November 2014 Current

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2 • NOVEMBER 2014

Branching out in Millwood Freeman reflects on first year as mayor after tenure on Council

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Kevin Freeman is originally from Portland, although his family roots run dense through the Inland Northwest.

His maternal grandparents hail from the Tekoa/Plummer area and migrated to the Spokane Valley in 1956, where his grandfather worked for Ideal Cement at a plant near Trent and Pines, not far from Freeman’s current residence in Millwood. Freeman’s mom and aunt both attended West Valley High School.

Summers for Freeman were spent in West Valley, where the agenda included outdoor activities, celebrating July 4 and enjoying the warm, dry weather and rural settings that contrasted with life in metropolitan Portland.

Freeman’s paternal grandfather relocated from Prosser to Portland during World War II, finding work at Kaiser as a shipbuilder.

Freeman was born in Portland in 1967 and grew up in the Rose City well before it was considered hip.

Freeman transitioned beyond Oregon after high school, studying geology at the University of Idaho. Being in Moscow meant a short drive to West Valley, where he often visited family on weekends and holidays.

When Kevin and his wife, Lisa, had an opportunity to move to the Spokane area in 1997 following the birth of their son, they began looking for a home in the greater Spokane Valley area. Freeman had been through Millwood many times but knew little about the town’s unique residential areas, rich with trees, distinguished architecture and plenty of sidewalks. The couple bought a home in Millwood and have been there ever since. They are parents to two kids who attend West Valley High School.

Freeman has grown roots in Millwood since his arrival, serving on the City Council for eight years before running for mayor last fall. He collected more than 70 percent of the vote in a win over Dennis Hamlin.

In Freeman’s tenure as mayor, the city has formed the inaugural Millwood Historic Preservation Committee, a group dedicated to honoring the character of a town that incorporated on Oct. 26, 1927, and is currently home to around 1,800 residents.

The Current

A Cup of Joe The Current caught up with Millwood’s newest mayor recently to chat about the challenges of inheriting the gavel from former Mayor Dan Mork, the continuing emphasis on trees and walkable neighborhoods throughout the city and the logistics of leading one of Spokane County’s greenest and most historic towns.

Q. A.

How did you wind up in Millwood and what do you like most about living there?

My wife and I both were looking for a different place to raise our family and we agreed that Spokane was the ideal place. When we arrived, I knew the Valley the best and began looking for a home in the Valley. We both enjoyed older homes, and when our Realtor showed us some homes in Millwood, we were hooked. We moved in and have been here for the last 17 years. I think the thing my wife and I like best about Millwood is the neighborhood feel. There is a real sense of community here. We know all of our neighbors and some of them are very good friends. We like the ability to walk down to the Rocket Bakery or the barber shop. With a sophomore and senior at West Valley High School, we also really appreciate the location of the high school.

Q: You spent eight years as a member of the City Council. How did that time prepare you for your responsibilities as mayor?

A: I think the chief thing my experience gave me is an understanding that the actions you do or don’t take today will have a definite impact on tomorrow. My experience on the council also made me understand that our citizens have a desire to remain an independent city. I learned how our city operates, how we manage our finances, resources and personnel. I also came to understand how we interact and with other local jurisdictions and agencies (the county, sheriff, fire district, library and city of Spokane Valley) and the responsibilities, contracts and commitments that come from these relationships.

Q: As mayor, you’re recognized as the spokesman of the city. What would you say are some of the most critical issues currently facing Millwood?

A: I believe the most important issues facing the city right now are those dealing with preserving or enhancing the livability of the city. Those issues dealing with parks, roads, sidewalks and parking are the projects that make our city better for our resi-

CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

Kevin Freeman spent eight years on the Millwood City Council before transitioning to the mayor’s office in January. dents, their children and those who come to patronize our local businesses. We need to continue our efforts to combat property crime and petty theft within the city.

We also must continue to work to reduce speeding, and generally the volume of traffic, by non-residents moving through our neighborhoods in order to avoid lights on Trent and Argonne.

Q: Dan Mork served for eight years before you and was part of the City Council for many years prior to that. What did you learn from him about governing in Millwood?

A: One of the most important things I learned from Dan is that it is very important to give residents an opportunity to speak and listen to their concerns. Dan’s public comment periods allowed for folks to come out to the council meetings and speak their minds and voice their concerns. By giving people a chance to talk to the city and their council, we are able to learn what issues are a priority to them. Dan was always ready to listen and take action where he could or provide an explanation as to why something was a certain way in the city. I think the people of Millwood expect this kind of openness with their government, and Dan was very effective in giving citizens a place and environment in which to express their views.

Q: Over the summer, there was a project to improve pedestrian access on Buckeye between Argonne and Bessie. Why is it important for Millwood to maintain its walkable reputation as a community and what can you tell us about similar projects down the road?

A: Because Millwood is primarily a residential community, we need to preserve and enhance the ability of our citizens to move around the city by walking or riding.

I see a number of residents walking or riding to the City Park or school fields, often with small children. We have a reputation as a family-oriented city, and safe and accessible walking and riding routes are a vital aspect of the city’s mission. We are looking to continue to provide safe parking and pedestrian access around Millwood School and the associated softball and soccer fields, particularly along Grace Avenue and Sargent Road. We are also looking at providing increased parking and access to the City Park, including improved access to the wading pool, restrooms and picnic pavilions for wheelchairs and strollers. We will also begin developing the former Great Northern Railway right-of-way, just south of the UP tracks from West Valley High School to the City Park and a walking/riding trail with an improved crossing for Argonne Road.

Q: Speaking of capital projects, you were part of the City Council during a major renovation of Argonne Road in 2009.

What did this upgrade of Millwood's main street mean for the town?

A: The Argonne Road upgrade had both positive and negative aspects for the city.

On the positive side, we were able to provide new sidewalks and enhanced on-street parking for some businesses along Argonne.

We also got a much-improved road surface for our citizens. On the negative side, I believe that the improved road surface has increased the speed and demand on Argonne

See MAYOR, page 7

The Current

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The Current

4 • NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS

In case you missed it Providence Valley surgery center gets go ahead Providence Health Services recently received approval from state regulators to bring an outpatient surgery center to Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley.

According to a press release, Providence received approval from the Washington State Department of Health for a certificate of need application to open a surgery center with four operating rooms to serve both adult and pediatric patients. Providence is in the process of hiring staff and anticipates serving patients by the end of this year.

Providence Medical Park opened north of I-90, east of Sullivan Road, in April. The facility was designed to include the surgery center, but Providence had to make its case to the state that adequate need existed to open the surgery portion of the facility.

SCLD welcomes board member The Spokane County Commissioners recently appointed Sonja Carlson to the Spokane County Library District’s Board of Trustees. She will fill the remainder of a term due to the resignation of Daniel Davis, whose term expires Dec. 31.

A graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead and Whitworth University, Carlson is the administrator of a certified public accounting firm in Spokane Valley. According to a press release, Carlson is an active community member and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the MS Society.

Carlson joins the five-member Board in establishing library district policies and overseeing finances and levies.

Ballots due Nov. 4 Ballots for the 2014 General Election were mailed mid-October by the Spokane County Elections office. Voters have until 8 p.m. Nov. 4 to return their ballots either by mail or via drop boxes, such as those located at Spokane County Library branches.

Any registered voter who did not receive a ballot can contact the Elections office at 477-2320.

Applications being accepted for SV planning commissioners The city of Spokane Valley currently has two openings on the city's planning commission. City residents with an interest and/ or training in planning, land use, transportation, capital infrastructure or building and landscape design are encouraged to apply.

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Applications are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 14.

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Jensen resigns from EV board Series of disagreements with trio of new board members led to decision

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Mitch Jensen knew there would be a shuffle on the East Valley School Board of Directors last fall when three first-time candidates claimed victories in their respective district races.

A veteran around the EVSD dais since 2007, Jensen saw longtime board colleagues Heidi Gillingham and Kerri Lunstroth defeated on the ballot by Justin Voelker and Fred Helms, respectively.

Mike Novakovich represented the third new arrival to the board following his win against Deanna Ervin.

That left Jensen and Mike Harris, whose tenure also began in 2007, as the board’s remaining senior leadership. Jensen, a supporter of former Superintendent John Glenewinkel and the district’s K-8 system installed on a partial level in 2011, said he was initially optimistic about the possibility of collaboration with Novakovich, the new chair.

“After meeting Mike for the first time, I had hopes that he meant what he said when he told me that he wasn't coming onto the board to make wholesale changes right away,” Jensen said. “It did not take me long to figure out I had been sold a bill of goods as he, Justin and Fred had two things on their post-election agendas, to fire John and to scrap the K-8 configuration.”

Jensen, a former teacher in EVSD and District 81, cast the only contrary vote when the board voted 4-1 in February to approve a mutual agreement with Glenewinkel that released him from his existing contract with a severance arrangement.

Assistant Superintendent Tom Gresch was appointed by the board to replace Glenewinkel. Gresch’s contract runs through June 30, 2015.

“By January, I knew the district was in trouble,” said Jensen, who represented District 1. “John had been locked out by a coalition of board members that did not include me but did have a majority.”

In March, the board voted 3-2 — with Jensen and Harris in the minority — to jettison the K-8 format, return to K-6 and reopen East Valley Middle School. Jensen argued that it was unfair to get rid of a system that had been thoroughly researched and only fully operational since the start of the 2013-14 school year. He added that altering the system would put the district in “a financial bind” and pointed to the board’s failure to hold a single work session to discuss the matter.

“The previous board spent almost two years listening to community members and hundreds of hours in work sessions before the move to K-8 was made,” Jensen said. “We made sure we had covered as many questions as we could think of.”

Opinions surrounding the K-8 transition varied throughout the district. When the decision was made JENSEN to close Mountain View Middle School in 2011, Glenewinkel pointed to the fact that the facility had the capacity for 700 students but enrollment had dwindled to 330. The district expected to save $775,000 each year with the closure.

“The research was clear,” Jensen said.

“Kids have a better chance at success in school the fewer transitions they go through. Test scores are generally higher in K-8 schools as well.”

Meanwhile, a survey of more than 200 East Valley teachers in March 2013 showed that 85.5 percent disagreed with the way revisioning had been implemented.

In addition to hearing negative feedback about K-8 from parents, students, teachers, staff and residents in EVSD, Voelker said the board had a “fiduciary duty” to correct the issues that K-8 had created.

“The district's finances were not in good shape and test scores on reading and math were falling below the state averages since the implementation of K-8 in 2011,” Voelker said.

On Sept. 28, Jensen submitted his resignation letter, stating that he “was no longer given the due consideration of a sitting member of the East Valley School Board.”

In the letter, Jensen also claimed the board was in violation of the Open Public Meetings Act, saying “decisions are made before board meetings.”

While Jensen said he was stepping away from the “toxicity that surrounds this board,” he emphasized that he “would continue to be involved in the district that I have given my time, energy and effort to for the last seven years.”

Gresch and the remaining members of the board have been diplomatic since Jensen’s resignation, which officially took effect on Oct. 14. The board is expected to appoint a replacement soon to serve as the District 1 delegate until November 2015, the end of Jensen’s elected term. The board post will be open in next fall’s election for candidates living in District 1.

“I am appreciative of Mr. Jensen's seven-year service to the students, staff and community within the East Valley School

District,” Gresch said. “He, like his colleagues, serve countless hours over the years looking out for the interests of East Valley youth.”

Voelker said the district would miss Jensen’s insight on legislative matters as well as his “valuable insight into issues facing the district,” but rejected his former colleague’s claim regarding any encroachment of open meeting rules.

“From my perspective, all of our members, including Mr. Jensen, have been scrupulous about following the law regarding the Open Public Meetings Act,” Voelker said. “I firmly believe that this is a key component to good government and transparency.”

Novakovich also maintained that the board made its decisions within the rules.

He added that, being new to the board, he consulted with the district’s legal counsel to make sure all discussions were according to regulations. As far as Jensen’s assertions that the new board members had already reached a decision on removing the K-8 format, Novakovich said it was more a matter of addressing real problems that were a byproduct of the system.

“I know Mitch was frustrated with what he perceived as a no-win situation with the changes we felt needed to be made,” Novakovich said. “We have been accused of bowing to the ‘vocal minority’ when, in fact, we wouldn't have been elected without a majority of the people casting a vote for us. It didn't take long to figure out that there were some serious concerns with our K-8 model. We lacked the facilities to properly conduct the courses we needed to have. Once I found out that our kids were dramatically lacking in math because of this new model, I knew we needed to go back.”

Jensen said his first serious qualms with the board came as early as last December.

He cites a failure to hold consistent work sessions and a text from the board chair in which Novakovich refers to Glenewinkel as “a lame duck superintendent.”

“I honestly do not see the current board and district heading in any one particular direction,” Jensen said. “Everything looks rather discombobulated with no direction, nor leadership, whatsoever. I do not believe the board knows what they are doing, as evidenced by their lack of consideration of the ramifications of their decisions. It is irresponsible, at best, to make a decision without knowing the consequences of those decisions.”

Jensen says EVSD lost a valuable leader when parting ways with Glenewinkel, crediting the former superintendent with the district’s improved graduation rate, increased AP/college prep offerings at

See JENSEN, page 7

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The Current

6 • NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS

Millwood Presbyterian unveils new community center

By Treva Lind

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

A multi-purpose community center is now open in Millwood, completing an effort some six years in the making by members of Millwood Community Presbyterian Church.

The 7,000-square-foot building officially is called the Millwood Community Center. While on the campus of the church, its members wanted to build the facility for the public to use, said the church’s pastor Craig Goodwin.

Groups can rent the center for recreational activities, wedding receptions, award banquets and other public gatherings. The church, located at 3223 N. Marguerite Road, scheduled a public ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 22 to mark the community center’s official opening.

“Our assessment of the neighborhood and the vicinity showed that there wasn’t really a facility like this one, so we pursued that,” Goodwin said. “Our primary purpose is to serve the community for children, seniors and all ages. We want to help build a better and stronger community. It’s a church-owned facility, but our desire is to run it as a community center. We hope the community will see it as a community resource.”

While the center itself is attached to the church via a long hallway, the new structure has its own separate entrance that faces Euclid Avenue. It includes a large gathering space roughly the size of an elementary school gymnasium and also two classrooms, Goodwin said.

“The large gathering space is a multi-purpose area and can be used for recreation, sports, volleyball, basketball,” he said.

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He said church members also are talking to people at Second Harvest Food Bank about holding future nutritional education classes at the center.

The church broke ground for the community center a year ago, and the total building project cost is about $1.5 million, Goodwin said. The cost was covered by a combination of a loan, donations and grants.

Inland Northwest Community Foundation gave the church a grant of $10,000 for the two basketball hoops; Blue Room Architecture donated architectural services; and the Harriot Cheney Cowles Foundation donated a $50,000 grant.

Goodwin said the church may consider hosting different community art displays that would hang along the long hallway between the center and the church.

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The 7,000square-foot Millwood Community Center opened Oct. 22.

Built for public use, the structure is on the campus of Millwood Community Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road. out policies and a schedule for rental fees during October, Goodwin said.

“Our approach is to make it very affordable,” Goodwin added. “They’ll be very reasonable rates, and depending on the organization, if it’s a local nonprofit, the charges may vary.”

Goodwin said the center is envisioned as a place serving West Valley and the wider Spokane Valley community, but that no geographic restrictions apply. People also can contact the church if they are interested

in donating.

“If anyone is interested in supporting the community kitchen project, we’re obviously still open to donations,” Goodwin said.

Despite the need to finish out the kitchen, the community center is available for use now, he added.

“We spent the last six years raising money and refining plans,” Goodwin said, “so it’s exciting to see the building being opened and getting used.”

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 7

NEWS

JENSEN

MAYOR

Continued from page 4

Continued from page 2

the high school, additional alternative learning programs, full-day kindergarten and increased financial stability.

as a through-route. The speed and amount of traffic on Argonne continues to be an issue that we assess. We have to balance the benefits that Argonne brings to Millwood with the disruption it causes to the eastwest connection and flow of the city.

Q: Millwood takes on considerable responsibility for your water and sewer management. What are some of the advantages and challenges of operating this sort of system?

A: Our Public Works Department provides complete drinking water services for the city residents, from pumping the water from the aquifer to delivering that water to the sink tap. Our system includes three wells, a water tower and all of the pipes, valves and meters to make the system run.

Our water typically requires no treatment or disinfection, but preserving this water quality requires our staff to inspect and maintain the system on a daily basis. We have the ultimate control of how we manage our system, but the burden to ensure that the system and the associated infrastructure functions as required by state and federal law. Although Millwood no longer treats and disposes of the sewage in the city, we are still responsible for all of the pipes and lift stations required to move the

“With John, staff knew they were valued and supported,” Jensen said.

“He was the catalyst for every positive change in EVSD.” Glenewinkel is now serving as superintendent of the Republic School District.

While Gresch expressed his “great respect” for Glenewinkel, he said it wasn’t his role “to speculate upon the decisions of those who have served in the past and the issues and challenges they faced.”

“My focus is on the here and now of where East Valley is headed,” Gresch said. “I believe now is a time for our community to look ahead, plan for the future and come together around the common goal of supporting our students for the future. Time wise, it is important to implement solutions that are simple yet effective that will assist us in reaching our goals. With a team effort, we will achieve necessary change through grounded practices and a commitment to support the success of every student.”

wastewater from homes and businesses to the county’s main sewer interceptor. This infrastructure must also be maintained and repaired on a regular basis. The city contracts with the county for treatment and disposal services, and our rates must reflect not only the city’s costs for operating the collection system, but also the county’s costs for treating and disposing the wastewater in accordance with state rules. We have the ability to control the daily operation of our systems and quickly respond to residents’ needs and concerns, but we have the burden for planning and maintaining our systems both currently and in the future.

Q: Millwood's inventory of trees is one of its signature traits. The town is recognized as an official Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation. What has the city done to preserve this image?

A: Millwood continues to actively engage in planting and maintaining our trees in both the city park and in the Jennie Batson Arboretum. We also work with the Spokane County Conservation District to maintain the health of our trees. Our Public Works staff has received training from the district that helps them monitor or trees. We actively explore opportunities to plant trees, and work with our residents when they consider planting, pruning or removing trees on their property.

Q: What has been your favorite aspect

of being mayor so far?

A: So far, my favorite aspect of being mayor is seeking ways to improve the city for all residents. I’m eager to begin work on the right-of-way walking trail and improving parking and access at the City Park.

The city has a number of must-do items on a daily basis to keep basic services functioning, but it’s the can-do projects that provide the greatest satisfaction for myself and hopefully for the citizens of Millwood.

Q: You were on the campaign trail just over a year ago at this time. What did you learn about the city and its residents during that process?

A: I think the greatest thing I learned in campaigning is that even in a city as “small” an area as Millwood, there are still distinct differences between needs and concerns from place to place in the city.

As an example, folks on the east side of Argonne have different concerns than on the west side of Argonne, and folks on the east side of Argonne closer to Trent have different concerns from those folks closer to the river. We all have similar types of concerns for the general welfare of the city, but when it comes to those items that truly impact individuals, those concerns are very specific to areas or even a given block in the city. I hope that as a city we can consistently address the general issues while working to resolve more specific and localized concerns.

LIBRARY

8 • NOVEMBER 2014

The Current

Get writing this November SCLD offers resources to pen your novel

which takes place at the North Spokane Library from 6 p.m. Nov. 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 2,” Boggs said. “It’s an overnight writing extravaganza that falls on the same night we turn the clocks back, so we’ll all get an extra hour to write while the rest of the world gets to sleep. People can drop in or even stay the entire time if they’re feeling particularly inspired.”

After this special writer’s weekend, SCLD will host weekly Saturday write-ins from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at different libraries throughout the district.

While penning a several-thousandword novel may seem like a tall order to fill, Boggs stressed how essential this month of creative fervor is for the community and participating individuals.

“This is a freakishly amazing time for the creative arts in Spokane, particularly writing, and it’s so important to be part of that,” Boggs said. “Libraries are a great ‘third place,’ after home and work or school, where people can explore and be part of a larger community. Third places are vital to the arts and to people who create. It’s where we can do our work and still be out in the world, get feedback, learn from others and even showcase our projects.”

For teenagers looking to get involved in writing (although perhaps not a novel), SCLD offers a program called Teenager Writers of the Inland Empire (TWINE).

TWINE meets once a month at the Spokane Valley Library, and also hosts an online blog, www.teenwritersoftheinlandempire.blogspot.com, where teens can post their writing and browse posted writing prompts for inspiration.

“Outside the library, there’s Teen Ink, which is a monthly paper and online publication,” Boggs said. “And I can’t say enough good things about the INK Art Space downtown. They have free classes and workshops for teens that are just outstanding. This is really a good time to be a teen writer.”

So no matter your age, writing confidence or skill level, SCLD is equipped with the resources to get you involved in this month’s national celebration of writing.

whole series centered around expressing yourself in creative ways, whether it’s writing, arts, music or dance. If you aren’t able to come into the library for one of these classes or events, we have some online resources tailor made to get you creating.

We added a new resource last spring that I’m really excited about, especially as the holidays roll around. The Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center is a collection of hundreds of full-text magazines and books, covering every conceivable hobby. You can search for knitting instructions, cooking techniques or chess opening gambits and find step-by-step photos, videos and instructions. It’s a great place to browse for ideas, with categories like arts and crafts, kids crafts, model building, and science and technology to name just a few.

If you want to delve even deeper into

your creativity, Gale Courses includes online classes in digital photography, creative writing, playing the guitar, even starting an arts and crafts based business.

Each six-week class is free, requiring only a library card to get started. A whole slew of classes will start on Nov. 12. Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at Spokane County Library District’s YouTube channel, SpokaneCountyLibrary. Creative people in our community have generously shared their expertise on a whole host of topics.

Fall is the perfect time to flex your creative muscles, and the library has what you need to get started. I’m starting my training regimen this weekend with some artfully decorated cupcakes, courtesy of our YouTube experts.

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

By Mary Kate Koch

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT If you have an iOS or Android device, you can access your library from anywhere, with just a touch. You can search our catalog, download items, manage your account, and find suggested reading instantly!

There are those that argue that there is a book inside of everyone, and then there are those who work to make that book a reality. Since 1999, November has served as the National Novel Writing Month, an annual tradition started by the eponymous non-profit.

Last year, National Novel Writing Month had 310,095 declared participants across the country. In addition to the sheer quantity of novelists, National Novel Writing Month boasts some of the most popular reads from the last decade, such as “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen, on its production list. In 2013, Spokane was home to 329 of those novelists.

One of the most challenging aspects of writing a novel is staying motivated throughout the thousands of words that need to be constructed in order to move the story along. The 2013 average word count of Spokane novelists was 26,125 words. This year, the Spokane County Library District hopes to give participating novelists resources and contacts to support their writing endeavors.

According to SCLD librarian Sheri Boggs, there were two writers’ roundtables scheduled in October, but the big support events will hit at the turn of the month.

“Our big event is the 25 Hour Write-In,

By Gwendolyn Haley

SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

I want to be a creative, crafty person. I really do. The trouble is that I find it difficult to be creative on demand. I also lack the skill and knowledge to come up with all the amazing ideas that I see on Pinterest. And if I’m perfectly honest, I spend more time pinning than I do actually making anything. www.scld.org

— SHERI BOGGS, SCLD LIBRARIAN

Reference Review

DOWNLOAD SCLD To Go for your iOS device and BookMyne for your Android.

“This is a freakishly amazing time for the creative arts in Spokane, particularly writing, and it’s so important to be part of that.”

Maybe you’re a little bit like me in that respect, and you’re looking for a way out of the creativity rut. This fall, we have a

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 9 Get Your Money’s Worth

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COMMUNITY

10 • NOVEMBER 2014

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Nov. 1 | Spaghetti feed and silent auction fundraiser 1 p.m., Cum Inn Bar & Grill, 18221 E. Appleway Ave. A donation of $8 per plate is requested for this benefit for Sean Barnes (who was recently diagnosed with cancer) that will also include a silent auction, surprise raffle and live music. For more: 924-6762

Nov. 1 | Inland Northwest Small Farms Conference Spokane Community College, 1810

N. Greene. The theme is “Farm-A-Palouse-A: Food & Farming for Everyone.” For more: sccd.org/ smacreage.html

Nov. 1 | Barn party and fall festival 6:30 to

9 p.m., Spokane Valley Adventist School, 1603 S. Sullivan Road. There will be food, activities and vendors for all ages including a bouncy house, dunk tank, face painting, cupcake walk and more.

For more: 926-0995

Nov. 12 | Tween Club: Marvelous Magnets 4 to 5 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,

12004 E. Main Ave. Tweens in grades four and up are invited to explore magnetic fields and the properties of attraction and repulsion as we paint with magnets, play games with magnets and make marble magnets. For more: www.scld.org

Nov. 12 | Coffee and conversation with Senator Padden 5 to 6 p.m., Rocket Bakery,

3315 N. Argonne Rd., Millwood. Residents of the 4th legislative district are invited to meet one-onone with Sen. Mike Padden. Please call his office to arrange a meeting time. For more: 921-2460

Nov. 13 | Kids Explore and Discover Club: Converted Creatures 4 to 5 p.m., Argonne

Nov. 2 | Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m.

Library, 4322 N. Argonne. Kids in grades K to 5 are invited to explore where creatures might have come from and celebrate National Recycling Week by constructing your own creature out of recycled items. Also 4 p.m. Nov. 20 at Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. For more: www.scld.org

Nov. 3 | Candy buyback 4 to 8 p.m., KiDDS

Nov. 13 | Online Purchasing Made Easy

Dental, 1327 N. Stanford Lane, suite B, Liberty Lake. Candy can be brought and exchanged for $1 per pound during this event. Candy must be unopened; children must be accompanied by an adult. For more: www.growupsmiling.com

Nov. 4 | Election Day Nov. 6 | 7th annual Ladies Night Out 5:30

p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel. Presented by Spokane Valley Partners, this annual fundraiser brings in funds to support disadvantaged and lowincome families. Enjoy complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres, guest speakers and auctions. Tickets are $50 each. For more: www.svpart.org

Nov. 8 | SVFD Friends & Family CPR Class 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Spokane Valley Fire Department Training Center, 2411 N. Pioneer Lane. This class is provided to the public at no cost and is a participatory course only (not for certification). To RSVP or more: 928-1700

Nov. 8- 9 | Fall Folk Festival Spokane

Community College, The Lair, 1810 N. Greene.

The festival is free and includes eight stages of traditional and ethnic dance, music, workshops, entertainment, crafts for children and more. For a schedule and more: www.spokanefolkfestival.org

Nov. 11 | Veterans Day

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

WorShip Service 10:45 a.m.

7 to 8:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Registration is required for this adult technology course. For more: www.scld.org

Nov. 15 | Overeaters Anonymous 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Valley Hospital, Mission and Pines.

The topic will be getting and staying abstinent.

For more: 844-4780

Nov. 15 | The Heritage of Felts Field 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines. The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum’s 10th annual program and luncheon will include a presentation and silent auction.

Admission is $20. For more: 922-4570 Nov. 15 | Friends of the Otis Orchards Library book sale 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Otis

Café Card Club 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays,

On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford. Play pinochle, cribbage or hearts. For more: www.onsacredgrounds.com

Catholic Singles Mingle This group with no dues is for single adults of all ages. For more: www.meetup.com/Catholic-Singles-Mingle Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club and more. For more: www.libertylakewa.gov/library Rockford Crochet Class 10 a.m. to noon,

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

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

Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague.

Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch served Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed

by Bingo from 1 to 3:30 p.m. For more: www. foe3433.com

Spokane Valley Kiwanis 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission. For more: spokanevalleykiwanis.net

Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6:45 p.m. the

first and third Thursdays of every month, Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. For more: 570-4440

MUSIC & THE ARTS

Nov. 15 | 2nd annual Jingle Bell Jamboree 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Centerplace,

Oct. 30, Nov. 1-2 | “This Old Haunted House” Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910

2426 N. Discovery Place. Admission is free to do holiday shopping of local venders. For more: ChrissyVierow@outlook.com

E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are $12 for this comedy appropriate for all ages. For show times and more: www.libertylaketheatre.com

Nov. 16 & 22 | Digital Photography for Beginners 2 to 3 p.m., Nov. 16: Spokane Valley

Oct. 30-31, Nov. 1, 5-8 | “The Haunting of Hill House” 7:30 p.m., Central Valley High

Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.; Nov. 22: Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St. For ages 16 and up, learn about white balance, framing a shot and going beyond the auto settings. Bring your own digital camera. For more: www.scld.org

Nov. 19 | Spokane Valley Book Club

2 to 3:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “One Amazing Thing” by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

For more: www.scld.org Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. Joe Urlacher, a public school teacher, past member of the Interfaith Council and volunteer for children’s classes that are Baha’i inspired, will be the guest speaker. For more: 599-2411

Nov. 22 | STARS Training: Love Talk Play

509-926-9552

Recurring

Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Proceeds support various library programs, activities and services. For more: www.scld.org

Nov. 21 | Fireside discussions 5 p.m.,

23304 E. Wellesley, Otis Orchards, WA

Nov. 27 | Thanksgiving Day

10 to 11 a.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Love Talk Play is a parent campaign that supports parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. For more: www.scld.org

School Theatre, 821 S. Sullivan Road. Tickets are $10 for this PG-13 play. For tickets and more: www.cvtheatre.com

Nov. 1 & 2 | University High School craft fair 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to

4 p.m. Sunday, University High School, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. Presented by U-Hi marching band and color guard. Admission is $2. For more: uhicraftfairspokanevalley.weebly.com

Nov. 6-8, 13-15 | “Godspell” 7 p.m.,

in advance, $15 at the door. For more: www. igniteonbroadway.org

Nov. 8- 9 | Central Valley High School craft fair 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Valley High

School, 821 S. Sullivan Road. This sale of crafts and baked goods is sponsored by CVHS Band Boosters to benefit band and color guard.

Admission is $2. For more: CVMBPublicity@ hotmail.com

Nov. 8 | Big Bing Theory 2 to 3 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave.; 4 to 5 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne. The Big Bing Theory (BBT) is Gonzaga’s student run, co-ed a cappella group. For more: www.scld.org Nov. 15 | Valley Christian School Craft Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Valley Christian School, 10212 E. 9th Ave. Admission is $2. For more: www.valleychristianschool.org

Nov. 15 | This, That or the Other 8 p.m., Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. This performance by LLCT’s comedy improv troupe is for ages 21 and older.

Tickets are $7 at the door. For more: www. libertylaketheatre.com Nov. 21-22 | “Twain’s Tales”7:30 p.m.,

Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. This Reader’s Theater production includes five short stories by Mark Twain.

Admission is $5 at the door. For more: www. libertylaketheatre.com

Recurring Inland NW Bluegrass Music Association Music Showcase 7 to 9 p.m., third Saturday of

the month (October through May), Trent Elementary School. Bluegrass bands and related acoustic performers of all ages are welcome to attend. Cost is $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers. Ages 12 and under are free. For more: www.spokanebluegrass.org or 484-4668

Spirit of Spokane Chorus Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a capella harmony in the barbershop style. For more: 2184799 Spokane Valley Camera Club 7:30 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April), Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave. Those with an interest in photography are invited to arrive at 7 p.m. for socializing. For more: 951-1446 or www.sv-cc.org

Digital night is Nov. 17 and print night is Nov. 24.

CIVIC & BUSINESS Oct. 31, Nov. 1 & 2 | Spokane Gun Show & Flea Market Noon to 6 p.m. (Friday), 9 a.m.

University High School, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. The U-Hi Theatre Department is bringing this series of parables to life. Tickets are $10. For more: bgreen@cvsd.org

to 6 p.m. (Saturday), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sunday); Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Admission is $8 per day ($4 per day for Flea Market only). For more: 208-746-5555

Nov. 7-9, 14-16 & 21-23 | The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

Nov. 14-16 | Man Show 2 to 10 p.m. (Friday),

7:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 2 p.m. (Sunday), Ignite! Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway Ave. All 37 of Shakespeare’s plays are performed in reduced, fast-paced, witty format by three actors and a very industrious props crew. Admission is $13-14

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(Sunday); Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. The Man Show will cater to all interests by displaying products and services essential to a man’s lifestyle. Admission is $10 for

See CALENDAR, page 11

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 11

COMMUNITY

Education Briefs Colleges honor local students The following Valley area residents were recently recognized by colleges for their recent academic performance or meeting graduation requirements. Information was provided via press releases submitted from schools.

Eastern Washington State University Summer 2014 graduates

Science in Biology, magna cum laude Otis Orchards: John E Gordon III, Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts Spokane Valley: Priya Bhatia, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Rhett Estrick, Bachelor of Science; Rebecca Diane Granberg, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technology and Culture, cum laude; Daniel Michael Kroetch, Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences; Anthony Stevenmitchel Nestor, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics; Lauren Margaret Puhek, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

Liberty Lake: Cj Marie James, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, magna cum laude Newman Lake: Jonathan Alec Casebier, Bachelor of

Oregon State University

CALENDAR

www.inlandnwbaby.org

Continued from page 10

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. A snow and ATV show and swap meet presented by Spokane Winter Knights Snowmobile Club. For more: 482-2222 or www.winterknights.org

adults; $8 for seniors, military and children 6-12; and free for ages 6 and under. For more: www. manshowspokane.com

Nov. 15 | Transfer Station open house

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2405 N. University Road, just south of Montgomery. The public is invited to tour the newly renovated station and celebrate the partnership between the city of Spokane Valley and Sunshine Recyclers. For more: 924-5678

Nov. 15 & 16 | Hurd Mercantile open house 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rockford. Wine tasting

will be a part of this event. For more: 291-4077

Nov. 21 | Chamber annual meeting 7 to

9 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan, Spokane Valley. Rick Steltenphol, Hoopfest cofounder and former executive director, will be the featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Price is $25 for members and guests; $35 for nonmembers. For more: spokanevalleychamber.org

Nov. 21-23 | Custer Christmas Arts & Crafts Show 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sunday); Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. The 38th annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Show will feature 300 artists and crafters from across the U.S. covering 78,000 square feet of exhibit space. Admission is $7 (good all weekend), and kids 12 and under are free. For more: www.custershows.com

HEALTH & RECREATION Nov. 1-2 | AAU Basketball Tournament

8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Cost is $295 per team. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

Nov. 1 | Harvest Festival 7 to 9 p.m., Spokane

Gymnastics, 2515 N. Locust Road. The annual fall festival will include spooky, family-friendly games, obstacles course, maze, gymnastics, bounce houses and more. Registration is required. For more: 533-9646

Honor roll, 3.5+ GPA

Spokane Valley: Nicole M. Craigmile, Stephen P. Lucas

Nov. 8 | Winter Knights Snow Show

Nov. 9 & 16 | Evergreen Region Club Volleyball tryouts HUB Sports Center, 19619

E. Cataldo Ave. The Nov. 9 tryouts are for U12-14, while Nov. 16 tryouts are for ages U15-18. For more: www.evergreenregion.org

Nov. 15 | Parents’ Night Out 6 to 10 p.m., Spokane Gymnastics, 2515 N. Locust Road.

Kids can enjoy up to four hours of gymnastics, games and crafts while parents have an evening out. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Registration is required. For more: 533-9646 Nov. 27 | Turkey Trot 8 a.m., Twisp Café & Coffee House, 23505 E. Appleway. Join the Liberty Lake Running Club for a 3-mile run on Thanksgiving morning. The group will be collecting items for Blessings Under the Bridge.

For more: 954-9806 Nov. 29-30 | Turkey Shoot-out Futsal Tournament HUB Sports Center, 19619

E. Cataldo Ave. Registration for this 5-v-5 futsal tournament is $275 per team and must be received by Nov. 14. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org

Nov. 29 | Warrior Camp MMA event

6 to 10: 30 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Tickets for the live MMA cage fights are $20 and can be purchased at Warrior Camp, 5027 E. Trent in Spokane. For more: www. warriorcampfitness.com

Recurring KidFIT Spokane HUB Sports Center, 19619

E. Cataldo Ave. This children’s movement and fitness program offers classes in dance (ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop), gymnastics and cheerleading for girls and boys ages 3 and older of all levels.

Join anytime. For more: 953-7501 or www. kidfitspokane.com

Nov. 7 | Movie Night 7 to 9 p.m., Spokane Gymnastics, 2515 N. Locust Road. Kids can enjoy “open gym” throughout the facility plus popcorn and movies. Cost is $14 for members and $17 for non-members. Registration is required. For more: 533-9646

Sports opportunities HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Badminton, basketball open gym, pickleball, Zumba and other recreational options available. For more: www.hubsportcenter.org

Nov. 8 | Sugar Rush Spokane 9 a.m., Gonzaga University, McCarthy Athletic Center lawn, Spokane. There are 5K and 10K run/ walk options for this race that benefits Inland Northwest Baby. Registration is $35. For more:

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.

Brought to you by

Honoring the heroes among us Veterans Day provides opportunity to thank soldiers

By Tammy Kimberley

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

Before Thanksgiving comes each year, there is another November holiday we pause to remember — Veterans Day. This official holidays lands on Nov. 11 each year, a day a truce was signed that ended World War 1 back in 1918. It is also recognized in other countries as Armistice Day. Veterans Day was not created just for kids to get a day off school or adults to have a break from work. It is a chance to pause and remember those who have served in the armed forces. There are many local ways that you can creatively reflect this Veterans Day, from playing in a local park to trading in candy for cash.

Provide candy for troops Operation Gratitude is an organization that sends care packages

SUBMITTED PHOTO COURTESY OF ROESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Students at Liberty Lake Elementary honor veterans during a previous Veterans Day assembly. to U.S. military and veterans. The purpose of these packages, which include snacks, entertainment, hygiene items and letters of appreciation, is to lift the spirits and meet needs of the troops. It also allows people the chance to show those in the military that their service and sacrifice is appreciated.

Kids will also have the opportunity to write cards to overseas troops.

Give gratitude, receive money — it’s a win, win!

For more, ask your parents if you can visit www.operationgratitude. com or www.growupsmiling.com.

Lane in Liberty Lake, is offering a candy buyback 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 to collect Halloween candy for these troops. Kids can receive $1 per pound of unopened candy (parents must accompany children).

For the past year, exercise equipment has been popping up in some of Liberty Lake’s busiest parks. The goal of the circuit courses is to promote health for

SPLASH FILE PHOTO

Kids play on the Fallen Heroes Circuit Course at Liberty Lake’s Pavillion Park during the course’s dedication on Memorial Day.

Play at a Fallen Heroes KiDDS Dental, 1327 N. Stanford circuit course

See VETERANS, page 13

VETERANS DAY READING Check out these books with a Veterans Day or military theme available through the Spokane County Library District.

“Hero Dad” By Melinda Hardin “My Brother Sam is Dead” By James Lincoln Collier “The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War II” By Louise Borden “The Veterans Day Visitor” By Peter Catalanotto “The Wall” By Eve Bunting “Veterans Day: Remembering Our War Heroes”

By Elaine Landau

ANSWERS TO THIS CRISSCROSS ARE ON THE NEXT PAGE

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 13

COMMUNITY

Uncover a hidden fact about Thanksgiving In honor of National Game and Puzzle week Nov. 23-29, uncover the secret message in the puzzle. Simply write in the letter for the symbols (see key below) to discover the answer to this question: Who did the early settlers celebrate the first Thanksgiving with? The answer is listed at the bottom of the page. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

KEY =D

=N

=O

=G

=P

=I

=M

=S

=W

Slip away for a scavenger hunt Thanksgiving is a wonderful time spent with family, food and freedom from the normal routine. After you’re done with dinner, convince some family members to walk off the turkey and pumpkin pie with a Thanksgiving Day scavenger hunt. Enjoy the fresh air while searching for the following items in your neighborhood. a

ves pile of lea

 Flagtboaf ll team o

fo A ll a tb o fo s or laying  10 aeccoornnes  Family p pin  Pumpkin re cars parked starts with nimal that A o m r o  “D”  Five ont of one house the letter in fr

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 Corn sta ith smoke yw  Chiminneg out com

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Continued from page 12

all fitness levels. But it has an additional purpose as well — to honor and educate community members on the sacrifices make by local service members.

Each of the parks has a plaque which lists out information on a soldier who gave his or her life in battle. While working out or playing in the park, take time to remember those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

A dedication of the newest installment will take place 4 p.m. Veterans Day (Nov. 11) at Liberty Lake Town Square. For more, visit www.llfhcc.org.

Participate in events for veterans

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

=A

VETERANS

as h Christm House wit ady up lights alre

Many local schools or military organizations offer a chance to show appreciation for veterans. Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in downtown Spokane typically offers a ceremony honoring veterans of all eras on the morning of Veterans Day. The second annual Spokane National Veterans Day Run will take place at Riverfront Park in Spokane on Nov. 15. For more, go to www.veteransdayrun.org/register/spokane.

If your school holds an assembly honoring these servicemen, show your respect by fully participating in the activities and listening to what those speaking have to offer. Invite family members and friends who are veterans to attend. If you get a chance, say thank you to those who have served our country.

Pick an idea and run with it!

There are many different opportunities to show honor or practically help veterans or current serviceman. Whether you make cookies or patriotic crafts to deliver or raise funds for a cause like Wounded Warriors, the most important thing is that you take time to do something. Check out these websites to get your creative juices flowing: www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/ veterans/ www.kidsactivitiesblog.com/20388/ veterans-day-activities www.operationwearehere.com/veteransday.html

Going to the dentist can be fun and easy!

We’ve got convenient hours to fit your family’s schedule.

Evening, early morning, and Saturday appointments available.

Call to schedule an appointment today!

509.891.7070 New patients welcome

Check out our Facebook page for contests and events.

ecorations

 Turkey d up gro  Anothonera walk

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

out

www.GrowUpSmiling.com

Answer to secret message: Wampanoag Indians

The Current

14 • NOVEMBER 2014 Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Weaving nature into art

Creating pine needle baskets givers instructor a purpose

By Valerie Putnam

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

One of the oldest crafts known, pine needle art dates back 9,000 years. Fashioned by crafters long before pottery became into existence, the ancient art form is offered at the Spokane Valley Senior Center Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. through Bonnie Williams’ pine needle basket classes.

“I like doing it,” Arlene McCoul, who has taken the class for over three years, said. “It keeps my hands and mind busy. I like to try and figure out ways to make them.”

Williams gives each student 2 ½ ounces of pine needles, a gage to feed the pine needles, sewing needles, sinew and hands-on instruction. She gives new students one-onone attention to ensure they understand the craft.

“I show them how to do the basics,” Williams said, “and they take it from there.”

The process begins outside the classroom as students gather and prepare their own pine needles. For those less adventurous, prepared needles are available to purchase from Williams.

“We’ve got all these natural resources in our yards,” said Lana Weber, who recently started her second year in the class.

“And everybody else’s yards,” Williams added with a laugh.

Once the needles are gathered and sorted, they are cleaned, rinsed and dried. They are then cooked in a mixture of food glycerin and water for two hours either by simmering on the stove top or in the oven. Color dye can be added in this mixture.

“You take them out and rinse them, rinse them and rinse them,” Williams said. “You have to rinse them until the glycerin is off.”

Removing the glycerin, which has a thick consistency, is critical otherwise the needles have the potential of mildewing. Once the needles are rinsed thoroughly, they are laid out to dry.

The process of making a basic basket begins by using a predrilled wooden center.

CURRENT PHOTOS BY VALERIE PUTNAM

At left: Bonnie Williams (right) instructs Carol McKenny in how to start a pine needle basket during McKenny’s first day in class. The baskets on display (above) were brought in by class members.

Centers can be created using various methods. Several students in Williams’ class are using the needle weaving technique called Tenerife.

“It’s decorative,” Dianne Lattimer said about using Tenerife as a center. “You take a set of spokes and create a design.”

Pine needles are inserted into a small gage and the coil of needles is stitched together using fibers such as sinew, raffia or embroidery thread.

"The first row is the worst challenge,” said Joan Christopher, who decided to join the class to meet people after moving to Spokane from Phoenix. “Everybody seems to think that.”

Decorative stitching techniques make the basket strong and attractive. Besides pine needles, baskets can be made out of different kinds of grasses or lavender. Williams said anything that can be clean, processed and sewn can be used.

Embellishments can be also added, such as pine cones or beads. Due to the nature of materials used, the baskets ultimate shape isn’t necessarily determined by the crafter.

“When I took my first class, my teacher told us the baskets will take a life of their own,” Williams said. “And it does. Every single one does.”

Williams took her first pine needle basket class at the Senior Center in March 2010 after a friend signed her up for the class. Although her friend didn’t continue with the class, Williams fell in the love with the art.

Williams started teaching the class two years ago when she was asked to fill in after the prior instructor left to be with family.

IF YOU GO ...

Pine needle basket classes 1 to 3 p.m. every Tuesday Spokane Valley Senior Center 2426 N. Discovery Place Anyone is welcome to attend. Cost is $20 to join which includes pine needles, sinew, gage, sewing needles and instruction. After the initial charge, participants are asked to pay $10 a month to cover materials.

For more: Bonnie Williams, 991-6159, or the Senior Center, 926-1937 “She caught on so quickly and did such nice work,” Spokane Valley Senior Center Specialist Karen Clark-Parson. “She kept the class going.”

“I like to work with my hands, and crafting has been my outlet,” Williams said.

“You sit down and create something - you never know what it’s going to turn out to be.”

The reasons students join the class are as varied as the baskets they create. Weber said it was a great way to build friendships, nodding to Carole Newton who sat by her.

“She had to have another crazy person with her to go to the supermarket and get needles,” Newton said, who joined the class in July.

Marilyn Reed decided to join the class a couple months ago to incorporate pine needles into her bead work. Her first cre-

ation was a necklace using pine needles coiled around a cabochon, a shaped and polished gemstone.

Baskets can be made in various sizes, shapes and colors. The technique can also be used to create other items, such as jewelry, trays and sun catchers.

“They are only limited by their imagination,” Williams said. “Everybody comes up with something different.”

“The more ideas you see, the more you can’t wait to try them,” Newton said. “Lana and I talk about how you can’t wait to finish the basket we’re working on so we can start the one in our head.”

Williams needed to take a short sabbatical last year when her husband’s health deteriorated to the point she couldn’t be away from him. After Will passed away last year, several friends encouraged Williams to begin teaching again.

“When I lost Will, I lost my purpose,” she said. “And this gives me purpose.”

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 15

COMMUNITY

Trivia Test 1. LITERATURE: What famous character lived in the village of Little Whinging?

2. LANGUAGE: What does the Greek prefix “pan” mean?

3. SCIENCE: What is the primary substance that makes up most of a plant’s cell walls?

4. MOVIES: What 1990s comedy movie had the tagline, “You’ll laugh. You’ll cry.

You’ll hurl”?

5. MYTHOLOGY: What does the Greek goddess Iris personify?

6. ENTERTAINERS: What was the name

of singer Michael Jackson’s famous California ranch?

7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the collective noun for a group of mosquitoes?

8. ANATOMY: What is the correct medical name of the shoulder blade?

9. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: What 20thcentury doctor and theologian once said, “Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory”?

10. MUSIC: How many keys are on most standard pianos? © 2014 King Features Syndicate

Paperback books quite a find ‘Collecting’ by Larry Cox

KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

Q: At a recent church sale, I bought about a dozen paperback books from the 1940s and '50s. I bought them mostly for the covers, and paid 25 cents each for them. Do you think I got a bargain? My husband doesn't.

They include "Barbed Wire" by Mel Crair, "Mystery of the Red Triangle," "Outlaw River" by Bliss Lomas, and "Ranger Justice" by J.E. Grinstead. — Mandy, Pueblo, Colorado A: You got quite a bargain. I contacted several paperback dealers and consulted the "Collectible Paperback Price Guide" by Gary Lovisi. The titles you listed are worth a minimum of $25 to $50 each, depending on condition. Your real find appears to be "Outlaw River," published in 1954 and considered scarce. It is valued at about $150 by Lovisi.

Q: I have inherited three vintage barometers. I am curious about how much they might be worth, and possibly finding a buyer for them. Can you help me? — Betty, Statesville, North Carolina A: Barometers and other scientific instruments have become quite popular with collectors in recent years. One of my best sources is Barometer Fair. The company was founded in 1979 by John Forster in London, but relocated to Sarasota, Fla., several years later. Barometer Fair has the

largest selection of fine working barometers in the U.S., and in addition to buying and selling the instruments, it has a restoration service. Contact is P.O. Box 25502, Sarasota, FL 34277; 941-400-7044; and www.barometerfair.com.

Q: Earlier this year, I purchased a house built in 1962 in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago. I have almost completed furnishing it in mid-century modern, but am now searching for proper lights, lamps and fixtures. Do you have any suggestions of where I can look for these items? — Tom, Naperville, Illinois A: The Modernism Gallery is an Internet marketplace for better dealers who specialize in 20th-century art and design. The site features an extensive collection of midcentury lighting, including chandeliers, pendant lights, floor and table lamps, ceiling lights and sconces. Check out the site at www.modernism.com. Other contact information is 1500 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 2nd Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

Write to Larry Cox in care of KFWS, 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 cannot personally answer all reader questions, nor does he do appraisals. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.

Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life

Answers to Trivia Test 1. Harry Potter 2. All 3. Cellulose 4. “Wayne’s World” 5. The rainbow 6. Neverland 7. A scourge 8. Scapula 9. Albert Schweitzer 10. 88

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Building fire for the night

LOCAL LENS

The Current

Celebrating community safety

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Newman Lake Fire and Rescue celebrated an Oct. 4 open house with the community. Crowds enjoyed the landing of the Med Star helicopter, a chili cook off, the Edith House Fire Safety Trailer and a vehicle extrication demo. The Blood Mobile was also on site and kept busy with 25 donors in three hours.

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Spokane Valley High School involved all students in a project to build a Phoenix-themed float for the evening ValleyFest Parade in September. Several students and staff members participated in the parade.

Students serve out in nature

Honoring 32 years

Shutterbug snapshot

West Valley City School students volunteered at two Land Council Conservation sites in the fall to plant trees and help with creek restoration work.

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.

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West Valley School Board Director Jim Williams (left) is presented with an appreciation plaque for 32 years of service on the board.

This wood duck was photographed by Michael Hassett on a pond near Newman Lake in midOctober.

Community Briefs Non-profit collects items to aid in Ebola crisis Christ’s Hands on Afrika (CHOA), a non-profit located in Spokane Valley, is collecting hygiene items Nov. 1 to send to West Africa. Needed items include bars of soap, hand sanitizer (personal size as well as refill-sized containers), bleach, towels, gloves and body wash disinfectant (such as Dettol).

These items, along with any financial donations to help with shipping, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two Spokane Valley locations: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schafer Road, and Crabwalk Studios, 13807 E. 20th. A third collection site will be at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7307 N. Nevada St., Spokane.

CHOA is also holding a “Shop With A

Purpose” fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Proceeds from the event, which will include local vendors, silent auction, dinner and live entertainment, will fund the shipping of a 40foot container with supplies to The Gambia.

For more, visit www.christshandsonafrika.com.

SCOPE award recipients honored The Spokane County Sheriff ’s office recently announced the 2014 volunteers of the year for each SCOPE station. Area recipients included Hal Halvorson, Central Valley; Jeanette Fletcher, East; Tom Prior, Liberty Lake; Jim Ball, Newman Lake; Barbara Davis, Southeast Spokane County; Jim Snider, University; and Harley Gordon, West Valley.

In addition, Halvorson was given the 2014 Spirit of SCOPE Award for his work with Central Valley SCOPE. According to a press release, Halvorson has logged close to 20,000 volunteer hours since he started in 1998.

County launches Alert Spokane At the beginning of October, Spokane County launched a public safety campaign to urge the public to register cell phones for alerts to emergency messages. The Alert Spokane system was recently used to notify residents within a half-mile of the hazardous chemical spill on I-90 at Stateline in September.

According to a press release, the system already sends recorded messages to landlines, but cell phone numbers need to be self-registered in order to receive the alerts.

To register or for more, go to www.alertspokane.org.

Contest asks students to write letters about influential books The Letters about Literature competition encourages youth to write letters to a favorite author, living or dead, to explain how a book influenced their lives. Students can write about works of fiction, nonfiction or poetry.

The contest is for schoolchildren and homeschooled students in grades 4-12.

Co-sponsored by the Washington State Library, entries must be postmarked by Dec. 15 and will be judged by grade levels.

For guidelines and an entry form, go to www.sos.wa.gov/_assets/library/lal/LALGuidelines2015.pdf.

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 17

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COVER STORY

The Current

The give-back primer

How to connect with a local organization and help a neighbor in need

By Treva Lind

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Numbers give us just a glimpse into daily struggles experienced by neighbors living in and around the Spokane Valley.

Last school year, nearly 800 Valley students in three school districts were identified as homeless or in transitional housing.

Some 20,000 meals each month are delivered by an army of volunteers through Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels to senior and disabled residents in the entire county. Every day, the local blood center needs 200 people to roll up sleeves and give blood.

As the holiday season approaches, many

people wonder how they can give to others in need. For area nonprofits that offer social services or support programs, the gift of volunteer time is high on the wish list — year-round. Donations of money or supplies also help bridge support.

For this story, The Current reached out to the nonprofit community, specifically

those connected to the greater Spokane Valley that assist people — local neighbors — in some form or fashion. The following community organizations provided details to describe what they do, but just as importantly, how people like you can participate in and support this local work. Addresses listed are in Spokane Valley unless otherwise noted.

How you can make an impact: Help fulfill the promise of every child by donating through our website. Donations of books, art supplies and non-perishable food are always welcome. For more information, please contact Libby Hein at 747-4174.

10814 E. Broadway Ave. 325-5451 or 328-6326 arc-spokane.org The Arc of Spokane's Valley Community Center (VCC) provides social and recreational activities for adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Nearly 80 percent of adults with I/DD live at home with their parents or other family members. Many have few opportunities to make friends and pursue interests outside the home. The VCC offers a variety of engaging activities, including sewing, ceramics, woodworking, basket weaving, painting and reading. The center helps family members too, because while their son or daughter is at the center, family caregivers can tend to other duties or simply rest.

How you can make an impact: People can support the VCC by volunteering their time or by donating craft supplies. Volunteers can bring a craft or talent to share or just spend time helping members enjoy the day. Needed crafts supplies include wood, acrylic paint and ceramic supplies. Contact the VCC's program manager, Christine Brelia, for more information.

7503 E. Sprague Ave. 869-6584 butb.org Blessings Under the Bridge started with 40 brown bag meals in 2007 to offer nothing more than friendly support through a good meal and an acknowledgment. Today, the organization serves close to 300

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Volunteers engage in activities with adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities at the Arc of Spokane, which recently opened its Valley Community Center. men, women and families every Wednesday. From different stations, BUTB provides groceries, meals, coffee drinks and other beverages, treats and baked items, personal shoppers for clothing, haircuts, music and a place to sit. The organization’s two annual events, a summer BBQ and Christmas event, range from 700-1,000 people and change the hearts and minds of those who serve. “We are proud of the ‘live love serve’ movement we have created in Spokane,” founder Jessica Kovac said.

How you can make an impact: People can donate gently used or new items: backpacks, socks, blankets, hoodies and winter gear. Go to Butb.org for drop-off locations or donate through PayPal. People also can help serve weekly at the feed, during the week to prep, bake treats, join a committee, sort clothing, support fundraisers and much more. We love meeting new people and allowing them to be part of helping others face to face.

325 S. University Road 385-2116 elevationsspokane.org Elevations was established by medical professionals, families and community members who see too many children with physical and mental challenges who could be helped by therapy — but who have limited or no resources to meet the cost. Elevations works with licensed professionals throughout the greater Spokane region to identify uninsured and underinsured children and provide them access to therapeutic services.

How you can make an impact: Elevations is funded solely by donations. Your gifts make it possible to bridge the gap between children’s needs and access to the resources and support they need to improve their overall quality of life. Donate on our website. If interested in volunteering, consider donating your time in many areas: special events, governing board, fundraising, education and community outreach.

2323 N. Discovery Place 747-4174 childrenshomesociety.org Established in 1896, Children’s Home Society of WA ensures that children grow up safe, secure and successful. We create a healthy community by providing inhome support for young, low-income parents, parenting education programs and counseling for children who have experienced trauma, loss or other significant life changes.

Equine Therapeutic Learning Center 801 S. Henry Road gail@equinetlc.org equinetlc.org Established in 2003 by certified PATH Instructor Gail Pennestri, Equine Therapeutic Learning Center seeks to improve

See GIVE, page 19

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 19

COVER STORY

GIVE

unteers can drive any day Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., picking up meals at our Valley office, 12101 E. Sprague. Meals on Wheels is always looking for drivers, either for regular routes or as a backup. Other volunteer opportunities also are available.

Continued from page 18

the bodies, minds and spirits of children and adults with emotional, physical, functional and/or cognitive needs through therapeutic horse riding and equine-assisted activities. Whether a person has autism, Down syndrome, a spinal cord injury or other disability such as an emotional challenge, research shows that individuals who participate in equine-assisted activities and therapies can experience physical and emotional rewards.

Participants gain physical and emotional benefits such as strengthening of muscles (which prevents bone weakness), building of confidence, and improvement of balance and coordination. For individuals with emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased patience and self-confidence.

How you can make an impact: Donations can sponsor a horse or cover a rider scholarship, or the giving of quality grass hay and senior/vegetarian feed is appreciated. Training is provided for all volunteers.

Central Valley PTA/PTSA Council P.O. Box 14811, Spokane Valley 99206 heartinhandoutreach@gmail.com Facebook — Heart-In-Hand The purpose of the HEART-In-Hand Program is to support students and families who are identified by the CVSD’s HEART (Homeless Education and Resource Team) Program. The HEART Program exists to address and support the educational needs of students who are in temporary housing during the school year. CVSD’s HEART Program is limited to assisting with academic needs of these students, while the nonprofit HEART-InHand Outreach’s fund is set up to provide a place for individuals and businesses to donate for other support of these children.

Some needs we have met include: ASB fees, school activities, graduation cap and gown, prom, yearbook costs, college application fees and employment assistance through obtaining food handler cards, birth certificates and state ID cards.

How you can make an impact: Heart-In-Hand holds fundraisers and seeks donations from businesses and individuals to provide these ordinary things to students in need. Visit our Facebook page to donate or email us with questions. Together we are making a difference.

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Above, Hearth Homes provides transitional housing for otherwise homeless women and their children in Spokane Valley. At right, the Equine Therapeutic Learning Center uses horses in therapy for disabled kids and adults.

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904 E. Hartson Ave., Spokane 747-5487 familypromiseofspokane.org For over 17 years, our promise is: one child, one family at a time. With our community of faith, we strive to make a difference in the lives of homeless families by providing shelter, support and the means to sustain independence. Family Promise guest families receive: overnight accommodations at a local congregation, three meals a day; intensive case management, day center/office access with Internet, phone, laundry, showers, transportation and other services.

There are no homeless shelters in Spokane Valley for the entire family. Last school year, 793 students were identified as homeless or in transitional housing in the Spokane Valley. The organization is looking for 12-20 interfaith churches in the Valley to participate on a rotation basis to expand its service to meet this need.

How you can make an impact: Volunteers from host congregations provide meals, overnight hospitality and support to guest families. Other volunteer jobs include cooking or hosting dinner, spending time with guest families, sleeping overnight in the congregation, coordinating children’s activities, donating supplies for the host week and financial donations.

Volunteers with Blessings Under the Bridge, a Spokane Valley-based organization, serve the homeless community in downtown Spokane.

P.O. Box 825, Liberty Lake 99019 gracesonhousingfoundation.org gracesonhousing@gmail.com GraceSon provides housing for teen moms and their children that extends God's love and reframes their vision of home. GraceSon uses a holistic approach to provide housing and hope to girls ages 13-18 and their children. We provide true healing and life transformation through healthy living, education and life skills development with the goal of empowering them to break free from multi-generational cycles of poverty.

How you can make an impact: Monthly donations provide safe housing, enabling young moms and their babies to have a place to call home. One-time gifts provide supplies for the girls.

12101 E. Sprague Ave. 924-6976 gscmealsonwheels.org A nutritious meal, a friendly smile and the warmth of human contact—that’s Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels. For the past 35 years, GSC Meals on Wheels has been delivering meals to our homebound neighbors. We provide over 20,000 meals each month throughout Spokane County, through home-delivered meals and at our 12 Silver Cafes at senior centers, churches and senior housing complexes. The suggested donation is $3.50 per meal — but meals are provided regardless of a clients’ ability to pay, without a waiting list. For over half of the home-delivered meal program participants, that meal is their only meal of the day.

How you can make an impact: GSC Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver meals or to help out at Silver Cafes. Vol-

11302 E. Broadway Ave. 926-6492 hearth-homes.org Hearth Homes, founded in 2003, provides transitional housing in Spokane Valley to homeless women and children who have survived the streets, domestic violence, substance abuse and other trauma.

Hearth Homes has provided transitional housing and supportive services to over 15 homeless women and children so far in 2014, and to over 100 families since inception. Hearth Homes strives to inspire transformation in the lives of mothers by assisting in the development of essential life skills, modeling healthy relationships,

See GIVE, page 20

20 • NOVEMBER 2014

COVER STORY

The Current

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Clockwise from left, Hutton Settlement has spent a century providing a home for children in need.

Inland NW Baby’s Spokane Valley warehouse provides volunteer opportunities for ages 5 and older. The Inland Northwest Blood Center requires 200 donors a day to meet local demand.

GIVE Continued from page 19

teaching effective coping strategies and providing access to resources necessary to obtaining employment, reunification with children and permanent housing.

How you can make an impact: By partnering as a monthly donor, you invest in the lives of families served at Hearth Homes and impact generations to come.

Invest your time, experience and passion in assisting with a range of needs, including childcare, maintenance, landscaping, teaching classes, holding a food drive or sponsoring an event.

19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake 927-0602 hubsportscenter.org The HUB’s purpose is to provide events that have a positive impact on youth and the community. The HUB’s impact to the Spokane Valley is through the many events and programs hosted at the HUB Sports Center, from various sporting events to after-school and community programs.

How you can make an impact: People can give financially toward the HUB’s afterschool program, scholarship program or general operations. Supporters also can volunteer to help with various sporting events (court monitors, referees, customer service, greeters) or at the afterschool program (mentor, tutor, activity assistant).

9907 E. Wellesley Ave. 926-1027 huttonsettlement.org facebook.com/huttonsettlement Hutton’s mission is to nurture, educate and prepare children who are in need of a safe and healthy home. Throughout our nearly 100-year history, Hutton has partnered with families to help children in need. The Hutton Settlement isn’t just a place to live, but rather a neighborhood of care, providing opportunities for growth and development. Hutton’s vision: through excellence in residential care and family engagement, the Hutton Settlement will empower each child to lead an independent and fulfilled life of value and contribution.

How you can make an impact: Many volunteers help in tutoring, the arts, outdoor activities and more. If interested in volunteering, contact BJ Edwards at 9261027. You may specify that a donation go to a specific area: scholarships, campus programs, cottage family outings or the general fund, in which we will determine the area of greatest need. Our largest annual fundraiser is the Christmas Tree Fundraiser, beginning just after Thanksgiving.

You may cut your own or purchase precut. The community has supported this effort for many years and our children thrive on helping you pick the best tree!

15303 E. Sprague Ave. 499-0670 inlandnwbaby.org Inland NW Baby partners with the Central Valley School District ECEAP/Head Start programs to provide diapers, clothing and other basic necessities to children/ families in need throughout the region.

How you can make an impact: We encourage families with children as young as 5 to volunteer at our office to bundle diapers, sort clothing, match outfits and volunteer at fundraisers and events. Inland NW Baby is always looking for groups (e.g., Scouts, schools, churches, businesses) to host drives for donations of diapers, clothing, shoes, boots, socks, coats — sizes newborn through 6 toddler. Through our partnership with the National Diaper Bank Network, we are able to purchase diapers at 40 percent less than retail, so cash donations for diapers are greatly appreciated.

210 W. Cataldo Ave., Spokane 800-423-0151 inbcsaves.org Inland Northwest Blood Center (INBC)

is the only provider of blood to area hospitals. Whether you are receiving blood at Valley Hospital or need to go to Spokane or Coeur d’Alene, there is a daily need for blood. From cancer patients who receive platelets as a form of treatment, to surgeries which require red blood cells, support of INBC allows families to spend more time together.

How you can make an impact: Every day, INBC needs 200 people to roll up their sleeve and give blood. Find the hero every Monday and Thursday at Valley Hospital from 1 to 6 p.m. Find out more and make your lifesaving appointment at www.inbcsaves.org.

222 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane 325-6810 makingspokanebetter.org The Salvation Army has been serving the Spokane community since 1891, assisting more than 40,000 people every year. Many families and children in Spokane continue to suffer and find themselves in situations they never imagined. The Salvation Army provides programs and support that change and transform lives, supporting those in need with the upmost dignity and respect.

How you can make an impact: People can contribute to The Salvation Army programs by putting money into the red

See GIVE, page 21

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 21

COVER STORY CONNECT WITH OPPORTUNITIES ONLINE The website SpokaneCares.org strives to help people find volunteer opportunities among more than 300 local nonprofits.

Donna Orme, organizer and board chair, said SpokaneCares operates as a nonprofit to connect needs, community resources, nonprofits and volunteer options. Volunteers can search for information by an area, such as Spokane Valley. Other searches can narrow by most recent opportunities, nonprofits with urgent needs, and around topics people care about most.

GIVE Continued from page 20

kettles, making a donation online or by mail, or stopping by the Spokane office.

The Salvation Army currently seeks support for programs such as Clothe-A-Child, Sally’s House, Adopt-A-Family and so many more. There is an urgent need for volunteers to help monitor the organization’s Warming Center when the temperature drops to 32 degrees outside. We also are in need of volunteers to “ring bells” and help with Toys For Tots and other seasonal programs. Visit the website for a complete list of volunteer needs.

1234 E. Front Ave., Spokane 534-6678 2-harvest.org Second Harvest provides free food to hungry people in need. We distribute essential groceries and fresh produce to our partner food banks and meal programs, including Spokane Valley Partners, Otis Orchards Food Bank and the Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels. Our Mobile Food Bank distributes food at high-need schools and community centers. The Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank, reached at 10814 E. Broadway or 927-1153, distributes food from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Wednesday. Must have a number to access food bank (numbers provided at 7:45 a.m.). On Thursday, there is a distribution for seniors and disabled by appointment only from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Otis Orchards Food Bank, reached at 4308 N. Harvard Road or 842-2355, distributed the first and third Mondays of each month from noon to 2

“SpokaneCares.org provides service opportunities for nearly everyone: children and families, grandparents, students and schools, youth organizations, churches, businesses and their employees,” Orme said.

Valley Chamber

HIGHLIGHTS

“We are surrounded by those not only in need of food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, education and employment, but also in need of our attention, encouragement and support. SpokaneCares.org reminds us that people are in need 12 months out of the year, not just during the holidays.”

For more information, Orme can be reached at SpokaneCares@gmail.com. p.m. and services the Otis Orchards, Liberty Lake and Newman Lake communities.

How you can make an impact: Second Harvest relies on generous supporters in the community who donate food, volunteer time and donate funds. To find out how you can join Second Harvest to fight hunger, visit 2-harvest.org, which also offers a list of most-needed food items for donation.

Rick Steltenphol, Hoopfest co-founder and former executive director.

CONNECT.

NOVEMBER EVENTS » Nov. 3 Hop Jack’s Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

» » » 10814 E. Broadway Ave. 926-1054 snapwa.org SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners), as Spokane County’s community action agency for the past 48 years, operates with core values of community, justice and respect. SNAP offers over 30 programs that help low-income residents achieve more stability. Last year, SNAP served 42,974 residents of Spokane County in areas like energy assistance, foreclosure prevention, home repair, money management, weatherization, micro-enterprise development and more. SNAP’s seasonal office at Spokane Valley Partners is open from September through May. SNAP also offers financial counseling and informational classes at no cost.

How you can make an impact: People can help SNAP by donating financial support to help offset funding cuts that have impacted a number of programs.

This year, SNAP introduced its first-ever Resiliency Campaign designed to garner support from the private sector. Also needed are volunteers for grounds maintenance, clerical work, outreach and our Long-Term Care Ombudsman program that protects vulnerable seniors.

See GIVE, page 22

EMPOWER.

» »

Nov. 13 Business Education Committee Meeting Nov. 13 Business After Hours, Thornhill Valley Chapel Nov. 20 Transportation Committee Meeting

INNOVATE.

Annual Meeting ‘A Slam Dunk’

Hoopfest co-founder and former executive director Rick Steltenphol will be the featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce from 7 to 9 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road.

Rick, currently director of business affairs

Nov. 21 Annual Meeting

at Eventuris LLC, will speak on the topic

Nov. 27 & 28 Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

clear vision, a solid business plan, and the

of, “What do you get when you combine a right talent to get the job done?...A Slam Dunk.” Rick will share the story of how

New members

Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber: ARCpoint Labs of Spokane Data Baby Software EuroPro Automotive Inc. Gary D. Keller, DDS PS Great Floors – Valley Hop Jack’s Inland Northwest Council – Boy Scouts of America National Color Graphics Quinn Group Zerorez Spokane

Hoopfest came to be and grew into the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament on the planet. The event will also include an annual report on the Valley Chamber.

Register early and SAVE $5! The earlybird price is $25 for members/guests and $35 for non-members until 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18, and the price includes breakfast.

MAJOR SPONSORS:

1421 N. Meadowwood Ln. Liberty Lake, WA 99019 | 509-924-4994 | www.spokanevalleychamber.org

22 • NOVEMBER 2014

COVER STORY/COMMUNITY

GIVE Continued from page 21

10814 E. Broadway Ave. 927-1153 svpart.org Spokane Valley Partners, as a private nonprofit, is the sole provider of comprehensive social services in the Greater Spokane Valley, encompassing everything east of the Spokane city limits to the Idaho border. For more than 23 years, SVP has been serving low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families by providing food, clothing, emergency services, information, education and assistance in achieving long-term self-reliance.

How you can make an impact: Spokane Valley Partners is always in need of volunteers, monetary donations, food, gently-used clothing, diapers and personal care items. More information can be found at svpart.org. You can also donate time.

Spokane Valley Partners has volunteers from faith communities, service groups, schools and from individuals with a heart for our community. Some volunteers have been with us for decades; others help out occasionally. We can accommodate the volunteering capacity and schedule of nearly anyone.

YWCA's Alternatives to Domestic Violence Safe Shelter, Spokane Valley Contact - Melanie Wilson 24-Hour Crisis Line at 863-2882 ywcaspokane.org The Valley's safe shelter is an emergency shelter in an undisclosed location that houses about 15-20 women and children who have fled their homes due to domestic violence by an intimate partner. The location is a fairly new, second safe shelter location in the Spokane area for the YWCA. The shelter also provides food, hygiene items and clothing, a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal assistance and referrals — at no charge.

How you can make an impact: People interested in helping can contact Melanie Wilson to arrange donating grocery items, health, beauty and hygiene items, small household items and gift items or gift cards for the women and children this upcoming holiday season. If anyone knows of a family, group or business that might like to adopt one of our families this holiday season, contact Melanie to make a family's holiday a little brighter.

The Current

Church welcomes new pastor, maintains busy outreach

By Sarah Robertson

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Knapp said the public, as always, is invited.

“Our church is very welcoming,” she said. “We host this dinner to celebrate the harvest and abundance of the earth and community.”

The dinner is 5 to 7 p.m.

Nov. 1. There are no reservations or tickets needed. Donations are gladly accepted. The church is located at 611 N. Progress Road.

It’s easy to sit at a stoplight, notice a church and wonder who attends and what goes on inside. It’s just as easy to lose the thought when the light turns green and drive on. But if you happen to pass Veradale United Church of Christ (VUCC) on North Progress Road, you can be sure that things are happening there these days.

Refreshed labyrinth From a new pastor to an VUCC’s newly-renovated upcoming annual meal to uplabyrinth provides a quiet dates to unique services, these place for reflection, and also is are busy times within the conopen to the community. gregation.

Originally an Eagle Scout VUCC is “particularly project, it is a seven-circuit, unique,” as congregation Santa Rosa-style labyrinth — member Rebecca Knapp open to the public 365 days a notes, because it is one of the year, 24 hours a day. In 2013, oldest churches in the Spovolunteers spent many hours kane Valley. It was started 105 cutting back the turf to expose years ago by early settlers. The the embedded brick outline. church got its start as a nondenominational, Protestant “It’s a place where peochurch. Eventually it became ple can walk and meditate,” Congregational and then Knapp said. “It is available to part of the United Church of SUBMITTED PHOTO anyone in the community to Christ. come to use. It’s an important Genavieve Heywood joined Veradale United Church of Christ as part of our spiritual offering in “United Church of Christ is its pastor this past June. “Pastor Gen,” as she’s referred to at the our community.” progressive,” Knapp said. “We church, previously served a congregation in Sunnydale, Calif. are a denomination of firsts.

Community garden The Congregational church philosophically in line with us as an open There is a sunny spot at the was the first to ordain black people and back of VUCC’s property — just perfect women as pastors. We have been at the and affirming congregation.” for sowing a seed and watching the earth forefront of social justice.”

74th annual Harvest Dinner put forth a bountiful harvest.

For the past 74 years, the congregation VUCC welcomes a new pastor From April through October, the back at VUCC has been inviting the community Genavieve Heywood, already known as of VUCC is home to a community garden. into their church to break bread together at Pastor Gen, has been contemplating minThere are plots available for people in the their annual Harvest Dinner. It has become istry since she was 11. Heywood joined community as well as community groups. an annual event that church and commuVUCC from a UCC congregation in SunThe largest plot is tended by the congreganity members alike look forward to each nydale, Calif. this past June. tion, and the harvest is donated to the food year. Knapp notes that there are generally Heywood originally made the decision about 200 people from the congregation bank at Spokane Valley Partners. This year, all the potatoes harvested were sent to the to come to the Inland Northwest because and community in attendance each year.

Camp N-Sid-Sen, VUCC’s affiliated camp, her children, 12 and 14, wanted to live The dinner began as a celebration of on Lake Coeur d’Alene. somewhere with snow. harvest when most of the congregation Feeding those in the community doesn’t “It was really meeting the church when I was made up of farming families. Everysaid, ‘yeah I want to come here,’” she said. one would bring part of their harvest to stop at the community garden. As Knapp points out, “Feeding the hungry is a part of “They are so wonderful to my kids. They prepare and share with the others. our mission.” really are an affirming church. They are While most of the congregation does genuinely affirming of people as people not grow much produce these days, the The congregation also makes monthly of God. It’s really cool. They do it so natu- dishes are still full of vegetables that people monetary offerings towards their mission rally.” would have grown 74 years ago — beets, as well as food donations. They also preKnapp, who was on the committee that potatoes, cabbage, squash and other “farm pare a meal for the teens at Crosswalk once brought on the new pastor, says of Hey- foods.” The dinner also includes ham, tur- a month. wood: “She’s creative and enthusiastic and key and Swedish meatballs. The church is For more information on events and energetic. She is very committed in lead- still using the same recipes used at the first happenings at VUCC, call 926-7173 or ing us in continuing our mission. … She is harvest dinner. visit veradaleucc.moonfruit.com.

HISTORY

The Current

NOVEMBER 2014 • 23

Transcontinental race attracts thousands to Valley

By Robert Lambeth |

SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM

This is Seth Woodard and Howard Stegner again providing you with an historical account of the 1927 Air Derby that ended at Felts Field in Spokane.

This transcontinental race was one of the most interesting things that came, or rather flew, over the area during our time as Valley residents.

One of the most important years in the history of both international and Inland Northwest flight is arguably 1927. In June of that year, Charles Lindberg made his famous transatlantic flight in the Spirit of St Louis, making him an instant celebrity. Lindberg’s flight also allowed for aviation to transcend from the realm of obscure fascination to that of democratized popularity, bridging the gap between military and civilian fight.

In memory of the transatlantic flight, Major John “Jack” Fancher of the Washington Air National Guard (WANG) successfully lobbied Air Race officials to bring the final stage of the first Transcontinental Air Derby event to the newly dedicated Felts Field.

Previously known as Parkwater Airfield, or simply as the Spokane Air Port, Felts Field was renamed and dedicated on opening day of the Air Derby in honor of Spokane Valley resident and aviator

Felts Field was the final destination for the 1927 Air Derby, which drew thousands to the Valley (as noted in the Spokesman Review headline at left).

Major John “Jack” Fancher, top right, convinced race officials to end the final leg of the first transcontinental event at Felts Field. Spokane’s own Nick Mamer, pictured below and with his family at right, took third place in the race.

Lt. Buell Felts, who died near the airfield when his plane crashed in May 1927.

Beginning at Roosevelt Field in New York and ending at Felts Field in Spokane Valley, the Transcontinental Air Derby’s 2,357-mile course was the most grueling of its kind. Crash landings and mechanical failures were not uncommon, and pilots even died during the race. On Sept. 19, 1927, 24 planes each carrying two-man teams took flight from Roosevelt Field en route to Felts Field, a trip expected to take nearly 24 hours.

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

This month: 1927 Transcontinental Air Derby

Of the 24 planes entered in the race, only 16 made it to Felts Field.

The other eight planes were forced down due to mechanical problems or adverse weather conditions, known as “washing-out.” The winner of the race, Charles “Speed” Holman, finished first in the Class A Division in his Laird biplane at a total time of 19 hours, 42 minutes and 52 seconds, earning himself a $10,000 cash prize. Spokane’s own Nick Mamer took third place and a $3,000 prize.

Although the Transcontinental Race was the most anticipated event of the Air Races, there were dozens of other activities planned to thrill and amaze the tens of thousands of visitors. Smaller air races and derbies took place for both civilians and military pilots, including a visit by Lt. Jimmy Doolittle who performed his infamous outside loop. Mock bombings and strafing of targets by Air National Guardsmen entertained ticket holders as well.

A total of 91,989 tickets were sold for the Air Derby, which al-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM

most equaled the population of the entire Spokane region. Spokane Valley’s population was dwarfed by the attendance of the Air Derby. At less than 10,000 residents, the Valley’s population was increased almost ten-fold during the week-long festivities held Sept. 19-25. Area hotels and motels were filled to capacity, and on several occasions local restau-

rants ran out of food. The 1927 Air Derby still maintains its record as the largest event ever hosted in the Spokane Valley.

Robert Lambeth is a research assistant at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. For more about this article or other aspects of the history of the Spokane Valley region, visit the museum at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. or call 922-4570.

24 • NOVEMBER 2014

PROFILES

The Current

Help when she needed it most One woman’s journey from Spokane Valley Partners recipient — to donor and volunteer

Age 63

Most thankful for The Lord Jesus Christ

Favorite hobby Making blankets for my kids and grandkids

Ways to stay active, plugged in

By Treva Lind

Playing water volleyball at the YMCA

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Donna Storey used to volunteer driving people to a food bank where she previously lived in California during the 10 years she owned a successful daycare business.

Then the unexpected happened. After hitting some financial difficulties in 2008, she and her family lost their Sacramento home as part of the nation’s mortgage industry meltdown. They decided to relocate to Spokane Valley to be closer to a family member.

Tough times didn’t end with the move, though. Within weeks of starting a groundskeeper job here, her husband, Danny, fell off a ladder, suffering injuries that would keep him from working almost six years.

The couple relied on disability income to support them and their adopted daughter, Melissa, then age 9.

“Every other night, we were doing grilled cheese sandwiches,” Storey said. “And nights in between, we were either doing cold cuts or peanut butter and jelly.”

Finally, a friend at church told her the family probably qualified for food stamps, and they did, but the amount wasn’t enough for a month’s worth of groceries.

“The food stamp office told me about Spokane Valley Partners,” Storey said. “This got sad for me because, of course, your kids want to go with you to the grocery store, and it got to the point I had to tell Melissa no for even the smallest of things.”

So when Storey first got in line for the food bank at Spokane Valley Partners in spring 2009, she didn’t know what to expect. She remembers fear, embarrassment and the thought she’d only get one bag of groceries, because that’s what she saw people receive in California. That all evaporated within seconds.

“I was a little embarrassed to go there to Spokane Valley Partners because I was used to owning my own business, taking care of others’ needs and now I was on the other side,” Storey said.

“When I got to where the food was, I was kind of shocked. I think it was May 2009 near the time of Melissa’s birthday. You have to fill out information about your household, and someone had noticed it was her birthday that month. They actually gave her a decorated birthday cake.

“They don’t just give you one bag of nonperishable food; it was everything. We got

DONNA STOREY

Church Valley Assembly of God

Most inspirational person in my life My husband, Danny. We’ve been married almost 26 years.

CURRENT PHOTO BY TREVA LIND

Donna Storey lost a home during the mortgage crisis, and then her husband suffered an accident at work that left the couple leaning on disability income. Spokane Valley Partners helped get the family through tough times, and Storey now gives back to the organization. fresh bread, fresh vegfrom here. You don’t feel degraded. You don’t feel etables, snacks, juices and IF YOU GO ... put down. Some of my everything my daughter church friends volunteer had asked for at the store.

Ladies Night Out there, and I was afraid My basket was overflowDinner/Auction of how they would react ing with food, and I was Benefitting Spokane when I went through the crying happy tears by the Valley Partners line.” time I got in my car because my little girl was 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 When asked what that going to get some of the reception looked like, Mirabeau Park Hotel things she had wanted in Storey smiled broadly, apTickets cost $50 each the past two weeks.” pearing a bit tearful, too. or $400 for a table of eight When she arrived “They would usually back home, she spread give me a big hug and For more: www.svpart.org the bounty out on the ask me what I needed,” “Events” table and counters for her she said. “You don’t feel daughter to find when she shame there. Everyone is came home from school. so loving. This could happen to anyone.

They say we’re all one payStorey said the support between 2009 check from disaster. ” and 2012 kept their family going when the Born and raised in Los Angeles, Storey help was needed most. They relied on SVP’s clothing bank as well, and Storey got help has experienced life’s ups and downs before. paying the electricity bill from Spokane After a move to Sacramento in the 1980s, Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP), her first husband left her, so she became a another agency with offices in the same Val- single mother of two children. ley building.

A few years later, she met Danny at her The family has since recovered finan- church, and they married in 1989. By then, cially within the past two years, she said. her children were older, and she became a She works part-time, as does her husband. grandmother.

They’ve even been able to donate money “After Danny and I married, we bought a back to SVP, she said. home, and I decided I’d stay home and run “Things have turned around,” Storey add- a daycare because I didn’t want my granded. “It’s probably been around a year and a children to be put in a daycare where they half to two years I haven’t had to use their didn’t know anyone,” she said. services at all, but I’m very thankful they’re Melissa came to live with them in Septhere. tember 2004, when she was 5 years old.

“I tell other people I know if they’re in a “I knew that my niece was in foster placehard place to go to Spokane Valley Partners. ment,” Storey said. “I felt strongly that the They were good to me, and I wasn’t even Lord wanted me to give Melissa a home in

my home. We adopted her.

“Today, I call her the world’s greatest teenager. She gets straight As and plays the violin like an angel.”

Now, their daughter is 15 and wants to support Spokane Valley Partners as well, Storey said. They both have volunteered packing up hygiene items for the homeless, and Storey has helped answer office phones.

“Melissa has a real heart to take her clothes that she grows out of because there wasn’t ever enough girls’ clothes there,” Storey said. “Today, I donate some. I donated $150 a year or so ago, and that’s when they asked me if I’d share my story.”

Last November, she spoke at the SPV’s Ladies Night Out dinner and auction, one of the agency’s biggest fundraisers, and Melissa played the violin, sharing a song called “God Makes Beautiful Things.”

“I was told there wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” Storey said.

While some people sweep difficult times under the rug after they’ve passed, Storey instead decided to learn about the many Spokane services offering different kinds of support, to refer if she hears of a need.

“I decided I’d find out all the places in Spokane that provide services, and there are others, like the domestic violence shelter,” Storey said. “If I meet someone, say at church, and they want to share their heart, I can tell them now where they can go to get help.

“I think people are afraid to ask. I don’t think there is a lot of room for pride in today’s economy. I think people need to be more transparent.”

When asked the best ways people can help others in need, Storey suggested entrusting donations to Spokane Valley Partners, whether monetary, food, clothing or time.

“My husband often uses the saying, ‘many hands make light work,’” Storey said. “If we open our hands just a little bit, what we’re really doing is opening up our hearts.”

The Current

Fleet Feet strides forward with new Valley location

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

For Eric Hagen, adjusting the reclining chair in his living room was once considered authentic exercise.

These days, Hagen has traded in his sedentary schedule for an agenda that includes fewer potato chips and more half marathons.

A truck driver by trade, Hagen had never run on any level prior to joining a “couch to 5K” training group facilitated by the Fleet Feet store near the Spokane Arena in April. He ran his first 5K in July and participated in his third half marathon last month.

“I feel great,” said Hagen, 53.

“I’ve got way more energy and my health is better.”

The numbers appear to back Hagen up. His blood pressure is down, as is his resting heart rate.

Since running regularly, Hagen also has his diabetes under control and has lost over 20 pounds.

Hagen now helps other beginning runners tread down a successful path as a mentor for a training group based out of the new Fleet Feet store in Spokane Valley. The 10-week program starts with a walk/run format and progresses to running only, with a goal of completing a 5K. The first Valley-based crew is looking ahead to the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis on Dec. 6.

“It’s been a good start with this Valley group,” said Julie Pannell, who owns the Fleet Feet store with her husband, Wade. “We just walk over to Mirabeau and get on the Centennial Trail. It’s great marketing for us to have 40 runners headed toward the trail.”

After opening their first Fleet Feet specialty running store just north of downtown Spokane in August 2012, Wade and Julie premiered the Spokane Valley site on Sept. 4. The venue sits just off Interstate 90 and the

Evergreen exit in a burgeoning shopping center just west of the Spokane Valley Mall.

“The Valley’s never had a running store, so it seemed like an obvious place to be,” said Wade.

The location represents the 132nd Fleet Feet store in the nation. The Pannells say Valley customers comprised around 15 percent of the clientele at the original store, although the distance sometimes meant fewer return customers.

“It’s just an entirely new group of people we’re seeing here,” Julie said. “This location is a little more traditional retail, so people will just happen upon us instead of searching us out. We get people going to Hobby Lobby stopping by and telling us they didn’t know there was a running store here.”

In addition to the 5K training program, Fleet Feet also coordinates several 10K groups as well as distance groups that train for half-marathons and full marathons. Another program known as “Stronger Runner” emphasizes the development of core fitness and lower body strength, while a weight loss challenge drew 120 participants at the start of 2014.

Wade can relate to the journey away from an unhealthy rut. While living in Montana, he took up running for the first time, lost 60 pounds and signed up for his first 5K. Since then, he has competed in nine marathons. After his introduction to running, Wade went to work for a Fleet Feet store in Bozeman in 2008. Julie ran her first marathon in 2010.

“I was unfit and unhappy before I started running,” Wade said.

The process of searching for a new location started in March.

The Pannells looked at several options, including Millwood, before locking in the Valley site.

The 1,920-square-feet space is 20 percent smaller than the original store, but high ceilings

BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 2014 • 25

CURRENT PHOTOS

BY CRAIG HOWARD

Wade and Julie Pannell opened a Fleet Feet specialty running store in Spokane Valley on Sept.

4. The couple has operated a store near the Spokane Arena since August 2012.

The Valley store is located just west of the Spokane Valley Mall.

and clean lines give it a spacious feel.

In addition to the best in technical running shoes and apparel, the store features nutrition, insoles, socks, technology and, according to Wade, “pretty much all the accessories necessary for a runner to enjoy running.”

Visitors to the store learn quickly that Fleet Feet’s signature customer service defines the shopping experience, particularly when it involves shoes. The company provides a “100-percent fit guarantee,” characterized by strict attention

to detail and collecting feedback from each customer.

“We want to get them in the right level of stability and a shoe that really fits their foot,” Wade said. “We want to be a place where people can be heard and have their questions answered.

The goal is for all of our customers to have happy feet.”

Because of its wide selection and scrupulous service, the site regularly draws more than just the running crowd. Wade estimates that 20 to 25 percent of

See FLEET FEET, page 26

IF YOU GO ...

Fleet Feet Opened: September Location: 13910 E. Indiana Ave., Suite D, Spokane Valley Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Owners: Wade and Julie Pannell Phone: 309-2174

The Current

26 • NOVEMBER 2014

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BUSINESS

Biz Notes Valley Hospital appoints CEO

XL men’s shop opens in Valley

Valley Hospital has appointed Greg Repetti as chief executive officer of Valley Hospital. He has served as interim CEO since May. Repetti has more than 25 years of health care leadership experience. He joined the Rockwood Health System in May 2010, first serving as chief operating officer of Deaconess Hospital and later as COO of Rockwood Clinic.

“Over the past several months, I’ve seen what an important resource Valley Hospital is to our community, and I’m dedicated to continuing and enhancing the high quality care we offer,” Repetti said in a press release.

Repetti holds a master’s degree in Health Administration from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s in Biology from Yale University. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Destination XL, a new shop to meet the lifestyle and fashion needs of bigger guys, recently opened at Evergreen Crossing, 13804 E. Indiana Ave. As part of its services, the store offers an on-site tailor to ensure best fit. For more, visit www.destinationxl.com.

Hop Jack’s to open in mall Hop Jack’s is set to open in the Spokane Valley Mall on Nov. 3. The restaurant, which serves burgers, sandwiches and salads, will be the ninth restaurant in Washington.

For menu selections and more, visit www.hopjacks.net.

Spokane Eye Clinic relocates Spokane Eye Clinic & Spokane Optical Company is relocating to the northeast side of the Sullivan exit at I-90. Their new space will be used for patient clinic visits and to house a retail contact lens and optical shop.

The 19,500-square-foot space is inside the River View Corporate Center at 16201 E. Indiana Avenue, suite 5000. The company has two other locations in Spokane, employing 15 ophthalmologists and seven optometrists.

FLEET FEET Continued from page 25

the customer base is comprised of “people who just have painful feet and want to be in comfortable shoes.”

Fleet Feet also sponsors a medical outreach program that involves hosting local physical therapists, podiatrists, chiropractors and other medical professionals at the store a couple of times each year.

Prescriptions for the right kind of shoe can be a key to combatting knee, foot and back pain, Wade said.

The Pannells went through four weeks of training at the Fleet Feet headquarters in North Carolina before opening their

Cremation garden now open Fairmount Memorial Association recently opened its Whispering Pines Cremation Garden at Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road. Whispering Pines is a winding pathway through a landscaped perennial gardens designed especially for those who have chosen cremation, a press release said.

“Many people want the value of a cremation, yet miss the traditional graveyard to return to over time,” said David Ittner, senior vice president of operations at Fairmount Memorial Association. “This gives people the best of both worlds.”

In addition to the park-like setting, there is a bubbling, columnar basalt water feature and space where a memorial stone can be inexpensively placed.

American West acquires Calif. bank AmericanWest Bank has announced plans to acquire Bank of Sacramento giving the Spokane-based bank a total of nine branches in the Sacramento, Calif., area, along with nearly 100 throughout Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California and Utah. When the transaction is completed AmericanWest will have total assets of about $4.5 billion and over 1,000 employees.

Fitness studio saves animals

funds for the SCRAPS Hope Foundation.

Supported by sponsorships and donations, the studio collectively raised about $800 to go toward SCRAPS’ animal medical fund.

Duff receives honor Spokane Indians Vice President and General Manager Chris Duff has been named Northwest League Executive of the Year. Duff, who began his career with the Indians in 2002, has helped the Indians make significant strides as a business for over a decade.

An Atlanta native, Duff has been at the forefront of multiple Spokane Indians projects, including the team’s rebranding in 2006, Avista Stadium’s 2013 renovation project and the upcoming inaugural 2015 Northwest League/Pioneer League All-Star Game set for next August.

Inland Northwest Land Trust appoints staff to new positions Garry Schalla was recently appointed executive director of Inland Northwest Land Trust.

The agency's previous executive director, Chris DeForest, has been appointed conservation director. Vicki Egesdal, who had been director of development, has been promoted to associate director.

Wake Up Call expands With four locations in Spokane Valley, Wake Up Call Coffee is building its first coffee shop in the city of Spokane. The new location will be at 3526 E. 5th Ave, where 5th intersects with Freya.

Other Wake Up Call locations in Spokane Valley are on Pines, Evergreen, Sullivan and Dishman Mica.

Pure Barre fitness studio, located near the Spokane Valley Mall, hosted two donation-only classes for the SCRAPS Walk in the Park event to raise awareness and

Biz Notes features greater Spokane Valley-connected business items. Contact The Current with business news at editor@valleycurrent.com.

first store just over two years ago. Their employees complete two weeks of training, a 60-hour online course and two weeks of shadowing on site before working independently with customers.

Casey Travis, a Fleet Feet employee for the past year, serves as the manager of the Valley store. He was challenged by Wade to take up running five years ago and worked his way up to completing the Portland Marathon. If employees happen to be elite athletes or runners with a pedigree, you won’t hear about it here.

“This is all about the customers,” Julie said. “We want to help them achieve their fitness goals. It’s neat to be a part of that.”

Barbara Knack of Newman Lake is one of those customers who credits Fleet Feet

for her progress. In July 2012, she joined one of the beginning training groups and ran her first 5K at Valleyfest that September. Knack completed her sixth half marathon last month and is now one of the mentors for the Valley training group.

“Running has changed my life,” said Barbara, a grandmother approaching 60.

“I was at a point that I didn’t want to just sit around. Running has given me confidence in so many areas of my life.”

Knack said the training groups foster an atmosphere that is anything but daunting.

“It’s completely unintimidating,” she said. “You go out and walk and run a little and find your pace. I tell people, ‘If I can do it, anyone can.’”

SPORTS Are high-octane offenses their own worst enemy?

The Current

WSU’s win deficit leads columnist to inquiries of Valley football coaches

NOVEMBER 2014 • 27

In defense of the wide-open style, it was inept Cougars’ special teams that were the main culprit. And at game’s end, they appeared to have punched the ball into the end zone before missing a game-winning chip-shot field goal.

Former Ferris quarterback Connor Halliday is piling up numbers faster than the national debt — and WSU has a wins deficit.

By Mike Vlahovich THE FINAL POINT

Spread offenses are the current rage.

Everybody, it seems, wants a piece of the high-octane attack that has turned college and high school football games into an outdoor version of Arena football and become an obvious nightmare for defenses.

When two such teams square off, it seems the last team with the ball wins; except last month when Washington State University scored 59 points — and lost!

Which led me to speculate: Maybe the explosive offense is its own worst enemy.

Points come so fast that the defense never rests. Exhaustion could have as much to do with the amount of scoring as the offense itself. ESPN analyst and former quarterback Todd Blackledge opined as well in Sports Illustrated that another negative is, sans a power running game, the offense tends to struggle in the red zone.

So I sought out Valley spread coaches for their take on my theory. The conversation took an interesting twist away from my hypothesis.

There are several versions of the spread that aren’t as radical as WSU’s Air Raid.

Indeed, University’s Rob Bartlett explained that it actually abets the running game, opening lanes by splitting out as many as four wide receivers to stretch the defense.

Central Valley assistant Ryan Butner added, “We got tired of having nine guys in the box (ganging up against the run) all the time, so we thought we wanted to spread it out.”

CV has traditionally had a more conservative power running attack but changed to the spread as much out of necessity as preference. Powerful running back Spencer Miller was injured. The Bears were short on seniors and tight ends.

“It was mostly about personnel,” said coach Rick Giampietri, whose preference remains a 50-50 mix of run and pass. “We had a bunch of wide receivers we thought were talented. We thought it would be a good thing to do.”

Like WSU, scoring came so fast in early CV games against spread opponents that the defense barely got off the field before they were back on. “That part of it is always distressing.”

The game, he added, “took forever.

You’ve got to score more points than normal. There’s not going to be a 14-7 score.

It does change your thinking.”

Even though the Bears struggled in the red zone, resulting in seven field goals instead of touchdowns, Giampietri said, “I think we’ll stay with it.”

Butner, who also advanced CV adopting the Seattle Seahawks tackling philosophy, said there is another advantage — two platooning, the practice of training and playing separate offensive and defensive units. The more players on the field, the bigger turnout it attracts.

Spread proponent Bartlett, who also puts 20 starters on the field, gave me a tutorial on the myriad iterations. Traditional power and option teams like Gonzaga Prep

There are obvious drawbacks, he agreed.

See FINAL POINT, page 28

and Brielle Crump.

East Valley’s trio of Scott Kopczynski, Chad Stevens, who finished second and fourth at state last year, and Brittany Aquino, who’s finished fourth and seventh are after another trip.

runs and a double to drive in six runs.

Winning pitcher Makenna Wasteney doubled three times and Kelsey Gumm homered for the winners.

The Titans can take solace in the fact they’ve won seven of nine district titles since slowpitch season was initiated and won or shared every regular season championships, all while compiling a 158-8 record.

WV boys savor unexpected league title

By Mike Vlahovich

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Ty Brown doesn’t do Facebook, but he learned of its power when the secondyear West Valley cross country coach’s Eagles boys won their first Great Northern Leagues championship in more than a decade.

Congratulations poured in from former WV runners following a Facebook post.

“It was incredible,” Brown said. “I got 20 letters from people and look forward to hearing from more.”

Brown’s four-year plan came to fruition two years early. Led by multiple state placer Skyler Ovnicek, WV won two of its meets by one point over East Valley and Cheney on its way to a 5-0 season.

“No one would have expected a league championship,” Brown said. “It was a cool year for them.”

Seniors Ovnicek and McCall Skay are winding down careers as state fixtures in the 2A boys and girls races. Skay finished 13th as a freshman, sixth the following year and fourth last year. Ovnicek placed 19th as a sophomore and 10th a year ago.

Skay has the fastest 2A time in state and is looking at several colleges to further her career.

“She has a huge support system at home,”

Brown said. Her dad, Tracy, ran at West Valley on the 1982 state runnerup and is a volunteer assistant. The Eagles didn’t have enough girls, so she trained with the boys.

“Basically she was one of the guys,” Brown said. “McCall does everything with them.”

Skyler, who has his sights set on a college running career as well, leads by example.

“He’s very intense and almost looks angry at times; he expects so much out of himself,” Brown continued. “He’s really motivated to do the best he can do.”

U-Hi’s boys proved they belong as the GSL cross country ended season with a race featuring three undefeated teams, the Titans among them. Although finishing third in league, they are the top 4A school thanks to the trio of Hunter Simpson, Patrick Mirane and Isaac Barville, who have the GSL’s third, fourth and eighth fastest times.

Losses came against 3A powers North Central and Mt. Spokane, the latter by a mere two points. They upset rival and two-time top-three state finishing CV 2829 earlier in the year.

The Bears were led by Briton Demars, joined by fellow state veteran Spencer Jensen and Caleb Nicholls.

CV’s girl’s swept through the league unbeaten despite injuries to their top three returners. Sophomore Gabrielle Ford, a track find, picked up the slack as no. 1 runner ahead of state veterans Kearan Nelson

Rare Titans title loss Like-minded coaches, University’s Jon Schuh and Central Valley’s Joe Stanton, were at a loss to explain the 15-2 pasting the Bears put on the Titans in the Greater Spokane League slowpitch softball district championship.

U-Hi had won their first league meeting 9-6 and lost 17-16 in 10 innings in the second game to share the regular season title.

“It wasn’t a surprise that we put that many runs up,” Stanton said. “It was a surprise that U-Hi didn’t score more.”

“You can’t make mistakes against those guys,” Schuh said. “He has four girls who hit at least four home runs (each during the year). We’ve just got to score runs basically a bag at a time. You saw their power.

Balls were blasting out of the yard or hitting the fence. There weren’t any cheap hits.”

The Titans scored their two runs in the third inning on hits by Rachael Johnson and Courtney Awbery, but by then they trailed 9-0 after CV scored seven times in the second. Johnson and pitcher Lexi Ivankovich each went 2-for-2.

The Bears’ Shayla Vegas hit two home

Volleyball success abounds Since early-season non-league losses to Greater Spokane leaders Central Valley and University, East Valley’s volleyball made short work of the Great Northern League. The Jordan Phelan-led Knights were 11-0, with a four-game lead. Phelan led the team in kills every match, once pounding down 28.

At press time, CV and U-Hi were set to play the final match of the season Oct. 28 with the league championship at stake.

Bears season-long scoring leader, outside hitter Kazlyn Roullier, has had as many as 21 kills in a match during what could be a league MVP season. She’ll be challenged by returning U-Hi league MVP Sydney Schlect, part of a powerful front line that includes her sister, Rachel, Brooklynn Tacke and setter/hitter Alex Douglas.

Freeman, third at state last year, is in the hunt again. The Scotties were one game

See NOTEBOOK, page 30

28 • NOVEMBER 2014

SPORTS

The Current

Belief in self drives U-Hi pitcher to beat obstacles

By Mike Vlahovich

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

When University’s Lexi Ivankovich takes the field for a slowpitch softball game, most people can’t see beyond the talented pitcher who had gone undefeated for three years before a 10-inning one-run setback to rival Central Valley in mid-October.

The pitching circle is cathartic for the 17-year-old high school junior whose family was left reeling from the tragic death of her mother, Jackie, and the resultant emotional and financial toll it took.

Lexi’s close-cropped hair, the multiple piercings in her ears and her style of dress, define her as a person dealing with sorrow on her own terms.

“No one is seeing my struggles,” she says.

“My haircut, how I dress, my sexuality; I’ve got to stick up for what I believe.”

When Lexi was in third grade and not long after her grandfather died, her mother was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor that results in seizures and usually proves fatal in less than a year.

Jackie battled the insidious disease five years before her death in 2011.

Last year, Lexi dropped out of U-Hi and took online classes while working as much as 30 hours a week to help her father, Ted, and older sister, Ashley, provide for the family.

“It’s something me and my family had to get through no matter what,” Lexi said.

U-Hi softball coach Jon Schuh learned about her a year after her mother’s death from a phone caller who suggested he get ahold of an exceptional talent.

“So I did,” he said. “I called her in the summer and said I know you’re a multisport athlete, and I’d love to have you out in the fall for slowpitch. It’s kind of funny how she found herself on the mound.”

He had other pitchers but had heard she threw some slowpitch in middle school PE. She said she actually threw pretty well, so Schuh told her, “Let’s try it. You knew right away there was something special there.”

She’d hustle out to practice and throw into buckets early in the year. Once she mastered hitting the target, Lexi said, she worked on the arc that varies from six to 12 feet, and mechanics to keep hitters off balance.

The rest is history. Beginning that freshman season, Lexi won 57 games in a row (she was 59-1 for her career at press time) before the 17-16 loss to CV in three extra innings. It was the one time, she said, she let her emotions get to her.

Schuh said she has a knack defensively for being in the right place at the right time and makes plays most can’t. Observers said she made the play of the CV game when a batter ripped the low line drive back at her and she did the splits to snag it.

“As a pitcher you’ve always got to be ready that the ball’s coming back at you,” Lexi said.

“I pitched, she swung and I just saw this yellow ball coming so fast.”

Ballet, tap and smiles

CURRENT PHOTO BY MIKE VLAHOVICH

Lexi Ivankovich is a model of consistency on the mound for the University Titans slowpitch softball team. The pitcher won 57 consecutive games before an extra-innings defeat to a powerful Central Valley High School lineup in October.

Offensively, she’s no slouch. This year she’s had as many as five hits in a game and totaled 49 in 24 outings. As a freshman, she had four home runs and hit a couple more last year.

Lexi had originally put her eggs in the basketball basket to the exclusion of other sports. This year, she plans on playing fastpitch softball for the first time in high school. That will mean a position switch, and she says she’d like to catch and be an inspiration. Schuh says there’s always a place

FINAL POINT Continued from page 27

Local girls participate in this ballet tap combo class as part of the KidFIT program taught by Pam Chalpin at the HUB Sports Center.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

and Lewis and Clark haven’t gone away from their offenses, but send out three and four receivers to free up the rush.

“Technically, they are spread teams,” Bartlett said. He has tinkered with the offense throughout his three years as Titan head coach and adapts it to the strengths of his personnel.

“We want to get the ball in the hands of the people we feel can bring us success,” he said.

Throughout football’s history, coaches have always searched for ways to get a leg up on their opposition. The Single Wing begat the Double Wing, begat the T Formation, begat the Wing T, begat the I For-

for anyone who can field and throw.

“She’s driven and wants to do well,” he said. “She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty; she’s not afraid of work. She wants to be in a leadership position. She’s a people pleaser.”

Don’t bet against her. Lexi was asked how she has been able to cope with adversity these last eight years, and been able to flourish while so young.

“Honestly, I think it’s just (about) believing in myself,” Lexi said. “I put my heart into it and try to succeed.” mation and Pro Set, begat the Wishbone and other option offenses.

A coach — likely Darrell Royal or Woody Hayes — was once quoted as saying three things happen when you pass, two of them bad. What would they think now?

A coach had an idea that begat the passfirst trend du jour. A defensive guru will eventually figure how to stop it. Heck, Washington limited California to a touchdown a week after the Golden Bears put 60 points on WSU. So buckle up and enjoy the ride until the next big thing comes around. But even if the Cougs continue to treat the run as an afterthought, this alum prays they start winning.

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

OPINION

The Current

What citizenship means to me

By Ellie Roibal

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

Being a good citizen is not something small. It’s working hard to leave a place better than it was before. It’s putting others before yourself. When someone is getting picked on, you don’t do the same just to fit in. You stand up for that person.

Good citizenship affects the people around you greatly. By trying to set a good example, others will be influenced. Maybe they will try to do the same. Many people say that they don’t know how to set a good example, but that’s because they haven’t really tried. It’s amazing how one person can make such a positive difference to the society.

Even the smallest things can make life better for you and for others. Like helping an old lady with her groceries or inviting a new kid to sit with you at lunch. You will know that you did something good for someone, and they truly will appreciate it. If you’re afraid to do something just because no one else is doing it, stop and think: what would you do if someone else did it first? You would probably join in with them.

Starting a fundraiser is a great example of good citizenship. Maybe you want to raise money for homeless people or children in need of food, clothing and shelter.

Maybe you want to help abandoned or unwanted animals. Whatever you do, it’s most likely going to pay off.

So be that person who stands up to bullies or tries to set a good example. Be the one who makes friends with a new kid or starts a fundraiser. Because once you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything.

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.”

NOVEMBER 2014 • 29

Editorial Cartoons

By Addie Ford

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

Citizenship has a big part in life; I would say I’ve always done my best to show good citizenship. I believe good citizenship means being a part in your community, standing up for others and always doing the right thing first!

I feel like I have grown as a citizen in the past two years at Spokane Valley High School (SVHS). As Vice President of the Associated Student Body, I have a role in coordinating school activities with other students and staff members. As a member of the Leadership Team at SVHS, I have helped plan school dances, create activities that promote good leaders and helped raise money for those in need of food through Generation Alive.

On the wall in the main gathering room at SVHS, we have this saying “What is my personal impact as a citizen.” I use the quote to remind me that I do have an impact on others. I choose to have a positive impact on my school and community. I believe that being a good citizen is one of the most important choices an individual can make and something that no one can take away from you.

Ellie Roibal is a sixth grade student at Freeman Middle School. A member of the Math is Cool team, Ellie has served as a student leader and is continuously encouraging and mentoring her fellow students. Adaleah “Addie” Ford is a sophomore at Spokane Valley High School in the West Valley School District. She is active in school government and is known for her caring heart toward others. The students were both 2014 PACE Awards recipients and submitted these pieces as part of a series highlighting the PACE character trait of the month.

The trait for November is citizenship.

Letter to the Editor Candidate strives to educate voters Paraphrasing Stalin, “I don’t care who the people vote for; I care who counts the vote.”

Papers, TV, radio and internet constantly report voting irregularities. Most voters have no idea how ballots are handled — an average of 10 times before being counted and stored (even more, if they need to be duplicated). Voter signatures are read individually. Technology could do it accurately

and fast, like banks do, saving money.

The 16-year incumbent wants four more years. You have a choice to vote wisely for Alene Lindstrand. She originated a voter education flyer and takes it directly to the voters at their doors or gives talks at meetings because she’s passionate about voter knowledge. Imagine the incumbent knocking on doors, ever. She doesn’t seem to care about your vote, its accuracy or security.

She just talks about loving her job, as if

that’s reason enough to vote for her.

Alene Lindstrand stepped up and wants to serve through increased customer service. She will correct inefficiencies in recording and will conduct the first independent election audit. She will keep printing jobs local, will address military ballot concerns and will work for true transparency and accountability.

Sylvia Miller Mead, Wash.

The Current

30 • NOVEMBER 2014

SPORTS Volume 3, Issue 11 EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Josh Johnson

GENERAL MANAGER

Tammy Kimberley

Sarah Burk

NOTEBOOK Continued from page 27

sarah@valleycurrent.com

away from Lakeside, with their rematch also set for Oct 28. They lost to Lakeside in five sets during the first meeting. Sophomores, hitter Hayley Damon and setter Bayley Stejer, have been among the key players.

CIRCULATION Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics

Bears, Eagles and Scotties, oh my

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

circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS

Ty Eklund, Gwendolyn Haley, Craig Howard, Mary Kate Koch, Robert Lambeth, Treva Lind, Valerie Putnam, Sarah Robertson, Mike Vlahovich

On the cover: Photo courtesy of Blessings Under the Bridge

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Three local schools, Central Valley, West Valley and Freeman, found themselves with postseason football aspirations heading into the final two weeks of their seasons.

West Valley (4-3 overall), following a slow start, won four of the next five and found themselves first in the wacky Great Northern League with a 2-1 record, beating rival East Valley by two points, and a game remaining with Clarkston. Every team in the five-team league has a loss, so nothing’s for certain.

The Eagles have the second best offense in league with nary a statistical standout.

Zech Herford and Michael Chan were among the team leaders.

Central Valley (4-4 overall, 2-2 in league) can get a berth in the GSL with a win in the Oct. 31 Greasy Pig showdown with University (4-4, 0-4) and a Ferris loss to Gonzaga Prep. Tanner Sloan is second in Greater Spokane League passing with 1,381 yards and 10 touchdowns heading into the season’s final two games. Receivers, Tucker Stout, P.J. Bowden and Rhett Foley, ranked third, fifth and sixth in receptions yards with 366, 307 and 290 respectively. Bowden was averaging nearly 44 yards per catch with four touchdowns on seven catches.

Freeman lost to Colville, but beat previously unbeaten Lakeside with a playoff berth in the offing. Markus Goldbach is second in the league rushing and leads in scoring.

Soccer teams shine There was no stopping Kelsey Bowman in GSL soccer this year. The CV sophomore and national U-17 team member scored 17 goals and added four assists for the GSL title champions.

West Valley and East Valley were onetwo in the Great Northern League and Freeman was tied for first in the Northeast A League with post-season tournaments looming.

Though second, EV won two of three over the Eagles. The Bastins, Skylar and Maddie, plus Micaela Verdal have been constants.

The Eagles have gotten big contributions from several, including junior Jenna Sullens, sophomore Natalie Blair, freshman Alexa Lee and senior Abby Swanson.

Freeman’s three-pronged attack of Alisa Miller, Laura Ruby and Casey Christianson left them at 8-1 in league with three matches remaining.

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The Current

PARTING SHOTS

NOVEMBER 2014 • 31

The cast and crew of “The Haunting of Hill House” prepare the set at the Central Valley Performing Arts Center. The spooky show by the CV Theatre Department runs through Nov. 8.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Horror comes to life with CV production

By Ty Eklund

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

Central Valley High School has the most professional and entertaining high school theater department in the state. Every show leaves a standing ovation and audiences refuse to stop applauding until the stage is emptied and their hands go sore. It is the epitome of theater; it’s the ingenious character that is the Bears theater director Michael J. Muzatko.

After several years of making the stage come to life, Muzatko will surely hit the ball out of the park with a stunning revelation of “Haunting of Hill House,” which runs Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 1, 5-8. He intends to make the show so frightening that as audience members leave the theater, they will be looking over their shoulders in fear of something being there. Muzatko hopes to make this an unconditionally scary but magnificent masterpiece, but why “The Haunting of Hill House”?

“I read the book and thought it was intriguing,” Muzatko said. “It also has been made into two movies and after our past production ‘Dracula,’ it’s been three years since CV has done a horror play. ‘Dracula’ was a real thriller and ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ will be full of suspense and horror and is going to leave audiences questioning if they believe the supernatural or not.”

such a small cast “The Haunting of of actors, the line Hill House” is withIF YOU GO ... loading is extraorout a doubt one of dinarily large, provthe most original ing a challenge for and spookiest stothe performers, but ries ever created. they’ve had lots of Originally based time to do blocking off Shirley Jackand memorizing so son’s 1959 awardthey’re ready to go. winning book, the story takes place in “I’ve been a part the isolation of an of eight different 80-year old castle plays for CV, in7:30 p.m. called Hill House. cluding this one Oct. 29,30,31, Nov. 1,5,6,7,8 Dr. Montague, a where I’m Mrs. supernatural inMontague, who Central Valley Performing Arts Center vestigator, invites is the wife of Dr. 821 S. Sullivan Road three superstitious Montague,” senior Tickets are $10. guests to his sumAnaka Martin said. mer rental home “The cast hopes to For more: www.cvtheatre.com at Hill House. He get a big turnout of hopes to find proof audience members.” of existence of spirThe making of its, and some seriously creepy things start the production has taken so much hard happening. The characters start feeling work from the techies who spent numeran unearthly presence, and with running ous hours putting the set together. The set imaginations of what evils creep below itself is absolutely enormous and gives off the ancient castle, they don’t know what the feeling of a real gothic mansion. With to make of what they’re running into and the theatre’s newer technology, the special away from. effects in the show should be phenomThe horror performed on stage is go- enal and forever memorable to twist the ing to be so real that it will make you grab thought process of real life. The tech crew the person next to you, and with wonder- is always hustling to bring life to every ful acting it shall be accomplished. With scene and dedicate most of their time to

make it so.

“We had three months to put together the mansion with the recycled parts from our most previous show, ‘Noises Off,’ which was last summer’s greatest hit,” senior Trent Dean said.

Tickets are $10 and can be pre-ordered or bought at the door. The theatre department now has its own website, www. cvtheatre.com, where the public can buy tickets and season passes to go to all the spectacular plays this school year.

Ty Eklund is a junior at Central Valley High School who writes for the school newspaper, The Examiner.

Cast: Ellanor: Emily Boynton Theodora: Madison Ambriz Mrs. Dudley: Carrie Owen Mrs. Montague: Anika Martin Dr. Montague: Colton Westley Luke Sanderson: Ian Fullmer Arthur Parker: Austin Burroughs Crew: Zach Brommer, Dennis Burgess, Rachel Butler, Peyton Cooley, Trent Dean, Madison Flint, Danielle Guarisco, Jed Jensen, Conner Klinger, Emma Larson, Hank Lorge, Matt Reeve, David Stanley and Emma Stumbough

The Current

32 • NOVEMBER 2014

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Free BOTOX (20 Units - $240 Value) With Purchase of a New Patient Exam, Necessary X-rays & Recommended Cleaning. Offer expires 10/31/14.

Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Amanda Roper

ONE NIGHT IN A LUXURY CLASSIC ROOM $50 GIFT CARD TO RIVER PARK SQUARE 20% OFF SPA SERVICES AT LA RIVE SPA COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM DOWNTOWN COMPLIMENTARY: WI-FI / AIRPORT & AREA-WIDE TRANSPORTATION VALET & OVERNIGHT PARKING / ACCESS TO FITNESS CENTER & POOL

*Based on availability. Restrictions apply. Offer valid 11/1/2014-1/31/2015.

WINTER WONDERLAND

MEETS SILENT NIGHT. RELAX WITH OUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING PACKAGE, STARTING AT JUST $169.*