The August 2013 Current

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NEWS

2 • AUGUST 2013

Pillar in Millwood

Mork to depart after more than three decades in public office

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

When it came time to refurbish Millwood City Hall in 2008, Dan Mork opted to draw upon a mix of inspired framework and teamwork.

While leading the initiative for a muchneeded overhaul of municipal headquarters, the third-year mayor consulted with the Millwood Historical Society and others who understood that the vintage building should hold true to the Mid-Century Modern look that had defined it for decades. The result was a seamless renovation that preserved the integrity of the building while adding a slew of aesthetic upgrades and operating efficiencies.

In a nutshell, the project defined Mork Management 101 — lead with ideas and

energy, integrate outside opinions and get the job done.

For more than three decades, Mork has been part of the leadership roundtable in Millwood, a town incorporated in 1928 on the south bank of the Spokane River and forged by its industrial namesake, the Inland Empire Paper Mill. He began his trail of public office in 1981 as a member of the City Council and went on to serve four straight terms before winning consecutive bids for mayor in 2005 and 2009.

As 2013 winds down, so will Mork’s tenure of government service. He will not run for re-election in the fall, turning the reins over to one of two mayoral hopefuls — Council Member Kevin Freeman or Dennis Hamlin, who ran as a write-in candidate against Mork in 2009.

Mork grew up in the West Valley area, living in Pasadena Park before he moved with his family to Millwood in 1959. His grandparents owned land in the eastern portion of Millwood where Mork’s home stands now. His grandfather, Ed Mork, worked as the chief accountant for the paper mill and also served on City Council.

Mork met his future wife, Katherine,

when both were students at West Valley High School. The couple has two grown children, Sara and Seth, and five grandchildren.

After WVHS, Mork received his associate’s degree from Spokane Falls Community College before moving on to Eastern Washington University, where he earned a degree in biology. He would continue in the science realm as he transitioned into his career field. Mork works as the manager of pollen production at Jubilant HollisterStier, a company he has called home for the past 37 years.

In Millwood’s strong mayor system, Mork serves as the city’s chief executive officer, running council meetings, supervising staff and coordinating the budget. His administration has been marked by a spirit of collaboration and improved efficiencies, from adding an automated system for pet licenses and building permits to bringing on new computers and restoring the city newsletter, which he writes mostly himself.

Through nearly eight years as mayor, Mork said he has strived “to make sure citizens know that we care, and we want to hear from them.”

A Cup of Joe

The Current

From the transformation of Argonne Road to the introduction of a new municipal logo, Mork has been the catalyst for constructive change in the town of around 1,800 residents. Millwood became a Tree City under Mork’s guidance, and he led a rally to bring back the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the grounds of the paper mill in 2007. With Mork as mayor, the council has approved an update to its shoreline management plan and instituted traffic calming measures on neighborhood streets like Empire and Fowler.

Like any ambitious leader, Mork will tell you there are projects that he would still like to see take place in his town, like the installation of historical lighting along Argonne and the completion of a path that connects the Euclid neighborhood to the Centennial Trail. It is Mork’s accomplishments in Millwood and his dedication to the West Valley community, however, that will be remembered long after he cleans out his mayor’s desk.

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You basically grew up in and around Millwood. Has it changed much since those days?

Not much. We have lost some of the big businesses. It’s stayed pretty much the same, though.

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The Current

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NEWS

The Current

MORK Continued from page 2

People can remember where this was and that was. They’ve really wanted that unique community. The demographics have changed some. We’re getting a little younger, though. From the time I was on council, people have gone from “that’s the way it’s always been,” a status quo that’s not really the same anymore. I think Council Member (Kevin) Freeman put it best at a meeting once when he said, “What we’re hearing from the people is that the status quo is not quite good enough anymore.” It’s changed a little bit.

Q: What do you think is so special about Millwood as a community, and what have you done as mayor and even as council member to preserve that?

A: I think when people drive through Millwood, they know they’re in Millwood. It is the oldest town in the Valley.

It started out when the paper mill was built there. As long as we can keep our tax base with the paper mill, we’ll be fine.

The community really likes having the small-town feel. We’ve tried to keep the identity. We’ve tried to listen to citizens.

Q: You were only 23 years old when you were first elected to the Millwood City Council in 1981. What do you remember about joining the governing board and maybe that first year as a city leader?

A: I was fairly young at the time. I was building a house and finishing up college and working full time. Mayor (Clarence) Pence and Mayor (Bill) Clearwater both told me I’d be really good on council, that I had some good ideas. I’d tended to avoid politics before. I took notes from working with those mayors and Harry Batson, who served on council. I had some kind of off-the-wall ideas sometimes. We got along well as a council. Mayor Pence always wanted consensus. Mayor Clearwater just wanted to get things done. It’s not good if council is always agreeing on everything.

Q: At what point when you were on council did you think you might want to possibly run for mayor?

A: When Jeanne (Batson) announced she was going to leave, I was asked by several on council to run and I thought about it, but remember saying how this would be perfect for a retired person.

They would have more time. But no one really stepped up, so I just said I would do it. We didn’t want to start with just anyone. It worked out well.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your first few years as mayor?

A: I’d done a survey in my first year in office and right away, I saw there were some things we needed to fix. We just had some issues. People weren’t completely

CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

A member of the Millwood City Council from 1981 to 2005, Dan Mork has served as the town’s mayor since 2006. He will wind up his tenure as mayor this December. happy with the communication and customer service. There’s been some good changes since with a group like Millwood Better for Business that has just jumped in and been very positive. We have a Tree Board that has done a lot. We didn’t have that before.

Q: What was the goal of the survey you sent out to residents shortly after you were sworn in?

A: The survey basically addressed what was getting done and what wasn’t. It really pointed some things out. We hadn’t really asked those questions before. We hear things at meetings, but in meetings you hear about stray dogs in the park or people asking why their sewer bill is so high. That’s one thing about this council is they listen. I think that’s probably the most important part of the office is to listen.

Q: Do you think you’ve addressed the concerns that were raised in the survey during your time as mayor?

A: I think we’ve done really well. The areas where we had some problems have changed dramatically. We’ve got code enforcement now, which we didn’t have before. Our relationship with businesses is much better. Our relationships with the fire department and the police depart-

ment are really good and the county in general. I think the other thing that’s happened is we’ve got some good feedback.

Q: What do you think you’ve learned in your tenure as mayor?

A: I’ve learned to listen a lot more. You learn you don’t have the only perspective. We have a really good council. They have a lot more oversight than I do of what they want to see covered. The whole group has been great.

Q: Tell us about the project to renovate Argonne Road that was completed in summer of 2009. With support from the Spokane Regional Transportation Commission as well as the Transportation Improvement Board, it seemed like you were able to turn it into more than just a massive pavement upgrade.

A: It’s certainly better than it was, but I think Argonne still divides the town. I really think we still need some big, illuminated crosswalks to get people across the street. It’s still a dangerous place to be a pedestrian sometimes. I think what we need to do there is on the west side of Argonne, develop some kind of parking where people can get off the road and stop and shop there. We don’t have a place where they can stop and spend some time and money in Millwood.

Q: A lot of people may not realize that Millwood operates its own utility. The city raised rates for the first time in almost 20 years in 2010 to pay for much needed capital improvements. How do you think that whole scenario has worked out?

A: The regret there was that we should have raised them a dollar or something every year and we didn’t. We waited. We had water studies done, rate studies done.

The hit that people took was not huge, but it’s made a huge difference in our revenue. It’s carrying its own weight now.

The state told us it needed to support itself. The council knew that it may hurt us politically, but we had to do it.

Q: What will you miss being part of the decision-making process at City Hall?

A: Just the interesting people I’ve met over the years. We’ve got a great city. It’s also been neat to see all the things going on in the area to help people. The community is really generous. I really think turnover is not a bad thing. You get a new perspective in there. It’s a good time for it. You need a new person in there with some new ideas. I’ll be around. I’ll probably be available for some special projects, but I am definitely going to take some time off. I’m going to take a hiatus for a while.

The Current

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The Current

6 • AUGUST 2013

Campaign season on cusp of heating up Non-primary candidates readying for city of Spokane Valley races

By Steve Christilaw

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

The primary ballots have been mailed — and many returned — for the city of Spokane Valley’s lone council race with more than two candidates.

While candidates await the primary results between incumbent Gary Schimmels, DeeDee Loberg and Ed Pace, all running for Position 4, the rest of the field is preparing for the general election season, when four of the city’s seven council seats will be decided. The deadline for returning primary ballots is Aug. 6.

“I think people are still thinking about the primary and will start to get interested in the general in September and October,” said Bill Bates, one of two candidates seeking to replace Mayor Tom Towey, who is not seeking reelection to his Position 7 seat on the council. Bates faces Fred Beaulac in the general election.

Linda Thompson, who faces Rod Higgins in the general election for the Position 1 seat, said she’s just now gearing up her campaign.

“I plan to kick things off once the primary is over,” she said. “I didn’t want to confuse people by doing anything until that’s all settled and we’re ready to move ahead with the general. I don’t think people get too interested until after their kids are back in school. After Labor Day, I think they start paying attention.”

Bates was drawn into the primary campaign by Pace, who told the The Current for an article that ran in the July issue that he had considered running for Position 7 and had gained Bates’ likely support — but then the Planning Commission president instead opted to run for the seat himself.

Bates said he never offered nor indicated that alleged support.

“I’ve been pulled into that race because people think I’ve endorsed a candidate,” Bates said. “That is not the case.”

Bates and Thompson both said they also take exception to any candidate injecting party affiliation into the nonpartisan council election.

“I think any time a candidate tries to align themselves with a specific group in an election like this is doing a disservice to the community,” Thompson said. “Whether it’s Republican/Democrat or some other cause, I think the people of Spokane Valley want to hear about specifics. We have some very serious issues that we must address — we need to have a serious conversation about how we want to deal with them.

“I think we need to do everything we can to bring people together and get them involved in these issues. I believe there are a lot of people out there who want to be involved and just need to know how.”

Bates said the city of Spokane Valley council always has been a non-partisan affair, and he wants to keep it that way.

“This is about our community coming together to deal with important issues,” he said. “Party affiliation shouldn’t be part of that discussion. I don’t think it has any place in these elections.

“One of the things I’ve learned from my time on the planning commission is that we have a wealth of diversity in this community. I like that we have all those backgrounds that we can draw from to deal

with our issues.”

Both candidates intend to concentrate on a number of issues important to voters.

“The No. 1 issue I hear about is public safety,” Thompson said, and Bates echoed that sentiment.

Thompson said the city needs to deal with issues surrounding the state’s legalization of marijuana.

“We need to decide about a number of things regarding that new law — where will it be sold and who can sell it,” she said.

“We need to make sure that it stays away from schools. Those are conversations we need to have.”

Bates said the second issue voters want brought up is the Sullivan bridge project.

“That’s a very important issue, and we need to talk about it,” he said. “That bridge needs to be replaced, but we don’t have money yet to be able to pay for it. We need to talk about how to move forward on it.

“I think this council has done a good job tackling tough issues, and I like that they’ve managed to deal with issues without raising taxes. I think we need to continue that policy.”

The fourth city of Spokane Valley race is for Position 5, which pits incumbent Chuck Hafner against challenger Donald Morgan Jr.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 7

NEWS

In case you missed it Tragic month on the river A popular stretch of the Spokane River west of its intersection with Sullivan Road claimed two lives in July.

On July 7, 33-year-old Stephanie Arnold was floating with her husband when they became separated from their inner tube.

She spent several days in critical condition before dying July 20.

On July 23, 18-year-old Jansen Badinger, a 2013 Central Valley High School graduate, drowned while attempting to swim across the river.

Neither victim was wearing a life jacket.

Among the responses to a rash of recent drownings throughout the region was this one reported in a Spokane County Sheriff ’s Office press release: “Carl VanEtten, a long time avid kayaker, has taken it upon himself to set up locations along the Spokane River for people to borrow life jackets while enjoying the water.

VanEtten has locations along the Centennial Trail at the Stateline, Harvard Road, Barker Road and Mirabeau trailheads. Life jackets will be located in a box on the back side of the Centennial Trail map at each of these locations. … Individuals that borrow these life jackets are asked to return the jackets at any of these locations after they are finished using them. People interested in donating life jackets for this cause can donate them at any SCOPE station.”

Museum expands to Sundays The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, 12114 E. Sprague Ave., announced new Sunday hours recently. The museum will now be open 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more, visit www.valleyheritagecenter.org or call 922-4570.

Padden, Shea bills signed into law by governor A pair of bills championed by Spokane Valley lawmakers during the recently completed legislative session were officially signed into law recently by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

State Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane

Valley, pushed an anti-DUI bill through the House and Senate to unanimous support. The new law will have officers automatically arrest people suspected of a second or more DUI within a 10-year period, and those arrested will be required to have ignition-interlock devices installed as a condition of being released from custody.

Penalties were also stiffened for drivers convicted of DUI while driving the wrong way or while children are passengers.

Among other results of the legislation, Padden said the new legislation also provides for an additional Spokane County prosecutor for DUI related crimes.

Meanwhile, Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley, saw his bill expanding the access of all-terrain vehicles pass the Legislature on the second to last day of the second special session. Shea said the bill will result in positive outcomes for the state’s economy by allowing a pathway for on-road registration for some ATVs. Some ATV groups have avoided touring and spending money in the state because of “overly restrictive laws” regarding the ability of the ATVs to use public roads, Shea said.

“This bill will bring many of these folks back to our state,” he said.

“Wellness is our passion, life enrichment is our goal”

CV starting a day later The Central Valley School District board of directors voted June 25 to push back the first day of school to Sept. 5, a day later than previously scheduled. The school day will follow a regular schedule, with no late start for collaboration.

The move was made to provide time to train teachers on the district’s new evaluation system.

WVSD school has new name The West Valley School District board of directors approved a new name for a non-traditional school in its district during its June meeting.

The school previously known as Contract Based Education, which shares space with Spokane Valley Tech at 115 S. University, will now be known as Dishman Hills High School.

State Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, shakes hands with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee following the signing ceremony for a new law Padden spearheaded to strengthen penalties against those convicted of DUI. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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The Current

8 • AUGUST 2013

NEWS

Now in its 47th year, the Dishman Hills Conservancy named its first executive director, Eric Robison (left) in June. In January, former Board Member Jeff Lambert (right) replaced longtime DHC President Michael Hamilton (middle). Hamilton now serves as the group’s vice president.

New look, same mission for Dishman Hills Conservancy Story and photos by Craig Howard CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Over the past year, the Dishman Hills Conservancy has installed a new president, adopted a new name and created a new position of executive director.

Through all the change, the organization remains firmly rooted in a mission that began nearly five decades ago with a group of concerned residents in Spokane Valley seeking to protect the forestland in their own backyard.

Known for years as the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association, the nonprofit became the Dishman Hills Conservancy after a board vote last summer. Around 250 members now comprise the DHC, which originated in 1966 when a collection of locals began meeting at University High School to discuss ways of preserving the surrounding ecosystem in Dishman Hills.

That first campaign — supported by

groups like the Spokane Valley Rotary, Spokane Audubon Society and Spokane Valley Kiwanis — initiated a petition of 5,000 signatures that was eventually presented to the Spokane County Commissioners. The drive and accompanying attention led to the original purchase of 80 acres in a tract of abundant forest that would become recognized as the Dishman Hills Natural Area.

Located just off a busy portion of Appleway Avenue near Auto Row in Spokane Valley, Dishman Hills has become a peaceful refuge in an increasingly urban area. The hills are known for their winding nature trails, towering Ponderosa pines and some 300 varieties of native plants.

“It’s a pretty unique place,” said Spokane Valley Deputy Mayor Gary Schimmels, who grew up in the area. “There’s really nothing else like it around unless you go to somewhere like Mt. Spokane

or Post Falls. That group has done a great job with all their work.”

Michael Hamilton became president of the DHNAA in 1993, replacing one of the founders and inaugural president, Tom Rogers. Originally from Indiana, Hamilton came west in 1975 as a field geologist with the U.S. Bureau of Mines. He has stayed ever since.

“Spokane isn’t blessed with a lot of prosperity, but we are blessed with a lot of natural space,” Hamilton said. “It’s something Spokane can incorporate into its communities and something it can do at a fairly low cost. We don’t have to make something; we just have to save it. I go to places like Southern California where they’re rebuilding natural areas at a tremendous cost. I don’t want to see Spokane do that.”

Hamilton helped coordinate the preservation of 1,721 acres of conservation land in his 20-year tenure as president,

adding to the 535 acres already in place at Dishman Hills. He stepped down from his position at the end of 2012 and now serves as vice president.

“It’s amazing when you think about the land that Michael helped save,” said Jeff Lambert, Hamilton’s successor as DHC president. “Especially because it wasn’t like it was out in the national forest; it was something right here in our community.”

Funds for land purchases come from donations, grants and a partnership with the Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department through the Conservation Futures program. Other key partners for DHC include groups like the Spokane Mountaineers, the Lands Council, Washington Trails Association and the Land Trust.

“We have a unique blend of private money, county parks support and also the state has conservation money, so it all works together,” said Lambert, who

The Current

joined the DHNAA board in 2008.

One example of the collaborative process occurred with the acquisition of two parcels known as Tower Mountain in the Iller Creek Conservation area. Beginning in 1993, DHNAA parlayed some of its own funds into a $500,000 grant through the Washington state Recreation and Conservation office. That money was then matched by Conservation Futures, eventually leading to the purchase of 270 acres.

“All of it is a fascinating challenge, a learning experience,” Hamilton said. “I think it makes life meaningful, getting something done that’s worthwhile. When we bought our first Tower Mountain parcel, there was nothing like a mortgage.

We were on our own.”

Hamilton draws parallels between the mission of DHC and the work of Frederick Law Olmsted and John Charles Olmsted that formed the groundwork for the city of Spokane’s celebrated parks system. Designers of New York’s Central Park and the U.S. Capitol Grounds, the Olmsted brothers were commissioned by the first Spokane Parks Board in 1908 to draw up a plan for green space throughout the city. The report led to the passage of a $1 million bond and the development of sites like the Finch Arboretum, Downriver Park and Manito Park.

“We’re for growth that incorporates the natural setting,” Hamilton said. “You want a city with beautiful scenery that has clean water and air. Now it seems every tree is owned by someone. People see and trust the Dishman Hills Conservancy as kind of a conservation mutual fund.”

In June, DHC announced the hiring of its first executive director, Eric Robison, courtesy of a three-year capacitybuilding grant. A graduate of Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, Robison has his undergraduate degree from Western Washington University and a master’s from the School of International Training in Washington, D.C. He most recently served as development specialist for Spokane’s East Central Community Center.

Robison, who began July 1 and works out of a donated office at Mountain Gear in Spokane Valley, was the unanimous pick of the DHC board among 15 candidates.

“Eric is very bright and energetic and has some good ideas,” Lambert said. “Because he’s our first executive director, he’s going to be able to grow with the organization. He has vision. I think he’s not only going to see where we are today; I think he’s going to be able to take us to where we want to go in the future.”

A Spokane native who was anxious to return to the Inland Northwest after finishing up his master’s back east, Robison said the role of inaugural DHC executive

AUGUST 2013 • 9

NEWS

Above: The 535 acres that comprise the Dishman Hills Natural Area in Spokane Valley feature a winding network of trails, a tree-sheltered pond and around 300 types of native plants.

At left: The lower portion of Dishman Hills includes a picnic area and rustic lodge known as Camp Caro. director fits ideally with his professional goal of pursuing “community-based, notfor-profit work.” His duties will involve increasing membership, working with volunteers and coordination of events and fundraising.

“It’s really important to me to have a job where I feel like I am making a positive contribution to my community,” Robison said. “When the announcement for the position came out, I recognized it not only as aligning with my area of interest

and experience, but also as a position that I knew I could feel good about. I have a particular interest in this community.

Working to help Spokane become a better home for not only my family, but for my neighbors is also something I feel strongly about.”

As DHC looks to the future, there are conversations about the possibility of an outdoor learning center as well as the pursuit of an ambitious goal to connect the Iller Creek Conservation Area with

the Dishman Hills Natural Area to form the region’s most spectacular nature trail.

“The goal is to have a connected area of several thousand acres that preserves what we have here as Western ecology,” Hamilton said. “We live in the West, why should we look like some generic city in California? I would tell folks to pull into the lower hills of Dishman Hills, park your car, walk up to the hills and just sit among the trees. That will explain much of what we’re doing.”

HISTORY Early Spokane Valley leisure leaned on parks, picnics and theater 10 • AUGUST 2013

By Jayne Singleton

SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM

From picnics to theater, summer in the Spokane Valley has always offered an assortment of places to pursue relaxation.

The biggest picnic in the state began in 1922 and was called “The All Valley Picnic.”

It was held at Liberty Lake Park near the Pavillion that stretched out onto the lake.

Businesses would close for the day, and folks would come from all over the Valley and parts beyond and join as a community in summer games and celebrations. Arrival options included: by car if you had one, walking if you weren’t far or taking the Inland Empire Electric Train to Liberty Lake.

Events, entertainment and competitions filled the day. A 16x16-foot stage provided a place for music and announcement of the winners of such events as the horseshoe tournament, three-legged race and baseball game. Parades of aprons, sewing exhibits and even a sleight of hand performance by Father John Dosch offered something for everyone. In 1933, Washington Gov. Clarence Martin attended and gave a speech.

Over the years, attendance ran as high as 24,000, with about 7,000 being the average.

The All Valley Picnic slowly fizzled out as other attractions and the popularity of the car gave folks the option of exploring other areas. The picnic was a lot of work, and volunteers were harder to assemble. By World War II, the picnic had ceased altogether.

Liberty Lake was a destination any time of summer. With more than six resorts by 1933, everything from camping, boating, fishing and picnicking were good reasons to head to the lake.

Liberty Lake Park offered a merry-goround, a snack bar and other amusements.

The large Dance Pavillion over the water made for many a romantic evening. Other resorts, with names like Ted Week’s, Sig’s and Sandy Beach, offered Valley folks a chance to cool off, picnic, play on a water wheel, water slide and fish. Most rented cabins by the week or month.

Newman Lake also offered options for summer recreation. Several resorts, including Honeymoon Bay, Sutton’s Bay, Hampton’s Resort and the Taylor Hotel, were gathering places to bathe, rent a row boat or just relax on the beach. In 1910, the Cliff House Resort Pavilion was the place to dance on a warm summer evening. Cabins were offered for rent by the weekend or a full week at most of the resorts. Sutton’s Bay owned the “Gypsy,” a wooden boat that sat about six people. A tour of the lake in Gypsy was the height of the summertime fun! Dancing and a meal at Honeymoon Bay was another destination, as the dance pavilion was built

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM/ KROLL COLLECTION

Above: Participants in the 1927 All Valley Picnic horseshoe tournament pause during the festivities.

The annual event was held at Liberty Lake Park and drew crowds that averaged in the thousands.

At left: Boys from the Long and Patterson families cool off in the Greenacres Swimming Hole in this circa 1920 photo. out over the lake like the one at Liberty Lake Park. Norm Thue’s Band usually attracted a good share of dancers. During May 1936, the band leased the Honeymoon Bay dance hall for the summer season.

You could also rent row boats for $1 per day. Bass fishing was always good in the early days. Men could be seen dressed in suits and ties fishing off Granite Point. Leisure of that day was still taken in proper attire! Bathing — or swimming, as we now know it — was done in a heavy wool bathing suit. Both Newman and Liberty lakes had bathhouses where one could change into the proper attire.

For others whose days kept them on the farm, the irrigation ditches were the best opportunity to cool off, swim and float the ditches for long distances on make-shift rafts. The ditch water was often fast moving and cold. Some young entrepreneurs would sell watermelon and lemonade at points along the ditch. Parents often

warned of the dangers of swimming in the ditches and forbade it. That rule was often ignored, as the water was the quickest way to cool off.

Summer evenings became larger than life with the opening of the East Trent Motor In Theater in June 1946. It was the first outdoor theater to open in the region. The first movie shown was “Doll Face” starring Perry Como. The 48x37-foot screen made it easy for people on the outside of the theater to see the movie also, but without speakers, you couldn’t hear the sound. Sometimes in a hurry to leave after the movie, cars would drive off with the speaker still attached to the window. Families would take kids in pajamas, as they usually fell asleep before the movie ended. Playground equipment was up near the screen, and intermission would be the signal to slide, ride the merrygo-round or go to the snack bar for refreshments.

Other outdoor theaters soon opened. The

The Current

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 West End, The Y, The Cedar and the East Sprague entertained thousands.

A must-go summer experience for many in the Valley was located to the west at Natatorium Park. Originally opened as Twickenham Park in July 1890, an article in the Spokane Falls Review dated July 11, 1889, stated, “It enables a population to accomplish much more than it otherwise could, not only in the strict lines of business, but in the pursuit of pleasure and social duties as well.” Located on the west side of Spokane, it could easily be reached by Spokane Street Railways later the Cable Line or Trolley, or by bus and car in later years.

Early-day amusements included baseball games, shooting tournaments and music and dancing. Gradually, zoo animals and Vaudeville players were a part of the fun. On May 31, 1893, work began on the enormous outdoor swimming bath (the word pool was not used at this time) that was 100x200 feet and heated! The Latin word for this “bath” was “Natatorium” and as the resort grew in popularity, it became known as Natatorium Park or Nat Park — or just the Nat. Many a Valley family headed to the park over the years to enjoy all it had to offer, and no summer was complete without a picnic, amusement park ride, dance or concert at “Dear Old Nat.” By the mid-1960s, Natatorium Park fell in disrepair, had owner issues and generally declined. The Looff Carousel that lured riders with the promise of a gold ring now resides at Riverfront Park.

It sometimes seems that our pursuit of pleasure has been taken indoors. Computers, indoor movies, indoor pools and other activities make some folks long for a stroll through the Nat on a soft summer night.

Jayne Singleton is executive director of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. For more about this article or other aspects of history in the Spokane Valley region, visit the museum at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. or call 922-4570.

The Current

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COMMUNITY

12 • AUGUST 2013

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS

Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave.,

Aug. 1 | Indiana Bones 2 p.m., Otis Orchards

An ice cream social for both dogs and their owners will be one of the attractions during the 2.5-mile Mutt Strut around Liberty Lake on Aug. 17.

Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. A storyteller makes ancient histories and legends come to life. For more: www.scld.org

Aug. 2-4 | WVHS Class of 1983 reunion West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye. For more: Dana Divine, 251-3189

Aug. 3 | Spokane Highland Games

9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. The event will feature bagpipe bands, highland dancing, heavy athletics, music, Celtic merchants, children’s activities, Scottish heritage exhibits and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, military and ages 11-17, $5 for children ages 4-10 and free for ages 3 and under.

Aug. 3 | Summer Book Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Friends of the Liberty Lake Library will be holding a sale of books for all ages and interests.

Aug. 3 | Hee Haw Hoedown & Car Show 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Evergreen Fountains, 1201 N. Evergreen Road. Live music, line dancing, food, farm animals, classic cars and community tours will be on hand at this free event. For more: 922-3100

Aug. 4 | Celebration of Dave Smith 7 p.m., Freeman Elementary School playground, 14917 S. Jackson Road, Rockford. The Freeman Parent Teacher Student Association is holding this time to honor and thank Freeman High School Principal Dave Smith who has accepted the position of Newport School District superintendent.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a dessert to share.

Aug. 6 | One Trail, Many Voices: Songs of the Oregon Trail 11 a.m., Otis Orchards

Library, 22324 E. Wellesley. Folksinger and storyteller Hank Cramer will share traditional folksongs and explore how migration via the Oregon Trail affected the travelers, their songs and the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Also offered 11 a.m. Aug. 8 at Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road, and 1 p.m. Aug. 8 at Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. For more: www.scld.org

Aug. 9-10 | Hot August Nights in Rockford Dusk, Friday, Drive-in movie at

Rockford ball field. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Car Show in Town Park with music, BBQ and prizes, sponsored by the Rockford Lions’ Club.

Car registration is $15 in advance or $20 the day of the show. For more: 291-3722 or vivian2050@ peoplepc.com

Aug. 10 | Newman Lake Community Garage Sale 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tri-Community

Grange, Trent and Starr Road. The sale boasts thousands of great items priced to sell. To participate as a seller for $15, contact Laurie Hitchcock by Aug. 5 at 226-1979.

Aug. 10 | WVHS Class of 1973 reunion

West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye. For more information on this 40-year reunion, email classof1973@gmail.com.

Aug. 12-18 | Creation Day Camp 9 a.m. to noon, Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4308 N. Harvard, Otis Orchards. Free event for ages 5

SUBMITTED PHOTO

to12. Breakfast served daily plus live animals and lots of fun prizes. To RSVP or for more: 842-2355

Aug. 17 | Mutt Strut 8 a.m., Pawpular Com-

panions Pet Supplies, 21950 E. Country Vista Dr., Ste. 100, Liberty Lake. This third annual pledge event will consist of a 2.5-mile route around the Liberty Lake business/residential walking path, an ice cream social, store vendors, free giveways and raffle prizes. All funds raised benefit Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary. To register or for more: 927-8890 or www.pawpularcompanions.com

Aug. 17-18 | Pickin’ on the Prairie 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m., Past Blessings Farm, 8521 N. Orchard Prairie Road. Admission is $4; 12 and under are free. This antique show will be filled with farmstyle decor, primitives, hand-painted furniture, artisan hand crafts, custom jewelry and more.

Listen to blue grass music, enjoy great food and find amazing one of a kind pieces. For more: www.pastblessings.com

Aug. 17 | Free movie in the Park: “Hotel Transylvania” 8:20 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows

Park, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway. Starting an hour before the show, there will be fun, free activities at the park. Attendees are asked to bring chairs, blankets and snacks. For more: 720-5408 or www.spokanevalley.org

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

Aug. 19 | Emergency Preparedness

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

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: www.scld.org

Aug. 20 | Zombies for teens 2 p.m., Spo-

kane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Students in grades 6 and up are invited to get their creep on with zombie makeup, crafts and snacks. For more: www.scld.org

Aug. 21 | Book Club 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Local author Jess Steven Hughes will join the group to discuss

his book, “The Sign of the Eagle.” The public is invited to read the book then join the discussion.

For more: www.scld.org

Aug. 24 | Millwood Daze 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dalton Street, Millwood. The fifth annual event will feature a country breakfast, 5K race, red wagon parade, booths, Artfest, vintage motorcycle show, WVHS band and robotics show, activities for kids, movie at dusk and more.

Aug. 24 | Pie Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

Liberty Lake Farmers Market, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane

Aug. 25 | Salmon Dinner Barbecue Noon to 4 p.m., Western Dance Center Sullivan Park, 1901 N. Sullivan Road. Dinners are $10 for adults, $9 for ages 65+, and $6 for children 12 and under. For tickets or more: 688-4060 or 475-3031

Aug. 25-26 | Paws in the Pool 1 to 3:45

p.m. (Sun.) and 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. (Mon.), Valley Mission Pool, address. Once the pool closes to humans, it is open to the dogs for two days.

Dogs must be six months or older. Space is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged by calling 688-0300. For more: www.spokanevalley.org

Aug. 26 | Scratch Lab for tweens 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Students in grades 4 through 6 are invited to come use Scratch, a free visual programming language from M.I.T. to make simple animations, interactive stories and games. Space is limited, so please register at the library. For more: www. scld.org Aug. 29 | Dishman Hills High School open house Time TBD, 115 S. University. Previ-

ously known as Contract Based Education, the West Valley School board of directors voted at their June meeting to change the school’s name to Dishman Hills High School. An open house will be held to honor the change. For more: 340-7266

Recurring Spokane County Library District Valley

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

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: www.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: www.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: www. 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 Rockford Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market runs through August to benefit the Rockford Community Center.

Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague.

Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more: foe3433.com Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6:15 p.m.

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

MUSIC & THE ARTS Aug. 17-18 | Art & Glass Fest 11 a.m. to 6

p.m., Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, , 4705 N. Fruit Hill Road, Spokane. Inland Northwest artists will decorate the grounds at the Cliff House Estate for a two-day shopping extravaganza featuring beautiful glasswork, metalwork, paintings, jewelry and other unique craft items. Miss Abbey & the Hot Five will provide free jazz entertainment Saturday afternoon. There is no admission fee to the festival, but there is a $5 cover change for the 5:30 p.m. Sunday concert with The Sara Brown Band. For more: www.arborcrest.com

Aug. 17 | Family Concert Series with Jenks 3 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E.

Wellesley. Corey Jenks will provide a juggling and music show outdoors featuring original music, rings, clubs and dancing. For more: www.scld.org

Aug. 17-18 | Auditions for “Death By Chocolate” 6:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Community

Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave., Liberty Lake.

Roles available for men and women ages 18 and up. No preparation necessary. Performances slated for Oct. 18-26. For more: www.libertylaketheatre.com

Aug. 17 | Robert Cray Band 7 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. Part of the Friends of Pavillion Park summer concert series. For more: www. pavillionpark.org

See CALENDAR, page 15

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 13

Celebrating 25 years!

Quality Full Service automotive repair 2 year - 24,000 mile Warranty

congratulations to Betty Sitter, the winner of our grand prize ipad!

Preventive Maintenance · Air Conditioning · Fuel Injection Electrical · Brakes · Clutch · Tune-up Alignments · Engine Rebuilds · State Emissions

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924-8738

7 Minutes from Liberty Lake

16911 E Sprague, Veradale

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Rockwood Breast Health Center 12410 E. Sinto, Ste. 105 / (509) 755-5801 Rockwood Cancer Treatment Center 12410 E. Sinto, Ste. 101 / (509) 755-5850

Rockwood Urgent Care Center 14408 E. Sprague Ave. / (509) 755-5710 1431 N. Liberty Lake Rd., Ste. B / (509) 3423990 Rockwood Valley Clinic

Rockwood Heart & Vascular Center 12606 E. Mission Ave., Ste. 800 / (509) 755-5500

(Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Anticoagulation Management, Urgent Care)

14408 E. Sprague Ave. / (509) 755-5710 PROVIDERS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Rockwood Liberty Lake Clinic (Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Physical Therapy)

1326 N. Stanford Lane / (509) 755-6760 PROVIDERS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Rockwood Valley Specialty Center (Anticoagulation Management, Dermatology, Podiatry, Endrocrinology/Diabetes, Nephrology, Orthopedics)

1415 N. Houk, Ste. D / (509) 755-5560 Rockwood Pediatrics 14408 E. Sprague Ave. / (509) 755-5710 PROVIDERS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Rockwood Valley Surgery Center 1414 N. Houk Rd., Ste. 200 / (509) 755-5700

Rockwood Physical Therapy & Medical Fitness Center 15412 E. Sprague Ave., Ste. 8 / (509) 755-5595

Rockwood Vein Care Center 1414 N. Houk Rd., Ste. 200 / (509) 755-5700

Rockwood Pulmonary Critical Care 1512 N. Vercler, Ste. 103 / (509) 342-3070 Rockwood Radiation Therapy & PET/CT Services 12410 E. Sinto, Ste. B / (509) 755-5783

Rockwood Vercler Clinic (General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Optometry) 1512 N. Vercler, Ste. 103 / (509) 755-5551

The Current

14 • AUGUST 2013

Get your denied medical bills reviewed and appealed Feel confident you’re being billed correctly Only pay what you owe on your medical bills

July Honoree

Reduce the stress of medical paperwork and billing

Mary Pollard

Call 509.951.2498 OR 1.888.212.2041 for a free consultation or visit our website for more information WWW.SOLMEDA.COM

Mayor Tom Towey recognized Mary Pollard for her inuen�al role in the Greenacres neighbor‐ hood. Pollard played a key role in the si�ng and design of the neighborhood’s new park as well as in the organiza�on of the North Greenacres 4th of July celebra�on for children.

Carver Farms AUGUST ON THE FARM

U-PICK: beans, cukes, corn, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries & much more ALSO AVAILABLE: peaches, tomatoes, blueberries, huckles, garlic, honey & more

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509-226-3602

Open daily: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1/2 mile north of Trent at 9105 N. Idaho Rd. (Newman Lake area)

Nominate an individual, organiza�on

or business who makes a difference in Spokane Valley.

Go to www.spokanevalley10.com or call 720‐5102. Nomina�ons are due by the 5th of each month.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 15

COMMUNITY

CHURCH DIRECTORY Greenacres Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

A traditional, family oriented church.

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 AM 18010 E. Mission - 926.2461 Established 1902 Member of CUIC

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Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will be performing “Henry V” Aug. 25 at Pavillion Park in Liberty Lake.

CALENDAR

VIP tickets are $60. For tickets and more: www. vintagespokane.com

Continued from page 12

Aug. 8 | Scramble Golf Tournament 11:30 a.m., MeadowWood Golf Course, Liberty Lake.

Hosted by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, the $100 entry fee includes dinner, drink, raffle ticket and goodie bag. For registration and more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org

Aug. 25 | “Henry V” by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks 5 p.m., Pavillion

Park, Liberty Lake. Sponsored by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more: www.pavillionpark.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: www.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 Aug. 1 | Mission to China orientation meeting 5:30 to 7 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel,

1100 N. Sullivan. The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is extending the opportunity to travel to China March 24 to April 2, 2014, for sightseeing and learning about the Chinese business system. Cost for the 10-day, 8-night trip is $2,300 per person. RSVP for the meeting to 924-4994. For more: www.spokanevalleychamber. org

Aug. 2-4 | Inland Northwest Truck Show

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(Sun), Greyhound Park and Event Center, 5100 W. Riverbend Ave., Post Falls. Designed to celebrate trucks from commercial carriers to hobby truck enthusiasts, this event will offer a variety of products, vendor booths and activities. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12 (under 5 is free). For more: www.nwtruckshow.com

Aug. 4 | Vintage Spokane 5 to 9 p.m., North-

ern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. Taste from over 50 wineries and enjoy cuisine from Masselow’s and other local gourmet bites. General admission tickets are $45;

Aug. 14 | Green Eggs and Scams senior fraud and awareness event 8 to 11:45

a.m., Good Samaritan Society, 17121 E. 8th Ave. Hosted by the Better Business Bureau, speakers will include experts in identity theft, insurance scans and financial responsibility. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. and prize drawings will be at 11:45 a.m. All senior citizens, family members and caregiver are invited to this workshop. To register or for more: 232-0534 or www.bit.ly/15ubor4

Aug. 16 | Greater Spokane Valley Chamber Business Connections Breakfast 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., Mirabeau Park

Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan. Coffee and conversation begin at 6:30 a.m., program begins at 7 a.m. Cost is $25 for members and guests, $35 for non-members. For more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org

Aug. 16-18 | Goodguys 12th Great Northwest Nationals 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Fri. and

Sat.), 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sun.), Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. The show features over 1,500 cars, vendor exhibits, swap meet, music and kids entertainment. Admission is $15 for adults, $6 for ages 7-12 and free for ages 6 and under. For more: www.good-guys.com/ gnwn

Aug. 22 | Behavioral Interviewing workshop 3 to 6 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,

12004 E. Main Ave. Based on Dr. Paul Green’s program, “More Than a Gut Feeling,” this workshop will help develop your interviewing skills and impact your success in recruiting and selecting new employees. Pre-registration is required.

For more: www.scld.org

HEALTH & RECREATION Aug. 3 | Spokane Distance Classic 7 a.m., Plante’s Ferry Park, 12308 E. Upriver Dr. This race offers 20K, 15K and 10K courses out-and-back

Sunday WorShip Service 10:00 a.m.

• 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.

along the Centennial Trail followed by a familystyle picnic. Costs range between $34-40. For more: www.spokanedistanceclassic.org

Aug. 3 | Lilac City Roller Girls double header 5 p.m., Spokane County Fair & Expo

Center, 404 N. Havana St. For more: www.lilaccityrollergirls.com

Aug. 4 | Pitch For The Cure with Spokane Indians 3 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana.

This breast cancer walk benefits the Eastern Washington affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. To register or for more: www.pitchfor-the-cure.com

Aug. 5-9 | Advantage Basketball Camp

Aug. 13 | Criterium Bike Race 5 to 9 p.m., Half Moon Park, River District neighborhood, Liberty Lake. This sixth annual event is hosted by the Baddlands Cycling Club and features a kids race, adult races and wood-fired pizza by Veraci Pizza. Open to children under 12, registration for the kids race will take place at the north end of the park at 4:30 with the race beginning at 5 p.m.

Adult races begin at 6 p.m. on a short, closed course. Neighborhood parking and traffic restrictions will be in place from noon until 9 p.m. For more: 255-9456 Aug. 15-17 | NBC Basketball Position Camp 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., HUB Sports Center,

19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. For athletes ages 9 to 15, this camp provides specific instruction for excelling in the guard, wing or post position. Cost is $150. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. For ages 7 to 18, this camp is a well-balanced mix of practice drills and friendly fun that encouraged respect for sportsmanship, enhanced fundamental athletic abilities and a deeper understanding of teamwork and responsibility. Cost is $195 for 3-day option and $265 for 5-day option. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org

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

Admission is $5 for adults; children under 12 are free. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

Aug. 12-14 | Isaiah Thomas Youth Skills Academy 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., HUB Sports Center,

Aug. 17 | Current night with Spokane Indians 6 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana.

19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. NBA player Isaiah Thomas will teach basketball skills to ages 6 to 16 through fun games and NBA-style drills.

Cost is $250. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

Aug. 17 | Inland Empire Martial Arts Tournament 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., HUB Sports

Join with other baseball fans for a game followed by fireworks. For tickets and more: www.spokaneindians.com

See CALENDAR, page 38

16 • AUGUST 2013

LOCAL LENS

Independence Day Celebration at Greenacres Park

The Current

Local Lens Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page. Email photos@valleycurrent.com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

American flags waved in small hands as kids and their families paraded around the park during the 2nd annual Independence Celebration hosted by the North Greenacres neighborhood. Old fashioned family fun ensued with potato sack races, bean bag tosses, a petting zoo, music and food. Kids were also happy to catch rubber ducks in the pond, blow bubbles and have a chance to fish for a prize.

An ode to their ancestors Almost 200 teenagers from Spokane Valley hiked 18.5 miles over three days in a pioneer trek themed “Whatever the Sacrifice.”

Organized by the Spokane Valley Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the group pulled carts, prepared meals and participated in evening hoe-downs and tug-o-wars.

The event was designed to help young people gain a greater appreciation for their ancestors and other 19th century Americans who traveled across the country in search of a new home.

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Newman Lake Fire Auxiliary sale a success

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The parking lot of the Newman Lake Food Store and Exxon station was bustling with activity July 6 during the Newman Lake Fire Auxiliary hot dog and T-shirt sale. Almost $2,000 was raised to support the volunteer fire department, and they collected $300 for the West Texas Disaster Relief Fund. The group would like to thank the following contributors: Newman Lake Food Store, Costco, Longhorn BBQ, Terry White and Windermere Realty, Newman Lake SCOPE and Newman Lake Resort and Marina.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 17

LOCAL LENS

W ashington R esidents A ppreciation D ays

U-Hi students compete Fire destroys mobile home at tech event

The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a mobile home fire on the morning of July 23 at 2414 N. Bowdish Road. An adult male and three boys were able to escape safely.

The cause was determined to be old aluminum electrical wires that had failed.

Buy an 18 hole green fee and a cart,

get one 18 FREE

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

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West Valley School District retirees SUBMITTED PHOTO

University High School students Damon Higbee, left, and Joseph Hall were among more than 4,000 students from around the world competing at the Technology Student Association (TSA) National Conference in Orlando, Fla., June 28-July 2. The students paired up as well as competed individually across several categories. Hall placed sixth in "Animatronics" to earn a finalist pin. The students, who will both be seniors in the fall, traveled with University High TSA adviser Dan Obenchain to the conference.

The 2013 retirees from West Valley School District are (back row) Darrell Urlacher, Trish Behrens, Shelly Coyle, Wayne McKnight; (front row) Pat Warpenburg, Lynn McRae and Suzi Bean. Not pictured is Carol Johnson.

Serving Liberty Lake since 1985 Residential and Office Cleaning Licensed and Insured Hourly Rates

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Fly-in at Felts Field

• 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.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS BY GARY ROBERTO PHOTOGRAPHY

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

MedStar Emergency Services was highlighted during the Greater Spokane Valley Business Connections Lunch at Felts Field in July. After lunch in the hangar, Chamber members were treated to an antique airplane fly-in.

What makes the Spokane Valley area a picturesque place to live? That’s the question we’re posing for the 2014 One Valley: Greater Spokane 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 One Valley 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

Brought to you by

By Brenna Holland WAVE CONTRIBUTOR

In Twinsburg, Ohio, during the first weekend of August, you may be seeing double. The Twins Day Festival takes place in the aptly named town where multiples of any sort (identical or fraternal, triplets or quadruples) convene to celebrate through games, entertainment and competitions.

In the spirit of the Twins Day Festival, The Wave caught up with some local twins in our community.

Identical yet individuals Megan and Hannah Carver of Spokane Valley are an unstoppable duo. Whether it’s garnering third place at the National Junior Olympics Racquetball tournament, playing volleyball or performing in a musical, the girls’ interests are varied and unique. The 10-year-old identical sisters

look forward to entering middle school and continuing to follow their passions both together and apart.

Q: Are you guys identical or fraternal?

Both: (in unison) Identical.

Q: Do people sometimes get you confused?

Both: Yes!

Q: How can people tell you apart?

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Twins Kyle and Sydney Parkman both play soccer, among other sports, and hope to become professional athletes someday.

Megan: I have a narrower face and I’m taller.

Megan: We both play racquetball and volleyball together.

being a twin.

Megan: I’m more sporty, and she’s more into girly things. I’m also interested in art and writing.

Hannah: I’m really interested in acting and singing.

What’s your least favorite thing about being a twin?

Hannah: Everyone assumes we are exactly the same which is kind of annoying.

Megan: Sometimes people mix us up on purpose, which is really annoying.

Sydney: May 5. We always have tacos for our birthday, which is awesome.

Q: How are you two different?

Q: How are you two similar?

Q:

Q: What’s your favorite thing about be-

ing a twin?

Sydney: You always have someone to play with.

Kyle: We have the same birthday party, and we get to see other friends make new ones.

Q:

a twin bond?

Both: (Looking at each other and smiling) No.

Q: How are you similar, and how are

Doubly different

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Q: What is your favorite thing about be-

ing a twin?

Megan: You always have a partner or a friend. You never really have to do anything completely on your own.

Q: Do you think there is something like Even through Megan Carver (left) and Hannah Carver (right) have different things they enjoy doing, they said they love having their twin there as a partner and friend.

Q: When is your birthday?

Sydney and Kyle Parkman, age 10, are competitive fraternal twins who enjoy soccer, intense math games at school and playing tag. Both participate in a wide variety of sports, and Sydney is also involved with theatre.

“She really likes to be in the spotlight,” mom Kara Parkman said.

Seemingly never at a loss for words, The Wave recently sat down with the two bundles of energy to hear their thoughts about

What’s your least favorite thing about being a twin?

Kyle: My twin gets annoying.

Sydney: My twin can get mean.

you different?

Sydney: He likes baseball. We both like soccer and are outgoing.

Kyle: She talks a lot. I don’t as much.

Q: What activities do you both enjoy?

What different interests do you have?

Kyle: We both like sports. I like baseball, football, and basketball. I want to be a professional athlete when I grow up or a scientist that studies creatures.

Sydney: I like theater, math, writing and art. I want to be a professional soccer player, an actress or a chemist when I grow up.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 19

COMMUNITY

Twins Day Festival fun facts • The festival began in 1976 in Twinsburg, Ohio, with 37 sets of twins in attendance.

• The event is held the first full weekend of August and features a double-take parade, games, activities and more.

• The first year to feature twins from around the globe was 1982.

One set was from France and one set was from Argentina.

• In 1987, the festival was listed in “Guinness World Records” as the world’s largest annual gathering of

twins. A whopping 1,351 sets of twins attended that year.

• The largest group was in 1991 when 2,781 sets of twins registered for the event.

Twinsburg

For more, visit www.twinsdays.org.

Did you know?

• One in every 30 babies born in 2009 was a twin.

• Identical twins, which share the same DNA, don’t have identical fingerprints.

• Almost half of twins create their own language, which is called idioglossia.

• There are more than just fraternal and identical twosomes. Other rare twin types include “half-identical twins” and “mirror image” twins.

• Chances of having a twin pregnancy increase with the age of the mother.

• Around 22 percent of twins are left handed compared to 1 percent in singletons.

Source: www.modernmom.com; www.everydayhealth.com

Dog days of summer

advertised as being “dog-friendly” event, so you’re sure to run into a variety of canines taking in the sights, sounds and smells along with their owners. For more: www.cdachamber.com/ live-work-visit/live/downtown-street-fair

Area activities canines and their owners can enjoy together

Dr., Liberty Lake Bring your best dressed pups for a 2.5 mile strut around the Liberty Lake. The pledge walk event will conclude with an ice cream social for both dogs and their owners, as well as activities, giveways, raffles and more! All funds raised benefit Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary. For more: 9278890 or www.pawpularcompanions.com

Paws in the Pool Aug. 25-26

Street Fair

Valley Mission Pool, 11405 E. Mission Ave.

Aug. 2-4, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sun.)

After the pool closes for the season to humans, it opens to the dogs! Unfortunately, only dogs are allowed in the pools so you’ll have to watch them have all the fun. Dogs must be six months or older; times are available based on dog size.

Space is limited, so pre-register by calling 6880300. For more: www.spokanevalley.org

Downtown Coeur d’Alene Enjoy one of the biggest arts and crafts weekend in the Northwest, along with Art on the Green and Taste of Coeur d’Alene. This is

SUBMITTED PHOTO FROM MUTT STRUT 2012

Mutt Strut Aug. 17, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pawpular Companions, 21950 E. Country Vista

Compiled by Tammy Kimberley at Greenacres Park

If you could have an unusual animal for a pet, what animal would you choose?

“A tiger. They eat meat, and I like meat.”

Landen FumettiLevine, 6 “A parakeet. He would run and sing and have fun with me.”

Carson Kimm, 3

“A kangaroo ‘cuz it hops so fast.”

Kensi Ford, 5

“A snail. I would hug and hold him. Plus you could see the slime to know where he went.”

Riley Robinson, 5

“A horse because it’s fun to ride.”

Kyrsta Ewen, 6

“A dolphin because they splash.”

Tyson Buckna, 5

“A gecko or chameleon ‘cuz they change colors.”

Danielle Pardo, 6

Where will you brush your teeth this summer?

We hope you are enjoying your summer ... but please don’t take a vacation from good oral health!

Take your toothbrush with you wherever you go and snap a picture. Then, visit our Facebook page to find out how to enter our latest contest.

Winner will receive a one night stay at Silver Mountain’s Morning Star Lodge and tickets to Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark for up to four people.

Call to schedule an appointment today!

509.891.7070 New patients welcome

Check out our Facebook page for more contests and events.

“A monkey. I just like monkeys.”

Lexingtin Ford, 3

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

www.GrowUpSmiling.com

The Current

20 • AUGUST 2013 Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Hoedown and Car Show planned for Aug. 3

By Aubrey Weber

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Evergreen Fountains senior living community will be hosting its fifth annual Western Hee Haw Hoedown & Car Show on Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will serve as a celebration of summer for the 125 current residents as well as an open house for senior citizens in the community.

Seniors in attendance are encouraged to invite family members and friends to experience the social component that is a priority at Evergreen Fountains.

Festivities of the hoedown will include live country and folk music, a roast beef barbeque prepared by the facility’s own chef and line dancing with the community’s senior dance team.

The Evergreen Fountains’ activities director has been practicing with dancers in their aerobics room to prepare for the

Hire appraiser to valuate inheritance Collecting column by Larry Cox KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

Q: Due to a recent death, I have inherited a house filled with antiques and collectibles. Although I need to liquidate the estate, I have no idea of values. What do you suggest? — Cynthia, Soulard, Mo. A: I went through this same situation when my mother died several years ago.

She had lived in the same house for a number of decades and had filled it with almost everything imaginable. My sister and I were overwhelmed. We began by contacting and hiring a good certified appraiser so we had a better idea of what to keep, what to sell and what to discard.

That is, perhaps, what you should do first. Don't rely on a neighbor or someone who claims they know about antiques and collectibles, but a certified appraiser. The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is one of the leading groups in this country and can help you find certified professionals near you. Contact is 11109 Sunset Hills Rd., Suite 310, Reston, VA 20190, 800-272-8358.

country festival. The team is completely comprised of active senior residents looking to have some fun.

“It’ll be a very high-energy event, and a great way to spend a summer day,” said marketing director Gene Arger. “It’s like having our very own rodeo.”

The party will be complete with horses, pot-bellied pigs and ponies, all owned by Evergreen Fountains employees with local family farms.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the day will be the classic car show, which will feature between 30 and 50 muscle cars circa 1920s to 1970s. Most of the cars on display will be brought from vehicle clubs around Spokane Valley, although a few are owned by senior residents.

“Seeing all of the classic cars that you have to crank up to start is always cool,” Arger said. “A lot of our residents like to get photos of the cars, and it’s a great op-

portunity for them to meet new people.”

The hoedown and car show is one of Evergreen Fountains biggest events of the year.

“It’s all about getting out there and having some fun,” Arger said. “You really get that social aspect and sense of community in a program like this.”

Seniors at Evergreen Fountains are encouraged to lead an independent but social life centered on the personal wellness of physical, mental and spiritual health.

The next big event is Oktoberfest and will feature cloggers and traditional German food. The community also has a big Irish festival in March for the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. On a weekly basis, seniors can enjoy live music every Friday evening, as well as a wine and cheese hour, casino nights, musicals, trips to baseball games and scenic drives.

“This is a resort-style community; it’s basically like a cruise ship,” Arger said.

“Putting on events like the hoedown and car show, people really get to see the benefits of our community and what we have to offer here.”

To underscore the importance of hiring an appraiser, let me share a story.

Several weeks ago, a reader contacted me with four older rugs. She had been offered $1,500 for the four rugs but suspected they might be worth more. She hired an appraiser, who discovered the rugs were Navajo and from the 1920s. To cut to the chase, her rugs were valued at $35,000, not the $1,500 she had been offered. Although an appraisal is not free, it can be an extremely valuable investment in the long run.

first attracted me to this field of collecting. Since I have some duplicates, can you recommend a collector or group I can contact? — Jim, Cedar City, Utah A: Your labels were originally used to identify the contents of wooden crates being shipped to market. The colorful lithographs, especially those printed before 1950, have become extremely collectible. Most seem to be selling for less than $10 each, but as I often have said about collectibles, there are always exceptions. Noel Gilbert is secretary/treasurer of the Citrus Label Society, 131 Miramonte Drive, Fullerton, CA 92835; and www.citruslabelsociety.com.

Q: I have four magazines from the 1950s: “Playmate: The Favorite Magazine of Boys and Girls.” The issues contain puzzles, games, stories, color by number and even paper dolls. Incidentally, you could order this magazine at that time for $1.50 per year. What do you think they are worth? — Beverly, Woodriver, Ill. A: Your magazines are valued in the $7.50-$10 each range, depending, of course on condition and if they are intact.

Q: I recently purchased a piece of Hull pottery at a yard sale. It is a 9-inch vase in the Mardi Gras pattern. What can you tell me about this pattern, and is it worth more than the $35 I paid for it. — Betty, Tyler, Texas A: The vases were originally created for chain stores and florists, according to "Warman's Hull Pottery: Identification and Price Guide" by David Doyle. Most of the pieces I've seen are identified with a sticker, not the usual impression in the mold. Doyle believes your vase is valued in the $75 to $100 range, so if your piece is in good condition, you made a good buy.

Q: I have collected citrus labels for at least 30 years. Most are from California.

The artwork and bright, splashy colors

Q: I have a glass plate that has been passed down through my family for several generations. It has an image of U.S. Grant with the text, “Let Us Have Peace.”

It is yellowish-green in color. — Wilmer, Rio Rancho, N.M. A: Commemorative and politically themed plates were especially popular during the Victorian era. One of my favorite references for such items is “Political Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide” by Dr. Enoch L. Nappen. In addition to a U.S. Grant plate, I also found ones with images of Benjamin Harrison and James Garfield. These plates are valued in the $75 to $100 range.

Arger and the marketing department came up with the hoedown and car show idea when Evergreen Fountains first opened on North Evergreen Road in 2008. It ties into the wellness philosophy of being social and active while also supporting local businesses and music, he said.

Facility tours will also be available during the event.

“It’s a good way for us to show people what we’re all about while bringing people in from the outside community to come have some fun,” Arger said. “You’ve just got to have a party at the end of the day.”

Q: I have a china cabinet that originally belonged to my great-grandmother. During a recent move, the curved glass in a front panel was broken. I have checked with the glass replacement companies in my area and no one has curved glass in stock. Can you help me? — Dorothy, Chesterfield, Mo. A: Contact B&L Antiquerie Inc., 6217 S. Lakeshore Road, P.O. Box 453, Lexington, MI 28250; bentblasscentral.com; information@bentglasscentral.com; and 800-840-1140.

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.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 21

Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life

Summer move specia-lisn

Hee Haw Hoedown & Car Show saturday, August 3rd

TRIVIA TEST 1. MATH: What is the length of the boundary of a closed plane figure?

2. ASTRONOMY: What is the sixth planet from the sun?

3. HISTORY: What was the native city of explorer Marco Polo?

4. GAMES: How long is a standard bowling lane?

5. ENTERTAINMENT: Which singer was the first to record a “Greatest Hits” album?

6. LANGUAGE: What is a mountebank?

7. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was Andrew Jackson’s first lady?

8. GEOGRAPHY: What is the second most populous country in the world?

9. FAMOUS QUOTES: What Irish play-

★ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ★ wright once said, “If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance”?

10. MUSIC: What 1960s pop music group featured singer Cass Elliot? © 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers to Trivia Test 1. Perimeter; 2. Saturn; 3. Venice, Italy; 4. 60 feet; 5. Johnny Mathis; 6. A charla-

tan; 7. Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson; 8. India; 9. George Bernard Shaw; 10. The Mamas and The Papas

Live Music & Line Dancing ♦ Food & Beverages ♦ Farm Animals ♦ Classic Cars ♦ Community Tours! ♦

• Independent Living • Light Assisted Living • Walking Trail • Wellness & Fitness Center • Gourmet Chef • Cottage Homes • Swimming Pool & Spa • Assisted Living • Bistro

Locally Owned and Operated by the Arger Family

22 • AUGUST 2013

COMMUNITY

The Current

Education Briefs Teacher ‘trains like astronaut’ PJ Jarvis, a physical education teacher at Summit School in the Central Valley School District, traveled in July to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston to help NASA’s Human Research Program Education and Outreach develop content for the program, “Train Like an Astronaut.”

Jarvis, who was named National Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2012 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, was joined by six other physical education teachers for the honor. Geared towards 8-12 year old students, Train Like an Astronaut is a scientific and physical approach to human health and fitness on earth and in space that allows the students to participate in physical activities modeled after real-life physical requirements of humans traveling in space.

Wellington receives honors award

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Troy Wellington of Greenacres is an honors award recipient in the College of Science, Health and Engineering, Eastern Washington University announced last month.

Wellington served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electricians mate for 20 years before studying computer information systems at Eastern and graduating in June.

He is the son of David and Phyllis Wellington of Liberty Lake and a 1985 graduate of Central Valley High School.

Trio graduate from Whitworth Janae Schneidmiller of Liberty Lake, Christopher Smalley of Spokane Valley and Heather Walzer of Greenacres were awarded bachelor’s degrees earlier this year by Whitworth University.

Smith receives Chancellor’s Award Paul Smith of Greenacres received the Chancellor's Award, given to students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, for the spring semester at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Smith is majoring in management.

Lucas named to Honor Roll Stephen P. Lucas of Spokane Valley was one of 874 students at Oregon State University to achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA for the spring term, thereby making OSU’s Scholastic Honor Roll. Lucas is a sophomore studying mechanical engineering.

EWU spring Dean’s List released The following students from the greater Spokane Valley area were named to the Dean’s List for the spring quarter at Eastern Washington University: James Agen, Paula Albretsen, Blake Albretsen, Stephanie Alexander, Christopher Altmaier, Leah Amsden, Natalie Anderman, Leaira Anderson, Olga Andreykovets, Mckenzie Arnold, Teresa Asbury, Bryan

Atkinson, Inderbir Bains, Gordon Banks, Michael Barnhart, Victoria Bartholomew, Breanna Baxter, Taylor Berdar, Aleksander Black, Darby Blanchard, Brianna Bogart, Shelby Bollman, Adam Bortfeld, Katrina Boyd, Mark Boyer, Eric Brazington, Cheyanna Bruneau, Alison Bucher, Olivia Budde, Nikita Burlakov, Alla Burlakov, Ryan Bushman, Abraham Campbell, Timothy Carlson, Sarah Casto, Miranda Caudill, Kiyomi Chadwell, Jade Charbonneau, Daniel Christensen, Jacqueline Churchill, Tara Clark, Amanda Cochran, Kimberly Cook, Tanner Cook, Sean Cope, Dylan Cosby, Andrew Coumont, Christopher Covillo, Ian Craig-Scott, Erin Creighton, Mika D’Amico, Stephanie Davis, Andrew Decker, Morgan DeRuyter, Tyler Dines, Sanne Dixson, Lindsay Doerschuk, Simon Doi, Tyler Dotson, Brenna Dreyer, Ryan Dubois, Kyle Duckett, Brandon Duckett, Matthew Duddy, James Duncan, Dani Dyer, Charlotte Edwards, Daniel Eik, Tabitha Ellis, Alyssa Farrell, Kelly Fay, Kaley Fields, Michael Filardo, Rebecca Finney, Annelisa Finney, Christon Floberg, Mariah Ford, Camille Frank, Hannah Frank, Heather Frank, Jamie Frucci, Anna Garbuz, Cailynn Garcia, Carly Garza, Lindsey Gibson, Jaspal Gill, Karendeep Gill, Savannah Glamp, Derek Goehri, Dani Goetz, Madison Goodwin, Mariya Gorbenko, Hailee Gordon, Igor Gorkovchenko, Brolin Graham, Justin Grandinetti, Jennifer Gray, Alyssa Green, Joseph Greenlund, Aaron Gruis, Mashala Guilbault, Kayla Haas, Kayla Hagerty, Emery Hall, J.D. Hall, Courtney Hammond, Jennifer Hammond, Jill Haney, Michael Hanley, Hannah Harder, Tori Harned, Kaylin Harris, Mike Hays, Christina Hebert, Nathan Heintz, Garrett Hendrick, Morgan Hendricks, Sarah Herner, Dalton Herron, Ashley Hickson, Amanda Hiebert, Sydney Hiebert, Rhaea Hill, Kristina Hill, Nicholas Hillstrom, Madison Hilpert, Patrick Hinea, Leslie Ho, Kayla Hoener, Kristina Hoerner, Renee Honn, Beth Hotchkiss, Amy House, Kaitlyn Hudson, Arianna Hudson, Kyle Hulce, Sarah Hunt, Derrick Hunter, Chad Imler, David Ivanov, Austin Jacobs, Nicole Jacobson, Mikel-Ann Jamison, Branden Jeromchek, Jared Johnson, Anne Johnson, Stephanie Juhnke, Ilona Kalpakchi, Patricia Karle, Kevin Kelly, Whitney Kelly, Tyler Kennedy, Karen Kenny, Alexandra Kern, Amanda Kieffer, Rachael Killingsworth, Tiffani Kittilstved, Giles Knowles, Emily Korotish, Edward Koschalk, Marjorie Langford, Rachel Langford, Selena Lehman, Jordan Lehman, Staci Lewis, Haley Lewis, Brian Loupe, Briana Lummus-Ekborg, Jacob Madison, Amanda Maifeld, Kaitlin Malakowsky, David Malinak, Sarah Manning, Katie Martes, Miles Martin, Lindsay Martinez, Taylor Martins, Shelby Marvel, Whitney Mayo, Caleb Mazzola, Tyler McCartney, Maria McCauley, Hailie McClure, Cameron McDaniel, Jobeth McKoon, Ariel McMillan, Francis McNeilly, Madison McNett, Richard Mehlbrech, Myra Menzer, Careena Meredith, Jacob Miller, Joanne Miller, David Mishin, Shannon Molesworth, Danika Morgan, Kelsey Morrison, Benjamin Murray, Joshua Murray, Brooke Myre, Christina Nagel, Nathan Nelson, Vincent Nguyen, Agutino Tien Nguyen, Eric Norman, Joseph Nowels, Erin Ormsby, Elizabeth Otis, Jamie Owen, Shelby Pace, Allison Paparella, Thomas Patton, Stephanie Pendleton, Kaitlyn Pentico, Paul Perham, Brooke Petersen, Ryan Peterson, Lauren Phillips, Jeffry Pope, Chase Powell, Wyatt Price, Jessica Prouty, Dana Prussack, Kayla Quass, Christin Quinn, Alex Quinnett, Lonnie Quirk, Jessica Rabe, Kaitlyn Ranf, Lindsey Rantzow, Dalton Reilly, Kendra Reilly, Margaret Richerson, Michelle Ries, Hannah Robb, Ana Rockstrom, Katie Rolli, Danielle Romero, Haley Romney, Paige Salveti, Jordan Sampilo, Alicia Schimanski, Michael Schrandt, Zachery Schultz, Justin Schultz, Janelle Schweitzer, Elizabeth Seagrave, Hannah Seagrave, Matthew Seeman, Courtney Setter, Jessica Sharpe, Hannah Shawen, Kendra Sherrill, Angela Shevchenko, Phillip Shryock, Kelsi Sibley, Lex Silvrants, Ashley Simmet, Hannah Simmons, Emily Simmons, Austin Simpson, Sara Simpson, Amanda Skogen, Acacia Smith, Adrianna Sosa, Nicolle Southwick, Brian Stamer, Shere Stapish, Tara Stauffer, Carley Stephens, Trevor Stewart, Adam Stintzi, Nathan Stranberg, Kellie Sullivan, Justin Sulya, Rachael Sutton, Moriah Svenonius, Laci Sweetland, Brittney Szoke, Connor Szott, Katherine Talbott, Jesse Taylor, Sarah Teichmer, Amy Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Hope Tran, Justin Trenter, Amber Troyer, Enna Tsiribko, Maxwell Tuttle, Margaretta Underhill, Andrew Url, Nicholas Valentine, Morgan Voelker, Kevin Volland, Gregory Waco, Robyn Wallin, Sarah Wallis, Madeleine Walsh, Toshick Watson, Chandler Watson, Shayla Weiler, Colleen Wells, Rebecca White, Kaylee Wilhelm, Elaine Williams, Michael Williams, Taylor Winebarger, Krystal Winterton, Marty Woolf, Rebecca Woollett, Rilee Yandt, Kate Yermakov, Alexander Yoseph and Alexis Zurfluh.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 23

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

Strong Leadership Common Sense Perspective ExpEriEncEd • U.S. Army Officer • Vietnam Veteran • Pastor • Former Hewlett-Packard Production Supervisor • 27 Year Career in Electronics Technology - Retired • Eagle Scout and Former Scout Leader • Co-Founder/Manager of the Chewelah Farmer’s Market Proven ED • Eagle Scout Award • Army Commendation Medal • Golden Pen Award (1998)

Higgins

PACE

City Council Pos #4 Keeping Spokane Valley a great A vote for Ed Pace means you will have place tocommitted live, work, and to you youwill and theraise a family.

Asomeone vote for Ed Pace means have

w w w . E L E C T E D“ P A C E . c o m

PRINCIPLED PRINCIPLED “I’m voting PRINCIPLED “I’m votingfor forEd EdPace Pacebecause becauseI Ibelieve believehe hecan cando dothe thejob.” job.”

-Jack Pring “I’m voting for Ed Pace because I believe he can-Jack do thePring job.”

-Jack Pring CONSISTENT CONSISTENTCONSERVATIVE CONSERVATIVE CONSISTENT CONSERVATIVE “I“I think ininSpokane thinkeveryone everyone SpokaneValley Valley has has had had enough enough of of

people giving lip totobeing aaconservative.

Ed “I think everyone in Spokane Valley has had enough of people giving lipservice service being conservative.

Edlives lives and breathes conservative principles and people givinghis lip to being a conservative.

Ed vote lives and breathes his service conservative principles and will will vote accordingly.”

-Rob and breathes his conservative principles and willChase vote Chase accordingly.”

-Rob accordingly.”

-Rob Chase

SERVANT SERVANTLEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP SERVANT LEADERSHIP “Ed’s “Ed’sdesire desireto toserve serveas asour ourcity citycouncilman councilmanisis aa natural natural

“Ed’s desire serve as our city councilman is a natural continuance ofofto his deep commitment to solve continuance his deep commitment tohelp helppeople people solve continuance hishis deep commitment to help people solve problems and add strength to as problems andof add his strength totheirs, theirs, as he he did did as as aa problems and add his strength to theirs, as he did as IaI soldier, soldier,Boy BoyScout Scoutleader leaderand andas asaaminister. minister. This Thisisisaaman man soldier, Boy Scout leader and as a minister.

This is a man I trust trusttotoseek seektruth truthininkindness kindnessand andact actininstrength.” strength.” trust to seek truth in kindness and act in strength.”

-Mary Pollard -MaryPollard -Mary Pollard

right priorities: jobs,to public well someone committed you safety, and the maintained and asafety, completed right priorities:roads, jobs, public well Amaintained vote forStreet Ed roads, Pace means you will have Sullivan Bridge.

It also means you and a completed someone committed you means and ofthe will have a Bridge. staunchto the Sullivan Street It supporter also you will have a staunch supporter of well the Constitution, private property rights and right priorities: jobs, public safety, Constitution, private property rights andno family values.

Also, no adeals and maintained roads, and completed family values.Bridge.

Also, deals and arms. no compromises on the no tomeans bear Sullivan Street Itright also you compromises on the right to bearofarms. will have a staunch supporter the Constitution, private property rights and family values. Also, no deals and no compromises on the right to bear arms.

-Ed Pace

“

“ IT’S

Ed and Thuan Pace Ed and Thuan Pace

Ed and Thuan Pace

W W W. E L E C T E D PA C E . C O M

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The Current

24 • AUGUST 2013

Freeman High principal transitions to Newport

COMMUNITY

By Aubrey Weber

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

After six years as principal at Freeman High School, Dave Smith will be leaving the community to accept the position of superintendent for the Newport School District.

The switch, he said, will allow him to be involved in all aspects of the district while working with more schools and more students.

Prior to his position at the high school, Smith served as Freeman Elementary principal and special education director.

Prior to that, he taught at Horizon Middle School for four years.

“I really enjoyed working with the staff and students at the high school,” Smith said. “FHS really has a tremendous staff, and they really care about the students and each other. … As principal, I always felt our students were getting a great education and were being taken care of.”

Faculty, staff and parents point to a unique sense of care, consideration and leadership that Smith brought as well as a can-do attitude and passion for the job that will be missed.

“It became apparent to me very early on that he strives to hold each and every student to the same high standard that he holds his own sons to,” Freeman Parent Teacher Student Association President Lisa Paternoster said. “I think he’s blessed with a servant’s heart.”

Paternoster worked closely with Smith during the past academic year to expand the role of the PTSA in the district to include FHS, which was deemed a huge success.

“Newport is gaining a competent administrator who is an effective listener with the leadership skills needed to effect change,” Paternoster said.

Being principal of the high school for six years taught Smith how to be proficient in problem solving and multi-tasking, two valuable skills that have come in handy for the busy school administrator.

Aside from his day job, he is a husband, father of four boys and is also working on finishing his doctorate in educational

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Smith family includes, clockwise from back left, Wyatt, Melissa, Otis, Dave, Tug and Bear. leadership.

To be successful, it was important for Smith to recognize the many facets of high school life that happen outside of the classroom, he said.

Smith’s favorite aspect of working at Freeman was getting to know the kids each year. On any given day of the week, he could be found walking through the halls, visiting classrooms and talking with students.

He credits the students for making his job easy and fun and said the most rewarding experience was watching each class graduate. His oldest son, Wyatt, graduated this spring.

“I was truly blessed to be a part of that school district for the past ten years, and I really have some great friendships out there,” Smith said. “I feel like I am leaving more than just a job.”

Smith heard about the opening in Newport from a friend who lives in the community. He was not looking to change jobs, but the opportunity to move back to the place he grew up was one he felt he could not pass up.

A conversation with his wife, Melissa, solidified the decision to apply. He accepted the job on June 26 and was in Newport five days later.

“Dave is an excellent choice,” Freeman Superintendent Randy Russell said. “He has provided excellent leadership in Freeman

See PRINCIPAL, page 25

DAVE SMITH Hometown Newport

Years of service in Freeman School District 10

Family Wife, Melissa; sons, Wyatt (2013 FHS graduate), Otis, Tug and Bear

Favorite memory at Freeman Working with and getting to know students

Most rewarding experience at Freeman Seeing the students graduate

IF YOU GO ...

Going-away party What: A farewell party for the family of longtime Freeman High School Principal Dave Smith.

When: 7 p.m. Aug. 4 Where: Freeman Elementary School playground, 14917 S. Jackson Road Hosted by: Freeman Parent Teacher Student Association Bring: Friends are asked to bring a dessert to share, and the PTSA will provide beverages and utensils.

Former Freeman High School Principal Dave Smith announces the “Student of the Month” awards for September 2012. Smith is leaving Freeman to become superintendent of his hometown Newport School District.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 25

COMMUNITY

Eye on the Valley: Spokane Valley Mall area Recognize the photos, win a prize

photos are taken of?

The following 12 photos were taken in the Spokane Valley Mall area, near Indiana Avenue between Sullivan and Evergreen roads. Do you know what these

Submit the correct answers (or the highest number of correct answers) by Aug. 15, and you can win a $20 gift card to a Spokane Valley business of your

choice located in the contest area. In case of a tie, a drawing will be held to determine the winner.

To participate, submit your answers

by Facebook message at www.facebook.

1

2

3

5

6

7

9

PRINCIPAL Continued from page 24

for 10 years, and his focus on relationships, rigor and relevance will help the Newport School District immediately.”

Russell added that the experiences Smith has had over the course of his career as a teacher, coach and administrator will only help him in his new role.

Smith acknowledges that challenges will arise with the territory of a new job, but his competence and leadership experience has him looking forward to starting this next chapter in life.

10 During the first 90 days as Newport Superintendent, Smith will be observing and listening to the needs and concerns of the faculty and families in the district. He will also work closely with staff members on implementing new teacher and principal evaluation processes and instructional frameworks.

“Each school district is unique, so I will be learning,” Smith said.

Smith and his family are in the process of moving to Newport this summer, and his kids will be switching schools in the fall. He anticipates that his new title will bring drastic but exciting changes to all of their lives.

“We are looking forward to the new ad-

com/valleycurrent or email them to editor@valleycurrent.com. An answer key will be posted to The Current’s Facebook page on Aug. 16.

Current photos by Brenna Holland

4

8

12

11 venture,” Smith said. “Because I grew up in Newport and know so many people that still live here, I could not think of a better way to transition into a new job and community.”

Smith’s colleagues in Freeman are sad to watch him go but look forward to seeing what improvements he brings to the Newport School District in the near future.

“We are very proud of him and wish him the best of luck,” Russell said.

Jim Straw, the principal at Freeman Middle School, was recently chosen to move up to the high school and fill Smith’s position, Russell said.

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BUSINESS

26 • AUGUST 2013

The Current

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The BBQ pulled pork nachos at Spitfire have a special place in columnist Craig Swanson’s heart ... er ... belly.

Bellying up to the Valley’s best BBQ

Spitfire, Charlie P’s battle as top contenders

By Craig Swanson

SPOKANE VALLEY SCOOP

Perhaps the most honest survey of the year lands on Father’s Day. There is only one judge, but he is honest and true. On this one day of the year, I can eat anywhere that I choose.

By early afternoon, I had not eaten anything more than a couple of tasty malt balls from the quart gallon Whoppers box one of the kids gave me. I asked her to stop giving me such presents as they are helping to turn my belly into a whopper.

Actually, it was this whopper of a belly I’d been working on for many years that was conducting the survey. While it always leads out in front, it does not always get to choose which way we head.

But on Father’s Day, my belly gets to eat wherever it chooses, and the only thing my head has to do with the course of culinary events is to try and help stave off consumption for as long as possible. After all, a hollow, howling belly is the most pure and unbiased judge. A belly is like a baby in that when it is hungry it is quite focused and just wants what it wants. Unfortunately, some bellies also act like babies in that they seem to grow on a daily

basis whether you like it or not, and they are never as cute as when they were little.

I live near Alki and Bowdish, the center of the Valley (the gut, you might say), and I can head out in any direction. All four winds blow wonderful scents toward me, but this year my tummy tugged me to the west. In that direction lies Charlie P’s, which I have for years claimed to be the most delicious spot in the Valley. I love just two types of food: seafood and barbecue, both of which Charlie P’s dishes out in an array of delectable varieties.

There is a worthy argument to be made that the seafood calzone on Charlie P’s menu is Spokane’s most indulgent sin.

It is one that I have too often committed. Charlie’s seafood omelet itself has the power to suck my belly down there, and as the hunger grew, I dared not start thinking about their seafood fettuccini, which might be the best I have ever eaten.

Then there is the smoke-pit barbecue which has far too often lured me astray like the sirens and Odysseus. I normally try to eat alone when I order the barbecue since I dine spellbound and cannot think of anything but the alluring food before me. But recently, I have become aware of a new bastion of barbecue, the Spitfire Pub and Eatery at 6520 E. Trent Ave. While I thought my belly might first lead me to Charlie P’s for the $5 two-rib-

and-fries happy hour special, I began to lean a bit further west for my Father’s Day feast. Barbecue, I realize, is a very personal area of each man’s life, and I do not want to step on any tongues here, but to my increasingly boisterous belly, the Spitfire is Charlie P’s greatest rival, and for this day appeared to be the likely victor.

This place is so into barbecue it has barbecue pulled pork nachos and tacos.

The sauce is so good they could serve it as syrup for waffles. The only drawback with the Spitfire is it is a neighborhood bar that is a tad short on the atmosphere.

If only it looked as good as it smells. As for myself, I keep intending to do takeout, but I can never imagine holding out long enough to get it home.

Earlier this year, The Spokesman-Review did a barbecue survey that cast its reach all the way to Coeur d’Alene and up north to Wandermere and downtown. Nine places were featured, with Smokie’s Log Cabin BBQ Drive-Thru at Trent and Freya coming out on top. My belly took umbrage to this outrageous outcome. Only two Valley venues were mentioned in this survey, the Longhorn and O’Doherty’s, both good friends to my belly. But to leave off Charlie P’s and the Spitfire? My stomach did more than growl over that; it roared.

Not to take away from the noble efforts of these other purveyors of heavenly

cooked meats, but leaving off Charlie P’s and the Spitfire from a Spokane survey of sumptuous barbecue is like leaving off Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds on list of baseball’s biggest batters, which would be balderdash at best. They should not only be included in any survey, they should be at the tippy-top.

But I must stop writing. My tummy can’t take it any longer. Father’s Day or any day, my belly is, after all, a big baby.

Craig Swanson and his wife, Elaine, operate a blog and newsletter called the Spokane Valley Scoop, where a version of this article originally appeared. A graduate of University High School, Craig is a lifetime resident of Spokane Valley. The Spokane Valley Scoop can be read online at spokanevalleyscoop.wordpress.com.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 27

BUSINESS

Biz Notes Credit Union constructing Valley location United Health Services Credit Union will expand into Spokane Valley. The financial institution announced last month plans to construct a 3,700-square-foot fullservice branch at 16402 E. Sprague Ave. United Health currently operates two other branches in Spokane.

Interim CEO at Valley Hospital Tim Moran is serving as interim CEO as Valley Hospital searches for a new, longterm replacement for Dennis Barts, who resigned earlier this summer to take a similar position in Colorado, Valley Hospital Marketing Specialist Diane Cendana said.

Moran has served elsewhere in similar roles for Valley Hospital’s parent company, Community Health Systems.

Clark’s opens second location Clark’s Tire and Automotive is now open at 17204 E. Sprague, a second location just down the street from the local business’ main location at 16010 E. Sprague Ave. “We wanted to be able to serve our customers faster,” Owner Chris Clark said.

“Having additional work bays and mechanics will enable us to be far more efficient.”

The new location employs five full-time employees to perform regular maintenance and heavy mechanical work, Clark said.

Baton passes at Golden Rule Brake Longtime local family business Golden Rule Brake is changing ownership from father to son. Founded in 1954, the business is now passing to the third generation as Dallas Low takes the torch from father Jerry Low. Golden Rule Brake has three locations in the Spokane area, including 815 N. Pines Road in the Valley.

Healthcare Training Center relocates to Valley Healthcare Training Center is relocating to the Valley Professional Building, 112 N. University, Suite 102, in Spokane Valley. The move will accommodate future student growth and provide a larger in-facility lab to enhance learning.

Founded in 2007, the center educates certified nursing assistants who commonly work in a wide variety of settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, adult family homes, personal homes and assisted living facilities and act as a helpful liaison between the RN or LPN and the patient.

Did your business recently open, receive recognition or experience some other noteworthy milestone? What about a new hire or promotion? Submit the information to Biz Notes at editor@valleycurrent.com.

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28 • AUGUST 2013

COVER STORY

The Current

ALUMINUM 101 Fast facts about a marvelous metal • Hans Christian Oersted of Denmark is credited with the discovery of aluminum in 1825.

• In the 1850s, aluminum was considered more valuable than gold.

• Manufacturing a metric ton of aluminum requires three times more energy than the production of a metric ton of steel.

• Unlike some metals, aluminum has no odor.

• Of all the metals, only iron is utilized more widely than aluminum.

• A car made from aluminum is 24 percent lighter that a vehicle made of steel.

• Some of the outer casings of consumer electronics, including the MacBook Pro, are made from aluminum.

• Aluminum is 100 percent recyclable and requires only 5 percent of the energy used to produce the metal.

• A number of countries, including France, Finland, Poland and Romania, have issued aluminum coins.

• More than half of the aluminum products in the world have been processed by casting systems manufactured by Wagstaff Inc., based in Spokane Valley.

Wagstaff establishes worldwide presence from Spokane Valley hub

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

To provide a little perspective on the impact of Wagstaff Inc. in its respective field, it might help to draw a few historical parallels: What Ford was to the automobile, what Microsoft is to computer software, Wagstaff Inc. has been to the world of aluminum casting.

Stadium seats, airplane components, pop cans, window frames, bicycles — if it’s made of aluminum, there is reasonable chance a Wagstaff casting system was involved in the production process. Yet most folks in the company’s own backyard likely could not tell you the location of a Wagstaff central office featuring the bulk of a manufacturing operation with a reach throughout the world.

Mike Niccolls began working for Wagstaff Inc. in 1990, a decade after the company moved to its headquarters on North Flora Road in the Spokane Business and Industrial Park. The sprawling site covers 138,000 square feet.

“It’s remarkable because in Spokane people know of the name because so many people have worked here, but hardly anyone knows what the company does,” Niccolls said. “When I was working on the aluminum side, I would go to Europe or South America and people know who you are. I

machining business.

would say that we are better known worldwide than we are here. The product is so good that the market has demanded it.”

With customers in 58 countries, Wagstaff has commercial offices in Russia, Dubai and Germany. A pair of service centers — one in Hebron, Ky., the other in Qingdao, China — provide equipment rehabilitation and technical assistance, while 13 countries include Wagstaff contacts that supply technical and commercial support.

The broad coverage assures quick response worldwide, even though more than 300 of the company’s 376 employees are based in Spokane Valley.

“It’s a 24-hour operation,” said Turina McClelland, Wagstaff ’s marketing and communications specialist. “We have technical people all over the world in places like Australia, Europe, China, Malaysia.

They can get on a plane and be at a customer’s site in a few hours if they need to.”

The roots of Wagstaff go back to a humble patch of property in Spokane Valley shortly after World War II. Working in a converted machine shop attached to his home, George Wagstaff toiled away on a Century Model B lathe, making parts for nearby McIlvanie Machine Works. When his workday was done, George reported to the night shift at Trentwood Aluminum.

In time, he saved enough money to buy a second lathe and concentrate solely on his

The full-time operation grew over the years and, by 1958, George moved the enterprise into a new building in Spokane Valley. By that time, George’s oldest son, Bill, had brought his expertise — which included a mechanical engineering degree — to the family business.

Eventually, representatives from the area’s best known manufac-

turer, Kaiser Aluminum, dropped by the machine shop to see if George and company could make a specialized part. The inquiry and subsequent work formed the foundation for Wagstaff ’s pioneering efforts in the aluminum industry.

“They started with next to nothing,” McClelland said. “They were doing different machining and custom work, depending on what industries

See ALUMINUM, page 29

CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

Launched in 1946 from a machine shop attached to George Wagstaff’s Spokane Valley home, Wagstaff Inc. has become the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminum casting systems, with customers in 58 countries.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 29

COVER STORY

ALUMINUM Continued from page 28

needed in the area. Then Kaiser called and requested that they produce a mold.

That was the turning point.”

Aluminum had been around for a while before Wagstaff but, in comparison to the history of other metals, not by much. First produced in 1825, aluminum remained a novelty for decades, being used mostly in ornamental settings. In 1886, a new process was developed for creating aluminum, leading to its use in industrial applications. Strong, lightweight and malleable, aluminum is now utilized widely in the aerospace, automotive and construction industries, among others. In the U.S. alone, the aluminum business accounts for around $40 billion each year in products and exports.

By 1962, Wagstaff engineers had developed a unique ingot mold made from a solid brick of aluminum. The creation optimized a process known as “directchill casting” and meant manufacturers could now specify ingot size and derive longer life from molds. Aluminum ingots up to 40 tons are heated and placed on a rolling mill that looks like a steam roller.

The material is then pushed back and forth until it becomes flat. Depending on its thickness, the resulting plate is transformed into a wide variety of projects, including airplane bodies, building facades or even aluminum foil.

The arrival of the direct-chill mold meant countries throughout the world were now calling the Inland Northwest to place orders with a company that had started less than 20 years earlier with one

THE OTHER SPOKANE VALLEY ALUMINUM GIANT Kaiser Aluminum was founded by Henry J. Kaiser in 1946 when he leased and eventually purchased three aluminum facilities that were used by the U.S. government during World War II, including the Trentwood facility that is visible north of Interstate 90 between the Evergreen and Pines exits.

Kaiser Aluminum grew to become involved in virtually all aspects of the aluminum industry, from mining the bauxite to fabricating the products.

Today, Kaiser focuses on developing fabricated aluminum products for major suppliers and manufacturers in the aerospace, engineering, automotive and custom industrial markets.

Source: www.kaiseraluminum.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Above: Wagstaff employees gather for the sendoff of a mammoth casting machine the company finished in Spokane Valley and shipped to the Middle East. A piece of equipment such as this one can take nine months to manufacture.

At left: Wagstaff Inc. moved into its current headquarters on North Flora Road in Spokane Valley in 1980. More than 300 of the company’s 376 employees work out of the site in the Spokane Business and Industrial Park.

CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

lathe in little more than a lean-to.

Technologies which concentrates on spe- through Community “I would say cialty machining work in the nuclear, hyColleges of Spokane In 1968, Bill’s younger brother, Frank, that we are joined the company, equipped with a dropower and renewable energy fields. “The and the new Spobetter known Ph.D. in ceramic engineering. The two Wagstaff family is great. It’s remarkable in kane Valley Tech. brothers launched a new era of research that sense. They go out of their way to take Each year, the comworldwide and development, leading to further care of employees and make sure their fami- pany infuses milthan we discoveries in casting technology. One lies are taken care of.” lions of dollars into The company’s penchant for caring goes system allowed manufacturers to proare here.” the local economy cess billets — cylinder shaped aluminum beyond its workers and into the greater through its purchase — MIKE that is extruded through a mold to make Spokane community, where it supports of raw materials and NICCOLLS, products like bicycles, window frames some 60 nonprofit causes. Wagstaff has also DIRECTOR OF and stadium seats — using less time and been integral in educational/workforce other contracts.

WAGSTAFF development p r o g r a m s resources. Again, more countries and In 2007, the TECHNOLOGIES customers came calling.

Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of “Bill and Frank really took the alumiCommerce named num work to a new level,” McClelland said. “They really invested in research Wagstaff as the top big business of the and development and hired engineers year. Kevin Person, Wagstaff CEO, and focused on the engineering and the currently serves on the chamber’s technology side of it. It’s understood business education committee. This if you need state-of-the-art casting year, the company was named an equipment, you call Wagstaff.”

AGORA award finalist for business Bill and Frank purchased the comexcellence by Greater Spokane Inc. pany from their parents in 1970. Bill “Wagstaff is an amazing success serves as president and chairman of story, ” said Eldonna Shaw, president the board and remains involved in and CEO of the Valley Chamber. high-level decisions and meetings. He “They are all over the world — it’s phealso drops by faithfully to the employee barbecue each month. nomenal — but they haven’t forgotten about the roots they have here. They genu“Bill and Frank are just very humble,” said inely care about the community.”

Niccolls, who serves as the director of Wagstaff

The Current

30 • AUGUST 2013

Highlights from your Chamber

ADVERTISING SPECIAL OF THE MONTH

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Ad reservation deadline for Sept. issues: Aug. 15 • Distributed beginning Aug. 28 • Price: $301.60 ($464 reg.)

Design services included. Only one discount may apply. Mention special to receive discount.

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR ADS TODAY! (509) 242-7752

Mission to

China March 24 to april 2, 2014

The China experience highlights activities such as: • Sightseeing in Beijing including the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, Ming Tombs, Palace Museums, Summer Palace, Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill

The Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce has been presented with an amazing opportunity to go to China! All Chamber members, their family and friends, as well as others from the community are invited to take in the sights, sounds and culture that China has to offer. Cost for the ten-day, eight-night trip is $2,300 per person.

• Trip to Shanghai and Suzhou with stops at the Lingering Gardens, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple and the National Embroidery Institute

During the day, you will have time to go sightseeing to memorable sites, both ancient and modern, and enjoy a multitude of unforgettable experiences. For professional interests, you will learn a great deal about how the Chinese business system operates and will also attend a business conference to meet with other Chamber members and Chinese business people.

• A new experience of cuisine each night

Chamber events in August

Committee Meeting, Longhorn Barbecue, 2315 N. Argonne Road.

August 1, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Mission to China Orientation Meeting, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan. RSVP to 924-4994.

August 6, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Government Action committee meeting, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission. Cost: $20 (includes lunch). Register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

August 8, 17th Annual Golf Tournament, MeadowWood Golf Course, Liberty Lake. More info and links to forms on our home page.

August 13, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., Membership Committee Meeting, Valley Chamber Business Center,1421 N. Meadowwood Lane.

August 16, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., Business Connections Breakfast, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan. Coffee and conversation at 6:30 a.m., program 7 to 8:30 a.m. Cost: $25 for members and guests, $35 non-members. Register at spokanevalleychamber.org.

August 22, noon, Transportation

Introducing Dr. Anthony Weber to the Spokane Valley Communities!

Anthony Weber, DDS graduated at the top of his class from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Magna Cum Laude with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Weber received the highest honors and maintained his name on the deans list during his four year curriculum at USC. Prior to dental school, he attended Washington State University and received Bachelor of Science degrees in both Neuroscience and Zoology. He is a graduate of Odessa High School.

• Tour of the Economic Development Zone and the Lingyin temple in Hangzhou • Boat cruise on West Lake and then a trip to the beautiful Yu Garden

Interested persons are invited to an orientation meeting 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Mirabeau Park Hotel; RSVP to 924-4994. You can also download a brochure on our home page at spokanevalleychamber.org.

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: ABM Janitorial Services Ace Production Technologies, Inc. Always Lucky Five Locksmiths Apollo Spas Combined Worksite Solutions Event Rents Fusion Web and Graphic Design Jessica Knutzen/Liberty Mutual Insurance Joel Ferris, Long Term Care Insurance Miley Brands, LLC Purrfect Logos Schneider Engineering, LLC ServiceMaster Restore of North Idaho The Central Stop Tire-Rama

I am so thankful to my aunt Sue for encouraging me along the way and I am looking forward to being a part of her team who DOZD\V SXW WKH SDWLHQWV ÀUVW - Dr. Anthony Weber

Dr. Weber was recognized by faculty and collegues by receiving senior awards in anesthesiology and endodontics. He is a member of the American Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Association of Endodontists, Academy of Osseointegration, California Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

During dental school, Dr. Weber was actively involved in community service, providing free dental care to hundreds of children and adults in the Los Angeles area, he also traveled throughout central America and Africa on numerous dental mission trips. When not treating patients, Dr. Weber values quality time with family and friends. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing, while showing his strong support for wildlife conservation.

His services include general and esthetic dentistry, oral surgery, intraveneous sedation, implant surgery and prosthetics, endodontics, guided bone and tissue grafting, and pediatric dentistry.

Enhancing Lives with a Friendly & Professional Experience

www.DrWeishaar.com 509-922-3333

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

Dr. Sue Weishaar

Dr. Anthony Weber

I am thrilled to have Dr. Weber join our team in taking great care of our patients!

- Dr. Sue Weishaar

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 31

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32 • AUGUST 2013

Rounding third and heading home

By Chad Kimberley CURRENT COLUMN

I had forgotten how much I loved baseball until recently.

My sports life has been pretty much consumed with coaching; both the Valley Christian boys soccer program and also in my new role as the head coach of the Freeman girls basketball team. I still try to watch a Cubs game when they are on, and I follow the box scores, but beyond that I would say to some degree my baseball passion had been waning.

This all changed with a phone call. A buddy of mine needed a sub player for his co-ed softball team due to multiple injuries and wondered if I could help out. I had not regularly played softball for eight years and only played a couple of innings for a column I was writing nearly five years ago. So

Barefoot soccer tourney debuts at Pavillion Park

By Josh Johnson

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

William Miller is a businessman, a sports aficionado and a driven personality, but his decision to start a barefoot soccer tournament originated more through raising daughters and a mission trip to Costa Rica.

Miller was in the Central American country in February with a group from Valley Assembly of God Church. He brought with him donated soccer stuff — cleats, balls, etc.

“That soccer ball was their prized possession,” he said. “I had all kinds of soccer shoes and stuff; they didn’t care about those.

They would play on gravel with ripped-up shoes.”

But the balls, Miller said, were the can’t-

SPORTS

The Current

While I was having my Hallmark moment flashback, my team failed to score and I jogged back out to left field for the next inning — an inning that seemed to go on forever.

Our team had a multitude of errors combined with the other team’s ability to seemingly place the ball wherever they wanted, resulting in a carousel of runners making their way around the bases at a steady pace.

This is another reason I love baseball. Not to get pounded and give up a bunch of runs, but that there is no clock on the game. A game can go on for 20 innings, can finish 22-19, or be a nice and tidy 1-0 game wrapped up in under two hours.

Nearly every other sport, you know roughly when it will finish. Professional football has four quarters that are 15 minutes long, high school basketball has four quarters that are 8 minutes each, a soccer match will play for 90 minutes, and a NASCAR race will finish when the 200th lap is completed. But not baseball.

When I was a kid, it is what helped me to fall in love with the game. There wasn’t a clock pressuring you all the time. All you focused on was getting three outs while on defense or avoiding three outs when up to bat.

My favorite nights as a kid growing up in Iowa were when the Cubs were on the West Coast and the game would start at 9 p.m. I would sneak downstairs with my arms full of baseball cards and hope the game would go extra innings so I could stay up all night.

My softball team finally managed to squeeze three outs from our opposition and return to the dugout for a respite from the 95 degree weather. The next couple of innings went along similar to the first. We would give up a few runs and fail to cross the plate ourselves. The bottom of the fifth inning gave me a chance at my second at

bat. We had a runner on first and the defense had a right fielder playing fairly shallow. I knew what I wanted to do.

I hit a solid drive into right that the outfielder was not going to grab as it headed to the wall. The old baseball instincts kicked in. I hit first base with my inside foot and made a hard turn towards second, nearing second I picked up my third base coach who was waving his arm so I headed toward third. Close to third I started catching up with the girl who was on first base and we both made the turn and headed for home.

I imagined one of those made-for-Hollywood moments where she slides safely towards the left side of home plate while I dive for the right side and the catcher misses us both. Thankfully reality and not Hollywood occurred, and we both scored standing up — thus keeping me from an urgent care visit. The runs did not help us win; in fact, the game ended shortly after via the mercy rule, but it was that simple run around the bases and subsequent need for oxygen that rekindled an old love.

My team lost that first game but picked up a win in the second game. I had a couple more hits and a couple less errors and was admittedly a bit sad when it was time to pack up and head home. Then the coach asked me a question. He said they would still be short one guy next week, and would I like to play a couple more games.

I answered before he finished his question.

played soccer, so I’ve play-without combeen around it for modity, and most IF YOU GO ...

20 years,” he said. he saw in Costa Rica “Playing at home were tattered and 2013 Barefoot 3v3 Soccer Festival with cleats on, one flat.

Aug. 17 and 18 of them would often Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake In particular, get hurt — usually Miller recalled givDivisions: Brackets are available for the younger ones. ing a new ball to a U9-U15, high schools and adults. Cost I would say, ‘Guys, boy named Leo, who come on, play bareis $150 per team and includes a T-shirt attended a chapel foot.’” for each participant as well as champiservice in Los Guionship T-shirts for winners.

When they took dos, Costa Rica. their Dad’s advice, For more or to register: Search for “He was carryan interesting thing “Barefoot 3v3 Soccer” on Facebook or ing a ball ripped to happened. visit www.barefoot3v3.com. Registration shreds, kind of half “They played betcloses soon. flat,” Miller said. “I ter soccer,” Miller tried to get that ball said. “They dribbled from him, and he better, controlled the play better. I’m like, wouldn’t give it to me. He left carrying two ‘This is good for them.’” soccer balls — one new one, one old one.”

With a boost of support and encourageThe experience was the needed push for ment from Liberty Lake City Council memMiller to get serious about an idea he had ber Josh Beckett, Miller said the idea came been considering for a few years — putting together quickly to hold the tournament on a barefoot soccer tournament.

Aug. 17-18 at Pavillion Park. Local friends “I’ve got all daughters, and they all Chaz Valdez, Rik Robles and Mike Cousins

are helping Miller make the tourney happen, and a partnership with Hoopfest to beta test software for bracketing 16-team, double elimination tournaments is also giving the inaugural Barefoot 3v3 a boost.

The event isn’t associated with any particular soccer club, and special “One World Futbols” have been purchased to be utilized at the event. The balls don’t have a bladder in them, so they don’t go flat. Miller compares the material they are made out of to Crocs shoes, providing a “foamier, softer” but with the same weight as a normal soccer ball.

He said the balls are great for bare feet, but even better for use in countries like Costa Rica, where all the balls will be donated following the tournament.

“Across the world, all these kids grow up playing barefoot soccer,” Miller said.

The plan is to turn a Liberty Lake tournament on well-manicured grass into an annual way to give kids like Leo the epitome of prized possessions — a futbol that doesn’t go flat.

of course I said yes.

My first at bat made me question why I said yes. I wanted to impress these new folks I had just met and atone for the error I had already made in the field on an easy fly ball that refused to stay in my mitt. I remembered the advice one of my earliest coaches who always encouraged us to take the first pitch of the game we see to help settle the nerves. I took the first pitch: strike. The second pitch I imagined I would rip into the left-center gap and cruise into second for a double.

I grounded out to the pitcher.

As I dejectedly headed back to the dugout, I started questioning again why I was playing. With one bad knee, two cruddy ankles and nine teammates questioning my buddy’s choice to have me help, I was thinking that this evening might have been better spent at home with the family versus public embarrassment.

I grabbed a seat in the dugout as my teammates tried to get a bit of a rally started, and I simply stared at the field. It was beautiful.

It reminded me of the first time I went to Wrigley Field in Chicago. I walked up the concourse into a bright and perfect summer day. I smelled the grass, I saw the ivy on the outfield wall and I observed the brown dirt formed into a perfect diamond with pristine white bases marking each corner.

I remembered how I loved to run those bases as a kid. I loved to slide into that dirt.

In fact, anytime I had a Little League game where I didn’t get dirty, I made a point to slide into the bases after the game just so I wouldn’t go home clean. I loved trying to stretch a single into a double and a double into a triple — crunching around the bases and being sure to hit the base with the inside foot as I cut the corner tight.

Current sports columnist Chad Kimberley is a teacher at Valley Christian School, where he also coaches boys soccer. He was also recently named the girls basketball coach at Freeman High School. He lives in Liberty Lake.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 33

SPORTS

Standout teams, players line memory after decades covering Valley

By Mike Vlahovich CURRENT COLUMN

The subject was broached over coffee. As the Methuselah of prep sportswriters, why not try and carve a molehill out of a mountain and pick the best of Spokane Valley’s athletes of all time.

The idea was intriguing but onerous considering the first group I covered for the Spokane Valley Herald is already, or about to be, on social security.

More than half of my 44-plus years reporting on high school sports were at the Herald, where local high school sports was king.

Assuming 50 seniors a year each on the various teams from Central Valley, East Valley, University and West Valley, I’ve watched at least 10,000 athletes and likely as many games.

Not one to shy from a challenge, over the course of the next few months and picking the brains of others, I’ll take a stab at it.

The emphasis will primarily focus, I suspect, from late 1968 (I missed witnessing CV’s March state basketball title) when I wasn’t much older than the athletes I was covering, into fall of 1992 when I moved to The Spokesman-Review.

Covering the entire city ended much of the intimacy developed while covering just four schools and hanging around the halls getting to know athletes off the field.

Fresh from Vietnam and back from a trip to the Mexico City Olympics, I began the final two weeks of that football season where I quickly learned a lesson that has stuck throughout my career — hell hath no fury like a school perceivably scorned.

West Valley had beaten then-

rival Central Valley to win — or at least share — the old Border League football title. Innocently, my photographer and I planned an “inside the locker room” photo essay, choosing the Eagles since they were atop the league. It ran the week soon-to-be rival East Valley, fresh up from Class A, upset WV in the rain, and a furor arose at the perceived slight: Too many pictures of WV, too little story about the seminal victory. I came to understand that fans in opposing stands view a game differently, and it has reflected in my writing.

That’s probably why during 24 years at the Valley Herald, every school accused me of bias. We were the CV Herald at WV; I was Vaholo-Titan at CV. EV complained that I favored WV, but a Knight once said, in effect, he knew I liked them best.

In reality, I savored watching the athletes play the games, and what sticks out most about that rookie year was West Valley’s Gary Martz.

A case could be made that he was the most talented athlete to come out of the Valley and his own worst enemy. He quarterbacked the Eagles to the Border League title share, led them past three City League schools in succession to reach the 4A basketball regional (the equivalent of state) and pitched and batted them past Rogers for Spokane’s district baseball title before there was state. He went on to have a cup of coffee with the Kansas City Royals before petulance did him in.

He was one of countless players I’ve covered and befriended who were stars before they became stars — college athletes and pros. My belief is that anyone that young, the public face of their high schools willing to risk failure as well as savor success in the arena deserves all the ink they get.

My favorites are those who seem to rise to the moment.

Take University’s Ray Erick-

sen, an athlete who later quarterbacked at Eastern Washington.

He was a basketball steals and assists man who set season and three-year career school records.

What caused controversy was my naming him my All-Valley basketball team MVP in 1970 over CV’s high scoring Sam Brasch, who later starred at Whitworth and became a successful coach.

My logic? In the four games the Titans played against their rival, Ericksen was at his best. He became a scorer, and they won three times, beating the Bears for the district title.

Obviously, Bear partisans didn’t agree.

Consider Valley schools success and you understand picking the absolute best is impossible.

All four have won team state wrestling titles (University has three), and the list of individual winners approaches 50 — three Titans with three apiece, Tommy and Brian Owen and Andy Roberts. Among them, three Roberts brothers — Kevin and Dusty the others — combined for six. While I was photographing ex-WV state champ Mike Reed win a national championship for Eastern Washington in the 1970s, he actually winked at me as if to say “watch this” — pinning a foe he had toyed with.

Three of the schools have won state football crowns, West Valley the first in 1976 followed by East Valley in 1981 with Terry Shillam, who went on to Montana, among the stars. And who can forget the dominance of the Bears Tyree Clowe (also a state wrestling champ as an afterthought) and Will Beck during their 1997 title run? Three schools have five state track titles between them and a wealth of cross country championships among the four.

West Valley won baseball and U-Hi softball.

Often, the stars came in twos, like Steve Ranniger and Bill Ames in basketball and football at U-Hi, both followed by college careers; Kevin Stocker and Mark Arland,

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Mike Vlahovich, background in Cougar hat, has covered Valley prep sports for nearly 45 years. Here he was roaming the sidelines of a game between University High School and Gonzaga Prep.

CV basketball state placers and baseball standouts. Stocker followed CV alum Bump Wills into Major League baseball as shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Often, for schools, it’s been an all-in-the-family affair. Unequaled were 13 Gannons, most having a hand in West Valley successes spanning 23 years. Steve was one of three wrestling state champions for the Eagles team winners in 1972.

I covered several 7-foot high jumpers, including CV’s Brent Harken, who nearly made the Olympics, and U-Hi’s Brad Walker, currently the top pole vaulter in the U.S. Mike Shill, a football stud and 64-foot-plus shotputter, won all three weight throws and helped EV win state track and field. I saw West Valley’s Vinnie Pecht hurl the discus more than 200 feet. The list goes on.

Camera in hand, I shot the infancy of Title IX that later produced three CV girls titles and one at West Valley. CV’s Emily Westerberg was an eventual Ari-

zona State star. There were U-Hi’s Bjorklund sisters — Jami, later Gonzaga University, and Angie, at Tennessee.

There’ll be more on women’s sports in a future Current story.

I’ve covered two generations of families over the nearly 45 years.

The pleasure has been all mine.

Mike Vlahovich is a longtime prep sportswriter who spent his career working for the Spokane Valley Herald and SpokesmanReview. He continues to work as a contributor to several local publications. He lives in Spokane Valley.

There are six of us.

There are 100,000 of you.

Submit story ideas, pictures, rants or can’t-miss Valleyfest food vendors: editor@ valleycurrent.com

The Current

34 • AUGUST 2013

introducing ...

2014 Greater Spokane Valley Business & Community Directory

What is it?

Trusted business directory + showroom for the community = One Valley

What continues?

Long published by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Directory has always been a trusted source for connecting the community with preferred local businesses and businesspeople.

What’s new?

Rebranded as “One Valley,” this reimagined publication is like a yearbook for the greater Spokane Valley community. One Valley will now highlight and serve as a resource for what we love about the community with loads of custom content, including features about recreation, education, history, snapshots of our local cities and much more.

Why?

By the Valley, for the Valley, this annual publication is truly a celebration of our community and our shared identity. If you identify your business as a member of the greater Valley community, you’ll want to be a part of One Valley.

Sample cover.

Actual image and cover verb iage may

Market your greater Spokane Valley business ...

Sample Rolodex Listings Page Valley Business & Community Directory

94 21 —A—

ADAMS, BIJAY ............................509-922-5443 General Manager Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District bijay@libertylake.org www.libertylake.org “Serving people and the environment” Aden, Stephanie ........................................................509-455-4448 DCI Engineers AGEE, MARK ..............................................................509-496-5900 Pamiris 509-232-7000 (fax) www.pamaris.com Agnew, Tom ................................................................509-255-6686 Agnew Consulting

Allan, Mike ...................................................................509-624-8848 Hagadone Directories, Inc.

ALLEN, STEVE ...........................................................509-891-2258 Clinic Director Therapeutic Associates – Liberty Lake Physical Therapy libertylakept@taiweb.com

Dine-In • carry out • Delivery | Pizza • Pasta • Soup • Sandwiches • Beer & Wine Join us for our

All you cAn eAt lunch Buffet

ASHLEY, SUSAN.........................509-928-6700 Physician, Medical Director Family Medicine Liberty Lake Also Healthy Living Liberty Lake Alternate phone: 509-924-6199 Healthcare of the whole family, with a unique holistic and traditional approach to medicine

Pizza, Soda & Salad

fIve BIg Screen tvS SuNdAy TickeT — WATcH All NFl GAmeS!

(509) 922-6322

Atha, Kathy ..................................................................509-532-3186 WorkSource Spokane Azar, Cyrus ...................................................................509-999-6637 Cyrus Azar Azevedo, Jody ............................................................509-535-7613 Numerica Credit Union

—B—

/rivercitypizzaandpasta

4707 N. Harvard Rd. Otis Orchards, WA

www.rivercitypizza.com

Plumbing ▼See below | 509-926-5610 | 509-954-7004

Jerry’s PluMbing

Bailey, Bob ...................................................................509-241-1322 My Custom I.T. Bailey, Ryan .................................................................509-220-9469 PayChex Payroll & HR Benefits

REPAIR & REMODEL

BAKER, BARRY ...........................509-535-3668 President & CEO Baker Construction & Development Inc www.bakerconstruct.com Providing superior construction services for over 60 years!

SINCE 1987

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Spokane

954-7004 926-5610

Ama, Jennipher .........................................................509-326-5525 Family First Senior Care

Baker, Daniel ...............................................................509-315-4007 WKA Innovations Inc

Ambacher, Craig ........................................................509-475-8317 Craig Ambacher Insurance

Baker, Michael ............................................................509-928-4540 Modern Electric Water Co.

Anderson, Mark .........................................................509-995-5844 Business Cents LLC

Baldwin, John .............................................................509-891-2339 Ace Landscape & Maintenace

Peak Plumbing LLC Roto-Rooter Plumbing Service

Spokane Valley

Anderson, Sara...........................................................509-924-5300 Anderson Ink

Ballard, Chris ...............................................................509-242-7857 Pacific Northwest Print & Fulfillment Inc

Preschools (see childcare & education)

Balo, Laurie ..................................................................509-847-0300 ResCare HomeCare

Pond services

Anglin, Bill....................................................................509-991-0269 Sherlock Homes Inspection Services

Barajas, Carla...............................................................509-228-9661 Azteca Mexican Restaurant

Antles, Darcy...............................................................509-484-2345 Comfort Keepers

Barber, Pamela ...........................................................509-534-9460 Barber Engineering Company

Arger, Greg ..................................................................509-926-5311 G. Arger Co. Real Estate, Inc

Barrett, Bart .................................................................509-532-8888 Carrington College

Crown Media & Printing the uPs store

Arger, Prokey ..............................................................509-922-3100 Evergreen Fountains, LLC

Bartleson, Sue ............................................................509-924-5050 Appleway Florist & Greenhouse, Inc.

Produce

Armstrong, Jason ......................................................509-720-6984 CruiseOne

Barts, Dennis (FACHE) ..............................................509-473-5000 Valley Hospital

notes

WA JERRYP138NO • ID 001154

23815 E Sinto Ave | Liberty Lake WA 99019 | 509-927-7325 Liberty Lake WA 99019 | 509-255-6569

Andreason, Nichole..................................................509-443-4005 Bike Hub, The

the fish guys, inC.

• Basement Bathrooms • New Construction • Water Heaters • Additions • Toilets • Kitchen & Bath Remodel • Troubleshooting • Mobile Homes • Gas Piping • Faucets

Liberty Lake WA 99019 | 509-879-3474

Aquarium & Pond Services • Professional, Dependable, Experienced for over 20 years • “We do all the dirty work for you!”

Printing

AC Starr Farms Carver Farms Fresh Start Produce

AL

Alsaker, Dan ................................................................509-534-1502 Broadway Truck Service, Inc.

99019 | 509-926-7272 1330 N Liberty Lake Rd | Liberty Lake WA 99019 | 509-922-8600

▼See below | www.rivercitypizza.com | 4707 N Harvard Rd | Otis Orchards WA 99027 | 509-922-6322

RES IDE NTI

ALMEIDA, PAM.........................................................509-924-6976 Executive Directory GSC Meals on Wheels pama@valleymow.net

◄ See ad on page 70 |1318 N Liberty Lake Rd | Liberty Lake WA

PaPa MurPhy’s Pizza Hut river City Pizza

BUS INE SS

Allan, Rosalee .............................................................509-755-8900 Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories (PAML)

Arthur, Brenda............................................................509-624-3291 Andre-Romberg Insurance Agency, Inc. Ashcraft, Bob ..............................................................509-924-3655 Consolidated Irrigation District 19

71

Distributing throughout the Valley, Dec. 2013.

Also ask about the 15th annual Liberty Lake Community Directory.

Y

Alexy, Michelle ...........................................................509-893-0955 La Quinta Inn & Suites

Arrotta, Jeremy ..........................................................509-927-7774 Valley Auto Liquidators

Business Listings | Connecting our community Pizza (continued)

Photo: Jasm ine Emerson

COM MU NIT

Aitken, Jamie ..............................................................509-448-2000 KREM TV

Armstrong, Jim ..........................................................509-535-7274 Spokane County Conservation District

Sample Business Listings Page

change.

◄ See ad on page 70 | www.crownmediacorp.com | Liberty Lake WA 99019 | 509-315-8114

1324 N Liberty Lake Rd | Liberty Lake WA 99019 | 509-927-7878

4603 N Starr Rd | Otis Orchards WA 99027 | 509-226-1964 9105 N Idaho Rd | Newman Lake WA 99025 | 509-226-3602 21619 E Wellesley Ave | Otis Orchards WA 99027 | 509-927-8133

Be a part of

One Valley.

Call 242-7752 or email janet@ valleycurrent.com.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 35

SPORTS

A patriotic pennant race

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMES SNOOK/ SPOKANE INDIANS BASEBALL

Spokane Indians fans, players and mascots participated in the Spokane Indians 5K Pennant Run at Avista Stadium on July 4. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Wounded Warrior Project.

Local Lens Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page.

Email editor@ valleycurrent.com with game shots and team photos.

Spokane-North Spokane-North

SpokaneValley Valley Spokane

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OPINION Editorial Cartoon Three years later, Creach shooting remains tragic, conflicted story 36 • AUGUST 2013

By Craig Swanson

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

I cannot think of a newsworthy incident that has occurred in the Valley so shocking and puzzling as the deadly gunplay between Southern Baptist preacher Scott Creach and Spokane County Sheriff ’s Deputy Brian Hirzel on a hot summer night nearly three years ago.

I first heard the news on the radio the next day — Thursday, Aug. 26 — as I drove up to a light on Appleway. I was not paying close attention to the news as I turned north onto University, and so I distrusted what I thought I had heard.

How could it be true that Scott Creach, an elderly Valley man, had died at the hand of an officer of the law? I had known Creach since 1965 when he brought his wife and three small kids up from Oklahoma. He was a young man of 29, and I was a 7-year-old boy.

Even though I had seen him only occasionally since he left my family’s church at 8th and Pines to go preach at Greenacres Baptist Church six years later, Scott had ways of maintaining a presence in a lot of local lives. You might say he wove an interesting and colorful thread through the fabric of Spokane Valley life.

I remember he was running the building project when I worked on my dad’s crew putting in the foundation for the greenhouse he would be shot in front of 40 years later. He would go on to build his fledgling

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

plant-growing operation into a thriving family enterprise, The Plant Farm, on his property at 4th and Rees.

He preached the last Southern Baptist service I ever sat through 15 years ago. It also happened to be the first one had I sat through in 15 years, and I was there because he was baptizing my nephew, Trevor Clark, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost — just as he had done for hundreds of others during his 45 years as a preacher.

Far more often, I heard his mini-sermons about growing plants that aired weekly for 30 years over the same station that was now broadcasting his bizarre demise. As soon as I got home and went online, I learned that I had heard right.

I waited four weeks before I wrote about what I thought of the affair. I wrote that I found it unbelievable that the officer involved went on a pre-planned vacation the day after the shooting. It would take nearly two weeks before we learned his version of what took place the night Scott died.

He died at 11:07 p.m., to be precise, a few hours after he and his wife, Imogene, got home from a Wednesday night prayer meeting. A couple of minutes before 11:07, he heard a car pull onto his property. Through the years, The Plant Farm had endured its share of trespassing and thievery, and Scott had always policed his own property.

So once again, he got up out of bed to investigate. He put on his pants, grabbed his .45 handgun and a flashlight and then went outside, not bothering to put on a shirt. Imogene did not awaken until she heard him go out the door. She immediately glanced at the glowing clock by her bed; it read 11:06.

She got up and looked out the partially opened bedroom window but could see nothing, and she heard nothing until her husband shouted something out. His voice was silenced by a gunshot. Other ear witnesses that night also heard the gunshot.

Less than two minutes had transpired between when she awoke and the shot.

Eventually, Hirzel officially reported that while he was minding his own business filling out paperwork on his unmarked cruiser’s computer, Scott approached him with his gun drawn. He said that he told Scott 20 times to put his gun down, but Scott told him that he did not have to and instead put the gun in the waist of his pants behind his back and continued to approach.

The Current

He said he ordered Scott to drop down, met instead at Donna’s Diner in Veradale and when Scott refused he struck him on for lunch, where he filled me in on his the side of the knee with his baton. Rather family’s side of the story. than comply, Scott After learning of went for the gun bethe family’s $2 milhind his back, even lion settlement with though it was later Spokane County ABOUT THIS COLUMN determined the earlier this summer, This column is excerpted from a chamber was empty.

I met again with nearly 3,500-word blog entry posted Alan for a marathon Hirzel said he on author Craig Swanson’s Spokane lunch, this time at feared for his life Valley Scoop blog. To read it in its the Max at Mirawhen he saw Scott entirety, visit spokanevalleyscoop. beau. reach behind and wordpress.com. begin to pull out All sides have his gun. He said he shared regret that believed he had to the facts would shoot Scott before never be presented Scott shot him. That was it. That was the in court, that neither Spokane County nor whole story. Everyone in power stood be- the Creach family would air their full case hind him, from the prosecutor to his boss, in front of the public. While much has Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, to the Spokane been written about this story from all sides Police Department that conducted the in- in the media, after talking to Alan I agreed vestigation. that people should hear more of the famWhile I found parts of the story hard ily’s side, and so I had to write one more to swallow, I finally wrote my blog after it blog before putting the whole troubling seemed we had been given the whole story affair behind me and moving on. What — or as much as we were going to get for I’ve shared in this space is essentially the the time being. In addition to being mad- introduction to that piece, which can be dened by the officer’s ill-timed vacation, I read in its entirety at spokanevalleyscoop. wrote that I felt the bottom line was that wordpress.com.

Scott put himself in harm’s way that night.

I pray for God to give the Creach family His untimely death was ultimately his own the strength to also march forward, carryfault for approaching an officer with a gun ing Scott heavily in their hearts until that anywhere on his half-clad body. day he always preached about when they I posted that blog at 5 in the afternoon, meet up before “the great Judge of all the and by 10 that night, Alan Creach, Scott’s earth,” who can make the final call on this vocal son and my old friend, posted a well- tragic affair. written and thought-out comment. After I Craig Swanson is a small business owner, commented on his comment, he asked to lifetime Spokane Valley resident and blogmeet him for coffee the next morning. We ger at spokanevalleyscoop.wordpress.com.

The Current

AUGUST 2013 • 37

OPINION

Putting on an attitude of gratitude

By Ian Robertson

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

Brian Tracy said it so well: “Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”

As a boy, my “current situation” was on the east side of London during World War II. Even my school was bombed; fortunately for us, it was at 5:30 a.m. We witnessed overhead dog fights as Spitfire fighter planes shot down Nazi V-1 rockets.

Today, I am still full of gratitude for all the GIs who came through our village on their way to France to fight for freedom.

As an immigrant, I’m thankful for a Scottish employer, John Fergusson, who loaned me the money to come to the United States to continue my education.

Imagine that! Loaning someone money

to buy a one-way ticket to another continent. And I’m thankful to Dennis Ogle, a grocery store manager in Kansas City, who provided my first job within 12 hours of being in this country.

The attitude of gratitude — and the list goes on and on!

Thanks + Action = Gratitude. It’s something we do. This month, show an attitude of gratitude once a day. It’ll make your day, and others will be grateful to you.

Lost at sea, in the dark, and alone Round my neck was a heavy millstone.

You threw a lifeline And it came just in time To face issues I'd tried to postpone.

As I celebrated my 76th birthday last month, I am so grateful that I have a church and community that still provides the opportunity to serve others.

So, this month, make a list, a list of people.

Ian Robertson is pastor of Central United Methodist Church in Spokane, executive director of Shalom Ministries, and founder of Change for the Better Spokane. He received “Community Caring” and “Citizen of the Year” awards from the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. The focus of his present ministry is providing skills training and creating jobs for the homeless and disadvantaged. He wrote this column as part of a series highlighting the PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) trait of the month. The trait for August is gratitude.

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The Current

38 • AUGUST 2013

COMMUNITY Volume 2, Issue 8 EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Josh Johnson

GENERAL MANAGER

Tammy Kimberley

josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@valleycurrent.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT Janet Pier EXECUTIVE janet@valleycurrent.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR

Sarah Burk

sarah@valleycurrent.com

Sandy Johnson Mike Wiykovics

CIRCULATION

circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Christilaw, Brenna Holland, Craig Howard, Chad Kimberley, Jayne Singleton, Craig Swanson, Mike Vlahovich, Aubrey Weber On the cover: Design concept by Sarah Burk

About

The Current 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 P: 242-7752; F: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com

The Current is published monthly. It is distributed by or before the first of each month to drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake — just about anywhere that has historically been referred to as part of Spokane’s Valley.

Submitted materials Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to editor@valleycurrent.com or mail them to The Current office. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Current.

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CALENDAR Continued from page 15 Aug. 18 | Ride the Bases with Spokane Indians Lone Wolf Harley-Davison to Avista

Stadium, 602 N. Havana. This second annual ride benefits the Rypien Foundation. Rider fee is $30 which includes game ticket, T-shirt, all-youcan-eat barbecue and more. For more: www. spokaneindiansridethebases.com

Aug. 19-21 | 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: www.hubsportscenter.org

Aug. 22-24 | Red Lion Cup NAIA Volleyball Tournament 10:30 a.m. to 9:30

p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Women’s college volleyball teams challenge each other in multiple matches during the Cascade/Frontier Red Lion Challenge. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

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The Current is committed to “informing, connecting and inspiring” the Greater Spokane Valley area through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when offering your patronage.

Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships with The Current and its partner publications:

Liberty Lake

PORTAL at Mission & Molter

Aug. 24 | Millwood Daze 5K Dash 9 a.m.

Dalton and Marguerite, Millwood. Proceeds benefit Spokane Meals on Wheels. Entry fee is $20 for individual or $30 for family if registered

by Aug. 10. To register or for more: 232-0864 or mowspokane.mycustomevent.com

Aug. 24 | Disc Golf Tournament 9 a.m., Highbridge Disc Golf Course, 500 S. A Street, Spokane. Entry fee is $30 and players must preregister to guarantee their spot. Proceeds benefit Baskets for Babies, a non-profit that provides baby services and maternity items free of charge to area families in need. For more: 214-2634 or www.basketsforbabies.org Aug. 25 | Emerald City Basketball Academy Fall 2013 Tryouts 10 to 11:30 a.m.

(girls) and noon to 1:30 p.m. (boys), HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. For athletes in grades 3 through 12. For more: 206248-9730

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: 2559293 or larrywest1@live.com

Barlows Family Restaurant City of Liberty Lake Clark’s Tire and Automotive Family Medicine Liberty Lake George Gee John L. Scott Real Estate (Pam Fredrick)

Rotary in Motion Ride the Rim Early registration is due by Sept. 1 for this century and family bike ride through Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Green Bluff and Spokane Valley on Sept. 15. Cost varies depending on which of five routes you select. For more: www.rotaryinmotion.com Sports opportunities HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Multiple camps and recreational options available. For more: www.hubsportcenter.org All calendar listings were provided to or gathered

by Current staff. If you would like your event considered for the community calendar, please submit information by the 15th of the month to calendar@valleycurrent.com.

Liberty Lake EyeCare Center Liberty Lake Orthodontics STCU Sunshine Gardens

Index of advertisers

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

KiDDS Dental Liberty Lake

Following are the local advertisers in this issue of The Current.

Amaculate Housekeeping 17 AutoCraft 13 Barlows Restaurant 11 Carver Farms 14 Casey Family Dental 6 City of Spokane Valley 14 City of Spokane Valley - Permits 22 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 11 Committee to Elect Ed Pace 23 Evergreen Fountains 21 Good Samaritan Society Spokane Valley 27 Gus Johnson Ford 40

Highlands Golf Course 17 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 23 KIDDS Dental 19 KidFIT Spokane 3 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 5 North Idaho Dermatology - Stephen Craig MD 22 Northern Quest Resort & Casino 3 NW Truck Show Account 5 Paventy Orthodontics 14 Rockwood Health System 13 Ron’s Drive-Inn 5

Simonds Dental Group 2 Solmeda Solutions 14 Spokane Indians 23 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 30 SportClips Haircuts 35 STCU 5 Sunshine Gardens 7 WEISHAAR, Sue Weishaar D.D.S. 30

Church Directory 15 Service Directory 31

Of note: This thank you message was produced by The Current’s advertising team, which works its tail off on behalf of partner businesses, helping them share their messages through advertisements. This is an independent function from The Current’s editorial team, which has its own evaluation process to determine the community news stories and features it pursues. For more information about a win-win partnership that expertly markets your business to thousands of readers (while making this home-grown community newspaper possible), email advertise@valleycurrent.com. With story ideas, contact editor@valleycurrent.com.

The Current

PARTING SHOTS

AUGUST 2013 • 39

Young ace knows what it feels like ... for no one to know what it feels like And that’s to say nothing for what people might think they understand about something.

“There is a lot of false understanding and mystery around (Tourette Syndrome),” Reese Sr. said. “People don’t understand exactly what it is. Some people think it’s a mental thing. It’s not. It has no impact on his other physical or mental capacities.”

For instance, Billy is excelling on his math team and can now add equations like this to his repertoire:

By Josh Johnson

CURRENT STAFF COLUMN

My daughter scored a stuffed animal the first time she plopped two quarters into one of those claw machines. My cousin was dealt a perfect “1,500” hand the first time she played Pinochle. The Titanic sunk the first time it tested its “unsinkable” reputation.

Step aside, all. You’ve got nothing on William Reese Jr., age 10.

“Billy,” as his friends call him, buried a hole-in-one July 3 — the first time he teed up for a round of golf.

“The shot went up, hit right in front of the green, bounced once, rolled along the hill and rolled right in the hole,” recalled Dad (aka William Reese Sr.), who proceeded to go bananas. “(At first), I didn’t know it was a big deal,” Billy said.

He soon figured it out. The guy running the clubhouse at Eagle Ridge Short Course in Spokane offered an on-the-house drink, Snickers bar and Sour Patch Kids. Then Dad freelanced with a celebratory stop at Dairy Queen on the way home. That weekend, friends at Word of Life Community Church in Newman Lake offered a mixture of congratulations and jealousy.

Count Dad among them.

“I’ve never seen one in person, and I’ve been golfing for 30 years,” he said, adding that the closest he’s come was just this year, when he knocked the ball within 18 inches at No. 8 at Meadowwood.

Indeed, Reese Sr., a teacher at Shaw Middle School, estimated he plays about 30 times a year. Just for fun, let’s say he’s played 30 times a year for 30 years, or 900 rounds of golf. He would need to play 2,100 more rounds to make a hole-in-one, according to former math professor Francis Scheid of Boston University. Scheid was once hired by Golf Digest to calculate the odds of an ace, and he concluded the average golfer requires 3,000 rounds for such a feat. Or, to look at it another way, the odds of the average golfer draining a hole-inone on any given par 3 are 12,000 to 1, according to Scheid’s conclusions.

Billy can appreciate the math. He is a member of the Math is Cool team at Liberty Lake Elementary School, an A student

Tiny white ball + 67 yards + Circle 4.25 inches in diameter One shot

SUBMITTED PHOTO

William Reese Jr. retrieves his hole-in-one ball July 3 on the 67-yard hole No. 7 at Eagle Ridge Short Course in Spokane. and he attends Central Valley School District’s Able Learner program. The soon-tobe fifth-grader’s true passion is soccer. He is a member of the Spokane Shadow select team, where he is the victim of his own talents.

“I play goalkeeper,” Billy said. “I don’t like goalie, but my coach says I’m pretty good at it.”

Billy especially doesn’t like goalie when the blinking happens. The other major event of his July was learning from the family doctor that he likely has Tourette Syndrome. He is scheduled to see a neurol-

ogist to confirm the diagnosis, but the tics — for him, a sudden and repetitive winking, sniffing or shaking of his head — have slowly gotten worse the past two years.

“When I’m playing games, sometimes I do my eye tic,” Billy said. “(It may go) for five seconds, and all of a sudden a goal scores. And it’s really annoying.”

Fortunately, Reese Sr. said sports are a time the tics leave his son alone the most.

Nevertheless, whether by hitting a hole-inone or dealing with Tourette’s, Billy is getting used to experiencing things it’s hard for others to understand.

Problem solved.

Mentally fine? Check. Physically fine?

The hole-in-one speaks for itself.

The involuntary movements persist, however, and in some ways symptoms have worsened this summer, although there are good days and bad days.

Reese Sr. concedes he is still relatively new at identifying the tics for what they really are.

“We saw (Billy) doing this stuff for over two years,” he said. “We kept telling him, ‘Quit sniffing.’ We thought he had allergies at first.”

Now he understands that “quit sniffing” is akin to saying “don’t blink.”

“If you have to blink, if you try to keep your eyes open, eventually you’re going to have to blink,” Reese Sr. said. “It’s the same for him. It’s the way his brain is wired. He can’t stop it.”

Adding to Tourette Syndrome’s unpredictability, Reese Sr. said it can go away altogether, it can go dormant or it can persist throughout one’s life.

“It’s one of those things you don’t know because it’s so unique to each person,” he said.

Life is like that. You never know what may be in the cards — or the scorecards.

As Billy recalls his from July 3 at Eagle Ridge, he doesn’t sound like a first-time golfer — and that’s due less to the special score and more to a perfect perspective.

“It was like eight, seven, six, seven, eight, eight, one,” he recalled, his voice smiling over the phone. “... I have a lot of fun out there.”

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

40 • AUGUST 2013

The Current