sale of Playfair to SCAFCO, as well as our recent award of a targeted investment from the City of Spokane,” Hanley says. “During my time as president of the East Spokane Business Association we received a national Main Street Award in recognition of our efforts in improving our ‘main street.’”

He serves on Spokane mayor’s small business advisory board, the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District board and the parking advisory committee.

Additionally, Hanley participates in many fundraisers: the Angel Ball, the Wine Gala of the Community Colleges of Spokane and various other events.

“Being a good steward of this community is of the utmost importance to me as a business owner and a Spokanite. If we all work together we can help propel this community forward,” he says.

Orchard Crest Retirement Community & Assisted Living

It’s warm inside and the heat is free!

We make it easy with move in specials.

Senior Living at its Best!

Assisted Living Independent Living Light Assist Triplex Cottages Onsite House Calls Primary Care

Your monthly rent includes: Utilities | Housekeeping | Indoor Pool & Spa | Yoga | Fitness Center | Scheduled Transportation | Theater | Library | Craft Room | Community Garden | Game Room and so much more!

~Pet Friendly~ 222 S. Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley

(509) 928-2222 • www.orchardcrestretirement.com

We Make it Easy for You! Only $495!

Startup Websites 509.535.5350 or email for more information sales@spokanecda.com

CREATIVE February - March 2014

21

spirit awards

I

Don Gardiner

D

on Gardiner has lived in Coeur D’Alene since 1978.

He originally moved there from Boise to start a gymnastics program through the YMCA. Friends say he made gymnastics come alive in Coeur d’Alene when he opened his own gym there in 1979. He is a sports enthusiast and a gymnastics coach.

Through the years he has influenced the lives of many young people, helping them to learn to release energy in a positive way through sports, and learning valuable life lessons along the way.

Gardiner has an extreme passion for kids and for physical fitness. He loves working with young people and strives to make a differ“Don Gardiner sets the bar for ence in their lives through teachthe kids he works ing them the meaning of hard with to become work, the value of dedication and men and women the virtue of honesty and truth. of honor and Gardiner has many athletic integrity, not just awards and has taken his gymnasts skilled athletes.” to high-level competitions. Many of his gymnasts have out-competed and won many competitions.

Friends say he is humble and gives all the glory of his success to someone other than himself.

“Don Gardiner sets the bar high for the kids he works with, to become men and women of honor and integrity, not just skilled athletes,” says his nominator. “He has touched the lives of a multitude of people, young and old and is a blessing to so many.”

n July 2006, Sharon Rodkey Smith and her husband Dennis returned to Spokane, Smith’s hometown, after working and teaching in Omaha for 28 years.

They returned to the area to care for their ailing and elderly parents.

“It was time for us to help in their care, and walk the ending road with them,” says Smith.

Smith’s world has been grounded in music. She received a degree in vocal performance as well as a K-12 certificate in music education from Pacific Lutheran University. She met her future husband in the music department at PLU. Since returning to Spokane, Smith has been volunteer choir director at Bethany Presbyterian Church, was on the board of directors for the Spokane Youth Symphony, served as president of Friday Musical, and has participated in the Mu Phi Epsilon Alumni Chapter. Four years ago she traveled to China as part of the People to People delegation of music educators.

After teaching for many years, Smith’s passion for working with children is still very much alive. “I connect with children through music. Challenging each child to develop as a singer, musician and person has been a lifelong commitment,” she says.

Two months after moving back to Spokane she answered a newspaper advertisement calling for a choral director to step into a position with a small children’s choir program at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. She subsequently became director of Kindercore.

Smith finds joy working with bright and talented young singers and none are turned away for lack of skill.

She helps them with vocal development, music theory, sight reading, and choral skills.

“I have been blessed to live a life of music as well as a life with children.”

Sharon Rodkey

Smith “I am blessed to live a life sharing my passion of children and music.”

— Sharon Smith

photo by Don Hamilton

22

| | www.primespokane.com

Q ua l i t y

n e w f u r n i t u r e at a f f o r da b l e p r i c e s .

Sen

15%

ior

Dis

C

iti ze Eve count n ry Day !

6607 N. Maple

2 Blocks North of Francis on Maple

Donations Are Welcome Mon-Fri 10:30-4:30 Sat 10-4 Sun 12-4

February 25% OFF

Valid 2/1/2014 - 2/28/2014 Excludes Well Rounded Corner and Consignment Items

MUST PRESENT COUPON

Monday - Saturday 9-6 Sunday Hours 12-5

326-1522

March 25% OFF Valid 3/1/2014 - 3/31/2014 Excludes Well Rounded Corner and Consignment Items

MUST PRESENT COUPON

February - March 2014

23

Tony and

Suzanne Bamonte

photo by Diane Maehl

T

ony Bamonte was born in Wallace, Idaho, in 1942 and Suzanne in Ione, Washington, in 1948. Both were raised in Metaline Falls. They married in 1994 and live in Spokane.

Tony graduated from Whitworth University and holds a master’s degree from Gonzaga University. He spent 25 years in law-enforcement, starting with military duty in Vietnam, then as a Spokane police officer and finally, as a three-term sheriff of Pend Oreille County. While a member of the Spokane Police Department, he arrested the first man to ever plead guilty to first-degree murder in the state.

24

| | www.primespokane.com

Anthony

During his tenure as sheriff, he researched and wrote a history of the sheriffs of Pend Oreille County, which was published as a book titled Sheriffs: 19111989, A History of Murders in the Wilderness of Washington’s Last County. He solved the nation’s oldest active murder case, the murder of a Newport marshal in 1935. A national bestseller titled Breaking Blue, by Timothy Egan, was written about that case.

Tony’s first published work was History of Metaline Falls. He has had many occupations, including that of miner, logger, construction worker, licensed Washington State Realtor and publisher.

Suzanne Bamonte graduated from Central Washington University and became a CPA. Before her relocation to Spokane and marriage to Tony, she was controller of The Glass Eye, an art-glass studio in Seattle, and controller of Edmark Corporation, a publisher of special education materials for the developmentally disabled.

Tony and Suzanne have collaborated on a number of books and published other writers’ books through their publishing company, Tornado Creek Publications.

Editors and publishers of the Spokane Westerners’ publication called The Pacific Northwesterner for nearly 13 years, they are former editors of Nostalgia Magazine and both write about local history for other publications.

Books written by Tony and Suzanne Bamonte include, among several others: Spokane, Our Early History: Under All Is The Land (2011) Life Behind the Badge: The Spokane Police Department’s Founding Years, 1881-1903 (2008) Spokane’s Legendary Davenport Hotel (2001) Spokane and the Inland Northwest: Historical Images (1999) Manito Park: A Reflection of Spokane’s Past (1998; an updated centennial edition was published in 2004) They are currently working on the history of North Idaho’s Silver Valley.

Giardino DDS, MS

Board Certified Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology

LANAP Provider

(Laser Periodontal Therapy) Now available at both locations

Periodontics has been described as the "foundation of dentistry." The goal is to create a healthy environment around the teeth to allow for their long-term maintenance. The relationship of good oral health to your overall health is well accepted.

When a tooth can't be saved, a dental implant is usually the best long term solution. Trust your periodontal and dental implant surgical needs to a board certified specialist.

South Hill Periodontics 2700 S. Southeast Blvd., Ste. 210 • Spokane, WA 99223

www.southhillperio.com • 509-536-7032

Post Falls Periodontics 602 N. Calgary Ct., Ste 102 • Post Falls. ID 83854

208-777-1796

Serving Spokane for over 30 years Always welcoming new patients!

• Comprehensive eye care for the entire family • Diabetic eye health care

• Medical evaluation for eye disease • Free Lasik procedure consultation

• Complete line of frames & contacts

Dr. Rick Kellogg

Downtown • 509.747.6581 Exam Appointments available at TheEyeCareTeam.com February - March 2014

25

Dick R Carpenter

“Dick’s kindness was contagious and people wanted to help him help others.”

D

photo by Joseph Canyon

ick Carpenter, a retired attorney, has lived in Spokane for more than 30 years, settling here with his wife, after ten years as a missionary in countries all over the world.

These days Carpenter refers to himself as a chief PET logistician. PET, in this case, stands for Personal Energy Transportation, a low-to-the-ground, three-wheeled vehicle powered by a hand crank, giving mobility to those who have lost legs to land mines, disease and other circumstances in poor countries worldwide.

Together with friends, Carpenter pulls together more than 60 people who donate their goods, time and/or money to make the PET carts that are then shipped out to needy recipients.

Friends say Carpenter has a barn behind his house where he stored donated, discarded furniture and other items to give to people who had experienced home fires, families struggling financially, women getting out of abusive relationships and other hardships. With the help of his church, he gave away the items as people needed them.

“Dick’s kindness was contagious and people wanted to help him help others,” says one friend. “Dick Carpenter is a remarkable, visionary, unselfish and loving man, quietly making a huge difference for (other people).”

The PET vehicles Carpenter helps make give each recipient not only mobility, but dignity, hope and often a way to earn a living. Each PET cart made in Spokane is painted with bright, rainbow colors.

Carpenter also volunteers with Truth Ministries Shelter and helped found New Start Furniture Warehouse to support the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

26

| | www.primespokane.com

osalee Allan has been a leader at PAML in Spokane for the past several decades. She is currently COO and a senior vice-president. PAML is one of the top ten largest reference laboratories in the country.

A skillful leader who thinks outside the box, Allan oversees the organization’s overall performance and is a driving force in PAML’s strong growth. She is responsible for assuring the effectiveness of operations, deploying cost-cutting initiatives and developing task teams for identifying and correcting performance gaps and rapid-process improvement projects.

She received her bachelor’s degree in healthcare financial management from Whitworth University and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. She holds PHR certification and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“In terms of our community, I have led my group of leadership on several projects–primarily focused on children and the homeless. For several years, I have championed our organizational activities around the Children’s Miracle Network (CMS),” Allan says. This has included an annual raffle of a courier car to raise funds for CMS, staffing for telethons and support at the annual Chef ’s Culinary event. She has been involved with helping the homeless, most recently with the Blessings Under the Bridge effort.

“By consistently involving my direct reports in these activities year after year, I have woven this into our leadership competencies and have challenged them to pay it forward,” Allan says. “I sit back and watch with much delight as my direct reports lead their direct reports on many, many activities focused on volunteering in our communities.” photo by Diane Maehl

Rosalee

Allan “For several years, I have championed our organizational activities around the Children’s Miracle Network.”

February - March 2014

27

Trudy Raymond

“Faith, family, friends, and community will keep us all going as we age with dignity.”

—Trudy Raymond

28

photo by Don Hamilton

| | www.primespokane.com

S

pokane has been Trudy Raymond’s home city for 69 years. As a retiree, she supports many organizations in the community. She began modeling as a hobby after retiring, which gave her an opportunity to volunteer for fundraising events.

Although she chose modeling, she says there are numerous opportunities to “give back to the community” by volunteering for various groups and events, giving time and/or donations to help important causes.

“It has been a privilege to participate in many of the events in Spokane while in school and during my 35 years of employment in the downtown area,” Raymond says.

“I have been able to do something that I enjoy and perhaps bring a smile to the people who attend. These organizations are able to raise funds and continue to help the people of this great community,” she says.

Organizations she has modeled for include Goodwill Industries, Woman’s Club of Spokane, Miss Spokane Scholarship Organization, Spokane Symphony Associates, and the American Red Cross.

Active in her church, she is also a member of the Woman’s Club of Spokane and the Spokane Symphony Associates.

Williams and her husband are involved with the Inland Empire Rail Transit Association, advocating for light rail and rail transit in the Spokane area including Cheney and Coeur d’Alene. She says with Spokane’s growth, transportation is becoming an important issue and the community needs to be proactive.

“As baby boomers grow older, many wonder what they will do when they retire,” she says. “If they volunteer for various organizations in our community—and there are so many that are in need of volunteers—they will never be bored.”

Great place for Date Night!

Best Frozen Yogurt 3 years in a row!

tion The GU loca er! ff o to ts lo has o ss re The esp en! p o w o n is bar airs st p u r Also, ou r fo ct e rf e p is s, g n ti e e your m and s, e m a g st po etc. birthdays, out! it ck e ch e Com

5 lo cat io ns s e r v in g y

Wandermere 12519 N. Division #5 509-315-4910

DOWNTOWN 172 S. Division 509-455-8000

VALLEY 325 S. Sullivan 509-368-9618

ou

GONZAGA Neighborhood

829 E. Boone 509-315-5034

cheney Near Starbucks 509-235-8000

www.froyoearth.com

Best Networking Events

Release Parties Connect and Engage

Bozzi Media Events throws an exciting release party for every issue of Spokane Coeur D’Alene Living Magazine.

We deliver the party, wine, hors d’oeuvres, guests and more.

Host more than 100 guests at your location or ours, where you can celebrate an opening, thank your customers, or draw in a new crowd. Call today to host the next release party!

509.535.5350

February - March 2014

29

inspiration

Abandoned

By Donald Sewell

30

| | www.primespokane.com

This photo of an abandoned 1935 Chevy pickup was captured on January 18, 2014 in Lincoln County while Donald and his wife, Kathy, were traveling to their cabin on Porcupine Bay. Taken with a Cannon EOS Rebel T3i. See more of Donald’s scenic photography from around the Inland Northwest and beyond by visiting www.sewellscenics.com.

Do you have a captivating photo that you would like to share? Please send it to Stephanie@ spokanecda.com. Please include your name, contact information, and a short description of the story behind the photo.

February - March 2014

31