April 2014 Current

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APRIL

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Q&A WITH UTILITY’S LONGTIME LEADER

Page 2

Healthy Valley 2014 Healthy Valley Your pulse on local health and wellness

HEALTHY VALLEY SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION

Inserted after page 16

THE PIZZA BRACKET 4 GUYS CONSUMED 8 PIZZAS WHILE WATCHING 16 BASKETBALL GAMES. A TOURNAMENT TO CROWN THE VALLEY’S CHAMPION SLICE PAGE 22

Join us for an open house —Saturday, April 12 | 1-4 p.m.

Tour this unique new facility where primary care and specialty physicians, urgent care, pharmacy, lab and imaging services exist in one convenient location!

• Free health screenings • Giveaways and drawings • Art exhibit by Providence employees • Refreshments Providence Medical Park • 16528 East Desmet Court • Spokane Valley

BALLET INSPIRES WORKOUT STUDIO

Page 26

phc.org

2 • APRIL 2014

Utility nobility Mike Baker has led Modern Electric for over two decades

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Mike Baker may serve as an executive in the power industry, but those who know him will tell you that it is humility — not a power trip — that defines the longtime general manager of the Modern Electric and Water Company.

The native of Wenatchee has served as the general manager of Spokane Valleybased MEWCO since 1992, leading with a blend of tact, insight and abiding respect for employees and customers alike. The approach earned him a nomination as state as Washington Water Commissioner of the Year and has continued a tradition of collaborative leadership that formed the foundation for MEWCO over a century ago.

NEWS A Cup of Joe Baker defers credit for the success of MEWCO to an elected board of directors and the wisdom of three aspiring developers — D.K. McDonald, R.A. Hutchinson and A.C. Jamison — who established an enterprising water company in 1905 that provided irrigation to 3,000 acres of rural, undeveloped land in Spokane Valley.

“Those founders were really geniuses,” Baker says. “It’s the structure we still follow today — a locally owned, consumerowned company that has a very efficient business plan and bylaws.”

True to its start as a community-based venture, MEWCO has always been a leading supporter of civic causes, including the YWCA, Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, Spokane Valley Partners, Valleyfest, the Central Valley School District and more. Baker, who serves as treasurer of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and is on the executive committee of the Lilac City Dog

CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

Mike Baker has served as the general manager of the Modern Electric and Water Company since 1992. The locally owned utility company has been part of the Spokane Valley landscape since 1905.

Training Club, says the approach “goes back to the philosophy of the board and the company.”

Baker was an employee of the Snohomish County Public Utility District for 21 years before transitioning to MEWCO. He began as a meter reader for the west-

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side organization, moving up through the ranks and finally serving as a publicly elected water commissioner for a dozen years. Prior to finding his niche in the utility business, Baker worked in management for a department store, a sporting

See UTILITY, page 4

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 3

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The Current

4 • APRIL 2014

NEWS

AMAZING SPAGHETTI DINNER BENEFIT FOR

Shon Hartley & family Shon is Jayne Singleton’s son (Valley Museum). He is battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive cancer that will require bone marrow transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.

A full spaghetti dinner, complimented by bread, salad and drink, will benefit Shon, his wife, Julie, and their three boys. Funds raised will help defer the costs of medical and other family expenses associated with Shon’s treatments.

Where: Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road When: 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, April 6 Tickets: $10 for adults, $7 children 12 and under, available at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, 12114 E. Sprague Ave., 922-4570 or at the door. RSVP requested.

Unable to attend? A benefit account has been established in Shon Hartley’s name at Banner Bank. All donations will be greatly appreciated!

“ IT’S

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1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org

In case you missed it CVSD approves initial step to secure former Yoke’s The Central Valley School District board of directors unanimously voted in March to pursue the purchase of the former Yoke’s property, 16. N. Progress. If approved, programs offered at Barker High School and the Central Valley Early Learning Center would be relocated to the 63,169-squarefoot facility.

According to a press release, the board authorized Superintendent Ben Small to execute a Real Estate Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA) for $2,375,000. The district will take the next 120 days to conduct an appraisal, explore permitting processes and financing options, and evaluate the building for its intended use.

“The new site will finally give Barker High School and the Early Learning Center each a permanent home ideally suited to meet the needs of their students,” Small said. “It also allows the district to repurpose vacated

UTILITY Continued from page 2

goods outlet and a car dealership.

With retirement on the horizon, Baker will have more time to pursue boating and travel via motorhome with his wife, Linda, attending dog shows. In the meantime, the leading administrator at Modern will continue guiding the utility company with stellar, old-fashioned values.

Q. A.

How did you end up being hired by Modern?

Modern worked with Associated Industries to do a search for a general manager. I found out about the opening through a regional utility trade publication and submitted my resume. I made the short list and was interviewed by the board of directors and was offered the position.

Q: What did you know about the company before you began working there?

A: I did not know anything about Modern before I was hired. In fact I had to look on the map to see where Opportunity, Wash., was located. However, before my interview I did some research on Modern and on the Spokane Valley and liked what I found.

Q: What do you think distinguishes Modern from other utility companies?

A: Dedication and teamwork between the board of directors, employees, management and our customers. The board serves not for their own gain or agenda but for our customers. Our employees and

facilities space for alternate uses.”

The 5.96 acre site provides a centralized location for families and students, ample parking and access to public transportation, the release said. If the district closes on the sale, the Early Learning Center could relocate as early as December 2014.

EVSD decides to bring back middle schools At a March school board meeting, the East Valley School Board voted to discontinue its K-8 structure and move back to elementary schools housing kindergarten through sixth grade students.

The board had been weighing the decision and requesting feedback from the community since the beginning of the year. In March the group voted 4 to 1 in favor of the switch, which will take effect for the 20142015 school year.

In 2011, East Valley closed its middle schools — with the exception of Continumanagement are committed to serve our customers in the best way possible and respond to input from our customers. This and making decisions for the long term instead of a short-term gain has positioned Modern to continue to provide excellent and reliable customer service with the lowest rates in the region and state.

Q: The Modern building on Pines has become a Valley architectural landmark since it opened in 2000. Tell us a little about the process that went into constructing this unique building.

A: By the mid 1990s, Modern had outgrown its headquarters that was built in the 1950s. When I say “outgrown,” not only in the need for more space but to better serve our customers with a more inviting atmosphere and conveniences such as a drive-up window and a work area for our employees to be more efficient and provide a pleasant work environment. After getting approval from the board for a new building, we interviewed architects and hired the architect that we thought would best carry out the goal of an energyefficient building that was sustainable and would be a pleasant environment for both our employees and customers. For the design of the building, we had employee representatives from all departments work with the architect to design a building that worked best for each department, customers and employees’ needs.

Q: Modern has a unique reputation for being locally-owned and consumer owned. Where did this start?

A: The three founders of Modern Electric Water Company were brilliant and visionaries in the formation of the company — the basic structure still works and is very efficient today. Over 100 years ago when

ous Curriculum School which has always been K-8 — in order to switch to the K-8 model. District groups are still determining the cost of the reconfiguration.

SCLD welcomes new board member John Craig was appointed to the Spokane county Library District’s board of trustees by the Board of County Commissioners in February. His five-year term will run through December 2018.

A graduate of the University of Oregon, Craig has more than 35 years experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. Now retired, he serves as a volunteer court visitor in the Spokane County Superior Court Guardianship Monitoring Program.

The five-member SCLD board is responsible for establishing district policies, overseeing finances and levying the property tax that comprises the majority of district funding. they established Modern, the landowners were non-financial owners of the company and would elect a board of directors to oversee the operations of the company and represent the landowners and customers.

These principles are still valid today. Only the landowners can be on or vote for the board of directors and vote for changes the bylaws. In this way, all decisions are still made locally to benefit our customers. We are still a nonprofit corporation; therefore we do not have to pay dividends and make a profit for outside interest which helps us keep our rates low.

Q: How important is your board to the overall success of MEWCO? A: Very, very, very important. I have witnessed many utilities in which boards either micro manage the company, have their own agenda, make decisions for the short term to make themselves look good, yet sacrifice the long term, or have big egos in which bad decisions are made. Modern’s board has none of this. They work as part of the team and make decisions for the long term based on what is good for the customer, for Modern and its employees.

Q: It seems MEWCO has made a real investment in community causes. Why is this such a priority?

A: It gets back to who we are. We are locally owned and controlled. Our customers and employees live, work and play here, and Modern wants this community to prosper and be a great place to work and live. We are part of this community.

Q: I’m guessing that much of your job is fairly complex and technical. Can you describe in basic terms your responsibilities as general manager?

See UTILITY, page 29

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HISTORY

6 • APRIL 2014

The Current

Rosebush served as early innovator, author

By Bill Zimmer |

SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM

At left: Waldo Rosebush worked as an assistant manager in the office at Inland Empire Paper Co., shown in this circa 1920 photo.

This is Seth Woodard. As your Spokane Valley tour hosts, Howard Stegner and I are going to introduce you this month to Waldo Rosebush. Perhaps he is not one of the best known Valley pioneers, but he certainly left his footprints as a manufacturer, historian, gun collector and author.

I, Waldo E. Rosebush, was born in 1889. After graduating from Alfred University in 1909, I took a job as a clerk with the Patten Fine Paper Co. in Wisconsin.

A few years later I joined the U.S. Army and served under Gen. John Pershing on his expedition against Poncho Villa in Mexico.

During World War I, I was promoted to major and served with the army in France where I met a young lady with whom I was quite impressed.

When the war was over, I was discharged from the army and returned to Patten Paper (Wisc.) where I became secretary of the company. In 1920, I was hired as assistant general manager of the Inland Empire Paper Company in Millwood, Wash., where my oldest brother, Judson, served on the Board of Trustees and was currently president of the company. Most of the early administrators came from Wisconsin paper mills.

While I was in France I became interested in the design of country houses in Normandy compared to those in the U.S. When I built my house in Millwood, I incorporated much of the French design, hoping that would help influence that certain French girl to come to America, but to no avail. After those hopes were dashed, I never

Below: This photo from the Boutwell Collection shows the growing town of Millwood taken from the roof of the Inland Empire Paper Company.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM

married. Incidentally, some of my neighbors asked for my advice on developing plans for homes they hoped to build.

When I later became general manager of the company, we were busy acquiring and developing a site west of the paper mill where employees who had been living in tents and shacks could build homes with the assistance of the company. We provided a lowinterest loan fund for borrowing money along with “pattern books” for homes. We also provided a company steam shovel for digging basements.

In addition to my work I had several other interests including manufacturing and gun collecting. In 1932, I applied for and was granted a patent for a log-loading device which transferred logs from the water to railroad cars or trucks. I also have a strong inter-

est in history, as well as writing. I have written two books. The first, titled “Frontier Steel,” has to do with firearms history and the U.S. military. The second, “American Firearms and the Changing Frontier,” focuses on the impact of firearms on U.S. history until about 1900.

Between 1930 and 1933, I edited a series of articles detailing Spokane Valley history under the heading, “Valley of the Sun.” One of the Valley pioneers that I covered in some detail was Antoine Plante after I got information on him by corresponding with his descendants. Perhaps his most outstanding personal trait (often referred to by others) was reliability — a trait which I greatly admire.

In 1936, I left the paper mill and began serving the army as a civilian in Alaska and the Pacific.

When I retired I moved to Appleton, Wisc., to my earlier roots, but I didn’t sell my house in Millwood. I rented it to a local family.

I guess my roots run pretty deep in Millwood because I return annually to vote, as well as to visit friends and acquaintances.

This installment of the Footprints in the Valley Series was written by Bill Zimmer, a retired educator and longtime West Valley school board member.

For more about this article or other aspects of the history of the Spokane Valley region, visit the museum at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. or call 922-4570.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE VALLEY In this 2014 history series from the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, “History Heroes” Seth Woodard and Howard Stegner will take readers on a tour of “Footprints in the Valley,” month by month, through photos, documents, articles and treasure hunts.

This month: Meet Waldo E. Rosebush, who served as manager of the Inland Empire Paper Company.

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 7

Introducing the newly remodeled Valley Hospital Medical Office Building!

Located adjacent to Valley Hospital at 1414 N. Houk Road, this 35,000+ square foot building is the latest expansion of the Valley Hospital medical campus—the healthcare hub of the Spokane Valley. The expanded facility features:

» Valley Hospital Day Surgery Center— offers two state-of-the-art integrated technology operating suites and surgical recovery rooms » Rockwood Endocrine Surgery Center / Vein Care Center—Dr. Renu Sinha » Rockwood Foot & Ankle Center— Dr. Shani McGinnis » Rockwood Physical Therapy Center— offers the only pool in Spokane Valley for aquatic therapy » Rockwood Sports Medicine & Orthopedics Center—Dr. Byron Humble, Dr. Shaun Peterson and Dr. Timothy Manson » Rockwood Valley Surgical Specialists— Dr. Stephen Reese, Dr. Damon Sheneman

The Current

8 • APRIL 2014

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The Current

APRIL 2014 • 9

‘Food for Fines’ event returns to SCLD

By Tammy Kimberley

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

The Spokane County Library District (SCLD) is recognizing National Library Week with a unique program to reduce fees while giving back to the community.

This is the second year SCLD has offered the Food for Fines event. During library hours April 13-19, patrons can bring in a non-perishable food item and receive $1 off an overdue or damaged items fee ($10 maximum). At the end of the week, donations will be given to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Jane Baker, SCLD communications specialist, said it was hard to gauge how patrons would respond last year, but the staff was pleasantly surprised at the positive response. By the end of National Library Week 2013, they had received over 5,000 pounds of donated food.

“We had no expectations since it was the first time out,” she said. “We know we live in a generous community, but it wasn't a holiday season. Our goal now is to top what we did the first year.”

The food donated at each SCLD branch was given to food banks in their areas.

All items collected at Valley branches were delivered to

FOOD FOR FINES

BY THE NUMBERS

5,017 Total pounds of food donated through the program in 2013

4,069.32

$ SUBMITTED PHOTO

In the inaugural Food for Fines event in 2013, Spokane County Library District branches collected 5,017 pounds of food that was donated to area food banks.

Second Harvest Food Bank.

Gina Rice, library operations manager who works out of the Spokane Valley branch, said members of all ages and walks of life had an enthusiastic response to the program last year.

Many took advantage of the opportunity to reduce their fees and contribute to the cause, she said, while a number of people without fees decided to help needy families in our community as well.

“It was great to see families come in with a sack full of food and walk away knowing that they had contributed to those in need while reducing or clearing their library accounts,” she said.

Last year, the libraries in-

formed residents of the program by handing out flyers, posting information on their website, communicating via reader boards and telling patrons as they checked out materials.

Rice said they encourage all area residents, even those without fines or a current library card, to bring non-perishable food donations into any of the SCLD branches during National Library Week.

“Food banks like Second Harvest receive a lot of donations near the holidays, but this time of year their shelves are often depleted,” Rice said. “This one-week program offers our community a chance to help others at the same time they are helping themselves.”

Library fines forgiven during 2013 Food for Fines

1,567

Pounds of food collected at the Spokane Valley branch last year

7

Days the Food for Fines program will be offered during 2014 National Library Week

10

$

The maximum fines that can be forgiven through the program

Resource Review tests and CLEP tests, to the ASVAB and GED. We offer two excellent online resources to help students prepare for the next phase of their education, whatever that may be.

By Gwendolyn Haley SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

It’s spring. That means high school students everywhere are gearing up for testing season, and parents might be tearing out their hair. The library is often the first place people look to study and practice for all kinds of tests, from the PSAT and SAT, to AP subject

“Testing and Education Resource Center” offers a “Family College Planning Center,” a one-stop resource that provides test preparation resources, advice about choosing a college and applying, guides to completing the FAFSA, finding scholarships and other financial aid and even career guidance. Students create an account (for free) to have access to the online study guides and timed practice tests. One

of the features I really appreciate (since I have a soon to be freshman at home) is the student and parent checklists for college planning. In addition, this resource offers an extensive scholarship search. Once you create an account, you may save all of your information in one place.

“Help Now,” provided by Brainfuse, offers online tutoring daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In addition to live tutoring sessions, students may access a variety of test preparation and study materials through the skills center. These include both state-aligned tests and national tests. After taking a

practice quiz, students can identify where they need additional instruction and utilize the tutoring service to sharpen their skills in that area. Students can create and share their own flash cards and access additional study materials at any time through the skills center.

Both of these resources require a library card to access and are available on our website, www.scld.org, under the Digital Library heading. Hopefully, your road to college preparation will go smoothly; these free resources should help.

Gwendolyn Haley is a Library Services Manager at Spokane County Library District.

Celebrate National Library Week with a donation of food to the Second Harvest Food Bank and reduce your overdue fees!

April 13–19, 2014, bring in a non-perishable food item and receive $1 off any overdue fees for each item.* Donations benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank and their networks in Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield and Medical Lake. *$10 maximum forgiven per library account. Food for Fines can only be applied to overdue and/or damaged items fees. Cannot be applied to lost item charges or accounts referred to collection.

www.scld.org

Brought to you by

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT DANCE?

Delighted to just

COMPILED BY TAMMY KIMBERLEY AT GAIL’S SCHOOL OF DANCE

“I love performing. Most people get nervous, but when I’m on the stage I feel so confident.”

Lily Baxter, 10, Rockford

dance

“I like the costumes, especially when they have glitter on them.”

Zoey Baxter, 7, Rockford

By Tammy Kimberley

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

On a dreary winter night, a mix of synchronized steps, radiant smiles and energetic songs filled the below-ground studio known as Gail’s School of Dance.

With spirit and charisma, the seven girls and lone boy rehearsed their routines in preparation for their upcoming performance at DanceFest 2014. Made up of two sets of siblings and a mix of ages and skill levels, the group also took time to share with The Wave why they enjoy this form of movement.

Lily Baxter, 10, said she’s been taking dance lessons for two years and practices all the time.

“There's not one day I don't dance,” she said. “I just love dancing!”

Located in a residential neighborhood at 14120 E. Springfield in Spokane Valley, Gail Bongiovanni’s studio has been a training spot for dancers for over 30 years. Her students perform at Valleyfest in the fall, various senior centers during the holiday season, DanceFest in the spring and a recital for family and friends in June.

Gail said many of her students have attended DanceFest in the past, and she’s heard from them that it’s a great experience, whether they participate or just watch.

“DanceFest exposes dancers to all forms of dance and offers them a chance to learn the different styles,” Gail said. “It gives my students a chance to interact with dancers from other cities and countries and to explore their creativity.”

A highlight at this year’s DanceFest is a performance by Megan Palmer, U.S. Champion Scottish Highland dancer who also placed third in World Finals this year in Scotland.

But Gail’s students are also excited about their chance to be on stage at DanceFest.

CURRENT PHOTOS BY TAMMY KIMBERLEY

Lily Baxter (left) and Leah Karns (above) practice their moves to “Time Warp,” the song their group will dance to at DanceFest.

Below: Students at Gail’s School of Dance learn how to be comfortable on the stage... and in front of a camera.

“Being here (dance studio) with my friends.”

Aliese Henneberg, 7, Spokane Valley “I like performing because it makes me feel happy because there’s lots of people there.”

Aubrey Henneberg, 9, Spokane Valley “I like dancing. It just feels good.”

Leah Karns, 8, Spokane Valley “When you go up on stage to do the performances.”

Maggie McLaughlin, 9, Spokane “Bowing at the end. I like to do somewhat of a dramatic bow — really ham it up.”

Robert Reyes, 10, Liberty Lake “Seeing Gail smile every single time I come.”

Kaylie Smith, 10, Spokane Valley

IF YOU GO ...

They will be performing “Time Warp” (jazz) and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (tap), which the students helped to choreograph and come up with costumes for.

“I look for music that would fit the age groups involved, and then the students can learn how to choreograph their section of music,” Gail said.

The benefits of dance are numerous. Students that dance typically do better in math and science, Gail said, and those who perform in front of people usually don’t fear public speaking.

“Not only do they get the benefits of exercise and learning to control their body movement, but it teaches them confidence, poise, creativity and spatial awareness,” Gail said.

Dancing also fills up a “big chunk” of your school fitness log, 10-year-old Robert Reyes said. He’s been taking lessons since he was 6, and he said he likes the feeling that dance provides.

“When I'm walking in the hallways at school, I practice the dance combinations,” he said. “And that queasy feeling you get when you’re about to go on stage—I like that.”

The dance students credit their teacher with the confidence they gain from her instruction. Kaylie Smith, 10, said Gail always greets her student with a smile and is very patient with them.

“She helps us (with the routines) by taking us nicely step by step,” Kaylie said.

Lily added that dancing has helped her

DanceFest 2014

April 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Valley High School 8301 E. Buckeye Ave. Come observe and learn more about jazz, hip hop, tap, Scottish Highland, folk, ballet, ballroom and more styles of dance. All ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this free day of workshops and performances of all types.

For more: www.indaspokane.com meet new friends who have had fun together while working hard.

“At the very end of recital, you feel accomplished,” she said.

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 11

So you think you know dancing? ❶ Originating in Germany, this dance with around 10 different styles was once only for the privileged class of people. ❷ With many steps that are complex, this Latin dance is known as the root of salsa dancing. ❸ Fastpaced dance that is presented in various styles; also refers to a type of music. ❹ Versions of this type of dance, which began in the 1920s and 1030s, include the Jitterbug, Boogie Woogie and Rock and Roll. ❺ Gorgeous costumes and guitar music are both present in this beautiful dance that is a major part of the culture of Spain.

COMMUNITY Compiled by Tammy Kimberley CURRENT STAFF WRITER

You may know how to move, but do you know the names of the movements? In honor of National Dance Week this month, place the dance with its definition. Check the bottom of the page to see if your answers are correct.

Ballroom Breakdance Country/ Western Dances Flamenco Folk Hip Hop Mambo Polka Swing Tap

❻ A form of hip-hop, this street dance is often characterized with dance battles between groups. ❼ Popping and locking are some of the styles associated with this street dance filled with attitude. ❽ The emphasis is on the movements of the feet and steps that create a certain sound due to metal plates on the soles of shoes. ❾ Often performed in groups at social events, every country and region has its own unique style of this type of dance. ❿ With partner as well as group options, examples of this style include the Two Step, Cotton Eyed Joe, Square Dance and Line Dances.

Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-dances-and-different-dancing-styles.html

April activities just for kids

Bunny visits. Easter Egg hunts. Healthy kid activities. April is the month to get out and do something in the Valley!

Photos with the Easter Bunny April 5 to 19, various times JC Penny Court, Spokane Valley Mall Shrine Circus April 17-20, various times Spokane Valley Mall parking lot General admission tickets start at $10.

Liberty Lake Easter Egg Hunt April 19, 11 a.m.

Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake Registration of $3 or six eggs filled with candy occurs April 14 and 16 at Liberty Lake Municipal Library.

Community Easter Egg Hunt April 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Valley Real Life, 1831 S. Barker Road

Summer Kids Expo April 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Warehouse Athletic Facility, Spokane Learn about activities, events, classes, clinics, camps and programs to keep children active this summer.

Rockford Easter Egg Hunt April 19, 1 p.m.

Prime Land Office Building lawn areas, Rockford Healthy Kids Day April 26, 9 a.m. to noon Spokane Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place Free community event to encourage kids to get moving and encourage families to live healthier.

Look to libraries for seasonal selections Compiled by Tammy Kimberley CURRENT STAFF WRITER

Did you know there is a week set aside to celebrate libraries and librarians? The American Library Association first sponsored the week in 1958, and it is celebrated in libraries across the country each April. School libraries are also recognized during this month.

Check with your local library to see what special activities they might have planned for April 13-19. While you’re there, thank the librarians and volunteers for all they do to encourage literacy and learning within our community. And be sure to look for these books about other special days in April that are available through the borrowing systems at Liberty Lake Municipal Library and Spokane County Library District.

Arbor Day (Wash.): April 9 “A Tree Is Nice” by Janice May Udry “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein “The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest”

by Lynne Cherry

Easter: April 20 “Crafts for Easter”

by Kathy Ross “Minerva Louise and the Colorful Eggs” by Janet Morgan Stoeke

Going to the dentist can be fun and easy!

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Evening, early morning, and Saturday appointments available.

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509.891.7070 New patients welcome

“The Easter Bunny’s Assistant”

by Jan Thomas

Earth Day: April 22

Check out our Facebook page for contests and events.

“Compost Stew: an A to Z Recipe for the Earth” by Mary McKenna Siddals “Fancy Nancy: Every Day is Earth Day”

by Jane O’Connor “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss

1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite B Liberty Lake, WA

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Answers: 1) Ballroom 2) Mambo 3) Polka 4) Swing 5) Flamenco 6) Breakdance 7) Hip Hop 8) Tap 9) Folk 10) Country/Western

The Current

12 • APRIL 2014 Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Opportunities for seniors on display Expo offers connection to services

The Senior Empowerment Exposition Resource Fair and Information event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 25. The Expo is presented by the city of Spokane Valley and the Spokane Valley Senior Citizens Association (SVSCA) and will be held in the CenterPlace Regional Event Center Great Room, 2426 N. Discovery Place.

By Valerie Putnam

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Hundreds of local agencies and facilities offer support to seniors. But finding and identifying those services can be a daunting task.

As a means to connect, seniors are invited to a free event — “Senior Empowerment Exposition Resource Fair and Information” — on April 25 at the CenterPlace Great Room. The event will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be hosted by the city of Spokane Valley and the Spokane Valley Senior Citizens Association (SVSCA).

"The purpose of the event is to get information out into the community about resources available to seniors," said organizer Karen Clark-Parson, city of Spokane Valley Senior Center specialist. "Sometimes they don't ask until they are in need, so we are trying to bring this forward."

The annual event features more than 30 vendors providing information about services and products offered to seniors in the community.

For example, seniors can learn about a community service television program on CMTV14 called “Successful Aging in the Northwest” for those serious about living healthy, independent and productive lives.

"It is a community-based program where topics, ideas and resources come from our community members and leaders working in the field," Ben Cabildo, of CommunityMinded Enterprises and CMTV14 program development and marketing director, wrote in an email.

Cabildo, who is the show’s executive producer, said they plan to offer information about the TV show and how to do video scrapbooking.

Phil Chaplain of the HUB Sports Center participated in the event last year and plans to have a representative at this year's event.

"Anytime we can pool our resources and share information is beneficial," Chaplain said about the event. "It also helps me know about resources in the community so I can share that information with seniors who come to the HUB." Chaplain said the HUB table will have information introducing seniors to the sport of pickleball. The HUB averages 500 to 600

More than 30 vendors will participate, offering information on services provided in the community. Admission and vendor space are free of charge.

For more information, contact Karen Clark-Parson at 720-5403.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The Senior Empowerment Exposition Resource Fair has grown since its inception. Fifteen vendors participated in 2009, and organizers expect 30 or more vendors for this year’s expo.

participants a month playing the sport.

"It's a sport that is fairly easy to learn," Chaplain said. "It's fun and addictive."

Chaplain also plans to introduce the new program Feet to Friends. The program is offered as part of Take Shape for Life. Two days a week Chaplain opens the HUB facility from 9:30 to 11 a.m. for seniors to walk indoors around the basketball courts.

Other vendors include American Seating and Mobility, Caption Call, United Health

Care, Priority Footwear, Lifeline, Molina, Spokane Paratransit, Arc of Spokane, Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW), Veterans Benefit Attorney and American Medical Response. Several assisted-living facilities and in-home care organizations also will be represented.

Participants can purchase lunch through Valley Meals on Wheels or bring their own sack lunch. Meals on Wheels will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the dining room adjacent to the Expo. Cost for

lunch is $4.50 for those 60 years and younger. For seniors over age 60, lunch is $3.50.

Anyone interested in purchasing lunch from Meals on Wheels must call prior to April 18 to place an order.

Vendor space is free to anyone interested in offering seniors information about their products or services.

This year Clark-Parson moved the event from the CenterPlace lounge to the larger great room so more vendors could participate. This year she hopes to fill the room, which can accommodate 43 vendors. The first Empowerment Exposition in 2009 featured only 15 vendors.

She organized the kick-off event five years ago as a result of multiple phone calls at CenterPlace Senior Center seeking information on community services.

"We find we are the first line of answering questions," Clark-Parson said. "We had so many questions we decided to do a resource fair."

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 13

COMMUNITY

Trivia Test 1. LANGUAGE: What is the dot on top of the letters “i”and “j” called?

7. ACADEMIA: What does a vexillologist study?

2. GEOGRAPHY: In what body of water can the island of Mykonos be found?

8. MOVIES: What movie featured the tagline “Thank God it’s only a motion picture”?

3. ACRONYMS: What does the acronym CAD stand for?

4. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is a shillelagh used for?

5. POLITICS: What was the emblem of the Progressive Party of 1912?

6. ANATOMY: Where is the skin the thinnest on the human body?

Collectible worth more than peanuts ‘Collecting’ by Larry Cox KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

Q: I have a Mr. Peanut novelty bracelet made of plastic and metal, probably from the 1960s. Is it worth keeping? — Rhonda, Albuquerque, N.M. A: Your Mr. Peanut bracelet is valued in the $25 to $35 range, depending on condition and style. There were several designs made of this bracelet, which usually were given away as premiums by the company.

Other values include a Planter’s Mr. Peanut display jar, $35; a plastic lapel pin, $15; and a ballpoint pen, $20.

Q: My late husband had a box of books that he had when he was a child. I am enclosing a list and would like to know values. — Lydia, Albuquerque, N.M. A: You have several excellent used-book dealers in your area, and I suggest you begin your search by contacting them. If you have a computer, you might access www. abe.com. Type in the title and author of

9. TELEVISION: What was the name of the town that was the setting for “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman”?

10. GAMES: How many body parts do you have to remove in order to be successful in the game “Operation”? © 2014 King Features Syndicate Inc. each book, and it will reveal dealers who have it for sale. Pay close attention to edition and condition.

Since I noticed that several of the books you listed are Little Golden Books, I also might recommend you get a copy of “Collecting Little Golden Books” by Steve Santi (Krause Books). This reference features the current value of more than 4,500 titles.

Q: In 1937, I visited a relative in Britain and was given a Wedgwood earthenware cup and saucer commemorating the coronation of George VI and Elizabeth. Is it valuable? — Sue, Waco, Texas A: Commemorative ware has become increasingly popular in recent years. For example, a Royal Doulton bone china cup that was issued to mark the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer has increased in value to almost $700; a plate featuring an image of Queen Victoria from 1887, $400; and an eggcup showing Princess Margaret Rose, $95. Your cup and saucer probably are worth about $50.

Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to questionsforcox@aol.com. Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally answer all reader questions. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.

Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life

Answers to Trivia Test

1. A tittle 2. Aegean Sea 3. Computer-aided design 4. Irish in origin, it is a cudgel that can be used as a walking stick or a weapon 5. Bull Moose 6. Eyelids 7. Flags 8. “Airplane!” 9. Fernwood, Ohio 10. Twelve

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14 • APRIL 2014

Devoted to inspiring others

Local teachers receive award from Valley Chamber

By Eli Francovich

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Spokane Valley’s Educators of the Year, as recognized by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, teach different ages and subjects. They have distinct teaching approaches and styles. Yet, at the core, they are remarkably similar.

The common denominator? They love their jobs, and they love children.

Teaching teens to lead Even over the phone, Leanne Donley’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching is evident. She’s animated and clearly loves her job, but she’s also laid back, not afraid to crack a joke — even at her own expense. At one point, she pauses to speak to one of her two children, and the Central Valley High School teacher joked, “See, I treat my students better than my children.”

Which is still pretty darn good. One of two 2014 “Educator of the Year” honorees at the Chamber’s annual Gem of the Valley Awards Gala, Donley likes teaching just fine, but her real love? Kids.

“I have this job where I get to play with really cool kids every day,” she said.

COMMUNITY

The Current

Growing up in Seattle, Donley said she played school all the time, but for some reason she never cast herself as the teacher. In 1992, she moved to the area and worked in the hospitality business. In her spare time, she volunteered at a homeless shelter.

Part of her work there involved teaching and interacting with homeless youth. She loved it.

Since then, she’s DONLEY never looked back.

She started teaching at CVHS during the 1994-95 school year.

Now, she teaches freshman language arts and is in charge of the CVHS leadership program.

In fact, her work in the leadership program at CVHS is a large part of why she received the educator of the year award.

Since the fall of 2000, Donley has led what she calls Winter Camp. A camp counselor for much of her life, she’s modeled the program off her camp experiences. Winter Camp fosters leadership and responsibility in the students that attend.

“You took average students away for the weekend, and today you returned an energized army of young people determined to improve the world,” Larry Bernbaum, a counselor at CVHS, wrote in a letter recommending Donley for the award.

Donley says the camp is all about emphasizing the small acts in life.

“One of my mantras is small and simple,” she said. “It’s the small and simple acts that change the world.”

She really believes that. Donley said she often gets kids in her leadership program who are considered marginal students, or in her words, kids that “don’t play school well.” She welcomes them as well as the 4.0 students.

In fact, one of her favorite memories happened this year at the annual “Daddy Daughter Event” she hosts. Because it’s geared toward the girls in her class, the boys organize the entire thing.

“I was watching these boys yesterday that put on this amazing event, and every single one of them was a kid that a teacher had told me, ‘Don’t take them because they don’t play well in school,’ ” Donley said. “You just should have seen them. I think that those are the moments that they realize they have the power to make positive impacts.”

Those kinds of moments keep Donley passionate about teaching. Watching her students grow into themselves, while simultaneously discovering their abilities, keeps her young at heart.

“The kids I deal with are perpetually 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18,” she said. “I get older but they don’t. When you’re that young, you aren’t bitter yet. Even the kids with trauma issues, they’re broken, but they’re not bitter.”

It’s a different school, a different program and a different age, but the core of Haley Murray’s passion for teaching is the same as Donley’s.

Murray, the other educator honored by the Chamber, teaches in the West Valley School District and works with third through fifth grade students enrolled in Seth Woodard Elementary’s Program for Accelerated and Creative Education (PACE). The students are all above their

grade level academically, Murray said. An additional benefit of the program is that Murray spends three years getting to know her students and their families.

“That makes teaching a lot easier when I have the kids for several years,” she said.

This is Murray’s seventh year at Seth Woodard and in the PACE program. After graduating from college, she started as MURRAY a long-term sub but moved quickly into the accelerated program.

“I think they were looking for someone that had a creative style of teaching,” she said.

Because most accelerated programs in the area start in the fifth grade, the PACE Program doesn't have a whole lot to model itself after. That’s given her plenty of room to improvise. “(I love the) flexibility of knowing I can meet these kids academically and then dig in and go deeper,” Murray said.

Like Donley, Murray said the best part of her job is building relationships with her students. Ironically, it’s also the hardest part.

“You feel like they’re your kids,” she said.

“But I think the biggest challenge for me, truly, is ... saying goodbye.”

She keeps in touch, of course, and loves watching her former students grow up and discover their passions.

“For me that’s the biggest piece,” she said.

“I feel like we’ve built this academic relationship … but then the reality is what they remember is the (personal) relationship.”

Science in Nursing, cum laude Newman Lake: Tristan Nicole Brown, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude; Daniel Joseph Melvin, Bachelor of Science in General Physical Sciences Otis Orchards: Rachel Marie Duckett, Bachelor of Sciences in Basic Medical Sciences, summa cum laude; Paul Thanh Nguyen, Bachelor of Sciences in Basic Medical Sciences; Breeann Marie Rigsby, Bachelor of Arts in Education Spokane Valley: Rachelle Christine Turner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Katelynn Ann Barkley, Bachelor of Arts in Human Development; Anthony Paul Blashill, Bachelor of Arts in Communication; Cameron Robert Good, Bachelor

of Science in Nursing; Rachel Elizabeth Hatten, Bachelor of Arts in History, cum laude; Courtney Marie Herbst, Bachelor of Arts in Education, cum laude; Todd Alan Isaacson Jr, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration; Sabrina Lynne Johnson, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Christopher James King, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude; Lynna Rachelle Logue, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Anthony Bryce Miller, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude; Jalena Marie Pardun, Bachelor of Science in General Biological Sciences; Jenelle Karen Pope, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude; Amanda Reed Proctor, Bachelor

of Science in Nursing; Nicholas John Riordan, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude; Mary Jeanette Willard, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude; Audreyauna Rachelle Williams, Bachelor of Arts in Humanities; Tatyana Yushkevich, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, summa cum laude Valleyford: Betty Jo Oja, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude Veradale: Joseph Sean Morrison, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering; and Bryan Stephen Whitacre, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, cum laude

Sparking accelerated students

Education Brief WSU honors fall grads The following Valley area residents graduated from Washington State University during the Fall 2013 semester. Information was provided via a press release.

Greenacres: Kaci Lynn Matsch, Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences Liberty Lake: Mica Kathryn Kondryszyn, Bachelor of d an Gr ing n e Op

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The Current

APRIL 2014 • 15 O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K • S E R V I N G B R E A K F A S T & L U N C H A L L D AY • N O W O P E N F O R D I N N E R !

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16 • APRIL 2014

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Empowering you, your employees and your business

Internationally known speaker and author Tommy Spaulding is author of “It’s Not Just Who You know.” He will be giving the keynote address at the Empowerment Summit on “Be the Change Maker.”

2014 EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT PRESENTED BY

Wednesday, April 23, 2014 Mirabeau Park Hotel Convention Center | 1100 N Sullivan Rd Cost $95 per person, includes lunch. Ask about group discounts.

7 a.m.:

8 a.m.:

8:15 a.m.:

Panel, "Mentoring to Develop Skills and Work Values"

• Ben Small, Superintendent, Central Valley High School

• Lori Wyborney, Principal, John R. Rogers High School

• Larry Davis, Eastern Washington University, Management Intern Program

• Kitara McClure Johnson, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs

9 a.m.:

9:15 a.m.:

Terry Gurno, Influence Speaking & Coaching, "The Art of Leadership: How to Bring Greatness Out in Others”

10:15 a.m.:

Break

10:30 a.m.:

Geoff Bellman, co-author of “Extraordinary Groups: How Ordinary Teams Achieve Amazing Results” and leadership consultant, “What Makes Great Groups Great?”

11:30 a.m.:

Facilitated Q&A

Break

12:30 p.m.:

Lunch and program, Tommy Spaulding, "Be the Change Maker"

1:45 p.m.:

Closing remarks

Noon:

Registration — Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors Welcome and introduction

Break

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS OF THE EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT.

Dishman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram • Itron • US Bank • Horizon Credit Union • Telect The Splash/The Current (Media) • Journal of Business (Media) • Mirabeau Park Hotel (Site)

COMMUNITY

The Current

Obituary Howard S. Dolphin

students of East Valley and West Valley.

Howard was born In 1961 Howard and Sept. 16, 1927, in SpoMary Floy, along with kane to A.W. and Verna her sister and brotherDolphin, the second of in-law, Betty and Joe four children. He passed Trembly, purchased away March 3, 2014, Sandy Beach Resort at in Honolulu, Hawaii Liberty Lake from Mary on his 31st visit to the Floy's parents, Homer place he and wife Mary and Della Neyland. They Floy called their second continued running it as a home. resort for thirty years unHoward graduated til 1991 when the transifrom West Valley High tion to a mobile home School in 1946 where he park became complete was a three-sport standout and president of the student body. and the resort closed.

Howard was preceded in death by his After graduation Howard joined the army and was stationed in Japan after World parents, A.W. and Verna O. Dolphin; War II. While attending Eastern Washing- brothers, Wilford Dolphin and Anthony ton College he married the love of his life, Dolphin; and foster daughter, Debbie Finley Nesbitt. He is survived at home by his Mary Floy Neyland, on March 25, 1950.

After graduating in 1953 with a degree wife of 63 years, Mary Floy; sister, Gwen in education, Howard began his career in Rawlings, Kennewick; daughters, Leslee the Otis Orchards School District. Early in (Jim) McLachlan, Otis Orchards and Denise (Tim) Coyle, Liberty Lake; his career Howard had a choice six grandchildren; four foster between administration or grandchildren; 13 great-grandteaching and coaching. CoachHoward Dolchildren; and eight foster greating won out and the rest is 54 phin’s family grandchildren. years of history. He spent 30 reflects on his A celebration of Howard's years in the Otis Orchards/East life in a story life was held March 23 at West Valley District teaching social published in Valley High School. Donations sciences, coaching cross country The Current’s can be sent to Ronald McDonand track while serving as athsister publiald House Spokane, East Valletic director. In 1995 Howard cation, The ley Howard Dolphin Memorial was inducted in the first class of Splash. Read Fund or West Valley Howard the Washington State Track and it at www.

Dolphin Memorial Fund. Blood Field Coaches Hall of Fame. In liberytlakesdonations can be made to the 2009 Howard was inducted into Spokane Blood Bank in Howthe West Valley Hall of Fame for plash.com. ard's name. his many contributions to the

Community Briefs SV Rotary accepting grant applications The Valley Rotary Charitable Association is offering funds to organizations that work for senior citizens in the Spokane Valley area. Examples of previous grant recipients include Spokane Valley Partners and Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels.

The grants are funded through a bequest from Henry “Hank” Grinalds, a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Spokane Valley, who directed in his will that funds be targeted to assist the elderly in the Valley area.

To request a grant application or for more information, write to Valley Rotary Charitable Association, P.O. Box 14192, Spokane Valley, WA, 99214.

Indians announce summer internship program The Spokane Indians are currently accepting applications for the 2014 summer

internship program.

Prospective candidates with junior, senior of post-grad college experience must be available to work all 38 Spokane Indians home games.

Positions include marketing and promotions, ticket office, public relations and broadcasting. For more information, go to www.spokaneindians.com.

Local families needed for exchange students ASSE International Student Exchange Program is recruiting families for international students ages 15 to 18 who plan to come to the area for a high school year or semester. Exchange students can speak English, are fully insured and bring their own spending money.

Families can choose students from a wide variety of backgrounds, nationalities and personal interests. For more information, call 800-733-2773.

Healthy Valley 2014 Healthy Valley Your pulse on local health and wellness

2 • APRIL 2014

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

Valley healthcare investment soaring Hospital upgrades, new medical park top the list of more than $95 million in spending since 2008

By Amy Busek

HEALTHY VALLEY CONTRIBUTOR

More than half of the healthcare-related business licenses on file with the city of Spokane Valley are 27 months old or newer.

The city’s public information officer, Carolbelle Branch, cautioned that those numbers (see “On the rise?” below) include an indeterminable number of licenses that lapsed and were later renewed, tempering the ability to draw conclusions from the data with any certainty.

Even still: “It does bear attention because of the new Providence center,” she said.

That would be the 11-acre, $44 million campus set to open later this month just east of the Sullivan exit on the north side of Interstate 90.

That significant project, first announced in 2012, is not the only multi-million dollar healthcare-related investment made in recent years in Spokane Valley.

Momentum really picked up in 2008, when Valley Hospital and Medical Center was purchased by Tennessee-based hospital conglomerate, Community Health Systems (CHS). The new owners have invested millions of dollars into the hospital since that time, including repurposing an under-utilized adjacent building and christening it the Valley Hospital Medical Office Building. A ribbon cutting and open house was held last month.

The ever-growing Valley presence of both of the Spokane area’s healthcare heavyweights — Providence also operates Sacred Heart and Holy Family hospitals, while Community Health Systems also operates Deaconess — has corresponded with other health-related businesses taking notice.

In the past two years, a pair of state-ofthe art cancer facilities have been built near the already crowded medical cor-

ON THE RISE? The 11-year-old city of Spokane Valley has 175 healthcare-related business licenses on file. Ninety-four of those have been filed since the beginning of 2012, including 34 in 2012, 48 in 2013 and 12 thus far in 2014 —including Family First Care Management, Senior Helpers of Spokane and Instant MD. These statistics include an unknown number of businesses that renewed a business license after allowing it to lapse.

HEALTHY VALLEY PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

A sign of the times? The $44 million Providence Medical Park opens April 28. The project is the most visible among dozens set in motion since 2008 to revitalize the Spokane Valley healthcare landscape. ridor near Valley Hospital between Pines and McDonald roads. Cancer Care Northwest expanded an already established Valley practice with a new 20,000-squarefoot facility at 1204 N. Vercler, while Spokane-based Medical Oncology Associates opened the 22,000-square-foot Spokane Valley Cancer Center at 13424 E. Mission Ave — both multi-million-dollar investments.

Added up, investments by Providence, CHS and the two new cancer facilities total more than $95 million.

Meanwhile, many independent medical providers have aligned with either Providence or CHS. Both companies report the investment has meant new jobs and better, closer-to-home healthcare for Valley residents.

Valley Hospital: focus on quality “It takes investment to improve quality.”

Those are the words of Sasha Weiler, the communications director for both Valley Hospital and Deaconess.

Valley Hospital was in dire straits, Weiler explained, when CHS bought the hospital for $272 million in 2008 from Empire Health Services, a nonprofit organization, a purchase that also included Deaconess Hospital in Spokane. Weiler said the past

six years have been extremely fruitful, particularly for the Valley.

“We’ve thoughtfully grown services, helped recruit many new physicians to the Spokane Valley area, expanded the number of people we employ in key areas and improved financial performance to better position us for success,” she said.

The level of investment CHS put into the Valley hospital — Weiler reported some $25.5 million poured into hospital equipment since 2008 — is reaping large returns.

“We’ve seen increases in surgical volume, admission and babies born since 2008,” Weiler said. “We’ve also seen an increase in market share — from under 10 percent Spokane County market share for inpatient admissions in 2009 to over 13 percent in 2012.”

When CHS acquired Valley Hospital, it was “very undercapitalized,” according to Weiler. The hospital, which opened in 1969, had been expanded numerous times of the years, including a 53,000-squarefoot addition in 2002. However, keeping pace with necessary investments in technology and infrastructure had been a challenge.

“Many basic needs and upgrades had gone unmet — some of the first major

FOR MORE Take a photo tour and learn more about the new Providence Medical Park Spokane Valley campus and the Valley Hospital Medical Office Building, both of which are making their debuts this spring. Pages 6-9 investments we made (were for) things like new patient beds, monitors, computers, carts, tables — good things that aren’t as ‘publicly visible’ as a new building or a waiting room model, but essential for good patient care,” she said.

The first major purchase Valley Hospital made was a new CT scanner for half a million dollars, though spending six or more figures in a single transaction has proven to not be an uncommon occurrence. Among the other big-ticket expenditures since 2008: new patient monitors ($876,000), new perinatal monitoring system ($484,000), an advanced interventional radiology room ($1.3 million), MRI upgrades ($425,000), and improving all six operating rooms to “i-Suites” ($2.3 million).

See INVESTMENT, page 4

APRIL 2014 • 3

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

» 123 licensed beds » Joint Commission Certified (Hospital and Lab) » 8 private LDRP suites » Special Care Nursery

Working together.

For you.

» Level III Certified Trauma Center » ACS Commission on Cancer Accreditation with Commendation » Joint Commission Certified Hip and Knee Replacement program* » Diagnostic Imaging

At Valley Hospital, you’ll find the advanced medical technology you need—

» Intensive Care Unit

when you need it. Our dedicated and experienced medical staff includes

» MRI, CT Scan

more than 450 physicians and offers 20 specialties ranging from emergency

» Interventional Radiology

medicine and surgery to oncology and obstetrics. There’s no need to travel

» Emergency Services

downtown to get the care you and your family need. We’ve been providing it right here at home since 1969.

» Pediatrics » Obstetrics / Gynecology » Orthopedics » Urology » Anesthesiology » Plastic Surgery » Occupational Health » Oncology

SpokaneValleyHospital.com

* As of March 2014

4 • APRIL 2014

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

INVESTMENT Continued from page 2

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Blueberry Summer Salad at True Legends Grill in Liberty Lake.

‘I’ll try the salad’

Six healthy orders — without the letdown 1. Blueberry Summer Salad Menu description: Spring salad mix topped with tender diced chicken, feta cheese, dried blueberries, sliced almonds and orange segments, finished with mint leaves and served with a mint huckleberry dressing. (Pictured above.)

Price: $12.99 Where: True Legends Grill, 1803 N. Harvard Road, Liberty Lake

4. Ahi Salad Menu description: Togarashi seared tuna, mixed greens, red onions and red peppers, tossed in an Asian dressing with crispy wontons.

Price: $14.99 Where: Ambrosia Bistro and Wine Bar, 9211 E. Montgomery Ave., Spokane Valley

5. Oriental Salad

Menu description: Dungeness and coastal crab, Alaskan salmon, chilled cold-water shrimp, egg, fresh tomato, lettuce, pickled red onion, olives, bacon and shaved Parmesan in a tarragon vinaigrette.

Price: $16.75 Where: Barlows, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road, Liberty Lake

Menu description: Spring greens, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers which are nestled in with tangy mandarin oranges, ripe avocado and topped with crumbled bleu cheese, bacon, sesame seeds and our own spicy sesame dressing. The perfect marriage of sweet and spicy!

Price: $7 Where: Darcy’s Restaurant and Spirits, 10502 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley

3. Yum Talay Salad

6. Seafood Cobb Salad

Menu description: Prawns, scallops, calamari rings and tentacles, catfish, cilantro, mint, lemongrass, onions, fresh ginger adn basil in our own spicy lime dressing. Served on a bed of cabbage.

Price: $16.99 Where: Thai Bamboo, 12722 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley

Menu description: Grilled gulf prawns, langoustine and blackened Ahi atop mixed greens, avocado, bacon, chive, Gorgonzola, cucumber, tomato and hardboiled egg with gorgonzola vinaigrette.

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Along with their successes, the Valley Hospital faces obstacles in our post-recessionary economy.

Weiler cited the Hospital Safety Net bill of 2010 as a crucial factor in decreased Medicaid reimbursement for the Valley specifically, along with an increase in charity and uncompensated care.

However, the Valley uses on-sight insurance experts to effectively sign residents up for Medicaid on a daily basis.

“Despite these challenges, we’ve continued to invest generously in capital, equipment and upgrades with no reduction in staff compensation or benefits,” Weiler said.

The 2008 transaction that saw a formerly nonprofit entity become for-profit had another significant consequence for the community, Weiler noted. “... Combined, Deaconess and Valley are the fourth-largest taxpayer in Spokane County,” she said. “Under previous ownership, the area didn’t benefit from this tax base.”

For being the smallest of the four Spokane hospitals —with between 60 and 100 patients daily — the Valley Hospital has been the recipient of a host of accolades since 2008. Healthgrades, an online national medical resource, ranked the Valley Hospital in the top 5 percent of the nation. They were the second hospital in the state of Washington to receive Joint Commission Knee and Hip Replacement Certification and the first hospital in Spokane given praise from The Joint Commission on Key Quality Measures.

What makes the Valley different, Weiler said, isn’t just leading physicians, top-of-the-line equipment and high patient satisfaction.

“Many patients tell us that they appreciate our smaller size (easier to park and find your way around) and the feeling of family and personalized care they receive at Valley,” she said.

As far as continued success and goals for the future, Weiler said that future projects are evaluated by “volume, trends and community need.” CHS just bought the Valley Hospital Medical Office Building, creating two additional operating rooms, relocating doctor’s offices and adding on a therapy unit (see separate story,

page 8).

“We’ve worked very hard to enhance quality and expand service lines, recruit specialist physicians and make sure that the residents of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Veradale, Newman Lake and beyond can get the care they need, right here,” Weiler said. “We are the hospital of the Spokane Valley, and we want the residents of the area to trust us with their care.”

Providence: pursuing a model of localized care The Providence Medical Park opens April 28. The facility will provide increased options and a plethora of jobs for local residents. The 11-acre facility will have two connected buildings: one for doctors’ offices and one for diagnosis and treatment, according to a Providence news release.

For the company, it’s about pursuing localized and wellness-focused care. Joseph Robb, Providence’s director of marketing and public relations for Eastern Washington, said the Valley wants a comprehensive care facility, and the Providence Medical Park plans to deliver.

“With the anticipation of forming accountable care organizations that take responsibility for cost, quality and patient satisfaction, the focus has shifted to population health rather than caring for people when they are ill,” Robb said.

The plan is to create a partnership with local businesses in order to foster a healthy community, not limited to services provided when residents are already sick. Robb said that Group Health, Columbia Medical Associates, Inland Imaging, Cancer Care Northwest and St. Luke Physical Therapy are some of the local healthcare partners that promote a similar goal of quality care.

Ambulatory care — those surgeries, diagnostic procedures and treatments that do not require overnight hospitalization — has been an emphasis for expansion within Providence.

“The goal of maintaining health has led Providence to move from primarily a hospital system five years ago to having an equally strong ambulatory care base made up of over 300 physicians in Providence Medical Group who are located throughout Spokane and Stevens counties,” Robb said.

The Providence Medical Park will bring large-scale ambulatory services to the Valley.

The park was created with three major goals in mind: to provide a variety of same-day services within the same building for the ease of the patient, to reduce the cost of fees usually charged in a hospital setting and to ensure a satisfactory patient experience in that all the services they may need are housed under the same roof.

Including the partnership with other Eastern Washington healthcare organizations, the park will house primary care, specialists, urgent care, diagnostic services, procedures and pharmaceutical resources. Specialty services, Robb said, include orthopedics, gastroenterology, neurology, rheumatology and cardiology.

“Providence has found that Spokane Valley residents prefer care that is in the Valley,” Robb said.

The changing tide of localized healthcare was realized by Providence by gradually increasing their presence in the Valley, starting four years ago.

“In August of 2010, Providence Medical Group acquired Valley Family Physicians, a group of four family practice providers,” Robb explained. “This was the first step in more convenient care for Spokane Valley residents. That followed with the acquisition of Spokane Cardiology in 2011, Spokane Valley Family Medicine in 2012 and Valley Young Peoples Clinic in 2014.”

Providence, with its bustling hospitals in Spokane, ensures job stability with its acquisitions, Robb said. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital and Holy Family Hospital are the destinations of choice for many Valley families who require in-patient care. Not only will the medical park cut back on treks to greater Spokane, it will foster job creation for Valley residents. Providence’s presence in the Valley will create more than 200 jobs for residents in time.

“Providence Medical Park will eventually employ 178 staff and 38 physicians and 17 advanced practice providers (nurses, physician assistants with advance training/certifications),” Robb said. “On April 28, Providence will employ 57 non-provider, clinical staff.”

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6 • APRIL 2014

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

Providence expands Valley presence with

diversified Medical Park IF YOU GO ...

‘A Day in the Park’ Providence Medical Park open house 1 to 4 p.m. April 12 16528 East Desmet Court What: Tours, free health screenings, giveaways, drawings, refreshments and an art exhibit by Providence employees.

One of the Valley’s more visible construction projects, the progress at Providence Medical Park - Spokane Valley has been viewed by Interstate 90 passers-by for more than a year. The facility opens April 28.

New center set to open April 28 Story and photos by Craig Howard HEALTHY VALLEY CONTRIBUTOR

Since late August 2012, travelers along Interstate 90 near the Sullivan Road exit have seen a park built from the ground up.

Located on 11 acres east of the Valley Mall, Providence Medical Park Spokane Valley encompasses 130,000 square feet and will include a staff count of nearly 180 when fully occupied. The facility is scheduled to open April 28.

Joe Robb, director of marketing and public relations for the Eastern Washington region of Providence Health & Services, said the venue will mean increased convenience and affordability for local residents who access Providence treatment.

“We were seeing patients from the Valley, but we didn’t have the facilities there,” Robb said. “They were coming to Sacred Heart or Holy Family, but they had to travel. This is about moving from a hospital-based model to a community-based

model. We want to treat those people in their community. Having a lower cost point by having a nearby outpatient, ambulatory facility really made sense.”

Robb notes that Washington-based notfor-profit Providence has a market share of “just over 50 percent” in the greater Valley area. Within the last two years, the nonprofit organization has added Valley Family Physicians, Spokane Valley Family Medicine and Valley Young People’s Clinic into the Providence fold. Valley Family Physicians will relocate from its office on Mission to the Medical Park this month.

“The thought was to have a presence in the Valley but also provide a lower-cost alternative to people in the Valley,” said Kathy Tarcon, Providence chief operating officer. “It’s about providing convenience for patients, easy parking and lower cost, high-quality, specialized care in one place.”

Discussions about the project began in 2009. The campus also includes an urgent care center and a variety of other specialties, including orthopedics, gastroenterology, neurology, rheumatology and endocrinology. A diagnostic element with Inland Imaging will be featured, while

Spokane Cardiology, acquired by Providence in 2011, will also find a new home at the park.

“We have a whole list of specialists as well as primary care, so if a primary care physician sees a patient and that patient needs to see a specialist, they can refer them right there,” Tarcon said.

The park’s ambulatory surgery center will be partially operational in August for gastrointestinal procedures. Robb said Providence is still awaiting word on certification that would add orthopedic, spinal and hip and knee procedures, among others.

“The ambulatory surgery center at the Providence Medical Park will be open later this summer providing a limited number of diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies and will be fully operational once we receive regulatory approval,” Robb explained.

Tarcon said convenient access off Interstate 90 and land for expansive parking were key features when selecting the site.

The park is also not far from Providence patients who travel from North Idaho and Western Montana.

“We talked to patients when we designed the building,” Tarcon said. “It’s about ease for patients. We have it all in one specific building. It’s right off the freeway and people don’t have the hassle of worrying about parking.”

The building will also feature a Rite-Aid pharmacy and a Thomas Hammer Coffee outlet. Another 21,000 square feet is available for lease. Bouten Construction has served as the primary contractor on the project, with a pricetag of $44 million.

Another $10 million went into equipment and technology.

Tarcon said the park moves Providence one step closer to its goal of being no more than 10 minutes away from any patient in the greater Spokane area.

“Providence has always had the philosophy that we need to serve the patients,” she said. “As we looked at ambulatory care, we have them on the north side and the south side but not the Valley. It’s about staying true to our mission of caring for the poor and vulnerable. It was just asking what we can do in an ambulatory, outpatient setting where you don’t have that hospital overhead. This will truly be a fully functioning medical park.”

APRIL 2014 • 7

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

Check-in stations await patients to come in the urgent care portion of the campus.

Above, lighting hangs near a walkway connecting elements of the facility’s open design concept. While the majority of the campus will be occupied when the facility opens this month, 21,000 square feet is available for lease.

Providence Medical Park will be the new home for many of the medical group’s family practice physicians, who will be housed in space such as the room pictured above. Since 2002, Valley Family Physicians, Spokane Valley Family Medicine and Valley Young People’s Clinic have all come into the Providence fold. While many family physicians will continue to be located throughout the Valley, others will move on to the roomy new campus.

At left, a meditative room gazes out at a grassy courtyard.

At right, a view from the lobby of the 130,000square-foot Providence Medical Park.

Above, a wildlife themed picture adorns a wall. An open house scheduled for April 12 will feature an art exhibit by Providence employees among the festivities.

At left, a west-facing view from an upper level of Providence Medical Park reveals a courtyard, parking lot and hotel.

8 • APRIL 2014

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

Facility makeover results in new office building for

Valley Hospital Story and photos by Craig Howard HEALTHY VALLEY CONTRIBUTOR

For years, the khaki-colored, rectangular building on Houk Road has been familiar to Spokane Valley residents as an addendum to the Valley Hospital and Medical Center.

Since 1986, however, the structure has not housed much outside of the Empire Eye Physicians office and a vein care center that moved in around three years ago. Other tenants like St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center —which operated a physical therapy site at the building —have long since left.

All of that changed in February, when a slew of Rockwood specialists relocated to the newly renamed Valley Hospital Medical Office Building.

The venue is now at more than 90 percent capacity, according to Sasha Weiler, senior director of marketing and communications for Rockwood Health Systems.

“This had been an underutilized resource,” Weiler said. “We had physicians all over our campus, walking to the hospital in the snow and rain.

What’s great about this for the patients is that it puts the Rockwood specialists in one place.”

The treatment lineup at the refurbished space includes fields like endocrinology, orthopedics, sports medicine and a foot and ankle center. A pair of operating rooms were also added to the second floor.

The spacious physical therapy space features plenty of natural light courtesy of a bank of windows, while a small pool —left over from the St. Luke’s tenure —provides aquatic therapy for re-

covering patients.

“To us, this symbolized the reinvigoration of Valley Hospital,” said Weiler.

The 20,000-square-foot venue experienced an upgrade of more than $3 million, including a new roof, renovations to office space and new carpet. The HVAC system was also overhauled to meet code. The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce sponsored an open house and ribbon cutting at the building on March 20.

Weiler said the office building represents the ongoing emphasis on “integrated healthcare” as underscored by Community Health Systems, a for-profit company based in Tennessee that purchased Valley and Deaconess hospitals from nonprofit Empire Health Systems in 2008. Rockwood moved under the CHS umbrella in the early part of 2010. Since taking over Valley Hospital, CHS has added some $30 million in improvements, Weiler noted.

Weiler said discussions regarding the purchase and facelift of the Houk Road site began in late 2012. The building was bought by CHS from a physicians group and a commercial property owner for $2 million. Empire Eye Physicians — the longest tenured tenant —still oversees future leases on available property at the site.

The revitalized building now means frequent utilization of a skyramp connection to VHMC, a bridge essentially unused for almost 30 years.

“Everything is connected,” Weiler said. “Doctors can walk over to the office building without going outside. Patients can also come here to see their doctor and get the therapy they need.”

Above left, the 20,000-square-foot Valley Hospital Medical Office Building received $3 million in renovations in advance of its rechristening this spring as an upgraded adendum to the main hospital campus. Above, natural light leads the way throughout the facility, including along the walkway (directly above) that connects the main hospital campus to the Office Building.

Below, patient rooms like this allow hospital patients to visit specialists without leaving the campus.

APRIL 2014 • 9

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

Ask the Doctor

Seeking help for cramping muscles

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D. KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

Above, the Valley Hospital Medical Office Building includes a pool that provides aquatic therapy for recovering patients. The pool’s presence on the campus dates back to when St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center was a major tenant.

At left, the revitalized structure provides another outlet to meet Valley Hospital’s storage needs.

Below, physical therapy equipment awaits recovering patients.

Question: I hope you can help me with a problem that might get me kicked off the first string. I get cramps in my legs, mostly in the calves. At first, it was laughable.

Now it’s not. At practices, I can sit down and wait for the cramp to go. During a game, I have to be replaced. How do I stop them? — B.L. Answer: I have to tell readers that what I say applies to exercise-associated muscle cramps and not to the cramps that so many older people get when in bed. They’re both the same phenomenon, an involuntary, sustained and painful contraction of a muscle or muscles. But they’re not the same when it comes to the situation that brings them on.

The actual cause is a matter that experts have debated for years. A lack of potassium, calcium or magnesium, excessive exercise, cold weather, hot weather and dehydration have been cited as possible causes. None has been proven to be the universal cause. Muscle fatigue is another possibility. Some experts say that muscle fatigue affects the muscles’ response to spinal cord signals that prevent cramping.

Suggestions to forestall cramps are many. Hydration is a reasonable approach. An hour before a game or an exercise session, drink a quart of water. That gives enough time for the water to be absorbed. During play, keep drinking. If you are drinking a lot of fluid, switch to a sports drink to prevent a drop in potassium and sodium.

Stretch your calf muscles in three daily sessions. Rising on the toes is a good calf stretch. You can try taking a vitamin supplement that contains most of the B vitamins.

Make sure vitamin B-6 is included.

To uncramp a muscle, sit on the floor with the involved leg stretched out in front of you. Grab the ball of the foot, and, while keeping the heel on the floor, pull the foot toward you and hold it in that position until the cramp eases. Pinching the skin between the nose and the lip is another way to break a cramp.

Am I getting enough calcium?

Question: My doctor has me on a calcium tablet because I’m nearing the osteoporosis line. I’m 63 and never have taken any kind of medicine. I hate to break my record.

Can’t I get enough calcium from foods to reach my calcium goal? Let me know what foods, please. — B.A. Answer: You can get enough calcium from foods, and it’s as good a way, if not better, of getting that mineral than are tablets and pills.

Eight ounces of low-fat yogurt has 413 mg; 8 ounces of low fat milk, 300 mg; 6 ounces of calcium-fortified orange juice, 378 mg; 3 ounces of canned sardines, 324 mg; 1.5 ounces of cheddar cheese, 306 mg; 1 cup of cottage cheese, 138 to 206 mg. A woman of your age needs about 1,200 mg of calcium a day.

Most bookstores have small books with the nutritional content of foods, and they aren’t expensive.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

10 • APRIL 2014

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

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HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

SPRING into spring

20 ideas toward taking a healthy step forward this season

By Amy Busek

5. Variety is the spice of senior exercise

1. Hit the hills for a hike

Are you a senior looking for a regular exercise routine? The Spokane Valley Senior Center offers senior fitness, aerobic exercise, tai chi, chair exercise, Zumba, dance classes and various sports for people over 50 at 2425 N. Discovery Place. The cost is only $20 a year. Call 926-1937.

HEALTHY VALLEY CONTRIBUTOR

The Dishman Hills Conservancy is hosting its 48th annual Buttercup Hike in an annual observance of the first blossoms of spring on April 12. The free event is led by local geologists and conservationists who provide commentary on the area’s history throughout the hike. The three-hour hike starts at 1 p.m. at Camp Caro. Register at www.dishmanhills.org.

2. Download an app For the tech-savvy out there, the wide, wide world of smartphone applications offers easy ways to chart your fitness goals.

Try MyFitnessPal, a free app that creates daily calorie and fitness goals based on your height, weight and fitness plans. Type in your meals and workouts and let the slimming begin!

6. Get to know squat How about something that doesn’t require a membership, special clothes or even leaving the house? Do a monthlong squat challenge. On the first of the month, do 60 squats. You can use weights if you want, but it’s also effective without them.

Every day, increase your set by five and take a rest day every fourth day (65 on the second day, 70 on the third, none on the fourth, 75 on the fifth, etc). Before you know it, you’ll be doing hundreds of squats a day with little burn — and by May, you’ll be ready for swimsuit season.

3. Bike for charity

7. Consume local food

The 21st annual Lilac Century and Family Fun Ride, an all-day event on April 27, has routes for all levels of bikers, including a part bike, part 5K run transitional “brick” race. Sponsored by the Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary Club, your entry fee (of $40-$50, depending on the distance you bike) will benefit a variety of Rotarian charities, including Kids at Risk, holiday food baskets and college scholarships.

Register at www.clubrunner.ca/portal/ home.aspx?accountid=1832

Community-supported agriculture has a way of bringing together locals through encouraging the consumption of locallygrown, seasonal and organic produce.

Local company Garden Delivered has a choice of four produce boxes that vary in size and content. You pay a $35 annual fee and boxes range from $35-$45 weekly.

Bonus — delivery is free. They only deliver to select zip codes in Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake zip codes, so call 509808-2195 to see if your address qualifies.

Register at www.gardendeliveredspokane. com. Meanwhile, watch for local Farmers Markets to launch in May, including longtime nearby mainstays in Liberty Lake and Millwood.

4. Run by the river Running through the pine forests with the sounds of the river in your ears sure beats the treadmill — register for the Spokane River Run, which takes place April 27 at Riverside State Park. The annual race is an all-ages event and has five different routes that range from 5K to 50K. Sign up online at www.spokaneriverrun.com.

8. Play pickleball The HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake offers a variety of classes, but you should totally start with the most obscure: pick-

leball. The game resembles badminton, tennis and ping pong in that players use wooden paddles to smack a ball over a net in a badminton-sized court. Play time is 12:30 Monday through Thursday and 6:30 on Sunday evenings. Drop-in cost is $4 a person and $2 for seniors. More is available at www.hubsportscenter.org.

9. Practice your downward dog Mellow Monkey Yoga in the Spokane Valley offers classes for all skill levels. If you haven’t touched your toes since Bush was in office, try out the “Yoga for Everyone” classes on Saturdays at 8 a.m., Sundays at 4:30 p.m. and Mondays at 6 p.m.

First class is free, and monthly memberships are $69 general and $58 for students and seniors over 60.

10. Join the school of rock Rather than learning how to shred on guitar, this class put on by the Spokane Mountaineers teaches the basics of rock climbing. Belay, climbing technique, anchoring and rappelling are taught in your choice of indoor or outdoor settings. Indoor classes are April 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. and outdoor classes are April 26 and 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fill out your application online at spokanemountaineers.org

by April 18. Cost is $50.

11. If the moon’s up, put the fork down A 2013 study from Brigham Young University monitored the eating habits of 29 younger guys and found that those who refrained from eating between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. lost almost a pound over two weeks, while they gained 1.3 pounds over the next two weeks when they returned to their normal eating habits. It doesn’t sound like much — but this simple step is likely to reduce your fat intake

See SPRING, page 13

APRIL 2014 • 13

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

SPRING Continued from page 12

as well, since we typically eat fattier foods late at night.

12. Play frisbee golf Greenacres Park, at the corner of Boone and Long on the eastern side of Spokane Valley, has only been around for two years.

The city shelled out $1.4 million to build it — might as well put it to use. It has barnthemed play structure for the kids, a picnic area and a family-friendly starter disc golf course. Grab the kids and a few sandwiches and get ready for some serious fun.

13. Be as swift as the coursing river: take Taekwondo!

Jung Kim’s Martial Arts in Spokane Valley is among local studios that offer classes for both adults and children (check www. jungkimtaekwondo.com for the April schedule or Google a nearby establishment close to you). It’s recommended to sit in on a class first, and then confer with the instructor regarding placement and skill level.

14. Find a running or workout buddy Look for a running or workout buddy.

Many local clubs offer camaraderie, and there are also nearby running and walking groups. The city recreation department is a good source for available outlets. Swallow your fear and meet someone while getting in shape. Nothing motivates you more than a partner — especially one who is at the same place as you, athletically.

15. Avoid Easter overindulgence Easter falls on April 20 this year. If your family cooks a traditional Easter dinner, try creating a healthier menu this year. Roast sweet potatoes and skip the heavy dinner rolls in favor of heart-healthy quinoa. Celebrate spring vegetables by incorporating as many as you can into your side dishes.

16. Become a ride regular Two Spokane Valley bicycle shops, the Bike Hub and Wheel Sport East, are known to host weekly rides. Details are commonly posted on the Facebook page. One ride al-

ready in stride for 2014 is Wheel Sport East’s Wednesday night Road Ride. Show up at the Sullivan Road shop at 6 p.m. each week for a no-drop ride. Yes, that means what you think it does. No rider will be left behind.

17. Plant a vegetable garden Early April is the best time to plant coolseason crops, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Plants that can withstand late frost include broccoli, peas, spinach and onions.

18. Run for the Son An annual event billed as a “celebration of faith” for the Christian community lands at 9 a.m. May 24 this year with a launching point of Rockin’ B Ranch at exit 299. Run for the Son is a 5K with an inexpensive, $10 registration. Fill that out by May 17. For more: www.libertycross.org.

19. Get the kids connected A pair of free events on consecutive Saturdays in April can help get your kids moving. The first, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April

19, is the Summer Activities Kids Expo.

Held at the Warehouse Athletic Facility in Spokane (800 N. Hamilton) and the brainchild of Phil Champlin of the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake, the event will connect parents with representatives of more than 30 local summer programs. The goal of the Kids Expo is for families to learn about activities, events, classes, clinics, camps and programs to keep your children active and engaged all summer long. For more, call Champlin at 927-0602. Then, from 9 a.m. to noon April 26, head down to the Spokane Valley YMCA for Healthy Kids Day. The goal of the event is to encourage kids to get moving and learning and help families live healthier. For more on this event, contact Mary Berry at mberry@ymcaspokane.org.

20. Be a part of Bloomsday Sign up for Bloomsday by April 20 to avoid any late registration fees, and train regularly for the iconic May 4 event that turns 38 this year. Having a hard time motivating yourself to train? The Spokane Falls Community College offers weekly training sessions, starting with 1 mile the first week (March 15) and culminating in a 7-miler (April 26). The event is free and takes place every Saturday for 7 weeks starting at 8:30 a.m.

14 • APRIL 2014

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

Health and fitness part of

Brooks family DNA

By Eli Francovich

HEALTHY VALLEY CONTRIBUTOR

Treasure Brooks is in the second trimester of her third pregnancy. She just got back from a 4-mile run. Really, it’s not a big deal for her. Fitness is part of her life — an integral part.

“I wanted to be able to set a good example for my kids,” Brooks said. “Obesity is becoming such an epidemic. I just

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Treasure and Winston Brooks’ lifestyle of health and wellness is modeled to their children, Quincy and Tassie.

wanted to be sure my kids followed my example.”

In fact, for the Brooks family, fitness is a family activity. Treasure’s husband, Winston Brooks, played college basketball for Gonzaga from 2001-2003 after transferring from North Idaho College. He was part of talented backcourt that included Dan Dickau and Blake Stepp.

Now, the former point guard is a member of Spokane’s Police Department and an AAU coach.

But he’s no donut-eating slouch.

Recently, he’s started competing in bodybuilding competitions alongside his wife. In fact, in May 2013, both competed and placed in the Empire Classic Bodybuilding competition.

Winston got started in bodybuilding on a dare, his wife recalled. When she did her first competition, he told that if she placed, he would give the sport a try as well.

Well, Treasure placed and Winston followed through. He’s competed in one other competition since the on in May. While bodybuilding is an important activity for the two of them, their commitment to exercise and healthy living goes deeper than that. For Treasure, it’s the absolute foundation to a healthy and well-organized life.

“Really, it’s not about winning — winning is great. It’s just about the discipline and dedica-

tion that it takes,” Treasure said.

“It’s just a family passion. When you get your health in check, and when you get your fitness in check, it bleeds into other areas of your life.”

In fact, she’s been incredibly successful in bodybuilding. In November 2013, she placed fifth in nationals in the figure class B category.

Treasure wasn’t a collegiate athlete, but she grew up playing sports and loves the discipline and competition of athletics. She said she didn’t get into bodybuilding competitions until about five years ago. While Winston was training to become a cop, he spent three months in Meridian, Idaho, leaving her home alone with two children.

“We had two kids at the time and a newborn baby. It was just hard for me to be at home without him all the time,” Treasure said. “And so I started to go to the gym more than usual.”

While working out, people started asking her if she competed in bodybuilding competitions. She hadn’t but soon decided to give it a swing. The rest, so to speak, is history.

She’s quick to emphasize that bodybuilding isn’t even really an accurate name. Everything she does is natural, and the emphasis, at least for her preferred category, isn’t only bulk.

“The culture has really changed over the years,” she said.

“Body building as we’ve known it is really dead and gone. What I do is I’m completely natural.”

When she’s training for a competition, she lift weights five or six times a week for 45 minutes. Although she does do cardio, she said she prefers to monitor her body composition by controlling her food intake.

Now she’s taking a break from competition because of the pregnancy. Instead, she coaches a team of local bodybuilders.

And she doesn’t stay in shape just for competitions. Treasure works as a personal trainer at Liberty Lake Athletic Club — even while pregnant, she teaches a ladies-only bootcamp two evenings a week — and firmly

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Treasure and Winston Brooks and their children, Quincy and Tassie, embrace simplicity and consistency as part of a healthy lifestyle. believes in the all-around importance of fitness. In fact, their youngest child, 5-year-old Tassie, has basically grown up in the gym.

“She’s gone to work with me,” Treasure said. “She’s never been to daycare.”

Tassie is always playing with weights, a basketball or even competing against older women.

“She’ll run sprints against grown women and kick their asses,” Treasure said.

The couple's oldest child, 9-year-old Quincy, also plays sports, including football and AAU basketball. However, he’s not quite the gym rat the other three are.

“Honestly, he’s a little more

See BROOKS, page 15

APRIL 2014 • 15

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

Are you Tired?

BROOKS Continued from page 14

academic,” Treasure said. “He loves science. He’s a little more analytical.”

While it may sound intense, Treasure insists that they’re a very normal family — one that just chooses to make a habit out of health. They eat with their health in mind but aren’t radical about it. She’ll enjoy a hamburger or glass of wine occasionally.

“All the bad health things happen when we’re consistently unhealthy,” she said.

So, instead, the Brooks family focuses on a simple health principle of consistency. Ultimately, that’s her advice to anyone trying to live healthy. Keep it simple.

“A lot of people fail when they’re either trying to lose weight or implement a new program because they go to the extremes,” she said. “Be realistic about what you’re trying to achieve. It’s not going to happen overnight.”

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Distributed for free with The Current and The Splash, the Healthy Valley pullout is possible because of its advertisers. Please consider them when offering your patronage.

23403 E. Mission Avenue, Suite 102 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com EDITOR/PUBLISHER GENERAL MANAGER GRAPHICS EDITOR CIRCULATION

Dates: M-F June 16 to Aug. 22, 2014 Fee: $1,200/summer or $125/week Multi-Child rate $1,100 for summer

Tammy Kimberley

tammy@valleycurrent.com

Sarah Burk

sarah@valleycurrent.com

Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics

circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS

Amy Busek, Eli Francovich, Craig Howard

City of Liberty Lake Exercise Institute Focused Fitness Center Healthy Living Liberty Lake Lakeside Holistic Health North Idaho Dermatology

CHILL is an exciting summer day camp hosted by the City of Liberty Lake. Children 5 to 11 years old are welcome to register. Campers enjoy numerous exciting activities ranging from arts & crafts, to sports, swimming, games, field trips and more!

Come learn, grow, and have a fun-filled summer with us at CHILL camp!

Josh Johnson

josh@valleycurrent.com

15 5 11 15 5 11

Opportunity Medical Rockwood Health System Sleep Better Northwest Spokane Foot Clinic Spokane Spine & Disc Valley Hospital

11 16 13 5 10 3

I have many patients who see me for help achieving their optimal health.

The complaints are all very similar: fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, loss of motivation or drive, SUSAN ASHLEY anxiety, depresM.D. sion, brain fog, more Specializing in: weight gain even • Bio-Identical though they may be Hormones eating less, reduced • Autism/ADHD libido, hot flashes, drug-free treatment • Brain Health/ Dementia joint and muscle • Food allergies aches, bloating, and • Energy Medicine irritable bowel. They • Chronic Fatigue/ want to regain their Fibromyalgia physical strength • Pediatrics/ Sport Physicals and mobility, shed • Anti-Aging Medicine the pounds, and get back the enthusiasm for life they had when they were younger.

Addressing these concerns involves looking at many different factors; there is never just one simple solution. I’m still waiting for the magic pill that will make us thinner, smarter and richer, but until that is developed we have to attack these complaints from several angles. We’ve developed an intensive program for women that addresses: 1) Nutrition — there are many ways our diet and nutrition can sabotage us, even when we think we’re doing all we can and watching every calorie. We’re bombarded with chemicals, preservatives, GMO foods, MSG, artificial sweeteners — all that affect our metabolism and cause us to crave more carbs and burn less fat.

And, of course, make us nutrient deficient and unhealthy. Weight loss is not a simple calories in and calories out.

2) Hormones — as we age, hormones decline, all but cortisol and insulin. With loss of estrogens, testosterone and pro-

Hours: 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM Field Trips: Field trips include Silverwood Theme Park, Southside Aquatic Center, Splashdown, Laser Quest, Mobius Science Center, Riverfront Park, CDA Fort Sherman, Discovery Park and more!

For a full listing of youth and adult classes or upcoming events contact Michelle Griffin, Parks and Recreation Coordinator: 509-755-6726 or mgriffin@libertylakewa.gov Register online today for a facility rental or class at http://parksnrec.libertylakewa.gov/

Medically supervised weight loss, with more options to help you lose weight than any other weight-loss center in the northwest!

(509) 924-6199

gesterone, women and men lose the drive and energy they had before, and start to notice muscle loss and fat gain. Before, we might have been able to eat anything we wanted, whereas now, anything we eat seems to attach to our abdomen or thighs. Insulin is a fat-storing hormone, and for effective weight loss to occur, must be reduced. For optimal health and vitality, all of the hormones must be balanced.

3) Brain chemistry — neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers in the brain that control what we do, our cravings, and our lack of willpower. If unbalanced, they can completely sabotage our best plans for a healthy diet. I frequently measure these brain chemicals, and in our weight loss program, we will get them in balance to increase long-term success.

4) Thyroid — I can’t say enough about this hormone, truly the master of the ship.

Most doctors only measure a TSH, and would then miss 80% of thyroid disease.

You can even have perfectly normal thyroid hormones and still have hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone tends to decline as we age, and contributes to a lower metabolism and more difficulty with weight loss.

Most thyroid medications are only T4, not the active form of T3; the vast majority of patients with low thyroid feel better on a T3/T4 combination.

5) Exercise — as we age we lose muscle mass, and exercise must have a combination of resistance training and cardio to be effective.

6) Genetics — while we can’t change our genes, we can change the way they’re expressed; in other words, don’t let them control us, but we control them! There are great genetic DNA tests now that can tell us what diet, exercise program, etc. would work best for a person and their metabolism — a very individualized approach to medicine.

All of these factor in the equation when it comes to reaching our optimal health, losing weight, feeling strong and regaining energy and vitality. Call us for a free informational seminar regarding our Complete Women’s Wellness program, and make this year your year to feel your best.

If you suffer with • fibromyalgia • low thyroid • weight gain • exhaustion • depression • joint pain • low libido • headaches • migraines • insomnia • allergies • brain fog • anxiety • PMS • IBS • ADD WE CAN HELP!!

We offer comprehensive wellness and weight-loss programs, nutritional services and specialty diagnostic testing.

Call today for a free consultation.

In the Liberty Lake Medical Building 2207 N Molter, Suite 203A • Liberty Lake, WA 99019

HealthyLivingLibertyLake.com

16 • APRIL 2014

HEALTHY VALLEY 2014

An “owie” isn’t convenient.

But we are.

Urgent care. For you.

Argonne: 2713 Argonne Road Downtown: 400 E. 5th Avenue Liberty Lake: 1431 N. Liberty Lake Road, Suite B North: 9001 N. Country Homes Boulevard South Hill: 3016 E. 57th, Suite 24 Valley: 14408 E. Sprague Avenue

When you have a medical need that requires immediate care, we’re here for you seven days a week. Our experienced medical team will see you with no appointment required. You can count on our quality care for everything from sprains and cuts to earaches and the flu. And for your convenience, we’re open in the evenings and on the weekend. We accept most major insurance plans.

For more information, visit us at RockwoodClinic.com/UrgentCare.

Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Weekends, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

75769_ROCK_Urgent_9_83x11_5c_Rd2.indd 1

3/14/14 12:53 PM

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 33 17

COMMUNITY

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS

April 9 | Savvy Social Security Planning

March 27 | Browns Park planning meeting 6 p.m., University High commons

area, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. The public is invited to share ideas and suggestions as the city of Spokane Valley develops a new master plan for Browns Park. For more: 720-5411

April 1 | Spokane Valley Quilters general meeting 6:30 p.m., Valley Assembly of God Church, corner of Broadway and Sullivan. A potluck will be at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Karen Mathison who owns Crystal Delights will be the guest speaker. For more: 924-6320

April 2 | Cheese making demonstration 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m., On

Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford. Learn how to make farmer’s cheese and cheddar cheese using Spokane Family Farm milk. The two-hour lecture and demonstration includes a gallon of milk, pastry and custom drink. Cost is $30 per class. To RSVP or more: onsacredgroundsrising@gmail.com or 747-6294

April 2 | Backyard Bounty: Vegetable Gardening 101 7 to 8:30 p.m., Spokane

Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn basic info on design, soil prep, planting, watering, fertilizing and when to harvest. For more: www. scld.org

April 2 and 8 | Series on Forgiveness

7 to 8:30 p.m., St. Joseph Church, 4521 N. Arden Road, Otis Orchards. Presented by Charles Finck, this series will deal with how to forgive with Christ as our model. For more: www.stjoeparish.org or 926-7133

April 6 | Spaghetti dinner benefit 4 to 7 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Proceeds from this benefit will go to Shon Hartley who needs a bone marrow transplant to battle leukemia. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under; RSVP is requested. For more: 922-4570 April 7 | Bus driver training course West

Valley School District bus driving training course begins on this date. For more: 922-5467

April 8 | Kids Explore and Discover Club

4 to 5 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn about some of the art masters and their techniques, and then create your own modern masterpiece. Also offered April 10 at the Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road and April 15 at the Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. For more: www.scld.org

7 to 8 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. This free workshop by certified financial planner Brent Sears will explain what baby boomers need to know in order to maximize their retirement. For more: www.scld.org

April 12 | Frog Regatta 1 to 3 p.m., Rockford

City Park. This event, sponsored by the Rockford Lions Club, will include free hot dogs, kids games and the frog regatta down Rock Creek.

Frogs can be purchased for $5 in the park on the day of the festival or in advance at FredNecks Saloon, Harvest Moon Restaurant, Banner Bank in Rockford, Bank of Fairfield in Rockford or On Sacred Ground Coffee Shop in Valleyford.

April 13-19 | Food for Fines Spokane

County Library District branches. Celebrate National Library week by reducing overdue library fees with a donation of food to Second Harvest Food Bank. Patrons can receive $1 off an overdue fee per non-perishable food item (up to $10). For more: www.scld.org

April 16 | Spokane Valley Book Club 2 to

3 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. For more: www. scld.org

April 16-17 | “The Dust Bowl” documentary 6:30 to 9 p.m., Spokane

Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. This film brings to life stories of human suffering and perseverance. Part one will be shown April 16 followed by part two on April 17. For more: www.scld.org

April 17-29 | Shrine Circus Various

times, Spokane Valley Mall. Tigers, elephants, acrobats, daredevils and clowns will perform in an old fashioned big top circus. General admission tickets start at $10. For more: elkatifshrinecircus.org or 747-0132

April 19 | Community Easter Egg Hunt

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Valley Real Life Church, 1831 S. Barker Road. This free family event will include inflatables, dunk tank, prize raffle, games, concessions and more. The egg hunt, for children up to 5th grade, starts at 12:30 p.m. For more: www.valleyreallife.org

April 19 | Rockford’s annual Easter Egg Hunt 1 p.m., Prime Land Office Building lawn areas

April 20 | Easter April 21 | Preserve Your Produce 6:30 to 8 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road.

Anna Kestell, food safety and preservation

information specialist, will walk attendees through the basics of canning, freezing and drying the bounty from your garden. For more: www.scld.org

April 22 | Preparing for Long-term Care: A Gift Your Family Deserves 6 to 7

p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will make a free presentation about how you and your family can prepare emotionally, physically and financially for long-term care. For more: www.scld.org

April 23 | Treasure Hunting 101: Find Good Stuff Cheap 7 to 8 p.m., Spokane Valley

Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Treasure hunter extraordinaire Linda Elston will provide guidance on where to go, what to be on the lookout for and how to find discount incentives. For more: www.scld.org

April 25 | Reigning Cats and Dogs auction 5:30 p.m., Spokane County Fair &

Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. This auction will benefit the SCRAPS Hope Foundation Animal Medical Fund. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For more: www. scrapshopefoundation.org

April 26-27 | Fair Trade Event 2 to 7 p.m.

(Sat.) and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Sun.), St. Joseph Parish, 4521 N. Arden Road, Otis Orchards.

Purchase unique items from around the world.

For more: www.stjoeparish.org

April 26 | “A Time for Tea” Noon to 2 p.m., Meadowwood Technology Campus, 2100 N. Molter, Liberty Lake. Hosted by the Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library, proceeds from the vintage-themed event will benefit the Liberty Lake Municipal Library. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the library or by sending a check to FOLLML, P.O. Box 427, Liberty Lake, WA, 99019. For more: 315-4688 April 30 | Budgeting 101 workshop 6 to 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join STCU experts for a free workshop to learn about creating a budgeting plan that’s simple, reasonable and effective. For more: www.stcu. org

Recurring Spokane County Library District Valley branch locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, teen anime club and writing clubs. For more: www.scld.org

See CALENDAR, page 18

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #017 ZIP CODE 99019

20th annual

Presenting Sponsor:

Liberty Lake

Save the date: The 21st annual Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales

PORTAL at Mi s s i o n & Mo l te r

Over 200 participating homes!

Major Sponsors:

GreenstoneHOMES EN R IC H ED

LIVIN G.

LASTIN G VA LU E.

will be held 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14, 2014. Registration will open in May.

Event Organizers:

For vendor or general information, contact Liberty Lake Kiwanis member Scott Draper at scott.draper@edwardjones.com. For sponsorship or advertising information, contact Josh Johnson at josh@libertylakesplash.com or 242-7752.

Lakeside Church 23129 E. Mission, Liberty Lake April 18, 7 p.m.: Good Friday service April 20, 9 and 10:30 a.m.: Easter services For more: www.lakesidechurch.cc Millwood Community Presbyterian Church 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Spokane April 13, 9:30 and 11 a.m.: Palm Sunday Services April 18, 7 p.m.: Good Friday Service April 20: 7 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service at Arbor Crest Winery followed by 9:30 and 11 a.m. Easter Worship Services at the church For more: www.millwoodpc.org or 924-2350 Otis Orchards Community Church 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards April 13, 10:45 a.m.: Palm Sunday service, April 18, 7 p.m.: Good Friday observance with communion April 20: Easter Celebration including a 7:45 a.m. sunrise service, 8:30 a.m. breakfast and 10 a.m. service of praise For more: 926-9552 St. Joseph Catholic Church 4521 Arden Road, Otis Orchards April 17 and 18, 7:15 p.m.: Mass April 19, 8:15 p.m.: Easter Vigil April 20, 8 and 10:30 a.m.: Easter Sunday For more: www.stjoeparish.org Valley Real Life 1831 S. Barker Road, Greenacres April 19, 4 and 5:30 p.m.: Easter Services April 20, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m.: Easter Services For more: www.valleyreallife.org or 232-0840

— Source: Submitted information

The Current

34 • APRIL 2014 18

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR Continued from page 17 Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club and more. For more: www. libertylakewa.gov/library Rockford Crochet Class Saturdays,

10 a.m. to noon, The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford.Hairpin Lace, knit, embroidery, needlepoint and arm knitting of infinity scarves are some of the activities. For more: 892-4412 or 291-3722

Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague.

Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more: www.foe3433.com

Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6 p.m.

the first and third Thursdays of every month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. For more: 570-4440

MUSIC & THE ARTS March 28-29 | Reader’s Theatre: “Heidi” 7 p.m. (Friday) and 2 p.m. (Saturday),

Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are $5 per person (max of $20 per family). For more: www. libertylaketheatre.com

March 28-April 6 | “Unnecessary Farce” Ignite Community Theatre, 10814

E. Broadway Ave. Two cops, three crooks, a cheap motel room, and a sting operation gone horribly hilarious. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors and students or $15 at the door.

For show times and more: www.ignitetheatre. org

April 7-11 | Spring Break Theatre Camp

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Friday) and 2 p.m. (Saturday), Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Youth in grades 2 through 5 are invited to learn all aspects of theater including auditioning, costumes, makeup, choreography, blocking, lighting and sound, sets, props and more. The camp will end with a demonstration of what they have learned in a short production for families. Cost is $150. For more: www.libertylaketheatre.com

April 19 | DanceFest 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye Ave. All ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this free day of workshops and performances of all types. For more: www. indaspokane.com April 25 to May 4 | “The Masked Canary” Liberty Lake Community Theatre,

22910 E. Appleway Ave. This musical melodrama will run over two weekends.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for ages 5 to 12 and seniors and free for children under 5. For show times and more: www.libertylaketheatre. com

Recurring

1831 S. Barker Road | www.valleyreallife.org

Spirit of Spokane Chorus Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a capella harmony in the barbershop style. For more: 218-4799

See CALENDAR, page 19

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 35 19

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR Continued from page 18

CIVIC & BUSINESS March 27 | Women’s Power Networking: Cowgirl Up 5 to 8 p.m., The

Roadhouse, 20 N. Raymond. This monthly networking event is open to men and women.

For more: charitydoyl@yahoo.com or 928-9664

March 28-30 | Just Between Friends

Employees and Your Business.” Cost is $95 per person. For more: www.spokanevalleychamber. org

April 25-27 | Custer’s Spring Antique & Collector’s Show Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Admission, which is good for all weekend, is $6 (12 and under free). For times and more: www.custershows.com

HEALTH & RECREATION April 2 | Trailhead Ladies 9-Hole Golf Club meeting 7:45 a.m., Trailhead Golf

Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. One of North American’s leading children’s and maternity consignment sales is coming to the area! Admission is $4 (children are free). For times and more: www.spokane.jbfsale.com

Course, Liberty Lake. New members are welcome. Regular play days are Wednesday mornings through Oct. 1. For more: www. trailheadladies9.com

April 4-6 | Spokane Gun Show & Flea Market Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana

April 5-6 | Eclipse Volleyball Tournament 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., HUB Sports

St. Admission is $7 or $4 for the swap meet only. For times and more: 208-746-5555

Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org

April 11-13 | Spokane Home Builders Premier Show Fair and Expo Center, 404 N.

April 6 | Riverday School Volleyball Fundraiser 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., HUB Sports

Havana St. Admission is $8 (kids 12 and under free). At the 15th annual show you will see over 200 exhibits to help you decorate, remodel and transform your home. For times and more: www.spokanespremiershow.com

April 12-13 | Spokane Bike Swap

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Buy new and used bicycles and accessories from our bike corral or visit local bike shops and other vendors. Admission is $5 (kids 12 and under free); proceeds benefit the Friends of the Centennial Trail. For more: www. spokanebikeswap.com

April 12-13 | Inland Empire Coin and Stamp Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m. (Sun.), CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Admission is $2, which is good for both days, to browse over 50 tables of coins, stamps and jewelry. For more: www.iecc-wa.org or 595-0435

April 18 | Business Connections Breakfast 7 to 9 a.m., Mirabeau Park

Hotel, 110 N. Sullivan. Program: Tech/STEM Education. Cost is $25 for members and guests; $45 for non-members. For more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org

April 23 | Valley Chamber Empowerment Summit 7 a.m. to 2

p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center, 1100 N. Sullivan. Program: “Making a Difference — Empowering You, Your

Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Cost is $30 per player, and all proceeds go to Riverday School, a K-6 non-profit school in Spokane. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

April 7-11 | Spring Break soccer camps

Discovery Place. The 5K course begins at the Centennial Trail near CenterPlace and reverses just past the Sullivan Road overpass. For cost and more: www.arc-spokane.org/cfr or 7898327

April 25 | Senior Empowerment Resource Fair 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Connect with a wide range of local resources available to seniors during this free event. For more: kparson@spokanevalley.org or 720-5403

April 26 | Community Fun Run 9 a.m.,

CenterPlace at Mirabeau Park, 2426 N. Discovery Place. This scenic 5K/10K fun follows the Centennial Trail alongside the Spokane River. Proceeds benefit Parker’s Place and American Childhood Cancer Organization of the Inland Northwest. For cost and more: www.race2place.org

April 26 | 5K Heart Run 9 a.m., University

April 7 | Spokane Valley Women’s Evening Golf League start-up meeting 6 p.m., Liberty Lake Golf Course

April 26 | Get Connected Health Resource Fair 10 a.m. to noon, CenterPlace

HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

April 19-20, 26-27 | Evergreen Region Championships Volleyball Tournament

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. The public is invited to watch various levels compete for an opportunity to represent the region at the national tournament. For more: www.evergreenregion. org

April 19 | Community Fun Run 9 a.m., CenterPlace at Mirabeau Park, 2426 N.

9:30 a.m.

WorShip Service 10:45 a.m.

9 a.m. to noon, Spokane Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place. This free community event will encourage kids to get moving and learning and families to live healthier. For more: mberry@ ymcaspokane.org

High School, 12420 E. 32nd. Proceeds from this fun run benefit Central Valley PTA Council’s Heart in Hand Outreach, which provides support for students and families that find themselves in temporary or transitional housing. For cost and more: www. estoresbyzome.com/heartinhand.php

April 12-13 | Inland NW Klassic Volleyball Tournament 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

Sunday School

April 26 | Healthy Kids Day event

Valley Indoor Center, 2818 N. Sullivan Road, bldg. 3, suite 100. For boys and girls ages 5 to 15, the camp will host fun activities and games centered around learning soccer skills. Cost ranges from $60 to $110. For times and more: www.valleyindoorcenter.org

clubhouse, 24403 E. Sprague Ave. This 9-hole club plays Monday evenings. For more: spokanevalleywomensgolf@gmail.com

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Families are invited to this free fair with health and wellness resources and activities.

For more: jpapich@spokanevalley.org or 7205408

Recurring Liberty Lake Running Club 6 p.m.

Thursdays, Twisp Café & Coffee House, 23505 E. Appleway Ave. The club meets for a three-mile run weekly through October.

‘Run for the Son’ registration open

The cost to sign up for the 3.1-mile run/walk celebration of faith on May 24 at Rockin’ B Ranch is $10. For more: www.libertycross.org

Spokane Valley Girls Softball Association registration open For ages 4 to 18 years old. For more: www.svgsa.com

23304 E. Wellesley, Otis Orchards, WA

509-926-9552

THE INTERSECTION CHURCH www.theintersection.info 905 N. McDonald Rd. • Spokane Valley Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

924-3705

THE CHURCH DIRECTORY For as little as $7 a month, area churches can share service times, special programs or upcoming events in The Current. Call or email to learn more: 242-7752 or advertise@valleycurrent.com.

Windermere Marathon registration open With routes from Liberty Lake to

Riverfront Park, the sixth annual marathon and half marathon will take place June 1. For more: www.windermeremarathon.com

Sports opportunities HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Badminton, basketball open gym, pickleball, walking group, Zumba and other recreational options available. For more: www. hubsportcenter.org All calendar listings were provided to or gathered by Current staff. If you would like your event considered for the community calendar, please submit information by the 15th of the month to calendar@valleycurrent.com.

LOCAL LENS

36 • APRIL 2014 20

A red carpet event

The Current

Preschoolers perform for Board

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Balloons, dancing and lots of smiles filled the room during the Father Daughter Dance in March at CenterPlace Regional Event Center.

The ninth annual event was put on by the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Millwood Early Childhood Education Center preschool students perform sign language while singing for the West Valley School Board during a recent appreciation meeting.

‘These things are fun, and fun is good.’

Over 300 people attended a Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration March 2 at the Spokane Valley Library.

Those who came to celebrate and read stories with the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 included the Spokane Indian’s Baseball Mascot Otto, the Lilac Festivals Royal Court and other local dignitaries.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Shutterbug Snapshots

Judge meets WCSD students

SUBMITTED PHOTO

State Supreme Court Justice Debra Stephens, a West Valley School District graduate, is pictured with school board student representatives Miranda Heid and Gleb Liashedko.

The students attended the recent WVSD/EWU Civics Conference where Judge Stephens was the keynote speaker.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Liberty Lake resident Michael Hassett snapped the photo above of a pileated woodpecker and the top right photo of tundra swans near Newman Lake in early March.

He captured the shot of a group of Bufflehead ducks, right, on the Spokane River near the end of February.

The Current

BUSINESS

Biz Notes Trovato Interiors opens Trovato Interiors, a new furniture and design studio, recently opened at 18 S. Union Road in Spokane Valley.

The owners, design consultant Susan Usai and Hank Seipp, broker with Cornerstone Property Advisors, opened the 1,720-square-foot store to offer in-stock items and custom-order, American-made Norwalk Furniture. The custom-order selection allows customers to choose from more than 800 fabrics and leathers, as well as dozens of frame styles.

Trovato Interiors’ in-stock selection features new custom furniture and accessories mixed with choice antique, old paintings, vintage chandeliers, mirrors, china and silver. The business also offers design services.

"For a room to really sing, you can't just order a matched suite from the local department store," Usai, who has worked at Norwalk, Spears and R. Alan Brown, said in a press release. "Place a beautiful old piece with patina next to your new sofa, and the whole becomes something more."

Deckard elected to national board Greg Deckard, president, CEO and chairman of State Bank Northwest of Spokane, recently was elected to the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) National Board of Directors.

Art classes offered for kids Polka Dot Pottery, 118 N. Pines Road in Spokane Valley, recently expanded its youth art offerings to include canvas painting.

Picasso Kids classes for canvas painting are now available after school or part of a birthday party package.

Polka Dot also is featuring fused glass classes during special summer camps, starting June 8. The weeklong, two-hour camps offer children the opportunity to use different artistic mediums, such as clay, canvas, fused glass and paint.

"Adding different mediums is fantastic," owner Kimberly Geiger said. "It's a great offering. It's something that is currently not offered in the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene areas."

Registration for the morning and afternoon classes begins April 15 online at polkadotpottery.com or in studio. Each class is limited to 10 children.

Following the summer camp series, fused glass classes will be offered this fall after school and during birthday party packages.

From May 1 to June 1, the business is accepting entries for a contest for school-age children to create a design on canvas to be featured in the Picasso Kids classes. The winning entry gets a party for six guests at Polka Dot Pottery. Children are asked to submit a photo of their design online or

in the studio. The photos need to be dated, along with contact information submitted separately.

For more information, contact Geiger at 924-2292.

Industrial Communications expands Spokane Valley-based Industrial Communications recently purchased CT Electronics based in Electric City, Wash.

The acquired company, also known as EC Electronics or Altronics, gives Industrial Communications a new client base near the Colville Reservation, Okanogan Forest and Grand Coulee. Former owner Claude Tiede will continue to work for Industrial Communications, which is a full-service communications sales and service company established in 1965. The firm is led by Scott Grimmett.

Battin joins Meridian Construction Mindi Battin has joined Meridian Construction Inc., 15807 E Indiana Ave., as an administration manager. Battin previously was with Graham Construction Inc.

Bailey and Tracy promoted at Mountain West Besse Bailey has been promoted to vice president and manager of the commercial loan department at Mountain West Bank, a division of Glacier Bank. Bailey has been with Mountain West since 2007 and with the Spokane branch since 2011.

Greg Tracy was appointed as vice president of professional and commercial banking. Tracy has more than 27 years of experience in the financial industry. He served 17 years as regional manager for Wells Fargo private banking.

Numerica promotes Hochheimer Manuel Hochheimer has been promoted to Numerica Credit Union’s director of corporate business development. Hochheimer has been with Numerica since 2012 and has 12 years of experience in the financial industry.

Wick earns leadership award Spokane Valley Councilmember Ben Wick has been awarded a certificate of municipal leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). Wick completed more than 30 hours of training designed to enhance elected officials’ skills, including sessions in budgeting, land-use planning, personnel, safety and leadership.

Wick joined the council in January 2012 and is serving a four-year term.

AWC is a private, non-profit, non-partisan corporation that represents Washington’s cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and regulatory agencies.

APRIL 2014 • 37 21

Late filing taxes? You’re not alone KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you’re not alone. One quarter of Americans wait until the last two weeks to get taxes done and filed.

At this point, you have a choice: get them done quickly and file before April 15, or ask for an extension.

If you’ll use a tax preparer, make a call right away to get on a surely busy schedule.

You can also file for a six-month extension. Beware: This is an extension to file your complete return, not to pay the taxes you owe. You’ll need Form 4868 (available to print at www.irs.gov) to request a filing extension and to pay your estimated tax due.

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Contact Sharon Elliott at 924-0336 or cell 280-2279.

$10 A MONTH = THOUSANDS OF READERS Our service directory offers bang-for-the-buck reach into thousands of Valley-area homes. Organized alphabetically by category, it’s a simple and convenient way to connect Valley residents searching for the right person for whatever the job may be.

Priced simply and affordably, as little as $10 gets a business into 10,000 copies of The Current. Call or email to learn more: 242-7752 • advertise@valleycurrent.com.

Bonded and licensed contractors, Larry and Lillie Landry offer quality, affordable installation, repair and remodel work on most surfaces including but not limited to: tile, stone, vinyl, carpet, wood, Formica, granite, etc. “ I chose Floor Works because I was impressed with the work they did on a friend’s house…” — Hydee Reber “Best decision we ever made…”

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SHOWERS • COUNTERTOPS • CARPET RE-STRETCHING FIREPL ACES AND HEARTHS • L ARGE AND SMALL JOBS

COVER STORY

38 • APRIL 2014 22

The Current

THE PIZZA BRACKET EIGHT LOCAL PIZZAS, ONE 2014 CHAMPION ABOUT THE BRACKET What is this about? On Friday, March 21, eight carryout pizzas were ordered and sampled by four friends and amateur critics — Chad Kimberley, Jay Rivera, Matt Goldbloom and Josh Johnson — while watching NCAA tournament basketball games at Jay’s house. Yes, this was a demanding job.

What The Current will do in the name of public service …

How were the pizzerias selected? We tried to locate eight pizza-centric destinations in the greater Spokane Valley that were as local as possible — no national chains. Pizza Pipeline, Pizza Rita and Caruso’s all have

multiple locations, but are regional at best.

Methodology: When placing the order, each pizza place was asked for its most popular or “standout” pizza. In most cases, multiple recommendations were provided, and a pizza was selected from this pool. All prices listed are for a “large” unless otherwise noted.

How was bracketing determined? For bracketing purposes, the eight pizzerias were organized geographically using the same regional format relied on by the 2014

NCAA tournament: South, East, West and Midwest. No, Pizza Rita’s location on Pines doesn’t exactly lend itself to the “East,” but Wisconsin was a second seed in the “West” this year, so bear with us.

MORE ON THE PIZZAS

One random takeaway: While most of the pizza we tasted was delicious, we found it noteworthy when talking to friends that almost all of the “you’ve-got-to-try-thispizza” recommendations were located outside of The Current’s circulation/contest area, roughly bordered from the state line to Havana

The results are below, but refer to the two-page graphic on pages 24-25 for the skinny on each pizza that competed.

Street, east to west, and from Newman Lake to Rockford, north to south. Pizzerias in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and even Post Falls received the most love when we asked our friends — Valley residents, no less! — for their recommendations. Is there room to spread the Pizza Gospel in Spokane Valley? Perhaps so.

THE WINNER: “THE WESTERN”

“The FarmHouse” FarmHouse Pizza

South Region “Chicken” Brother’s Office Pizzeria

In her 1990 chart-topper, Mariah Carey counseled that “Love Takes Time.” We never really listened to that song, so we’re going to assume she was talking about pizza. With “The Western,” our affection grew and grew with each passing minute. With “Legit,” we were wowed out of the gate, but after an hour or so, we wondered if it was just a passing crush.

In the end, it’s “The Western” we plan to return to, and so it is “The Western” we crown our 2014 champ. (And Mariah, we just read those lyrics, and turns out you weren’t talking about pizza at all. We hope you recovered from that breakup, and sorry for the misunderstanding.)

“The FarmHouse” In a 3-1 decision, The FarmHouse advanced by taking the judges by the skull and smacking them around with flavor.

“The Western” River City Pizza and Pasta

East Region “Chicken Bacon Ranch” Pizza Rita

“Legit”

“The Western” There were no subtle undertones in this matchup. Flavor faced off with flavor, and flavor won. (And lost.)

Really, it came down to the fact that The Western was unanimously embraced, while The FarmHouse had more of a niche following.

Caruso’s “Legit” surprised us with a unique and delicious pie, and on this day it stood out more than its more traditional rival.

This one was as close as the state of Florida in 2000, and it came down to a hanging “Chad.” From experience, he knew he loved-loved-loved the Chicken Bacon Ranch, but in an intimate moment between a man and his pizza, the surprising Western swept him off his feet.

“Legit” A spot in the championship matchup was earned by “Legit” simply for having a clean but delicious taste and a unanimous following. While Josh preferred “The Savage Works,” the other three judges were too refined and peace-loving to battle for it.

Pizza Pipeline

West Region “Legit” Caruso’s

“The Savage Works” Savageland

“THE WESTERN”

“The Western”

“The Sampler”

“The Savage Works” Our judges agreed that not only did this loaded pie beat its competition, it held a slight edge over Pipeline’s similar “Sampler” as well.

Midwest Region “BBQ Chicken” Choo-Choo Pizza

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 39 23

COVER STORY

MARCH MADNESS — OR SIMPLY MADNESS? Eight pizzas, 16 games highlight third annual Glutton Tourney

I know that sounds crazy, but I did it for three reasons. One, it was a long day, and neither my wife nor I wanted to prepare the meal we had planned. Second, I felt bad that my kids wouldn’t get to enjoy the pizza-crazy day I had planned and felt it was only fair that they get to enjoy pizza along with me. Third, yeah, I am not going to justify it: I just love pizza.

Morning before the Madness

By Chad Kimberley CURRENT COLUMN

It’s year three of the Glutton Tourney, where I join a few of my friends in a daylong extravaganza filled with food, basketball games and restroom runs (and if you would like to imply a double meaning in that last comment, I will not deny you the pleasure).

After spending the past two Glutton Tourneys consuming appetizers, this year was all about creating the ultimate bracket of local pizza slices.

As this is year three, I have learned a few things. As such, the goal was to take a more coaching view of the day. This is the championship game of eating, in my humble opinion, so I wanted to be singing “One Shining Moment” as we wrapped up — or at least to be able to talk clearly versus simply moaning and needing assistance to periodically roll over on the couch to avoid bed sores.

So how did the third annual Glutton Tourney work out, and did the coaching wisdom gained from experience make a difference in this championship event?

You be the judge …

The day-before walkthrough As you prepare for a championship game, that final walkthrough is important to mentally prepare yourself for victory.

Since our pizza marathon would be starting early on Friday I felt that Thursday night was the time for my walkthrough.

So I ordered pizza.

THE REBUTTAL Ladies offer 2nd opinion on champion pizzas Eleven pizzas (five larges, two mediums and four 12-inch versions) is a lot to consume in 10 hours, even for the four reputable appetites The Current assigned to the task. As such, throughout the day arrangements were made to shuttle part of the overflow pizza to coworkers and family.

Two things needed to happen before the journey: get a run in and buy some veggies. The beautiful and amazingly patient wife (who puts up with these crazy ideas) woke me around 6:30 and told me it was now or never to get a run in. I prefer never, but I headed out for a short 2-miler in honor of the two large pizzas I could potentially pack in over the course of the day. Three hundred calories burned versus 3,200 calories potentially consumed seemed about right.

After showering and putting on some of the loosest fitting clothes I could find in the closet, I had to pick up a veggie tray before landing at Jay’s house. I have discovered over these last two years that it is incredibly important to have some essentially zero-calorie foods to both cleanse the palate and try to trick the stomach into believing we are being healthy.

The first half begins The morning session kicked off just the way you want it — upset! — which I missed the end of thanks to this crazy pizza plan. As we prepared for a full day of eating pizza and watching games, the deal was each of us four guys would do the ordering and pick up for one region of pizza. I volunteered for the first session of the day, which had my pizza done at River City Pizza at roughly the same time as the Duke/Mercer game was wrapping up. I waited as long as I could before finally jetting out the door and tuning my radio to the final seconds of the big upset. The one redeeming part of this unfortunate miss on watching is I got what was probably my favorite pizza of the day.

The rest of the first half of games played When Graphics Editor Sarah Burk and General Manager Tammy Kimberley learned “The Western” had topped the tournament, there was a miniature revolt.

In particular, an inferior, somewhat rubbery crust was tabbed as not befitting a champion pie. (The guys agreed to a point, although the River City veterans in the group claimed the crust is normally excellent.)

In conjunction with a couple of wives, Kimberley and Burk put forward a list of three alternative champions, any of which, they claim, would have been better fit to carry the crown: “Chicken Bacon Ranch,”

out with the higher seeds winning, and we had a slight interest in watching the Nebraska coach get ejected for getting his second technical while Arizona and Kansas, two of the top seeds, had a bit of a problem putting away their lower-seeded opponent. We all enjoyed some pizza while focusing on the game that was the midpoint and most important fixture on our slate — Gonzaga and Oklahoma State.

This game was brutal to watch. The second half especially was just a constant rhythm of teams running for about eight seconds, the referees blowing a whistle, the offended player splitting two free throws — and we do it again eight seconds later. There were 61 fouls called and 78 free throws shot. At one point, I really didn’t care who won; I just wanted the game to end. Five players fouled out, and six players had four fouls. I began pulling for a triple overtime game so it could be decided by walk-ons.

At least Gonzaga won.

Halftime festivities I have lost a man card. I admit it. Jay has an OSIM foot massager. (I discovered that OSIM is said like the word “awesome,” so I just had a foot-nomenal word play that may have been missed.) Matt, another buddy who joined us for a second year of gluttony, and I took turns.

After losing our man card, we decided to head outside to shoot some hoops, but a car was blocking the driveway so we went to toss a football instead. Josh tossed it over the fence while attempting to throw a tight spiral.

Halftime over.

Second half Madness The second half of the day included four more pizzas and what I believe should be the retuning of my man card by busting out some rhymes as I volunteered to pick up two legit pizzas from Caruso’s (the pizza was actually called the Legit). As I got back to the house and announced to the room that I had “two legit” pizzas, Matt and I busted out a few lines from our MC “The FarmHouse” and “Legit.” Interestingly, each had a chance to knock off “The Western” in our bracket, so here’s how the ladies saw it: • Round 1: “Chicken Bacon Ranch” had a good ratio of crust to toppings (including not going overboard on the ranch) and a thick, fluffy dough. It shouldn’t have been a first-round casualty.

• Final Four: “The FarmHouse” surprised the gals as well, with comments like “didn’t look appealing” reminding that first impressions don’t always hold up. The generous

Hammer days along with all the hand motions.

(Upon rereading my previous paragraph, I am thinking not only do I not get my man card back, I may be down two.)

The second half of the games saw me suffer through the nightmare for every basketball coach in America. DON’T FOUL A 3-POINT SHOOTER! It was the VCU and Stephen F. Austin game in which VCU held a 4-point lead with seconds left before fouling a 3-point shooter who makes the shot — and the bonus free throw attempt. Just like that, 4-point play and S.F. Austin is going to overtime. And, of course, as you can only write in a script, Austin goes onto the win and upsets VCU. My heart broke for the kid who committed the foul as he also missed a 3-pointer at the end of the overtime session that would have won the game. My heart was also beginning to burn from the eight different types of pizza I had consumed over the previous eight hours.

We had consumed not just eight pizzas, but eight pizzas of varying degrees of variety. We had pizzas that looked like a taco, pizzas that had ranch and barbecue sauce instead of the traditional pizza paste, we had supreme pizzas that had everything but the kitchen sink and specialty pizzas that had avocados and tomatoes featured prominently.

We also watched parts, if not all, of 16 different basketball games across four networks and five screens set up throughout Jay’s living room. This had been a good day.

As I settled my feet into the OSIM for one more round, surveyed the scattered pizza boxes all over the ground and enjoyed the company of my friends, I couldn’t help but wish for “One Shining Moment” to begin playing. Oh crud … I think I just lost my third man card.

Post-game festivities Pepto. Pajamas. Pillow.

Chad Kimberley is a local teacher and basketball coach. variety of toppings turned out to be the pizza’s best asset. “With the piled-on meat, lettuce and chips, I thought it might be overbearing,” Kimberley said, “but I was pleasantly surprised at how all the ingredients worked together (in just the right amounts, it turns out) to satisfy my taste buds.”

• Championship: The runner-up was clearly superior to the winner, in the ladies’ minds. “Legit” wasn’t greasy, packed lots of flavor and preached to the vegetable-loving side of the gals with avocado, tomato and a “delightful crust that was a burst of fresh flavor.”

40 • APRIL 2014 24

COVER STORY

OCTA-PIZZA “Chicken” What is it? Garlic white sauce, mozzarella cheese, chicken, roma tomatoes, artichoke, pancetta bacon Who made it? Brother’s Office Pizzeria, 13221 E. 32nd Ave., Spokane Valley What it set us back (before tax)? $16.50 (all pizzas at Brother’s Office are 12-inch)

“The Western” What is it? Barbecue sauce, bacon, onions, beef, extra cheese, salt and pepper Who made it? River City Pizza and Pasta, 4707 N. Harvard Road, Otis Orchards What it set us back (before tax)? $18.05 Judges’ notes: This sweet and tangy barbecue taste caused a reverse of our normal pizza experience: the pizza inexplicably kept tasting better with each

“Chicken Bacon Ranch” What is it? Ranch dressing, bacon and chicken Who made it? Pizza Rita, 201 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley What it set us back (before tax)? $14.99 (special promotional price came with two drinks; menu price is $21.99) Judges’ notes: Despite getting knocked out in the first round by River City’s surprising “Western,” this was a topthree pizza to half our judging panel.

Although it was a unique order — Jay not only had never experienced ranch pizza, he had never experienced ranch

“The Savage Works” What is it? Four meats, mushrooms, onions, olives, cheese and green peppers Who made it? Savageland, 700 S. Dishman Road, Spokane Valley What it set us back (before tax)? $22.99 Judges’ notes: We asked for a standout, and the employee at Savageland promised the “Works” would deliver

Judges’ notes: Brother’s Office is a newly opened pizza pub located in a too-small corner of a strip mall, just down from where the late, great Buck’s/Coach’s establishments used to sling pies. We say “too small” because on this Friday, with games on over the bar area, this place could have used triple the seating capacity to handle all of the customers. The parking lot was slammed, and the place

The eight slices below represent each of the pies that competed in The Current’s “Pizza Bracket.” For the details and results of this gluttonous tournament, see page 22.

was rocking, Despite being open nary a month, it was clear that several among the crowd were already loyal, repeat customers. The pizza itself both looked like a piece of art and tasted fabulous, definitely a standout for its uniqueness and fresh vibe. Our only knock: the crust was dryer than we would have expected, a fact we chalked up to the hectic timing of our visit. Definitely worth a repeat visit.

bite. River City came to this competition with a reputation among us as an underappreciated but longstanding and reliable eatery that, much like the FarmHouse in Rockford, is a ways off most Valley-ites’ beaten path. Within the past few years, River City added a nice, clean dining area with a salad bar and plenty of TVs for catching the latest game. Having never ordered “The Western,” however, we were pleasantly surprised to discover such a standout pizza. This one is sure to become part of the family pizza run rotation.

(what!?!) — everyone loved it. Our advice: Not that you would plan on eating this one cold, but don’t. We went back to the chicken bacon ranch after it had sat out a while, and it was still good, but the flavor really evens out at room temperature. By the way, the other Pizza Rita recommendation? It’s called the “5 Pounder.” And that’s not just a clever name. There are 11 toppings and if you eat the whole thing yourself in 30 minutes or less, you get your picture on the Wall of Champions and a free shirt. After careful consideration, it was determined this might be a little much considering there were 10 other pizzas to eat.

“everything but anchovies.” Like ordering a “kitchen sink” omelet for breakfast, pizzas like this one can confuse refined taste buds while delighting their juvenile alter ego. Quote-machine Matt noted, “This pizza looks like a casserole with crust.” Truth be told, it was among the better super-supreme-style pies we’ve sampled. The only knock is that this type of order is a mood pizza, not a standard.

You don’t eat the “kitchen sink” every

The Current

morning for breakfast, and you don’t have a “Savage Works” every time you order pizza. But for those times you feel like entering the foggy but electric haze that is an exploding bomb of competing taste, then this is a worthy order. On this day, we were eating a lot of pizza, so this wasn’t one of those moments, but the pie might have advanced even further if the mood had been right.

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 41 25

“The Sampler” What is it? Italian sausage, pepperoni, beef, Canadian bacon, olives, mushrooms, onions, green pepper, extra cheese Who made it? Pizza Pipeline, 9407 E. Trent Ave., Millwood What it set us back (before tax)? $16 (promotional price; menu price is $21) Judges’ notes: This is billed as one of Pizza Pipeline’s specialties, and it’s definitely a tasty pizza. It had more of a kick to it than any of the other pizzas in our trial, a spicy personality we attributed — unfairly or not — to the Italian sausage. Like most “kicks,” some of us appreciated it, others didn’t. We all

“BBQ Chicken” What is it? Chicken, bacon, barbecue sauce, pineapple and onion Who made it? Choo-Choo Pizza, 11027 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley What it set us back (before tax)? $15 (for a medium, as they were out of large) Judges’ notes: Like Gonzaga’s beatdown

by Arizona, sometimes you just have one of those days. So it was with Choo-Choo Pizza March 21. The pizza wasn’t on top of its game, and because of their operating hours on this particular Friday we had to move Choo-Choo to our evening session,

“Legit” What is it? Olive oil glaze, mozzarella, provolone, chicken breast, bacon, roma tomato, avocado and pesto sauce Who made it? Caruso’s, 2314 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley What it set us back (before tax)? $12 (all pizzas are 12-inch) Judges’ notes: Caruso’s is known for sandwiches, sure, but its pizzas (served after 4 p.m. weekdays and all day weekends) are just as noteworthy. Like Brother’s Office’s 12-inch specialty, this pizza tasted fresh and, admittedly, a little healthier than some of the

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“The FarmHouse” What is it? Salsa sauce, taco meat, onions, lettuce, chips and ranch Who made it? FarmHouse Pizza, 1 S. First St., Rockford What it set us back (before tax)? $18 Judges’ notes: Somewhat inconceivably,

this pie overcame what we thought would be two major strikes against it. 1. The distance from FarmHouse to Jay’s living room/Man Cave was by far the furthest of any of the contenders, and it’s not really a great idea to attempt reheating a pizza topped with lettuce. 2. It wasn’t going to win a beauty pageant. As Matt said, “it looks like someone dumped a bowl

agreed, however, that the spice overtook some of the other subtle tastes we are used to enjoying in a supreme-style pie, so that’s worth considering. Spicy sausage lovers won’t be disappointed in this pizza. And then there’s this random fact: Pipeline’s receipts turn black when exposed to heat. Seriously. The lady who took our money noted that the receipt was printed on “thermal paper.” Well, we don’t have to tell you what four grown boys did when we got back to the house.

We tested the hypothesis. Turns out, the receipt does turn black when exposed to heat — just not when exposed to flame. We think we extinguished the fire in time that the receipt fragment will still be accepted by The Current for reimbursement. Burnt fingers crossed.

meaning we were already pretty full by the time we got around to sampling it.

Whatever the factor, the quality of the pizza didn’t match the uniqueness of the environment — an actual train. The dine-in experience would have been the way to go, especially if we had brought our collective 14 children along (props to uber-dad Matt for contributing half of that tally). If the bracket were a greeneggs-and-ham competition — “Could you, would you on a train? Would you, could you in the rain?” — then Choo-Choo might be just the destination to punch a return ticket. Like “Sam-I-am,” perhaps we would learn this is the pizza for us, after all.

others we sampled. The crust was excellent, and the presentation — albeit a trait commonly overlooked by pizza consumers — was best in class. Also like Brother’s Office, we ordered two pizzas to make sure we had a large enough sample size. Turns out, we did. Two people could comfortably split one pizza for lunch (and if they followed strict dietary guidelines, they probably should).

Caruso’s also ranked as one of the busier locations, revealing a loyal clientele and its popularity as a dine-in destination.

As Chad alluded in his column about the experience (page 23), when it came time to dig in, these two “Legits” were too legit to quit — “hey, hey!”

of chips and dip onto a pizza.” Still, we figured there was a reason this particular order is the favorite of FarmHouse owner Sheila McCormick, so we dug in. We were impressed by how tasty it was. Comments like “imagine how good this would have been an hour ago” were common. Only Chad, who has a long-held bias against taco pizza, wasn’t a fan.

42 • APRIL 2014 26

Dance to fitness

BUSINESS

The Current

Pure Barre offers ballet-inspired classes

By Valerie Putnam

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

After enduring five knee surgeries, Katie Wood struggled to find a fitness routine that worked. Then she tried Pure Barre, a ballet-inspired workout.

“I fell in love with it pretty quickly,” said Wood, whose passion for Pure Barre led her last fall to open a franchise in the Spokane Valley. “I had tried every type of fitness class and technique under the sun.

It wasn’t until I found Pure Barre that I found something that really hooked me in.”

Focusing on isometric movements, Pure Barre’s fitness routine centers the activity at a ballet bar. Wood said it's the fastest and most effective way to change your body. Pure Barre targets specific trouble areas such as arms, hips, thighs, seat and abdominals.

“People usually feel results in as few as two or three classes,” Wood said. “They’ll feel their posture get better; they’ll feel tighter in areas.”

Although inspired by the art of ballet, dance experience is not required.

Wood explained that it’s a low-impact, high-intensity exercise; participants don’t bounce or jump, so the routine is easy on the joints.

“It’s a full-body workout,” Wood said.

“We work muscles to fatigue and follow with deep stretching.”

Classes are structured for every fitness level and allow clients to work to their own level and ability.

“It’s a very versatile workout,” Wood said of the 55-minute classes. “If you’ve never worked out for the last 20 years, you could do it.”

Wood describes Pure Barre as an “intelligent” exercise.

“That means it requires just as much mental focus as it does physical,” Wood said. “You’re constantly thinking ‘Am I in the right position?’ And you’re fighting yourself to just stay in it.”

Requiring the added concentration allows participants to block out all the outside stresses, she said.

"Pure Barre is difficult to plateau in," Wood said. "There are a lot of little 'aha' moments where you suddenly are able to do something you weren't before. It’s really gratifying, because you're continually

Pure Barre studio is located 13910 E. Indiana Avenue, near Hobby Lobby in the Spokane Valley. Classes are available several times during the day, seven days a week.

Proper attire for the classes is socks with traction. Wood also asks students to keep their thighs and midriff covered. An array of workout attire is for sale at the studio, as well as Pure Barre DVDs. Single class cost is $21. Class packages are also available. Drop-ins are welcome.

For new clients, a month of unlimited classes is offered at $99.

For more information, call the studio at 315-4920.

learning and succeeding."

Wood, a Spokane native and Gonzaga University graduate, discovered the national franchise while working in Seattle.

A family friend opened up the first Pure Barre studio in the Seattle area.

Wood used the workout routine to rehabilitate from one of her knee surgeries.

“I gained the strength, range of motion and flexibility I needed very quickly,” Wood said. “It’s wonderful for people who are rehabbing from injuries.”

As her knee healed, she began teaching classes at the Bellevue studio after work.

She continued teaching until she moved to Texas in 2011. Wood said she reached a point in her career where there was no more growth potential, so she took a sabbatical to plot her next step.

“I needed to make a change,” Wood said. “I used it for a time to soul search.”

While in Texas, with the closest studio 90 minutes away, Wood realized she missed participating in Pure Barre. After a year, Wood decided to return home, purchase the franchise and start her own business. The studio opened last October.

Wood currently employs seven instructors and offers 30 classes each week.

“I know this is where I’m supposed to be,” Wood said, “and what I’m supposed to be doing. I feel very fortunate.”

CURRENT PHOTOS BY VALERIE PUTNAM

Katie Wood (in red yoga pants) leads a class at Pure Barre studio. While the fitness routines center around a ballet bar, Wood said dance experience is not required.

The Current

SPORTS

Grad leading U-Hi baseball It doesn’t help that junior Austin Lee injured his shoulder in football and is likely lost for the season.

“He was our second baseman and probBy Mike Vlahovich ably tied for best batter, too, so that killed CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR us,” coach Don O’Neal said.

Tom Hoiland unwrapped a belated But Dylan Steen opened the season with Christmas present. The mid-1980s Uni- a 2-1 victory during a sweep of Pullman, versity High graduate is beginning his first left fielder/catcher Johnny Sage is “a beast” season as the Titans’ head baseball coach. as a hitter, said O’Neal. Other veterans are Jason Lane and AJ Aucker“I never thought I’d get the man from the 2A top-eight head job at U-Hi,” Hoiland CV NOTEBOOK state team. said. “It’s absolutely an incredible dream come true. I ONLINE “I’d say we’re in the midbleed crimson and gold.” dle of the league,” O’Neal Looking for said.

“But we’re definitely Hoiland was an outfieldan update on shooting for higher.” er-infielder utility player — Central Valley High School “Whoever pitched that day sports? Contributor Mike EV sampling pitchers was who I was,” he said — Vlahovich wrote an allIn a couple of early nonduring his playing days in Bears report for The Curleague games against Great1984-85. rent’s sister publication, er Spokane League oppoHe coached at various The Splash.

View it online nents, East Valley coach schools, including GreenaJohn Phelan gave half a at www.libertylakesplash. cres Middle School, before dozen pitchers a look. The com or check out the moving up to U-Hi as an Knights used six against full issue at issuu.com/ assistant several years back.

Shadle Park, four of whom thesplash.

He got his chance with the came back in a 3-1 win over varsity this spring.

Lewis and Clark.

Hoiland began the season with a roster Two, Gage Burland, ticketed for Gonminus four potential returnees for various zaga University, and J.T. Phelan are comreasons. One, Davis Hill, was the pitching pleting sterling EV athletic careers this ace last year at 4-2 with a 3.08 earned run spring. average and fifth in strikeouts.

But the Titans bring back much of their WV second at own meet lineup, including junior catcher/pitcher The Eagles finished behind Mt. Spoprospect Jared Smith, the team’s top re- kane at the late March West Valley Invite turning hitter, seniors Kyle Bush, second- track meet and had two hurdles victories best hitter back, Jeff Beaty and Austin by Marcus Jackson and in the pole vault Stannard. Garrett Schmerer, last year’s by Kyle Miller. They won both the 400, an shortstop, Tygr Thies, Blake Brayley and event they placed in at state last year, and Bryce Williamson are all veterans.

1,600 relays.

“We don’t have a lot of depth, so it’s very The East Valley girls finished fourth, with important to keep the guys healthy,” the Elisha Allred a third-place state discus rookie head coach said. “I like our team. placer last spring winning the javelin. Zoe They will go out and compete.”

Novakovich won the 100-meter hurdles.

Blize takes over at EV

Former state champion East Valley hurdler Brandon Blize has been elevated to boys track coach (third in school history) at his alma mater. He replaces the retired Dave McCarty. Blize won the 110 meter high hurdles in 1998.

“We are a very young team and have high expectations for the upcoming season,” he wrote in a questionnaire.

State veterans Will Stoutzenberger (pole vault), Scott Kopczynski (state placing distance runner) and Chad Stevens (second in state cross country) are athletes to watch.

West Valley hard hit Last year’s Eagles state baseball qualifier graduated most of its lineup, including star pitcher-shortstop Hunter Wells, who is at Lower Columbia College with fouryear schools calling.

Can Titans return?

University’s softball team finished fourth in the State 3A tournament last year. The Titans lost four-year pitching star Brittany Hecker and only have three seniors, but coach John Schuh’s record is impeccable.

In 16 years of coaching, he has a 312-98 record and has been to 10 state tournaments, including the 2003 championship.

First team All-GSL returnees shortstop Taylor Morales and third-base Brooklynn Tacke return along with secondteam choices Hannah Wesselman, Alex Douglas and Rachael Johnson.

This year’s team will pitch by three-player committee, “so that leaves us with a few options,” Schuh said. “Our team has high expectations.”

See NOTEBOOK, page 28

APRIL 2014 • 43 27

Highlights from your Chamber

Timeless Tuscany

Tuscany/One Hotel Holiday We’ve expanded our foreign travel opportunities to include Tuscany this fall. The tour dates are Oct. 28-Nov. 5, 2014. Once again, community members are invited to travel with our Chamber. If travelers wish to add days to the trip, it is also customizable.

Tuscany is the most popular region in Italy. The capital, Florence, is considered the cradle of renaissance and now one of the richest cities of art and culture. It is famous for world-class art collections, charming medieval hill towns and sweeping hillsides full of vineyards. The region’s hill towns will provide a beautiful backdrop for the perfect

Chamber events in April

Apr. 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., joint meeting of Government Action and Transportation committees with speaker Courtney Wallace of the BNSF Railroad, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission. Cost: $20 (includes lunch). Register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

Apr. 10, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Business Education committee meeting.

Apr. 11, 8 to 9 a.m., Ambassador committee meeting.

Apr. 18, 7 to 9 a.m., Business Connections Breakfast, Program: Tech/STEM Education, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N Sullivan, Spokane Valley. Coffee and conversation begin at 7 a.m.; program at 7:30 a.m. Cost: $25 members and guests; $45 nonmembers.

Register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

Apr. 22, 11 a.m. to noon, Membership committee meeting, Mountain West Bank, 12321 E Mission Ave. Apr. 23, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Empowerment Summit, “Making a Difference — Empowering You, Your Employees, and Your Business.”

Tuscan holiday you’ve always dreamed of experiencing.

Having worked with Chambers of Commerce for 15 years, C I Destinations is a tour company with a commitment to provide an experience that will make the most of your investment of time and money.

You’ll never need to worry about taking a taxi on this tour because they only book accommodations with the top 20 hotels located in the heart of the city of Montecatini.

With a perfect balance of leisure time and structured tours, this program is designed for you to enjoy all that Tuscany has to offer.

Because all other major sights in the area are included in your tour price of $2,999 per person double occupancy, only one optional excursion is offered.

Make your reservation by May 1 and SAVE $100! Call the Chamber at 509-9244994 for more information or to secure your space with a $450 deposit.

Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. Check-in and networking, 7 a.m., program, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $95 per person, ask about group discounts. See ad in this issue for more information or spokanevalleychamber.org.

• Panel of Community Leaders: “Empowering our Young Adults” • Session 1 — Terry Gurno: “The Art of Leadership — How to Bring Greatness Out in Others” • Session 2 — Geoff Bellman: “What Makes Great Groups Great” • Keynote by internationally acclaimed speaker and author Tommy Spaulding: “Be the Change Maker” Be sure to check our website at spokanevalleychamber.org for more details and updates.

New members

Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce: Bunzl Spokane Kona Ice of Spokane Moloney, O’Neill, Corkery & Jones, Inc.

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

The Current

44 • APRIL 2014 28

SPORTS

Coaches bring Valley roots to state title games

By Mike Vlahovich THE FINAL POINT

Hop into Doc Emmett Brown’s “Back to the Future” time-traveling DeLorean set on 1990, where two youngsters are completing their prep athletic careers. Fast forward to the present, nearly a quarter century later, and contemplate the odds that graduates in the same year from different Spokane Valley high schools would be coaches of state championship basketball teams.

“It would have been a better story,” St. George’s Ryan Peplinski admitted, had the two won them in the same year.

But the fact that both their schools reached the state finals last month in the same building remains the stuff of one of those feel-good, against-the-odds movies.

Peplinski’s Dragons, the defending 2B champion seeking to repeat, and Seth Paine’s 1B Colton Wildcats, dreaming the impossible dream, played for respective basketball state titles in the Spokane Arena.

That Colton made the finals in only its second state appearance was impressive enough, let alone that the team broke through for a state championship. St. George’s, on the other hand, had every right to expect another championship, but hit a roadblock in a game between unbeaten teams.

Peplinski, a graduate of University, became head basketball coach at St. George’s in 2002 and was making his seventh state

appearance and playing in his third final.

Paine, from East Valley, took on the Colton project six years ago, and in 2012, the Wildcats made history with their firstever boys state tournament appearance.

Two years later, after finishing third in the Southeast 1B league with six losses, they are the champions.

“It was an unbelievable weekend,” Paine said. “Actually, it was an unbelievable three weeks.”

The two coaches’ paths actually crossed years ago when a friend of Ryan’s married one of Seth’s best friends.

Covering the two schools back in the day, I got to know them both. Paine, particularly, attracted attention not because of his basketball, but the fact he forsook baseball in the spring, his favorite sport at the time, opting instead for soccer. He played American Legion baseball during the summer.

He told me, “You approached me one time at Shadle Park and said, ‘why don’t you go play at Washington State?’”

Soccer was something to behold; the team playing with joi de vivre. They put the football in futbol. They played with abandon, opponents beware, slide tackling their way to a fourth-place state finish.

“I had the best of both worlds,” Paine said. But basketball ultimately became his mistress.

Across the Valley, Peplinski was playing basketball for the Titans under the late Jack Cleveland and Len Bone. He learned early about the importance of performing under pressure from Cleveland.

“He lined up the team to shoot free throws and said, ‘If you make it, you’re on varsity; if you miss, you battle with the jayvees,’” Peplinski said. “I don’t know how, but I made it.”

Shock visit HUB 360

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Colton High School’s Seth Paine (left) and St. George’s High School’s Ryan Peplinski both coached in respective state title games in the Spokane Arena last month. Both men are products of Spokane Valley High Schools from the same circa 1990 era.

By his senior year, the Titans finished a win away from state during a year in which Shadle Park became state champ and Gonzaga Prep finished fourth, its loss in the tourney by two points to the Highlanders in the quarterfinals.

Peplinski got the coaching Jones early, mentoring young athletes when he was still in high school. “I thought I was a good coach,” he laughs, adding he realized later he had quality athletes.

Peplinski initially was going to be an engineer but gravitated to education and coaching, mentored by several successful coaches at Mead District schools. He landed at St. George’s, a private school with high academic expectations that demand sharing time with the athletes.

Peplinski is 249-108 at St. Georges while also wearing hats as athletic director and dean of students.

“I love where I’m at,” he said. “It’s the best place for my kids.”

Paine said Horizon Middle School

NOTEBOOK Continued from page 27

Freeman brings back firstteam All-Northeast A shortstop Josie Schultz and second-team outfielder/third base Miranda Atwood.

Spring sports are in full swing, but here’s a quick look back at how winter concluded:

Titans, Knight girls sixth

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Spokane Shock players Mike Washington and Adron Tennell recently stopped by the HUB 360 afterschool program to visit and play with students.

The University girls have been a state basketball tournament fixture. East Valley’s girls reached state for only the fourth time.

Both brought home sixth-

teacher Jim Phinney was his inspiration for becoming a coach. After moving to Moscow — he now lives in Lewiston, works in Pullman with Colton situated in-between — he hooked up with Craig Brantner (who won his second straight state title at Pullman the same weekend) and helped for four years. Then the Colton job opened.

Despite an injury-plagued season, things came together at the right time. After losing to Southeast 1B league regular season champion Pomeroy three previous times, the Wildcats turned the tables on the Pirates in the state championship game.

Like the “Back to the Future” movie, both past and future collided in the Spokane Arena during the state tournament madness of March when two former Valley high school athletes coached respective teams to the finals — 24 years after making their mark as athletes back in 1990.

Mike Vlahovich is a longtime Spokane Valley sportswriter and member of the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame Scroll of Honor.

place trophies from their respective 3A and 2A events.

The Titans overcame injuries and a couple regular season cold spells to reach the round of eight by upsetting Kamiakin in their third meeting of the season. They then topped Mercer Island 50-41 to assure the trophy.

Only once did a player reach double figures, Ashley Woods, with 14, during the three-game weekend in Tacoma, the Titans ending the season with an 1116 record. It was U-Hi’s third straight trip to state and 12th appearance overall.

East Valley completed a 21-5

season, beating White River 6255 in the middle game of three for its sixth-place finish. Hannah Burland and lone senior Alex Rankin averaged 13 points each for the three games.

Third in row for Titan boys There had been a 15-year drought between state tournament appearances before the U-Hi boys’ current three-year string began under Garrick Phillips.

The Titans (15-12) lost twice, including a heartbreaker by two points to O’Dea. Robert Little and Ben Kuiper scored in double figures twice each.

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 45 29

NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 4 EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Josh Johnson

GENERAL MANAGER

Tammy Kimberley

Sarah Burk

josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@valleycurrent.com GRAPHICS EDITOR

sarah@valleycurrent.com

CIRCULATION Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics

circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS

Hope Brumbach, Eli Francovich, Craig Howard, Chad Kimberley, Valerie Putnam, Sarah Robertson, Mike Vlahovich, Bill Zimmer On the cover: Current photo by Matt Goldbloom

About

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UTILITY Continued from page 4

A: I oversee the daily operations of the company. This includes customer service, human resources, safety, financial, power supply, regulation compliance, overall operations of the electric and water departments, suggesting new or modified policies to the board and then carrying out our policies.

Q: You are also active in the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

What have you learned about the local economy and business community that you didn’t know before or that might be able to help you in your job at Modern?

A: Modern has been a long-time member of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce but up until a few years ago we were not very active in the organization. A few years ago I and Modern became very active with the Chamber and quickly learned what a great job they do for local businesses and the Valley. Because of this, I have a better understanding of some of the many challenges businesses have and the various factors that can impact them both positively and negatively.

Also, because of the Chamber, I have met many nice, talented people that I have learned from.

Q: Speaking of the economy, Project Share is a program that utilizes donated funds to support residents who need help paying their energy bill. Can you describe Modern’s involvement with this program that also includes participants like Avista and Inland Power and Light?

A: Modern has been involved with Project Share for several decades. Modern has always supported and promoted Project Share to our customers through direct links on our website, in billing inserts and newsletters. We have helped financially with various fundraisers and other programs. We do the best we can to encourage others to participate in this very worthwhile program. Project Share is a great asset to the community.

Q: Finally, what do you like most about working for MEWCO? A: There are so many things I like about working for Modern. Just to name a few — the challenges we face and striving to have a positive impact on our customers and the community. The employees, our board and our customers have been fantastic to work with and to know. Living and working in Spokane Valley is a real plus and has been a privilege. When I was hired over 21 years ago, I took the job thinking that I would stay with Modern for two to four years, build my resume and move on to something bigger and better. Because of this great company, employees and the community, I am still here and never regretted turning down employment offers to go elsewhere.

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46 • APRIL 2014 30

OPINION

The Current

Trustworthiness: There’s no app for that

By Matthew Sewell

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

More than any time in history, society puts a premium on the desire for instant gratification. The idea of dial-up Internet and web pages taking a full minute (or more!) to fully load is foreign to our 21stcentury brains, although slow Internet speeds were prevalent just 15 years ago.

What does instant gratification have to do with trustworthiness? The more we make use of the latest technology and consume media in all its forms, the less likely we are to connect deeply with our peers. By extension, it could be deduced that we are less likely to trust another person with our needs as a result. Trustworthiness, in its very essence, is what I would call a “two-way” virtue.

The virtue of trustworthiness is something that doesn’t develop overnight.

As is often said, although trust can be destroyed in a second, it takes years to build. Just as a professional athlete develops their speed, strength and agility far from the public eye over a long period of time, a person wishing to be trustworthy must hone his or her craft consistently day after day.

Constantly working toward trustworthiness, though arduous at times, is bound to pay off in the end. A verse from the Gospel of Luke best exemplifies what I mean: "The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones."

About the Opinion Page The Current wants to hear what’s on your mind. Interact with the opinion page with a le er to the editor (350 words or fewer), guest column (700 words or fewer; please send a mug) or via Facebook or Twi er: editor@valleycurrent.com facebook.com/valleycurrent @valleycurrent As with all content, opinion page submissions may be edited for space, style or clarity. This is a community newspaper, so be relevant to the Valley for the best chance at publica on.

“In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory or an unjust interest. And endeavor to gain, rather than to expose, thy antagonist.”

— William Penn

When I was an undergraduate, I worked for two years in the athletic department as a marketing and communications intern. The responsibilities I was given as a fresh-faced college junior were fairly minor: planning timeout entertainment for basketball games, dressing up as the mascot when the regular was sick, etc. As a student who wished to earn the respect of his superiors, I made sure to carry out those responsibilities to their fullest extent, no matter their size or scope.

I was gradually given more responsibilities to manage, ranging from creating and operating the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages, to organizing portions of the year’s biggest fundraisers. I was able to build up the trust of my employers through a slow and consistent process of honoring promises, working hard and showing discretion and prudence in how I represented myself, the department and the college. Granted, at times my youth and inexperience showed, but knowing the value of honesty in all situations allowed that trust to be maintained.

The trustworthy person is one who repeatedly analyzes the discretion with which they make decisions, as well as the integrity they show in implementing those decisions. These things are often very small, seemingly insignificant pieces of the day. But when compounded, they create something significant: a trustworthy person who can now more fully serve others.

As the British author G.K. Chesterton once wrote, “If you leave a white post alone it will soon be a black post. If you particularly want it to be white, you must be always painting it again...if you want the old white post, you must have a new white post.”

To be trustworthy is to always assume that there are improvements to be made.

Matthew Sewell is a Communications Specialist for the Better Business Bureau in Spokane, a PACE founding partner.

A transplant to Spokane from western Montana, he is engaged to a Gonzaga University law student and enjoys reading, playing golf and playing music in his spare time. He wrote this column as part of a series highlighting the PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) trait of the month. The trait for April is trustworthiness.

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Libraries still matter in digital age

By Rick Lloyd

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

Today I spent several hours in the Spokane Valley library branch. It was mid-afternoon, a time that I thought might be a bit quieter than the evening. What I found was a library serving and providing a wealth of resources to dozens of users of every age and social status—a snapshot of who lives in the Valley.

A thirty-something woman was rebuilding her resume for a job search. The librarian helped her navigate the job websites as well as helped her understand Microsoft Word so she could compose her resume.

At the checkout was a young mother with three youngsters in tow, each with a week's supply of bedtime story material in their hands.

At another counter was a senior woman being patiently taught how to use her Kindle to download the newest books and novels. She told the librarian that her daughter was right about this Christmas gift—this was better than buying books.

Speaking with the library manager was a young man inquiring about meeting space for his mountain bike club. Yes, it's free, he was informed.

At the CD rack, two other patrons browsed the music selections. One was on one side of the rack, the other on the opposite side, as were their musical tastes.

With his head cocked to the side, a gen-

tleman in his 50s scanned the DVD section and grabbed the Oscar-winning documentary “Zero Dark Thirty” as well as the classic “The Maltese Falcon.” That makes for a good two nights of home entertainment.

Libraries still matter because of everything they do for everyone, whether it's a seventh grade science report, new music for a weekend road trip, or a Rick Steves’ DVD for your upcoming Italian vacation.

Libraries represent one of the jewels in the crown that communities call “livability.”

Our main branch serves over 900 citizens a day with a vast wealth of diverse services.

The main branch was built in 1953, and the population of Spokane Valley and the surrounding area has increased significantly in the past 61 years. We have outgrown our crown, and it's showing age as well.

Citizens of Spokane Valley, Millwood, Otis Orchards and Greenacres will have the opportunity this April to restore and even enhance the area's livability. For about $14 per $150,000 of home value, we can pass a bond issue that creates two new libraries, as well as remodels a third, to serve our collective communities.

With land values and construction costs at their present values, we can ill afford to wait. To delay or postpone will result in either more costs or less space for services.

I ask the voters of my community to vote YES twice—once to form the bond district and once more to pass the bond.

The value is there, and the time has never been better. Make your investment in your hometown now. Vote YES. Rick Lloyd serves as chair of Citizens for Valley Libraries. For more information, go to www.spokanevalleylibraries.com.

The Current

APRIL 2014 • 47 31

VALLEY LIBRARIES

YES YES

1 Future 2 Votes 3 Projects “...our current facilities have aged out, with insufficient space for materials, study areas, meetings and parking. The Spokane Valley population is growing and our library needs expansion to support increasing use. For a very small cost, we can have three beautiful libraries that will meet millennial needs, with neighborhood access throughout Spokane Valley. I urge you to vote yes, and we’ll have 21st Century libraries we can be proud of!” - Deborah Chan, Spokane Valley Citizen

For more information, visit: SpokaneValleyLibraries.com Facebook.com/CitizensForValleyLibraries

Citizens For Valley Libraries PO Box 1495 Spokane Valley, WA 99037

48 • APRIL 2014 32

The Current

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