The July 2013 Current

July

2013

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NEWS

2 • July 2013

The Current

Dentist/businessman offers Valley check-up Dr. Rudy has monitored Valley politics for 40 years

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

If they ever decide to carve a Spokane Valley version of Mt. Rushmore, the granite profile of Dr. Philip L. Rudy might just earn a place.

One of the original members of the Spokane Valley Business Association, Rudy has been practicing dentistry from an office at the corner of Broadway and Argonne since 1974. Back in 1984, he was part of a group that took on Spokane County over the formation of a Utility Land Improvement District in the Pines Road area — and wound up on a winning side that secured protections for the Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer while helping to lessen the tax burden as originally proposed by the county.

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A Cup of Joe incorporation took shape in 2001, Rudy was front and center, lobbying for the formation of a new city. He has continued to stay involved in municipal matters, particularly in the support of a return to twoway traffic along the Sprague/Appleway corridor.

A licensed contractor, Rudy says he would be an architect if he wasn’t fixing molars. He designed and built his dental office on Argonne as well as another building a block to the north. He is also a member of the American Dental Associa-

See CUP OF JOE, page 4

The Current

July 2013 • 3

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The Current

4 • July 2013

NEWS

CUP OF JOE Continued from page 2

tion, serves on the citizens advisory committee for the Spokane Transit Authority and chairs the steering committee for the South Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Rudy has been married to his wife, Carol, for 43 years. He is a past chairman of the board for the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the Chamber’s finance committee.

The Current caught up with Dr. Rudy recently to chat about all things Valley, from the early days of SVBA to a successful incorporation vote to a corridor that still has him concerned.

Q.

What do you recall about the campaign that eventually led to the successful vote for Spokane Valley incorporation in May of 2002? Why do you think the idea for cityhood finally caught on?

A.

We didn’t have representation other than the county. The Valley was generating a lot of income that went to the county, and that wasn’t always coming back to us. I thought incorporation made sense because we needed representation on a local level. You have a huge urban area here. It’s a unique area. You have the farms, a variety of groups and the pressure to build, all of that and the freeway going through, plus questions of access. We only had the one county commissioner.

One of the main impetuses when the city finally incorporated was the city of Spokane wanted to annex the revenue-rich Yardley area. Sales tax is a big item.

Q. What was your involvement with the pro-incorporation effort?

A. I was heavily involved. You had Ed Mertens with his community action group and you had the Chamber that was interested and the Spokane Valley Business Association that was formed by then. So you had those three entities. I was actually appointed the head to corral those three entities and move them through the Chamber’s guidance. Eventually, we added Dennis Scott as our executive director, and he did a lot of work to promote things.

Q. Do you remember some of the feedback you received from residents leading up to the incorporation vote?

A. Well, there had been four incorporation votes prior to this. We got a lot of publicity. With the city of Spokane trying to annex, that was a real good impetus for us. I thought it was neat when it finally passed, but there were some questions. I think it’s worked out pretty well. We’ve got our own people. Now we can blame our own people for what goes wrong.

Q. Do you keep track of what’s happening with Spokane Valley government?

A. I try to stay involved. For me, it all

current Photo by craig howard

Dr. Philip L. Rudy is a longtime Spokane Valley dentist who has been involved in various local business and political efforts. goes back to one of the big issues, and that’s Sprague going back to two-way.

SVBA basically came into formation because we were opposed to the initial Appleway development because it was going to be a high-speed, minimum access, almost like a freeway beside a freeway. We’ve had too many things divide the Valley. It’s nice to get things back together. The original proposition by the state of Washington was to do that because it would take traffic off the freeway.

Q. What’s your opinion on the couplet as it stands right now?

A. Well, it moves along cars and fast. At least it appears fast. The sheriff has pretty well gotten it down to where they are keeping the speed limit, which is 35. My question is if you can go 35 on a one-way road, why not a two-way road? Also, if they were to make Appleway two-way from Argonne to the freeway, it would eliminate two stoplights to get on the freeway. Emergency vehicles need better access too. Also, the traffic going on the freeway westbound from Argonne, if it came off Appleway all the way, you wouldn’t have the stopping where it crosses over at Sprague right now.

I just don’t think it will ever go back unless there’s enough political pressure on the elected people.

Q. Your dental office is in the middle of two heavily traveled one-way streets, with Mullan on one side and Argonne on the other. How is that working out?

A. This is a pure example of what hap-

pens with one-way couplets. You don’t see too much retail — it just doesn’t survive here. The businesses that do are destination points. When they dug up the road here and put in the sewer, I hardly lost any businesses, but the coffee shop did. I think retail sites will continue to struggle on Sprague as long as it’s one-way, in my opinion, because you cannot circle around and get there.

Q. What’s your opinion of the current Spokane Valley City Council?

A. I respect them for the amount of time they’re spending. Anyone who runs for office deserves kudos for the time they spend. They came in under the umbrella of “Positive Change” and they have done some change. The positive change that I would like to see is to return the two-way to the freeway. But they came in opposed to that, so they have politically backed themselves into a corner. I think one or two of them may be rethinking their position on that. I would support cost of living tax adjustment of 1-percent annual increase. The reserves accumulated by the “Before Positive Change City Council” have been reduced considerably. The present council claims they haven’t raised taxes, but they don’t tell you it’s been at the expense of spending down reserves accumulated by the previous council.

Q. You’re currently the board chair for the Spokane Valley Business Association and on the finance committee for the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. What are some of the ben-

efits of having these two groups as catalysts for the local economy?

A. SVBA is basically businesses, and it was put together by a group of people with a lot of history here — Milt Neumann, Ed Mertens, Dick Behm, Ray Perry, Jack Pring. So we’ve got a lot of history, and they know the history. They’re really the shakers and movers, good solid citizens who tend to talk a lot — you might call them lobbyists. We try to present good, practical ideas that are business friendly. Prior to incorporation, the chamber was our governmental entity. Reporters would come to our committee meetings and write down what we were talking about. County commissioners would come to those meetings. It was our local government, basically. The role has changed with incorporation; it’s more of a business network. It does a lot of good.

Q. What do you foresee for the future of the Valley, culturally, economically and in other areas? Are you optimistic about where this community is headed?

A. You bet. I think if you look at something like Valleyfest, that’s a great cultural event. The Chamber puts on some things that are really great. Bill Gothmann’s bicycle event is going to bring good things to the Valley. We’ve got good, positive people here in the Valley. I still think the city of Spokane Valley needs a City Hall they can call their own. You need to have a little pomp and circumstance to give the city some identity. I would like to see a City Hall with the library on the Pring property.

The Current

July 2013 • 5

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The Current

6 • July 2013

Schimmels attracts challengers for long-held seat Original SV council member opposed by Pace, Loberg

By Steve Christilaw Current Contributor

It’s been a while since Gary Schimmels had to worry about campaigning in a primary.

“I haven’t had an opponent the last couple times,” said the last remaining member of the original city of Spokane Valley council. “But that first election I was one of seven candidates for this position.”

When primary ballots are mailed July 19, Schimmels will be listed first among three candidates in the non-partisan race for council position No. 4, squaring off against retired minister Ed Pace and community activist Dee Dee Loberg, the program director for the Washington State PTA. Both have previously run for a seat on the council.

Now in his second consecutive term as deputy mayor, Schimmels said his record and name recognition give him the incumbent advantage.

“I think I have a very good name here

in the Valley,” he said. “I’ve lived here all my life, except for a couple years of service time. I can’t walk down a street without knowing someone who lives there. That’s a luxury.”

So, too, is his track record as a conservative steward of the city’s finances.

“I’m very cautious when it comes to spending the city’s money,” he said. “I know there are those schimmels on the council who want to spend money on things they think are important. They’re willing to spend down our reserves for them, but once you spend that money, it’s very hard to get it back.”

Schimmels points to the council’s plans to repair the Sullivan bridge as an example of fiscal responsibility.

“Yes, it is a lot of money to spend,” he said. “But I will say this: The work will get done on the bridge. It’s too important for our economy. If we lose that bridge, you might as well close down the entire Sullivan Industrial Park.

“The money is there, but it takes some work to make sure.”

In his last election, Schimmels aligned himself with the Positive Change candidates: Dean Grafos, Brenda Grassel, Tom Towey and Bob McCaslin. Grassel resigned her seat when she moved outside the city limits.

“I was all set to file to run for Position 7, Tom Towey’s seat,” pace Pace said. “I talked to Bill Bates, the chairman of the planning commission, and he told me he was 99.9 percent certain he was going to support me. And then he decided to run for that seat himself.”

Unwilling to run against Bates, Pace says he was ready to sit out the race until he was approached by Grassel and Spokane County Treasurer Rob Chase and asked to challenge Schimmels. He agreed and convinced Grassel to serve as his campaign chairman.

“I think Gary has worked hard for the city, but I also think it’s time for a change,”

Pace said. “That’s what I hear as I talk with people, and I think that’s reflected in the money I’ve raised.”

Pace has raised almost $4,800, according to the Public Disclosure Commission’s website, more than any other council candidate.

Both Schimmels and Loberg have thus far raised no money, according to the site.

Schimmels, however, loberg has pledged to raise no more than $5,000 for his campaign, which exempts him from reporting campaign donations.

A self-described conservative, Pace said he’s concerned that the city is pursuing goals that aren’t needed.

“The big one that concerns me is this whole idea of creating an identity for the city,” he said. “We don’t need that. We already have an identity. We’re a great place to live and to raise a family. That’s all we need.”

See SV COUNCIL, page 9

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The Current

July 2013 • 7

Two EV board positions to be narrowed in primary

By Steve Christilaw

Current Contributor

Two races for seats on the board of directors for the East Valley School district will be featured on the primary ballots that will be mailed July 19 and due Aug. 6.

A pair of challengers, Justin Voelker and Marvin Moore, will seek to unseat incumbent director Heidi Gillingham from District No. 3. In District 5, three challengers — Deanna Ervin, Mike Novakovich and Stormy Frederickson — all seek to fill Roger Trainor’s seat after the incumbent removed himself from the ballot.

While school board races often lack the kinds of attention given other, more glamorous races, the East Valley School District offers more heat than most when it comes to campaign issues.

Gillingham, running for a second term on the board, says she was surprised by that fact four years ago.

“I have kids in the district, and I always tried to attend school board meetings and things like that,” she said. “Not being one to do anything halfway, I decided to run.

As soon as I filed, everything changed. It got personal in a hurry. Let me put it this way: People aren’t afraid to tell you just

2 seats, 6 candidates

A pair of board positions serving the East Valley School District attracted three candidates, meaning the Aug. 6 primary will be necessary to winnow the field to two finalists. Incumbent Heidi Gillingham is being challenged by Justin Voelker and Marvin Moore for position No. 3, and Deanna Ervin, Mike Novakovich and Stormy Frederickson are all vying for an opening in position No. 5.

what they think of you when you’re running for the school board.

“I really did not expect this job to be so political.”

The challenge of dealing with a district that has not been able to pass a school construction bond in 16 years is indicative of the state of affairs.

It’s a state that surprised Voelker, the chief financial officer for Valley Hospital and Medical Center.

“I moved here with my family four years ago, but we’re from the Northwest, so it was

moving home for us,” he said. “My kids are enrolled in the district, and I started attending school board meetings. I was surprised by the acrimony that I found on both sides.

“When you have school levies voted down by two-thirds of the electorate, that tells you something.”

A veteran of hospital acquisitions, Voelker said he’s experienced in dealing with just such challenges.

“You have to be willing to listen to the issues, but at the same time you have to find a way to make everything work so you can move forward,” he said. “That’s a skill set I can bring to the school board.”

The challengers all cite similar concerns for the district.

“I think the current school board is very disorganized, especially in the way they come to the community,” Frederickson said. “The message is all over the place.

Take the situation with Mountain View Middle School for example. At first they told us it was uninhabitable, but by the time the election rolled around they were talking about using it for something else.

It’s confusing.”

For Ervin, it’s about trust.

“I think a lot of people have lost faith in the process,” she said. “It shows in the success rates we’ve had on our school levies.

People just don’t trust the way the levies are presented. We’re told one thing, then we’re told something different.

“We need to rebuild that trust.”

Novakovich said there needs to be more two-way communication and points to social media as a way of bridging the divide.

“I feel that the school board doesn’t listen to what the people have to say,” he said. “They ask for comment and say they want to hear from parents, but seems like they’ve already made up their minds beforehand. You need to be out in the open with decisions. You may end up still making that exact same decision, but make the process open and show the people that you’re listening to their concerns.

“You have to start with rebuilding the lines of communication. Have a Facebook page, use Twitter — whatever it is, use it if it helps get your message out.”

Part of the challenge the candidates see is the long memory many residents of the district have.

See EV BOARD, page 9

The Current

8 • July 2013

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Rockford trio make case for council

By Heidi Scott Current Contributor

Infrastructure problems and financial woes have beleaguered Rockford long enough that there is no shortage of opinion about needed improvements. Residents will have the opportunity to choose representatives who best match their feelings this election year, starting Aug. 6 when three candidates will be narrowed to two in the race for Position No. 5 on the Town Council.

Chuck Collison and Robert Tollefson will face off against the man who was recently appointed to the position, Larry Van Every. The trio shared a respect and compliments for one another and all called for a race focused on the issues rather than the opponents.

Chuck Collison Collison grew up attending the Freeman School District and has lived in Rockford for more than 25 years. A sheet metal worker for the past 15 years, he currently serves on the planning and zoning board. This is his first run for office.

Recognizing “that the town is in really bad shape financially,” Collison decided he was ready to get involved after COLLISON touring Rockford’s wastewater treatment plant recently. He said he noticed considerable problems, including neglected and improperly used equipment. The town is considering a variety of tax increases to raise the large amounts of money to get the plant up and going.

Collison said the tax money is being spent without sufficient oversight and would like to see more accountability for contractors, engineering firms and town employees. At town meetings, he watches every problem being linked to a dollar amount, and offers a simple idea to help save money.

“In a small town, if you really know the people, almost everybody is willing to help improve the community if asked, whether in donating time or expertise,” he said, adding that with more networking, the town can tap into local resources and the abilities of the townspeople.

If elected, Collison would first like to get to the bottom of the wastewater plant issues and the town’s associated liability.

He said answers that have been difficult to come by include whether the plant has a back-up system. He said the primary tool for measuring input and output has not been working, but he can’t get a straight answer about why or what the city plans

CANDIDATE FORUM Residents who would like to know more about the three men running for Position No. 5 on the Rockford Town Council are invited to a candidate forum at 7 p.m.

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“The maintenance of the town has been allowed to slide, indicating that the town has not been managed as well as it should have been,” he said.

He feels there is also a need to encourage development. As part of the planning and zoning board, he has heard many complaints about the lengthy permitting process to build new construction. He wants to streamline that process, considering the short building season. He also suggests making the $5,000 fee for water/ sewer hookup more manageable through payment plan options.

Collison added he would like to involve the community more with council decisions and use networking as a tool for problem solving.

Robert Tollefson Tollefson works as the manager of the Rockford MiniMart and has lived in town for 26 years. He said it is necessary to become involved because he is willing to make unpopular decisions and stand by his guns for the growth and prosperity of the town. Some of the many problems facing Rockford, Tollefson said, are the federal mandates the town is required TOLLEFSON to meet with no allocated funding. These include EPA and private, non-governmental agency mandates on palatable water quality and lagoon/sewer requirements.

The state of the economy is making it difficult to meet these requirements in a small town, he said.

Tollefson presents several solutions to this problem. He feels raising taxes is not the best option, but may have to be considered, as well as looking at restructuring the monetary system and look at how funding is being allocated.

“Everything has an effect, and when a decision is made, it will have both positive and negative consequences, so each decision should be made with care,” he said.

He is highly concerned for the welfare of the community, with other issues like the

sheriff ’s contract, water and sewer issues and needs for road and sidewalk repair.

“The entire community needs to be improved,” he said.

Tollefson said he has an open mind and is willing to entertain any viable, logical suggestion. He sees a need for residents to be more involved in local matters, which could be initiated with a better information system. With recognition that many people can’t attend council meetings, he wants to see an expanded, more detailed newsletter, rather than the general overview currently being distributed. If elected, Tollefson said he plans to make open communication and accessibility his focus.

“Council needs to take time to discuss matters openly with residents when they are in public, say for example sitting at a local diner,” he said. “They should be willing to discuss matters with interested people if they are approached.”

Larry Van Every Van Every currently serves in Council Position No. 5, having been appointed four months ago when the seat was vacated. The father of seven children, he and his wife came to Rockford about a dozen years ago, and he has observed the town ever since. He doesn’t feel he should be called an incumbent, nor does he believe he is being challenged.

VAN EVERY “I like what the English say: ‘Stand for election,’” he said. “As a child, I had polio, so I can’t run for anything, even office.

I stand to offer myself for election, along with these two men.”

Van Every said more attention should be given to the sewer and water systems, and once the infrastructure is running properly, the town can focus on other things.

He suggested two ways to help Rockford get on its feet financially: drawing new business and broadening the tax base by attracting new people.

“A vision for the future is good,” he said, “but visionaries often easily get caught up spending other people’s money and can get hooked.”

He said the town has too often accepted grants and handouts rather than responsibly managing tax dollars. His solution is to help the town gain a clearer picture of goals, including “what, when and why,” with a clear division between wants and needs.

Van Every said he wants to help the

See ROCKFORD, page 9

The Current

July 2013 • 9 Since 1981

SV COUNCIL Continued from page 6

Loberg, too, is quick to credit the incumbent for his service to the city, but feels it’s time for a change and for some new direction.

“I think he’s done a good job, but there are areas where I think I can serve the city, and I want the opportunity to do that,” she said. “I think the council has not done a good enough job making long-range plans, and I think that’s an area I can help with. We have to do some long-term planning to be able to keep up our streets, for example. You can’t just worry about today; you have to plan for tomorrow.”

Loberg said prior commitments have prevented her from kick-starting her campaign, but plans to campaign extensively through the time the primary votes are tallied Aug. 6. The top two vote-getters from

EV BOARD Continued from page 7

“I hear that a lot — in fact I have one friend who repeatedly tells me about past levy campaigns,” Voelker said. “He remembers it all, and he’s not alone.

“I think we’ve gotten into a cycle where people say ‘well, you did this so I’m not going to vote for your levy,’ and the board says ‘well, you didn’t vote for our levy so we’re going to do this.’ We have to break that cycle.”

The message needs to be made clear, Novakovich adds.

“You have to tell people what you need and why you need it,” he said. “Your goal is to provide academic excellence, so explain how what it is you’re asking for helps you meet that goal.

“If people are having trouble paying their cable bill, don’t come to them with a bond levy asking for a performing arts center. That doesn’t connect.”

The board has made significant progress toward all of those ends, Gillingham said.

ROCKFORD Continued from page 8

council take a greater measure of thought in things like accepting bids from contractors.

“We need to make sure that all our i’s are dotted and our t’s are crossed when taking bids, and I don’t believe we’ve been doing that,” he said, adding it’s led to less contractor accountability and the problems that stem from that.

He also requests the creation of a com-

that election will advance to November’s general election.

While the race is non-partisan, Pace said he is making a point of telling voters that Loberg is a Democrat.

“I’m assuming that she’s a Democrat because I’m not 100 percent positive, but she does work for the PTA,” he said. “Yes, this is a non-partisan race, but I think it’s important that people know where a candidate comes from.”

Loberg feels differently.

“I do agree that the city leans conservative, but this is a non-partisan race for a reason,” she said. “The issues that we have to deal with as a city aren’t necessarily Democrat or Republican issues. They have to be dealt with in a non-partisan manner.

When you get people in a room together to discuss these kinds of issues, you find that there are many more things that unite us than divide us.”

“We’ve made progress in getting our message out,” she said. “I recently met with our tech guys and asked them if the parents who signed into the web site where they could check their kids’ grades were getting our electronic newsletter. It turns out that those emails weren’t automatically getting signed up to get them, so we fixed that. We’re looking for other ways of helping to get the message to the parents, because you can’t trust that what you send home with the kids makes it out of their backpack when they get home.”

The school district is full of great stories, she said. And happily, the stories are getting out.

“I had a lady come up to me not long ago, and she told me that I must be having so much fun being on the East Valley School Board,” Gillingham said. “I asked her why she said that, and she told me that she kept reading and hearing about all the good things we’ve been doing. I told her I was glad she was hearing about them.”

The top two candidates in each race will advance to face each other in November’s general election.

plete mapping of sewer and water systems, rather than relying on anecdotal knowledge from long-term residents. A good map allows troubleshooting when problems are small, fixing the lowest-level concerns. He said preventative measures are the best way to save, rather than to spend money on future catastrophic repairs. As a career system engineer working with computers, he said he brings logical perspective and knowledge to the council and hopes to be a representative of fiscal sanity in Rockford’s governing body.

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10 • July 2013

COVER STORY

The Current

Following the (lead) guitar Mica’s Vogelman playing the world’s stages as part of up-and-coming band

By Jocelyn Stott Current Contributor

Crown the Empire was formed in a Dallas suburb by a group of high school friends. Bennett Vogelman is from rural Mica and, until two years ago, didn’t know any of the original band members from Adam.

This month, however, Vogelman will celebrate his 19th birthday on a stage in a Detroit arena that’s home to the NBA’s Pistons — playing to screaming fans as Crown the Empire’s lead guitarist.

How does a small town kid get noticed by an up-and-coming rock band?

Thank talent and social media.

A gift and a passion As a child, Vogelman often played with a little toy guitar and put on “shows.” A pastor’s son, he began learning classical guitar at the age of 9 and picked it up quickly.

“I tend to learn things easily — I’m not saying that to brag — I just do,” he explained.

At age 13, he got his hands on an electric guitar and couldn’t put it down.

“I’m pretty much self-taught on the electric guitar,” he said. “The classical training taught me, and then I did the rest.”

Now, Vogelman plays drums, bass guitar and lead guitar. And sometimes, he sings and screams. Screams?

“Most of our songs are about 60 percent singing and 40 percent screaming,” Vogelman said of Crown the Empire, a band with more than 200,000 likes on Facebook and more than 50,000 Twitter followers.

“It’s very theatrical. There’s a lot of drama.”

Oh, and he is on the band’s songwriting team too.

“Being a writer is really important to me — I just love to write,” he said.

While in school at Freeman High, Vogelman played baseball, soccer and football, but in his sophomore year, he really applied himself to music. As he learned the electric guitar, he began recording his popular cover songs and posting them on YouTube. That’s when things got even more interesting for young Bennett.

An audience As the videos on YouTube reached more views, Vogelman’s skill was noticed by a young, hardcore metal band from Grapevine, Texas, called Crown the Empire. The

submitted Photo

Post-hardcore band Crown the Empire was founded in Grapevine, Texas, by high school friends. Their lead guitarist from tiny Mica (Bennett Vogelman, far right) wasn’t one of those original members, but his talent and a little help from social media made the connection. Crown the Empire played Spokane last month and is currently playing the Vans Warped Tour at locations throughout the country. band members had all gone to high school together but were in need of a guitarist, so they asked Vogelman to fly down to the Dallas area for a tryout.

Needless to say, the audition was a success and a short time later, Vogelman flew down to Texas again to film the band’s title song video, “The Fallout.” Vogelman says the video and song are about things falling apart and lost love, a theme that many of the young fans seem to relate to. Indeed the video has nearly 3 million views from fans worldwide. Vogelman was 16 at the time, in the summer before his junior year.

At the time, Vogelman was also enrolled in the Running Start program at Spokane Falls Community College in addition to his Freeman High School courses. When it became clear he had a future as a rock star, Vogelman was able to take his GED not long after - a decision he doesn’t regret.

“This just feels meant to be — it just fits,” he says.

Vogelman said he attended his Freeman High School graduation as a guest and loved seeing his friends and sharing stories of his life in the band.

“I’m really, really fortunate to have awe-

some family that understands my passions and my goals,” said Vogelman. “My parents (Stuart and Juleen) were skeptical at first about whether this (the band) was a legitimate opportunity, but they’re a lot more okay with it now that they see it’s for real.”

Vogelman is approaching the two-year anniversary mark with the band this fall.

The band has recorded an EP entitled, “Limitless,” released in 2011 and a full album, “The Fallout,” released in 2012 with the independent label Rise Records of Portland, Ore. Currently, Crown the Empire is traveling with The Vans Warped Tour, a group of more than 50 bands, which Vogelman previously attended as a fan.

“Now I’m performing — it’s so amazing!” he said.

After a recent performance at the Knitting Factory in Spokane, Vogelman said it was “surreal” to have all his friends and family in the audience.

Members of the band, including Vogelman, now call North Carolina their home, but they are rarely there. Future plans

See VOGELMAN, page 11

Founded: July 2010 Genre: Rock Members: Andy Leo and David Escamilla (vocals), Brandon Hoover (guitar), Bennett Vogelman (lead guitar), Hayden Tree (bass) and Brent Taddie (drums) Debut album: ‘The Fallout’ Facebook likes: 202,000 plus Twitter followers: 50,000 plus Spokane Valley tie-in: Lead guitarist Bennett Vogelman (aka Ben Suede) is from Mica. He attended Freeman High School before joining the band.

The Current

July 2013 • 11

cover story

VOGELMAN Continued from page 10

include a European tour and a few other overseas shows yet to be determined.

The rock star life So what’s it like for a small-town kid to make the big time?

According to Vogelman, it’s a lot different than people might think.

“We certainly get a lot of attention,” he said. “There is a glamorous factor to being in a young rock band, absolutely. … But we work hard when it’s time to get things done.”

Vogelman said the band writes songs, creates the stage performances and practices hard because all members share the same passion — to create an “epic and theatrical show with a positive message.”

“I’m in the best physical shape I’ve ever been in order to do that (perform and create),” Vogelman said.

He added there really isn’t anything he doesn’t like about the lifestyle, except the occasional day of getting up early.

While Vogelman says the heavy-metal, rock sound of Crown the Empire is edgy and hardcore sounding, the message within the songs tries to be positive and uplift-

ing for their primary demographic of 12to 18-year-olds.

Part of the band’s signature style is the stage costumes of well-dressed and coifed guys who’ve been soiled and tattered.

Sometimes, the outfits include masks and makeup, adding to the mystique. And there’s always drama and action included in the performance.

Vogelman said some of the band’s influences include My Chemical Romance, Linkin’ Park and Panic at the Disco. When it comes to putting on a show, Vogelman said he likes the productions to be epic, “like a John Williams or Hans Zimmer movie score.”

Crown the Empire is comprised of six musicians ranging in age from 18 to 23, including leader and singer, Andy Leo; drummer, Brent Taddie; screamer/singer, David Escamilla; guitarist, Brandan Hoover; bass guitarist, Hayden Tree; and lead guitarist, Bennett Vogelman — also known as Ben Suede. Vogelman said he was dubbed the stage name after some ribbing he took from his band mates about a jacket he wore.

“It’s easy to see how guys can get carried away with fame and attention,” Vogelman said. “I’m with a great group of guys, we love what we do and we try to stay after and sign autographs and chat with fans as much as we can.”

submitted Photo

Crown the Empire guitarist Bennett Vogelman, center, is flanked by brother Daniel Vogelman, right, and friend and band drum tech Nathan Cannon. The Vogelman brothers have played and written songs together, and big brother mentors members of Daniel’s band, Light Up the Sky. That band recently played its first hometown show at Spokane’s A-Club on June 21. Daniel is 16 — about the age his older brother was posting cover songs on YouTube.

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Libraries gear up to help kids ‘Dig Into Reading’

Frankentoys July 15, 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Participants can bring unwanted or broken toys to recycle old toys into art. The event is for all ages, but children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Archaeologist for a Day July 16, 10 a.m., Argonne July 16, 2 and 7 p.m., Spokane Valley July 18, 2 p.m., Otis Orchards If hands-on digging and finding fossils is your type of activity, come learn how to become an archeologist from the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.

By Tammy Kimberley Wave Staff Writer

While many school libraries closed their doors when the school year ended, the Spokane County Library District (SCLD) kicked off one of its busiest times of the year with the summer reading program.

The theme for the summer is “Dig Into Reading,” and the goal is simple—to keep kids reading over the summer.

Mary Ellen Braks, youth services manager at the Spokane Valley branch, said the nice thing about summer break is that kids get to pick what they would like to read.

“It's a chance to really explore what's fun to them,” she said.

SCLD branches offer a variety of activities during the summer (see “Special summer programs”), all of which are free to the public. Librarians highlight different books at each program for kids who want to learn more on the topic presented.

“If you see an activity that interests you, come in and check it out,” Braks said. “If the topic really sparks your interest, we've got lots of staff to help you find a book to take home on the subject.”

In an effort to reward summer readers, librarians watch for kids buried in books and then place their names on reader boards in each of the branches. For kids who haven't stepped foot in the library before, Braks encourages them to just try one program.

“Our hope is that they'll be hooked to come back for more,” she said.

Late Night at the Library July 19, 7 to 10 p.m., Spokane Valley For kids going into grades 3 through 5, this night of art projects, games, snacks, singing and stories requires pre-registration and a permission slip.

Mobius Science Fun July 23, 10 a.m., Argonne July 23, 2 and 7 p.m., Spokane Valley July 25, 2 p.m., Otis Orchards Expect a lot of “oohs” and “aahs” when the Mobius Science Center brings a series of exciting demonstrations that explore the world of molecular interactions.

Indiana Bones

Special summer programs The youth reading program, geared toward kids in kindergarten through 5th grade, offers an array of free activities during the summer. Listed below are programs at SCLD branches in the Valley area (Argonne, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley). For a complete list of activities at all locations, go to www.scld.org.

Summer Camp Crafts July 2, 10 a.m., Argonne July 2, 2 and 7 p.m., Spokane Valley

The library provides the supplies and kids bring their imaginations for craft time.

Cecil the Magician July 9, 10 a.m., Argonne July 9, 2 and 7 p.m., Spokane Valley July 11, 2 p.m., Otis Orchards Prepare to be amazed as Cecil digs into his box of magic tricks with a show that will wow kids and parents alike.

July 30, 10 a.m., Argonne July 30, 2 and 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Aug. 1, 2 p.m., Otis Orchards This storyteller makes ancient histories and legends come to life.

One Trail, Many Voices: Songs of the Oregon Trail Aug. 6, 11 a.m., Otis Orchards Aug. 8, 11 a.m., Argonne Aug. 8, 1 p.m., Spokane Valley Folksinger Hank Cramer will share stories and songs about pioneers traveling to the Pacific Northwest.

Family Concert Series with Jenks!

Aug. 17, 3 p.m., Otis Orchards This outside concert by Corey Jenks will feature juggling, music, dance and more.

The Current

July 2013 • 13

coMMUNITY

Why Ruthie loves to read

library?

A: At least once per week. I usually attend the Tuesday night story time. The librarians are awesome. They know all the fun books to read.

Q: Why do you enjoy participating in the summer reading program?

By Tammy Kimberley

A: It's really, really fun. I see a lot of people here that I know. A lot of the programs are hands-on activities.

Wave Staff Writer

A regular reader and familiar face to librarians, Ruthie Smith has frequented the Spokane Valley branch of the Spokane County Library District since she was 6 months old. Ruthie, now 9 years old, said she loves all types of fiction and non-fiction books, but her face especially lights up when talking about reading that involves dogs.

When The Wave met up with Ruthie before a story time last month, she was currently reading the Bad Kitty series by Nick Bruel and looking forward to reading “Chocolate Fever” by Robert Kimmel Smith. She graciously took time to put down the books and share with us about her love for reading.

Q: What is it about reading that you enjoy?

A: It makes you smarter, and it's really

Q: Are there any activities you are especially looking forward to this summer?

A: Late Night at the Library because you get to stay up late. Also, the Mobius (Science Center) day. We made a fire tornado when they came to the library last summer.

Q: Do you have a favorite place you like to read?

Wave photo by Tammy Kimberley

Ruthie Smith stands in front of a book about dogs — her favorite kind! fun. It takes your imagination and creates things.

Q:

How often do you go up to the

A: I like to read outside. If I get too hot,

I move to the shade and then I'll move back to sun when I get too cold. I read to my dog, Miley. I put her to sleep once with a good book.

Q: If you could be any character from a book, who would you be?

A: A dog. Boxer dogs are the coolest.

Eye on the Valley — Kids Edition Identify the photos, win a prize The following photos were taken at Discovery Park in Spokane Valley. Do you recognize what these items are? Kids who submit the correct answers will be entered

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Kids ages 5 through 12 are eligible for the contest. To enter, email your name, age, parents’ name and phone number

along with the answers to wave@valleycurrent.com by July 12.

Be sure to check back on the Wave spread in August to see the answers and the winner. Good luck!

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The Current

14 • July 2013 Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Miller finds fitness on two wheels Former GM found cycling in retirement

YOUR TURN TO PEDAL Hop onto a bicycle saddle and take part in the inaugural Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration. PAGE 26

By Aubrey Weber Current Contributor

On any given Taco Tuesday, Mike Miller, 67, can be found riding his bicycle 20 to 30 miles through Spokane Valley before stopping for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant with a trio of friends. Over the past decade, biking long distances has become a habit and an important part of his routine.

“I am kind of nuts about it,” Miller said.

“I just love biking.”

In 2001, Miller had barely biked. However, before retiring as general manager of Honeywell Electronic Materials in Spokane Valley, he was inspired to take up cycling.

“I’d been in executive management for a long time, working long hours, and not getting the exercise I needed,” Miller said.

“My time had been all taken up with other stuff, so I began to ride just the six or seven miles to and from work, and that’s what started it.”

After retiring from Honeywell, Miller went to work for the Catholic Diocese of Spokane as a deacon. He made the daily trek on his bike from Spokane Valley to downtown via Sprague.

Miller hasn’t been in any accidents, although he recalls being forced off the road and onto a curb once on his way home from work by a car sharply cutting a corner.

Initially, Miller’s main intent for biking was to lose weight and get in better shape.

Now, 12 years later and 30 pounds lighter, his love of being on the road has kept him hooked.

Experiencing the Pacific Northwest on two wheels, interacting with nature and the great outdoors, and the social aspect of constantly meeting new friends that share a common hobby are just a few of the highlights on a long list Miller has for making cycling a permanent part of his life.

“When I get on my bike and ride, I get in a groove and feel like my body is a machine,” Miller said. “It’s great to be out there, seeing a lot of different scenic, beautiful routes.”

When first starting out, Miller wor-

with three friends as a benefit to raise money for a seminary downtown.

Miller rides more than 2,000 miles a year. He spends most of his time biking on local trails but occasionally travels farther to participate in benefit rides for diseases like multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.

Since becoming more involved in the cycling world, Miller has noticed big changes and a tremendous boost in the popularity of bike riding in Spokane Valley.

“There’s a lot more awareness in cities and communities to be more bike-friendly, and our city does OK,” Miller said. “Dealing with roads is hard, but regionally I still think we have some of the finest trails in the country. They’re beautiful.”

Miller has seen a change in the quality of cycling equipment as well as the sheer number of bike shops that have emerged in the area just in the last few years.

He frequents The Bike Hub, located on Sprague in Spokane Valley, which opened in June 2009. A framed and signed picture of Miller celebrating at the top of Col du Tourmalet is on the front desk.

“I think it’s addictive, and I’m not the only senior out there,” Miller said. “There are so many different people you meet, and the camaraderie is great. It’s an exhilarating experience.” submitted Photo

Mike Miller celebrates his ascent of the Col du Tourmalet, one of the most famously raced climbs in the history of the Tour de France. ried about big hills and wind. However, the simple enjoyment he finds on his bike has taught him that relaxation is key, and above all else, to not sweat the small stuff.

“You can’t worry,” Miller said. “You just have to take what the road gives you and enjoy the ride.”

Last summer, Miller completed what he describes as his “dream ride” on the Col du Tourmalet in France. Located in the Pyrenees mountain range, the climb is one of the most famous ascents of the Tour de

France.

Although he doesn’t participate in competitive racing himself, Miller is keen on challenging his abilities by setting personal goals to become the best possible rider.

“I always want to do better than I did last time, so I train with a lot of hills,” Miller said. “I push the limits, and as a result, my heart is strong.”

The single longest ride Miller has done to date was 85 miles from Walla Walla to Pasco and then up to Othello. He rode

The Current

July 2013 • 15

coMMUNITY

Trivia Test 1. LANGUAGE: What’s another word for “legerdemain”?

2. SCIENCE: What is studied in the science of speleology?

3. MOVIES: Who had the starring role in “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town”?

4. PRESIDENTS: Which president banned segregation in the armed forces?

5. FOOD: What is the main ingredient in sauerkraut?

6. HISTORY: Which Mexican revolutionary said, “It is better to die on your feet

than live on your knees”?

7. COMICS: Who was the editor of The Daily Planet in “Superman” comics?

8. GEOGRAPHY: What body of water lies between the island of Sardinia and mainland Italy?

9. SPORTS: What is Yogi Berra’s real name?

10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which news anchor wrote the book “The Camera Never Blinks”? © 2013 King Features Syndicate Inc.

Is premiere copy of ‘Time’ an original?

Q: I have a condiment cruet set that includes containers for mustard, salt, pepper, vinegar and oil. It is just over 7 inches high and is in the Blue Willow pattern. The only mark is “Japan.” I love the set and use it every day, but have always been curious if it has much value. — Laura, Ramona, Calif.

A: Your cruet set is worth in the $175 to $200 range, according to Mary Frank Gaston, a collector and expert. She is the author of “Blue Willow: An Identification and Price Guide” published by Collector Books.

Q: After my father passed away, I came across several old stocks and bonds dating back to 1918-1929. How do I go about finding out if any of these are still valid stocks? I tried looking them up, and I couldn’t find out anything that was helpful. — Susan, Alton, Ill. A: Pierre Bonneau, CEO of Stock Research International, has been in business for more than 45 years, and he can help you. Contact him at P.O. Box 2359 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568; ssi@stockseachintl.com; and 1-800-538-4523.

‘Collecting’ by Larry Cox King Features Syndicate

Q: I have a copy of Time magazine dated March 3, 1923, which is Vol. 1, No. 1, the premiere issue. It is in fairly good condition, and I need to determine if it is a reprint or an original. — John, Sun City West, Ariz.

A: Time was founded by Henry Luce and Briton Hadden. Their aim was to produce a publication that featured short, concise summaries of events. The magazine, even from the beginning, was extremely popular. To determine if you have an original issue, I suggest you show it to some of the established used and rare book dealers in your area. This first issued has been reprinted several times, so an expert’s opinion is certainly necessary. According to several collectors I contacted, if it is authentic and in good to very good condition, it would retail for about $150. The first issue of Life Magazine, published Nov. 23, 1936, generally sells in the $75 to $150 range.

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. Sleight of hand; 2. Caves; 3. Gary Cooper; 4. Harry Truman, in 1948; 5. Cabbage; 6. Emiliano Zapata; 7. Perry White; 8. Tyrrhenian Sea; 9. Lawrence Peter Berra; 10. Dan Rather.

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community Service on firefighter’s heart, on or off the clock

The Current

16 • July 2013

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

In his job as a firefighter, Darrin Coldiron is well aware that a ladder can span the divide between peril and safety.

Over the years, the Montana native has climbed his way across thousands of miles, bringing support and encouragement to survivors of the tsunami in Sri Lanka and the earthquake in Haiti. At home, the ladder has reached veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as residents of Spokane County who have lost their jobs during the nationwide recession.

Through it all, Coldiron is there with a reassuring smile and uplifting words that convey hope in the face of uncertainty.

Yet he will tell you it was the influence of several key mentors in his own life that bridged a precarious gap and set him on a path to help others.

Coldiron has been a part of the Spokane Valley Fire Department since 2000, when he relocated from Missoula. A sociology major at the University of Montana, he still has a semester left to earn his degree and never had aspirations to work for a fire department until he began taking EMT classes while working construction in Boulder. For a time before that, he was employed as a bartender, but the work left him unsettled.

“When I was bartending, I wasn’t doing anything restorative or helpful,” he said. “You become friends with these people who come into the bar and then you give them the thing that’s worst for them.”

Coldiron had passed through Spokane but never spent much time here before he arrived in early spring of 2000.

The experience of college and moving into a solid profession never would have happened, Coldiron says, without the guidance of a Missoula pastor named Dan Simmons and Bryan Thornton, a local businessman.

Simmons presided over a church that ran a health food store and started a homeless shelter as well as a restaurant for low-income residents. Thornton was a DECA counselor at Coldiron’s high school, part of a program that promotes leadership and entrepreneurial training.

“At the time, I was not really thinking about what my future would be,” Coldiron said. “Both of them saw I was going nowhere, but recognized I had some intelligence and capability.”

Coldiron went from failing nearly every class in his first year of high school

darrin coldiron to graduating with a B-average. From accessing financial aid for college to improved study habits and goal setting, Coldiron said the support “made all the difference.”

“A lot of it was just seeing I could accomplish something,” he said. “It instilled a sense of confidence.”

Years later, Coldiron would be a catalyst for a similar course of change in the Sri Lankan village of Kamari following the tsunami that devastated Indonesia in December 2004. The next month, Coldiron and fellow SVFD firefighter Nick Muzik traveled some 7,000 miles from Spokane to bring equipment for water purification and medical supplies to those displaced by the natural disaster.

Coldiron returned to the Inland Northwest after three months, but went back to Sri Lanka for another month-and-a-half later in 2005. Back home, his colleagues at the department picked up shifts and switched vacations to make sure Coldiron could keep his travel plans.

“I definitely had the support of everyone back here in the Valley,” Coldiron said.

That reinforcement also manifested itself in cards and donations generated by nearly 30 schools from Missoula to Spokane. Coldiron spoke before students at assemblies, rallying awareness for a cause halfway across the world.

In Kamari, Coldiron and other volunteers helped rebuild schools damaged by the tsunami. Beginning in July 2006, he began a sabbatical from SVFD that would find him spending a year in Sri Lanka. The effort included an emphasis on the value of education in preparing for the future — a familiar theme he’d learned years ago in Missoula. Over four years, the number of students passing a pivotal test in their sophomore year of high school went from 17 to 91 percent.

“I wanted to show them the value of education,” Coldiron said. “I think it’s definitely had an effect. We’ve sent some kids through dental school.”

The campaign in Sri Lanka would spur the development of an organization known as Community Focused Disaster Response, of which Coldiron serves as president. His work also brought him to Haiti after the catastrophic earthquake of 2010. There, he taught English and was also the bearer of medical supplies.

Current photo by Craig Howard

A native of Montana, Darrin Coldiron joined the Spokane Valley Fire Department in 2000. He has contributed to humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka and Haiti, founded a veterans retreat program locally and launched a scholarship fund in collaboration with Community Colleges of Spokane.

Submitted photo

In 2009, Darrin Coldiron (middle row, third from left) organized the first “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” event to honor local veterans. The retreats take place in places like Deer Lake in the Spokane area and Montana’s Glacier Park and focus on team-building and healing from the effects of combat.

“Darrin is gifted at recognizing a need and putting all the pieces together to help,” said John Nelson, an engineer with SVFD who works at the same Greenacres Fire Station as Coldiron. “At the same time, he’s not a self-centered, egotistical guy who is doing it for the glory. He’s setting a humble example of someone who consistently makes a real difference.”

At home, Coldiron serves on the board of The Benevolent, an SVFD program that provides financial help for residents facing everything from cancer treatment

See COLDIRON, page 30

FOR MORE To learn more about The Benevolent through the Spokane Valley Fire Department, call 928-1700. To find out more about Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and other programs to support veterans, contact Joe Dumlao at the Veterans Outreach Center in Spokane Valley at 444-8387.

For more information about Community Focused Disaster Response, email Darrin Coldiron at darrincoldiron@gmail.com.

The Current

July 2013 • 17

community

Community Briefs Local students graduate from GU Several students from the greater Spokane Valley area graduated from Gonzaga University May 12 in Spokane’s Veterans’ Memorial Arena.

Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to Casey Ames of Spokane Valley (philosophy); Nicholas Boucher of Spokane Valley (accounting); Rachel Hollenbeck of Liberty Lake (European studies); Kelsey Hood of Greenacres (biology); Michael Morgan of Liberty Lake (accounting); Sandra Sharp of Liberty Lake (general studies, magna cum laude); and Tiana Taylor of Spokane Valley (general studies).

NIC grads include local students Among the 613 students who graduated from North Idaho College this year were the following from local communities.

Spokane Valley: Chad Carroll, Rhonda Geisbush, Gina Thompson and Jordan Zumwalt; Liberty Lake: Chelsea McKay, Broderick Pellow, Audrey Shinneman, Zachary Smith and Jacob Spencer; Newman Lake: Erin Fairbanks and Joshua Patrick; Otis Orchards: Bailey Abdnor and Katrina Boik; Veradale: Kaitlan Townsend.

Gonzaga honors local students Gonzaga University recently released its President’s List and Dean’s List for spring semester 2013.

Students named to the President’s List (3.7 to 4.0 GPA) include: Casey Ames of Spokane Valley; Carla Ballensky of Greenacres; and Liberty Lake residents Rachel Hollenbeck, Taylor Kelley, Matthew McCauley and Ande Seines.

Students named to the Dean’s List (3.5 to 3.69 GPA) include: Cory Ames, Alexander Blackburn and Justin Hoff of Spokane Valley; Christina Davis and Michael Morgan of Liberty Lake; and Kevin Schell of Greenacres.

NIC announces Dean’s List North Idaho College recently announced its Dean’s List for spring semester 2013, an honor bestowed to students obtaining a 3.75 grade point average or better.

Among those honored were David Roth of Newman Lake and Nikki Hinckley, Savannah Rutter and Jordan Zumwalt of Spokane Valley.

Pair wins Eye on Valley contest Dave Rousseau and Elizabeth Delaney correctly identified all 12 “Eye on the Valley” photographs included in the June issue of The Current, winning a $20 gift certificate to a business of their choice along the featured area. Rousseau and Delaney chose Thai Kitchen, 621 S. Pines Road, for their gift certificate.

The answers to the puzzle, which was included on page 17 in the June issue, are now on The Current’s Facebook page.

Look for another Eye on the Valley game to return in an upcoming issue of The Current.

Debate tourney nets winners More than 180 students participated in the 2013 Central Valley Middle School Debate Tournament May 31 at University Center. Seventh- and eighth-graders from Bowdish, Evergreen, Greenacres, Horizon, North Pines and Summit competed, with Evergreen winning the overall sweepstakes crown.

Individual champions included Madison Pearson and Elise White of North Pines (dual); Cassie Peterson of Evergreen (humorous interpretation); Sarah Fotherington of Evergreen (dramatic interpretation); Abby Groh of Evergreen (impromptu); Joci Anderson of Summit (original oratory); Dakota Lovins of Evergreen (debate speaker); and Andy Reding and Rachel Doty of Greenacres (debate team).

CHURCH DIRECTORY Greenacres Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

A traditional, family oriented church.

Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM 18010 E. Mission - 926.2461 Established 1902 Member of CUIC

Sunday WorShip Service 10:00 a.m.

WV Foundation scholarships given The West Valley Education Foundation recently named its 2013 scholarship recipients.

Winners of a $1,000 scholarship included West Valley High School students Thomas Dedera, Gail Gallaher, Austin Luhn, Shaley Martin, Sarah Marro, Jessica Mitchell, Mikayla Nickerson-Scully, Hailey Ortiz, Ellen Postlewait, Alex Preston, Anne Rowley, Jacqueline Swanson, Kaylee Tate, Kathryn Wee and Contract Based Education student Chelsea VanSchoonhoven.

Winners of the $500 Liberg Memorial Scholarship were West Valley High School’s Alex Stutzman and Spokane Valley High School’s Dina Chebotareva.

• Strong Academic and Moral Foundation • Preschool and Kindergarten Programs • Community and Service Focus • Before and After School Care

Preschool-Eighth Grade Scholarship Joining Values Over 50 years of academic excellence

MaSS TiMES:

Saturday Vigil - 5 p.m.

Sunday - 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m., except Wednesday which is 8:15 a.m. adoration Reconciliation

The last Wednesday of every month 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday, 4-4:30 p.m. or by appointment

Pastor Fr. Joseph Bell Assoc. Pastor Fr. Charles Skok Deacon Kelly Stewart

St. John Vianney Church 503 N. Walnut | Spokane Valley 99206 926-5428 | admin@sjvchurch.org

The inTersecTion church

23304 E. Wellesley, Otis Orchards, WA

509-926-9552

www.theintersection.info 905 N. McDonald Rd. • Spokane Valley Sunday Service: Traditional 8:30 a.m.

Contemporary 10:30 a.m.

924-3705

YOUR CHURCH GOES HERE 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 about the Church Directory: 242-7752 or advertise@valleycurrent.com.

Submit photos for local contest What makes the Valley area a picturesque place to live? Peridot Publishing is asking local residents to share photos answering that question for the new Valley Business & Community Directory photography contest.

Whether it’s a breathtaking outdoor scene or a beautiful shot of residents gathering at a local event, shutterbugs are asked to submit images capturing the essence of the community. The winner’s photo will be highlighted on the cover, and other selected images will be featured in the 2014 Valley Business & Community Directory.

Amateur or professional photographers age 16 or older are eligible to enter by the Sept. 13 deadline. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. For rules and more information, go to www.libertylakesplash. com and click on the camera graphic at the top of the page.

Spokane-North Spokane-North

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Sprague Sullivan -- 10 North Sullivan Rd. Sprague Sprague& & &Sullivan Sullivan- 10 10North NorthSullivan SullivanRd. Rd. front Fred Meyer, next Five Guys InIn Infront frontofof ofFred Spokane FredMeyer, Meyer,next Valley nexttoto toFive FiveGuys Guys 509.242.3434 509.242.3434 509.242.3434 Sprague & Sullivan - 10 North Sullivan Rd. In front of Fred Meyer, next to Five Guys 509.242.3434

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history Early Valley settlers relied on rail for business, transportation, recreation 18 • July 2013

By Bill Zimmer

A Valley of opportunity A monthly series on the heritage of the greater Spokane Valley Jan. Missionaries and Indians Feb. Bridge Builders and Ferrymen March The Lake Men April The Real Estate Developers, Land and Power May Immigrants claim their Valley June Irrigation July Depots and Platforms Aug. Purveyors of Leisure Sept. Commerce Oct. Ladies of the Valley Nov. Veterans of the Valley Dec. Old Timers’ stories

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Steam and electric rail lines were key to the growth of the Spokane Valley. The Northern Pacific line cut through the Valley in 1881 and was part of a transcontinental line by 1883. The first trains burned wood, were slow and seldom on time.

Speed limits for passenger trains were 10 miles per hour at night and 15 miles per hour in daylight. Before electricity, kerosene switch lights, which someone had to light every night, were used at siding entrances and exits. At that time, there were two stations between Spokane and Rathdrum — one at Trent (Irvin) and one at the Idaho state line. Stations at Moab and Otis were added later.

Many early pioneer families arrived via the Northern Pacific, including the Stegners, Pringles, Ulowetzs and Blessings, to name a few. Howard Stegner tells of two trains colliding at Trent on May 21, 1900.

The explosion was so intense it threw metal and lids off the oil tankers 175 yards from the tracks.

The Spokane and Inland Empire Electric Railway was organized in 1900 to serve areas east and south of Spokane.

One line followed Trent through Orchard Avenue and Millwood. In 1901, a station was built in the Otis area to house a ticket office and telegraph operator. That depot was dismantled in 1950. In 1903, the Spokane and Inland Empire Railway built an electric line from Spokane through Union Park and Edgecliff to Park Road, where it changed to the north side of Sprague and continued through Dishman and Opportunity to Liberty Lake junction and Coeur d’Alene. A spur line ran from Dishman to Flora Road. There were stations at Liberty Lake junction and Spokane Bridge. A turnaround was built at Flora Road and, later, a spur line was extended to Liberty Lake. Prior to that time, passengers who arrived at Liberty Lake junction had to transfer to a horse-drawn carriage to continue their journey to the lake. Liberty Lake had been turned into a fashionable resort referred to as “The Coney Island of the Inland Empire” by those who enjoyed a day at the lake.

Hourly train service was now provided to and from Spokane. Students who lived in the Valley were able to attend high school in Spokane. What originally was a one-car one hour train service soon became a five-car, one-half hour service on Sundays and holidays.

Also in 1903, the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane Electric Railway Co. built a line from Spokane through what is now Millwood after the Woodard family gave the

The Current

Photos courtesy of the Stegner Collection, Spokane Valley Heritage Museum Archives

Top: A photo of the Trent Depot, taken about 1910. Above: Woodard Station was named for the Woodard family, which in 1903 donated right-of-way for rail to pass through land they owned in Millwood. Later, the Woodard Station, shown here circa 1915, was built on this land.

In 1909, the Inland Empire system railway a right-of-way through their property. Woodard Station was established on opened its Opportunity-Vera car line from the property. A few years later, the same a terminal in downtown Spokane to a connection with the Coeur d’ Alene mainline railway built a branch to Hayden Lake.

In its continuing efforts to expand, the at Flora Rd. The line also served Dishman.

Spokane and Inland Empire Railway en- That same year a new station was estabcouraged people to settle in the Valley by lished in Greenacres.

For about 10 years (1920-1930), a twoconnecting irrigated farms with city markets using electric trains to haul passen- car train called “The Dinkey” provided gers and freight. They also played a part in passenger service from Spokane to Sandhelping the public get to the drawing sites point, Idaho. This service was discontinduring the land rush of 1909, when lottery ued as the Auto Interurban Bus Service drawings were set up providing ownership took over. of public lands.

By 1927, the Great Northern Railway In the Valley, depots with waiting rooms had taken over all of the Inland Empire and ticket offices were built on the west system lines. For a short time, the Vera side of Marguerite and in Opportunity. Line continued to provide hourly trips Other stops provided heated shelters with to Liberty Lake, but passenger service wooden seats. One stop at the corner of on the Vera and Liberty Lake lines was Sprague and Pines provided a depot and a soon discontinued. Service to Coeur d’ Alene continued until 1940. At that time, railroad restaurant.

the Trentwood Depot still employed a full-time telegraph operator to serve the apple-packing business at Otis Orchards, the Trentwood Rolling Mill and the Naval Supply Depot.

Several unfortunate incidents occurred in the years of development in the Valley. The Dishman Station burned and was rebuilt in 1921. Between 1907 and 1909, there were several train holdups on the Northern Pacific system. In 1943, sparks from the paper mill burned the Millwood Station. One particularly tragic event occurred on July 31, 1909, when two trains of the Spokane and Inland Empire Railway collided in Idaho, resulting in the loss of many lives. Lawsuits which were filed and pursued over the next 10-20 years bankrupted the railway.

In the 1940s, not only was electric powered rail service being replaced by diesel, but the age of automobiles and trucks reduced the need for local rail service.

The Dishman Depot, named for A.T. Dishman, is still standing next to what were once the Oregon Washington Navigation and Railroad Co. tracks. The Trent Depot, Greenacres Depot, Liberty Lake platform and other early Spokane Valley stops are all gone. Some old-timers tell of hopping the train to take it into Spokane to see a movie at many of the theaters once located in town.

Today, transcontinental trains still roll through the area that once depended on local rail services for transportation and communication. However, the question of whether light rail will ever return to the Valley remains unanswered.

Bill Zimmer is a retired educator, longtime West Valley School District school board member and volunteer at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. For more about this article or the history of the Spokane Valley region, visit the museum at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. or call 922-4570.

The Current

July 2013 • 19

community

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY June 27 | Basic Landscape Design 6:30

p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn the basics of how to proceed with your current landscape design by taking into consideration current conditions as well as how you use your land. For more: scld.org

how to become an archeologist from the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center. Also offered 2 and 7 p.m. at Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., and 2 p.m. July 18 at Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. For more: scld.org

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

July 17 | Book Club 2 p.m., Spokane Valley

Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave.,

July 3 | Gardening for Birds & Butterflies

Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Read “My Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore” by Robin Sloan and then join the discussion. For more: scld.org

July 4 | Independence Day

July 22 | Worm Composting 6:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn about converting kitchen vegetable wastes into rich fertilizer for plants. For more: scld.org

6:30 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road. Learn how to attract birds and other beautiful critters to your garden. For more: scld.org

July 4| Independence Day Party in the Park 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Greenacres

July 23 | Mobius Science Fun 10 a.m.,

Neighborhood Park, corner of Boone and Long.

The public is invited to the 2nd annual parade and party. A full schedule of events including food, games, music and petting zoo is planned.

To volunteer or for more: 926-8899 or northgreenacres.org

Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road. Mobius Science Center will bring a series of exciting demonstrations that explore the world of molecular interactions. Also offered 2 and 7 p.m. at Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., and 2 p.m. July 25 at Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. For more: scld.org

July 4| Fourth of July at Liberty Lake An

July 23 | Digging Up Murder 2 p.m., Ar-

annual parade is staged by local volunteers in the Alpine Shores neighborhood at noon followed by games and other festivities at Alpine Shores Park. At dusk, the community-funded fireworks show launches from a floating dock on the lake. Contributions to the Liberty Lake Fireworks fund can be mailed to P.O. Box 430, Liberty Lake, WA 99019.

July 6| Newman Lake Fire Auxiliary fundraiser 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Exxon station,

Trent and Starr Road. The volunteer fire department, SCOPE and Newman Lake Auxiliary will hold the annual hot dog and 2013 T-shirt sale.

Proceeds benefit Newman Lake Fire District #13.

Firefighters will also be collecting donations for the families of the West Texas firefighters killed in an April explosion. For more: 226-0744 or newmanlakewa.com

July 6| Hot Rod show and burger eating contest 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ron’s Drive-Inn,

12502 E. Sprague. The burger eating contest will start at 2 p.m. Cost is $25 to enter beforehand or $30 the day of. Contestants will receive a shirt and as many burgers as they can eat in five minutes. Proceeds will benefit Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels. For more: 924-4660

July 8 | Our Urban Forest — Spokane Trees 6:30 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Ar-

gonne Road. Learn what trees grow in the area, where species can be found around town and tips on identifying trees. For more: scld.org

July 8-12 | Live Love(d) VBS 9 a.m. to noon, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2511 S. Pines Road. Children ages 3 years to 6th grade are invited to join in singing, crafts, Bible encounter, group games, snacks and more. It is free to attend, but donations will be accepted. To register or for more: 951-7512 or jvlm.org July 9 | Cecil the Magician 10 a.m., Argonne

Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road. Watch this magician dig into his box of magic tricks with a show that will wow kids and parents alike. Also offered 2 and 7 p.m. at Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., and 2 p.m. July 11 at Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. For more: scld.org

July 16 | Archaeologist for a Day 10 a.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road. Learn

gonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road. Archaeologists, anthropologists, geologists and forensic scientists dig into the mysteries surrounding sudden and violent deaths. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite mystery authors to share. For more: scld.org

July 24 | Dahlia Care 6:30 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. All aspects of growing dahlias, from planting in the spring to digging and storing Dahlia tubers in the fall, will be covered. For more: scld.org July 26 | Free movie in the Park: “Brave” 9 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows Park. For more: spokanevalley.org

July 27 | 13th annual Hot Wheels in Millwood 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Millwood City Park.

Gates open at 9 a.m. for parking. Registration is from 10 a.m. to noon with a $15 entry fee plus donation of non-perishable food items for the food bank. Trophies in 17 classes, door prizes, raffles, vendors, music and food will all be a part of this event. For more: inlandempiremustangclub.com or 570-6704

July 30 | Indiana Bones 10 a.m., Argonne

Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road. A storyteller makes ancient histories and legends come to life. Also offered 2 and 7 p.m. at Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., and 2 p.m. Aug. 1 at Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. For more: scld.org

July 31 | Emergency Preparedness 7 p.m.,

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Do you have the knowledge and supplies you need if you have to evacuate, can’t leave your home or lose power? Learn about local hazards, preparedness concepts and involvement with volunteer groups that assist others during disasters. For more: scld.org

Recurring CV Class of 1958 Reunion The Central Valley Class of 1958 is planning a reunion for August 17 along with a picnic on August 18. If you are a graduate or know someone who might need information, please call 255-6803 or 924-0099 or email jbboard58@q.com.

Spokane County Library District Valley

Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, LEGO club, RLM women’s group, beading club, computer drop-in class, knitting club. For more: libertylakewa.gov/library

Liberty Lake Farmers Market Saturdays,

9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane.

The market runs through mid-October. For more: llfarmersmarket.com

Millwood Farmers Market Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m., Millwood Presbyterian Church parking lot, 3223 N. Marguerite Road. The market runs each through Sept. 25. For more: millwoodmarket.org Otis Orchards Community Garden 4308 N.

Harvard Road. Sponsored by the Otis Orchards Food Bank, there are 6x8 garden plots available with running water. For more: 842-2355

Rockford Crochet Class Saturdays, 10 a.m.

to noon, 229 S. First, Rockford. Join others at the weekly Crochet class held in the Rockford Community Center. Other types of craft, sewing, needle work are also enjoyed. Stop in and stitch and visit with others. For more: 291-4716 or rockfordwa.com/index.php/calendar

Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague.

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

around the new theater and receive information about volunteering. For more: ignitetheatre.org

Recurring 2013 Summer concert series Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road, Spokane.

Arbor Crest offers Wednesday Peak of the Week shows, Thursday Performers on the Patio and Sunday Concerts on the Cliff where you can enjoy fine wine, music and spectacular views.

For more: arborcrest.com Sunday Street Market Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 2302 N. Argonne Road. The public is invited to this free open air market with vendors from artist to commercial. For more: 217-4381 or sawdustprincess@msn.com

CIVIC & BUSINESS June 27 | “Cowgirl Up” NW Woman Networking Event 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Roadhouse, 20 N. Raymond Road. A free networking event featuring line dancing lessons from the Swinging Boots and live music by Bakin’Phat.

For more: Charitydoyl@yahoo.com

July 19 | Greater Spokane Valley Chamber Business Connections Lunch 11:30 a.m.

to 1:30 p.m., MedStar Hangar at Felts Field, 6105 E. Rutter Ave. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., program begins at noon. Cost is $30 for members and guests, $40 for non-members. For more: spokanevalleychamber.org

HEALTH & RECREATION

Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6:15 p.m.

June 29-30 | Hoopfest Downtown Spokane.

Besides claiming title to the biggest 3-on-3 tournament on earth, the event is also an outdoor festival with shopping, food and interactive entertainment. For more: spokanehoopfest.net

MUSIC & THE ARTS 6 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. This free concert kicks of f the Friends of Pavillion Park summer concert series. For more: pavillionpark.org

July 4 | 4th of July Pennant Run Noon, Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana. Featuring a 5K run, 1K kids run and a Little Sluggers Dash. Registration is $20 ($25 the day of), and all proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. For more: SpokaneIndiansPennantRun.com

July 6 | Stage 2 Stage Arbor Crest Music Fest Noon to 8 p.m., Cliff House Estate at Arbor

July 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 | Camp Classic Basketball Tournament 8 a.m. to 10

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

July 4 | 6 Foot Swing and Tuxedo Junction

Crest, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road. Non-stop music and free admission. For more: arborcrest.com

July 26-28 | “Big Bad” 7 p.m. (all days) and 4 p.m. (Saturday), Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave., Liberty Lake. This smart, wickedly funny chronicles the trial of the Big Bad Wolf for crimes committed against several well-known fairy tale characters. The audience is the jury and decides the fate of the wolf, with a different ending for each possible verdict. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and youth ages six to 12; and free for children five and under. For tickets and more: libertylaketheatre.com

June 28-30 | “The Marriage of Bette and Boo” by Christopher Durang Various times,

Ignite Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway.

A satirical play that dissects marriage and family in contemporary Catholic America. For tickets and more: ignitetheatre.org or 795-0004

June 30 | Ignite! Community Theatre Open House 5 p.m., Ignite Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway. This annual meeting will include a barbecue and opportunities to look

p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. High school teams complete for a tournament trophy. Cost is $400 per team. For more: hubsportscenter.org

July 8-10 | Eclipse Volleyball Camp 1 to 4

p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. This camp for all skill levels focuses on basic skills and how to build a stronger overall player. Cost is $75 per player. For more: hubsportscenter.org

July 8-10, 15-17 | Basic Basketball Camp with Ryan Goodson 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., HUB

Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. High school camp for grades 9-12 is July 8-10, while the middle school camp for grades 6-8 is July 15-17. Cost is $175. For more: hubsportscenter.orgJuly 13 | Liberty Lake Loop 8 a.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. The 16th annual race is a scenic course on paved roads and hills around Liberty Lake. Kids races follow the adult race. Registration fee is $15. For more: pavillionpark.org

See CALENDAR, page 20

local lens

20 • July 2013

Connect your business to Valley consumers

CALENDAR

The Current

A moving performance

Continued from page 19 July 14 | Valley Girl Triathlon 7:45 a.m., Liberty Lake. Registrations are sold out for this women-only sprint distance triathlon.

But spectators are welcome to observe the race which includes a 1/3-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3-mile run. For more: valleygirltri.com

July 15-19 | Kids’ Summer Camp 8:30 to 11 a.m., Focused Fitness, 2426 S. Dishman Mica Road. Open to kids ages 6 and 7, the camp emphasizes reading, writing and math skills during fun and engaging physical activities. Cost is $40 which includes snacks and T-shirt. For more: Cherie@focusedfitness.org or 327-3181, ext. 123 July 21 | Newman Lake 25K Run 6:30

The Current is a monthly publication serving the entire greater Spokane Valley. By providing information that links residents and businesses alike, The Current is a perfect avenue to reach the Valley market.

Created to visually draw in readers with our award-winning design services, let us help you fine-tune your message for maximum impact!

• Highly accessible • Unapologetically local • Committed to excellence

a.m., public fishing/boat launch area, Newman Lake. Promoted as one of the oldest races in the Pacific Northwest, the scenic route winds itself around the lake and concludes with a pancake breakfast. Registration due by July 13. For more: active.com

July 22-23 | Showcase Basketball clinic 9 a.m. to noon, HUB Sports Center,

submitted Photos

The Central Valley High School Chamber Orchestra played “Adagio for Strings” (also known as the Platoon theme) during its May 30 concert. It is a favorite selection of orchestra teacher Mason Flemmer (left), who is being deployed for his third tour in Afghanistan in August.

He is the Company Commander of the U.S. Army 455th Engineering Company, a group that locates and disables IEDs. Also pictured are Priscilla Call (behind stand), Erik Bodrock, Abby Pederson and Mackenzie O’Dea (seated). At left, the orchestra spent some time thanking Flemmer following the event. “I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the place,” parent Troy Todd said.

19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. For boys and girls ages 7 to 17, participants will be put through various NBA style drills and skill work. Cost is $100. For more: hubsportscenter.org

July 28 | Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration 8 a.m., Mirabeau Meadows Park.

Options include 50-mile, 25-mile or 10-mile family-friendly rides along the Centennial Trail. Cost is $10. Register by July 14 to receive a T-shirt. For more: valleyfest.org

July 29 to Aug. 2 | Skyhawks Basketball and Volleyball Camps HUB Sports

Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

For more: hubsportscenter.org

About 10,000 free copies are distributed monthly to more than 200 high-traffic locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake and Rockford.

Be a part of the August issue!

The guaranteed ad reservation deadline is Monday, July 15th

Recurring Liberty Lake Community Tennis Association Rocky Hill Park, Liberty Lake. The

group offers adult evening clinics 6:30 p.m.

Mondays and Thursdays, kids clinics 9 and 10 a.m. Saturdays, and a ladies day 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Clinics will run through Aug. 31. For more: 255-9293 or larrywest1@live. com

Liberty Lake Running Club 6 p.m. on Thursdays, from various locations in Liberty Lake. Runners or walkers are invited to gather with others for a 3-mile route. For more: 954-9806 or kathyawhybrew@msn. com Spokane Youth Sports Association

Call today to share about your business through The Current!

Register now for fall sports including soccer, baseball, flag football, tackle football and cross country. For more: sysa.com

509-242-7752

Summer Sports Camps HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

Multiple camps including basketball, volleyball and cheer are available. For more: hubsportcenter.org/summer-camps

advertise@valleycurrent.com www.valleycurrent.com

“Informing , connecting and inspiring communities”

A manly evening

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.

Photo Credit

Boys and their fathers and other guardians enjoyed “Dads and Dudes Night” last month at the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake.

The Current

July 2013 • 21

local lens

Recognizing character

West Valley Days parade

Photos courtesy of Monika Hawkinson/Hawk Pics

Students from 46 Valley schools were honored during the Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) Awards night on May 30 at Mirabeau Park Convention Center.

This is the second year PACE held the event.

submitted Photos

The West Valley SCOPE parade was a highlight of West Valley Days held June 1 in Millwood. Above, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office color guard led the parade, which featured dignitaries such as retiring Millwood Mayor Dan Mork (middle) and SCOPE Director Rick Scott (below), who was honored as the parade’s grand marshal.

Local Lens

Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page.

Email editor@ valleycurrent.com.

Pearl Snaps place first

Birth Announcement

Submitted photo

The Kiwanis Club of Downtown Spokane recently presented awards to a number of Spokane youth who participated in the third annual “Kids Got Talent!” First place was awarded to Pearl Snaps, a band from Otis Orchards that performs jazz, swing, celtic, bluegrass and other acoustic music. Pictured are Emily Miller, Drew Miller, Haley Beeching and Trevor Beeching.

submitted Photo

Kaden Mathew Burk was welcomed by parents Bret and Sarah Burk on May 22 at Valley Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 20 inches long. Sarah Burk is the graphics editor for The Current. Also greeting Kaden at the Burks’ Spokane Valley home was Charlie, the family dog.

business Ford dealer invests in renovation 22 • July 2013

By Valerie Putnam Current Contributor

Gus Johnson Ford in the Spokane Valley is in the middle of its biggest renovation since owner Gus Johnson took the helm 21 years ago.

"It needs to be refreshed," Johnson said of the 69-year-old building. "It's going to be very different from what it looks like now."

Though Johnson began planning an exterior renovation two years ago, delays kept the project from getting off the ground.

"The outside of the building was a little outdated," Johnson said. "I wanted to give it a fresher, more modern look."

It was during a recent NADA convention in Orlando, Fla., when Johnson received news that would revitalize the project. Ford Motor Company announced a nationwide prototype design and assistance for dealers to help with the cost of renovation. Johnson took advantage of Ford's offer to provide matching funds, and the remodel was quickly under way.

"I could renovate the entire facility and buy all new furniture for less than what the cost to do just the outside," Johnson said.

The estimated $750,000 project includes modifying the facility to Ford Motor Company’s exterior and interior specifications.

Ford is managing the entire project down to the detail.

With Spokane’s Baker Construction as the contractor, construction began in midApril with a scheduled completion date of July 28.

"It’s going to be intensive," Johnson said.

"But it’s going to go quick."

The new design calls for the removal of the old exterior awnings and an addition of a wall featuring a large Ford logo in the center of the front entrance. Corrugated steel will be added to the side walls with the exterior painted a light grey.

A larger customer waiting lounge will be added next to the showroom. In a separate room, customers can “Sync” their ride on a computer. Sync is a feature in Ford vehicles that gives drivers via voice commands or mobile devices options such as the abil-

Current photo by Valerie Putnam

Gus Johnson stands in front of the progress on the $750,000 remodel of his Ford dealership at 8300 E. Sprague. The work is expected to be completed July 28. ity to place calls, monitor the health of the vehicle, adjust vehicle temperature and select music.

The remodel also features an additional sales office for staff training space, updating the customer waiting lounge and pavement work on the service drive.

All the furniture in the building will be replaced, as well, although that component of the overhaul will wait until September.

"I want to make it a fresher, more exciting place to be," Johnson said. “There is so much technology in cars themselves; the showroom should live up to that."

32nd Avenue in Spokane Valley, were included in the acquisition. The Fairmount Memorial Association was founded in 1888, while the Opportunity Cemetery Association started in 1910.

A longtime Valley resident, York has worked in the Valley most of his adult life.

The Current

Dealership has spanned 7 decades The dealership was originally founded by Harold McCollum and Tommy Crawford in 1944. Named McCollum-Crawford Motors, it originally only sold used cars.

In 1946, the dealership became an authorized Ford dealer, adding Ford's new car line.

According to the Ford Mustangfocused website, www.thecoralsnake. com, Crawford was a thoroughbred horse racer and allowed his horses to roam on the dealership's 10-acre lot. This led to the dealership’s informal name change to McCollum Ford Ranch — a name it became known by for many years.

Eventually, McCollum bought out Crawford and went on to own several automobile dealerships in the area.

When he passed away in 1967, his wife Marion sold the Ford dealership to Rich Richardson, who continued to do business under the McCollum Ford name.

Richardson was involved in a fatal car accident April 1989. His wife, Peggy, managed the properties initially but decided to sell in 1992.

Gus Johnson, who was working at Empire Ford in downtown Spokane at the time, became president of McCollum Ford in 1992 and made payments to Mrs. Richardson to purchase the dealership. In August 1999, Johnson changed the name from McCollum to Gus Johnson Ford.

Over the course of time, the dealership has undergone a number of renovations. According to Johnson, three different additions were constructed onto the original building over the years to enlarge the service area. In 1994, Johnson added 10 additional service bays. Four years ago, Johnson painted the service department, adding insulated roll-up bay doors and updating the lighting and the showroom.

— Valerie Putnam

Biz Notes Pair of SV cemeteries acquired by Fairmount A pair of historic Spokane Valley cemeteries was acquired June 14 by the Fairmount Memorial Association, according to a Fairmount press release.

The properties of the Opportunity Cemetery Association, located at Pines Road and 16th Avenue and at Highway 27 and

“We are so proud to operate the two cemeteries located in the Valley,” said Denny York, president and CEO of Fairmount Holdings Inc.

“I have many friends and relatives at rest in the Pines Cemetery,” York said. “We want to assure everyone that the care and attention we give to our Fairmount Cemeteries will be implemented immediately at Pines Cemetery and South Pines Cemetery. The Spokane Valley community will

quickly see improvements at both properties.”

The Fairmount Memorial Association currently operates five cemeteries in Spokane and is affiliated with Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory. Pines Cemetery is located on 35 acres at 16th Avenue and Pines Road and features the Pines Mauso-

See BIZ NOTES, page 23

The Current

July 2013 • 23

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BIZ NOTES Continued from page 22

leum, while South Pines Cemetery has 7 acres of developed land plus an additional 62 acres yet to be developed at 32nd and Highway 27.

For more information, call 926-2753.

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Drive-Inn, 12502 E. Sprague Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 6.

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the burger eating contest will be awarded through tenth place, including a $200 for the winner.

For more information, call 924-4660.

Valley Christian moving to four-day school week Valley Christian School will move to a four-day school week beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, a release from the school stated. The school will also offer a Friday learning option for parents needing a five-day-a-week program.

$10 A MONTH = THOUSANDS OF READERS Our service directory offers bang-for-the-buck reach into thousands of Valley-area homes. 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 to learn more: 242-7752.

In addition to the schedule change, VCS plans to double its electives, offer concurrent credit options for college preparatory students and start a prekindergarten program in the fall.

The school stressed that the schedule meets ACSI and OSPI standards while providing a family-friendly schedule with a creative, unique approach.

Share your business news and announcements through Biz Notes by emailing editor@valleycurrent.com.

The Current

24 • July 2013

Highlights from your Chamber

business

Ben’s offers frozen treats without the cold shoulder IF YOU GO ...

By Kyle Hansen

Photo: Gary Roberto Photography

Register now for Annual Golf Tournament

The 17th annual Scramble Golf Tournament will be held Aug. 8 at MeadowWood Golf Course in Liberty Lake.

Hosted by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, participants have the option of organizing a foursome or being placed in a random team format.

prizes and player enhancement cards will keep the day fun and exciting.

Check in begins at 11:30 a.m., and the shotgun start will be at 1 p.m. The $100 entry fee includes dinner, drink, raffle ticket and goodie bag. Raffles, team

Download registration and sponsor forms at spokanevalleychamber.org.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 924-4994.

Sponsorship opportunities for holes and special promotions are also available. Among the event’s promotions is a chance to win a car from Gus Johnson.

Major Sponsors:

Critics on Bikes

July 4-5, Valley Chamber offices closed for Independence Day holiday July 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Government Action committee meeting, Valley Chamber office, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake. Program: Legislative Updates. Cost is $20 which includes lunch. Register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

July 19, 11:30 a.m. (networking), noon to 1:30 p.m. (lunch and program), Business Connections Lunch, MedStar Hangar at Felts Field, 6105 E. Rutter Ave., Spokane Valley. Program: Spokane Airports Update & Vintage Fly-In. Cost is $30 for members and guests, and $40 for non-members.

Register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

July 25, noon, Transportation Committee Meeting, Longhorn Barbecue, 2315 N. Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley.

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: Ace Hardware Argonne Ace Production Technologies, Inc. Apollo Spas Benham & Associates, LLC Breakthrough Recovery Group BrettHand, Inc., (aka UltimateHands.com) Collins Dentistry Aesthetics Combined Worksite Solutions Flash’s Auto Glover Mansion Events/Red Rock Catering Joel E. Ferris, Long Term Care Insurance Laird Plastics Mary Kay, Independent Sales Director Barbara Floyd My Sales Manager, Inc Northwest Health Systems, Inc. ServiceMaster Restore of North Idaho Spokane Party Trolley, Inc. The Squirrel Box United Health Services Credit Union Wendle Ford, Nissan, Infiniti & Used

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

893-8050

Critics on Bikes rating: +4/4 Tour de France In the three years since its opening, Ben’s Yogurt ’n Deli has earned the loyalty of customers all over the Valley. Owner Ben Horwath attributes this to the personal connection that comes from a local business where the food is served with a smile by the same man whose name is on the door.

“I love my customers,” Horwath says.

“The people that come in here are loyal customers, and I know them all by a firstname basis.”

On a number of trips to Ben’s Yogurt ’n Deli, I’ve seen regular customers casually conversing with employees. It creates a welcoming environment that can’t

“ IT’S Chamber events in July

Ben’s Yogurt ‘n Deli 9119 E. Broadway Ave.

THE LAW ”

In WASHINGTON Click or Call Two Business Days Before You Plan To Dig

www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

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

be found in any nationwide chain. Having lived in Spokane for almost his entire life and coming from a long line of West Valley High School graduates, Horwath relates to his community in an engaging manner. With such dedication to customers, it’s no wonder the food tastes so great.

Ben’s Yogurt ’n Deli offers a wide range of products with no sacrifice of quality.

Their frozen yogurt selection is stocked with 12 flavors at a time, alternating routinely with 50 or more to choose from.

Horwath says the yogurt is produced without the aid of growth hormones and made with natural ingredients. Customers can tell the difference with the first bite.

The flavors I sampled were so accurate that if a blindfold were over my eyes, I may have believed I was taking a bite out of a cold slice of apple pie or eating cake batter right from a bowl. There are many favorites. The red velvet cake flavor is one of the most popular, and it is kept in stock all week along with the peanut butter yogurt (Horwath’s personal preference). But every flavor has a following, and every following is well-earned.

The atmosphere at Ben’s Yogurt ’n Deli adds emphasis to the homey, inviting feel of the restaurant. Music plays in the background, softly enough for a discussion.

There’s bright artwork on the walls and papers to read at the tables. While not uncomfortably small, the space is cozy, and there are seats outside for those sunny summer days that are so few and far between here in Spokane Valley.

Ben’s Yogurt ’n Deli sets a quality standard for both products and business as a whole. These are the standards that have drawn so much attention to the restaurant in only three years, and they are the same standards that will allow it to prosper years from now.

Critics on Bikes is a monthly column written by Kyle Hansen, a lifelong Millwood resident who recently finished his junior year at West Valley High School. Local businesses are reviewed on a four-point rating system: 1/4 (road rash), 2/4 (flat tire), 3/4 (bike lane) and 4/4 (Tour de France).

The Current

business

Valley Hospital CEO Barts accepts Colorado position From Staff Reports

Dennis Barts, chief executive officer of Valley Hospital, is leaving his post to accept a position as CEO of a hospital in Boulder, Colo. His last day at Valley Hospital is expected to be July 5.

“While my family and I have enjoyed being a part of the Spokane Valley community, my new position gives me the opportunity to again work for my church and allows us to be significantly Barts closer to our children and grandchild,” Barts said. “Valley Hospital has a dedicated team of employees and physicians who are committed to excellence for every patient. They will keep this hospital on the right path to continue growing as an exceptional place for patients to receive care.”

Barts was named CEO of Valley Hospital in 2009, having previously been involved with Rockwood Health System. During his tenure, the hospital achieved improve-

ments in safety and quality that earned the hospital national recognition from organizations such as Leapfrog (“A” rating), The Joint Commission (Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for the past two years), and numerous HealthGrades distinctions.

In December 2011, Valley Hospital earned the national Gold Seal designation for Total Knee and Hip Replacement from The Joint Commission.

“Dennis’ passion and enthusiasm for outstanding service ignited our Community Cares initiatives and will help sustain increasing success with improved patient satisfaction scores,” said Frank Tombari, chairman of the board of Valley Hospital.

“Together with leaders at Deaconess Hospital and Rockwood, he was instrumental in the development of Rockwood Health System and our coordinated focus on providing the right care for the right patient at the right time, with improved quality.

We will miss Dennis and wish him and his wife Becky the very best.”

A national search for a new chief executive officer is under way. A hospital press release said board members and medical staff will be involved in the selection.

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May Honoree Jesse Sheldon Inspired by his grandmother’s legacy of compassion, teenager Jesse Sheldon founded a nonprofit that has helped mothers and babies meet one of their basic needs: Diapers. Since its founding when Jesse was an eighth grader, Inland NW Baby has distributed more than 96 thousand diapers across the Inland Northwest.

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Sports

26 • July 2013

The Current

Wheels rolling on inaugural Valley bike event

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Exactly one week after the world’s top cyclists whisk from Versailles to Paris in the final stage of the 100th Tour de France, Bill Gothmann will launch his own rendition of a summer bike extravaganza, one he hopes will generate a tradition of its own.

While there won’t be any alpine climbs or sprints down the Champs-Elysees, the inaugural version of the Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration will showcase postcard views of local landmarks like Mica Peak, Tower Mountain and Ribletts Mansion.

The rally — featuring routes of 10, 25 and 50 miles — is set for Sunday, July 28, from 8 a.m. to noon.

“My goal is for people to have fun and to encourage bicycling in all areas of our lives,” said Gothmann, who served on the Spokane Valley City Council from 2006 to 2011 and is promoting the first event in coordination with the city’s 10th anniversary.

All routes begin at the Mirabeau Meadows trailhead and include portions of the Centennial Trail bordering the Spokane River. The 50-mile ride includes a total ascent of 2,231 feet, while the 25-mile course weaves through the Saltese wetlands. Participants in the 10-mile circuit will venture out on the Centennial Trail and return along Riverway, a residential area adjacent to the trail and river. Comfort stations with snacks and water are included along each route.

Registration is $10 per person and includes a high-quality, polyester race T-shirt. Families up to four can register for $20 and receive two shirts. A stickler for safety, Gothmann is requiring that all participants wear an approved bike helmet before heading out on the trail. Representatives of the Sheriff ’s Community Oriented Policing Effort will be on hand to pass out free helmets while supplies last.

SCOPE, Wheel Sport East, Valley Hospital, Kimmel Athletic Supply and the city of Spokane Valley have all signed on as sponsors.

“I think we’ll get good support,” said John Abernathy, owner of Wheel Sport East and a member of the event committee. “Ideally, we would like it to be successful enough to go beyond this year and be an annual event. We’re topping it out at 250 (participants) — we don’t know if we’ll get that many but we’re hoping for a good group.”

As a kid growing up in northwest Spokane, Gothmann got around on a Schwinn bike.

“It had a speedometer on it,” he recalls.

Current photo by Craig Howard

Former Spokane Valley City Council Member Bill Gothmann is coordinating the inaugural Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration. The event is scheduled for July 28.

SPOKANE VALLEY CYCLE CELEBRATION When: 8 a.m. July 28 Route lengths available: 10, 25 and 50 miles Cost: $10 for an individual (includes a Tshirt) or $20 for a family of four (includes two shirts) For more: To learn more or to register, visit www.valleyfest.org and click on the event link on the left-hand side of the home page.

“I thought it was so cool.”

After graduating from North Central High School in 1955, Gothmann moved on to college and a career in engineering.

Over time, cycling became less of a priority.

Then, in 2010, Gothmann purchased a hybrid bicycle — part road bike, part mountain bike — and began to take to the road, slowly building up his mileage.

At the time, one of his uncles was recovering from a heart attack, an incident

that Gothmann says motivated him to re-evaluate his own health.

“I wasn’t doing a lot to keep in shape,” he said. “I basically said, ‘OK, Gothmann, you have to start taking care of yourself.’”

Gothmann weighed in at 227 pounds in September 2011, but a drop in calories and an increase in exercise now finds him at 171 pounds. From the beginning of May to mid-October last year, he covered more than 1,400 miles on his bike.

He has already pedaled more than 1,000 miles in 2013.

Gothmann was serving on the City Council when Spokane Valley’s Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan was passed two years ago. The document included an inventory of existing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians as well as a road map for new routes and facility improvements.

The plan built on the momentum initially created by the Broadway Avenue Safety Project, a transformation of the east/west thoroughfare that set aside space for additional bike paths.

“I think the city has done an excellent job in including cycling in its plans,” Gothmann said. “You look at Spokane County, and I think Liberty Lake and the city of Spokane Valley are the two leaders. We have outstanding facilities.”

Spokane Valley resident Marc Mims was a frequent attendee at council meetings when the Broadway project and the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan were being discussed. In 2010, he organized an event called “Pedal with Politicians” that took off from City Hall and included participants like Gothmann and Mayor Tom Towey.

Mims has been serving on the committee for the Cycle Celebration and drew up the maps for each of the three routes. He says the occasion is yet another example of a community that values the importance of creating opportunities for cyclists.

“I’m not sure what to expect, but my hope is that this will become a real celebration of cycling in the area,” Mims said.

Pointing to road improvement projects on Evergreen Road and 32nd Avenue that have integrated bike paths, Mims said the city of Spokane Valley has followed through with recommendations outlined in the Bike/Pedestrian Plan.

“It had the potential to just be empty words, but since it was passed, I’ve seen projects that have included bike lanes and more sidewalks,” he said. “It’s good

See CYCLE, page 30

July 2013 • 27

Sports

A call for more kickball

By Chad Kimberley current column

The great Disney philosophers, Phineas and Ferb, once said, “There’s 104 days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to end it. So the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it.”

Their discourse continued by suggesting multiple ways that a child or teen could spend the summer, including such obviously fun activities as building a rocket, giving a monkey a shower, finding a dodo bird and painting a continent.

The parent that has a child in sports will probably notice that on the list provided by these two great thinkers there are not words such as “select, premier, tournament, summer league, team camps, elite, AAU and travel.”

Now before anyone gets too worked believing I am heading down the path of ripping youth sports for consuming all of an athlete’s time during the summer, or ruining family relationships, or costing way too much money with fees and travel costs — don’t worry.

I am a high school coach, and I see the importance of these summer sports activities for the sake of helping my student-athletes improve their skills, work for a couple of months as a team, and begin preparing ourselves for the upcoming season.

But — and there is always a but — what I would like to see is a bit more balance between the demands on the athlete and the Phineas and Ferb mandate to have a lot more fun during our summer vaca-

Sports Brief Valley Youth Soccer deadline approaching for fall season The deadline is July 10 to register for Valley Youth Soccer’s fall soccer season.

Games are played Saturdays Sept. 14 through Oct. 26, and practices will be determined by coaches.

Cost is $39 for ages 4 to 15.

A $10 late fee will be charged after the registration deadline.

To register and for more information, visit www.vysoccer.org, email info@vysoccer.org or call 924-7661.

tion.

My suggestion: more kickball.

The other day, my 12-year-old daughter, several of her friends, my wife and I played kickball. We had bases and a kickball. We split into two teams. We played several innings. We had little-league style home runs (a single and three throwing errors). We made dramatic, game-altering catches. And we (okay, that would be me) launched a ball over the fence (foul) into oncoming traffic, which resulted in a seven-car stoppage when a friendly driver retrieved the ball for us.

And most importantly, we laughed a lot and had little concern for which team won.

During summer tournaments and leagues, the only thing often matters is who wins. Each team and coach is working hard to advance in the tournament, have the best record in pool play or be crowned the champion of the weekend bracket.

Not so in kickball.

The kids still tried to score runs, and we kept score. And yes, one team won over the other. But the reality is the score didn’t matter as much as the fact we grabbed some food and drink when the game was over, and we had some laughs and fun while the game was still going.

I have come to realize summer is a dichotomy. I want my team to work hard and yet take time to hardly work. I want my kids to hone their skills and also try things they have no skills in. I want my athletes to win a tournament and also play games where there are no trophies, first-place medals or championship Tshirts.

So, how do we live out these contrasting styles? In my opinion, it comes down to one over-arching goal for the summer: balance.

LIBERTY LAKE LOOP #16

The Current

SATURDAY

July 13th, 2013 start times

Adult Race 8:00 a.m.

(4 mile run/walk course)

Scenic course on paved roads, several hills Aid Stations at miles 2 & 3

(1/4 - 1 1/2 mile, dependent on age)

Course in and around Pavillion Park

place

Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake, WA

awards

Overall male and female winners in each age group

contact

See www.pavillionpark.org

registration

Pre-registration before June 27 Adult race - $20 with t-shirt, $10 without Kids race - $20 with t-shirt, $10 without Late registration after June 27 Adult race - $15/no shirt Kids race - $15/no shirt (cannot order shirts after June 27)

W ashington R esidents A ppreciation D ays

Buy an 18 hole green fee and a cart,

get one 18 FREE

Beginning May 1st.

Offer good for all Mondays throughout the summer. WA residents must show a valid ID or present a ticket stub.

10 MInutEs FROM LIBERty LAkE!

5600 E. Mullan Ave.

Post Falls, ID • (208) 773-3673

®

The UPS Store in Liberty Lake

S POKANE BOY S INC.

You can also register on the day of the race at Pavillion Park

Please mail completed forms to:

Liberty Lake Loop/UPS Store 1324 N. Liberty Lake Road PMB #375 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Please make checks payable to

LIBERTY LAKE LOOP REGISTRATION Early (before June 27): $20 (includes shirt) $10 (no shirt)

NAME STREET ADDRESS

See KICKBALL, page 29

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The Current

28 • July 2013

True generosity extends far beyond the money

When you hear the word “generosity,” what comes to mind?

Celebrities, maybe? Like Taylor Swift, who was recently named the most charitable celebrity for giving $4 million (of the $57 million she earned in 2012) to the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with other donations.

I can’t say if Taylor’s giving requires any sacrifice on her part — doing without a new outfit, a new hairstyle or a vacation.

But I would say that true generosity is not just about giving money.

Let me tell you about another musician whose life exemplifies what I consider the truest form of generosity: Giving up something that would make our life more comfortable in order to bless the lives of others. He lived in Detroit, raising his young daughters as a single dad and bluecollar worker. At night, he played in clubs where a recording company invited him to make an album. In the ’70s he sold about six copies in the USA. By all accounts, his music career was a failure.

But wait. Cross the ocean to South Africa, where someone made a bootleg copy of his music. During the years of Apartheid, it sold millions. Everyone knew him as “Sugar Man,” everyone sang his lyrics, but rumors circulated that he had killed himself.

One fan decided to find out. After years of searching, he discovered Regan Rodriguez still working construction in Detroit and brought him to South Africa. Rodriguez played sold-out crowds of 20,000 or more in several cities. He came home with fans, fame and funds. But he returned to his inner-city home, back to his job tearing out wet carpet and rotting drywall, and he gave what he had to help others. You can watch the documentary “Searching for

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

Editorial Cartoons

By Shaun Lorraine Brown current guest column

Sugar Man” for more about this remarkably generous man.

We are fortunate to live in a place where generous people walk the streets around us and live in the house next door. What makes a person choose to be generous? I believe all of humankind is selfish by nature, instinctively looking first to our own needs. But forces and examples in the world can help us overcome our selfish nature.

For my family, going to church provides constant reminders of the value of living generously. We learn about Jesus Christ, who lived humbly without comforts or worldly praise and spent his days to love, teach and heal. He ultimately gave his life so ours could be washed clean from our mistakes. We hear that a Christ-like life of generosity brings greater fulfillment in our own lives, but we have to test the theory for ourselves.

My daughter is a great example to our family, giving of her free time to tutor a classmate this school year. Last month, I saw her school counselor at a track meet.

He said to me, “Because of your daughter, that student will graduate from high school.”

Another example is a 19-year-old family friend who shares freely the musical talent he has spent countless hours to develop.

Last month, I mentioned wanting to combine two songs into a vocal arrangement for a church performance. He came over a few days later, having written the entire accompaniment complete with key changes and transitions.

Think of the Boy Scouts of America with its slogan, “Do a good turn daily.” On a grand and granular scale, millions of boys are taught to show generosity by sacrificing their own time to help others. Knocking at doors every November, they gather thousands of canned goods to feed local families. As I drive through Liberty Lake, I count five flag poles installed by scouts who could have been playing Frisbee or watching a movie with friends instead. At neighborhood schools, I see them digging dirt, hauling sand and pouring concrete to improve athletic facilities. These are boys we know will open the door for us or help load our car without being asked, because

they have been taught, and have tested, the theory of generosity. They’ve made it a part of who they are.

Whether we have millions to give, or just time and talents to share, the choice to be generous is ours to make. And the rewards flow freely for all who exhibit true generosity in any form. Test the theory for yourself.

Shaun Lorraine Brown is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a mother of five children. Her

three sons are members of the Boy Scouts of America, and her two daughters have often become honorary scouts on Scouting for Food Saturday and many Eagle service projects. Her husband, Nathan, and son, Kyle, served two years as missionaries in France, and her son, Drew, is serving a twoyear stint as a missionary to the people of Taiwan. Brown wrote this column as part of a monthly series highlighting the Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) character trait of the month. The trait for July is generosity.

The Current

KICKBALL Continued from page 27

The reality for most athletes is that the sports and competition end of things have already been filled up on their calendar. They have the tournaments, team camps, travel commitments and open gyms planned and ready to go, so the goal becomes adding the balance into their daily, weekly and monthly commitments. Here are a few challenges to make this happen.

Challenge No. 1: Try something new.

Go wakeboarding. Learn the difference between a three wood and a three iron.

Kayak around the lake. Learn to shoot a bow and arrow. Figure out what kick the can is and why anyone plays the game.

You may discover you hate it (riding a bike the length of the Centennial Trail was a horrible idea I had a few years back), or it could become a skill you will use and enjoy the rest of your life.

Challenge No. 2: Sit on your butt. I know this is not exactly the choice of the anti-obesity movement, but I am not saying just sit on your tailpipe and play video games or surf on your iPad. I am talking about going to Silverwood and enjoying the rides. Take in the atmosphere at a Spokane Shock or Indians game while doing some up/down calisthenics to

July 2013 • 29

cheer on the home team. Maybe grab a seat on the jet-ski or in the golf cart while playing 18 holes. The idea is to rest and relax versus running around to the next camp, tournament or set of bleachers.

Challenge No. 3: Play kickball. Grab a ball and a few old Frisbees (great alternative to bases) and find some green space.

Invite your neighbors. Be multi-generational, including little kids to grandparents. Create your own bizarre rules (my favorite being you can have up to two runners occupying the same base). And most importantly, laugh at one another.

Of course, this challenge is not limited to kickball; try wiffle ball, ultimate Frisbee, tetherball or some badminton. The key is to be reminded why we play sports in the first place: fun.

I want my players and all area athletes to get better this summer. But I don’t want that to happen at the expense of summer. So to all youth and their parents out there: go win some tournaments and improve upon your free throw and corner kick. But while you are at it, take some time to follow the advice of young philosophers by creating a nanobot or discovering something that doesn’t exist.

Current sports columnist Chad Kimberley is a coach and teacher at Valley Christian School.

• Photographers (amateur or professional) age 16 years and older are eligible to enter.

• Deadline is September 13.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.

• Visit www.libertylakesplash.com for a complete set of rules.

What makes the Spokane Valley area a picturesque place to live? That’s the question we’re posing for the new Valley Business & Community Directory photography contest.

Whether it’s a breathtaking outdoor scene or a beautiful shot of residents gathering at a local event, photographers are asked to submit images capturing the essence of the community.

The winner’s photo will be highlighted on the cover, and other selected images will be featured in the 2014 Valley Business & Community Directory. Prizes will be awarded as well, so be sure to shoot and share local photos with the Directory.

Peridot Publishing, distributor of The Splash, The Current and Liberty Lake Community Directory, is sponsoring this contest.

509-242-7752

The Current

30 • July 2013

jumps Volume 2, Issue 6 Editor/publisher

Josh Johnson

General Manager

Tammy Kimberley

josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@valleycurrent.com Senior account Janet Pier

executive janet@valleycurrent.com graphic designer

Karen Sutula

karen@valleycurrent.com

Circulation Sandy Johnson Mike Wiykovics

circulation@valleycurrent.com Contributors

Steve Christilaw, Kyle Hansen, Craig Howard, Chad Kimberley, Valerie Putnam, Heidi Scott, Jocelyn Stott, Aubrey Weber, Bill Zimmer On the cover:

Submitted photo

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COLDIRON Continued from page 16

to job loss. In 2009, Coldiron launched a project called “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” that facilitates team-building retreats for veterans returning from the Middle East and other areas of deployment. The events — with an emphasis on identifying and addressing the effects of combat and the challenges of re-assimilation — are supported through funds from firefighters, local businesses, unions and churches.

“These events provide a great setting for support and camaraderie,” said Joe Dumlao, readjustment counselor with the Veterans Outreach Center. “Darrin really deserves credit for all his help. He’s someone who takes care of vets. I think he represents what is best in America. Not only is he a first responder but he’s always giving back to the community.”

Coldiron’s latest project involves a scholarship collaboration with Community Colleges of Spokane through funds raised

by SVFD employees. Now in its third year, the program provides educational grants to residents impacted by the recession and seeking to transition into various trades from welder to dental assistant.

“We want to help people get back into the workforce,” Coldiron said.

SVFD Deputy Chief Andy Hale said the scholarship idea — like so many of Coldiron’s projects — “comes down to an investment in people and the community.”

“Darrin sees the best in people and really believes in them,” Hale said. “He’s just a down-to-earth guy who really has this transformative effect.”

CYCLE Continued from page 26

to see that non-motorized transportation is getting more attention.”

With a low price point and a variety of routes, Mims said the Cycle Celebration was patterned in part after Spokefest, held in the city of Spokane each September. The fifth annual SpokeFest drew more than 2,000 participants last year.

Along with the tie-in to Spokane Valley’s observance of a decade as a city, the event will fly under the 501(c)(3) banner of Valleyfest, the annual community gala held roughly two months after the bike rally. Valleyfest Director Peggy Doering said serving as the nonprofit host of a bike festival based in the Valley made sense.

“Valleyfest has been thrilled to include the Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration with our brand,” Doering said. “This committee has been absolutely great to work with. We know it’s going to be a fantastic event.”

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PARTING SHOTS ‘Marital Dispute Salsa’ worth the heated battle The Current

July 2013 • 31

Spokane Valley couple turning longtime family recipe into spicy-hot business venture

By Josh Johnson Splash staff column

The first time Hank and Cindy Sapeda went public with their “marital dispute” was the June 8 Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales.

Along with dozens of others throughout the day, I paused to take in the spicy scene.

It smacked of zest and passion from the get-go, enough to get anyone’s attention.

Then came the heat. To the mild-mannered, the Sapedas may as well have set a desert-scorched skillet aflame.

It was a good thing they were located just a few feet from the lemonade stand and crushed ice vendor. That’s because the “marital dispute” in question won’t keep them from celebrating their 20th anniversary next New Year’s Day. Oh no, June 8 marked the public debut of Sapeda’s Marital Dispute Salsa.

As of this writing a couple weeks later, I’m on my fourth jar. I’ve eaten it with chips and salsa. I’ve slow-cooked the flavor into chicken for tacos. I’ve developed a Pavlovian response to the sight of the jars (the top of my head starts sweating).

Over a strategic progression of time, Hank and Cindy hope to develop more fans like me as their longtime family recipe begins its journey outside the Sapeda’s Spokane Valley household. Not that Hank is completely done finagling with the ingredients, a recipe that originated with Cindy.

“She likes to create something, and I take it over and get all the credit for it,” Hank smiled.

“That’s fine, you can take all the credit, but the company is going to be called CinCo,” Cindy returned volley, before turning to me with an aside: “I just let him pretend he’s the boss.”

While this marital dispute may be playful, the salsa was named for a bit more serious disagreement. Not long ago, the family staple was going to be known simply as Salpeda Salsa Verde before friends Josh and Fiona Krug, also of Spokane Valley, intervened.

It seems Fiona was at Costco when the sight of some sweet tortillas gave her an idea of what to do with the rest of the salsa the Sapedas had given them. She bought some pork and avocado and headed home, mouth watering for tacos.

current Photo by Josh Johnson

Literally two cooks in the kitchen, Hank and Cindy Sapeda share nothing but love for their “Marital Dispute Salsa.”

When she walked in, there was Josh, munching down the final bite of salsa.

Apparently, enough of a “marital dispute” broke out that Josh was on the phone in no time, pleading with Hank to rescue his relationship — and his dinner — with an offer to purchase the salsa that had previously been a gift.

“He wanted 50 jars,” Hank remembered.

“I didn’t have 50 jars.”

The episode got the Salpedas wondering about a possible market for the salsa. They began asking friends and family if people would buy it.

The answer was overwhelmingly affirmative.

And the couple received an unexpected marketing boost from Fiona, whose firsthand experience led to a game-changing suggestion.

“She said, ‘I’ve got the perfect name for it: Sapeda’s Marital Dispute Salsa,’” Cindy recalled.

Sapeda’s marital dispute salsa Cost: $5 per pint To purchase from Cindy: sapedacm@ hotmail.com or 868-1571 To purchase from Hank: hanksterspankster@hotmail.com or 868-1570 Warning printed on Sapeda’s official business cards: “This salsa is so addictive it has been known to cause Marital Disputes so you better stash a jar from your Loved One!” The Sapedas embraced the name, and the salsa’s debut at the Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales proved that the name was much like the salsa: an attention-grabber.

“A lot of people didn’t actually just come

and buy it,” Hank said. “I told them the story and it piqued their interest. One person said (upon making the decision to purchase), ‘I think I’m going to start a marital dispute.’”

The Sapedas were very pleased with their June 8 sales, and they are finding themselves alternatively dreaming about the salsa’s potential while also being patient about the future.

“We want it in the supermarket,” Cindy said, before adding later about the fledgling salsa business’ first few weeks: “It’s been interesting and fun, actually. That’s why I don’t want to go too fast and enjoy it.”

Added Hank: “I want it to grow, but stress free.”

To accomplish this, the Sapedas are OK with biding their time and following their priorities. The pair are currently watching grandkids after Cindy’s youngest son, Dan, was injured while serving the country in Afghanistan.

That said, a business license and farmers market applications appear to be in the near future.

As the salsa business buds, Hank’s manufacturing background should lend itself to improving efficiencies in the process, Cindy said, but the Sapedas first have to finalize a few details.

One thing Hank is planning on doing is refining the roasting method of the chiles.

The Sapedas recently purchased a new drum roaster, and they are eager to tastetest the results.

The chiles themselves are Fresno chiles that they purchase from farms down south, so figuring out how to ship the coveted chiles at the right price is a current challenge.

The rest of the top-secret ingredients aren’t an issue, as Hank picks most of them up locally at Charlie’s Produce.

Given all of the fresh ingredients, my wife and I asked the Sapedas about shelf life when we made that fateful first purchase on June 8.

“It’s all natural, so once it is opened, you should eat it within two weeks,” Hank replied.

Cindy looked at him like he was crazy.

“Nothing to worry about,” she assured my wife and I. “There’s no way it will last that long.”

Four pints later, there’s no dispute.

Cindy was right.

Josh Johnson is editor and publisher of The Current. Write to him at josh@ valleycurrent.com.

32 • July 2013

The Current