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W

ell before Gonzaga University became the basketball powerhouse it is today, the Jesuit school in Spokane was known for its prowess in another sport: football. Dive into the history of it all with this week’s cover story profiling the “Gray Ghost” of Gonzaga, TONY CANADEO. The Chicago-born son of an Italian immigrant, Canadeo took a chance in 1937 to head west and play football at Gonzaga, then sometimes called the “Notre Dame of the West.”

Joining the varsity team as a sophomore, Canadeo quickly proved his talents on the field and became a national football star. In 1939 he was named an outstanding Italian American athlete alongside some even more familiar names: Joe DiMaggio and Ernie Lombardi. After graduation in 1941, Canadeo was drafted by the Green Bay Packers; he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1974.

“His story is a glimpse of a forgotten time, when they played college football on Gonzaga’s campus and scholarship athletes still had to work for their tuition,” writes local Zags and Packers fan David Parks. “For too long now, Canadeo has been the forgotten Zag.” Read more on page 18.

— CHEY SCOTT, Editor

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The Warren, which opened its 139 units on the corner of Riverside and Browne in 2022, is a good example of new construction filling an underutilized plot of land. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

Breaking New Ground It’s too easy for Spokane land speculators to sit on their property without redeveloping it; land value taxation could break the logjam

BY ANTHONY GILL

R

eading legislative agendas isn’t usually an interesting exercise.

Prepared to showcase an organization’s priorities and give guidance to staff, cities often use these formal documents to list projects for which they are seeking state funding or bills they’d like to see passed by the legislature.

They’re helpful to direct lobbying efforts, but unless you work in government, they’re not usually a topic of public conversation and debate.

That’s what made Spokane City Council’s document for Olympia’s legislative session, set to get underway in the coming days, so interesting.

While it includes the usual capital budget requests and a laundry list of “priority issues,” one proposal from the legislative agenda has attracted genuine

curiosity, from council members, members of the public and even a niche group of online economics nerds: a pilot program allowing the city to test a land value tax (LVT).

Let me explain.

Washington’s property tax system is one of the most convoluted in the country, which has inspired many calls for reform over the years. But at the most basic level, it levies the same tax rate on both the land itself and the buildings on top of it. A land value tax, by contrast, would either not tax buildings at all, or establish a separate rate for land and improvements. Broadly speaking, it’s a form of property tax based on land value alone, without considering the value of the buildings and other improvements on top of it.

For the owner of a typical single-family home in a typical neighborhood, this system would almost certainly result in slightly lower property taxes. But for the owner of a vacant lot in downtown or a burgeoning district like Garland or South Perry, property taxes would likely go up.

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uring its meeting in December, council members debated the potential benefits and burdens of such legislation, apparently out of genuine curiosity, passionate interest and, in some cases, a well-intentioned fear of unintended consequences.

Council member Jonathan Bingle, for example, expressed a fear that it could result in increased property taxes in his generally lower-income district. Council member Kitty Klitzke, on the other hand, noted that this model would eliminate the tax penalty that comes from, for example, adding a bedroom to your home as your family grows, or adding an in-law apartment above your garage.

Personally, I find the concept tantalizing for another reason: It would help address an issue that has hampered redevelopment in downtown Spokane for decades.

Currently, more than a third of downtown land is occupied by surface parking. Over the past few years, local officials, like former Council President Ben Stuckart, have tried to encourage developers to build new housing there through creative use of our existing incentive tools. But they’ve been hampered by our state’s broken tax code. Fundamentally, because these lots don’t have any buildings on them, property taxes are relatively cheap, allowing owners to “sit” on plots of land even in extremely desirable locations, like adjacent to Riverfront Park.

…Pittsburgh experienced a substantially higher level of new construction than similar Midwestern cities without land value taxation.

A land value tax would tax this property more fairly based on its valuable location, penalizing speculators and instead incentivizing owners to get busy and redevelop the land. Developers would also not see a tax penalty for construction, meaning they’d be incentivized to include as many housing units or as much office space as zoning allows.

This development effect is borne out from real-world experience. When the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago analyzed Pennsylvania’s land value tax system, for example, it found that even controlling for factors like differences in the economy, Pittsburgh experienced a substantially higher level of new construction than similar Midwestern cities without land value taxation. This should help assuage the concerns of the business community, which might fear the uncertainty of a new model for taxation.

W

ashington’s property tax system isn’t going to change overnight, and there are many conversations and debates to be had about how to set up the most equitable structure that stabilizes government funding and supports economic growth. The legislature also has a lot of priorities this session, including preparing for a second Trump administration and closing a roughly $15 million budget deficit. Indeed, even Spokane’s request for a pilot program relies on a generous interpretation of the state constitution’s requirement for “uniform” taxation.

But as legislators return to Olympia, they’d be wise to think beyond nibbling around the edges of a broken system that results in perverse outcomes and instead begin planning for — and piloting — the larger reforms we need. n

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JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 7

POLITICS

What will be funded by the Washington Legislature this year?

Heading To Olympia Washington lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session in a budget year with a new governor

BY VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ

T

he Inland Northwest is buzzing with state lawmakers making their rounds to speak with city leaders and community members about the upcoming legislative session and how to best represent Eastern Washington in the Washington Legislature.

Taxes, public safety, housing, and cost of living are top of mind for recently reelected officials. Some familiar faces are moving to new positions. Democratic state Sen. Marcus Riccelli is moving up from the House to replace former Sen. Andy Billig in the 3rd Legislative District, which covers most of the city of Spokane. In the 4th Legislative District, which stretches from Spokane Valley in the south to Elk in the north along the Idaho state line, Republican state Sen. Leonard Christian will move up from the House to replace longtime Sen. Mike Padden.

Reps. Suzanne Schmidt, R-Spokane Valley, and Mike Volz, a 6th District Republican covering most of western Spokane County, are also returning to Olympia with lofty goals to represent the interests of their constituents. Their return to Olympia will allow them to build on work from

8 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

previous terms and craft bills they hope will gain bipartisan support when the session starts on Jan. 13.

BUDGET YEAR

It is budget season in Olympia because Washington operates on a two-year budget cycle known as a fiscal biennium. Although the 2025 legislative session hasn’t started yet, outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee has released his proposed operating budget of $79.4 billion for 2025-27.

According to the state Office of Financial Management, or OFM, agency budget requests for public schools, higher education, the Department of Social and Health Services, and other departments total more than $83 billion.

Those totals don’t include spending on transportation or capital projects, which are covered in two separate budget plans. (The current transportation budget is about $14.6 billion, and the capital construction budget is about $10 billion.)

Even with Inslee’s budget proposal coming in lower

than agency requests, the expected budget deficit is between $10 billion and $12 billion over the next four years, according to Pat Sullivan, the director of OFM. The Legislature may need to make cuts and roll back funding for some programs because state tax revenues are not keeping up with the rising costs of current programs.

Public school funding is expected to see the deepest cuts, with Inslee’s proposal coming in roughly $2 billion short of what was requested. The 2023-25 operating budget included nearly $31 billion for K-12 education.

It is still unclear how Governor-elect Bob Ferguson will proceed with budget requests, or if he will choose other areas for cuts.

Inslee has proposed a “wealth tax” that would generate $10.3 billion over four years. The 1% tax on residents with global wealth exceeding $100 million would affect approximately 3,400 of Washington’s wealthiest to make up for the budget deficit.

Changes to the state’s Business and Occupation, or ...continued on page 10

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 9

NEWS | POLITICS “HEADING TO OLYMPIA,” CONTINUED...

B&O, tax would also raise about $2.6 billion by increasing the tax rate on approximately 20,000 companies with annual incomes of more than $1 million in the “service and other activities” category. According to Inslee’s office, all B&O taxes would also increase by 10% starting in January 2027; however, some small businesses are not expected to be affected by that rate change.

The proposed budget and new “wealth tax” have Rep. Christian concerned that Democrats in Olympia are exaggerating the deficit as a pretext to raise taxes. He is concerned that the cost of living for Washingtonians will increase with the proposed taxes.

“Nobody really has any idea of a number [for the deficit], but what I saw is we’re about 4 [billion] as a state,” Christian says. “It’s easier and more dramatic to say that we’re $15 billion in the hole, then you have the right and the reason to raise taxes.”

There are concerns the deficit could balloon to $15 billion due to new public employee contracts.

Sen. Riccelli was appointed as the Senate majority floor leader and will be pivotal in fighting for Eastern Washington within the Senate Democratic Caucus. His work will involve referring bills to committees and selecting the order in which bills are debated and discussed on the floor.

Riccelli expects a challenging budget process. However, he is ready to work in a bipartisan manner to address the unique needs in Washington.

“A budget is a reflection of our values as a state, and it concerns me greatly when there is a high need for so many things and so many priorities that people are looking at, from housing security to food security, health care and our schools,” he says.

Riccelli’s sentiments were mirrored by Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, who says there is a need to carefully scrutinize existing spending and commitments and consider trade-offs with additional revenue to fund the desired investments.

Pedersen says the budget shortfall reported by OFM is not the biggest in state history, but is substantial and is not just an excuse to raise taxes, as some colleagues across the aisle suggest.

Rep. Volz says the mismanagement of the state budget shouldn’t come at the taxpayers’ expense and wants the Legislature to look at staffing levels in state government to reduce spending and inefficiencies before going to taxpayers for money or cutting needed services.

for veteran housing because many settle in the region thanks to Fairchild Air Force Base.

“That’s definitely something I would support,” Volz says.

Rep. Schmidt says she supports the funding for a new Veterans Home and would support the legislation when it makes its rounds from the state Senate to the House floor.

Riccelli says a new facility is needed, and he’s working in a bipartisan fashion with Christian to make sure the funding for the Veterans Home is passed.

“It’s time for a new Veterans Home,” Riccelli says.

“Though there’ll be some federal investment, we have to secure some state investment to go along with that.”

TRANSPORTATION

In his budget proposal, Inslee stated, “A funding gap for highway projects will require legislators to explore options to adjust delivery timelines or funding.” Inland Northwest lawmakers want to protect projects in the Spokane area.

According to Spokane Trends, nearly The North Spokane Corridor is LETTERS 39,000 veterans call Spokane County home, a 10.5-mile freeway that will connect Send comments to including Sen. Christian, a United States Interstate 90 to U.S. Route 2 and U.S. editor@inlander.com.

Air Force vet who is involved in veterans’ Route 395 in Spokane. The schedissues. He is working on legislation to uled 2030 completion of the project is shore up $8 million in funding to establish a new Veterans a top priority for Riccelli, who wants to defend investHome in Spokane County. ments in the region.

Christian points to the Post Falls Veterans Home, Riccelli will serve on the Senate Transportation completed and opened in 2023, as a model for what Committee and says there is a significant gap in fundSpokane could expect. The 85,000-square-foot facility is ing for several transportation priorities in Washington. a 64-bed skilled nursing facility with a community center, Christian also wants to see funding for the North chapel, therapy room, sports club, multiple common Spokane Corridor continue. areas, and a bistro.

“I know the funding has been promised to Spokane “They put together a really nice new soldiers home, folks for a long time,” Christian says. “So, I’m hoping and I would like to see Spokane be able to do the same,” that I can work with 3rd District representatives and Christian says. senators to make sure that the funding for the freeway The price of land has gone up, but Christian says if is still there.” land is purchased, the federal government is expected to Schmidt sits on the House Transportation Comcover 60% of the building costs for a new home. mittee and says she will fight for transportation projects Christian has support from his colleagues in the rein Eastern Washington. She also wants to ensure the gion, including Volz, an Army veteran who sees the need freeway is completed.

VETERANS

10 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

“I’ll be working diligently to follow that [project] and make sure that that freeway is completed and the funding is there,” Schmidt says.

OTHER PRIORITIES

Christian wants to work on legislation to change Washington’s three-day waiting period for marriage licenses to allow for immediate processing in extreme situations.

He says he had a dying friend who was with their partner for two decades and wanted to ensure their partner received benefits after their death by getting married, but time wasn’t on their side.

Christian advocated for his friend by having Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton waive the county’s separate three-day waiting period, but she informed Christian that state law still required a three-day waiting period. Christian’s friend was able to hold on for three days, but passed away shortly after the marriage was official.

Riccelli expressed a strong urge to finish work he started in the lower chamber to provide universal free meals for students. Riccelli’s House Bill 1238 was passed into law in 2023. This school year, it requires schools with at least 30% of students (in kindergarten through fourth grade) qualifying for free or reduced meals to provide meals at no charge to any student who requests breakfast or lunch.

Another bill Riccelli worked on to provide complete universal meals for students failed to pass the Legislature because of the total cost. But he still wants to close the gap of about 300,000 students in Washington who don’t have access to free meals.

“We know that hungry kids can’t learn and won’t thrive, and we know there’s more disruptions in the classroom and more sickness occurs when kids aren’t fed and nourished,” Riccelli says.

Riccelli also plans to introduce a bill that would prevent reported medical debt from affecting credit score reporting. He says medical debt is a leading contributor to bankruptcy and impacts a person’s ability to rent an apartment.

Volz says he plans to propose a property tax reform bill to freeze assessed property values if the owner is 65 or

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older. He will also pursue personal property tax exemptions for small businesses and sponsor a bill limiting the governor’s emergency powers.

Schmidt has been busy, already pre-filing four bills. Among them, House Bill 1085 seeks to improve school safety by extending penalties for those who make violent threats at extracurricular events. The bill builds on Schmidt’s previous House Bill 2079, which passed the House but not the Senate last legislative session and would have added fines and jail time for those who intimidate or attack referees.

EASTERN WASHINGTON’S VOICE

The bulk of Washington’s population is in Western Washington, which means that area gets more representation in the Legislature, but Spokane County is the fourth most populous county in the state.

Eastern Washington legislators say leadership roles and critical committee positions help give Spokane County and Eastern Washington the chance to prioritize goals for this region.

“I fight really hard for our district,” Christian says. “I was on the Capital Budget [Committee] before, and I mean, I was constantly sponsoring projects and going out and fighting for them.”

Schmidt says she’s one of the first women to be involved on the House Capital Budget Committee. She plans to utilize her role to be a voice for Eastern Washington and regional governments’ priorities.

After speaking with the cities of Spokane Valley and Spokane, Schmidt hopes to figure out how to give some control back to local municipalities by removing state regulations that impact city and county decisions in Eastern Washington.

Riccelli says it’s vital to have someone like himself, from the area east of the Cascades, on the leadership team because he can be the voice for regional stakeholders. He explains that one policy doesn’t always work for every part of the state, and he can express any concerns for Eastern Washington.

“I would say, first and foremost, I’m an advocate for my community and the constituents that elected me,” Riccelli says.

“It is important to have a regional perspective as well, and those are the things that I like to bring to the table.” n victorc@inlander.com

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The Waste to Energy Facility burns Spokane’s garbage to convert it to electricity. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

Support from the State?

Inland Northwest officials ask lawmakers to fund behavioral health, recreation and clean air

BY COLTON RASANEN

A

s Washington lawmakers prepare to return to the state capitol for the start of the 2025 legislative session on Jan. 13, local officials have been presenting their legislative agendas in hopes of getting financial support or state policy changes. From increased tax distributions to heightened funding for regional recreation, we’ve gathered some of the most pressing priorities from Spokane County and the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley.

12 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

WASTE TO ENERGY FUNDING

Spokane’s Waste to Energy Facility, which incinerates solid waste and transforms it into electrical energy, is a major player in the city’s waste stream. Every day, the facility handles 800 tons of our garbage and in turn produces more than 60,000 watts of electricity. In a year, that equals about 22 megawatts, which is enough to power about 13,000 homes.

Burning waste can emit harmful greenhouse gases, which makes these types of facilities subject to the state’s Climate Commitment Act, or CCA. Passed in 2021, the landmark climate law requires the state’s top polluters to purchase emission allowances equal to their greenhouse gas output and to reduce emissions over time.

In its list of legislative priorities for 2025, Spokane County argues that the area’s residents will

CANNABIS TAX DISTRIBUTION

pay $8 million annually due to the CCA regulations. The county is asking the Legislature to introduce an exemption into the landmark climate law that would be similar to the current exemption for landfills.

The city of Spokane, however, has asked the Legislature for help bringing the facility into compliance with the law, rather than help changing the law, says Spokane City Council member Paul Dillon.

“With the Climate Commitment Act passing, that did include the phase out of the Waste to Energy Facility because it wasn’t seen as compliant with this clean energy legislation,” Dillon says. “The proposal that we’re working on would include funding for technology to bring it in compliance with state law.”

The facility was built in 1991 as an alternative to placing landfills above the region’s main water source, the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. Dillon says that if the facility shuts down due to costs incurred by its noncompliance with state climate law, the city’s waste would instead be transported to a landfill in Adams County.

“I don’t think that Spokane dumping its waste in a poor rural community is a solution that anybody should support, so we’re at this inflection point,” he explains. “I think the way to move forward is to invest in new technologies such as carbon sequestration.”

When Washingtonians voted to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012, the initiative included a hefty 37% excise tax on its retail sale.

In fiscal 2024 (July 2023 through June 2024) there were more than $1.2 billion in retail cannabis sales, which brought in about $455 million in retail excise taxes, according to the state Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Currently, only 5% of that collected tax is distributed back to the cities and counties that retail stores are located in, based on population. The rest is either placed into the state’s general fund or used to pay for state health care services, licensing, education and recreational cannabis research.

In 2024, Spokane County received more than $850,000 from those excise taxes.

Spokane Valley separately received $281,566 of the cannabis excise tax, but city officials think the distribution should be higher — four times higher, to be precise.

The Spokane Valley City Council is advocating for the 5% distribution to be increased to 20%.

“We are seeking a formulaic change in the sense of how much money comes here,” Spokane Valley City Council member Al Merkel said at a Dec. 17 meeting.

“We’re not looking for an increase in the taxation. I think that the 40% taxation that has already been provisioned is a sufficient amount. It’s just that the amount should be distributed more equitably.”

This request to the Legislature is also partially in response to the way these taxes have been distributed to other services, Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley says.

“When it was legalized, the tax was supposed to go to the schools. Well, now they say the schools are short on money, and the money just goes into the general fund. It doesn’t go towards the schools,” Haley tells the Inlander.

“They were also going to send money back to the local jurisdictions to help with public safety costs. They didn’t do that either. So it’s a lot of promises and a lot of that not happening.”

If the Legislature agrees and chooses to increase the local distribution, Haley says Spokane Valley would likely use the extra funds for public safety.

Currently, Spokane Valley only has three retail cannabis shops due to city legislation passed soon after recreational marijuana was legalized. Haley says her City Council predecessors were worried about problems surrounding potential retail cannabis shops.

Though she hasn’t spoken with the rest of the City Council about this, Haley says her gut feeling is that even if the state increased the distribution, the city probably wouldn’t increase the amount of retail stores allowed.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Addressing addiction and behavioral health is paramount for the Inland Northwest. While the rest of the country is seeing some improvement in the fentanyl crisis, Washington has seen conditions worsen. That’s why both Spokane County and the city of Spokane are asking the Legislature for funding to help shelter people and enhance services for those in crisis.

Council member Dillon says the city is also fighting for emergency inclement weather funding.

“Spokane is home to so many services in the region and we do not have enough funding,” Dillon says. “We do not have the resources to keep up with the need.”

If supported by the Legislature, this would provide money for shelter and other necessities homeless people might need during extreme weather conditions. “Extreme weather” usually refers to the hottest days in the summer and the coldest days in the winter, but Dillon says this funding could also be used in the event of wildfire smoke.

Spokane County is hoping to collect $3 million from the state’s opioid settlement funds to expand the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center, or SRSC. These funds would be used to include a 23-hour crisis relief and sobering center within the stabilization center, which is required by a law taking effect on Jan. 1.

“The expanded SRSC will offer a comprehensive suite of services within a single facility, creating a seamless continuum of care that significantly lowers barriers to access,” a county document about the expansion states. “This model is designed to ensure individuals can transition smoothly between services as their medical needs dictate, representing a pioneering step forward in addressing the complex needs of the community’s most vulnerable populations.”

RECREATION REQUESTS

Both Spokane County and Spokane Valley are asking the Legislature for money to pay for enhanced sports facilities.

A $1.5 million request from Spokane County would fund new turf fields with lights at the Plante’s Ferry Sports Complex along the Spokane River and East Upriver Drive. The 95-acre sports complex already includes 13 soccer fields and five baseball diamonds.

Current funding will already build nearly 200 new parking spots, stormwater drainage and sidewalks. If the request to the Legislature is approved, these new lighted turf fields would extend the playing season.

In the Valley, City Council members hope to receive $800,000 to build two basketball courts and two pickleball courts at Balfour Park across from City Hall.

“I think it would be very nice for our families and the schools to improve our park like this. I know the schools are very positive about doing that so that they can utilize them as well,” Haley says. “When we have done surveys with our citizens, this type of improvement pops to the top of what they want in their city, so that makes it top of what we want.”

Spokane Valley has also applied for state grants — $2 million from the Land Water Conservation Fund and $500,000 from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program — to build a new playground and water spray park at Balfour. Both of these require legislative approval before they can be finalized, which is why the city added this request to its 2025 agenda.

OTHER ASKS

There are only four agencies in Washington that provide regional search and rescue helicopter services. In Eastern Washington, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office provides these services from the Canadian border all the way down to the Oregon border. The county is asking for $10 million to help fund these services in Spokane, Chelan, Snohomish and King counties without “overly burdening the taxpayers of these four counties.” This request is also supported by Spokane Valley’s legislative agenda.

Spokane County is also requesting $20 million to fund water treatment systems in the West Plains, to address wells contaminated with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Exposure to these “forever chemicals” can cause a variety of health issues, including cancer.

“Commissioner [Al] French has been working with partners at the local, state and federal level to address PFAS since it was discovered on the West Plains in 2017,” Spokane County Communications Director Pat Bell says via email. “Most recently, he has been working with Ecology on the filtration systems as a short-term solution until a new long-term water supply can be brought to the West Plains.” n coltonr@inlander.com

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 13

The caption goes here. FULL NAME PHOTO

COMMUNITY

Grannies Gone Wild The SpoGrannies invite local women to celebrate life with a golden perspective

BY MADISON PEARSON

T

hey say that as we grow older, we lose our inhibitions. We begin to say what we feel more often, becoming bold and unapologetic.

While they’re many years away from being AARP eligible, when Nicole Mowbray, Heather Connor and Courtney Polimeni went to a grandma-themed bachelorette party, they felt those feelings while wearing grey, curly wigs and orthopedic shoes.

“It was extremely liberating,” Polimeni says. “We had this overwhelming sense of freedom among a group of people we didn’t know. We were uninhibited in a way that we don’t feel walking around as ourselves.”

After that bachelorette weekend, the trio decided to do it all over again, but this time without a specific reason.

They invited coworkers to join them and took the Spo-

14 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

Most don garish prints, frilly blouses, thick-rimmed glasses kane nightlife scene by storm — walkers, canes and all. and outlandish costume jewelry. Some women wear bald “We realized that not only is it freeing for us and caps and suspenders for more of a grandpa aesthetic. we’re having fun, but the people at the bar we were at Filling a side room or two at Zola, their laughs can would walk by and talk to us,” Connor says. “They were be heard over the music. The grannies’ joy is infectious, so full of joy and asked if it was possible for them to join garnering smiles and cheers from passersby. Some pull next time.” out old-fashioned dance moves, often holding their lower The group created such a stir that they made the backs as if in pain.

Instagram page Spokane Grannies The SpoGrannies make it clear that (@Spogrannies) where they now post F O L LOW T H E they’re not poking fun at older people, but updates and invite other women to join SPOGRANNIES admire their unapologetic nature. them on their faux elderly escapades Instagram: @Spogrannies “We feel like now’s the time to invite about town. other women into this, into our flock of Taking on these liberated personas, wiser women, and we can get them to experience the the group is often found on the dancefloor at downtown freedom that comes from putting on that cloak of being bar Zola, dancing the night away in their granny garb.

an older person,” Mowbray says So far, the group has gone out together to play arcade games and party at bars. You can do anything as a granny if you’ve got the gall. So, for SpoGrannies, the possibilities are endless when it comes to future events.

“We really hope to expand this,” Mowbray says. “We have a lot of momentum right now and just want to reach other women at this point. We want people who don’t have a group of friends to come with to come solo. We want people to experience the joy of connection and meeting new women and feeling supported by a group of women.”

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ll three founding members of SpoGrannies work in health care at local hospitals and have worked with the aging community, seeing firsthand the freedom and joy that some people experience in the later years of their lives. It’s exactly what the group finds liberating about transforming into their elderly alter egos.

GOLF SUITES

SpoGrannies founders, from left to right, Heather Connor, Nicole Mowbray and Courtney Polimeni hang out at Zola, one of the group’s favorite spots. ERICK DOXEY PHOTOS “It’s a beautiful thing to be at a stage in your life where the only person you care to impress is yourself,” Polimeni says.

“Sometimes you meet a woman who has achieved that. She is true to herself in a way that you hope to be one day and she tends to be an older woman. She’s gone through the gauntlet and doesn’t spend time caring about things that don’t really matter.”

The trio, clad in beaded glasses chains and compression socks, have no shame or fear of going out into the world looking older than their true age (in reality, the members range from women in their late 20s to 40s). In fact, they look forward to drawing on wrinkles and peering over their bifocals all night. Dressing and acting older than they appear has helped the group value the decades they still have before they’re truly elderly.

“You’re never going to be here again,” Polimeni says. “Health is fleeting and it’s not guaranteed. You don’t get to be in this moment again and you’re as young in this moment as you’re ever going to be. We don’t want to waste it.”

The trio also mentions the lasting impact the COVID pandemic had on the nightlife scene, and how SpoGrannies is a needed bright spot.

“Being able to connect with other people in the community after going through something so difficult as a collective, that’s been a really neat thing, to see people feeling reconnected again,” Connor says.

“Through shared experiences with a lot of our patients, [we know] that time is precious,” Polimeni adds. “The shared human experience of understanding that we are not forever is what kind of drives us to try and enjoy this moment as much as possible.” n

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JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 15

Treat yourself at Patera with a non-alcoholic libation or vegan tart.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

OPENING

New Year, New Me Patera Temperance Lounge brings an alcohol-free space and libations to East Sprague

BY DORA SCOTT

T

he new year marks our annual reset, a chance to make resolutions and reflect on our daily habits.

For some, that means cutting back on alcohol for Dry January or swearing it off altogether.

If you want a night out on the town and a fancy nonalcoholic drink — preferably one that isn’t just overpriced juice — consider visiting the newly opened Patera Temperance Lounge.

Located on East Sprague in the Sprague Union District, Patera’s black building features a cheery yellow sunflower that pops out to greet passersby. The mural, painted by artist Desmond Boston, showcases co-owner Annie McGuinness’ love for everything botanical.

Entering the building, you might be taken aback by its quirky layout. Guests first walk through an industrial interior patio area sparsely decorated with long benches and heaters that’s used for vendor events, but can be opened up for outside seating in warmer weather.

To the left is the door to Patera’s sit-down lounge area.

The sunflower color scheme follows you inside, reflected in the mustard yellow of the cushions and walls and in the rich green-colored benches and chairs. A L-shaped couch fits snug in one corner, perfect for those who want to cozy up with a book.

The personality and interests of McGuinness and Darold Miller, her fiancé and co-owner, permeate the space.

Their love for J.R.R. Tolkien is evident, as some of his works rest on the coffee table, and clearly Princess Mononoke is a Studio Ghibli favorite, with illustrations from the movie hung on the walls.

More than anything, it feels as though you’ve stepped into a modern day apothecary, or perhaps a witch’s kitchen, with Wiccan depictions of bonfires and dancing under a full

16 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

moon, herbs and spices lining one wall in the kitchen area, and dried wreath decor created by McGuinness’ friend.

“I wanted it to be vibrant but cozy in here,” McGuinness says. “I wanted people to feel like it is a comfortable, safe space for them.”

A

t Patera, McGuinness is a one-woman band.

She makes all of the bitters and syrups for her plant-based drinks by hand, cooks all of the food and desserts, and is the only one ringing up customers throughout the day.

The bar’s most popular botanical beverage, Lavender Libation ($10), is the first drink the owners crafted and also the first thing listed on the menu. The drink can be served hot or cold upon request, with the cold version served in a coupe cocktail glass and garnished with a lavender sprig.

The color is a pale purple and it includes blueberry elixir, lavender, sage, licorice root and a coconut cream froth.

Patera also touts a selection of elixirs with kava ($14), a plant root traditionally prepared and drunk ceremoniously in Polynesian culture.

“Kava is a member of the pepper family, so it is not spicy but it does have some similar analgesic, pain relieving compounds to it, so it will make the tip of your tongue or the roof of your mouth a little numb, not completely and not overwhelmingly,” McGuinness says.

The recent hype around the root has misguided many into thinking that it can get you high or has an inebriating effect like alcohol.

“So kava does have noticeable effects, being that it is very relaxing, calming and anxiety relieving,” McGuinness says. “It’s anti-inflammatory for your nervous system, so it kind of brings you out of fight-or-flight and just kind of

back into presence in your own body.”

Those who like its unique, parsnip-like taste, can order kava straight in a shot form ($4).

If you want something to wake you up, Patera inherited an espresso machine from the building’s previous inhabitant, Pine Heart Cafe. It allows for a coffee menu consisting of espresso ($3.50), Americano ($3.50), cortado ($4), latte ($5.50-$6.50) and more, featuring beans locally roasted by Peaceful Valley Coffee Co.

Patera owners Annie McGuinness and Darold Miller.

A cornerstone of Patera is the selection of hand-blended herbal teas, served in a personal teapot ($5). McGuinness purchases or wildcrafts (picks from the wild) all of the herbs. Even those she purchases have been foraged from the Northwest.

Patera has an all-vegan food menu, but McGuinness highlights how many of the patrons who enjoy it aren’t vegan. The most popular dessert in their cold case is the mango chai tart ($5) which resembles a pumpkin pie, with rich spices and topped with whipped cream and syrup.

McGuinness was inspired to make tarts using the fruit leftover from making syrups and other beverage components. The fruit isn’t cooked down, maintaining its naturally occurring vitamin C and other antioxidants.

If you’re wanting something savory to balance out a sweet drink, Patera also has a variety of grilled sandwiches like the herbivore melt ($10) made with an herb and roasted garlic cashew cheese spread and vegan provolone, and the Patera Flame ($15) with chipotle cashew and black bean spread, chorizo Seitan sausage and pickled onions. No grilled “cheese” is complete without a soup of the day ($5-$7).

M

cGuinness was born and raised in the Inland Northwest, and has always been interested in plants.

“I can remember as a kid being very into making potions and things like that,” she says. “It was just kind of something in the background of my mind that was something that I thought was cool and fun that I didn’t think that I could devote my life to.”

She initially thought her calling would be in health care, working as a nursing assistant in a palliative care facility, but her passions and challenges directed her toward the medicinal uses of plants.

“I spent many years being quite the alcoholic, and I think I thought that nursing school and being a nurse would kind of redeem me of all of the previous life choices that I had made,” McGuinness says. “Working in health care, I saw that people weren’t really being healed. They were being stored.”

After witnessing how little of a role nutrition and food plays in Western medicine, McGuinness decided to use a plant-based diet and remedies to tackle some of her own health issues.

“For me, temperance means being more aware of the choices you’re making in your life.”

Her mobile botanical beverage business, Loving Libations, was born from this passion for herbalism and also seeing an increased demand for non-alcoholic beverages. With Loving Libations, she catered a variety of events and tested people’s interest in the concept. Her following grew and gave her the confidence to open up a permanent business.

McGuinness’ father suggested the name Patera, and she immediately loved it. She explained how a libation, though commonly used when referring to alcohol, is actually an offering for a deity in Roman culture, often a beverage or elixir which can take many forms.

“It’s something that you created with the intention to serve a higher power and connect with that higher power. And in Roman culture, a patera is the vessel that those libations are served in,” McGuinness says.

The temperance part of the business name alludes to it being a sober space, but encompasses more than just sobriety from alcohol.

The literal definition of the word means “balance and moderation,” which the owners view as applicable to all areas of life.

“For me, temperance means being more aware of the choices you’re making in your life that are numbing you or making you want to numb yourself,” says McGuinness, giving examples such as scrolling on our phones, shopping and drinking.

“If you choose to not drink for a night, it doesn’t mean that you quit drinking,” she continues. “If you choose to eat vegan food for a day, it doesn’t mean that you’re a vegan. So I think places like this help people kind of just be more aware of the choices they’re making, and not feel like they are jumping to the other side.” n Patera Temperance Lounge • 1507 E. Sprague Ave. • Open Tue-Fri noon-8 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-8 pm • Instagram: @pateralounge • 509-906-4973

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 17

SPORTS

THE FORGOTTEN ZAGS TRUE STORY: Gonzaga used to have a football team, and Tony Canadeo was their John Stockton

Tony Canadeo in 1952 GREEN BAY PACKERS PHOTO

This is not a deepfake: For nearly 50 years, from 1892-1941, Gonzgaga had a football team, with a 13,000-capacity stadium in the shadow of St. Al’s. GONZAGA UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES PHOTO

18 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

BY DAVID B. PARKS

Y

oung Tony Canadeo was an unlikely star on the Steinmetz High School football team on the north side of Chicago.

Although just 5-foot-8 and 150 pounds, he was fast and had great football instincts — he played both offense and defense, and even punted and kicked field goals. He had a passion for football, and his appetite for playing only grew stronger. But in 1937 America, there was no recruiting the way we know it today — mostly just word of mouth and maybe an invite to try out for a college team.

As graduation approached, Canadeo thought about summer work. His older brother, Savior (“Savy”) attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. Savy found Tony a summer job in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he met “Tiny” Cahoon, the De Pere High School football coach. Over that

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SPORTS

The 1939 Gonzaga Football team went 6-2 led by Tony Canadeo (No. 13), Ray Hare (33), Cecil Hare (4), and coached by Puggy Hunton (second row, second from left in a suit). GONZAGA UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES PHOTOS

“THE FORGOTTEN ZAGS,” CONTINUED... summer, Canadeo learned that Cahoon had played football for a school somewhere out West — Gonzaga University — and was a teammate of that team’s current coach, Mike Pecarovich. Cahoon was a big Gonzaga supporter, and he did some of that word-ofmouth recruiting, encouraging many of his players to check out the Bulldogs. Eventually Canadeo decided to give Gonzaga a try.

So in late August 1937, Canadeo and his high school teammate Mo Solka headed to Spokane in a Packard. The trip opened Canadeo’s eyes to the beautiful Western sights, from the foothills of the Dakotas through the mountains of Montana and Idaho.

Six flat tires and seven days later, they arrived at Gonzaga, enthralled with the beauty of the campus and the city of Spokane. After checking into Desmet Hall, Canadeo was welcomed by the Jesuits and the faculty, and he visited the 13,000-seat football stadium. As he looked upon the impressive playing field, little did he or anyone know that this football field would provide the platform for the future stardom of an unknown Italian from Chicago. Canadeo would put Gonzaga athletics on the national map, and, eventually, ensure the future of the Green Bay Packers as one of the greatest franchises in all of football.

But in those days, first you had to make the team.

As a freshman, there was no guarantee, and Canadeo was nervous, competing with 90 other athletes with the same dreams. But after two long TD kickoff returns in practice, he was quickly awarded a scholarship and a spot on the roster. He could keep his scholarship as long as he fulfilled the requirement that he work at the

20 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

school for two weeks of every month.

The rest? He’d have to earn that himself.

THE LAND OF PROMISE

It all began on May 5, 1919, when “Little Tone” was born, the son of Anthony Sr. (“Big Tone”) and Katherine Canadeo. With his parents’ permission, “Big Tone” had left his home in southern Italy at age 13 with his uncle to immigrate to the U.S. — “the land of promise.”

Anthony grew up and eventually met Katie; they raised four boys and a girl in an ethnically diverse neighborhood in North Chicago. Anthony became a streetcar motorman, while Katie raised the family with a deep Catholic faith, work ethic and values that respected others. They were proud Italians who loved America.

As “Little Tone” grew up, he played sandlot baseball and football and was an avid Cubs and Bears fan.

With his buddies, he would sneak into Wrigley Field to watch his favorite teams play. His favorite players were Bronko Nagurski, a burly, bruising fullback who intimidated opposing players, and Beattie Feathers, a small, fast, shifty halfback who was the first NFL player to rush for over 1,000 yards — a feat unthinkable in an era of 11 games.

At Steinmetz High, Canadeo was popular and named team captain. He ran the 100-yard dash in 10 seconds flat and became a versatile, all-around great player. In his senior year, he led Steinmetz to the Chicago Sectional championship, falling just short of victory.

After leaving his family behind in Chicago and

enrolling at Gonzaga, he first had to adjust to the Jesuit way, as the school was guided by the principles of the Ratio Studiorum, a set of rules outlined by the most prominent Jesuit educators. There was firm discipline, order and religious commitment to the moral objective of developing and strengthening character in their students to be gentlemen with good manners. Canadeo committed himself to this Christian education training and the Gonzaga goal of “preparing its sons for the battle of life… spiritually, mentally and socially.” These principles would have a profound effect on Canadeo.

But Canadeo chose Gonzaga due to its rich and growing football history; some even called it “The Notre Dame of the West.”

Gonzaga football was established in 1892 by Dr. Henry Luhn. A physician by trade, Luhn was Notre Dame’s first football captain and GU’s first-ever football coach. While recognized in 1988 with entry into Gonzaga’s Hall of Fame, Luhn and Gonzaga football are all but forgotten today. In fact, most folks only know it existed from an ironic T-shirt that states, “Gonzaga Football: Undefeated since 1941.”

After Luhn, Gus Dorais became head coach, serving from 1920-24. Dorais played for Notre Dame, and in 1918 was “co-coach” with Knute Rockne, who coached the lines while Dorais coached the backfields.

In 1919, the “Fighting Irish” decided to name one head coach. A coin flip between the two best friends determined who it would be. Rockne won the toss.

So Dorais, to the benefit of Gonzaga, moved West to become head coach.

In four seasons, Dorais produced outstanding

Boxing was a huge sport in those days, and of course Tony Canadeo (third from the right) was on the 1941 squad with teammates (left to right) Joey August, Joe Romane, Bob Zappone, Vic Felice, Jack Zappone, Tony Felice, Ernie Fairleigh and Earl McCanna.

teams with players like Houston Stockton, Ray Flaherty and Mike Pecarovich. Dorais’ Bulldogs played in the 1922 East-West Bowl against West Virginia and were undefeated in 1924.

BIG ZAG ON CAMPUS

In 1937, freshmen were not allowed to play varsity, so Canadeo played under Coach Claude McGrath on the frosh team. Having filled out to 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, he improved his speed, agility and skills, developing as a slashing halfback with sharp cuts, shifting gears and the natural ability to spin out of tackles. Those skills would serve him well in his varsity years and beyond into his professional career.

Immediately, in his first varsity game as a sophomore, Canadeo made a powerful impression. Donning jersey No. 13, he scored four touchdowns, including a 55-yard sprint down the middle of the field.

As a newcomer to college football, he quickly gained national attention with the “Outstanding Play of the Week” — a 105-yard kickoff return against rival Washington State, followed by another 102-yard return against Loyola the next week.

The fans and press went wild over his feats, but Canadeo humbly gave credit to his teammates, like Ray and Cecil Hare. One writer described Canadeo’s runs as “a symphony in rhythm as he glides in easy, floating motion, changes pace quickly and smoothly, then bursts into speed in a step. He is dangerous from any place on the field.”

That sophomore season, at the ripe old age of 20, Canadeo inherited an unusual characteristic when his hair started to turn gray.

Sportswriters and teammates took notice and, combined with the elusive running that caused defenses to miss tackles, earned him the nickname “ghost.” Consequently, the nickname evolved into “The Gray Ghost of Gonzaga.”

Despite Canadeo’s being named to the Liberty All Pacific Coast

First team, Gonzaga finished 1-7, and Coach Pecarovich departed, to be replaced by Coach “Puggy” Hunton, a Gonzaga High School coach whose teams won seven city high school championships.

The year of 1939 was both ominous, as Germany invaded Poland, and exciting, with color movies like Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz hitting theaters. At Gonzaga, the combination of Coach Hunton and Tony Canadeo was about to produce its own kind of excitement.

Canadeo became the star of the team and one of the best on the West Coast. In their first two games of 1939, the Bulldogs suffered road losses to WSU and St. Mary’s. Next, they traveled to Lubbock, Texas, to play powerful Texas Tech, which was favored by three touchdowns. Gonzaga won 6-0 with Canadeo throwing the lone touchdown pass. ...continued on next page

The Oct. 11, 1939, edition of the Gonzaga Bulletin built up the hype for the Bulldogs matchup with Idaho. They called Tony Canadeo “the ghost” or “spook” because his moves were so sweet that few could tackle him. Soon, when he started going gray prematurely, they called him “The Gray Ghost.”

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 21

SPORTS

One writer described Canadeo’s runs as, “a symphony in rhythm as he glides in easy, floating motion…”

Pro football looked a lot different in the 1940s. Tony Canadeo (center, dark No. 3 jersey) was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and quickly became one of the NFL’s top players. He took two years off to serve in World War II, but played 10 seasons from 1941-52. GREEN BAY PACKERS PHOTO

“THE FORGOTTEN ZAGS,” CONTINUED...

As their train returned to the Great Northern Station in downtown Spokane, the student body, alumni and fans welcomed the team home as they swarmed the station. They yelled, screamed, snake danced and sang, with the pep band throbbing along in the background.

As each player got off the train and walked to the awaiting bus, the passionate fans cheered and sang the school fight song and followed the team to Boone Avenue for more celebration.

During the following week, the team autographed the game ball and sent it to Gonzaga alumnus Bing Crosby, who was a huge supporter of Gonzaga football.

The victory over Texas Tech was the turning point that season, as they won the next five in a row and outscored their opponents 94-7. The mighty Bulldogs traveled to Eugene and defeated an Oregon team (the Webfoots) with sights on the Rose Bowl, 12-7. Canadeo scored both touchdowns. Again, the team received a huge welcome in Spokane and were hauled into the Fox Theater where Coach Hunton and Canadeo were singled out on stage and received a standing ovation.

The next week, the Bulldogs traveled to Montana to defeat the Grizzlies 23-0. But just after leaving the field, Canadeo was informed, right in the locker room, that his father, 47-year-old “Big Tone,” had died. He sobbed on the bench at his locker, devastated and heartbroken. His teammates lifted him up and put him on a direct flight from Missoula to Chicago for the funeral.

Canadeo stayed with the family for a week as they all assessed how to take care of their mother, Katie. Together, they agreed that Canadeo should return to Gonzaga and

22 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

finish his education while the siblings would all pitch in to support their mother.

The Bulldogs finished with a 6-2 record, and, along with being named an All American, Canadeo was recognized along with Joe DiMaggio and Ernie Lombardi as one of the outstanding Italian American athletes of 1939. In his senior year of 1940, he was again named to the All American team for small colleges, making it two years in a row. Many regarded him as the best halfback in the nation.

GREEN BAY CALLING

On May 21, 1941, 21-year-old Canadeo graduated with a philosophy degree, planning to eventually pursue a career in military aviation after adding a graduate coaching degree at Gonzaga. However, back in Green Bay, where that summer job played such a pivotal role, Curly Lambeau, the Green Bay Packers coach, had different plans. He made Canadeo the 77th overall pick in the 10-team NFL draft.

Curly valued Canadeo’s versatility and thought he would be a good complement to wide receiver Don Hutson. Lambeau, who co-founded the Packers in 1919, quickly created the NFL’s strongest offensive passing team. When Canadeo joined Green Bay, the Packers (along with the Chicago Bears) dominated the NFL with, at one point, five championships in 12 years. Green Bay was often compared to “David” vs. Goliath, as the tiny town of 40,000 residents competed and more often defeated the big city teams of New York (7.5 million),

Chicago (3.4 million) and Philadelphia (2.0 million).

From the first day that he met Lambeau to the day that Lambeau left the Packers in 1950, Canadeo had the utmost respect for Curly as his boss and a “hell of a coach.” Lambeau gave him the No. 3 Navy blue jersey with gold pants (Notre Dame’s colors).

Canadeo impressed immediately in Green Bay. In the 1941 season opener, he scored a touchdown, was the leading rusher and did all the punting in a 23-0 win over Detroit. By then 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Canadeo broke two bones in his left hand that day. That didn’t stop him the following week, when he threw a TD pass to Hutson, ran for a touchdown and intercepted a pass against Cleveland in a 24-7 win.

Next came the Bears. The rivalry between the Packers and Bears was unlike any other. Both teams dominated in the same league. To say that the Packers got up for a game against the Bears was a gross understatement. Beating the Bears was like winning a separate championship.

On this given Sunday, 46,000 attended, and upon Canadeo’s first time carrying the ball he remarked, “I came up spitting teeth.”

The Bears won the game, but the Packers reciprocated in November at Wrigley Field, where Canadeo’s Chicago friends all showed up to cheer and harass him from the stands. At the end of the season, the two teams were deadlocked at 10-1 and the Bears beat the Packers in a playoff game and went on to win the 1941 NFL championship over the New York Giants. ...continued on page 24

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JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 23

SPORTS

Coach Curly Lambeau drafted Tony Canadeo (left), pictured with teammates Don Hutson (No. 14) and Irv Comp.

Hutson, Lambeau and Canadeo are all in the NFL Hall of Fame. GREEN BAY PACKERS PHOTO

“THE FORGOTTEN ZAGS,” CONTINUED...

The end of the season was marked by the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and America’s entry into World War II. This would change the nation in profound ways, as most of the young men of America dropped what they were doing and left home to serve in the armed forces. Football was no longer a priority.

People wonder what happened to football at Gonzaga University. World War II, that’s what happened. Due to lack of players, support and funding, Gonzaga and other Jesuit universities ended their programs — and they never came back.

So 1941 remains football’s final year at Gonzaga, but the sport planted seeds of athletic excellence at the school.

Some 50 years later, those seeds sprouted again, this time across a wide spectrum of sports, most notably basketball.

As it was in Canadeo’s times, Gonzaga athletics once again inspires awe across the American sports landscape.

A HALL-OF-FAME CAREER

The NFL continued, but team size reduced from 33 players to 25, and few were spared from service. Even George “Papa Bear” Halas was called to duty. Canadeo kept playing in the scaled-back NFL for the 1942 and ’43 seasons, and he was named NFL First Team All-Pro. In 1943, Canadeo was hitting his prime. This leap might be attributed to his newfound love and marriage to Ruth Toonen on Oct. 11. Ruth was an enormous inspiration, and together, over 60 years of marriage, they would raise a wonderful family of three sons (Bob, Tom, Tony Jr.) and two daughters (Mary Kay and Nancy).

24 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

In 1944, Canadeo was called to serve and left Ruth and the Packers for Fort Bliss, Texas. He trained to be an antiaircraft serviceman. Ruth was pregnant, and Canadeo was allowed to return home to visit her for the birth of their son, Bob. During his leave, Canadeo was able to squeeze in three games for the Packers. The Packers finished the season as champions, defeating the New York Giants in the first and only NFL championship in his 11-year career.

In 1945, Canadeo and his division were shipped to England to help finish the war against Hitler. They moved through France and Belgium, just behind the Western Front in Germany. He witnessed the surrender of the Nazi government. Following the war cleanup and mustering out, he returned home safely in the spring of 1946 to Ruth and their son. And to football.

The 1946 Packers were a vastly different team, with only six teammates returning from the 1943 team. Don Hutson retired to become assistant coach, and Lambeau’s single-wing strategy was archaic and overrun by the new T-formation. Still, the Packers stayed competitive, finishing 6-5.

When the 1947 season started, Canadeo assumed the leadership role of the Packers. While fans were eager for another championship season, the Packers fell short, finishing with another 6-5-1 season. In 1948, the Packers suffered their worst season in history, finishing 3-9.

The loss of all the veterans and talent due to the war and retirements caught up, and the team fell into disarray.

However, Canadeo would not be denied another stellar All-Pro year, setting up for the 1949 season, which

would be Canadeo’s finest. At age 30, when modern NFL running backs are retiring, Canadeo, in excellent shape, had a flaming desire to carry the team back to its winning tradition. When the season was over, Canadeo became the first Packer and the third player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards.

Despite his phenomenal season, the team’s downward spiral hit bottom when Lambeau retired, leaving the Packers with a 2-10 record. But the team’s woes didn’t diminish Canadeo’s amazing year. He was one of that era’s NFL greats.

The end of 1949 and the season of 1950 were filled with turmoil and discontent. The Packers started the rebuilding process with a new coach and new players.

It would take a decade for the Packers to resume their winning ways. Canadeo hung in with the changes for the 1950 (3-9), ’51 (3-9) and ’52 (6-6) seasons, mentoring younger players. In the 1952 season, after 11 years, he decided it was time to retire.

Canadeo played his last game in Chicago at Wrigley Field, with friends in the stands watching. The Packers pounded the Bears 41-28, and his teammates presented him the game ball.

On Nov. 23, the Packers declared “Tony Canadeo Day,” holding a ceremony before a home game against Dallas. He was honored by several present and retired players and received a new Chevrolet station wagon from the Green Bay community. The Packer Band played the Gonzaga fight song and presented him a “salute letter” from Bing Crosby. In addition, the Packers bestowed the highest honor on him as they had with Don Hutson,

Gonzaga’s Ray Flaherty (right) played eight seasons in the NFL and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as a head coach. He won two NFL championships with Washington and invented the screen pass.

Flaherty’s teammate at Gonzaga, Houston Stockton (below right), played five seasons in the NFL and won a championship with the Frankford (PA) Yellow Jackets in 1926; Stockton’s grandson John became an NBA Hall of Famer.

The six Green Bay Packers who have had their jersey numbers retired loom over the concourse at Lambeau Field. DAVID PARKS PHOTO

“Little Tone” even has a street named after him in Green Bay. GREEN BAY PACKERS PHOTO

by retiring his No. 3 jersey, never to be worn again by another Packer player. In fact, while the Packers have 33 NFL Hall of Famers, Canadeo is one of only six in the team’s century-plus history to have his jersey retired.

The Packers defeated the Texans that day, and the season ended at 6-6. “The Gray Ghost of Gonzaga” hung up his cleats, holding many Packer records including being the leading all-time rusher. (Even all these decades later, he still ranks fourth in rushing yards.)

BACK IN THE HUDDLE AGAIN

Like most NFL players of that era, Canadeo’s favorite day was “game day,” but his least favorite day was “payday.” He played for the love of the game and didn’t make much money; all NFL players had jobs to support their families. Thus, upon retirement from football, Canadeo dove into his new role as a salesman for Production Steel. As expected, he was a top salesman, dedicated and focused.

Then, in 1955, football came calling again when Canadeo was named to the Packers Board of Directors. He was an adviser on construction of the new city stadium completed in 1957. So impressed was Packers President Dominic Olejniczak that he named Canadeo vice president and member of the executive board of the Packers.

This executive position made Canadeo one of the generals of the Packers organization — a group that would turn the 1960s-era Packers into one of the

Later in life, Tony Canadeo (above) became part of the Packers brain trust; his golfing partner was fellow NFL Hall of Famer Vince Lombardi.

Canadeo passed away in 2003. GONZAGA UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES PHOTOS

greatest dynasties in American sports history. Canadeo played a major role in recruiting Vince Lombardi to be Green Bay’s new coach. Both feisty Italians, the two became very close friends, golf partners and confidants.

Their spouses and families became close as well. With Lombardi running the Packers from 1959 to 1967, the Packers won five NFL championships; the Super Bowl trophy is named for him, as he continues to be considered one of the greatest coaches ever.

In 1974, Canadeo was awarded the highest honor given to any professional football player. He was enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Out of all the NFL players, there are only 378 with this honor. The only two Gonzaga players to be inducted into the NFL and NBA halls of fame are Canadeo and John Stockton. Ray Flaherty, who played at Gonzaga in the 1920s and won three championships as a coach and player for the New York Giants, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as a head coach.

Canadeo’s legacy shines most brightly inside the Green Bay Packers organization. After all, unlike at Gonzaga, they still play football. Canadeo is remembered in Green Bay with the highest respect and regard in the Packer organization and among fans whose sense of history runs very deep. Canadeo also holds the longest record of service with the Packers, spanning 60 years. That organization’s enduring excellence has people like Canadeo, Lambeau and Lombardi written all over it.

But Canadeo’s story also reflects his time at Gon-

zaga, as he lived his life by the principles that Gonzaga’s faculty, coaches and Jesuits taught him. His story is a glimpse of a forgotten time, when they played college football on Gonzaga’s campus and scholarship athletes still had to work for their tuition. For too long now, Canadeo has been the forgotten Zag. Somehow, someway, when a fan looks up into the rafters of the McCarthey Athletic Center, it seems fitting that there be a spot to recognize the great Tony Canadeo and the late, great Gonzaga football program. Let’s make this happen: The jersey numbers of Gonzaga football legends like Houston Stockton and Ray Flaherty should join Tony Canadeo’s No. 13 and hang from the rafters for all Gonzaga fans to see. They earned it. n

David B. Parks has raised his family in Spokane since 1989; he can be reached at DP@parksmedical.com. He loves the Zags, but the Packers are where his Midwest roots started 60 years ago. As a Packer season-ticket holder since 2018, his curiosity about the “Gray Ghost of Gonzaga” led him to write this piece to benefit the fans of Gonzaga Athletics. Along with interviewing Tony Canadeo Jr. and his family, he relied on the great work of David Zimmerman and his book In Search of a Hero: The Life and Times of Tony Canadeo. Special thanks to Stephanie Plowman, Gonzaga’s Special Collections Librarian, for her help in producing this story.

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 25

YEAR IN REVIEW

The Best Movies of 2024 Our critics share their 10 favorite films of the year

BY SETH SOMMERFELD, JOSH BELL, CHASE HUTCHINSON, MARYANN JOHANSON AND NATHAN WEINBENDER

T

he movie industry might not be at the height of its powers in the streaming age, but it’s still a vital part of our pop culture ecosystem. I mean for goodness sake, a gothic remake of a silent 1922 vampire (Nosferatu) movie raked in $11.5 million in a single day… on Christmas. There’s still a joy in talking with friends about a new film you saw and loved (or hated), whether a blockbuster or indie gem.

With that in mind (and acknowledging that some of us haven’t seen certain acclaimed releases like Nickel Boys and The Brutalist because they won’t arrive in Spokane cinemas until early 2025), here’s the diverse slate of 2024 films that the Inlander’s film critics were most enthused to gush about.

NATHAN WEINBENDER

10. A Different Man 9. Rebel Ridge 8. Kneecap 7. Good One 6. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 5. Anora 4. Challengers 3. La Chimera 2. His Three Daughters 1. A Real Pain It always comes to this: the painstaking task of narrowing everything I’ve seen in a year down to a mere 10 titles, (somewhat arbitrarily) ranking them, then twisting my brain into knots to find something that thematically links my choices.

But the longer I do this, the more I’ve learned to just go with my gut. I could intellectualize the process, but why pretend? These are the movies I’ve found myself thinking about the most, that I’d most like to see again, that I’ve most often recommended to friends who inevitably ask, “Seen anything good lately?”

26 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

I’m reflecting now on the flourishes of magical realism in La Chimera and His Three Daughters; the visual and emotional gymnastics of Challengers; the electricity of Mikey Madison’s performance in Anora; the immense vision of George Miller’s fifth Mad Max film, Furiosa, contrasted with the intimate focus of India Donaldson’s debut Good One. My favorite of the year is Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, which I didn’t expect to love so much. It starts like a bad joke. Two estranged Jewish cousins go on a trip. Then it gets serious. They’re on a heritage tour of Poland, where their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, was born.

All the way through, A Real Pain walks a deceptively tricky tonal tightrope. It’s about psychic wounds, on scales both personal and generational, but it’s also, somehow, very funny. Eisenberg’s and Kieran Culkin’s performances find grace notes in these prickly, demanding, complicated characters. That the film breezes along so effortlessly is a testament to its modest brilliance.

JOSH BELL

10. The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed 9. Red Rooms 8. His Three Daughters 7. Girls State 6. Nosferatu 5. Rebel Ridge 4. This Closeness 3. Janet Planet 2. The Young Wife 1. The Beast In 2024, I was happy to see filmmakers I’ve long admired get widespread acclaim for their latest films, thanks to Netflix’s vast reach. I’ve loved Jeremy Saulnier’s work on lean, brutal thrillers since walking into his 2013 film Blue Ruin at a film festival, and Rebel Ridge takes his style to a new level, delivering a showdown that emphasizes

the strategic non-lethal violence of its protagonist, played

by Aaron Pierre in a breakout performance. I likewise first discovered Azazel Jacobs via festival screenings, and the writer/director’s His Three Daughters is another finely observed, emotionally affecting drama about complex family relationships, featuring beautiful acting from Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Natasha Lyonne.

I was also disappointed in 2024 that the latest work from Tayarisha Poe and Kit Zauhar didn’t bring those filmmakers that same level of attention. Poe made a striking debut with 2019’s Selah and the Spades, and The Young Wife is just as creative and mesmerizing, starring a luminous Kiersey Clemons as a headstrong woman preparing for a chaotic family wedding in a near-future semi-dystopia. Zauhar’s 2021 micro-budget dramedy Actual People was an equally accomplished debut, and This Closeness continues with her uncomfortably accurate and dryly funny depictions of awkward interactions among Gen Z postgrads.

My favorite movie of the year, Bertrand Bonello’s The Beast, incorporates nearly every element of those other films into an epic triptych spanning centuries and continents, with Léa Seydoux and George MacKay taking on multiple roles. It’s not always an easy watch, but like every movie on this list, it’s more than worth the effort.

SETH SOMMERFELD

10. We Live in Time 9. Monkey Man 8. Wicked 7. 399: Queen of the Tetons 6. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 5. Dìdi 4. Conclave 3. Dune: Part Two 2. Anora 1. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga I don’t like to be that guy, but 2024 was at best a pretty meh cinematic year in my books. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of quality films… just nothing I found to be elite. It’s like one of those NBA Drafts with little topend talent that will produce a bunch of solid role players but no superstars. I’ve been keeping yearly lists on Letterboxd since 2014, and 2024 is the first one without any 4.5 or 5 star movies (and every year prior had at least two).

That said, I had my fair share of great times hitting up the AMC or Magic Lantern. Writer/director/star Dev Patel did the over-the-top John Wick action formula better than the actual John Wick films with Monkey Man. 399: Queen of the Tetons might be one of the best documentaries about modern celebrity culture despite being a movie about a grizzly bear. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice brought Tim Burton’s sense of macabre fun back from the grave. Dìdi so accurately captured millennial teen angst that people in my theater were laughing and yelling “No!” in horror

MOVIE TIMES

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d Max Saga, e Beast, Furiosa: A Ma Th in, Pa al Re A t: lef From d I Saw the TV Glow.

Kinds of Kindness an at the coming-of-age story’s depictions of AOL Instant Messenger alone. Conclave was a thrilling exercise in restrained drama. Dune: Part Two further cemented Denis Villeneuve as the modern king of sci-fi blockbusters. And filmmaker Sean Baker crafted his finest work yet with the dark stripper Cinderella tale that is Anora, thanks in large part to Mikey Madison’s star turn — perhaps the best performance ever that absolutely gave me a headache (complimentary).

But while it doesn’t reach the all-time highs of Mad Max: Fury Road, nothing this year topped Furiosa. George Miller continues to use the big screen as a canvas for his own mad genius, and nothing else matched the thrilling high-octane action scenes of the ambush at the Bullet Farm. The counterbalance of Chris Hemsworth’s cartoonish antagonist gusto as Dr. Dementus and Anya Taylor-Joy’s reserved stoicism properly captured the extremes of the post-acalyptic hellscape, adding another worthy chapter to one of cinema’s best franchises.

MARYANN JOHANSON

10. Nickel Boys 9. Memoir of a Snail 8. Flow 7. Conclave 6. The Seed of the Sacred Fig 5. The Brutalist 4. The End 3. Sasquatch Sunset 2. The People’s Joker 1. Kinds of Kindness Uncertainty, both political and personal. Societal chaos and corruption. Actual apocalypse. My movies of the year all reflect the uncomfortable vibe of 2024: Nothing is working, all our institutions are broken, and collapse feels imminent.

Civil unrest infects family life in The Seed of the Sacred Fig while, conversely, a family struggles to maintain a pretense of normality after literally all is lost in The End. An anguished need to come to terms with the aftermath of unimaginable horrors fuels The Brutalist. The destruction of the natural world is viewed through the lenses of nonhuman beings who had no part in it in Sasquatch Sunset and Flow. Organizations and collective structures we designed to care for us are rife with villainy in Conclave and Nickel Boys. A grappling with one’s own identity when nonconformity invites cruelty informs the gentle plea for acceptance that is Memoir of a Snail and the angry-funny culture jamming of The People’s Joker.

No film better captures the insanity of this moment than the mad monstrosity that is Yorgos Lanthimos’s Kinds of Kindness. The thousand-

yard stare of 21st century existential ennui takes narrative form in three thematically connected, genre-defying tales exploring matters of control and coercion, twisted cultish devotion, and desperation for love and connection amidst it all.

The aspect perhaps most in tune with the current moment is how the film does not try to wring any sense from our collective psychological mayhem — it merely attempts to capture how insane the world feels right now. We are all living in this absurd, perverse, grotesque world, and scrambling for whatever belonging we can find in whatever hellscape we’re wandering.

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10. Longlegs 9. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 8. A Real Pain 7. Fancy Dance 6. Janet Planet 5. Evil Does Not Exist 4. Good One 3. Anora 2. The Brutalist 1. I Saw the TV Glow Osgood Perkins spun a sinister yarn with the meticulous and macabre PNW horror Longlegs.

George Miller built a brilliant epic worth witnessing in all its glory in Furiosa. Kieran Culkin gave a performance for the ages in Jesse Eisenberg’s thoughtful A Real Pain. Erica Tremblay made a fantastic narrative feature debut with the Lily Gladstone-starring Fancy Dance, as did Annie Baker with the joyously bittersweet and poetic meditation Janet Planet. Ryûsuke Hamaguchi crafted yet another essential film with the evocative Evil Does Not Exist. India Donaldson immersed us in an incisive, understated portrait of growing up in Good One. Sean Baker launched us into his best film yet with the astounding Mikey Madison-led Anora. Brady Corbet excavated the rot at the core of the great American experiment with The Brutalist.

While all these films were great, it is Jane Schoenbrun’s exciting and uncompromising I Saw the TV Glow that already feels like it will be the most enduring work from 2024. Their stellar second feature after the also wondrous We’re All Going to the World’s Fair sees the filmmaker painting on a far larger canvas while bringing the same intimate, illuminating attention to detail. It’s a film that never once holds back, taking us deep into the psyche of its central character just as it creates mesmerizingly surreal visuals that burrow their way into your very subconscious. It’s a true gift of cinema without compare as its poetic, profound power grabs hold of the soul itself. n

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JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 27

YEAR IN REVIEW

The Songs That Defined 2024 The Inlander crew spotlights their favorite songs of the year

BY INLANDER STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS “ALL MY EXES LIVE IN VORTEXES” - ROSIE TUCKER

You are simply not going to find a more cutting opening line than Rosie Tucker hollering, “I hope no one had to piss in a bottle at work to get me the thing I ordered on the internet.”

Tucker’s next-level songwriting is on full display throughout the astounding album UTOPIA NOW!, but their cultural criticism is at its most acidic on this ridiculously catchy indie rocker about being a plastic cog in the system of crap capitalism. The weight of moralism versus nihilism weighs heavy on this “middle-sized fish in a pile of plastic wider than Texas” in a world where they’re conditioned to “want everything all at once.” Rocking out to righteous anger isn’t supposed to be this entertaining, but it makes the message hit harder than any dry lecture could. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

“ALREADY GONE” - ORION SUN

Fugee’s-esque in its chiller-than-thou aesthetic, Orion Sun’s LP Orion has been one of the few records that truly held my attention this year. With lush layers of vocals, pocket-deep bass lines, and some of the chillest beats I’ve heard in a minute, Orion has been on repeat since I came across it. While it’s hard to single out one track, “Already Gone” served as my entryway to the album. If you’ve ever been utterly heartbroken on a rainy day, this one’s for you. (TAYLOR WARING)

“A BAR SONG (TIPSY)” - SHABOOZEY

As someone who was in eighth grade when rapper J-Kwon released “Tipsy” in 2004, my Millennial ears instantly perked up when I heard that nostalgic “One, here comes the two to the three to the four” coming over the radio while driving to work one spring day. Only I wasn’t initially familiar with the song borrowing the lyrics. A bit of Googling revealed Virginia’s Shaboozey had given the line a country twist for “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The single sure felt like it was everywhere this summer, with its rousing strings and devil-maycare chorus. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is perfect for rowdy singalongs, on or off Fifth Street.

(AZARIA PODPLESKY)

“BOA” - MEGAN THEE STALLION

There wasn’t another song in 2024 like “Boa.” On the surface, it’s just another killer single in Megan Thee Stallion’s discography, but beyond her cleverly sexy lyricism and unrivaled rap flow there are a couple references that just feel like they were added with me in mind.

For starters, the song samples one of Gwen Stefani’s most iconic songs, “What You Waiting For?” It’s one of the first songs I remember my parents playing in the house, so Meg’s use of the iconic tune is weirdly nostalgic. Plus the rapper’s art direction and the song title are pulled directly from my favorite One Piece character: Boa Hancock, the stunning anime pirate empress. (COLTON RASANEN)

“FOX HUNT” - SIERRA FERRELL

Clockwise from top left: Sierra Ferrell, MJ Lenderman, Chappell Roan, Kendrick Lamar, MAITA, Rosie Tucker.

28 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

Who would’ve guessed that one of the punkest songs of the year would be an alt-country bluegrass track with a hoedown-fiddle-on-fire breakdown and foot-stompin’ hoots and hollers? West Virginian genre trickster Sierra Ferrell packs punk urgency and attitude into “Fox Hunt,” her primal, high-octane ode to hunters who are motivated not by antler trophies or Hinge profile pics, but by their kids’ “rumbling bellies.” “I’m just a hunter / Just tryna survive” belts Ferrell, the high stakes of hunger haunting her notes. It’s the ideal song to hype yourself up before doing what’s difficult yet necessary. “Fox Hunt” was the first single release from Ferrell’s Trail of Flowers, a cohesive, instant classic of a record that was already crowned Album of the Year at the 2024 Americana Awards and that earned multiple Grammy nominations. (ELISSA BALL)

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“HOT TO GO!” - CHAPPELL ROAN

Finally, a “Y.M.C.A.” for the gays! (//knowingly winks at the camera) (SETH SOMMERFELD)

“HOUSE PARTIES” - DAWES

We’re always searching for our true identity. Something, someone, anything that makes us feel like a true part of a collective. This single from Dawes’ newest album Oh Brother makes me crave community in the form of “house parties and local bands” and “yelling at Kanye fans.” With the mantra of “that’s where I belong” ringing throughout, the song urges listeners to embed themselves in something larger than themselves and to discover the true heart of their city, something I’ve tried to do over the past year with the help of Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith’s encouraging words. It’s not complex musically or lyrically, but that’s what makes the song so relatable. It’s a reminder to sink your teeth into any opportunity for connection that you might stumble across. (MADISON PEARSON)

“JOLENE” - BEYONCÉ

Far be it from me to dispute the songwriting of the inimitable Dolly Parton, but my feminist tendencies have no idea what to do with her classic country heartbreaker “Jolene.” Staying with a man who calls the name of another woman while he sleeps? Putting the onus on that woman to keep your man from cheating? I can’t decide if it’s tragically beautiful or devilishly self-erasing to love someone through their infatuation with someone else.

Beyoncé, though, makes it pretty clear what she thinks.

In her 2024 genre bending album COWBOY CARTER, the newly country-fied Queen Bey reimagined Parton’s ballad, no longer begging but warning. “I know I’m a queen, Jolene / I’m still a Creole banjee bitch from Louisiana (don’t try me).” It might be less sacrificial, but selfishly, it’s way more satisfying. (ELIZA BILLINGHAM)

“MEA CULPA (AH! ÇA IRA!)” - GOJIRA

The opening ceremonies of the Paris Summer Olympics were a lot, and some of it absolutely did not work (sorry, Gaga). But French metal dudes Gojira combined forces with opera singer Marina Viotti, a bunch of classical musicians and many, many headless Marie Antoinettes to turn this French Revolution-era tune into a rifftastic jam that inspired many replays on YouTube (more than a billion and counting). (DAN NAILEN)

“NOT LIKE US” & “SQUABBLE UP” KENDRICK LAMAR

Kendrick Lamar dominated the hip-hop conversation in

2024 and bodied Drake with “Not Like Us.” Regardless of where you land on the pair’s rap beef, the song produced

by DJ Mustard instantly solidified itself as a West Coast classic. Lamar continued his banner year with the surprise GNX album, and its first single “squabble up” embraces heavy bass and deep kick unity by using the classic freestyle sample of Debbie Deb’s 80s classic “When I Hear Music,” an essential backyard and party song for Black and Latino communities. Lamar’s lyricism and production taps into the Angeleno lifestyle and accessibly respects the cultural importance and influences of hip-hop.

(VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ)

“SOUNDS LIKE THE RADIO” - ZACH TOP

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How does Zach Top know what country radio sounded like “back in ’94” if he was born in 1997? Well, the swiftly rising star (from Sunnyside, Washington!) had an older co-writer on this wistful track. (Plus, YouTube documents the vintage magic of that Pam-Tillis-and-acid-wash era for youngsters like Top.) “Sounds Like the Radio” sonically nods to Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and Joe Diffie hits. Lyrically, the single specifically praises Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” as well as the iconic hair choice of ‘90s “honky-tonk heroes” like Billy Ray Cyrus, Marty Stuart, and Travis Tritt — the mullet. Much like the party-in-the-back mullet, this song’s “a damn good time.” (ELISSA BALL)

“WAKING UP AT NIGHT” - MAITA

The crushing difficulties of a chronically depressed brain trying to break out of its own cyclical anxiety patterns to get better and find a modicum of peace has never sounded so enchantingly dreamy as it does on this indie rock pearl. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

“WRISTWATCH” - MJ LENDERMAN

As a 27-year-old female, I didn’t know if I was in the target demographic to enjoy MJ Lenderman’s 2024 album Manning Fireworks, an album that — at surface level — falls into the modern “dudes rock” category. But four songs in, I was hooked. “Wristwatch” brings levity and humor and somehow makes the listener feel compassion for this pathetic narrator with a “funny face” that “makes him money.” “Wristwatch” is a vignette of this precise moment in time politically and socially, driving home the point that there’s no hope for self-awareness for these Andrew Tate/ Joe Rogan fanboy types. It details my many frustrations with modern masculinity through killer guitar solos and hilarious depictions of overly brazen dudes while still assuring me that, as long as these guys stay in their “houseboats docked at the Himbo Dome,” maybe everything will be alright in the end. (MADISON PEARSON) n

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JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 29

MUSIC | SOUND ADVICE

LOCAL HARD ROCK OUTER RESISTANCE

T

he first week after New Years Day is typically the slowest week of the year, but the fine folks at The Big Dipper are at least offering up this one hard rocking gig to help satiate live music lovers. Spokane’s Outer Resistance has seemingly been in a hibernation since playing a local metal showcase at the Knitting Factory last May, but the band is sure to emerge from the slumber with hard rock tunes that would sound at home on an early-2000s alt-rock radio playlist. Terms & Conditions rock way harder than its uptight name might imply, and Shadow Thoughts will deliver some prog metal shredding to start off the evening. For those with an exercise-based New Year’s resolution, some extreme headbanging at this show should burn a few calories.

— SETH SOMMERFELD Outer Resistance, Terms & Conditions, Shadow Thoughts • Fri, Jan. 3 at 7:30 pm • $15 • All ages • The Big Dipper • 171 S. Washington St. • thebigdipperspokane.com

J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW J = ALL AGES SHOW

Thursday, 1/2

CHECKERBOARD TAPROOM, Weathered Shepherds J MIKEY’S GYROS, Old Timey Music Jam Sessions J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin

DANCE MIDNIGHTS: TAYLOR SWIFT DANCE PARTY M ourning the end of Taylor Swift’s monumental Eras Tour and not quite ready to face the facts yet? Well Seattle’s DJ Baby Van Beezly is here to fill the Eras Tour-shaped hole in your heart by spinning music by the queen herself (and Taylor’s friends) for this dance party at The Chameleon. This is a great chance to re-wear your sparkly Eras Tour outfit that’s been gathering dust since Ms. Swift was in Seattle over a year ago. Channel your rage into screaming songs from Red and The Tortured Poets Department just how Taylor intended (Jake Gyllenhaal and Matty Healy? You are NOT invited.). Revel in some post-Eras joy with fellow Swifties and dance up a storm in your best dress, fearless!

— MADISON PEARSON

Friday, 1/3

J ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Son of Brad J THE BIG DIPPER, Outer Resistance, Terms & Conditions, Shadow Thoughts BULLHEAD SALOON, Neon Interstate CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Eternal Jones GARDEN PARTY, Storme J THE GRAIN SHED, Haywire J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Brian Jacobs RED ROOM LOUNGE, Live DJs THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Just Plain Darin ZOLA, Jerry Lee Raines

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Bright Moments RED ROOM LOUNGE, Live DJs ZOLA, Aspen Kye, Blake Braley

Saturday, 1/4

Sunday, 1/5

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Curtiss G BULLHEAD SALOON, Neon Interstate CHALICE BREWING CO., Son of Brad THE CHAMELEON, Midnights: Taylor Swift Dance Party J CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Slap Shot J THE GRAIN SHED - CEDAR TAP HOUSE, Haywire NIGHT OWL, Priestess

30 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

Midnights: Taylor Swift Dance Party • Sat, Jan. 4 at 9 pm • $10-$15 • 21+ • The Chameleon • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • chamelonspokane.com

BIGFOOT PUB & EATERY, Karaoke with DJ Sterling HOGFISH, Open Mic J SOUTH HILL GRILL, Just Plain Darin ZOLA, Sugar Bear Dinner Party J THE BIG DIPPER, He Films The Clouds, Thirty Seven, Glass Artifacts

Monday, 1/6 BIGFOOT PUB & EATERY,

Karaoke with DJ Sterling EICHARDT’S PUB, Monday Night Blues Jam with John Firshi RED ROOM LOUNGE, Open Mic Night

LAKERS INN BAR, Karaoke with Webrix RED ROOM LOUNGE, Red Room Lounge Jam J TIMBERS ROADHOUSE, Cary Beare Presents

Tuesday, 1/7

Just Announced...

BIGFOOT PUB & EATERY, Karaoke with DJ Sterling SWING LOUNGE, Swing Lounge Live Music Tuesdays ZOLA, The Zola All Star Jam

Wednesday, 1/8 BIGFOOT PUB & EATERY, Karaoke with DJ Sterling CRUISERS, Karaoke with Rich

J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Sawyer Brown, Feb. 6.

THE CHAMELEON, Au5, Feb. 14.

THE CHAMELEON, Gregory Dillion, March 2.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Bit Brigade, March 25.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Mismiths, March 28.

Coming Up ...

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Ian Newbill, Jan. 10, 5-8 pm.

J THE CHAMELEON, Amelia Day, Vika & the Velvets, Landon Spencer, Jan. 10, 8 pm.

THE DISTRICT BAR, (Hed) PE, Jan. 10, 8 pm.

J KNITTING FACTORY, Barley Alive, SYSZ, Jan. 10, 8 pm.

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Oak Street Connection, Jan. 11, 5-8 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Millergold, Light In Mirrors, Daylily Dreams, Jan. 11, 7:30 pm.

J BING CROSBY THEATER, TOBY: A Tribute to Toby Keith, Jan. 11, 8 pm.

MUSIC | VENUES

EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-263-4005 FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 509-279-7000 FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-624-1200 IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman, Coeur d’Alene • 208-667-7314 IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL • 11105 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-926-8411 JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208-883-7662 KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-244-3279 MARYHILL WINERY • 1303 W. Summit Pkwy. • 509-443-3832 MILLIE’S • 28441 Hwy 57, Priest Lake • 208-443-0510 MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-7901 NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128 NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 877-871-6772 NYNE BAR & BISTRO • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-474-1621 PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545 POST FALLS BREWING CO. • 112 N. Spokane St., Post Falls • 208-773-7301 RAZZLE’S BAR & GRILL • 10325 N. Government Way, Hayden • 208-635-5874 RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-7613 THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside Ave. • 509-822-7938 SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 208-664-8008 SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon Ave. • 509-279-7000 SPOKANE TRIBE RESORT & CASINO • 14300 US-2, Airway Heights • 877-786-9467 SOUTH PERRY LANTERN • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-473-9098 STORMIN’ NORMAN’S SHIPFACED SALOON • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-862-4852 TRANCHE • 705 Berney Dr., Wall Walla • 509-526-3500 ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 509-624-2416

219 LOUNGE • 219 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-263-5673 THE CHAMELEON, Buku, J FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR J KNITTING FACTORY, Bryce Vine, ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Jan. 11, 9 pm.

THE ARTS, Colter Wall and Friends, Feb. 1, 8 pm.

Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-927-9463 J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Jan. 19, 7:30 pm.

THE DISTRICT BAR, Yesness, Sego, BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 509-847-1234 Lit, Fuel, Jan. 15, 7:30 pm.

J KNITTING FACTORY, Feb. 2, 9 pm.

BARRISTER WINERY • 1213 W. Railroad Ave. • 509-465-3591 J COEUR D’ALENE CASINO, Mike Sherm, Jan. 23, 8 pm.

J THE DISTRICT BAR, BEE’S KNEES WHISKY BAR • 1324 W. Lancaster Rd.., Moses Snow as Elvis, J THE BIG DIPPER, Cursive, Pile, Feb. 3, 9 pm.

Hayden • 208-758-0558 Jan. 16, 7 pm.

Tomb Ripper, Misery Whip, Bent J THE DISTRICT BAR, BERSERK • 125 S. Stevens St. • 509-315-5101 J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Outta Shape, Lich, Penis Envy, Grieves, Horrorshow, The Street THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington St. • Pamela Benton, Jan. 17, 5-8 pm.

Jan. 24, 7:30 pm.

Sweepers, Feb. 6, 9 pm.

509-863-8098 ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, THE DISTRICT BAR, J THE BIG DIPPER, BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 509-467-9638 Ron Criscione, Jan. 17, 6-8 pm.

Shwayze, Bikini Trill, Twin Fin, Undercard: ‘Show Me Your DarkBING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • HAMILTON STUDIO, Jan. 24, 8 pm. ness’ Album Release Show 509-227-7638 BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague Ave. • 509God’s Away On Business: The SPOKANE TRIBE RESORT & CASINO, with Spirits, Tone Sober, 891-8357 Music of Tom Waits Performed by Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Vixen, Feb. 7, 7:30 pm.

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL • 116 S. Best Rd., Spokane Madeline McNeill, Jan. 17, 7 pm.

Jan. 24, 8 pm.

J KNITTING FACTORY, Valley • 509-891-8995 J J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, Kerry J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Palaye Royale, Johnnie Guilbert, BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR • 18219 E. Appleway King, Municipal Waste, AP Collective, Jan. 25, 5-8 pm.

Feb. 10, 8 pm.

Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-368-9847 Alien Weaponry, Jan. 17, 7 pm.

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, J THE FOX THEATER, BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main St., SPOKANE VALLEY EAGLES, Schauer with Friends, Amy Grant, Feb. 11, 7:30 pm.

Moscow • 208-596-0887 THE BULL HEAD • 10211 S. Electric St., Four Lakes • Stagecoach West, Jan. 25, 6-8 pm.

J KNITTING FACTORY, 509-838-9717 Jan. 17, 7-10 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Coin, Feb. 12, 8 pm.

CHAN’S RED DRAGON • 1406 W. Third Ave. • J KNITTING FACTORY, Better Daze, City of Ember, ThunJ THE BIG DIPPER, 509-838-6688 Red NOT Chili Peppers, dergun Express, Her Memory, Crooked Teeth, This Could Be THE CHAMELEON • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd.

Jan. 17, 8 pm.

Jan. 25, 7:30 pm.

Dangerous, Feb. 14, 7:30 pm.

CHECKERBOARD • 1716 E. Sprague Ave. • THE DISTRICT BAR, J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, J JAGUAR ROOM AT THE CHAME509-443-4767 Broadway Rave, Burton Cummings, Jan. 25, 8 pm.

LEON, KEZE, Zachary Hartman, COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley • 800-523-2464 Jan. 17, 8:30 pm.

THE DISTRICT BAR, Unspoken Truth!, Feb. 15, 8 pm.

COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, J THE BIG DIPPER, The Wild Feathers, Jan. 25, 9 pm.

THE DISTRICT BAR, Alex Lambert, Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-2336 Digress, Taki.Taki, KNITTING FACTORY, Feb. 15, 9 pm.

CRUISERS BAR & GRILL • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Joshua Belliardo, Ethermortal, Club 90s: One Direction Night, Jan. J J KNITTING FACTORY, Falls • 208-446-7154 Jan. 18, 7:30 pm.

25, 10 pm.

Cavetown, Illuminati Hotties, CURLEY’S HAUSER JUNCTION • 26433 W. Hwy. 53, J BING CROSBY THEATER, J THE BIG DIPPER, Dopethrone, Feb. 16, 8 pm.

Post Falls • 208-773-5816 MANIA: The ABBA Tribute, Jan. 30, 7:30 pm.

J J KNITTING FACTORY, THE DISTRICT BAR • 916 W. 1st Ave. • 509-244-3279 EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • Jan. 18, 7:30 pm.

THE CHAMELEON, Myles Kennedy, Tim Montana, Sons 208-263-4005 THE CHAMELEON, Everyone Loves A Villain Birthday of Silver, Feb. 21, 8 pm.

FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS • Sleaze Freaks, Jan. 18, 9 pm.

Show, Feb. 1, 7-11:30 pm.

334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 509-279-7000 FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-624-1200 IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman, Coeur d’Alene • 208-667-7314 IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL • 11105 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-926-8411 JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208-883-7662 KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-244-3279 MARYHILL WINERY • 1303 W. Summit Pkwy. • 509-443-3832 MILLIE’S • 28441 Hwy 57, Priest Lake • 208-443-0510 MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-7901 NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128 NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 877-871-6772 OVER NYNE BAR & BISTRO • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-474-1621 PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545 DIFFERENT POST FALLS BREWING CO. • 112 N. Spokane St., AGAVE Post Falls • 208-773-7301 SPIRITS RAZZLE’S BAR & GRILL • 10325 N. Government Way, Hayden • 208-635-5874 RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-7613 THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside Ave. • 509-822-7938 SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 208-664-8008 SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon Ave. • 509-279-7000 SPOKANE TRIBE RESORT & CASINO • 14300 US-2, Airway Heights • 877-786-9467 SOUTH PERRY LANTERN • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-473-9098 STORMIN’ NORMAN’S SHIPFACED SALOON • 12303 Expanded seating & drink options at Purgatory’s NEW Agave Bar E.520 Trent Ave.,W Spokane Valley • 509-862-4852 Main Ave, Downtown Spokane TRANCHE • 705 Berney Dr., Wall Walla • with OVER 300 different agave spirits. Come in & experience unique & thepurgatory.com 509-526-3500 ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 509-624-2416 delicious craft cocktails in addition to the Purgatory food menu.

300

N DED EX PAT NG SE A I

Sun-Thu 4pm – 11pm · Fri-Sat 4pm – 12:30am

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 31

DANCE CAPTIVATING COLLABORATION

If you’re hoping to celebrate the new year with some engaging entertainment, we recommend attending “Rising Tide” at the Spokane Civic Theatre. Hosted by local dance leaders CarliAnn Forthun Bruner and Monica Mota, this three-day performance is meant to showcase the talented dance community that exists in the Inland Northwest. The show’s title pulls from the proverb “A rising tide lifts all boats,” and boats here refers to the dance community that Forthun Bruner and Mota hope to elevate. Other performers include Sarah Glesk, Sara Donally and Lexie Powell, plus guest choreographer Alicia Mullikin.

Attendees can expect performances mixing dance styles and other artistic disciplines, too.

— COLTON RASANEN Rising Tide • Fri, Jan 3 and Sat, Jan. 4 at 7:30 pm; Sun, Jan. 5 at 2 pm • $29 • Spokane Civic Theatre • 1020 N. Howard St. • spokanecivictheatre.com

VISUAL ARTS PRETTY PETS

There’s hardly any love that compares to the love we have for our beloved pets. Whether that be an adorable cat, a fun-loving dog or an all-too-talkative parrot, show your pet some artistic love with this monthlong pet portrait class at Spokane Art School. Bring a reference photo of your pet in their most dashing pose and learn how to realistically recreate the image using colored pencils under the instruction of artist Sue Rohrback. Make sure to check the supply list and register for class by Jan. 5 in order to secure your spot in class and as pet parent of the year. Sessions meet weekly every Tuesday.

— MADISON PEARSON Pet Portrait Class • Jan. 7-28; meets Tue from 1-4 pm • $168 • Spokane Art School • 503 E. Second Ave. • spokaneartschool.net

32 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

WORDS CLARIFY THE NEW YEAR

When asked about our New Year’s resolutions, it can feel daunting to come up with goals, let alone a plan for how to implement those changes. In a free workshop at Coeur d’Alene Public Library, local life coach Kim E. Morgan guides participants through making a decorated journal to kickstart the new year with clarity and purpose. For Morgan, mindfulness, personal writing and visualization techniques have helped guide her through her own life. Her free workshops at area libraries started back in 2012 as a way to give back to the local community. In this class, learn about vision boards by making your own, set intentions for the new year, and personalize your journal with provided supplies.

— DORA SCOTT The Decorated Journal • Sat, Jan. 4 from 10:30-11:30 am • Free • Coeur d’Alene Public Library • 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene • cdalibrary.org

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COMMUNITY (ICE) DANCING QUEENS

Even if you’re more likely to be labeled a triple klutz than land a triple lutz, there’s plenty of fun to be had throughout the winter at Riverfront Park’s Numerica Skate Ribbon. And for those who like to inject some sonic goodness into their winter wonderland-ing, every Friday on the ribbon (through January) gets a musical boost via DJ Night on the Ice. Spokane’s own DJ A1 — who you may have seen spinning Latin dance tracks at the Knitting Factory’s Fuego! nights — mans the turntables, and added lights and contests make the atmosphere even more festive. While talented skaters are sure to get in the groove, those uncoordinated souls amongst us can at least maybe get some comedy out of accidentally timing their physical drops to the ice with the DJ’s beat drops.

— SETH SOMMERFELD DJ Night on the Ice • Fridays in January from 6-9 pm • $7-$10 per hour (skate rental $7) • All ages • Numerica Skate Ribbon • 720 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • my.spokanecity.org/riverfrontspokane

VISUAL ARTS FIRST FIRST FRIDAY

Say goodbye to the 2024 art season and hello to all that 2025 has to offer at the first First Friday of the year! January’s event brings new venues with new art opportunities as well as established galleries featuring local favorites. The new Symons Block Hotel on Howard Street is hosting interactive art vendors, dance performances, games and live music. Terrain Gallery opens “Connective Strands of Spirit,” a group show focusing on Plateau creatives featuring the works of Joe, Carly and RYAN! Feddersen as well as Emma Noyes, Michael Holloman and more. The Liberty Gallery displays a show titled “Portray a Poem” featuring LR Montgomery (pictured), Piers Morgan, Katie Frey and more showcasing art depicting the heart of their favorite poems. Start off 2025 with a blast of creative joy from our talented local artists!

— MADISON PEARSON First Friday • Fri, Jan. 3 from 5-8 pm • Free • Downtown Spokane • Locations vary • firstfridayspokane.org

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 33

my choices. Your words about “random people” feel like judgment, and it hurts to have my self-worth questioned or my actions misconstrued. It wasn’t a rejection of you; it was the first time I chose myself and prioritized my healing. It’s a step I’ve needed to take for a long time, and it wasn’t easy. Healing is not linear, and I hope you can understand that for both of us. I sincerely wish you the best.

the streets. I’m happy to hear that you, personally, are doing okay financially. I’m sorry to hear that you take your meals alone and I hope you find a friend to share time with. I’m still looking for input from those who are begging for money to finance their living standard. What do you want from me?

Is the city helping you with shelter, food and medical care? I really want to know.

BEST GIFT EVER I gave myself freedom. The most amazing thing about NOT spending the holidays with you, Will, is EVERYTHING! Leaving you has proved freeing, completely.

No more of your ragings, manipulations, machinations, trying to prove that “your” scene is the envy of all. Guess what? No. One. Cares. Your need to continue with the grandiosity is something we don’t want to hear about, nor see. So glad to be out of that web of lies. For those keeping yourselves in relationships with people who have N. P. D., please recognize they do NOT change. You can stay, only with the “radical acceptance” of that. “It’s Not You.” The hope for you is the joy, peace, love, goodness, and kindness you will again begin to know when you clearly see the truth. The past few years have been peace-filled, and inordinately blessed with clarity. Merry. Christmas. Happy Holidays.

Here’s to tomorrow. Here’s to those who

CHEERS

I SAW YOU 9 /11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM Ricky! You made it back! Your persistence paid off. It seemed like just yesterday you and your CO Crew responded in the aftermath of the Twin Tower attacks. Your courage, grit, and selfless compassion made a difference to so many there who were grieving. Thanks for your work on the park in CO, and for making the trip back to see the silver lining of those clouds. Kudos to your girlfriend for making that happen. She’s a rare gem! So thrilled to know you’re still at it in CO. I knew you couldn’t truly retire! We’ll clebrate you in Denver; we’ll celebrate you in Golden. The celebration is on us! We will always hold you fast, Vandy. Stay the course!

YOU SAW ME

RE: TRADER JOES TO GUITAR CENTER So you followed me, then, eh? That’s hilarious! I’m sorry we didn’t get to actually meet, so I’ll do my best for it to maybe happen again. Here’s my idea...how about we meet at the Guitar Center on Friday (the 27th) 1:00. If that doesn’t work, I’ll go back again on Sunday at the same time and place. Hope to see you!

BEST WISHES FROM THE ONE WHO LOST I know you are a kind, loving, and good man, and I will always cherish the time we shared. You made me feel special in ways I hadn’t been able to feel about myself, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

That being said, I’m finding it hard to accept your apology when it’s paired with accusations and assumptions about

RE X3: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE US TO DO? I’m glad you’ve found a way to survive without being a burden or bother to others. You must be a man. Ladies have very different needs for hygiene and comfort. “Keepers of the hearth and home.” No children or animals should live like that! Where do you “go” when it’s 13 below and everything is closed?

Men without the skills or will to keep their places orderly and clean have no girlfriends.

Men with difficult jobs who find the time to keep their places tidy and hygienic are the ones enjoying companionship and marriage.

Their sacrifices of time and effort are not just for themselves, but also friends, family, and guests to share. Women DO notice this!

Compassion, empathy, love, and generosity

LET’S HEAR THE LOVE!

In the New Year, we want to hear your Cheers about the LOCAL community!

Submit a Cheer or I Saw You at Inlander.com/ISawYou give goodness to this world. It matters. To those struggling, reach out to your local and national Domestic Violence Hotlines. They are 24/7 helpful. Always.

of spirit are all we will take to our next life. We’re here to grow and nurture these qualities. Something to contemplate as you eat alone. Maybe you will meet a kindred soul you’d be willing to “put down roots” for.

Or you’ll just drive off into the sunset with them in your traveling fishbowl. Good luck!

STA BUS DRIVERS A few drivers have made the season extra special, I’m not sure if it was the same driver, but a few times they have gotten on the speakers, cracking jokes and spreading cheer trying to pump up the energy. I know it’s not an easy job, thank y’all for putting the reason in the season!

PEOPLE ARE LIKE DOGS AND CATS Puppies, Coyotes, Wolves, Pappa Bears // Kittens, Tigers, Cougars, Mamma Bears RE:RE:RE:RE: WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP THE HOMELESS. First of all many thanks to the Inlander for publishing our back and forth conversation between myself and a person living in their car. I love having the opportunity to converse with others on

JEERS LICENSE TABS Thank you to those many of you in Spokane who don’t bother to pay for

SOUND OFF 1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou by 3 pm Monday. 2. Pick a category (I Saw You, You Saw Me, Cheers or Jeers). 3.

your license tabs. It gives the rest of us the opportunity to pay for them instead. As I look at the roads around Spokane, I think if only I just paid a little more, these roads might be nicer someday. So, let’s all do that.

Why don’t we all pitch in and pay more so the many people in Spokane who don’t pay for their tabs can continue to drive on the roads withouth incurring any cost to themselves? Maybe if we all paid several hundred dollars each year for our tabs, it would help to offset the gap incurred by so many people who don’t ever buy them. Just the other day, I was in back of a car who had tabs that expired in 2021. So, there was a loss of revenue for the roads for over three

“

this in person. Signed, an old crone who is fed up with this kind of bullshit.

GREEDY BUSINESS OWNERS Shame on you that all you could think about was all of the money we lost on Christmas Eve not being open allllll afternoon and evening. You don’t think we want to be home with our families too? Do we not deserve that after being the face of your business all year!?

ENFORCING INTELLIGENCE Seeing broken vehicles, expired tabs, and bad driving behavior on the Spokane roads, I believed this was selfish, oblivious narcissism.

After also witnessing drivers who don’t

I watched the child drop the puppy twice!

years. So, maybe I can pay that $235 for them to try and offset that cost for them.

I’m sure they can’t pay it since they have to get gas instead. It was a nice newer car so it didn’t look like it would have a lot of repair issues, but fuel is expensive. Let’s all pitch in Spokane license tab payers and increase the price we pay so we can offset the cost for all those who just don’t pay but continue to drive. Happy Holidays!

STOP ILLEGAL PUPPY SALES!!! Shame on people who sell puppies across from Costco up north! In Spokane County and Spokane City, it is illegal to sell ANY animal in a parking lot. If you witness this, please report them to SCRAPS immediately (509) 477-2532. Some parent had their child holding a puppy today (Dec 23rd) and I watched the child drop the puppy twice! It’s such a high traffic area and it’s absurd that people think this is appropriate.

YOU’RE THE JOKE To the old fat white guy with the black baseball cap in the Rosauer’s cracker aisle on 12/20, who thought it fit to tell a bad “blonde” joke to the stocker right next to me... And you know what the best joke really is? You, sir. You are the joke.

Telling a misogynous “joke” (that wasn’t even funny btw) within earshot of a woman is the true sign of a stupid, undeveloped man. My only regret is that I didn’t tell you

”

turn on their lights in the near-dark, use their windshield wipers in a downpour, or (esp.) don’t yield to emergency vehicles that are using their lights, sirens, and horns, I now believe these drivers are not just oblivious, they’re plain ignorant. SPD must be painfully aware of this. I have a lot of respect for our officers. Thank them!

I would like more traffic enforcement.

But all the possible revenue from these scofflaw yahoos will never be worth the life of a single officer, and they can’t enforce intelligence, or even common sense apparently. Please drive safely!

NEWSPAPERS Jeers to newspapers (Spokesman and inlander) wanting to save money and space. Your tiny fonts suck!

What’s wrong with a 14 font? Oh, it takes more paper! C’mon folks, your readers are getting older. Give us a bigger font! n

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EVENTS | CALENDAR

BENEFIT

PANHANDLE NORDIC CLUB FUNDRAISER Collect five cards for a poker hand and enter raffles to win prizes. All proceeds support maintenance and ski train grooming at Fourth of July Pass.

Jan. 4, 10:30 am-1:30 pm. $12-$25.

Fourth of July Pass. panhandlenordicclub.com (208-661-9523)

COMEDY

CHOOSE TO LOSE A one-of-a-kind improvised game show where the audience calls the shots by choosing the players and games. Fridays at 7:30 pm through Jan. 31. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar. bluedoortheatre.org EXPEDITION: AN IMPROV ADVENTURE A family-friendly edition of the popular Safari show featuring unscripted comedy skits and games. Saturdays at 7:30 pm through Jan. 25. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar St. bluedoortheatre.org (509-747-7045) INTRO TO IMPROV COURSE An eightweek class for improv veterans and beginners alike featuring skill-building practice and improv games. Tuesdays from 7-9 pm throuh Jan. 28. $200. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar St. bluedoortheatre.org CHRIS HARDWICK Hardwick is bestknown for hosting Talking Dead and the Nerdist podcast. Jan. 3-4, Fri-Sat at 7 pm and 9:45 pm. $30-$40. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com/ (509-318-9998)

COMMUNITY

A CHRISTMAS LABYRINTH A festive, meditative path designed to guide participants through a symbolic journey, often used during the Advent season to encourage reflection and spiritual contemplation. Jan. 2-3, evenings. $5.

Chewelah Center for the Arts, 405 N. Third St. chewelahcenterforthearts.com (509-935-8832) ELF VILLAGE Visit and explore a whimsical elf village display. Daily through Jan. 5, evenings. Free. Medical Lake. medicallake.org IT HAPPENED HERE: EXPO ‘74 FIFTY YEARS LATER This 50th anniversary exhibition revisits the historical roots of Expo ’74’s legacy. It incorporates recognizable elements from Expo’s built environment with museum artifacts and archival materials. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Jan. 26. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org MINECRAFT CLUB Drop in and explore architecture, engineering and art through Minecraft. Participants are given a building prompt related to one or more of these fields. Grades 3-8. Every Thursday from 4-6 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. sparkcentral.org (509-279-0299) TAROT & DIVINATION MEETUP A monthly meetup of local tarot practitioners and divination enthusiasts showing off new decks, techniques, tools and socializing. Every first Thursday from 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. Lunarium, 1925 N. Monroe St. lunariumspokane.com CRICUT TRAINING Explore the basics of using a Cricut smart cutting machine, including setup and the Design Space application. During the training, work on an introductory project and

gain experience. Ages 13+ Registration is required. Jan. 4, 2-4 pm. Free. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd. scld.org WINTER LIGHTS Enjoy a peaceful candlelit walk around the Mirror Pond in lower Manito Park. Luminarias line the pathway for an evening scene. Jan. 4, 4:30-7:30 pm. Free. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. (509-747-6677) MONTHLY ASTROLOGY FORECAST Join astrologer Jessica Martin the first Monday of the month for an overview of the planetary transits for the month and what they mean. Bring a calendar to take notes. Jan. 6, 6-7 pm. Free. South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300) DROP IN & ZINE Drop in and learn how to make your own eight-page minizine using a single piece of paper and Spark’s art supplies. Every Tuesday from 5-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org POKÉMON STANDARD TUESDAYS Play the Pokémon card game with others. All participants get 15% off starter packs and singles. Every Tuesday from 6-9 pm. $6. The Comic Book Shop (NorthTown), 4750 N. Division St. thecomicbookshop.net (509-487-4175) MAGIC FOR MUGGLES: CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES Celebrate the return from winter break in Hogwarts style. Explore crafts and activities, including charms, care of magical creatures, quidditch practice and more. Ages 5+. Jan. 8, 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Deer Park Library, 208 Forest St. scld.org (509-893-8300) BITCH ‘N’ STITCH Grab your crochet, knitting, embroidery, weaving, cross stitch, felting, looming, macrame, friendship bracelets and craft casually in the company of others. Every second and last Thursday at 6:30 pm. Free. Lunarium, 1925 N. Monroe St. facebook. com/Lunarium.Spokane LOCAL HISTORY: EARLY RURAL SCHOOLS OF SPOKANE COUNTY Erika Deasy discusses her research project of mapping the locations and documenting the history of 187 original rural pioneer schools that peppered the County’s landscape between 1880-1929. Jan. 9, 5:30-7 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org MAGIC FOR MUGGLES: CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES Celebrate the return from winter break in Hogwarts style. Explore crafts and activities, including charms, care of magical creatures, quidditch practice and more. Ages 5+. Jan. 9, 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org MAKE FABRIC DOLLS FOR KIDS IN NEED Help make handmade dolls for children in need with the Kiwanis Clubs of Spokane. Second Thursday of each month from 5:30-6:45 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org GENEALOGY DROP-IN SESSIONS Get help researching the story of your family. Come into the library to learn about our genealogy resources and work with experienced genealogy enthusiasts to learn how to fill out your family tree and explore various genealogy websites and charts. Every second Friday from 10 amnoon. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org SPOKANE MENDING CIRCLE Bring a piece of clothing or a textile in need of repair and mend it in community with fellow menders. Bring your own sup-

plies. Jan. 11, 10 am-noon. Free. Art Salvage Spokane, 610 E. North Foothills Dr. artsalvagespokane.com TRADITIONAL GAMES IN SPANISH Play games such as “Huevo podrido,” “A la víbora de la mar” and “Jugemos en el bosque mientras el lobo no está.”

Kids in grades K–3 and their families.

Registration required. Jan. 11, 2:30-3:30 pm. Free. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd. scld.org

FILM

ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT Centering on two roommates who also work together in a city hospital plus their coworker, this film is a soulful study of the transformative power of friendship and sisterhood. Jan. 2, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy. org (208-882-4127) GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES The KPAC honors the legacy of founder Milburn Kenworthy with a free screening of one of Milburn’s favorite films. Jan. 4, 7-9 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127) THE ORDER In 1983, a series of bank robberies and car heists frighten communities in the Pacific Northwest. A lone FBI agent from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, believes that the crimes were not the work of financially motivated criminals, but rather a group of dangerous domestic terrorists. Jan. 4, 4 pm and Jan. 5, 4 and 7 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org SILENTS SYNCED: NOSFERATU + RADIOHEAD This presentation of Nosferatu (1922) features Radiohead’s Kid A and Amnesiac albums. Jan. 7, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127) SCIENCE ON SCREEN: THE TRUMAN SHOW An insurance salesman begins to suspect that his whole life is actually some sort of reality TV show. Jan. 8, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127) MOSCOW FILM SOCIETY: ALMOST FAMOUS A high-school boy in the early 1970s is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone magazine about an up-and-coming rock band. Jan. 9, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127) DIGITAL SHORT-VIDEO WORKSHOP Create digital short videos from start to finish with fellow teens during this two-day video workshop. Learn the basics of scripting, planning, shooting and editing video. Ages 13-17. Registration is required. Jan. 10, 4:30-5:30 pm and Jan. 11, 3-5:30 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org SENSORY RELAXED MOVIE SCREENINGS Screenings with slightly brighter lights, lowered volume and designated areas to move around, dance, walk or sit during the movie. Second Tuesdays (PG 13) at 6:30 pm, second Saturdays (all ages) at 11:30 am. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org

FOOD & DRINK

BRING YOUR OWN VINYL NIGHT Bring your own vinyl to spin while sipping on craft cocktails and listening to music.

Thursdays from 3-10 pm. The Boneyard - Side Hustle Syrups, 17905 E. Appleway Ave, Ste A. sidehustlesyrups.com

CAKE DECORATING 101 Learn how to evenly fill a cake to prevent unleveled layers, seal in those pesky crumbs, smooth frost for a flawless finish and sharp edge and pipe stunning five petal flowers to add a touch of elegance. Jan. 5, 4-6 pm. $70. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com PASTA MAKING 101 In this partial hands-on class, learn how to make your own pasta dough from scratch, properly flatten your dough into sheets and make the final cut into noodles. Jan. 5, 11 am-1:30 pm. $85. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon. thekitchenengine.com ECO EATS: ULTIMATE TASTE TEST! From crickets to beans, these foods have been reimagined for the food connoisseur’s delight Jan. 6, 4-5 pm. Free.

South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300) GLOBAL SOUP MAKING CLASS Learn, create and sample soup recipes from around the world. Jan. 8, 5:45-8:15 pm. $85. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com STEAK 101 WITH CHEF AL BATSON Learn how to season, sear and slice five different steaks with chef Al Batson.

Jan. 9, 5:45-8:15 pm. $100. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com (509-328-3335)

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

LILAC CITY KENDO CLUB Classes for beginner and long-time kendo practicers. Every Monday and Thursday from 6:30-8:30 pm. West Valley City School, 8920 E. Valleyway Ave. lilaccitykendo. org (509-921-2836) CLUB SHRED Kids learn and practice ski skills with instructors and participate in fun activities like snow fort building, movies and more. Jan. 3-March 14, every Friday from 5-8 pm. Advance registration required. Ages 4-10. $49. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com DJ NIGHT ON THE ICE Skate with music, lights, contests and more. Every Friday at 6 pm through Jan. 24. $7-$10. Numerica Skate Ribbon, 720 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. riverfrontspokane.com NIGHT RIDERS A nighttime ski/snowboard opportunity for intermediate athletes guided by instructors. Ages 8-17. Advance registration required.

Jan. 3-March 14, Fridays from 5-8 pm. $25-$45. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (509-238-2220) SCHOOL’S OUT YOUTH AND FAMILY ADVENTURES Guides share tips, tricks and cool trivia through family-friendly activities. Jan. 3, 9:30 am-2:30 pm.

Mt. Spokane State Park, 26107 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. my.spokanecity.org/ parksrec CROSS COUNTRY SKI LESSON Learn to cross-country ski and tour the trails of Mt. Spokane with Spokane Nordic Ski Association P.S.I.A certified instructors.

Equipment and lunch provided. Meet at the Mt. Spokane Selkirk Nordic Area.

Jan. 4, 10 am-noon. $77. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. spokanerec.org JACKASS DAY An annual tradition of celebrating the ski area’s roots with retro-priced lift tickets. Don your vintage ski gear. Jan. 9. $19.95. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 35

EVENTS | CALENDAR PBR PENDLETON WHISKY VELOCITY TOUR Two nights of bull riders dueling with some of the highest ranked bovine competitors. Jan. 10, 8-9:30 pm and Jan. 11, 7-8:30 pm. $18-$108. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokaneareana.com WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL A curated selection of films highlighting local stories of environmental action and communities coming together to create change. Jan. 11, 6 pm. $12-$23. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthypac. square.site (208-882-4127)

THEATER & DANCE

BEETLEJUICE Based on Tim Burton’s film, this musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Tue-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sat also at 2 pm, Sun at 1 pm and 6:30 pm. $54-$119. First Interstate Center for the Arts, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. broadwayspokane.com RISING TIDE A performance by local dance artists to uplift and create opportunities for the Inland Northwest dance community. The immersive experience captivates audiences in performances that blend different dance styles and artistic disciplines. Jan. 3-5; Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $29. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spokanecivictheatre.com (509-325-2507) GRADIENCE This show is about the blurred lines between Flamenco and other dance styles. It also will highlight traditional Flamenco improvisation in a Tablao setting. Jan. 10, 7-9 pm. $35.

Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave. quieroflamenco.com

VISUAL ARTS

BEN JOYCE: PLACES Abstract topographical art by Spokane artist Ben Joyce.

Mon-Sat from 10 am-4 pm through Jan. 4. Free. Jundt Art Museum, 200 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/jundt CUP OF JOY Local and regional ceramic artists create mugs to sell. Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm through Jan. 11. Free admission. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St. tracksidestudio.net (509-863-9904) EMERGE MINIS SHOW Small pieces of art by regional artists. Tue-Sat from 10 am-6 pm through Jan. 4. Free. Emerge, 119 N. Second. emergecda.com JOE FEDDERSEN: EARTH, WATER, SKY This exhibition showcases the breadth of Joe Feddersen’s 40-year career, including printmaking, glass, weaving and ceramics through over 100 works. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Jan. 5. $8-$12.

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org FINN POND: TURBULENCE & FLOW Paintings attempt to capture what’s at the heart of natural phenomena and beauty. Jan. 3-28, daily from 11 am-6 pm.

Free. Entropy, 101 N. Stevens St. explodingstars.com CONNECTIVE STRANDS OF SPIRIT An exhibition featuring works by Joe, Carly and RYAN! Feddersen, William Passmore, Emma Noyes, Michael Holloman, Britt Rynearson, Michelle Jack and Frank Andrews honoring the Plateau people’s past, present and future. Jan. 3-Feb. 1, Thu-Sat from 4-7 pm. Free. Terrain Gallery, 628 N. Monroe St. terrainspokane.com

36 INLANDER JANUARY 2, 2025

ART CLUB Youth and families are invited to create together and explore the world of art. Use everything Spark Central has to offer to craft, write or build a piece of art for yourself. Every Friday from 4-6 pm. 4-6 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org FIRST FRIDAY Art galleries and businesses across downtown Spokane and beyond host monthly receptions to showcase new displays of art. Jan. 3 from 5-8 pm. Free. firstfridayspokane.org SOLA RAYNOR Meet painter Sola Raynor and view the work of over 20 other artists. Live music and refreshments provided. Jan. 3, 3-7 pm. Free. Avenue West Gallery, 907 W. Boone Ave. avenuewestgallery.org (509-838-4999) SARANAC ART PROJECTS FRIENDS SHOW Gallery members invited friends to exhibit up to two works in the gallery.

Featured artists include Carl Richardson, Robin Nelson Wicks and Olivia Evans.

Jan. 3-31, Fri-Sat from noon-8 pm. Free.

Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main Ave. sapgallery.com PET PORTRAIT Draw a pet portrait from a reference photo using colored pencils.

Ages 16+. Jan. 7-28; meets Sundays from 1-4 pm. $168. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave. spokaneartschool.net OPEN STUDIO Stop by The Hive to see what current Artists-In-Residence are up to, and tour the building. Every Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Free. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague Ave. spokanelibrary.org

WORDS

3 MINUTE MIC Readers may share up to three minutes worth of poetry. Jan. 3, 7-8:30 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com RAIN, WIND, THUNDER, FIRE, DAUGHTER: A POETRY READING Three awardwinning poets convene to celebrate H.G. Dierdorff’s debut poetry collection, Rain, Wind, Thunder, Fire, Daughter, newly published by the University of Nevada Press. Local poets include Shann Ray and Maya Jewell Zeller. Jan. 3, 4-5 pm. Free.

Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300) THE DECORATED JOURNAL: POWER WORDS FOR 2025 Create a vision board with a daily intention journal that manifests your best life. Jan. 4, 10:30-11:30 am.

Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. kimemorgan.com BROKEN MIC A weekly open mic reading series. Wednesdays at 6:30 pm; sign-ups at 6 pm. Free. Neato Burrito, 827 W. First Ave. bit.ly/2ZAbugD (509-847-1234) CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Stretch your writing skills with fun prompts, character creation, world building and more. Every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 pm. Ages 8-12. Free. Moscow Public Library, 110 S. Jefferson St. latahlibrary.org NORTHWEST PASSAGES: PATRICK HUTCHINSON Author Patrick Hutchinson discusses his memoir detailing his journey from an office job to restoring a cabin in the Pacific Northwest. Jan. 9, 7-9 pm. $10-$45. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. bingcrosbytheater.com JOURNALING TOWARD YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF A journaling group focused on spiritual resilience and the practice of gratitude. Every second Saturday from 10:30-11:30 am through Feb. 8. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. kimemorgan.com n

Can recreational cannabis legalization help the opioid crisis?

HARM REDUCTION

Trading Pills for Pot New study shows a connection between cannabis legalization and a decrease in opioid overdoses

BY WILL MAUPIN

A

common refrain from critics of cannabis legalization, especially during the early days, was that legalizing the drug would only lead to increased use.

Many studies have found that cannabis use has in fact increased since legalization, though only slightly.

However, when it comes to how legalization has impacted the use of other drugs, particularly problematic therapeutics like opioids, research is beginning to show the opposite.

Cannabis news website Marijuana Moment gained access to a preprint of a study that looked at the correlation between the legalization of cannabis and the use of, and specifically overdose deaths from, opioids.

The study was conducted in 2023 by researchers from four public universities and a libertarian think-tank, but was only published last month by the Social Science Research Network.

In no uncertain terms, the researchers wrote that they could “draw a plausible causal link between [recreational marijuana] adoption and opioid overdose death rates,” further stating that “[recreational marijuana adoption] is associated with a decrease of approximately 3.5 deaths per 100,000 individuals,” from opioid overdose.

The researchers also noted that “previous research largely indicates that marijuana (primarily for medical use) can reduce opioid prescrip-

tions, and we find it may also successfully reduce overdose deaths.”

While studies looking only at cannabis use rates have tended to show an uptick in use among adults since legalization, these studies that look at how legalization impacts the use of other drugs are arguably more important from a harm reduction standpoint.

A 2020 study from Frontiers in Psychiatry attempted to measure the total harm caused by different drugs, both to the user themself and to the community as a whole.

Unsurprisingly, heroin was near the top of the list, only slightly behind crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Cannabis was farther down the list, at 16th, behind drugs that are more legal, federally speaking, including alcohol, amphetamine, ketamine and benzodiazepines.

Notably, fentanyl was not included in the study, perhaps because it had not yet become the scourge it has in recent years.

That is not to say cannabis is a cure-all, but there is now evidence that shows a connection between cannabis legalization and the reduced harm caused by at least one category of drug that has been causing immeasurable pain and suffering across the United States for decades.

If the trade-off for fewer opioid overdose deaths is a slight uptick in the adult use of cannabis, then what is the harm in harm reduction? n

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ACROSS 1. Online “where is this?” game with notables called Rainbolt and Blinky 10. “Sk8er ___” (2002 single) 13. Takes a sudden lead 15. 911 responder 16. Misrepresented a public campaign as fully authentic 18. Mauna ___ 19. Nijinsky negative 20. Barney Gumble quote after abstaining from (and then drinking) alcohol, prepping for a space mission 22. Channel with a “Noir Alley” feature 23. Like elements past #92 (all unstable and prone to decay into other elements) 26. Places to check out?

28. Company that sometimes

outranks Microsoft and Apple as the world’s most valuable 29. It may contain a radio and nonperishables 32. Otherworldly 33. ___ Lingus (Ryanair competitor) 34. They make feudal attempts?

38. Singer and then some 41. Elite squads 44. Butt: var.

45. TV spots for Fred Meyer (as opposed to, say, Wal-Mart) 48. Not-so-peaceful feeling 49. Phone tree start 50. Bioengineered foods, briefly 51. Boston’s Bobby 52. Places of protection 56. Lil ___ Howery (actor in 2025’s “Dog Man”) 57. Go from the ocean back to clouds, maybe

58. “Madden NFL 25” stats 59. Like insects DOWN 1. Singer-songwriter Phillips (namesake of a “Buffalo” band) 2. Start of a happy-go-lucky saying 3. Fictional month in a 1977 Dr. Seuss title 4. Goldfinger portrayer Frobe 5. Org. associated with Bob Hope for 50 years 6. Put away 7. ___ mai (dumplings) 8. Canary’s European cousin 9. Rapid transits?

10. Show compassion 11. Subtitle of 1978’s “Damien” 12. Lake at the head of the Mississippi 14. Prove false

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

13

10

16 20 23

22 26

24

21

28

27 30

32

31

33 38 42

34

39

40 44

43

45

46

47

49 52

56 58

17. They give it a whirl 21. Skiers’ leg coverings 23. Strict parents (as popularized by a 2011 book) 24. “The Pioneer Woman” host Drummond

12

THIS W ANSWE EEK’S I SAW RS ON YOUS

25

29

51

18

17

19

41

15

14

11

53

54

57 59

25. “Simple!”

27. The world’s third most populous island 30. Animator’s unit 31. Northern California town

55

that used to have a palindromic bakery 35. Setting up traffic lights 35 36 37 again, maybe 36. Norwegian Sea islanders (if you spell it with the ligature) 37. About to burn out 39. Looms 48 40. Lasso or Leo 41. Military building 50 42. Became weepy, with “up” 43. Some 2010s Gen Z fashion denizens (inspired by anime and mall goth) 46. One-third of “Six”?

47. Susan who lent her “OXEN FREE” surname to nominees who finally win 50. “Whose Line” regular Proops 53. ___ screen (lab test for poisons) 54. Cornhusker’s sch.

55. Edmondson of “The Young Ones,” familiarly

JANUARY 2, 2025 INLANDER 39

Join STCU. It’s more heroic than saving a small western town from a marauding band of ruthless cattle rustlers.

We know that life isn’t like the movies, but when you join STCU, you’re always the main character.

Join us at stcu.org/join.

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