Spokane Coeur d'Alene #181 December 2020

december 2020/issue 181

Deck the Halls home transforms to winter wonderland

#181 | DECEMBER 2020

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GIFT GUIDE

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This holiday season, it’s more important than ever to shop local. Check out our favorite offerings from our valued partners.

Doug Clark writes about the man who bears such a resemblance to old St. Nick that he legally changed his name.

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WINTER WONDERLAND + ON THE COVER The Smiths’ beautiful home is a celebration of Christmas, and we hope it makes your holidays merry and bright.

Photographer: Rob Miller of RL Miller Photography

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CONTENTS ( W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ) 14

EDITOR LETTER Megan’s Thoughts

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FIRST LOOK Erin & Emma’s Side Hustle Lilacs & Lemons Artist’s Eye Spokane Rising

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THE SCENE Be My Guest Lilac Lit Art & Words This Is Dirt Community Builders Datebook

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NEST A Magical Twinkling House Feature

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LOCAL CUISINE New Year’s Eve Cocktails Sweet Temptations Chinook Reopening Big Table Dining Guide

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Clarksville The Man Named Santa

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GIFT GUIDE

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PRIME Senior Living Better Together Holiday Scams

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HEALTHBEAT

stay connected

Cosmetic Surgery Stay Active

BozziMedia.com // @spokanecdaliving

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CONTACT US Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living magazine is published twelve times a year. If you have any questions or comments regarding the magazine, please call us at (509) 533-5350; we want to hear from you. Visit our Web site for an expanded listing of services: bozzimedia.com.

Letters to the Editor: We are always looking for comments about our recent articles.

Your opinions and ideas are important to us; however, we reserve the right to edit your comments for style and grammar. Please send your letters to the editor to the address at the bottom of the page or to Meganr@bozzimedia. com.

Editor-in-chief Megan Rowe | meganr@bozzimedia.com

Why-We-Live-Here photos: We publish photos that depict the Inland Northwest and why we live here. We invite photographers to submit a favorite to Kristi@spokanecda.com.

Creative director/lead graphics

Story submissions: We’re always looking for

Copy Editor | Carolyn Saccomanno Datebook Editor | Ann Foreyt

new stories. If you have an idea for one, please let us know by submitting your idea to the editor: Meganr@bozzimedia.com.

Datebook: Please submit information to Ann@

spokanecda.com at least three months prior to the event. Fundraisers, gallery shows, plays, concerts, where to go and what to do and see are welcome.

Dining Guide: This guide is an overview of fine and casual restaurants for residents and visitors to the region. For more information about the Dining Guide, email Meganr@bozzimedia.com.

BUZZ: If you have tips on what’s abuzz in the region, contact the editor at Meganr@ bozzimedia.com.

Advertising: Reach out to the consumer in the

Inland Northwest and get the word out about your business or products. Take advantage of our vast readership of educated, upper income homeowners and advertise with Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living magazine For more information, call the sales manager at (509) 533-5350.

Subscriptions: We would love to earn your

monthly readership by having you join the family as a subscriber. Subscriptions are $24.95 and available online at bozzimedia.com or over the phone by calling (509) 533-5350.

Custom Reprints: We can adapt your article or ads and print them separately, without other advertising, and add new information. With our logo on your piece, your professionallydesigned handout on heavy gloss paper will be a handsome edition to your sales literature.

Contact us at (509) 533-5350.

Custom Publishing: Create a magazine

Kristi Soto | kristi@spokanecda.com

Editorial

Photographers James & Kathy Mangis | Hillary Peil | James O’Coyne, Shybeast LLC Rob Miller, RL Miller Photography | Anna Senchenko

Contributors Darin Burt | Thom Caraway | Doug Clark | Kiantha Duncan | Jason Erskine | Ann Foreyt

Anthony Gill | Kailee Haong | Sarah Hauge | Amber Jensen | Hillary Peil | Megan Perkins Kacey Rosauer | Anna Senchenko | Daisy Zavala

President of Sales/co-publisher/co-founder Emily Guevarra Bozzi | emily@bozzimedia.com

Publisher & CEO Vincent Bozzi | vbozzi@bozzimedia.com

Office & promotions manager Karen Case | KarenC@bozzimedia.com

Account executives Russ Miller, Sales Manager | russ@bozzimedia.com Heather Castle | heather@bozzimedia.com

Venues 180 Bar & Bistro Glass Half Events Hangar Event Center Loft at the Flour Mill The Hidden Ballroom vbozzi@bozzimedia.com

tailored to fit the needs and character of your business or organization. Ideal for promotions, special events, introduction of new services and/or locations, etc. Our editorial staff and designers will work closely with you to produce a quality publication.

Copy, purchasing and distribution: To

purchase back issues, reprints or to inquire about distribution areas, please contact the magazine at: Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living, 157 S. Howard, Suite #603, Spokane, WA 99201, (509) 533-5350.

BEST OF THE INLAND NW SINCE 1999 Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living magazine is published twelve times per year by Northwest Best Direct, Inc., dba Bozzi Media, 157 S. Howard, Suite #603, Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 533-5350, fax (509) 535-3542. Contents Copyrighted© 2020 Northwest Best Direct, Inc., all rights reserved. Subscription $24.95 for one year. For article reprints of 50 or more, call ahead to order. See “Contact Us” for more details.

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR/what you had to say

The bright young leaders on the November 2020 Spokane & Coeur d’ Alene Living magazine showed me an all-white lineup.

It reminded me of the days when a similar photo would be all white men. Inside I hoped to see at least a few people of color inside the magazine showcased for the Twenty Under Forty Awards. What I saw was one person of color, Glenda Mendoza Creager. Your team undoubtedly canvased local businesses in both Spokane and Coeur d’ Alene. Please keep diversity in mind when starting your search for next year’s edition.

Bridget Piper Spokane Dear Bridget,

509.624.7263

14TH AND GRAND SALON

I absolutely do not disagree that the lack of diversity was disappointing. The potential winners were all from nominations from the community at large, and so our selection was limited to those who were nominated. In the future I am certainly going to try to do better outreach regarding the nomination process itself. I posted about the nominations on our social media accounts as well as through our newsletter. I’ve already decided that with future nomination processes, I will post fliers throughout community centers in the area because I think that will help to reach a larger portion of Spokane. I do take your comment very seriously.

Thanks, Megan

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DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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EDITOR LETTER/a note from megan

Dear readers, I used to think of the expression “Vote with your dollar” as a directive to avoid supporting companies with unethical practices, and I did so with varying success. For example, I tried to limit my purchases from Amazon because of what the company is doing to the book industry, which is near and dear to my heart. But I confess that there have been times when my lazier side won out and I end up purchasing some ridiculous item at 2 a.m. I’m not claiming to be perfect, but I’m tackling this problem with a renewed vigor at this time. This holiday season, it’s taking on a new importance in the way I select gifts for my loved ones. I’m going to buy local for every single gift, and I hope you’ll join me.

Voting with my dollar in the time of COVID-19 means voting for the businesses I love to stay afloat. This season is when many businesses make a large sum of their money—they count on it, and during any other time, that was an easy bet.

But we’re living in different times, and we need to show up for them. We need to think long and hard about what we want our community to look like once we’re on the other side of this. I’ve always strived to give personal, meaningful gifts, which meant I steered away from gift cards because I felt like they sent the message of, “I don’t know what to give you” or “I spent minimal time selecting your gift.” This year, I will give out restaurant gift 14

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cards to my friend’s favorite spots in town, because it’s not just giving them cash to spend, it’s also putting a vote in on their behalf.

It says, “I know you love this place, let’s make sure it sticks around.”

Doing this is also an act of faith: I know this restaurant will stick around.

Also, never has there been a better excuse to be lazy about dinner. I’m not avoiding food prep/standing over a stove/clean up. I’m supporting my community! A win/win, if you ask me. But don’t forget to tip your delivery person; that’s how they make the majority of their money.

Luckily, though at limited capacity, our stores are able to remain open, and they’re employing people in our community. Let’s put them in a position where they don’t have to make the hard decision to let someone go. We need to keep as many people employed as possible so we don’t have as steep a hill to climb when we’re on the other side of this. I know, the other side of this feels distant—I’m right there with you—but it will happen.

I know for many of us, money is tight. Let’s keep all of it in our community. Here’s a wild idea: What if we always did this? A beautiful silver-lining would be learning to be a city that invested in one another extravagantly. Imagine how our area would grow, how more people would choose to open fantastic shops, delicious restaurants, new and exciting services, if they could be certain that the community would receive them with open arms? We could be the example. No, Spokane doesn’t suck, and let’s put our money where our mouth is.

On a related note, when you’re sending these local treasures to loved ones from afar—people who you would likely love to be with during this time but can’t because of our unusual circumstances— please use the United States Postal System. This institution is in trouble and deserving of our support. Whether rain, or sleet, or snow, they deliver to all addresses near or far. If we were to lose them, think for a moment how a grandmother in rural Idaho is going to get her prescription medication. We need them, and right now, they need us.

If you’re struggling to figure out what exactly to buy local, our holiday gift guide is a great place to start. The guide has such a variety of items from businesses much deserving of our support.

They need our vote.

I would love to hear what you’re buying local—I’m always looking for new ideas, and Spokane contains so many hidden treasures.

Sincerely,

Megan Louise meganr@bozzimedia.com 157 S. Howard, Suite #603 Spokane, WA 99201

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Erin & Emma’s Side Hustle: Mom and daughter create beautiful stained glass

by Megan Rowe

E

rin Daniels Bangle, a humanities, English, photography, yearbook, and art teacher at On Track Academy, decided she would offer something unique to her students: instruction in making stained glass.

“I wanted to come up with something unusual for my art students at On Track to do, something that they could claim, ‘This is something we get to do here,’” Erin says. “It’s a very unusual hobby, and it’s not something just anybody can do.”

Erin picked up the skill in her childhood from a neighbor.

“She didn’t have kids and she was so sweet to me,” Erin says. “I’d come over—I used to clean her house and stuff like that. She was awesome. She used to [make stained glass], and I’d go over there and she’d let me do it with her sometimes.”

Erin admits that Emma Daniels, her fifteen-year-old daughter who attends Lewis and Clark High School, is her star pupil. Emma started when she was ten, hanging out in her mom’s classroom.

Emma is much more reserved than her gregarious mother, and her confidence and precision with a

soldering iron—set at 880 degrees—is both intimidating and impressive.

“I love teaching my girls how to solder,” Erin says. “It’s just not something we normally teach our daughters. It’s something really cool in my art room when my girls are soldering.”

With little sisters, Emma has also had to learn a great deal of patience.

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FIRST LOOK/erin & emma's side hustle

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I love teaching my girls how to solder.

It’s just not something we normally teach our daughters. It’s something really cool in my art room when my girls are soldering.

“My little sister opened the window and my pattern was laid out, and it blew everywhere, so I had put them back in like puzzle pieces,” Emma says.

Erin confesses that she often turns to Emma for some of the technical details in her work.

“I teach humanities for a reason,” Erin says. “I’ve never been good at math, and she’s so good at math. She just uses both sides of her brain.”

Erin often jokes that whoever got her baby at the hospital must be so angry. Though Erin gushes about her daughter as any mother would, Emma’s work backs up the effusiveness.

What’s possibly most impressive about Emma is her ability to execute techniques through trial and error.

During walks the family took during the beginning of the pandemic, Emma began gathering flowers, which she pressed. But then, she pressed them again—between two sheets of glass. She made a clear hummingbird this way, but even more standout is her layered ribcage: the pearlescent bones of the front of the body overlap the backbones, liberally decorated with pressed flowers, using the soldering iron to articulate the detail of the bones.

“I’ve seen some other stained glass artists do little things like that where they press flowers between the glass, and then I had to figure out how they do it,” Emma says.

That simple.

When Emma was commissioned by Wishing Tree Books to create a stained glass window, the two started to realize that maybe they could turn this into a business— or more accurately, a side hustle. Partially to recoup the cost of their expensive hobby, and partially to teach Emma a new skill—how to handle a business, from marketing to shipping—the duo decided that would begin selling their work, thus the creation of “Erin and Emma’s Side Hustle.”

Popular this season are the 3-D glass poinsettias the two have been selling, though Erin has been making most of them because Emma is hard at work on a series of windows—four elements—that was commissioned by a local landscape architect for his home.

“Selfishly, it’s fun to have a hobby with her,” Erin says.

“She’s fun to hang out with.”

You can find Erin and Emma’s stained glass gift shop on Facebook at @ErinEmmaSideHustle. Wait times may vary—it’s a side hustle, after all.

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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FIRST LOOK/lilacs & lemons {bad}

{good}

{good out of bad}

lilacslemons

by Vince Bozzi

LILACS to the City of Spokane Valley for seeking to restore an old horse arena by I-90 into an enhancement to Valley Mission Park, in the form of a skate park, bicycle track, or amphitheater. Any of these would be fine by us, and we feel they are all just modern versions of the original vision for the space. So much better than a barren field of dirt.

LEMONS to the Washington State Building Code Council for adopting onerous new energy code mandates on all new houses built in the state. These extreme regulations will add as much as thirty percent to the cost of a new home starting in February, just as the inventory for home listings is at an all-time low. The existing code has sufficed perfectly, and this change to the codes simply prices new homes too high for most, with some estimates saying the additional cost will be between $15,000 and $25,000.

LILACS to Governor Inslee for

putting a cap on fees charged to restaurants by third-party delivery companies such as Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Grubhub, limiting the delivery fees to fifteen percent per order. Any bit helps in these difficult times. At our 180 Bar & Bistro we have signed with Treehouse delivery, which charges even less. In our view, though, if he wants to help restaurants, he would resume distanced indoor dining. See next item!

LEMONS to restaurants and pubs that use tents and igloos to skirt the law against indoor dining. We fail to see how tents are safer than buildings with good ventilation systems.

Technically the tents should have two open sides, but for some reason they are allowing three in certain cases (read “all”) and igloos with zipped doors shouldn’t be permissible under any circumstances unless the entire party lives together.

We’ll merely bring it up here, though, rather than snitch on fellow business owners.

LILACS to Spokane Parks and Recreation for installing a

new filtration system for the Mirror Pond at Manito Park.

It’s so nice to actually see the bottom! The murky stench was sometimes a bit of a letdown for those seeking the healing of

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nature. The newly pristine pond is much more pleasant to behold. The same rationale for encouraging business owners to keep their buildings graffiti-free may apply in nature as well: treat it like a dump and others will treat it as such; treat it as a gem and others will protect it.

LEMONS to banks and

credit unions that have STILL not opened to the public. Some are open and some are not. Numerica and BECU appear to be open in many of their branches, so why are some banks still encouraging people to walk or utilize the drive-thru window where literally every patron handles the same plastic carrier that zooms through their pneumatic tubes? If grocery store workers are at the front lines, the much smaller crowds at banks should be relatively easy to handle, and there has been plenty of time to install plexiglass barriers.

LILACS to Sagamore Spokane LLC, which is planning

a great multistory housing development on either side of the freeway onramp that runs from Hamilton Street to I-90. What was once Brown Building Materials on land that is now somewhat blighted looking, will be a sleek modern complex five or six stories high, replete with parkland and elevated walkways. The additional housing in an area that has been kind of a wasteland will be a boon to downtown and ease some of the housing demand. It will be a great added enhancement to that area of town and may stimulate more interest in the lonely Gateway Bridge.

LILACS to the Spokesman-Review’s decision to nix

endorsements. At one time we looked to newspapers for their wisdom, but in this day of almost unlimited access to information, we can make up our own minds. And, honestly, an endorsement DOES color perceptions of a paper’s objectivity. We wish cable news shows would take more of a “just the facts, ma’am” approach as well, rather than intermixing opinion and news.

FIRST LOOK/artist’s eye

artist’seye

by Megan Perkins

Megan Perkins uses her brush to capture the spirit of Spokane places and events, exploring her hometown with paint and love. Follow her adventures on Instagram @ artistseyeonspokane, Facebook and meganperkinsart.com.

Season’s turn

It seems like roundabouts are cropping up all over Spokane in the past few years. This one was on my daily commute for years and I still pass by it often. I love to watch it change through the seasons—the grass grows up around the stones and turns tan in late summer. Harvest moons glow above the standing stones in the fall, and snow blankets the mound on short winter days.

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FIRST LOOK/spokane rising

spokanerising

Anthony Gill is an economic development professional, graduate student, and founder of Spokane Rising, an urbanist blog focused on ways to make our city a better place to live.

by Anthony Gill

Public health

is about more than disease Over the past year—and particularly over the past month or so—the Spokane area has heard more about the Spokane Regional Health District than it has heard in the past decade.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout over the firing of longtime health officer Dr. Bob Lutz have created a groundswell of feelings about the agency.

In the midst of these events, it’s easy to forget that the work of public health goes far beyond controlling a deadly virus. A deeply interdisciplinary field, public health focuses on preventing health problems and improving quality of life. Additionally, social factors like education, housing, employment, and education play a key role in determining health, so public health overlaps with fields like urban planning. It extends to almost everything we do to make our city a better, healthier, and more resilient place to live.

For example, sidewalks, bike lanes, and walkable (or rollable) neighborhoods are a public health concern. Not only are automobile accidents one of the leading causes of death, particularly among young people, but walkable neighborhoods are associated with lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health problems. Innovative local health districts across the country are working to promote active transportation (like walking, biking, and 26

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rolling). And in 2015, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a call to action encouraging cities to promote walking and rolling as a way to prevent disease.

Homelessness is a public health concern. Many people experiencing homelessness have chronic mental or physical health issues which are rarely well-treated without stable housing and supportive services.

Across the country, local health districts are playing a vital role in the adoption of a “Housing First” model applied successfully in Spokane

which provides housing before addressing these concerns. Some health departments are going even further—directly advocating for improved homeless services as a way to promote the public health.

And yes, racism is a major public health concern. Whether in housing, employment, education, income, or wealth, racism is a key factor of the social determinants of health.

Even more directly, however, police violence (both physical and psychological) disproportionately affects marginalized populations and people of color. In 2018, the American Public Health Association issued a policy statement calling for structural reforms to policing and more proactive investment in community-based alternatives.

Not because they have any specific agenda, but because they recognize the public health impacts of such violence.

If some of these concerns sound political to you, you’re not wrong.

Public health has always been a deeply political field. Politicians determine how much we allocate to active transportation, how hard we fight homelessness, and whether we address racism in policing. Public health professionals are only one piece of the puzzle. They simply provide the data on which politicians can choose to act.

As we continue to fight the pandemic, and as we continue to watch the Health Board’s actions, let’s remember that public health is always political—whether fighting COVID-19 or fighting racism, poverty, or unwalkable neighborhoods.

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Be my guest

T

by Kiantha Duncan

he holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year, and this year is no exception.

Every year I look forward to decorating the house and inviting the usual and unusual guest to my table.

I have friends who tease me about the perceived randomness of the invited guests. I would hope that after twenty years, they now know that every single person invited to my table is intentional.

There was that one time when my guests included local pastors from both affirming and traditional faith ministries, a fierce drag queen, a community elder, and a handful of millennials.

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THE SCENE/be my guest

Another honorable mention was a holiday gathering where the guests included my very religious elderly mother-in law, a Jewish trans friend who had recently transitioned, a friend who identified as a devout Catholic and a former Baptist Sunday school teacher.

I’ve always likened holidays and dinner parties to a microcosm of community.

I believe deeply that there is room for everyone at my table, and for as long as I can remember I’ve mixed and matched guests to create diverse community.

The current state of our world is one that emphasizes our differences. We are reminded daily of the ways in which we are misaligned with one another. Talks of creating space at the proverbial table for all people consume us. We now see and feel the importance of creating inclusive, sacred spaces for all.

I’ve decided that this year as I celebrate the holidays, I will be even more intentional about the gift I give to my community, my city, and my world. I am gifting each of you with an open seat at my table where both social and racial justice abound. A seat of acceptance.

I invite you to consider giving this special

gift to your community—the gift of a judgement-free place to belong and connect with others. I do insist that all of my guest bring all parts of themselves and I commit to graciously welcoming and loving all the ways in which my guests are brave enough to show up.

I believe this is the ultimate gift we can give our community, a place and space to belong this holiday season and beyond.

We may never get to a place where we all agree on everything; that is actually one of the things that makes our communities so vibrant. Even with our differences, we can certainly get to a place where every person is an honored guest for which we are open to sharing space, perspective, and experiences.

This is community.

Happy Holidays to you and your families—and do consider yourself an invited and honored guest at my table.

I do insist that all of my guest bring all parts of themselves and I commit to graciously welcoming and loving all the ways in which my guests are brave enough to show up.

XOXO Kiantha Kiantha Duncan is a lover of dinner parties and mankind. A transplant to Eastern Washington, she enjoys bringing people and organizations together. She is the incoming president of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP.

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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THE SCENE/lilac lit

lilac lit

by Kailee Haong

Kailee Haong is a queer fiction writer. She holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University. Her work has been published in Split Lip, The Inlander, The Brown Orient, and Lilac City Fairy Tales, among others. She writes and resides in the Inland Northwest.

For many, the holiday season is a busy time. It is easy to get sidetracked between buying gifts, socializing with family, or eating copious amounts of food. During the holidays, I like to keep a book of short stories, a novella, or an essay collection on hand that I can pick up when I have a moment of downtime, and then easily put away when something else calls my attention. Perhaps as the pandemic throws a wrench into many holiday plans, this might be the perfect time to cozy up with a short book or two.

Non-Fiction (Essays): Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

by Caitlin Doughty As the book’s blurbs describe, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes is morbidly funny.

After finishing it, there’s truly no better way to describe the experience. I found myself laughing at several things and wondering, “Should I really be laughing at death in this way?”

The thing that Doughty does throughout is try to make you more comfortable with death and address how our society has made it something to fear or be repulsed by, when we shouldn’t. Her tales working in the cremation/mortician industry are comical, real, and truly get you thinking about your perceptions of death and how they could change. While occasionally gruesome and hard to read with all its grisly detail, the essays still make for a light, fast read. Definitely one of my favorite memoirs!

Fiction (short stories): Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado I always find myself coming back to Her Body and Other Parties when asked about my favorite short story collection. Machado’s voice and style are unmatched. Her work is beautiful, terrifying, and strange in the best ways, each story a bit fantastical and nuanced. Some are retellings of urban legends with integration of popular culture— these stories vary in content but tackle important themes: queerness, loneliness, out-of-bodiness to name a few.

Eight stories complete this collection, and while they aren’t necessarily tied to each other by anything, they all share a familiar and haunting strangeness that you will not be able to put down nor soon forget.

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YA: Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America edited

by Ibi Zoboi While seventeen short stories may sound like a lot to digest, the varying writing styles, themes, plots, and characters in this anthologized collection will have you constantly turning the page. Each story brings something new: an uncovering of one’s sexuality, sisters coming together and understanding their complex relationship, how to be biracial in such a divisive world.

The authors of the stories in Black Enough tackle all of these issues (and more) while all sharing a common root: being coming-of-age stories of Black teens in America. I loved the variety of this anthology and it makes a great read for youth, teens, and adults alike.

Fiction (Novella): The Emissary by Yōko Tawada This novella/short novel presents a sort of “post-apocalyptic world,” but I hesitate to use the phrase because it insinuates something on its own. The book cover suggests The Emissary is set in Japan following some sort of disaster, which is never truly discussed. Tawada does an excellent job of setting up what it looks like to live in this place/time/ life every single day as we follow a young boy called Mumei and his great-grandfather Yoshiro along their journeys, while simultaneously trying to understand how this strange new world works. The worldbuilding is vivid and descriptive. The characters are lively and each have their own personalities. Reading it felt like drifting through this timeless place until coming to a harsh stop at the end, wondering how it is we got here. While I was left with many questions by the end, I felt generally inspired by the whimsical nature of the book.

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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Art&words

Thom Caraway lives in Spokane’s West Central neighborhood. He is a professor at Whitworth University and is a co-founder of Spokane Print & Publishing Center. He served as Spokane Poet Laureate from 2013-2015, and his most recent poetry collection is What the Sky Lacks (Korrektiv, 2019).

Art by Megan Perkins ­| Poetry by Thom Caraway

Entering a Season

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We enter new seasons like there are hard lines along the edges, like we can know when a new season has begun, when the previous has ended.

All we know is we must move on, must progress.

We say December and mean winter, but the season splits the month neatly. We say dinner and mean forever, say election and mean please, say equity and mean amen.

Ice along the edges of things, a scattering snow across some surface. We say the future is ahead, beyond, around a corner. We wait for it—we sit, the ice melts, we hope for the best. The calendar doesn’t turn, the clock does not chime, but here we are, in a whole new time.

Under the frozen edges, the scattering snow, there is good soil, waiting for us to dig into, to border across, to say and mean it.

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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Hold on

thisisdirt

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by Amber Jensen

I imagine if we really held the hands of those we disagree with, we would more easily see them—truly see them—for the pieces they have which align with our own souls and hearts.

THE FOCUS

IS ON YOU It’s no secret that we’ve all been

dealing with myriad upheavals this year.

It’s a pick your poison type of experience, I guess. Many have lost jobs and businesses have closed, never to reopen. Some of us have been ill, while others have feared getting ill or silently spreading illness.

Could there be a more deeply troubling feeling than the worry of harming others just by breathing?

I’ve had months to mull over every little thing that pops into my mind. Let me tell you, that’s not necessarily the best thing for my active imagination and worried heart, but it has afforded me some insight into a deeper human condition which I believe is universal. One of those universal truths like death and suffering and joy and aliveness.

The truth I’ve discovered for my heart and soul is that we need one another. Not in the sense of utility or even expression.

No, we need one another in proximity and physicality. We need to be near the people we love, but also the people we don’t give a second thought to. The everyday interactions which remind us we’re part of a society, a greater world. This is not a new idea, but for me, it strikes a low, humming chord.

During this year I have witnessed in my children an excess of physical touch and expression toward one another. They lean on each other. They snuggle and press themselves onto a single couch cushion when more furniture is available. They wrestle and push each other after a long day.

I’ve also experienced a deep inner longing for the everyday moments I once imagined as a trifle of time. Like standing with other adults, parents at our children’s school. We would stand and chat or listen to others’ conversations. We would laugh and make eye contact and occasionally we’d touch one another. A simple shoulder pat, an arm tap, and even a hug.

These interactions didn’t mean much

then—just another inevitable, mundane piece of existence. Something that was socially expected and often uncomfortable.

And now I think back on that random discomfort and a longing rises up in my chest. I miss social awkwardness, the sorting out of the little bits of myself that were feeling certain ways about living in proximity to other equally awkward humans.

Not to drum the beat of nostalgia, but this connectedness through daily activities has been a thread in the fabric of life for so long that the tear feels a bit impossible to mend. It has felt increasingly so after the election cycle. I imagine if we really held the hands of those we disagree with, we would more easily see them—truly see them—for the pieces they have which align with our own souls and hearts. That part is the fine thread, pulled from the fabric and bunching up the beautiful art that happens when humans interact in proximity.

It is what it is right now. All of it. And there are so many opinions ringing through the halls of social media, print media, and television. Opinions of epic proportions and minute detail. And that’s all fine. It’s ok. It’s life. What is the takeaway?

There may or may not be a future of ‘when this is all over’ because we are evolving new ways to connect and to express ourselves both individually and as groups. We are learning new ways to live and love and feel part of the bigger whole.

We are adapting and pivoting, sometimes moment by moment.

Within all of it is a nugget of truth: We need each other. We need connection. We need hope and faith and the aliveness that erupts in a group of people when someone laughs so fully and openly everyone can’t help but toss their heads back, faces to the sky, and let loose the music of human connection.

We need to hold on.

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communitybuilders ‘I’m not just Hmong and I’m not just American, but I’m both’ Young woman’s commitment to social justice stems from Asian American experience

W

by Daisy Zavala | photography by Shybeast LLC

hile growing up, Tia Moua had a difficult time fully embracing her identities, often feeling as though she was living in two different worlds.

But as she began to experience the world, she learned to celebrate herself and honor her heritage without feeling like she had to make a choice between the two.

Born and raised in Spokane, nineteen-year-old Tia says she felt like she sometimes had to hide her Asian identity at her predominantly white high school because diversity wasn’t something that was widely

embraced.

“I definitely felt like I didn’t belong sometimes in school, just because I was usually one of the only Asians in my class, and that was pretty sad to me sometimes just because a lot of kids could be really mean with racist comments,” Tia says.

Now a Gonzaga sophomore, Tia says she feels like she can embrace both of her identities and has committed herself to learning about systems of oppression and anti-racism work and taken that approach in her work as an intern with the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition Spokane chapter to serve the needs of the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

“Learning about these systems sort of fuels me to be like, ‘Well, I was silent in my past’,” she says. “Now I just really want to do something about this, to help people know that it’s not okay to treat people like they’re less than you or it’s not okay to keep people oppressed or keep silencing them. Just like how I felt when I was a kid, I don’t want people to keep feeling that way.”

Tia’s passion for social justice is visible in much of what she does. She’s helped organize several events to foster civic engagement within the community and provide resources to amplify the voice of the Asian and Pacific Islanders in Spokane.

“I just really want to fight against racism, white supremacy, and just advocate for marginalized groups,” Tia says.

During the past months, Tia says she has learned from APIC leaders what it means to be a true advocate. Her intensity and commitment has pushed her to build relationships with people in the API community so that she can better serve their needs.

Tia says she has found it incredibly vital to hear directly from the API community what their needs are, so they can work to address them.

The pandemic has affected many communities heavily, especially minorities. Tia says the work APIC does is important in providing the APIC community with resources, especially now. Tia began her work with APIC in the summer and spearheaded a census outreach event with the aims of increasing civic engagement.

“A lot of people showed up,” Tia says, “I was just thankful to see so many people from our community come together.”

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DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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THE SCENE/community builders

Tia really led the whole event, says Rowena Pineda, APIC co-chair. Tia was the one who found the space to hold the event, worked with Second Harvest to provide food, with Refugee Connections to get school supplies, and found volunteers to help at the event.

Pineda says organization leaders knew Tia would be the perfect intern for the organization because of her passion for social justice and her thoughtfulness in how she approaches every project.

Young people bring in a fresh perspective and a certain energy that helps move projects along, Pineda says.

The most recent project Tia helped with was centered around increasing the API community’s voter turnout for the 2020 presidential election, where much was at stake. In collaboration with the League of Women Voters, Tia created a series of four videos encouraging the community to vote and providing the necessary information for them to do so.

A big language barrier still exists within the API community, Tia says, which prevents many people from voting or voicing their needs.

“So that’s something that I hadn’t really considered before because I am a U.S. citizen and I’ve been born and raised here in Spokane,” Tia says.

APIC worked to translate voter materials into Hmong, Chinese,

I didn’t fit the stereotype of what a pageant girl should look like. It was super amazing to be able to break that norm and redefine what is deemed to be a leader and role model.

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BOZZIMEDIA.com / DECEMBER

and other prominent languages within the API community.

Through the organization, Tia also helped put on a voter registration event alongside the League of Women Voters.

“I’ve been sharing information like that on social media too, just for people who couldn’t attend the event, because I respect that some people didn’t come because of COVID,” Tia says.

Pineda says she values the passion that Tia brings to every project she is involved in.

“I also realize that she’s still relatively young, and I’m always impressed when young people have a good sense of self and confidence, especially around their work,” she says.

"It’s beautiful to see young people who are secure in their identity as Asian American and learn how to balance both worlds," Pineda said.

“I’m in my 50s, and still there are times I remember when I’m apologizing,” she said. “I’m sure Tia would say she still has work to do, but the fact that she has a pretty good sense of herself is pretty impressive. She’s at that point where she’s like, ‘I’m not going to apologize for who I am.’”

But Tia’s confidence is something that bloomed over time as she learned to step into her own.

Tia had always been a shy child, says Mai Yang, Tia’s mother, who is a social worker with the Washington State Department of

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THE SCENE/community builders

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Social and Health Services. This worried her parents, who wanted to do everything in their power to see her and their other children succeed. One day, the family received a postcard in the mail from the National American Miss organization, and their motto of building confidence in young girls stood out to Mai. So, Mai says she signed up six-year-old Tia for the confidence-building pageant in the hopes that it would help bring her out of her shell. Tia loved the experience, and she kept with it.

At thirteen years old she won her first pageant and was crowned Miss Spokane’s Outstanding Teen in 2015. She took a small break and the next year won again and went on to compete in the Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen pageant.

At fifteen-years-old, Tia became the first Hmong young woman to be crowned Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen.

“I didn’t fit the stereotype of what a pageant girl should look like,” she says. “It was super amazing to be able to break that norm and redefine what is deemed to be a leader and role model.”

Tia says she dreamed of being in that position as a younger girl and never imagined it would come true. But it did.

“That was the first time that I really saw myself as being able to be an agent of change and really embrace my identity,” she says.

Tia has always had a passion for advocacy that was born from the encouragement of her parents, who arrived to the U.S. in the 70s as refugees from Laos. Tia says her parents instilled in her the importance of advocating for those less fortunate than her, as well as the ability to understand what it means to struggle and at the same time be appreciative of life’s beauty.

“It’s their life story that really encourages me to give back to my community, which has given me so much, and to fight for immigrants and refugees and people of color,” Tia says. “Perhaps my activism and that fire in me to fight for marginalized people comes more from a place of disappointment and anger sometimes at how our system is continuing to work to oppress a lot of different people.”

Even after winning, Tia continued dancing and worked to maintain her 4.0 GPA. She says one of the most valuable

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things she learned during that time was feeling comfortable with saying no to prevent herself from being burnt out.

Mai says many people look at Tia and think that things come easily to her because it seems effortless.

“As her mother and going through all the struggles and failures with her, I’ve seen how hard she works, but people don’t see what I do,” Mai says. “She is not afraid to work hard to pursue her dreams.”

Even after she was crowned Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, Tia continued with her work cleaning the dance studio every other week in exchange for her family only having to pay half of the tuition because money was a bit tight at the time, Mai said.

“We were refugees. We had so little, and so we taught her to not take anything for granted, and I think that’s a lesson that she has definitely learned,” Mai says. “I’m just so proud of her. I almost can’t remember how shy she was before, because she’s so outgoing and intelligent and articulate.”

It has all been a learning experience, Tia says. As a child, she didn’t feel like she could speak out against the ignorant comments other kids made about her or the assumptions they made about her because of her culture.

“I sort of held all those emotions in, and then now as I’m older and learning more about these systems, and about anti-racism work, it fuels me to be like, ‘Well, I was silent in my past’,” she says. “Now I just really want to do something about this, to help people know that it’s not okay to treat people like they’re less than you or it’s not okay to keep people oppressed or keep silencing them. Just like how I felt when I was a kid, I don’t want people to keep feeling that way.”

Tia has made it her mission to break the norm and negative expectations of what an Asian-American should be, and she attributes a lot of that growth to her mother.

“I’m not just Hmong and I’m not just American; I’m both. And I think that when I was able to finally realize that, it helped me feel more empowered,” she says. “It just took me a lot of reflecting and a lot of years to realize, I am good enough as I am—as a young American and as an Asian American.”

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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datebook HOLIDAY Through December 24: Wheatland Bank Horse and Carriage Rides Wheatland Bank Horse and Carriage Rides will clip along starting Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Enjoy the sights from a horse drawn carriage, sing your favorite carols with family and friends, and sit back to enjoy the ride. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, added precautions have been implemented for 2020. Pickup: Rotary Fountain at Riverfront Park. 507 N. Howard St. Through December 24: Journey to the North Pole Get ready to feel the holiday magic on Lake Coeur d’Alene! Take a journey to the North Pole via the Holiday Light Show and see Santa’s workshop. An extravaganza of over 250 holiday light displays featuring millions of twinkling lights will light the way as your family cruises to meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. Families can enjoy delicious hot cocoa and make memories together. Parents and kids alike will be delighted as Santa Claus reads each child’s name from the Nice List. The evening concludes with a brilliant display of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Due to COVID restrictions, parties are limited to six people.

Complimentary holiday masks will be provided. cdacruises.com.

December 1-13: Christmas Tree Elegance River Park Square will host Christmas Tree Elegance 2020. The event raised more than $400,000 for the Spokane Symphony last year with one dollar raffle tickets and extraordinary tree displays and prizes.

Because River Park Square best meets the COVID-19 social distancing requirements, no trees with raffle tickets and prizes will be 48

BOZZIMEDIA.com / DECEMBER

displayed at the Historic Davenport this year.

The second-floor layout will spread trees from Nordstrom to Urban Outfitters. The plan was developed with social distancing as the top priority. River Park Square. 808 W. Main.

Ongoing: Crescent Windows at The Grand Step back in time this holiday season with classic window scenes on display in the Main Ave. windows of The Davenport Grand. Five window bays on the south side will display scenes featuring refurbished figurines rescued from the basement of the former Crescent department store. Each of the five windows are designed and installed by local artists Stephanie Bogue, Melanie Lieb, Derrick Freeland, and Jazmin Ely under the creative direction of Tiffany Patterson. The Davenport Grand, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Virtual December 11-13: Jingle Bell Run Though the Arthritis Foundation’s 2020 Jingle Bell Run is going virtual, don’t let that stop you from jingling. Join the original festive race for charity from anywhere.

Whether you want to run your favorite 5K route, challenge yourself to something new, or get moving on your treadmill, you can strut your stuff and feel good about doing good. Every runner will receive an exclusive Jingle Bell Run short sleeve T-shirt, unique medal, and sticker for your water bottle or laptop! events.arthritis.org.

Virtual Artist Studio Tour. Virtually visit local artists in their studios and see where they create and how they work. This year features Hazen Audel, Sheila Evans, Kimber Follevaag, Melissa Lang, Cheryl Metcalf, Gay Walden, and Gordon Wilson. northwestmuseum.org.

MUSIC December 11-14: Virtual Event Northwest BachFest: Beethoven’s 250th Birthday Bash Beethoven's 250th Birthday Bash with Adam Golka, piano. Award-winning pianist Adam Golka celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday (December 16, 1770) by performing all thirty-two Sonatas for Piano. This concert will be available to watch from Friday, December 11th, 2020 through Monday, December 14th, 2020. foxtheaterspokane.org.

CINEMA Virtual: Art House Movies at Home The Magic Lantern Theatre (Spokane) and the Kenworthy Theatre (Moscow) are offering streaming for a variety of films, opera, and theatre presentations. Part of each rental fee goes back to the theatre, so even though you’re watching in the comfort of your own home, you’re still supporting these local businesses with your patronage. Find the current offerings at magiclanternonmain. com and kenworthy.org/at-home.

ART

FAMILY

Virtual: Fourth Annual MAC Holiday Virtual Artist Studio Tour Spokane’s venerable Museum of Arts and Culture has a variety of resources, tours, and online exhibits to explore. December will feature the Fourth Annual MAC Holiday

Virtual Storytime with Spokane Public Library Join Spokane Public Library for virtual storytimes at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Ages 0-5.

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Local treasures abound this holiday season

I

f you’re looking for something special for your loved one, but you’re not sure where to turn, look no further. Our holiday gift guide is full of treasures for every special person—or furry friend—in your life. This holiday season, shopping local to support your community is more important than ever, and with such a wide selection, it’s never been easier. We hope all of our readers get just what they want in their stockings, and that this list could provide some delightful surprises.

Give the unexpected—shop Spokane.

PEACE & JOY COLLECTION An elegant assortment of our finest gourmet products is sure to impress on a grand scale. This deluxe collection contains smoked salmon, savory crackers, smoked Gouda cheese, grilled asparagus spears, wine and cheese wafers, chocolate honey pecans, our famous soft peanut brittle, chocolate toffee almonds, pepper garlic salmon spread, supreme nut mix, toasted almond cookie gems, an array of gourmet chocolate truffles, a bottle of Washington red wine, and so much more. Simply Northwest, 11806 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 927-8206. simplynorthwest.com. $269.99

GIFT GUIDE/shop local

BREITLING ENDURANCE PRO Designed to be both a lightweight watch for athletes and a casual, everyday sports chronograph, the Endurance Pro perfectly blends high precision & innovative technology with a vibrant & colorful design. It is the ultimate athleisure watch. Designed for men and women whose active lives blend a professional mindset with a sporty lifestyle, the Endurance Pro is equal to the challenges of a rigorous workout but fashionable enough for everyday wear. Nonmagnetic, thermally stable and hypoallergenic, Breitlight® is highly resistant to scratches, traction, and corrosion. $2,550

“COLUMBIA VALLEY” SNOWFLAKE Jewelry Design Center handcrafted 2020 limited edition snowflake in sterling silver with a fluorescent diamond center.

Celebrating the Columbia Valley in a scrolling snowflake, we bring to life the icons and histories that make the region so special. Featuring symbols to include the nuclear foundations of the Hanford area, bridges and rivers that connect the Tri-Cities, grapes for Washington’s wine country, and corn for the agriculture that blankets the Columbia Valley. Available in both of our locations in Spokane and Kennewick! $150

Jewelry Design Center, 821 N. Division St., (509) 487-5905. jewelrydesigncenter.com.

CLASSIC CHAIN BRACELETS With each and every link woven by masterful hands, the John Hardy Classic Chain Jewelry collection forges something unique for fashion-lovers with a flair for the exotic. Drawing inspiration from East Asian history and art, the classic chain reinvents itself in several guises. The sterling silver bracelet will drape beautifully around your wrist because each link is meticulously handcrafted. The sterling silver clasp is hand carved with the classic chain motif to make this bracelet streamlined. They can be worn alone or with other Classic Chain bracelets for a more stunning effect. Starting at $450

PROFESSIONAL DETAILING What is the next best thing to giving someone you love a brand-new vehicle for the holidays? Surprise them with a professional auto detail.

There’s no better place than Best of the City winner Wendle Ford Nissan for making a car look like new. Call to schedule an appointment or order a gift certificate. 8900 N. Division St. (509)228-8221. Wendle.com.

49.99 to $299.00 with a ten percent discount through December 31, 2020. Select vehicles may be subject to additional charges.

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BUMBLE AND BUMBLE SET The Instant Clean Pret-a-Powder Tres Invisible Dry Shampoo Set clean and volumize hair with the Tres Invisible Dry Shampoo. Then try Bumble and bumble‘s Hairdresser‘s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer, that de-frizzes, detangles, provides softness and shine, and protects from heat and UV rays. 14th and Grand Salon, 1337 S. Grand Blvd. (509) 624-7263. 14thandgrandsalon.com. $20

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE SWINGING DOORS! 326-6794 | 1018 W Francis | TheSwingingDoors.com

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RARE COIN CO. HANDMADE WREATHS Westwood Gardens is making wreath dreams come true with their wild-harvested, fresh, handmade wreaths, swags, porch pots, porch trees, and more.

Westwood Gardens Nursery and Garden Art, 15825 N. Westwood Dr., Rathdrum, ID. (208) 687-5952.

Westwoodgardensidaho.com. $39

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DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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GIFT GUIDE/shop local

NORTHERN QUEST BED BY STEARNS & FOSTER Treat yourself to indulgent comfort every night with The Northern Quest Bed by Stearns & Foster,® the centerpiece of 250 luxury rooms. It features gel-infused memory foam to promote cooler sleep, twice-tempered individually encased coil for enhanced comfort and reduced motion transfer, PrecisionEdgeTM coil edge system to support sitting and sleeping, and solid copper air vents for increased airflow—all covered in an antimicrobial, water-resistant luxurious knit fabric. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights.

(877) 871-6772. TheNQBed.com. Queen ($1,399), King ($1,799)

ISLA OTTOMAN The Isla ottoman is a stylish multitasker—use it as a footrest, an end table, or for extra seating! The brushed matte brass base beautifully offsets the plush velvet upholstery for a look that’s one part retro and one part glam. Available in four colors: blue, mushroom, yellow, and orange. Dania Furniture, 319 W. Riverside Ave. (509) 624-7740. daniafurniture.com. $99 each

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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GIFT GUIDE/shop local SUGAR COOKIE KIT We put together this beautiful gift for a fun family night during this season and beyond. Use the beautiful, glazed stoneware mixing bowl set from Mud Pie to add 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 large egg to this boxed sugar cookie mix from Stonewall Kitchen and have delicious sugar cookies in no time. Simply sprinkle with sugar grains before baking or use these uniquely packaged cardboard box cookie cutters from Santa Barbra— the kids can help decorate for extra special celebrations.

You’ll have a quick clean up with the cotton-striped tea towel with ruffle. Savvy Home, 1407 W. 1st Ave., (509) 598-8581. savvyhomespokane.com (curbside pickup and private shopping appointments available). @savvyhomespokane. $79

LATISSE Grow longer, darker, fuller lashes! Latisse is FDA approved and a proven product to address thinning lashes. For a more youthful look, try Latisse. Kai Morimoto Plastic Surgeon, 12615 E Mission Ave., Ste. 105, Spokane Valley. (509) 315-4415. kmplasticsurgery. com. $179 for a 5ml vial

CBD CHOCOLATE-COVERED SEA SALT CARAMEL Based in traditional recipes, the chocolatiers responsible for Ka’Kau CBD fine cannabis chocolates have created rich cannabisinfused centers dipped in creamy cannabis-infused Belgian milk chocolate, delivering on both flavor and effect. Locals Canna House, 9616 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley.

(509) 413-2796. localscannahouse. com. $30

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The day you say YES to your dress, should be just as memorable as the day you wear it.

FERRARA HANDBAG Surprise her with this hand stitched Ferrara handbag from Brighton. Inspired by classic European architecture, this artisan leather bag will travel the world at her side. Boardwalk Boutique, 210 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

(208) 667-4665. $535.00

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WEDDING DRESS “It’s that time! Come shop for your dream wedding gown at Bridal Collections. Celebrating forty years locally owned. Specializing in top designer wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and bridal accessories. 3131 N. Division St., (509) 838-1210. thebridalcollections.com. $499 - $2,200

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ShopTheBoardwalk.com DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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GIFT GUIDE/shop local

EUCALYPTUS SHOWER AND PILLOW SPRAY Spa Ssakwa’q’n Eucalyptus Shower Spray provides pure aromatherapy for your shower or your pillow.

Bring the spa experience home with you! The Spa Ssakwa’q’n Boutique is available for all of your high-end shopping needs and offers elegant items at a fraction of the prices offered at other high-end boutique and department stores. Spa Ssakwa’q’n, 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley, ID. (855) 2322772. cdacasino.com. $27 POINSETTIAS These beautiful poinsettias are grown in the Liberty Park Florist greenhouses from four-inch minis to extra large poinsettia trees. Liberty Park Florist, 1401 E. Newark Ave., libertyparkflorist. com. $7.99-$149.99

COMPOSER RECLINER You’ll have that one-touch power control for adjustable positions— including the headrest—as you soak in the luxury of high-resiliency foam cushions wrapped in thick poly fiber.

Keep all of your favorite devices charged and at the ready with the built-in USB charging port, and keep your legs kicked up with an extended ottoman for enhanced comfort.

Complete Suite Furniture, three locations, completesuitefurniture.com. $749.99

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SKYDIVING Give your loved one the gift of an unforgettable experience from Skydive West Plains! USPA certified and familyowned, they have been Spokane and Coeur D’ Alene’s local skydiving center for over thirty years. Skydiving West Plains, 2045 Schoessler Rd., Ritzville.

(509) 838-5867, skydivewestplains.com.

Save $50 on a tandem gift certificate this month, use code “Magazine”.

RIVERFRONT PARK The Unlimited Ice Pass entitles you to access the Numerica Skate Ribbon for the 2020/2021 ice season. In addition to ice ribbon access, Riverfront Spokane is pleased to offer additional benefits, including twenty percent discount at SkyRibbon Café presented by Eat Good Group, two complimentary Numerica SkyRide passes, one complimentary buddy pass (one admission ticket and skate rental), and complimentary Riverfront Spokane knit hat or lanyard. No reservations necessary MondayFriday 11a.m.-4p.m. (excluding holidays and school breaks). 507 N. Howard St. (509) 625-6600. riverfrontspokane.org.

Adult (ages 13+): $34.95 Youth (ages 3-12): $29.95 Skate Rental Add-On: $17.95 (only available with purchase of the Unlimited Ice Pass).

Your source for premium gourmet gift baskets for ALL occasions

more than just gift baskets

Curbside pickup available SimplyNorthwest.com • 509.927.8206 11806 E Sprague | Spokane Valley

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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GIFT GUIDE/shop local A BOTTLE OF WINE (OR TWO) 2019 Chenin Blanc Proprietor's Reserve Considering the year we’ve had, why not treat the wine lover in your life to a bottle or two? The 2019 Chenin Blanc Proprietor’s Reserve’s floral aromas leap from the glass, showing jasmine and lilac with fresh-cut pear, honeydew melon, and passionfruit. The palate grabs you with ripe orange and a hint of acid from tangerines, finishing off with a subtle sweetness. Maryhill Winery, 1303 W. Summit Pkwy., Ste. 100, (509) 443-3832. maryhillwinery.com. $24

FIREPIT The hottest gift this season is the gift you can use year-round. A fifty-four-inch, round natural gas/propane firepit with a 60,000 BTU burner for warmth and great ambiance.

Made in America by O.W. Lee. Jacobs Custom Living, 16023 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 926-4230. jacobscustomliving.com. $2990

BEARD & BODY HAIR PRODUCTS 100% handmade, hand poured personal product made with 100% natural ingredients like shea butter, jojoba, avocado, apricot kernel, and grape seed oil. The beard balms are great hair moisturizers with a subtle scent, and the beard oils are a non-greasy and lightweight formula that easily spreads through your hair and won’t gunk up your brush. It will help lift and soften hair or moisturize and soothe your skin

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after you shave. The handmade, vegan, cold-processed soap and shampoo bars are made with olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Our bold, non-boring soap is 100% natural and made in small batches. The soap cleans without stripping your body of its essential oils. Up Scale Essentials, 12506 E. Sprague Ave. #10, Spokane Valley.

(541) 460-8864. upscaleessentials.shop. Beard Oil: $7.99, Shampoo and Soap Bars: $6.99, Beard Balm: $7.99

Y LOCALL

OWNED

9312 N Division (At the Y) Spokane (509) 919-4806 • CasualSpacesFurniture.com

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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Tu-Sa 10am-9pm | M 10am-6pm | Su 11am-6pm

GIFT GUIDE/shop local

NECKLACE Located in the historic Liberty Building, Pottery Place Plus specializes in fine crafts handmade by local artists. With over twenty-five member artists who own and operate Pottery Place Plus, you are sure to meet one on every visit! This necklace was made

by Melanie Lieb. It is a copper enamel pendant on fiber necklace. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington St., (509) 3276920. potteryplaceplus.com. $75

LOCAL HANDMADE UNIQUE

This artist-owned and operated co-op features true one-of-a-kind gifts, from beautiful conversation pieces like the whimsical penguins wearing hats to functional art in the form of handcarved wooden boxes, raku-fired pots, and stoneware serving platters.

(509) 327-6920 potteryplaceplus.com 203 N Washington St Spokane | Liberty Building 62

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TWO WEEK DOG TRAINING Ready for your dog to be good for the holidays? K9’s friendly and professional team of dog trainers can help with potty training, behavior modification, obedience—you name it. K9 Country Club, 19223 E. Appleway Ave., Spokane Valley.

(509) 340-9733. k9countryclubspokane. com. $250 off

MISBEHAVED BRONZING LOTION Well behaved babes rarely get noticed… It’s time to be a risk taker and rule breaker!

Set the new standard for bronze perfection with a look everyone will obsess over. Level up with Designer Skin’s 70X Color Frenzy Fusion and High Key Bronzing Blend to ensure unmatched, drastic color.

Prepare for a seriously extra glow with the Real Reflection Complex and Microbiome Balancer for a fierce, perfected finish. Up your glam game and aim to misbehave. Afterall, if you follow all the rules, you’ll miss all the fun. Sunny Buns, three locations, sunnybuns. com. Misbehaved $180, Black Dahlia $148, Stardom $160

CUSTOM GLASS SHOWER Give the gift of glass this holiday season with a custom glass shower enclosure. Please contact Grizzly Glass Centers for an estimate. Grizzly Glass Centers, 15205 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-8300. grizzly-glass.com.

Starting at $995

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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GIFT GUIDE/shop local

SPICEOLOGY SRIRACHA COLLECTION It’s the year of the rooster... sauce! When it comes to sriracha, there’s no one as iconic as Huy Fong or as innovative as Spiceology. With flavors like Candied Bacon Sriracha and Honey Garlic Sriracha, this new collab collection takes experimenting with flavor to a whole new, spicy level.

Spiceology, 715 E. Sprague Ave. #115, (509) 241-3040.

Spiceology.com/Gift. $38

GEMINI RECLINER The Gemini recliner is perfect for your home. Whether you want hours of endless comfort watching the big game, or your favorite movie, this recliner does it all: It swivels, glides, and reclines. In addition, you can adjust the headrest to meet your comfort needs. Recline, swivel, or glide in first class with the Gemini recliner. 6 Fabric Choices Available. Shown in Truffle—a Performance Fabric that is soft and supple and resistant to stains, fading and scratching. Casual Spaces Furniture, 9312 N. Division St., (509) 919-4806. casualspacesfurniture.com. $538

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A HOLIDAY RED The 91-point Gilbert Cellars holiday red wine will score you big points with your favorite wine aficionado. The Butcher Block in Liberty Lake is a one-stop shop for quality meat and deli offerings, fresh seafood, baked goods, wine and craft beer, and so much more. The Butcher Block, 21724 E Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. (509) 928-4530. hayjsbutcherblock.com. $25

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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GIFT GUIDE/shop local COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION Who wouldn’t want to start Christmas morning with a delicious cup of coffee? The perfect stocking stuffer, give your loved ones a coffee subscription this year, and they’ll think of you every time they take a sip. This fits right in with Indaba’s motto: “Love People, Love Coffee.” The subscription comes with free shipping, and you can change the coffee you receive every month.

Indaba has a range sure to please the coffee connoisseur in your life while still supplying your grandad’s favorite dark roast. Indaba Coffee, numerous locations. Indabacoffee.com. $14-16 for a 12 ounce bag

VINTAGE BEDROOM SET This custom vintage refinished Dixie bedroom set is a great way to refresh your bedroom’s style. Browse our wide selection or update your furniture with custom work from The Bohemian. With over fifty artists, The Bohemian is your one stop shop for all your furnishing and home decor needs, one-of-a-kind gifts, and vintage, fine, and costume jewelry. The Bohemian, 12019 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 496-1859. $1,200

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U cale Essentia ls October & Novemb

er 2020 #131

A local industry-leading Soap & Oil shop that offers high-quality eco-friendly products.

Horseback riding under Latah Creek Bridge, Spokane. 1930-1940

Harry A. Richards & Ella T. Clark’s Love Story

GHOSTS of CDA & Silver Valley

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS When you gift a subscription to Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living or Nostalgia Magazine, you gift the best our community has to offer—past, present, and future—along with how to get out, contribute, and engage with those people and places making Spokane and Coeur d’Alene an extraordinary region. Bozzi Media, (509) 533-5350. Bozzimedia.com $24.95

Contact us for holiday gift and craft ideas!

12506 E Sprague Ave | #10, Spokane Valley (541) 460-8864 | www.upscaleessentials.shop

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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Senior Communities and Services Provide Opportunities for People to Live the Life They Love

photo courtesy Rockwood Retirement Community

T

by Darin Burt

Independent

Living

here is a lot of talk about freedom and independence as we all struggle to deal with the circumstances of living through a pandemic. You might feel isolated in your home, unable to socialize with friends—but imagine that you are a senior faced with these same realities every day.

True independence is the freedom and support to pursue your passions.

It is about finding that balance between staying safe and healthy, while still living the best possible life. In considering retirement living options, it is important to ask the right questions. All communities

PRIME 78

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BETTER TOGETHER

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HOLIDAY SCAMS

University Chiropractic Serving Spokane Valley Since 1977

New chiropractic patients mention this ad and get a free 1/2hr massage.

(Restrictions apply).

Our Services:

Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nutritional Guidance

509-922-4458 303 S. University Rd, Spokane 99206 www.universitychiropracticspokane.com 70

BOZZIMEDIA.com / DECEMBER 2020

provide similar amenities, so it is important to research how they provide personal preferences to encourage and support satisfying and fulfilling days ahead.

What we expect rarely occurs, which is the reality that hits many seniors as they reach their golden years. Without a plan, should a major incident occur, such as an unexpected medical problem, many people are forced to react. Oftentimes this means choosing what, at that moment, seems like the right solution, but might not be the best long-term.

Having a plan allows people to be proactive, says Mark Strahl, Care Director with Lifestage—a senior advisory agency.

Getting affairs in order should be a beginning rather than an end.

Not only does Lifestage offer experienced, personal consultations and advice, but they also start with a legacy review workbook designed to help seniors and their family navigate legal, medical, financial, and social factors. This provides peace of mind knowing these needs are addressed in advance.

“We call those the ‘Four Pillars of Aging,’ and from that we develop a comprehensive legacy plan,” Strahl says. “Our definition of ‘legacy’ is where the person is as independent as possible, treated with dignity, and has the opportunity to be protected and have a meaningful life.”

“When you meet people who are scared and anxious, and then all of the sudden

you empower them with the clarity of understanding that they can have a legacy, it’s truly rewarding,” Stahl adds.

Moving on in life does not necessarily mean leaving the home you love. Studies show that eighty percent of adults seventyfive and older prefer to age in place because they feel most comfortable with familiar surroundings. To accomplish remaining in their home, they may need some support, and that’s where in-home care services fill a significant need.

According to Andy Niska, owner of Love In Home Senior Care, services like his allow seniors the ability to maintain independence at home while providing the level of care needed to support their health, social, and emotional needs. In-home care is also a perfect option for individuals of any age who are recovering from surgery, injury, or illness.

Niska founded Love in Home after observing the challenges of navigating the elder care options available for his own grandmother. With a health care administration degree and over twenty years’ experience in the medical community, he set out to build a better option for seniors and other individuals who want to preserve their independent lifestyle and be afforded the safety and security of all levels of round-the-clock care.

Love in Home caregivers can help with such tasks as eating, bathing, cooking, cleaning, and running errands. They can

COUNSELING & TREATMENT

MEDICAL

DENTAL

PREVENTION & WELLNESS

509.325.5502

509.483.7535

509.483.7535

509.483.7535

YEARS

ANNIVERS AR Y

Our mission is to provide quality services that promote wellness and balance of mind, body and spirit for individuals, staff, families, and communities.

Here for you, more than ever.

The NATIVE Project

is a non-profit 501c(3), I.H.S. Urban Indian Health Services Contract and Community Health 330 Clinic (CHC), Federally Qualified Health Care Center (FQHC), that provides a comprehensive scope of services to ALL people seeking services.

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com 71 1803 West Maxwell | Spokane, WA 99201 | NativeProject.org | 509.483.7535

To us, it is new experiences coupled with old comforts that allow for true freedom.

Freedom looks different to each of our residents, and our community aims to learn how to serve them best.

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provide a range of non-skilled or skilled medical services, from checking vital signs to nutrition therapy and wound care. If family lives out of the area, knowing that caregivers visit regularly and will report on their loved one's condition can ease worries.

Moving into a senior living community with other residents may sound counterintuitive because of the emphasis on isolation and social distancing. Despite concerns about living with others, there are many positive opportunities for residents.

According to research published by the Associated Retirement Community Operators, residents of retirement communities are healthier, more active, and less lonely. To support an individual’s pursuit of a successful and healthy life is the LiveWell philosophy at Rockwood Retirement Communities. As communications coordinator Lisa VanMansum points out, it is a holistic approach that strives to promote independence, wellness, and lifelong vitality.

Rockwood partners with Spokane Community Colleges to provide history, literature, and creative courses on campus. They also promote active lifestyles by providing fitness classes and outdoor activities for all levels. Many residents and staff alike use their newfound freedom to volunteer

in support of the campus and neighboring communities by participating in programs like Reading Buddy, Bite2Go, and The Spokane Symphony.

Rockwood further adds to resident independence by providing transportation services for shopping, banking, visiting, and medical appointments. They also provide personal shopping services during the pandemic.

On-campus rehabilitation services for physical, occupational, and speech therapy support residents in regaining their functions after a medical situation, or for ongoing care and help with assistive devices. The environmental services team provides the extra peace of mind for residents by caring for their homes and apartments and providing safe and secure communities where they can enjoy each day to its fullest.

Broadway Court Estates is another retirement community that values life enrichment programs for all seniors. As a family-owned-and-operated independent living community, Broadway Court strives to nourish each resident’s active and creative mind. They tailor activities and recreational offerings to meet the preferences of residents while providing both consistency and variety.

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509-325-4343 | ChristKitchen.org DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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PRIME/independent living

“To us, it is new experiences coupled with old comforts that allow for true freedom,” says Hal Sarff, whose family has served seniors in Spokane Valley by providing quality housing for more than thirty years. “Freedom looks different to each of our residents, and our community aims to learn how to serve them best.”

“It can be encouraging someone to try a new activity or craft, or maybe even go somewhere they have not been before. It can also be as simple as picking up a forgotten hobby or as complex as trying a new physical activity,” Sarff says.

“Sometimes it just takes the inspiration of one another, and that is where we can help.

So many aspects of retirement living are freeing, and our hope is that our seniors are able to find that feeling through our life enrichment programs.”

At Riverview Retirement Community, residents play a hand in developing recreation plans, from line dancing classes, choir, and bell ringing groups to growing vegetables in a community garden and maintaining a portion of the Centennial Trail.

Many residents are in their mid-to-late eighties, but still have a healthy body and spirit. With that in mind, Riverview offers a state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness center complete with therapy and lap pools, specialized workout equipment, and an indoor walking track. If that is not enough to keep residents busy, there is a woodworking workshop and a crafting studio where they can express themselves at their leisure.

As a continuing care retirement community, often seniors find their place at Riverview first in independent living homes. As needs change, many residents transition to assisted living so they can access more help but remain close to nurture the friendships they have built.

“It’s really neat to see seniors come in kind of shy, and after a few months, they’ve got all these friends and they’re having a gay old time,” says Heidi Ulland, director of sales and marketing. “Not having to worry about the chores of daily living gives residents the independence to be able to truly enjoy retirement.”

Caring is Our Passion We can ensure that you, or your loved ones, are able to enjoy the comforts of home for as long as possible.

(509) 474-0663 | LoveInHomeSeniorCare.com

Retire from work, but not from LIFE

—at Broadway Court Estates—

(509) 921-0249 | BroadwayCourtEstates.com 13505 E Broadway, Spokane Valley Full Apartment living with community indoor swimming pool, garden and theatre, on-site fitness center, gourmet dining and planned social events.

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Actual Size

PRIME/better together

BETTER TOGETHER:

Senior living communities band together to weather COVID and beyond

by Megan Rowe

When COVID-19 descended upon the Pacific Northwest and forced closures and restrictions, many industries were hard-hit, but perhaps none more than senior living.

Expenses have skyrocketed while the communities struggle to attract new residents.

“It’s all about occupancy, that’s the only revenue source,” DeAnne Clune, managing director of Seniors Better Together, says. “There’s a lot of negative perceptions out there, and those stories make national news and that is what’s implanted in people’s minds, that senior living is just a hotbed of COVID.” She adds that, by and large, senior living communities have done a great job of keeping their residents safe. Seniors Better Together—a senior living marketing co-op of unaffiliated communities—was created to specifically address these issues, and DeAnne hopes this campaign will become the “Got Milk?” of senior living.

“That’s so iconic and memorable, and It might feel like the pandemic that’s where we hope would be a barrier, but we we’re headed with actually have some really our advertising and positive reasons for why this is PR,” DeAnne says, adding that they hope the right place for you to be in these types of times. to launch TV ads in the future.

She hopes this will be an affordable way for communities to pool their resources and change pervasive negative perceptions and shine a light on the benefits—even during a pandemic. Because this industry is facing financial constraints, Seniors Better Together is keeping membership fees low and recruiting sponsors, such as LeadingAge Washington and Ziegler.

Lisa VanMansum, Rockwood Retirement communications coordinator, wants the 78

BOZZIMEDIA.com / DECEMBER 2020

campaign to make people say, “‘I hadn’t considered now would probably be a good time for us to be in a retirement community.’ It might feel like the pandemic would be a barrier, but we actually have some really positive reasons for why this is the right place for you to be in these types of times.”

The money that goes into the co-op is meant to market to a senior consumer the bright side of senior living.

“It has the makings of a movement, which is essentially the coming together of an entire industry to combat this common problem we all have,” DeAnne says.

Rockwood Retirement is the only Spokane retirement community currently involved, but there are more than a dozen communities in the Pacific Northwest involved, and DeAnne hopes to gain members across the country.

For now, much of Seniors Better Together’s campaign lives on their website (seniorsbettertogether.com) and social media. Rather than inundating visitors with sales materials, the website has a threequestion survey to get a feel for what people are currently thinking. In addition to asking whether they’ve considered a community in the last year, the survey asks why they are exploring the option, as well as their greatest obstacle. The number one reason has been cost.

“I would have bet my money that they would say COVID, right? Fear about that,” DeAnne says. “But I guess you could speculate that it has to do with the pandemic and concern about finances.”

The website also contains testimonials from residents of communities in the group’s co-op. They wanted website visitors to be able to get peerto-peer information.

A testimonial by Charlotte Y., who is a resident at Rockwood South Hill, says, “These are strange times, that’s for sure, but I’m impressed with the way the community is handling it all. All is well here. Lots of folks are out walking every day.”

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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PRIME/holiday scams

There’s Nothing Festive About

by Jason Erskine, AARP Washington

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE, but

unfortunately so are the con artists looking for opportunities to spoil your celebrations.

They are more than willing to use the joyous mood to get into your wallet. But with a little preparation and vigilance, you can cut down on the threat of becoming a scam victim.

Package delivery scams Thieves send fake emails from delivery services about a package being held pending delivery. The email directs you to click

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Fraud

on a link that asks for your credit card or other personal information. Closely review the email—check the sender information, look for misspellings, and hover over the link with your mouse to see if it is really taking you to the delivery service’s website.

Also, request signatures for deliveries to stop thieves from stealing packages from doorsteps.

facebook.com/shybeast | 509.850.2225 | shybeastllc@gmail.com | Instagram@shybeastllc

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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PRIME/holiday scams

Charity scams Legitimate charities make a big push at yearend for last minute donations.

Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their own pockets. Before making a donation, check with charity-rating sites such as Give.org or CharityNavigator.org to make sure the solicitation is from a legitimate organization. Also check with the Secretary of State’s Office at www.sos.wa.gov/givesmart or by calling 1-800-332-4483 to make sure the charity is registered with the state.

“Too-good-to-be-true” online deals Online ads, e-mails, social media posts—even from people you “know"—of impossibly good online deals could be scams. You might get nothing for your money or an inferior item, and your credit card number could be compromised during the transaction.

Public Wi-Fi risks Making purchases online while on public Wi-Fi is dangerous. Only shop on public Wi-Fi if you have a “Virtual Private Network” on your device and it is turned on. When you do shop online, stick with credit cards.

You are liable for only up to $50 of fraudulent use, but your financial loss with a stolen debit card could be much higher.

Romance scams A perennial scam, the romance scam heats up around the holidays.

Watch for people you meet on dating sites who quickly want to take your conversation offline, who may resist talking on the phone, who say they are abroad and can’t meet you in person, and eventually ask for money—to buy a plane ticket to come see you, or to help with a business venture, for example.

Visit www.aarp.org/frc for more.

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Wishing you

Peace & Joy this holiday season

New patients welcome!

We accept most insurance

TheKiddsPlace.com 509-252-GRIN (4746)

506 E Hastings Rd, Suite B, Spokane WA 99208

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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Venues bozzi

perfect for you

THE HIDDEN BALLROOM: is located in downtown Spokane above Bridge Press Cellars, on Pacific and Browne. Perfect for weddings, concerts, birthday parties, corporate parties, holiday parties and celebrations of any kind. The space can accommodate up to 299 guests.

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HISTORIC FLIGHT FOUNDATION: Located in Felts Field and is ideal for large weddings and events. The glamour of the planes adds a level of excitement and distinction to your event, but can also be taken out. When the hangar door is fully open in the summer, it unveils a beautiful view of the runway and nearby mountains. For smaller groups the Terrace, with a view of the entire facility, is available for a significant discount.

Plenty of free parking and room for up to 400+!

Delectable Catering + Events is a preferred caterer.

Delectable Catering is also available for your offsite events or in any facility that allows outside catering. Call us first! We can arrange things with any venue.

Before you book your event call us first These venues are owned or managed by Bozzi Media and Delectable Catering & Events. email us at sales@bozzimedia.com | 509-638-9654 | bozziMedia.com

GLASS HALF EVENTS: Beautiful big city loft-like industrial leather-furnitured warehouse apartment space. Large enough for 150 people yet can be arranged to host an intimate party. Includes a full kitchen, extra breakout rooms.

Fully air conditioned in the summer, with onsite parking.

Sound system and TV available. Featuring a beautiful enclosed outdoor spillover area. The outdoor patio is a great place to cool off, smoke a cigar, and enjoy a cocktail.

180 BAR & BISTRO: Rent for private parties at a very reasonable price, with certain food and alcohol minimums.

Private back room for VIPs or for use as a green room/staging area. Sound system in place for speaking engagements.

Option to reserve a portion of the room for your group without closing the restaurant. For private parties order from the catering menu; for group meetings guests can order off the menu. Enjoy the fun and cozy atmosphere!

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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Cosmetic surgeries give patients a

life

a new lease on

E

by Sarah Hauge

veryone wants to feel their best, and how you look and how your body moves often play major roles. Three local practices shared how cosmetic surgery impacted their patients’ lives and self-confidence.

Ann Gannon, the practice manager at Kai Morimoto, shared a story from several years ago of a teenager who underwent a breast reduction. As a skilled musician, “she felt that her breast size was so large that she would be better able to carry her instrument” with a reduction. She was also experiencing issues commonly associated with large breasts, like back, shoulder, and neck pain, and grooves in the shoulder from heavy weight pulling on the bra straps.

Her breast reduction changed not just how she felt, but her career path.

“She was scheduled to attend the Julliard School of Music,” Gannon says. “She did go to school there, but in the aftermath of her surgery her life was so changed that she decided to become a plastic surgeon…The patient’s father recently told Dr. Morimoto that the breast reduction was such a lifechanging experience for her that she was studying for her [medical] boards.”

Dr. Jordan Sand of the Spokane Center

healthBEAT

087 90

STAY ACTIVE

HEALTH BEAT/cosmetic surgery

for Facial Plastic Surgery talked about a recent patient who that first meeting she has developed new habits and broken old, came to his office for a rhinoplasty. She was having breathing and she credits Dr. Owsley as the instigator for all of it. She quit issues, and she often hid certain angles of her face because she smoking, quit drinking, and has lost about eighty-five pounds. didn’t like her nose’s shape. The procedure affected She’s had several procedures done at Owsley Plastic both how she feels and how she interacts with Surgery, including the “Mommy Makeover” (a others. “I can fully breathe through my nose,” the breast lift, tummy tuck, and some liposuction). patient shared on Instagram, “and for the first Before all of these changes, Brant says she I can fully breathe time in my life, I’m not hiding my profile.” didn’t like looking at herself and was obsessed Dyanna Brant, a patient of Owsley with her scale. Dr. Owsley encouraged her not through my nose, Plastic Surgery, says her entire life has to avoid her reflection, and had her walk back and for the first time and forth past a mirror in the office, which been revitalized thanks for her cosmetic surgery experience. Years ago, having gained she says led to her accepting and valuing her in my life, I’m not a significant amount of weight and going body’s proportions. through a stressful period, she went to the office “Dr. Owsley has changed my life,” Brant says. hiding my profile. desiring a tummy tuck, but was told she’d need She sees the difference “in how I hold myself, in to quit smoking first. Though she was initially quite how I walk.” reluctant—Brant was a social smoker—in the years since Now, “my confidence is there.”

Dr. Owsley consults with a patient.

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Make your consultation appointment today by phone (509) 315-4415 or online at KMplasticSurgery.com. She is here to help you.

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HEALTH BEAT/stay active

MOVE FOR THE MONTH: Oblique Twists: Either firmly ground your feet or hover them in boat pose. Your spine should be neutral and your chest open (no hunching or curling!). Hold your weight comfortably and rotate from your core toward each side. Aim to tap your weight down behind the point of your hip.

Just like the song says!

Twelve days of Christmas

by Ann Foreyt photography by James & Kathy Mangis

This month’s workout is a festive celebration of tenacity.

Pick a combination of quick movements for those “days” in the middle that you’re going to have to do a decent number of reps of, and a few slower or more technical movements for “days” eleven and twelve. I also like to choose something fun as my “partridge in a pear tree” (day one) as a small gift to myself at the end of every round.

This is a longer workout, so give yourself some time to complete it. Give yourself a little bit of rest between each “verse” and then challenge yourself to keep moving as continuously as possible during each countdown.

Even though you’re adding a movement every round, you’ll probably find that you hit a good rhythm as you work your way back down the list. Like the Christmas carol, this schema lets you both enjoy the comfort of repetition and the excitement of novelty.

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Some general considerations for at-home workouts: • Warm up and dynamically stretch prior to starting an actual workout; making sure your body is adequately prepared for exercise helps reduce injury and soreness.

• Choose movements that make sense for your body, activity level, and available equipment and space, but aim to choose movements that work multiple muscle-groups and a combination of cardio and strength.

Actual Patient photo by MOJO Lab

Like the Christmas carol, this schema lets you both enjoy the comfort of repetition and the excitement of novelty.

• Get creative—safely!—with your equipment.

• Plastic milk jugs filled with water, bags of kitty litter, your toddler, or a backpack filled with books can be used as weights if you don’t own a kettlebell or dumbbells • A park bench or sturdy chair can be used to step or hop up onto • Write down your planned workout before you start. Grab a piece of scratch paper and jot down each movement and your chosen workout length.

• YouTube is a great resource for finding videos of correct form for movements that you’re unsure about or want to review.

• Respect your body’s cues!

• Give yourself rest breaks • If a movement doesn’t feel good today, switch it out for something that better suits what your body needs

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HEALTH BEAT/stay active

Dr. Kevin A. King DDS PS Dr. Samuel King DDS

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

• Timer • Scratch paper or whiteboard to write out your plan • Yoga mat (optional, but nice for any floor movements)

With responsibility, the best materials, and customizing your smile.

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THE PROCESS Pick twelve movements The “day” indicates number of reps (I like to pick something challenging for twelve, because you only have to do it once) Rep scheme: 1 2-1 3-2-1 4-3-2-1 … until you get to …

12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

SUGGESTED MOVEMENT-SETS Example 1: • One step-up per leg • Two lunges per leg • Three squats • Four bent-over rows • Five shoulder press • Six burpees • Seven sit-ups • Eight per side oblique twists • Nine jumping jacks • Ten high-knees per leg • Eleven dumbbell swings • 120-second sprint (“sprint”—go as hard as you can within reason) Example 2: • One-minute run/walk • Two shoulder presses • Three bicep curls • Four bent-over rows • Five lunges per leg • Six push-ups • Seven per-side oblique twists • Eight sit-ups • Nine squats • Ten step-ups total (or per leg!)

• Eleven burpees • 120-second (two-minute) plank or other static hold 92

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Happy Holidays It has been a privilege to sell homes in Spokane since 1979.

Customer service is my number one priority.

Please contact me if you are considering a change of address.

NANCY WYNIA Managing Broker ABR, CNE, CRS, GRI 509.990.2742 nwynia@windermere.com

View complete virtual tours at NancyWynia.com | Facebook.com/NancyWyniaRealEstate 94

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A magical twinkling

A

s the holiday season is upon us, what was the first word or feeling that you experience as this time of year approached? For me, it was that magical feeling of twinkle lights and the excitement in my kids’ little faces as they pour over the toy catalogs and talk about Santa. I know that often times the holidays can be overwhelming with endless to-do lists but creating that magical feeling within your home doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple strand of twinkle lights, a bowl of dried fruit, pinecones, or ornaments is the perfect simple touch of holiday cheer. A Christmas tree decorated with lights and a hand-tied ribbons is just as beautiful as one decked out from top to bottom in ornaments.

This year especially, as we all stay closer to home, is a great time to create a simple, yet cozy and magical “nest” for our families. It is a time to slow down and make that extra cup of hot cocoa while we snuggle by the fire. The best gift we have all been given this season is the time to sit back and slow down just a bit.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with beautiful memories, extra cozy evenings, and laughter amongst the twinkle lights.

Written, photographed, and styled by Hillary Peil, @thehillarystyle.

the NEST

095 96

HOUSE FEATURE

by Sarah Hauge photography by Rob Miller

Smith Family Creates a

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W

e really do love Christmas. It’s our favorite time of the year,� says Cody Smith. He and his wife, Jordyn (of the popular Instagram @ ourpnw_home) have been decking the halls inside and out to get prepped for the holiday season in the home they share with their three children: teenage daughter Shayla, three-year-old Remington, and four-month-old Aspen.

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This is their second Christmas in the home they finished building in 2019, which sits on a ten-acre parcel surrounded by sweeping wheat fields and evergreens. The setting is a large part of what drew the couple to the property, which they purchased in 2016. Cody grew up five minutes away and is an avid hunter. When he and Jordyn took an impromptu tour of the property, searching for a place to build, Cody was thrilled when he saw six elk and a bull on the land.

“I’ve never seen elk in town like this,” he says. There were also old horseshoes and other signs of the previous homestead that had once stood on the then-overgrown land. The place was perfect for the home they envisioned.

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In their previous home, Cody put together a very popular orchestrated Christmas light shows set to music, sometimes with as many as forty thousand lights; it was an involved process he loved,

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but that was time-intensive, beginning as early as October. Here in the new home, they've still done lights and décor on the exterior (which they landscaped themselves using a design plan from Environments West) but have focused most of their holiday energy indoors.

With Jordyn’s sixty thousand Instagram followers coming along for the journey, they’ve transformed the space into an understated winter wonderland.

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This December, Jordyn picked a color palette that works well with the home’s layered black and white scheme, bringing in plenty of neutrals and pine greens. From the front door, the elegant curved staircase—

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one of Cody’s must-haves when they were building—has its banister wrapped in garland, as is the catwalk that spans the length of the great room. The catwalk was another of Cody’s design additions, an element that makes you never feel too far off from the rest of the family despite the home’s spacious dimensions. “I just wanted to always feel like you know what’s going on,” he says.

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The inviting great room has a large, curved sectional and a cozy wool area rug set before a large-scale gas fireplace with a whitewashed rock veneer surround. The window wall takes full advantage of the sweeping views and plays to the impressive twenty-one-foot ceiling. The fifteen-foot 106

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Christmas tree is decorated in an array of textured neutrals, with champagne, wood, and pinecone ornaments all in the mix; Jordyn sourced these pieces from stores like local favorite Tin Roof, as well as Hobby Lobby and Michaels. She played up the seasonal vibes with green velvet pillow

covers, casual throws, pops of faux greenery, and other tree-themed dĂŠcor elements and framed art.

This room is open to the kitchen, which is light and bright with white cabinetry, a gleaming chevron tile backsplash, and a quartzite countertop on the expansive

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island, which has stool seating for the whole family. Nods to the season come in through the wreath that hangs above the range and smaller wreaths tied to the backs of the stools. The adjacent bar area provides an ideal spot to mix up festive drinks, with bronze deer figurines adding a bit of sparkle. The home has an eat-in area

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because Jordyn wanted casual dining. It is a hexagonal space with a vaulted, planked ceiling that centers on a round table that’s been spruced up with a deep green runner, garland, and a few sleek table trees, all beneath a clutch of hanging glass pendant lights. Exterior doors lead to the wraparound deck, which overlooks the property and has plenty of seating and a large, inviting covered fireplace.

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Happy Holidays From all of us at Gold Seal Plumbing

Tips to prevent frozen pipes this winter • Turn off outside water valves to prevent frozen pipes.

• Know the location of your home's main water valve.

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• Allow drips from faucets to help relieve pressure.

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mechanicspride@gmail.com DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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In the owners’ suite, ceiling beams echoing those in the kitchen add warmth to the layered, textural space. A flocked tree adorned with tonal ornaments and topped with a star adds some Christmas

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cheer. In the en suite bathroom, pops of evergreens bring in more holiday flavor; the decorations play beautifully against the marble finishes and the deep soaking tub that’s surrounded by a serene, spa-like rock

border. The double vanity with a center tower opposite the tub provides plenty of storage to keep counters clear; outlets inside the cabinets and drawers keep cords out of sight.

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This extravagant Craftsman home borders 400 feet of the Spokane River on 2.25 acres. 5,000 sq. ft. luxury home, features stunning knotty pine tongue and groove cathedral ceilings, which frame the large windows and its amazing views of the Spokane River. The huge rock fireplace is the centerpiece of the great room. Kitchen boasts solid core custom hickory cabinets, granite counters, Thermador appliances, oversized refrigerator and freezer, two ovens, walk-in pantry and large windows that open up to views. Private Suite has an oversized bathroom with heated flooring, walk-in shower and a walk-in closet.

Jill Klinke & Miki Peck, Brokers

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The second story is the location of the home’s four additional bedrooms, like the spacious suite for fifteen-year-old Shayla, which gets gorgeous sunsets that bathe the walls in pinks, reds, and oranges. A kid-

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friendly room for Remington has a birch tree wallpaper accent wall and plenty of play space; the soothing gray-and-white room with pops of dusty pink is designated for baby Aspen.

Cody and Jordyn added the board and batten in her nursey themselves, a nice complement to the tonal botanical print wallpaper. Cody’s upstairs office overlooks panoramic views and doubles as the guest room. The Jack-and-Jill bath adjacent to the youngest kids’ rooms continues many of the elements seen throughout the home with its playful use of black and white: hexagonal and subway tile, a textural shower curtain, and printed bath towels. Wideplanked Provenza LVP covers the common spaces of the home, while the bedrooms have cushy gray carpet for added comfort.

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Every space has its own pop of holiday cheer. Garland swags the fireplace mantle, table surfaces, and bathroom mirrors. In the mudroom that leads into the home from the oversized attached garage (which includes a woodshop and RV bay), small wreaths and plaid stockings bring in a fun, seasonal feeling. To keep things organized in the high-traffic area, every member of the family has a designated cubby marked with their name. Shimmering bottle brush trees in Jordyn’s office play off

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the tones of the geometric pendant light and the metallic hardware on her spacious custom desk, which sits beneath open shelving laid against a black and white floral accent wall.

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Both she and Cody work from home, Jordyn for a software company in addition to what’s become essentially a second full-time job with her social media account, and Cody as

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an account executive for a local tech company. Even the laundry room has a subtle nod to the season through a small flocked tree and a beaded wood garland on an open shelf.

The family loves to spend time outdoors, but in these winter months they most often enjoy time on the couch in front of the fireplace, resting in the glow of their holiday home. “As much as we love being outside, my favorite place is sitting right here with the family at the end of the day,� says Jordyn.

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Home Remodel & Renovations - Kitchen - Bathroom - Interior & Exterior

Without street traffic, “no one can see it but us,” Cody says of this year's outdoor décor, unlike in years past when their displays drew lots of passersby. “But selfishly, we’re still trying to make this a little bit magical, for our family and our neighbors.”

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Follow Kacey Rosauer of Rosauer's Kitchen on Instagram for more recipes and food inspirations.

I

Cocktails

to bid adieu to a horrendous year

by Kacey Rosauer

t’s not a stretch to say 2020 has given us plenty of reasons to drink. It hasn’t been a great year and we have all been affected by this pandemic. Whether you’re an over-worked essential worker, one of the many who have lost their job, struggling through quarantine, not seeing loved ones, or, like me, becoming your kid’s most underqualified teacher, it’s been hard! But through the struggle, we can still find things to cheer for, like distilleries who are using their resources to make muchneeded hand sanitizer,

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localCUISINE

125 COCKTAILS 128 LOCAL SWEETS 132 CHINOOK 136

BIG TABLE 140 DINING GUIDE

LOCAL CUISINE/cocktails spending more time with family, Netflix binges, and the nation’s instant gratitude for all teachers.

I’ll admit that I’m not the most creative person when it comes to cocktails, anything beyond a vodka soda is fancy. I asked my friend Luke Barrey, a bartender at Gander and Ryegrass, to show me a couple of simple-yet-delicious drinks to make the last day in 2020 special. Let’s drink away 2020 and cheer in 2021.

LUKE’S BARTENDER’S TIPS • SHAKE if there’s juice, and STIR if there is not.

• Always double-strain your drinks to ensure that there is as little sediment as possible.

• Ice is a crucial ingredient, and badtasting ice will melt into your drink and leave a lingering flavor.

• The ice size is important—too small and it will dilute your drink quickly. Best to shake or stir with small ice serve with bigger ice cubes or “gentlemen’s ice.”

• When garnishing with citrus zest, try to zest over the glass so that any oils from the rind will add flavor to your drink, or at least twist the zest over the glass. Also, give the rim of the glass a zesting before dropping it into the drink.

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An Old-Fashioned Midnight Kiss

Serving size: 1 cocktail The addition of blackberries brings a traditional Old Fashion to a dark and moody place, fitting for 2020.

INGREDIENTS 2 oz whiskey 3 blackberries 1/4 oz simple syrup 5 dashes of bitters 1 sprig of thyme

INSTRUCTIONS Add everything except the thyme into a shaker Muddle until the blackberries are crushed well

Rub the sprig of thyme in your hands to expel the oils and add to the shaker Add ice and shake for ten to fifteen seconds then strain into a low ball glass over a gentleman's cube Add a few fresh blackberries and a sprig of thyme as a garnishment

Horse Necking

Serving size: 1 cocktail A simple drink that has a big wowfactor, making your guests think you're a better bartender than you really are.

INGREDIENTS 2 oz bourbon 5 shakes of bitters 6 oz ginger ale 1 lemon

INSTRUCTIONS Using a paring knife, cut a few inches of lemon peel and twist over a Highball glass to capture the essential oils In your highball glass, add ice, bourbon, bitters Top with ginger ale.

Cheers to a Less Misérable 2021

Serving size: 1 cocktail Like looking through rose-colored glasses into 2021—gin, lemon, raspberries, and champagne… what more do you need?

INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz Gin 1/2 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz simple syrup

3 oz Brut Champagne 3 raspberries Pinch of luster dust (color of choice) Twist of lemon INSTRUCTIONS In a cocktail shaker, muddle the gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and raspberries Add ice and shake for ten to fifteen seconds.

Use a fine mesh cocktail strainer to strain into a Champagne flute Top off with Champagne and gently stir in the luster dust Garnish with a raspberry and a twist of lemon

2020 Done-Me-Dirty Martini

Serving size: 1 cocktail It's bad luck to have an even amount of olives in a dirty martini. Let's not press our

luck: add three olives to this dirty martini to avoid a 2020 repeat.

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 oz vodka 1/2 oz sweet vermouth Splash of olive juice (pimiento-stuffed manzanilla olives) 3 olives for garnish Ice INSTRUCTIONS Hours if not the night before, put the vodka, mixing pitcher, and a martini glass in the freezer.

In the pitcher add everything but the olives, stir vigorously for ten to 15 seconds Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with olives DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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LOCAL CUISINE/local sweets

by Anna Senchenko

I wholeheartedly believe in dessert being the perfect ending to any and

every meal. If you have a sweet tooth, Spokane is the place to satisfy it. From childhood treats to grandparents’ favorite recipes, delicious chocolates, to mouthwatering pie. These are some of my recent favorites.

SWEET FROSTINGS 15 S. Washington St. and 10406 N. Division St. Sweet Frostings is a locally owned mother & daughter team since 2011.

This boutique bakery specializes in cupcakes and macarons, in almost every flavor from themed cookies to wedding cakes.

Every offering is baked from the finest ingredients, from scratch, and with love! They also serve gluten-free goodies. Keep an eye out for weekly special flavors. My favorite cupcake is the Hummingbird.

Monday-Friday 8 a.m-6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Closed Sunday Instagram: sweetfrostings 128

BOZZIMEDIA.com / DECEMBER 2020

RIND & WHEAT Newly opened - 1516 W. Riverside Ave. Rick Webster, a Spokane chef, opened his bakery and specialty cheese shop on October 21. He has over twenty years of culinary experience—you may remember him from constructing the life-size gingerbread house in the former Hotel RL. He was also the champion of Hallmark Christmas Cookie Matchup

and Christmas Cookie Challenge. Now, all of your cravings can be satisfied when you enter his first storefront.

At Rind & Wheat, you can also find the finest cheeses and breads to add to your date night.

Wednesday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Closed Monday-Tuesday Instagram: rindandwheat DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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LOCAL CUISINE/local sweets

Spokandy Chocolatier 1412 W. 3rd Ave. Spokandy Chocolatier is Spokane’s oldest and finest chocolate in the Pacific Northwest. They have been serving Spokane since 1913, practicing the very same traditional recipes using the finest raw ingredients, pure chocolate, all hand-dipped. No additives, no added wax. Over 150 traditional, fresh, handmade candies to choose from daily. Have you visited this local favorite?

Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Instagram: Spokandychocolatier

HALLETS CHOCOLATES 1419 E. Holyoke Ave. What started as a strawberry and raspberry farm in Otis Orchards over thirty years ago grew into a family chocolate shop, creating over 120 different chocolates and candies. Hallets has won awards nationwide, and are known for unique flavors such as in habanero caramels, while also offering a variety of sugar-free chocolates.

Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

BIRDIES PIE SHOP 1003 N. Spokane St., Post Falls Sharee Moss and her husband Brad opened their doors December 2019. Serving handcrafted pies from bite-sized, to a full pie. All the pies are inspired and adopted

by Grandma Birdie. Five flavors are always available: apple, key lime, chocolate cream, triple berry, and classic pecan, but you can also find daily, seasonal rotating flavors. This shop is a hit—order ahead because the pies sell out daily. Also, get your Thanksgiving & Christmas pies ordered!

A must try is the chicken pot pie—yum!

Fun fact: above the pie shop is the cutest Airbnb. Relax and eat pie all day, what a dream!

Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Closed Sunday-Monday Instagram: birdiespieshop

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BRUTTLES GOURMET CANDY SHOP 828 W. Sprague Ave. Bruttles is a favorite local treat, with a one-of-a-kind classic sixty-eight-year-old signature recipe. The end result is the most soft, flaky consistency and a rich, creamy peanut butter flavor. Spokane’s Original soft peanut butter brittle is, to this day, hand-pulled and made on the marble slab that was purchased from the historic Davenport Hotel for twenty dollars during the first remodel in 1960s. Their slogan is appropriate: “Like nothing else you’ve ever tasted.”

Wednesday-Saturday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Closed Sunday-Tuesday

Here for you everyday 12pm–9pm

Italian inspired restaurant downtown Spokane.

Serving Lunch, Dinner, Aperitivo Hour, and Limited Take-out Make Reservations at: GanderAndRyegrass.com

Best New Restaurant

404 W Main Avenue | Spokane

509.315.4613

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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LOCAL CUISINE/chinook

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Chinook crafted by Chef Adam Hegsted:

A grand return

by Megan Rowe photos courtesy Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel

Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel’s signature “upper casual”

distinct Hegsted flair, as well as a major reboot to the cocktail, beer, restaurant—had its grand reopening on November 11 as “Chinook and wine offerings. crafted by Chef Adam Hegsted,” but it could be more accurately “Each restaurant has its own identity, and the managers and described as a chefs there can put returning. Adam’s their own thumbprint Eat Good Group on what’s happening restaurants are at each place,” Adam ubiquitous in says. “I think that’s Spokane and Coeur what makes each place d’Alene, but it is stand out.”

Coeur d’Alene Adam and the team Casino where he at the casino also developed his style, wanted to expand the working as the clientele—or better executive chef from stated, the reason the 2008 to 2013. clientele visit. In the Chuck Spahn, past, Chinook has Food and Beverage widely been received Director at Coeur as a special occasion d’Alene Casino, says restaurant, and while Adam returning is a those items remain on cool setup. the menu, Adam and “Adam put a lot the team added items of time in here, and meant to be more he went out on his accessible. own, continued to “We really wanted grow and come up to appeal to all people, Chef Adam Hegsted with some great so that’s what Adam things. It’s just really has done with this nice that we are able menu,” Chuck says. to partner with him to help both of us.”

“We still have $50 steaks, but we also have entrees for under $20.

Chuck adds that Adam is easy to work with, he knows what he’s We’re hoping that that brings in more guests.” doing, and the food he has brought the restaurant is amazing.

Another benefit to this arrangement is that Adam isn’t perceived “It’s a great opportunity for us,” Chuck says. “I’ve never worked as a newcomer. He had worked with many of the people on staff, in a situation like this before, so it’s unique. We’re having great and it was easy to establish a strong chemistry with everyone success so far.” involved.

Chinook’s menu will retain customer favorites, but with a “It’s fantastic to come back and work in a place that I love,” Adam

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Adam put a lot of time in here, and he went out on his own, continued to grow and come up with some great things.

It’s just really nice that we are able to partner with him to help both of us.

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says. “There’s a lot of people I worked with previously who are still there. Being able to see some new faces and just to see the cooperation of the team and how quickly we were able to move forward on all of the food, server training, and the cocktail program we have going. We’re able to do that really quickly because we have a good chemistry there pretty quickly.”

Though all of Adam’s restaurants have their own feel, they share a commonality: commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients—and Chinook is no different in this respect.

“What we’re trying to do is create this Inland Northwest identity,” Adam says.

“When people come to the Chinook restaurant, they want to have a unique

experience. They don’t want to have the same experience they could have at any other casino, they want to have something that’s very specific to the Inland Northwest. We do that through using local, seasonal ingredients.”

Instead of just having some generic menu that has asparagus twelve months of the year, we’re creating something that has an identity specific to the Inland Northwest, he says.

Due to this commitment, the menu items will change every four to six weeks, keep the offerings fresh and surprising.

“I think I surprised Chuck with it, too, because we just got the menu out, we just had the grand opening, and I said, ‘Oh, it’s time to work on a new menu,’” Adam says.

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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LOCAL CUISINE/big table

BIG TABLE addresses mental health during pandemic

by Megan Rowe photos courtesy Big Table

While dining out in Spokane, you’re likely to be greeted by a smiling face, someone who will gently usher you to your table.

While scanning the menu and listing your preferences, you’ll receive a considerate recommendation, perhaps a wine pairing, and notation

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of any dietary restrictions.

You’ll feel cared for and welcome.

Behind the smiles, behind the masks of the people who serve you are complex—and sometimes tumultuous— inner lives. Do you wonder who is serving your server, your hostess, your bartender,

your cook, your busser?

Since 2009, the answer has been Big Table, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the unique and pressing issues within the hospitality industry: living paycheckto-paycheck, battling depression or addiction.

According to Substance

Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 16.9 percent of those in the accommodations and food service industry struggled with a substance use disorder.

Big Table is able to help in a variety of ways—providing immediate financial assistance to someone in

I myself have used Big Table, and just the amount of support—even Chris calling to check up and see how we were getting ready to handle this, it’s huge. Everybody has such a great love for each other.

IF YOU NEED HELP crisis, as well as ongoing support once their life has stabilized. They also host elaborate dinners for those in the industry, prepared by a top chef from the area, to create a greater sense

of community. In this way, people connect and look out for each other.

Recipients of Big Table care go through a unique referral model (see bigtable.com/refer).

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 24-Hour Regional Crisis Line (Frontier Behavioral Health) 1-877-266-1818 www.fbhwa.org DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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LOCAL CUISINE/big table Chris Deitz

As a former chef, Big Table city director Chris Deitz is uniquely suited to understand the stressors of this community, and how being in this industry can become your identity.

“I definitely could see it from the chef perspective: This is who I am, there’s nothing else. I’ve poured everything into this, and you take that away,” Chris says.

Since the pandemic, all of these issues have only been exacerbated, and with indoor dining recently shut down for the second time this year, Kevin Finch, Big Table executive director, worries the worst is yet to come. When restrictions to indoor dining were first imposed, the unemployment rate in April was 35.4 percent for the restaurant and bar industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“For most of our people who lived on the edge before, they burned through anything that they could have used as a resource.

I think it’s more than a double whammy.

For many of them, it could feel like the last straw,” Kevin says.

Kadra Evans, owner of Little Noodle, says the support system established by Big Tables is monumental.

“I myself have used Big Table, and just

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the amount of support—even Chris calling to check up and see how we were getting ready to handle this, it’s huge,” Kadra says.

“Everybody has such a great love for each other.”

For her, one of the most difficult things about this time is that she’s accustomed to going to different restaurants to support her Kevin Finch friends in the industry.

“If you work in the industry, you don’t normally eat out corporate, you’re always supporting your friends that are working or owning their own businesses,” Kadra says.

Because of these special circumstances, as well as the stress of the upcoming holiday season, when depression and suicide regularly spike, Big Table has teamed up with FailSafe for Life—a Spokane nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention—to create mental health resources specifically for the

TAKE–OUT Food + Cocktails 21706 E Mission Ave Liberty Lake 509-926-2310 hayjsbistro.com

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LUNCH TAKE–OUT

restaurant community.

“We’ve been partnering with them to get training out to folks in the industry around what to look for,” Kevin says, mentioning that Big Table put a video on their website to train people on key mental health signs to watch for this season.

In this way, Big Table is building upon the community they’ve created— one based upon everyone looking out for one another to get through this difficult time.

“We just know this is a big issue, and we really want to make sure we do something about it before we’re in a place where we go, ‘I wish I’d done something,” Kevin says in the video.

For more information and ways to help, visit big-table.com.

TAKE–OUT Food + Cocktails

21718 E Mission Ave, Liberty Lake (509) 926-5900 | piccolopizza.net

www.mainsushi.com BEST SUSHI 9 years in a row!

Thank You Spokane!

430 W. Main Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 | 509.838.0630

Mon-Thu 11am-9pm ~ Fri 11am-10pm ~ Sat Noon-9pm ~ Sun Noon-8pm DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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diningguide

180 Bar & Bistro. It’s no secret Bozzi Media has been rocking the regional publishing scene for more than 20 years. As their flagship publication, Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living magazine, grew in pages and readership, the Bozzi Media team began devoting time twelve years ago to hop off their gorgeous glossy pages in order to bring readers and the community together for events—as a way to build community, and to celebrate the most wonderful aspects, and people, of it. The events were a blast—and swiftly became super successful.

The next iteration of all this greatness is 180 Bar and Bistro, featuring unique gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and homemade soups for lunch, and evenings with a full dinner menu as well as amazing appetizers—including some crowd favorites from Delectable Catering and Events—along with fun drinks, all locally sourced, and a great place for people to enjoy a festive, positive atmosphere. 180 N. Howard, (509) 824-1180, Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m. 3 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., https://bozzimedia.com/180barbistro.

1898 Public House. With a nod of respect to the year Kalispel Golf and Country Club was established, 1898 Public House combines a storied history with modern flair. The culinary team takes pride in preparing classic foods with a fresh twist, while using the finest ingredients. From hand-pressed gourmet burgers and house-cured bacon, to house-made rolls and charcuterie, dining at 1898 will be an exciting culinary tour for your palate. 2010 W. Waikiki Rd., (509) 466-2121, 1898publichouse. com.

Castaway Cellars Wine Bar and Tasting Room. Castaway Cellars owners Scott and Shelly Crawford have been ardent lovers

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of wine for nearly two decades. Their passion for wine and learning inevitably led to a home wine making hobby, which rather quickly turned into the creation of Castaway Cellars.

The Castaway Cellars label was inspired by a love for the outdoors, and the place they call home in beautiful North Idaho. The family’s mission as a family-owned boutique winery is to provide their customers with well-crafted, small batch wines from a variety of exceptional vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. 206-210 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, (208) 819-1296, Wednesday-Thursday 12 p.m.-6 p.m., FridaySaturday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.6 p.m., castawaycellars.com.

Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m., craftedtaphouse.com.

Downriver Grill. Located in the Audubon Park neighborhood, Downriver is a casual fine dining restaurant focusing on fresh, local and seasonal Modern American cuisine. Both the menu and space are designed to be a welcoming addition for the local neighborhood—a place where you could get a gourmet burger or salad, a fresh pasta, fresh seafood, or a grilled steak any time of the day. 3315 W. Northwest Blvd., (509) 323-1600, TuesdayFriday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., downrivergrill.com.

Chinook crafted by Chef Adam Hegsted.

Elliots an Urban Kitchen. You

Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel’s signature “upper casual” restaurant had its grand reopening on November 11, with a reimaging of its menu and cocktail offerings thanks to Chef Adam Hegsted. The restaurant still features items diners have grown to love—such as a delicious steak dinner—but has added new items at a lower price point. There is something for everyone to love at Chinook. 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley, ID. (800) 523-2464, Monday-Sunday 7a.m.-3a.m. cdacasino.com.

learn a lot about a place by reading the reviews, and Elliots has a stack of dozens and dozens of glowing, enthusiastic online reviews. From the fried pickles, Scotch Eggs (cooked in chorizo), curries, charcuterie boards, and steak salad, to a brunch and drink menu (and much more) that sounds out of this world—the only thing that rivals the food options is the atmosphere and a team that makes you feel as special as family.

2209 N. Monroe St., (509) 866-0850, MondaySaturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Crafted Taphouse + Kitchen.

Fisherman’s Market & Grill.

Crafted is not just the restaurant’s name, this word defines who they are, what they believe in, and the quality of product they stand behind. The restaurant provides the staff with a means of delivering guests a truly unique dining experience, incredible food, and a beer selection that can’t be found anywhere else, while allowing them to pay homage to the principles our great country was founded upon—pride, determination, innovation, and hard work. 523 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, (208) 292-4813,

Fisherman’s Market & Grill believes it doesn’t have to be complicated; source the freshest seafood, and create traditional, homestyle meal—alongside dynamic, award-winning sushi. Have it counter-served by friendly people next to a full-service fish market. 215 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene, (208) 664-4800, Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., fishermansmarketcda.com.

Frank’s Diner. Frank’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, available all day, has all the clas-

sics. Among our favorites are the open-face turkey, roast beef and mushroom sandwiches, chicken pot pie, Joe’s Special (the venerable scramble of eggs, ground beef, spinach, onions and parmesan), and, of course, the don’t-miss-at-breakfast hash browns and silver pancakes. 1516 W. 2nd Ave., (509) 747-8798, 10929 N. Newport Hwy., (509) 465-2464, daily 6 a.m.-8 p.m., franksdiners.com.

Gander and Ryegrass. New Italian-inspired restaurant in downtown Spokane with a menu featuring coursed meals based around whole animal butchery and homemade pasta. Their robust beverage program includes a full bar and wine cellar delivering a variety of pairings for each course. They would love to welcome you for your birthday and other celebrations, as well as offer you the best service for a great night out on the town. À la carte options available, too. 404 W. Main Ave., (509) 315-4613, daily 12–9 p.m., ganderandryegrass.com

Gilded Unicorn. This modern American classic restaurant features handcrafted foods and drinks, located in the historic Montvale Hotel.

The name reflects their blend of classic and modern without taking themselves too seriously. They showcase local, seasonal food and drinks from the Northwest and beyond, coerced into new fashioned flavors that hit you in the soul. 110 S. Monroe St., (509) 3093698, Sunday-Thursday 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Friday-Saturday 3 p.m.-12 a.m., gildedunicorn. com.

WELCOMING

DECEM-BURR STOMP OFF YOUR BOOTS AND ENJOY A DRINK WITH US

SpokaneTribeCasino.com 14300 W SR-2 HWY Airway Heights, WA 99001

Hay J’s Bistro. Thriving in Liberty Lake for fourteen years, Hay J’s Bistro has been providing excellent entrees, cocktails, high-end service, and, most importantly, a passionate love for food. Hay J’s prepares only the finest DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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LOCAL CUISINE/dining guide steaks and seafood, while also offering an extensive wine list and other cheers-worthy libations. With a new outdoor patio, you can enjoy the summer sunset with dinner. This is the life. 21706 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake, (509) 926-2310, daily 3 p.m.-9 p.m. hayjsbistro.com.

ou Thank y !

Spokane

Best Neighborhood Restaurant, South

Iron Goat Brewing. With humble beginnings in a locked shack hidden in the middle of the woods, Iron Goat has always kept a personal, hands-on approach to their beer.

Constant experimentation with hop choices and seasonal ingredients has kept their passions strong. In an effort to ensure flavors are at their best, they constantly taste test the batches. Some days that’s all they do, because precision is a priority. Iron Goat has crafted over 150 distinct beers keeping these values close, and their pint glasses closer.

1302 W. 2nd Ave., (509) 474-0722, daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m., irongoatbrewing.com.

2808 E 29TH | SPOKANE 509-536-4745

Magnolia American Brasserie. The new talk of the city is Hotel Indigo’s 3,600 square foot American-style restaurant with a French flair. The chef is Steve Jensen, who was previously at Osprey Restaurant and Bar downtown and Craft and Gather in Spokane Valley. The space is large enough to provide an amazing experience while social distancing, and the food is hitting just about every foodie’s Instagram feeds because of the gorgeous presentations and tastebud delighting flair.

In addition to happy hour specials offered daily from 4-6 p.m., Magnolia has a lineup of weekly food specials from Jensen and his team. 110 S. Madison Ave., daily 4-10 p.m., (509) 862-6410.

Masselow’s Steakhouse. With nine primegrade steaks and the best seafood oceans and rivers have to offer, Masselow’s Steakhouse continually provides the “wow” factor.

With an outstanding array of mouth-watering cuisine, an extensive wine selection and true Kalispel Hospitality, Chef Tanya Broesder and her team create a special experience you won’t soon forget. 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights, (509) 481-6020, WednesdaySunday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., masselows.com.

No-Li Brewhouse. Family

owned and fully independent, the No-Li team comes to work every day to make great beer in the artisan, hands-on tradition. Beer that does justice to the natural resources around us. Beer that wins awards and gathers folks together in conversation and celebration. 1003 E. Trent Ave. #170, (509) 242-2739, Sunday-Thursday 12 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., nolibrewhouse.com.

Park Lodge. Chef Philip has been cooking for more than fifteen years in fine dining establishments in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Paris, and Spokane. His philosophy

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toward food is one of careful consideration— recipes should highlight the ingredients. The dishes at Park Lodge attempt to help others develop the same love and respect he holds for the ingredients they are provided with. 411 N. Nettleton St., (509) 340-9347, Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-9 p.m., parklodgerestaurant.com.

Piccolo Kitchen Bar. Under the same roof and owners of Hay J’s Bistro, Piccolo Kitchen Bar offers a welcoming, casual experience while serving topnotch brick oven artisan pizza, as well as other deliciously orchestrated plates. Come for happy hour appetizers and pies alongside a great craft beer, wine, and cocktail selection. A personable and eccentric staff will ensure a good time. 21718 E. Mission Ave., (509) 926-5900, daily 3-9 p.m., piccolopizza.net.

Republic Pi.

Republic Pi was founded in 2015 in the Manito Neighborhood. With a heart for community and a passion for food and drink, the menu and space were curated to bring people together. Running at over 700°, our wood-fired oven allows us to create each pizza with the utmost care. We source the highest quality ingredients to bring our own twist on Neapolitan influenced cuisine.

Wood-fired pizza, craft beer, local wine, hand-crafted cocktails. Republic Pi was truly built for the people.

611 E. 30th Ave., (509) 863-9196, daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m., republicpi.com.

Roger’s Ice Cream & Burgers. Roger’s Ice Cream & Burgers was established in 1940 in Moscow, Idaho and moved to Coeur d’Alene in the 80’s. It is a wonderful part of Coeur d’Alene history. Roger’s is not typical fast food. All the food is cooked fresh to order.

Your order may take a little longer, but it will be worth it! 1224 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, (208) 930-4900, 403 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, (208) 773-6532, 8833 Hess St., Hayden, (208) 772-6205, Sunday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., rogersicecreamburgers.com.

South Hill Grill. South Hill Grill is a laidback bar and eatery with a spacious patio that will soon be converted for all seasons.

The restaurant serves American staples for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and strives for the ‘wow factor’ for their guests. Sushi rolls are served on dry ice and set aflame. 2808 E. 29th Ave., (509) 536-4745, daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sushi.com. Sit at the sushi bar and enjoy what’s fresh or take a table and explore the menu that also includes plenty of excellent hot options if raw fish still makes you nervous. Some of our favorites are the super white tuna and the house tempura. 430 W. Main, (509) 838-0630, Monday-Thursday 11

a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

The Onion Taphouse & Grill. It all started in 1978 when they introduced the first gourmet burger in Spokane. Their first menu had more than forty kinds of exotic burgers, taking Spokane by storm. Today, their menu has grown, but their commitment to only using the finest ingredients, thoughtfully prepared fresh, by trained chefs remains the same. 302 W. Riverside, (509) 747-3852, (takeout only) daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 7522 N. Division, daily 11 a.m.10 p.m. (509) 482-6100, theonion.biz.

The Finest Mexican Food in

Washington!

The Swinging Doors. A

family-owned business, The Swinging Doors has been a part of Spokane for more than 30 years. Their restaurant offers huge portions and a wonderful atmosphere second to none in the Spokane area—along with a sports bar with fifty televisions to watch all your favorite sports. 1018 W. Francis Ave., (509) 326-6794, theswingingdoors.com.

Three Peaks Kitchen + Bar. Named after the three prominent peaks outlining the Spokane Tribe’s homeland, Three Peaks is the Spokane Tribe Casino’s premier dining destination.

This upscale casual eatery features weekend brunch, as well as lunch and dinner specials all week long. Discover your new favorite Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m. every day with amazing patio seating, local and regional wines, as well as $2 drafts with 20 taps to choose from. Visit spokanetribecasino.com for menus, details and to make a reservation. 14300 W. SR-2 Hwy., Airway Heights, (509) 818-1547, Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wandering Table. The team at Wandering Table has an insatiable appetite for cooking and creating food. They love what they do. And they consider this restaurant their restaurant.

This is their way of cooking what they want to cook, and Wandering Table is how they share the food they love to eat. 1242 W. Summit Pkwy., (509) 443-4410, Sunday-Thursday 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 4 p.m.-10 p.m., thewanderingtable.com.

Yards Bruncheon. The team at Yards Bruncheon figured out how to extend the weekend to all week by offering brunch everyday. This modern diner is a combination of breakfast and lunch complimented with classic brunch cocktails. Their menu features comfort food from all over using local farms and producers in the season. They make most of their menu items in-house, including their pastries, which are some of the best around. They also feature some of the best coffees and teas from around the world. 1248 W. Summit Pkwy., (509) 2905952, daily 8 a.m.-3 p.m., theyardsbruncheon. com.

14201 E Sprague Ave Spokane Valley (509) 927-8428 3209 E 57th Ave South Hill (509) 448-3834 RanchoViejoMexican.net

16208 E Indiana Ave Spokane Valley (509) 922-0770 VaquerosMexicanSV.com

dine-in take-out

DECEMBER 2020 / BOZZIMEDIA.com

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AD INDEX

14TH & GRAND SALON 180 BAR & BISTRO 509 DESIGN AARP AFFINITY FRENCH BULLDOGS ARISTA POINT BERRY BUILT DESIGN INC.

12 32 103 79 37 46 99 BEST WESTERN PLUS PONDERAY MOUNTAIN LODGE 44 BOARDWALK BOUTIQUE 57 BOZZI VENUES 84-85 BRIDAL COLLECTIONS 57 BROADWAY COURT ESTATES 75 BRYANT KATHY - EXL REALTY 70 CALIFORNIA CLOSETS 16 CASUAL SPACES FURNITURE 61 CHRIST KITCHEN 73 CLONINGER DDS BROOKE M. 89 CLOSETS NORTHWEST 107 COEUR D' ALENE CASINO 9 COMPLETE SUITE FURNITURE 113 CONNIE SELLS SPOKANE LLC 103 CRAFTED TAPHOUSE 18 CUSTOM MEDICINE MD 43 DAA NORTHWEST AUTO BODY CENTER 117 DANIA FURNITURE 7 EUROPRO AUTOMOTIVE 121 FORM ARCHITECTURE 121 GALLAGHER LAW OFFICE 92 GANDER AND RYEGRASS 131 GLP ATTORNEYS P.S. INC. 67 GOLD SEAL PLUMBING 109 GREAT FLOORS 13 GREEN LIGHT SPOKANE 23 GRIZZLY GLASS CENTERS 107 HDG ARCHITECTURE 33 HOSPICE OF SPOKANE 82 HOTEL INDIGO 49 INDABA COFFEE BAR 124

45 INLAND NORTHWEST DENTAL GROUP 55 JACOB'S CUSTOM LIVING 39 JAMES AND KATHY MANGIS 2 JEWELRY DESIGN CENTER 111 JILL KLINKE-WINDERMERE 111 JOEL'S LAWN CARE 11 K9 COUNTRY CLUB 89 KAI MORIMOTO PLASTIC SURGEON 75 KANGAROO AUCTION 92 KEVIN A KING DDS 131 LE CATERING 105 LIBERTY PARK FLORIST 76-77 LIFESTAGE 29 LOCALS CULTURE HOUSE 105 LORI PETERS REALTOR 75 LOVE IN HOME SENIOR CARE 55 LUXE. SALON AND SPA 91 MAGNUSON ORTHODONTIC 15 MARIO AND SON 47 MARYHILL WINERY 109 MECHANICS PRIDE AND AUTOMOTIVE 124 MOM'S CUSTOM TATTOO & BODY PIERCING 30 MULTICARE 123 MYER AND MYERS CONSTRUCTION 4 NO-LI BREWHOUSE 115 NOOK INTERIORS LLC 5 NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO 68 NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN THRIFT STORE 61 ODARA MEDICAL SPA 44 OLYMPIC GAME FARM 86 OWSLEY PLASTIC SURGERY 142 PARK LODGE 17 PARTNERSHIP FOR ENERGY PROGRESS 123 PAULA'S POCKET REAL ESTATE PICCOLO'S HAY JAY'S BISTRO & THE BUTCHER BLOCK 139 POTTERY PLACE PLUS 62 RANCHO VIEJO 143 RARE COIN CO. 53

Back Cover REMAX OF SPOKANE 50 RIVERFRONT PARK 73 RIVERVIEW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 117 RL MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY 68 ROCKWOOD RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 93 SHRINERS HOSPITAL 81 SHYBEAST LLC 91 SICILIA CHIROPRACTIC 59 SIMPLY NORTHWEST 53 SKYDIVE WEST PLAINS 46, 119 SO CLEAN COMMERCIAL 142 SOUTH HILL GRILL 27 SOUTH HILL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 63 SPICEOLOGY SPOKANE CENTER FOR FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY 25 SPOKANE OVERHEAD DOOR 119 SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO & THREE PEAKS 3, 141 STEEL BARREL TAPROOM 28 STIFEL FINANCIAL GROUP 83 STONE GROUP 12 SUNNY BUNS 27 SUSHI.COM 139 THE BOHEMIAN SPOKANE 65 THE CHILDRENS CHOICE DENTISTRY 93 THE KIDDS PLACE 83 THE NATIVE PROJECT 71 THE ONION/AREA 51 TAP HOUSE 129 THE SWINGING DOORS 53 TUMBLE LAUNDRY COMPANY 82 UNION GOSPEL MISSION 81 UNIVERSITY CHIROPRACTIC 70 UP SCALE ESSENTIALS 67 WANDERING TABLE 124 WENDLE FORD NISSAN 99 WESTWOOD GARDENS 67 WINDERMERE- WYNIA NANCY 94 YARDS BRUNCHEON 124

COMING IN THE JANUARY 2020 ISSUE:

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CLARKSVILLE/santa claus

clarksville

by Doug Clark

Doug Clark is a Spokane native and lead singer/ songwriter for his band, Trailer Park Girls. He recently retired from The Spokesman-Review after writing three columns a week for more than 30 years.

A Tale of Clausmic proportion Sorry, kids. Hate to be the anthracite

lump in the ol’ argyle, but…

You-know-who ain’t coming to town.

Nope. Nada. Not this Covid-crazy Christmas.

“I’m hibernating,” huffed Santa Claus during an exclusive interview with Clarksville. “The world has gone to hell.

And I want to live awhile longer.”

It’s for the best, I suppose. After all, who fits the pandemic profile for a respirator more than a jolly old fat guy?

Cookies and milk. Year after year.

Cookies and milk.

Kringle’s cholesterol level must be more toxic than a Real Housewives reunion.

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BOZZIMEDIA.com / DECEMBER 2020

But before going any further, let’s address the 80-pound elf in the room.

Namely, why would a heavyweight like Santa waste time jawing with a flyspeck like me?

Allow me to explain. For years now, I’ve had this odd cell number stored in my iPhone. Don’t know when I got it. Can’t remember who gave it to me.

But there it is nonetheless, sandwiched in my contacts between Sanchez and Saxton.

One name: “Santa.”

So on a recent afternoon, with the decorative days of December looming, I called it.

“Hello,” boomed a voice laced with

merriment. “This is Santa. Leave a message or you’ll be on the Naughty List. Ho! Ho! Ho!” I explained who I was and that I wanted to know whether Santa’s plans had been Scrooged thanks to all the mask donning and non-gathering.

A few minutes later my phone sounded the country gold ringtone that drives my lovely wife, Sherry, bonkers.

“I’ve. Got. A. Tiger by the tail, it’s plain to see…”

Suddenly, it was happening. I was yakking with The Man himself.

-The line separating passion from obsession is sometimes thinner than a shoplifter’s alibi.

In the case of James Gamache, however, you dear readers can judge for yourselves.

Suffice it to say that sometime around the century’s turn, the Spokane man filled out the proper paperwork and paid $125 to have his given name changed legally to...

Santa Claus.

Now 71 and living near the Oregon Coast, Claus gave his reasons for why he decided to jump the reindeer.

First, as the accompanying photo verifies, you’d be hard pressed to find a more apt doppelganger for the popular concept of Claus ala Coca-Cola ads, countless Christmas movies, and Norman Rockwell art.

I can so relate. If it weren’t for lacking the uncanny resemblance part, I would’ve long ago changed my name to Ryan Gosling.

Secondly, Claus was already a member of the Santa-for-hire trade.

“I’ve worked with 60 other guys who also changed their name to Santa,” Claus explained, adding that he was the only one he knew of in Oregon.

Claus said his immersion into Father Christmas grew out of his work as a photographer. One of his regular photo gigs, he said, was a holiday shoot with a high-profile store Santa in Portland.

Clark’s humor and general-interest commentaries have won scores of local, state and regional honors along with three awards from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

He can be reached at dougclarksville@gmail.com.

Despite being just 46, which is young for a typical working Santa, his hair and beard were already turning white. Portland Claus was so taken by the photographer’s, um, North-Polar potential that he urged his friend to give it a go.

Why not? Returning to Spokane, Claus said he attended a Santa audition for NorthTown mall and was hired on the spot.

He soon realized he had found his calling.

“The first kid that gets on your lap, that just hooked me,” he recalled. “It’s magic.”

No cheesy costumes allowed. Claus dropped $100 on a pair of black leather riding boots he found in a thrift store.

He hired a seamstress to sew a Santa suit worthy of his luxurious long and snowy locks.

A year later found the future Claus holding court at the Spokane Valley Mall.

He was discovered there in a way that reminds me of one of those Hollywood legends. You know, the one where the producer spies the busty sweater gal sipping milkshakes at the counter of a diner.

According to Claus, there were talent scouts back then who roamed the shopping arenas looking for quality Santas. Who knew?

One of them asked Claus if he’d like to make better dough and do some traveling.

No need to ask twice.

“My fourth year and I’m in New York,” he said.

I asked Claus if any memories from the Big Apple stood out.

I wasn’t disappointed. He told me about two women who endured a two hour-plus line to sit in Santa’s lap. Once situated, they “whispered all kinds of things about how they wanted to take me home and do naughty things to Santa.”

(Insert lewd “ho” joke here.)

For those of you keeping score at home, Claus said that none of their Christmas wishes was fulfilled.

Other recollections are more Babes in

Toyland, thankfully.

The little boy who asked for a weed eater so he could whack the landscape with his daddy. The shy little girl who didn’t speak but gave him a butterfly kiss.

“I was there several years when they pulled me out and sent me to a fancy mall in LA. I started doing cities all over the United States.”

Claus said he logged 13 years on the road until the economy soured.

The booking companies “started screwing the Santas,” he said. “I decided I’d rather go home and work for free.”

-Looking as he does makes Claus a magnet for attention whether it’s December or July. And if someone gets wind of his name?

Santamonium breaks out.

“It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do,” said Judy Russell, the significant lady in Claus’s life. “If you’re traveling with Santa, you become the center of attention.”

I loved hearing Russell’s perspective. She offered an affectionate look at being with an icon.

Say they go to a restaurant. Within minutes, Russell said, the whispers and not-so-subtle looks will start. “Usually it’s women,” she added.

At a certain point, Russell will borrow her partner’s driver’s license. She then will march over with ID in hand, and declare: “He doesn’t just look like Santa Claus; HE IS SANTA CLAUS!!”

Next thing you know, free drinks might arrive. Or maybe chatty strangers will come over and pull up a chair.

“It turns into a party,” she said. “As long as you’re not in a rush, it’s fun.”

Life, alas, isn’t always a sleighride over

the river to grandma’s house. As with any relationship, there are times when Santa will get on Russell’s nerves.

“But I’d never kill him,” she added with perfect comic timing.

“Couldn’t handle the headline.”

Speaking of which: “Santa Arrested for Drinking and Driving in Idaho.”

That’s one of the many headlines that appeared regarding the January night in 2016 when Claus journeyed to Post Falls to see a friend play music in a bar.

The North Pole would have been a safer bet than North Idaho.

There was nothing overly remarkable about what happened. Claus consumed some beers before climbing into his PT Cruiser and heading back to Spokane.

The cop who stopped him claimed he was driving on the wrong side of the street.

Claus said he was just unfamiliar with navigating Post Falls.

You can guess what happened next.

Sir, can I see your driver’s license?

Holy (bleeping) Jingle Bells!

Claus was booked, his photo taken. He appeared in court. Being a first offense, the charge was shriveled to misdemeanor reckless driving. Claus pleaded guilty and paid a $700 fine.

After much media hubbub, however, he figured it was “time to just quit and retire.”

Not that such a thing is possible.

In non-Covid times, Claus still enjoys appearing at worthy venues like the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Although any day can be Christmas wherever he goes.

Little kids will “pick him right out,” said Russell. “You could have 20 men all with white hair and white beards. But the kids always know—this one is Santa Claus.”

157 S. Howard, Suite 603 Spokane, WA 99201