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NEWS

The Current

Community-minded counsel Driskell finds home as Spokane Valley city attorney

A Cup of Joe

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Before he became the city attorney in Spokane Valley, Cary Driskell took on a case outside the courtroom to incorporate the area he would eventually call his professional home.

In 2001, Driskell was among a group of Valley residents who campaigned for the idea of cityhood. He served as legal counsel for the movement, rallying support for the “Valley Yes” effort that hoped to reverse a trend that had seen four previous incorporation votes defeated since 1990.

Among other benefits, Driskell argued that the shift to municipal status would mean lower property taxes and increased representation. In May 2002, the majority of voters agreed with the city platform — but just scarcely. The final ballots showed 51.3 percent supporting the transition.

At the time, Driskell was working for the Spokane County Public Defender’s office.

By April of 2003, just a month after Spokane Valley incorporation became official, he was hired by Washington’s newest city as the deputy city attorney. He applied for the city deputy’s job in mid-2005 but Mike Connelly was brought over from the city of Spokane instead. Driskell gives Connelly credit for helping learn the intricacies of municipal law in the five years the two served together. When Connelly moved on in 2010, Driskell was appointed as acting city attorney. By June 2011, he had been officially hired.

Born in Clarkston, Driskell grew up for the most part in Moscow, Idaho, the youngest of three kids. His family would move south to Lewiston when Driskell was in high school. He graduated from Lewiston High in 1983 and enrolled at the University of Idaho. By 1985, he had transferred to Boise State University.

Along with hitting the books, Driskell was flipping burgers as a Vandal and Bronco. His college experience included working at several fast food establishments near both campuses. Driskell graduated from BSU in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a disdain for fries.

Driskell will tell you that it wasn’t a college career counselor that helped him find his future path. That credit goes to his wife Joni, who worked as a biologist in Boise researching cancer. The two married in 1989 when Driskell was still uncertain about an avocation after graduation. Joni, he said, gave him the confidence to set his sights higher and soon, there was talk about pursuing a law degree. He enrolled at Gonzaga Law School in 1991.

Cary Driskell has served as Spokane Valley’s city attorney since June 2011.

He was hired as the city’s deputy attorney in April 2003 and has the distinction of being the most tenured full-time employee at City Hall.

CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

Cary and Joni settled in an area just outside Millwood at the start of his second year of law school. Years later, the neighborhood would become part of incorporated Spokane Valley. In 2000, the Driskells moved slightly east to the Kokomo area, also part of the future city. The couple has three children.

After law school, Driskell worked for several local firms. His areas of specialty ranged from business and land use litigation to personal injury and family law. By early 2002, he had landed a position at the Spokane County Public Defender’s office.

Driskell has found a nurturing home at Spokane Valley City Hall where he helps provide a legal compass for a multitude of policy ideas generated by the City Council and facilitated by municipal staff. Driskell says a constructive degree of “community dialogue” remains a key to the city’s success and long-term stability.

“One of the most important things our office does is to help analyze whether proposed city actions will have negative, unintended consequences that we don’t want,” he said.

Driskell leads a legal staff that includes Deputy City Attorney Erik Lamb and Administrative Assistant Susan Bullock as well as legal interns from Gonzaga Law School.

The Current caught up with Driskell recently for a reflective deposition on the incorporation movement, the early days of the city and life as Spokane Valley’s legal authority.

Q.

You were heavily involved in the campaign for Spokane Valley incorporation leading up to the vote in May 2002. What made sense to you about the area becoming a city?

A.

Spokane Valley was allowed to develop like a city in terms of large pockets of higher density, but the infrastructure to support it was not urban. A good example was the construction of streets without sidewalks or curbs, which are critical for allowing people to walk their neighborhoods safely and conveniently. A hallmark of Spokane Valley is larger lots. Through the late 1990s, Spokane County was increasing the zoning density in many areas, which didn’t reflect our community values. On top of that, residents here were paying significant property taxes for what we were getting like snow plowing, street sweeping and police protection. We knew we could do better for our citizens and business owners. Further, decisions impacting our localized community would be made locally instead of for the whole county as the commissioners must do.

Q: Did your legal background and knowledge lend itself to the incorporation campaign or were you mostly just putting up yard signs?

A: I was originally asked to volunteer as legal counsel for the campaign to steer it through the various legal requirements with the former Spokane County Boundary Review Board (BRB) and the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. Once involved, I quickly recognized that more work needed to be done. Former Spokane County Public Works Director Dennis

Scott and I teamed up to head the group of volunteers, to organize them, channel their energy and run a strategic campaign that focused on identifying those who supported incorporation and then getting them out to vote. My involvement became much more important once the city of Spokane appealed the BRB decision to include the Yardley area in the new city. We successfully pushed that back, the vote was held, and we formed the new city.

Q: Before being hired by Spokane Valley, you worked for the Spokane County Public Defender’s Office for a time. Did that experience prepare you for to become Spokane Valley deputy city attorney?

A: My time as an assistant public defender was invaluable. I was only there for 14 months, but learned a lot about how the criminal justice system works, from top to bottom. Having knowledge of how a person is processed through the system from arrest, booking, arraignment, pre-trial, adjudication and sentencing has been invaluable to me over the years. Spokane Valley contracts for all of its criminal justice-related services. My knowledge of how the system works, and should work, has been important for the city as we enter into and monitor the various contracts. I work closely with the city’s two administrative analysts to ensure we keep cost containment a high priority. I also learned about the human side of people who are charged with crimes, and how they got there. People with mental health issues are a huge driver of the system, which often surfaces as addiction and bad decision making. It is critical to have that in mind when trying to work on fixing the current system.

Q: What were some of the main challenges in the transition from private practice to the municipal arena?

A: It was not really a challenge. I liked private practice, but find public practice so much more enjoyable. I was a partner for a while in a small firm with a focus on business and land development, which is actually what put me together with the group seeking incorporation. This background was an important element of being selected as deputy city attorney in 2003, along with my experience in criminal law. I am glad I was able to be part of owning and running a small business in our community and doing work for some of our community leaders, such as Bernard Daines and Raymond Hanson.

Q: If you weren't a city attorney, what sort of law might you be practicing?

See DRISKELL, page 4

The Current

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The Current

4 • DECEMBER 2014

NEWS

DRISKELL Continued from page 2

A: I would likely be doing some form of practice which results in our society functioning as a better place. I enjoy being engaged in trying to make our community a better place to live, work and raise our family.

Q: I believe you are the most tenured full-time employee with Spokane Valley now. What kinds of changes have you seen over a decade-plus with the city?

A: I am the longest-tenured permanent

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employee of the city by a month or so, but there are others who are close. I think this is a reflection of the great work environment and staff we have at the city. There has been a lot of work over the past 11 years in putting together and implementing the right mix of regulations for our community.

Of equal importance, and which does not really get seen outside the organization, is designing and implementing internal systems for our efficient operation. City Manager Mike Jackson has done an outstanding job over the past five years of developing or recruiting staff at all levels who can creatively solve community issues that arise.

A key element has been a strong focus on

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customer service, and how the city organization can assist the community in growing in the right direction.

Q: You are a regular at City Council meetings. What are some of the ways you contribute at these weekly gatherings other than interpreting the occasional passage of legalese?

A: My contributions during the meetings are pretty minimal and are usually related to interpretations of our municipal code or state law. Staff tries to prepare beforehand for likely questions that may arise so we can best assist the council, but you can’t anticipate everything.

Q: How would you describe your responsibilities when it comes to addressing land use issues and complex documents like the city's comprehensive plan?

A: We are fortunate to have an exceptional Community and Economic Development department that is trained to deal with most land use and permitting issues that come up. On individual property matters, our office gets involved if a property owner identifies an issue that looks like it will not resolve easily to determine if we can help find a solution. Our office does work closely with Community and Economic Development on drafting and refining the broad policy documents like the Shoreline Master Program (scheduled for adoption Dec. 9), and the Comprehensive Plan update which began Nov. 17. A big part of what we work to achieve is to have these documents accurately reflect the policy direction of the council, that they comply with applicable laws, ensure they do not have unintended consequences, and that they are readable and usable for the general public.

Q: You've had awhile to reflect on the benefits and challenges of incorporation since you lobbied for it as a resident.

Has it turned out the way you thought it would?

A: Spokane Valley does, without any doubt, bring a better level of service to our residents and businesses for less money than what Spokane County was able to provide. The funds can be focused on providing service to a confined urban area, rather than to a largely rural area that has different needs. Our council is building projects that help residents, such as increasing sidewalks particularly along elementary school walking routes, constructing the Appleway Trail, installing school traffic beacons, etc. The council has also made it a priority to dress up a main business core by installing new stormwater detention facilities and new pavement all along the Sprague/Appleway corridor. These combine beauty with function. Our building permitting system is fast and easy to use for all levels of people who need to use that system.

Q: Finally, how does being a citizen of Spokane Valley affect the work you do as city attorney?

A: The effects of what I do often have a direct bearing on the livability of the com-

In case you missed it Election results in As of mid-November, the Spokane County auditor’s office said that there was 54 percent voter turnout for the Nov. 4 election.

Some of the results affecting Spokane Valley area residents included: • Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers retained her seat as U.S. Representative for District 5.

• Bob McCaslin came out on top for position 1 in the 4th Leg. District state representative with 57 percent of the vote.

• Republican 4th District State Rep. Matt Shea was re-elected, also with 57 percent of votes cast in his favor.

• Incumbent Spokane County Treasurer Rob Chase also kept his position. Voters favored Chase over his opponent by a 60-40 margin.

• Other winners included Al French, county commissioner district 3; Vicki Horton, county assessor; Vicky Dalton, county auditor; Timothy Fitzgerald, county clerk; Larry Haskell, county prosecutor; and Ozzie Knezovich, county sheriff.

• The town of Rockford passed Prop 1 with 70 percent of the vote.

Results were expected to be certified Nov. 25. For more, go to www.spokanecounty. org/elections.

Public invited to comment on transportation projects The Washington State Department of Transportation is inviting public comment on its annual list of future statewide transportation-improvement projects (STIP).

According to a press release, more than 1,100 projects utilizing $2.6 billion in federal funds are included in the 2015-2018 STIP. Interested residents can give input by going to www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/ ProgramMgmt/STIP.htm. In addition, written comments can be sent via mail to Nancy Huntley, WSDOT; PO Box 47390; Olympia, WA 98504.

The comment period lasts until Dec. 17.

All comments received will be sent to the appropriate local planning organization for review, the release said. munity I am raising my family in. City decisions, and their impacts, don’t happen in a vacuum. Being a resident keeps me very mindful of that. I have lived and raised my family in this community for 22 years and come to work with the goal every day of making my community a better place. I get to work on really interesting issues. Some issues have implications for the broader community, like traffic safety, and some are more localized for neighborhoods, for example working to resolve a significant property nuisance case. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to work for the city of Spokane Valley and its residents.

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The Current

6 • DECEMBER 2014

NEWS

Spokane Valley waste management begins new chapter with Sunshine

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

On a freezing Saturday in November, Bill and Nancy Carleton drove west from their Spokane Valley home for a unique tour sponsored by Sunshine.

While conditions were not much warmer at the newly expanded Sunshine Disposal and Recycling transfer station on University Road, the couple left the open house on Nov. 15 feeling enlightened about a transition that would take place two days later. It was then that the city of Spokane Valley officially made its own transfer — embarking on a contract with Sunshine that marked a noteworthy shift to the private sector for waste management services.

The Carletons were among over two dozen residents that dropped by the event last month to learn more about the city’s new agreement that retains Waste Management Inc. as the garbage collection agency while replacing the transfer station on Sullivan Road — once operated by the city of Spokane and now overseen

by Spokane County — with Sunshine’s renovated facility.

“So far, I’m impressed,” Bill said. “It obviously took some time to consider it, so we don’t have any reason to think this is anything other than a good decision.

We’ll see how it works.”

On June 3, the Spokane Valley City Council voted unanimously to sign a contract with Sunshine as opposed to latching on with Spokane County’s new regional program. The wheels were set in motion back in 2011 when the expiring interlocal agreement between the city of Spokane and Spokane County was extended three years. That meant the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System that had been in place for over two decades would be officially discontinued in 2014. A bidding war would soon follow.

Knowing the sun was going to set on the existing regional system, Spokane Valley began researching private sector options for solid waste transfer, transport and disposal services that would

CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

The transition of solid waste management in the city of Spokane Valley took effect on Nov. 17 with the Sunshine Disposal and Recycling transfer station at 2405 N. University Road now serving as the official drop-off point for municipal garbage. The site added 6,000 square feet this summer to absorb the increase in traffic from Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake, the two jurisdictions that opted for a private sector agreement rather than join a new regional system overseen by Spokane County. be efficient and cost-effective.

From the time Spokane Valley incorporation became official in March 2003, the city has been known as a lean, frugally-minded jurisdiction that explores various options to keep costs down.

One of those approaches includes looking at potential contracts outside the public realm. The current list of agreements with the private sector includes all park maintenance and operations, street maintenance, road graders for snow removal, street sweeping, stormwater maintenance, street landscape maintenance, burglar alarm registration and payment services.

When the faceoff between Sunshine and Spokane County occurred, Sunshine was ready. The company had drawn up plans for an expanded facility nearly two years before the debate accelerated this summer. Despite the county revising their initial rate estimate and requesting a post-

ponement of the decision, Spokane Valley’s governing board moved ahead with a deal with Sunshine that will last a decade.

Sunshine President Marc Torre officially inked the contract on June 4.

“The rates that were negotiated were very competitive, with a total rate of $98.15 per ton, which includes the Washington state solid waste tax,” said Spokane Valley City Manager Mike Jackson. “Future increases are controlled by a percentage of the average Consumer Price Index.”

The rate was achieved without Spokane Valley adding any debt.

City officials estimate that residents will save around $250,000 in the initial year of the contract. There is a $15.20 minimum charge for those dropping off waste at the Sunshine transfer station. The new yard waste disposal fee is $50 per ton. Recyclables and household hazard waste are free. The transfer station at 2405

N. University Road is open seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on major holidays.

Spokane Valley Mayor Dean Grafos called the move “economical and the best route for our citizens.”

“We’re a contract city, so anytime you can earn support of the private sector, it’s a good thing,” Grafos said. “We know the rate with Sunshine. We know that we’re passing that savings along to our citizens.”

The Sunshine expansion project broke ground in late July and took three months to complete.

The upgraded site features 6,000 additional square feet as well as two inbound scales and two outbound scales. The company has added 14 new employees to handle the increase in volume.

At the open house, Sunshine Regional Manager Steve Wulf explained the logistics of the facility to residents visiting for the first time. A few brought trash to

drop off and were politely told to return in two days when the contract became official. Incoming motorists can access the station on University off Montgomery while outbound vehicles will exit on Oberlin to Montgomery.

“A lot of the public was just wondering how the traffic was going to maneuver,” Wulf said. “(Spokane Valley) Council Members didn’t want to see those issues that Sullivan sometimes has.

We just wanted to make it user friendly and as efficient as possible. The vast majority of the public has noticed just how much less traffic is down here on the weekend. We’re not just relying on one intersection to handle inbound and outbound traffic.”

The county has made it clear that residents of Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake — the other city to go the Sunshine/Waste Management Inc. route — can still utilize the Sullivan or north county transfer stations as well as the waste-to-energy facility west of Spokane.

As a subcontractor to Sunshine in the Spokane Valley agreement, Waste Management will dispose of the city’s waste at a regional landfill. There will be no collection rate changes with the new contract.

Robin Freedman, a spokeswoman for Waste Management, said the main revision for the company is “changing regulatory systems and moving from Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission regulation to Spokane Valley regulation.”

“We are working with city staff to ensure residents are receiving world-class services,” she said.

“We are continuously improving our operations in an effort to keep service costs down for our customers.”

As he led motorists through the transfer station’s clearly marked grid last month, Wulf expressed similar enthusiasm over the rearranged terrain of regional waste management.

“We’re excited,” Wulf said.

“We’re totally confident about this transition.”

The Current

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8 • DECEMBER 2014

Community Briefs

Calendar of Events

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Nov. 27 | Thanksgiving Day

Dec. 6 | Breakfast with Santa 8:30 to 11 a.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place.

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, games, crafts and other activities for the entire family. Have your picture taken with Santa. Hosted by the Spokane Valley Rotary Club, proceeds benefit Rotary College Scholarships Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and other Rotary service projects. Cost is $5 per person; registration is required. To register or for more: www. spokanevalley.org/santabreakfast

Nov. 30 | Santa Claws event Noon to 3

p.m., The Lincoln Center Lincoln Ballroom, 1316 N. Lincoln St., Spokane. All people and crowdfriendly animals are welcome to this event featuring photos with Santa with a $5 donation, animals available for adoption, 31 vendors, gift card raffles and silent auctions. Attendees are encourages to bring canned pet food to stock the pet pantry of Meals on Wheels Spokane.

There is free admission and parking. For more: Search “Santa Claws Event For People & Pets!” on Facebook.

Dec. 2 | Digital Photography for Beginners 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Argonne Library,

4322 N. Argonne. 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

Dec. 3 & 13 | Zentangle 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dec.

3: Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave.; Dec. 13: Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. This program for adults increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well-being. The method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. For more: www.scld.org

Dec. 3, 8, 10 & 15 | 3D Printing: Cookie Cutters 7 to 9 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,

12004 E. Main Ave. Adults and teens are invited to learn how to create a unique cookie cutter using a 3D printer. Pick an existing design, draw your own or trace an image and turn it into a one-of-a-kind cookie cutter (available one week after the event). No experience necessary.

Registration required. Space is limited. For more: www.scld.org

Dec. 4 | Celebration of Lights 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., University City parking lot. The Rotary Club of Spokane Valley will be holding this 12th annual celebration which includes a choral presentation by Solar Energy from Sunrise Elementary School as well as a visit from Santa.

The event is free and open to all.

Dec. 5 | Millwood Tree Lighting 6 p.m., Inland Empire Paper Co., 3320 N. Argonne Road.

Dec. 5 | Winter Festival 5:30 to 8 p.m.,

Liberty Lake City Hall. The city’s annual tree lighting ceremony will take place along with other festivities including live music, games, mini golf, vendors, pictures with Santa and more. For more: 755-6726 or www.libertylakewa. gov

Dec. 6-7 | Funky Christmas Craft Fair

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sat.); 1 to 4 p.m. (Sun.), The Gathering Place, 404 N. Argonne. A wide variety of handmade gifts and crafts will be for sale, in addition to pictures with Santa (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday) and family pictures. All proceeds go toward creating jobs in Haiti through nonprofit organization Creole, Inc. For more: search “Funky Christmas Craft Fair” on Facebook

Dec. 6 | Christmas on the Palouse 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along Highway 27 in Rockford, Fairfield and into Rosalia. Stop by the Rockford United Methodist Church (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Harvest Moon Banquet Room, Fairfield Community Center, Rosalia Community Center and Pinewood Cottage to check out arts and crafts of all kinds including jewelry, crocheted, knitted, quilted, homemade items, baked goods and more.

Dec. 6 | Let There Be Legos 10 a.m. to 5

p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. All ages are welcome (adult should accompany children 6 and under) to drop in for an hour or all day to enjoy some snacks and build to your heart’s content. The creations will be on display at that library for the month. Then they will be dismantled and the Legos shipped off to the next library for their Lego Build Day. For more: www.scld.org

Dec. 8 | Digital Photo Editing for Beginners 7 to 8 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322

N. Argonne. Learn cropping and color correction,

S P O K A N E S Y M P H O N Y A S S O C I AT E S P R E S E N T S

A fabulous raffle to support the Spokane Symphony

The Current

DEC. 2 -14

DAVENPORT HOTEL AND RIVER PARK SQUARE

reduce red eye, and convert images to black and white with Graphic Designer Kim Harshberger.

Registration is required at this event for ages 16 and up. For more: www.scld.org

Dec. 9, 11 & 18 | Kids Explore and Discover Club: Miniature Playgrounds

4 to 5 p.m., Dec. 9: Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.; Dec. 11: Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne; Dec. 18: Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Children in grades kindergarten through fifth can bring their engineering skills to create a miniature playground. Use everyday objects to create simple machines and pendulums to design your ultimate playground. For more: www.scld. org

Dec. 9 | Not Just For Reading: Book Art 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Learn how to make origami star books and hanging accordion books just in time for the holidays! All supplies will be provided for book creation and decorating.

Registration required for this adult class. For more: www.scld.org

Dec. 10 | Tween Club: Gingerbread Houses 4 to 5 p.m., Spokane Valley Library,

12004 E. Main Ave. Tweens in grades 4 and up are invited to put their architecture and construction skills to the test to build your own gingerbread house. What kind of house will you build with plenty of graham crackers, icing and candy? We’ll provide the building supplies and you supply the design. For more: www. scld.org

Dec. 10-13, 15-19 | Christmas Bureau

10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. This annual holiday assistance program coordinated by Catholic Charities Spokane, Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review is made possible with generous monetary funds and many volunteer hours donated by community members and organizations. It provides toys, books and grocery store vouchers for low income individuals and families. For more: www.catholiccharitiesspokane.org/christmasbureau

Dec. 11 | E-publishing 7 to 8:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Finished a novel and ready to get it into

See CALENDAR, page 9

On Nov. 28, Spokane Transit Authority is offering a “Free Fare Day” for Black Friday shoppers. STA provides access to stores and malls downtown, in Spokane Valley and throughout the Spokane region. The day is designed to show how easy and convenient it is to ride the bus.

For more or to scout out routes using the Google Trip Planner, go to www.spokanetransit.com.

Greenacres Elementary holds voter registration drive In an effort to increase voter registration and teach students the importance of the voting process, Greenacres Elementary PTA is currently hosting a voter registration drive. Eligible parents are encouraged to return a completed registration form to the school office or register online at www. sos.wa.gov/elections/myvote.

Part of the goal of the drive is to increase the number of voters in their voting precinct leading up to the next election on Feb. 10, 2015. There is also a friendly competition with other schools in Central Valley School District to increase voter registrations across the district as a whole.

SV offers winter camps The city of Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department is offering two Winter Break Cool Camp options for kids between the ages of 6 and 11.

On Dec. 22 and 23, “Chill Out!” minicamp consists of outings to Roller Valley and the Valley YMCA as well as other creative camp games and activities. Cost is $32 per day.

“Bold & Breezy!” extended camp will take place Dec. 29-31 and Jan. 2 with outings to Mobius Science Center, Bumpers Family Fun Center and the YMCA. Cost is $104 for the week, $64 for two days or $32 for one day.

To register or for more, go to www. spokanevalley.org/recreation or call 6880300.

Spokane’s premier holiday attraction

~G1uara9nte~ed Winners

Just $1 for a chance to win a custom-decorated tree and its gifts or Father Christmas sculpture

For details and full schedule of events, go to www.spokanesymphonyassoc.org

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 9

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

Center, 12606 E. Mission. For more: www. spokanevalleykiwanis.net

Continued from page 8

Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6:45

readers’ eager hands? Learn from local authors (Annette Drake, Frank Zafiro, and Beth Camp) who have successfully navigated the world of e-publishing. For more: www.scld.org

Dec. 13 | Wreaths Across America Day

Noon, Pines Mausoleum, 12113 E. 16th. This national event to honor veterans with beautiful wreaths is a public event. For more: 891-8588

Dec. 13 | Santa Claus arrives in Rockford 1 to 2 p.m., Rockford Park. Enjoy

s’mores, hot cocoa, Christmas carols and a wagon ride with Belgian horses at this free event sponsored by the Rockford Lions Club.

Dec. 17 | Spokane Valley Book Club 2

to 3:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “The Lost German Slave Girl: The Extraordinary True Story of Sally Miller and Her Fight for Freedom in Old New Orleans” by John Bailey.

For more: www.scld.org

Dec. 20 | Blessings Under the Bridge Winter Event 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4th and

Browne, downtown Spokane. This 8th annual event will provide brunch, hot beverages, clothing, winter gear and more to the area’s homeless. The Valley non-profit organization welcomes volunteers and donations. For more: www.butb.org

Dec. 21 | Pinterest Essentials 2 to 3:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Registration is required for this adult program. For more: www.scld.org

Dec. 25 | Christmas Day

Recurring 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-SinglesMingle

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

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 Dec. 5 | Craft Fair 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Valley

Hospital, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. There is free admission to this fair in the health education building. For more: 473-5455

Dec. 6 | Spokane Community College CraftArtFood Fair 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St., Spokane. For more: http://sites.scc.spokane. edu/ArtCraftFoodFair/

Dec. 6-7 | East Valley High School Band Annual Winter Craft Fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., East Valley High School, 15711 E. Wellesley Ave. A craft fair to benefit the East Valley High School band program. Over 70 local vendors.

Crafters selling mostly handmade items. There will be food and drinks available. Admission is $1. For more: 850-5714 or evbandboosters@ yahoo.com

Dec. 6 | 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

Dec. 11-13, 18-20 | “Stocking Stuffers”

Liberty Lake Community Theater, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are just $12 online for this holiday comedy for the entire family. For show times and more: www.libertylaketheatre. com

Dec. 12-14 | A Christmas Pudding

7:30 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun), Ignite!

Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway Ave. This evening of story and song will warm hearts, stir memories and provoke cheer during the holiday season. The reading stage performance includes stories by Mark Twain, Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson and many more along with traditional carols and tunes perfectly balancing the comedy, drama and excitement of the holiday season. For more: www.igniteonbroadway.org

Dec. 12-14, 19-21 | “It’s a Wonderful Life” Theater Arts for Children, 2114 N. Pines

Road, suite 3. For show times, tickets and more: 995-6718

Dec. 31 | Puttin’ on the Ritz gala 9:30

Spirit of Spokane Chorus Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a capella harmony in the barbershop style. For more: 218-4799 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 Dec. 15, print night is Dec. 22.

CIVIC & BUSINESS Nov. 29 | Small Business Saturday Nov. 28 to Dec. 21 | U-Cut Christmas Trees 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday

& Sunday, Carver Farms, 9105 N. Idaho Road, Newman Lake. Enjoy free hot cocoa and cider while selecting your Christmas tree. For more: www.carverfarms.com

Dec. 2-14 | Christmas Tree Elegance Davenport Hotel and River Park

Square, Spokane. Presented by Spokane Symphony Associates, this raffle provides a chance to win a custom-decorated tree and its gifts or Father Christmas sculpture. For more: www.symphonyassociates.org

Dec. 4 | Santa Baby 5 p.m., Bumpers, 12828

E. Sprague Ave. Presented by Northwest Woman Power Networking, this kid-friendly event will offer bowling, mini-golf, arcade games, a climbing wall and more. A special kid-zone section will be available, sponsored by Discovery Toys. Men are also welcome to attend this free event. Entertainment includes emcee Dennis Mitchell, special performance by Ann Marie Danimus, dance number by Jonathan Bell and a special performance by Jackie McIntyre Fox. There will be an ugly Christmas sweater contest and prizes for vendors who bring in a minimum 20 guests. For more: 928-9664

Dec. 4 | Chamber Holiday Social 4 to

6 p.m. Chamber Business Center, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake. The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event with light appetizers and holiday cheer.

For more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org

Dec. 4 | Healthy Living seminar 5 p.m., Zi Spa, 1859 N. Lakewood Dr., Coeur d’Alene. A presentation on the CoolSculpting procedure will be made by Healthy Living Liberty Lake.

To register or for more: 924-6199 or www. healthylivingll.com

p.m. to 1 a.m., Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St., Spokane. This celebration includes live entertainment, free dance lessons, midnight champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres and door prizes. A no-host bar is available. Gala tickets are $85. For tickets and more: www. spokanesymphony.or or 624-1200

(Sun.), Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Hosted by Lewis Clark Trader of Washington, general admission is $7; weekend passes are available. For more: 208-746-5555 or www.lewisclarktrader.net

Recurring

Dec. 12 | Season for Sharing breakfast

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 non-members. Ages 12 and under are free. For more: www.spokanebluegrass.org or 484-4668

Dec. 6-7 | Spokane Gun Show & Flea Market 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sat.), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

7-9 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. Hosted by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, businesses can partner with member charities to support this event. For more: 924-4994

HEALTH & RECREATION 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 such as gloves, boots, socks, hats, blankets, bus tokens and donations for Blessings Under the Bridge. For more: 954-9806

Nov. 29 | Zumba Holiday Calorie Crushing Event 9 to 10:30 a.m., CenterPlace,

2426 N. Discovery Place. Ages 16 and above are invited to shake, sweat, stomp and slide during this post-turkey day event. Cost is $9 per person or $15 for two spots. To register or for more: 688-0300 or www.spokanevalley.org/ recreation

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, Spokane. For more: www. warriorcampfitness.com

Dec. 5 | Flippin’ Fun Movie Night 7 p.m.,

Spokane Gymnastics, 2515 N. Locust Road.

Children potty-trained through 14 years old are invited for an evening of fun, gymnastics, popcorn and movies! Cost is $17. For more: 5339646 or www.spokanegymnastics.com

Dec. 13-14 | AAU Santa Slammer Tournament 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. HUB Sports

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

Dec. 13 | Jingle Bell Run 9 a.m., The CorkHouse, 1400 N. Meadowwood Lane. Join the Liberty Lake Running Club for a 3-mile holiday run. For more: 954-9806 Dec. 22 | Winter Multi-Sport Camp

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. First through sixth graders can sample a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer, wiffleball, dodge ball, pickleball and more. To register: www. hubsportscenter.org.

Dec. 27-28 | Snowball Shoot-Out Futsal Tournament HUB Sports Center,

19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Registration for this 5-v-5 futsal tournament is $250 per team and must be received by Dec. 6. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org

Dec. 30 | Winter Restorative Yoga Workshop 1 to 3 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m.,

Sunflower Yoga, 6413 E. 14th Ave. Experience yoga for stress relief and relaxation. No experience is necessary. Cost is $25. To register or for more info: 535-7369 or www. sunfloweryoga.net

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 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 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.

LIBRARY

10 • DECEMBER 2014

The Current

SCLD lends savvy e-reader options

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!

With the holiday season fast approaching and gift choices mounting, the prospect of shopping for the voracious readers, one of the hardest populations to shop for, also looms. Rather than giving avid readers physical copies of books they may or may not enjoy, many people are switching to wrapping up e-readers as gifts.

According to Forbes, the market for ereaders is rapidly mounting. In 2013, an estimated 20 million models of the Kindle version of the e-reader alone were sold.

E-readers offer the ability to transport many books in one small device. This is especially helpful for traveling readers who do not want to lug several copies of books in their luggage. Readers also have the option to switch between devices, which can include smartphones, tablets and laptops, so that the same place in books can be kept regardless of the device being used.

The Spokane County Library District is ready and able to support e-reader use with digital library resources like Overdrive and Tumblebook.

Cara Strickland, SCLD communications specialist, said the district has 28,014 e-books in its collection. Lest the

sClD To Go for your iOS device and BookMyne for your Android.

www.scld.org

require a cable to transfer the e-book.

If readers are unsure how to navigate the downloading process, they can come in and ask SCLD librarians for help or schedule a time under the SCLD “Book a Librarian” program. During the holiday season, as more people get e-readers as gifts, the SCLD adds extra staff to provide e-reader support.

“Every year we notice that more people come into our libraries around the holidays looking for e-reader help,” Strickland said. “There is a large learning curve in January, so we schedule extra staff to help people who have just received e-readers and don’t know how to use them. It’s nice to get help without having to get your tech-savvy nephew to walk you through using the device.”

While helping readers learn how to use e-readers and download e-books are among the most popular uses of the Book a Librarian program, librarians also help with business planning and market research, demonstrating how to place holds on library materials and teaching how to format a Word document.

The Book a Librarian program is offered at all 10 SCLD branches. Interested patrons can make an appointment on SCLD’s website, www.scld.org, or by calling their local library.

book form. Tullet, author of “Press Here” invites readers in to play with colors and help create the experience. It’s recommended for toddlers and preschoolers, but adults will be drawn to the wonder as well.

it all in one sitting or take time to slowly savor each story, this collection will have you laughing, crying and feeling content.

Book Review

By Gwendolyn Haley

SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

DownloaD

physical book diehard be worried, this number still pales in comparison to the 347,095 physical books SCLD has in its collection, although Strickland stressed that readers should not have to pick between formats.

“It’s not an either/or between books and eBooks,” Strickland said. “E-readers don’t do away with physical books, and they certainly aren’t replacing anything in our library. Most readers will end up using both formats in life because they each have different strengths.”

Using both formats actually increases the likelihood that readers will find the books they want.

“There are times when you really just want to read a book and have a choice about what you’re reading,” Strickland said. “More options make it more likely you will get what you want. The waiting lists are often shorter for e-book licenses so we will get them faster in our digital library.”

The digital library services that SCLD offers are compatible with almost every e-reader device on the market. People do not need to be in the library to connect to the digital library, but can check out books from wherever they have Internet connection. Most devices and services allow for direct download, but some may

By now you have probably noticed that the holidays are just around the corner. As you make lists and check them twice, remember to include books for the reader in your life. There was a terribly tragic Christmas several years ago, when I was laid up with a terrible case of the flu and nothing to read. No one thought to give me a book as a gift. Perhaps it seemed intimidating to choose a book for a librarian. But friends, it was grim week.

Don’t let that happen this holiday season. Here are few titles that might be just the thing for the readers in your life: “Mix it Up” by Herve Tullet This is the closest thing to magic in

“The Book With No Pictures”

by B. J. Novak You might know Novak better as Ryan from the NBC award winning show “The Office.” This laughout-loud book will appeal to kids of all ages, as Novak aptly demonstrates that a picture book with no pictures can be ohso-much fun.

“Ties That Bind” by David Isay This collection of essays, based on interviews recorded in the StoryCorps project, celebrates stories of people forming connections and becoming family. Whether you read

“As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride”

by Cary Elwes If you know someone who loved “The Princess Bride,” this memoir from Cary Elwes (also known as “My Sweet Westley”) offers the chance to peek behind the scenes at the extraordinary experience of making movie magic. Elwes includes interviews with the cast, photos and enough backstage stories and secrets to make you feel that you were there.

Don’t forget that when they finish their new books, more treasures await your favorite readers at the local library. Give them the gift of year-round reading by making sure that they have a library card of their own.

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

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 11

Side by Side Counseling Services

Craft Fair

December 5th

7a.m. - 4:30p.m.

HIGHLIGHTS

Valley Hospital

Spokane Valley Location Traditional and Art Therapy Medicare Provider Private Insurance Accepted

(Health Education Bldg.)

12606 E. Mission Ave.

FREE Admission!

509-808-2653

Changing Lives Together ... Side by Side d an Gr ing n e Op

Valley Chamber

Experience the Difference of

Pentecost CONNECT.

www.spokanecornerstonechurch.org Sunday at 11am and Wednesday at 7:30pm 21326 East Mission Avenue, Liberty Lake, Wa.

Dr. Pamela, Naturopathic

Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist

Dr. Jerry, Chiropractor Certified Acupuncturist

Monica, Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified in Family Practice

Liberty Lake

Helping Patients Begin and Continue their Pathway to Healing We are dedicated to bringing the highest quality personalized holistic health care to the Inland Northwest, which includes acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathic and functional medicine. Our mission is to provide compassionate care, reliable information, and educational resources to assist you in your individual journey to health and wellness.

Natural Treatment Options: • Herbal Medicine • Naturopathic Medicine • Chiropractic Medicine • Sports Medicine • Acupuncture • Functional Medicine • Nutritional & Dietary Counseling • Vitamin & Mineral Supplements • Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy • Fertility Optimization Program • Family Medicine

www.LakesideHolistic.com

21651 E. Country Vista Dr. Ste. F Liberty Lake, WA 99019 (509) 385-0218

EMPOWER.

DECEMBER EVENTS » Dec. 4 Holiday Social » Dec. 10 Government Action »

Committee Meeting

Dec. 12 Business Connections Breakfast: Season of Sharing

Save the Date ...

Gem of the Valley Gala Awards of Excellence

January 31, 2015

INNOVATE.

Season of Sharing

Each December we are honored to be a part of the generosity of business members supporting our member charities at our Season of Sharing breakfast. This year’s event will be Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road.

Your business can partner with a member charity by sponsoring a display table for them at a cost of $100, which includes one breakfast for the charity representative. It is also customary to present the charity with a donation of $100 or more. Call the office at 509-924-4994 to set up your company’s charity sponsorship.

New members

Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber: Arc Electric and Lighting Corporation Beacon Hill Catering and Events CarMax Events! By Karen Herford Precision Cutting Technologies Spokane Sports Commission Winedentity

Register early and SAVE $5!

The early-bird price is $25 for members/ guests and $35 for non-members until 4:30 p.m. Dec. 9, and the price includes breakfast. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for “Toys for Tots.”

MAJOR SPONSOR:

SITE SPONSOR: MIRABEAU PARK HOTEL

Coeur d ’Alene

518 North 4th Street Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 (208) 758-0568

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

Brought to you by

Hutton kids celebrate with Mickey Disney on Ice community invites kids to party event

By Sarah Robertson

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Early in November, eight lucky kids celebrated their “unbirthdays” with Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as the crew from Disney on Ice’s newest show, “Let’s Celebrate!” at the Spokane Arena.

The eight children came from Hutton Settlement Children’s Home right here in the Spokane Valley. In existence for nearly 100 years, Hutton Settlement is home to kids who, for many reasons, may not be able to live in their own homes.

The Very Merry Unbirthday Cupcake Decorating Party included games, cupcake decorating (and tasting of course), meeting Mickey and Minnie, and goody bags.

Local publicist Dana Haynes said the show’s producer, Feld Entertainment, strives to engage the community in something fun before a new show.

Looking for Santa?

Compiled by Tammy Kimberley

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

Santa Claus is making quite a few appearances in the Valley area before his rounds on Christmas Eve. Check out this list of a few places he can be found this holiday season.

CURRENT PHOTOS

BY SARAH ROBERTSON

Kids from Hutten Settlement were invited to a preparty for Disney on Ice’s show, “Let’s Celebrate!” at the Spokane arena in November. Karma (above) and Samie (lower right) had the chance to decorate cupcakes and mingle with Disney on Ice stars.

“It’s important to Feld Entertainment to reach out to the local community,” Haynes said. “They are all about family entertainment.”

Haynes gets to handle the fun community events when Feld Entertainment brings

a new show to Spokane. She organized an event for seeing-impaired kids when the circus was here, and sometimes performers will even visit kids in the hospital.

Organizing events for kids is the best

See DISNEY, page 13

Visit Santa while shopping

Pictures with Santa

Visit Santa’s workshop

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy a donut and see Santa

Play in the park with Santa

Nov. 15-Dec. 14, various times Spokane Valley Mall If you have to tag along with mom or dad while they’re hunting for presents, convince them to stop by for a visit with the big guy. You can even bring your furry friend along for photos with Santa on Monday evenings through Dec. 15. For more: www.spokanevalleymall.com

Nov. 28-29 & Dec. 6, 13;10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lone Wolf HarleyDavidson, Spokane Valley Give a $5 donation to Toys for Tots and get your photo taken with Santa. For more: 927-7433

Dec. 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Liberty Lake City Hall During the city’s Winter Festival tree lighting ceremony, families are invited to take a tour of Santa’s Workshop. Be sure to bring a camera or smart phone so one of Santa’s elves can take a picture for you! For more: www. libertylakewa.gov

Dec. 6, 8:30 to 11 a.m.

CenterPlace Regional Event Center Enjoy a pancake breakfast, games and crafts along with the opportunity to have your picture taken with Santa while telling him your Christmas wishes. Cost is $5; pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

For more: www.spokanevalley. org/santabreakfast

Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Krispy Kreme, Spokane Valley Santa is stopping by Krispy Kreme to enjoy a treat while visiting with kids. Pictures will be free. For more: 922-7101

Dec. 13, 1 to 2 p.m.

Rockford Park Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols during this free event hosted by the Rockford Lions Club.

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 13

COMMUNITY

Are you in tune with Christmas?

Part of the magic of this time of year is that there is music created just to celebrate it! See if you can match these song lyrics to a famous Christmas carol. Answers can be found at the bottom of the page.

Lyrics 1. “And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows.”

2. “Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.”

3. “Better not pout I’m telling you why” 4. “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again some day.”

5. “Holy infant so tender and mild” 6. “Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree” 7. “Gee, how happy I’d be if I could only whistle” 8. “‘Tis the Season to be jolly” 9. “Good tidings we bring to you and your kin” 10. “The stars in the sky looked down where he lay” Source: www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/Christmas-Songs.asp

Continued from page 12

part of her job, Haynes said, and she was thrilled kids from Hutton attended the party.

“Hutton is one of my favorite groups,” she said. “They stand out as exemplary in the community.”

How did the kids feel about the event?

Based on their comments, it was a unanimous hit! Gavin hoped Stitch from “Lilo & Stitch” would be in the show.

Samie said, “I really like it. It’s a lot of fun. I can’t wait for the show. It will be my third time! My first show was Rockin’ Ever After.”

Kelly Green, Hutton’s director of community relations and communications said, “The kids have been pretty excited.”

Alexee’s favorite part was decorating cupcakes. Every kid had four cupcakes to decorate and take home. She went with a monster theme for her cupcakes because, “there are no good noses.”

Candy in different shapes and sizes were on hand for decoration, along with frosting in every color imaginable. The kids had plenty of supplies to taste test with as well.

Jessica Pacheco, a houseparent at Hutton, said it was a nice surprise for the kids from Hutton, but the children from cottage one were especially surprised because they were allowed to leave school early that day but didn’t know why.

After playing games and decorating cupcakes, the kids met Mickey and Minnie. Each one had his or her picture taken with the famous couple — and of course, there were a lot of hugs and highfives. Then, everyone squeezed together for a group photo.

At the end of the afternoon, all the kids received goody bags, which had Disney-themed toys in them, and four specially decorated cupcakes. They couldn’t wait to see the show.

All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth Away in a Manger Deck the Hall Frosty the Snowman Jingle Bells Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Santa Claus is Coming to Town Silent Night The 12 Days of Christmas We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Christmas Tree Trivia  The first Christmas tree was the centerpiece of holiday festivities in 15th century Latvia.  Americans plan to spend an average of $781 on presents and other holiday items this Christmas.

 The first artificial tree was offered by Sears, Roebuck & Company — 33 limbs for 50¢ or 55 limbs for $1.

Compiled by Tammy Kimberley CURRENT STAFF WRITER

 While the average growing time is seven years, it can take as many as 15 years and as little as four years to grow a tree of typical height, which is 6 to 7 feet.  Christmas trees were originally decorated with candles until safer electric lights were invented.

 While its origins are not entirely known, candy canes have been associated with Christmas trees since the 1880s.

 Three trees are planted for every one Christmas tree cut down in the U.S.

 There is an 83% chance that your live Christmas tree was grown in one of six states — Washington, Oregon, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin, or Pennsylvania.  The world’s record for the most lights on a Christmas tree is 194,672.

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Sources: www.gallup.com; www.christmastreemarket.com Answers to “Are you in tune with Christmas?”:1) Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer; 2) Jingle Bells; 3) Santa Claus is Coming to Town; 4) Frosty the Snowman; 5) Silent Night; 6) The 12 Days of Christmas; 7) All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth; 8) Deck the Hall; 9) We Wish You a Merry Christmas; 10) Away in a Manger

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The Current

14 • DECEMBER 2014 Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Volunteering a bit of time for bigger impact

By Sarah Robertson

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

While Joni Cooper at age 65 is technically retired, her active lifestyle and many volunteer roles hardly make her seem so.

Cooper’s motto in life could be summed up as: it only takes a little to do a lot of good.

Cooper actually has retired twice now.

In 2007, she retired from The Spokesman-Review, where she spent 20 years as an advertising account executive. Retirement didn’t stick, and Cooper went back to work for the Spokane Humane Society in 2008 in a job she thoroughly enjoyed because of her love for animals.

In 2011, she made the retirement permanent. Though, at this point, maybe she should have called herself a professional volunteer.

“Once I fully retired, I wanted to take some time for myself and think about what I really volunteer for,” Cooper said.

So far, Cooper has found two nonprofit organizations where she prefers to give her time. She volunteers at least twice a week for Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels and spends time volunteering as-needed for SpokAnimal.

“I do whatever they would like me to do,” she said.

SpokAnimal is an obvious fit for Cooper. She worked for the Spokane Humane Society for three years, although she was only meant to stay 90 days.

“When the director retired, I was hired to work on getting the volunteer program up and running again. It went really well.”

Eventually, she became the event volunteer coordinator. Cooper secured volunteers for 40 to 50 pet adoption events and two fundraising events each year.

“It was a lot of hard work. I worked all the events,” she said.

She uses much of the same skills in her volunteer work for SpokAnimal. Volunteering there is especially fun because of the animals, and her friend, Dori Peck, is the development director. Cooper still works at many adoption events, and she excitedly described how at the last event, the group adopted out five pets that day.

Cooper said she truly enjoys talking with people about pet adoption and spending time with the animals. “It’s so heartwarming. I’m a big animal person.”

Peck, also a very close friend of Coo-

JONI COOPER Age 65

Favorite Spokane Valley Restaurants Boston’s and Uncle Leroy’s BBQ

Favorite Spokane Valley Event “I love ValleyFest.” We have walked in the parade more times than I can count.”

Favorite Part of Living in Spokane Valley “The Valley seems a little more agricultural, family-oriented, and the people seem more laid back. It is so different from any other area.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Joni Cooper, pictured here with two of her rescue dogs, is a regular volunteer with Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels and SpokAnimal. per’s, said, “Joni has a compassionate and kind heart. She’s a great volunteer because she’s always on time, always prepared, extremely polite — you can send her anywhere. I trust her implicitly. She volunteers because it’s the right thing to do — not for the glory.”

Cooper’s husband, John, retired just this August from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and he is already volunteering as well. He is donating his time and expertise to the Spokane Veterans Center in the Spokane Valley. He currently has front desk duty and helps with computer support as well.

Cooper is glad that John is volunteering and spending time with his BMW club and generally keeping busy. She admits that both of them being retired

changes the dynamics of the household a bit.

“We’re exploring this retirement thing together,” she said.

John is Cooper’s second husband. After moving to Spokane Valley from Nebraska originally, Cooper’s first husband, Mike aka “Rizz,” died from a sudden heart attack.

“It’s not a grief you ever recover from,” she said. “He had a great and fun personality.”

Over 10 years later, when she least expected it, Cooper met John. He then worked for Wendle Ford, which was one of her advertising clients. She had a strict policy about mixing work and personal life, but they were drawn together.

“People thought we were the ideal couple,” she said.

After six months of dating, Cooper knew he was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, and two years later, they married. “I was very much surprised. I never thought I would marry again.”

And for their 20th wedding anniversary — coming up in about a year and a half — the couple is contemplating a river cruise in Europe. That is, if they can find time in their busy schedules.

Aside from SpokAnimal, Cooper also volunteers for Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels. For the last three years, she has delivered meals twice a week. “I absolutely love Meals on Wheels. I think everyone who works there is truly dedicated.”

Cooper’s big heart has led her to form

See VOLUNTEERING page 15

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 15

COMMUNITY

Trivia Test 1. LITERATURE: What 19th-century novel’s opening line is, “Call me Ishmael”?

2. HISTORY: The Battle of Hastings was fought for control of which country?

3. U.S. STATES: How much did the United States pay Russia for the Alaskan territory in 1867?

4. MUSIC: Who sang the duet in the pop song “Ebony and Ivory”?

5. GEOGRAPHY: Where is Mount Vesuvius?

6. TELEVISION: Who played Morticia on “The Addams Family” TV series?

7. INVENTIONS: Who pioneered the concept of a blood bank?

VOLUNTEERING

volunteer opportunity I will pursue.”

In the meantime, Cooper and her husband are glad to both have the time to visit family. Cooper has two sons who both live in the Portland-Vancouver area.

They visit her sons, two granddaughters, and daughter-in-law as much as they please right now.

Cooper gives credit to her parents for what drives her to help others.

“Mom and Dad expected all of us kids to help with the family business (restaurant and bowling alley) … and I believe that instilled a strong work ethic in each one of us. We were raised with love, respect for others and a sense of responsibility. I have always felt blessed, and now if I can make even a small difference in someone’s life by volunteering, that’s so worth the small time I give.”

She also offers advice for those looking for meaningful activity.

“Take some time to explore your interests and then look at organizations that follow your interests. Start small, and when it becomes a good fit, you will really know. Whatever you’re volunteering for, it’s worthwhile.”

Continued from page 14

many friendships with the people she serves meals to each week.

“Some of the smaller things we do for elderly people, they are so thankful for.”

Jayne Seaboldt, volunteer coordinator at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, admires Cooper’s willingness to go above and beyond. “She is always happy to be here and she has a good heart.

She worries about our clients beyond their meals.”

Cooper described what those relationships mean to her.

“The happiest time has been feeling like I’ve helped someone who really needed it. I recently helped someone get into assisted-living. I enjoy meeting her needs and providing her company. She has been my greatest love as a volunteer.”

Cooper’s kindness seems to be endless.

Although she stays busy with Meals on Wheels and SpokAnimal, she has set her sights on the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“When life settles down, it’s the next

8. ENTERTAINERS: Which entertainer also is known as “The Divine Miss M”?

9. AD SLOGANS: Which company featured the ad slogan: “A diamond is forever”?

10. FAMOUS QUOTES: What 20th-century civil-rights leader said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”?

— 2014 King Features Syndicate Inc.

Answers to Trivia Test

1. “Moby-Dick” 2. England 3. $7 million 4. Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder 5. Italy 6. Carolyn Jones 7. Dr. Charles Richard Drew 8. Bette Midler 9. De Beers 10. Martin Luther King Jr.

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HISTORY

16 • DECEMBER 2014

The Current

Innovator leaves mark on Valley scenery

By Bill Zimmer |

Once again this is Howard Stegner and Seth Woodard providing this month’s bit of history and introducing you to Royal Riblet, his family and the family tramway business. Many of you have probably seen or visited the Eagle’s Nest on the north rim of the Valley.

I’m Royal Riblet, the youngest in a family of four children, which included siblings Walter, Byron and Nellie. I was born in Osage, Iowa in 1871. My family moved to Aberdeen, S.D. in 1890 where I acquired a bicycle shop and became quite proficient as a bicyclist, winning a number of cycling championships. Throughout my life I was determined to win in whatever I did. I first married at age 24 and had three children from that marriage. My first wife died in 1903 and my father died at almost the same time, leaving me with three children and a dependent mother.

Looking for help and companionship, I married and divorced five times in the next 25 years. In 1928 I married my seventh wife, Mildred, who was 32 years younger than I. We were able to celebrate 30 years together.

My older brother, Byron, migrated to Spokane in 1885 after completing a university course in civil engineering. He was hired as chief engineer for Washington Water Power and planned and

oversaw the laying out of Spokane’s streetcar system (owned

by WWP). In about 1895, he was invited to the Nelson, B.C. area to advise on what he thought was a streetcar tram system but turned out to be an aerial tramway to remove silver and lead ore near Sandon, B.C. Byron then declared himself to be a designer of aerial tramways and proceeded to establish the Riblet Manufacturing facility in Nelson. With encouragement from Byron, I came west and began fabricating tramway carts in the blacksmith shop while my brother, Walter, served as office manager and salesman.

Though Byron had not invented the aerial tramway, he continued to improve its design and construction. We completed the Sandon tramway in 1897, as orders for additional tramways kept rolling in. By 1911, Byron had completed about thirty tramways while developing several related patents and selling them. The Riblet Tramway Co., which was then incorporated in Spokane, included Byron and two other partners. I joined the company, but in 1933 I was accused of diverting company funds for my own use and was to have no further association with Riblet Tramway. Byron and I never spoke again.

I did establish a competing company, Airline Tramway, relying on my mechanical experience and skills as a salesman. We worked on one major project but, for various reasons, it was never completed. I was granted patents for about 30 inventions but I didn’t make my fortune on any of them. Certainly the Great Depression had a negative influence on any type of development at that

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: Royal Riblet and the Eagle’s Nest

SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM VIRGINIA RIBLET COLLECTION

Royal Riblet, pictured here as a youth and then in his 30s, once rode his bike 40 miles from Rondell, S.D. to Aberdeen, S.D. In the mid-1920s, Riblet and his seventh wife, Mildred, constructed a house on a cliff overlooking the Valley called the Eagle’s Nest. Today it is known as Arbor Crest Cliff House.

time. My inventions include the square wheel tractor (which can be seen on the grounds today), an automobile turn signal using a semaphore device, a retrofit for hurricane and earthquake protection, a power-driven scaffold and an ankle support for skates. The Riblet Tramway Co., of which I was a member, did create the very successful modern ski lift.

In 1925, Mildred and I began construction of our house on the cliff (the Eagle’s Nest). Over a five year period we also built a vista house, a garage, a swimming

pool, a double-use croquet court which could be flooded and used as a skating rink, and an outdoor checker board with king-sized checkers. When we opened the grounds in 1926, we had about 10,000 visitors and averaged 7,000 for the next eight years.

Perhaps the most interesting development was the private tram which connected our property to the south side of the Spokane River on the Valley floor. We had reason to believe that the Inland Empire Paper Co. was going to dam the river and create a lake. We built

an aerial tram so we could access a boat house on the proposed lake.

The lake never happened and, we had to remove the tram in 1956 due to the expansion of Spokane Sand and Gravel Co. One ongoing battle we fought for the decade of the 1950s was a series of lawsuits against the Spokane Portland Cement Co. and the Ideal Cement Co. for damages to our property from the cement dust produced by the plant. The plant was located at Irvin on the Spokane River near the junction of Trent Avenue and Pines Road.

Production of cement began in 1913 and increased slowly each year. Of course, there were few, if any, pollution controls at that time so the dust settled along the hillside across the river which included our property. We first wrote a letter to the company complaining about the dust in 1939. After receiving no satisfaction and sending another letter, we sent a bill for “$40,000 in irreparable damages.”

After no reply, we filed the first of five lawsuits in 1950. For our efforts, we received a small fraction of what we felt was due. The main argument against us was that the plant and consequent dust existed long before we settled there, ignoring the fact that 30 years of dust collected after we purchased the property. Despite our concerns over the cement dust, we have enjoyed our home and the beautiful expansive view of the Spokane Valley.

In 1953, when Royal put their property up for sale, he wrote a detailed description of the entire property but omitted any reference to cement dust. The plant at Irwin quit producing cement in the early 1970s. Royal Riblet died in 1960 and Mildred in 1983.

The Eagle’s Nest, now known as Arbor Crest Cliff House, is a showroom for Arbor Crest wine and is open for scheduling social functions and other activities. It is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

The Current

PROFILES

DECEMBER 2014 • 17

‘Many lives have been touched’ Well-known dance instructor retires after decades of influence

Age 68

Best known as Founder of Donna’s School of Dance & Music

Describe your first lessons “I studied dancing from age 3. Cloris Leachman’s sister was my dance instructor.”

By Treva Lind

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Audible gasps filled the INB Performing Arts Center when Donna DarbyRawlings announced her retirement this past June from a 51-year career overseeing a Spokane Valley institution: Donna’s School of Dance & Music.

Darby-Rawlings shared the news while wrapping up the school’s annual yearend recital performance, and she’s since turned the reins over to daughter Darcy Kielblock to run its operations. Kielblock and her sister, Dena Spencer, also are dance instructors.

Generations have learned pirouettes and shuffle steps at Donna’s School of Dance, located today with three studios in the lower level of the Redwood Plaza Building, 11707 E. Sprague Ave. “It really is amazing around the Valley, no matter who you talk to, someone knows someone who has danced here,” Kielblock said. “Over 51 years, many lives have been touched.”

Darby-Rawlings, now enjoying family time and three mini schnauzers, said she decided that this year was the right time to retire from work that fulfilled a childhood dream to dance and instruct.

“My mother told me that when I was very young I said, `When I grow up I want to be a dance instructor.’ It’s never changed for me,” said Darby-Rawlings, 68. “The best thing of all was being able to work side-by-side with my two daughters for 30 years, and all the time we spent together.”

Darby-Rawlings started backing off from teaching around age 50, but Kielblock said her mother continued having a huge impact at the school even after she stopped teaching classes. Darby-Rawlings “spent time working with families, which is one of the reasons the dance school has been successful,” Kielblock said.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, DarbyRawlings started dance studio lessons at age 3 and remained there until age 11, when her family moved to Spokane. She immediately enrolled at Phyllis Welker’s School of Dancing.

In 1963 when still in her junior year at Central Valley High School, Darby-Rawlings took a big step: launching her own dance school and renting the Millwood Masonic Temple for $40 a month. Her

DONNA DARBY-RAWLINGS

Favorite form of dance “It’s always been tap.”

First business location The Millwood Masonic Temple in 1963

CURRENT PHOTO BY TREVA LIND

Donna Darby-Rawlings, longtime owner of Donna’s School of Dance & Music, announced in June that she was retiring.

She taught dance to Valley students for over 50 years.

At right, Darby-Rawlings is pictured in the mid-1970s with daughters Darcy Kielblock and Dena Spencer. Kielblock has been running Donna’s School of Dance since her mother’s retirement.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

dad had to help her secure the building because she was only 17.

“I think I taught about 32 students, but it was several classes by age, probably five or six classes all in one day,” she said. “I was probably a one-woman show for the first 20 years.”

“Today we have hundreds of students in a given year. Just being able to watch these kids come in at age 3 and watch them grow up into beautiful young ladies, and some boys into young men, you just feel you’re part of bringing them up,” she said.

Jennell McLaughlin took lessons from Darby-Rawlings at age 4 and continued in classes through high school, even teaching her senior year. Now, McLaughlin’s daughter is enrolled.

“Donna is just a genuine, kind, caring person,” McLaughlin said. “She takes the time to get to know you, know your family. We always had birthday cards, and little touches that just make you feel special with the delight of someone who cares.”

She also remembers the excitement that built until Darby-Rawlings showed the dancers the costumes she picked for

the year-end recital.

“Costume time was a favorite time when everyone got to see their costumes, and the delight you’d see on the faces,” McLaughlin said. “She picked out just the right costumes that perfectly matched the dances you were doing.”

Leslie Geldien is another former student, going from age 5 into her senior high school year.

“It was like a second home,” she said.

“Donna just has an amazing spirit. She’s welcoming regardless of your skill level, but she held expectations. You had to perform, but you also felt successful.

It helped with confidence. It brought a poise out of you, a strength.”

Darby-Rawlings’ own daughters started dancing by age 3, too, and started helping her teach by age 13. Darby-Rawlings’ two sons, Rick and Randy Wright, took lessons as well until around the time they entered middle school, she said.

These days, the school holds 36 dance classes a week, two musical theater classes and several music lessons in piano, voice and guitar.

Over the years, Darby-Rawlings taught tap, ballet, jazz, swing, country-line dancing, and even disco moves. All of those steps helped dancers gain confidence, she said.

“I think the one thing we’ve always worked toward is helping the girls have a positive self-esteem,” she said. “They’re gaining confidence and a certain poise that they can get up there on stage. We’ve had hundreds and hundreds of kids get up on stage with huge smiles, and that helps them in life.”

Kielblock said many people ask her if she’ll change the school’s name.

“There’s no way I could change the name,” she confirmed. “Donna’s School of Dance has been well known for 51 years.”

The school still accepts new dance and music students. Visit www.DonnasSchoolOfDance.info or call (509) 922-1011 to register.

LOCAL LENS

18 • DECEMBER 2014

The Current

Adams awarded ‘Teacher of the Month’

Displaying the PACE trait of caring

West Valley City School teacher John Adams was nominated for the November KHQ/EWU Teacher of the Month by his student Liz Ryburn. Also pictured are representatives from KHQ and EWU.

Students in Mrs. Williams’ 4th grade class at Seth Woodard Elementary went across the street to rake leaves for a widowed retiree in November.

The homeowner was so grateful that she brought a tray of cookies to the school for the kids.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Program honors area’s history

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Attendees of the Nov. 15 Heritage Program enjoyed a luncheon, silent auction and presentation on Felts Field.

The 10th annual event was put on by the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kids stay fit at HUB

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Boys and girls of all ages participated in various KidFIT classes at the HUB Sports Center this fall. KidFIT offers ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics and cheerleading classes for various levels.

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 19

LOCAL LENS

Valley kids honor area veterans

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONIKA HAWKINSON/HAWK PICS

Above: The Central Valley Kindergarten Center raised a flag flown over Forward Operating Base Hammer in Iraq during its Veterans Day ceremony. Pictured above are Reed Swain, Katie Swain (mom and veteran), Tom Brattebo (grandpa and veteran) Harrison Swain and, at right, Kylie Wodelman.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Above and below: Over 100 Valley Christian School students put on programs at Dishman Baptist Church and Union Gospel Mission to honor veterans.

Above: Orchard Center Elementary students in the West Valley School District listen intently as war veteran guest speakers explain the meaning of the American flag.

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.

COVER STORY

20 • DECEMBER 2014

The Current

Writer takes java-fueled challenge Story and photos by Treva Lind CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Coffee lovers in search of specialty brew during the holidays can find plenty of tasty java around Spokane Valley to jingle all the way.

I learned that firsthand through an espresso-fueled challenge with a holiday twist: “The Twelve Days of Christmas Coffee” took me on the adventure to order a specialty cup of joe at a dozen different coffee shops or stands. My habitual stops

Twisp Café & Coffee Shop 23505 E. Appleway Ave. Liberty Lake When owner Bobby Taninchev took over this 2,000-square-foot cafe in April 2013, he immediately sought a source to buy high-quality coffee. He chose Doma Coffee Roasting Co., in Post Falls, to order the shop’s espresso blend, and sometimes selections sourced from Ethiopia, Brazil and Guatemala.

He also hired baristas like Ty Moreland, who knows his latte art in a cup — painting images with the steamed milk ranging from hearts to pumpkins. Moreland credits early training at other cafes, lots of practice and recent certification at an International Academy of Specialty Coffee event.

Moreland sold me on a cinnamon roll latte, which he adorned with a frothy tulip.

Fewer calories than a pastry, primo flavor.

The shop also has a food menu, plentiful seating, a drive-thru and children’s play area. During the holidays, Twisp offers a daily coffee special found on its Facebook page.

Rocket Bakery 3315 N. Argonne Road Millwood This is one place I’ve stopped at frequently over the years to meet a friend or do work, because of its central location

beforehand had rarely veered far from a certain international chain; turns out, I love a good latte or dark drip roast.

This trek opened a door to finding cozy hangouts and great drinks suggested by baristas at each locally owned outlet. The sipping pleasure began with the simple question, “What do you suggest as a signature coffee drink?”

Who knew orange peel steamed with the milk would taste so good? I’m glad I asked.

and cozy living room feel. Silly me, I’d just ordered drip coffee in the past. An unseen horizon opened up to me when manager Kyra Young suggested a café generra.

Dilettante dark chocolate and orange peel steamed with the milk create a delicacy not too sweet, but very much like that seasonal candy-orange-in-foil you smash to break into sections. At the top of the mug, Young created a flower shape laced by the steamed milk and chocolate, furthering its appeal.

This shop sources with Doma as well, and bakery goods galore match the many drink choices. A couple next to me enjoyed slices of German chocolate cake with coffee at mid-afternoon. Why not?

Dagny’s Coffee Company 12925 E. Trent Ave. Spokane Valley A little local lore: As one of many coffee stands along Trent, Dagny’s is named after a character in the book “Atlas Shrugged” for the protagonist, Dagny Taggart. The owner is a huge fan of the 1957 novel, said barista Jessica McLaskey.

Drinks also are named after the book’s characters.

Trivia aside, McLaskey said the stand’s popularity really stems from its reputation for making hand-blended coffee drinks. It also doesn’t hurt that the stand

See COFFEE, page 21

Ty Moreland, barista at Twisp Café & Coffee Shop in Liberty Lake, creates a tulip in a cinnamon roll latte.

Kyra Young, manager at Rocket Bakery in Millwood, makes Generra with Dilettante dark chocolate and steamed orange peel in milk (pictured on cover).

The vanilla bean latte is a popular drink at Grinders, 14505 E. Trent.

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 21

COVER STORY

Cuppa Joe’s Cafe barista Laura McJunkin and owner Joe Williams said the café offers a wide variety of Christmasthemed coffees in addition to its breakfast and lunch items.

Barista Jessica McClaskey makes a Jack Frost White Chocolate and Peppermint off the Christmas specialty menu at Dagny’s Coffee Company. Named after a character in the book, “Atlas Shrugged,” the coffee stand is a popular stop for families attending soccer games at Plantes Ferry next door.

COFFEE Continued from page 20

sits right next to the Plantes Ferry soccer fields and draws a lot of walk-up traffic in addition to its drive-thru.

For the season, Dagny’s offers a specialty menu known as “12 Drinks of Christmas.”

Off this list, McLaskey offered to make the popular Jack Frost with white chocolate and peppermint. This tasty mixture got topped off with a bonus: whipped cream with red and green sprinkles.

Cuppa Joe’s Cafe 213 S. University Road Spokane Valley Joe Williams, this place’s owner, serves up food items but obviously places a priority on coffee, ordered from Seattle-based Tully’s Coffee. Williams said he lets the baristas decide on a wide variety of Christmas-themed coffees with different flavors.

For example, Santa Hat, a strawberry and white chocolate blend, or Jingle Java with cinnamon and amaretto syrup.

This shop also offers a big breakfast and

Below: Barista Brianna Belote of Jack & the Bean Shop in Otis Orchards served a drink called Christmas Cheer with butter rum syrup and chocolate sauce.

lunch menu, seating up to 48, and a drivethru; just get there before its 3 p.m. close.

Barista Laura McJunkin suggested the drink pick here: caramel royale using real caramel sauce versus a syrup, and a touch of coconut, a blend that hinted of a Caribbean Christmas.

Jack & the Bean Shop 4707 N. Harvard Road Otis Orchards At the corner of Wellesley and Harvard, this shop has a drive-thru as well as inside seating with big and small tables, baked

goodies and my favorite touch: one complimentary chocolate-covered espresso bean with any order. Doma, again, is the coffee source of choice here.

I smiled at a playful sign near a water jug that jokes, “Unattended children will be given an espresso and free kitten.” You’ll find individuals, families and friends gathered inside, but no wandering kids.

Here, barista Brianna Belote said popular seasonal choices include Crème DeMint, The Snow Flake with peppermint and vanilla, and Christmas Cheer stirring

See COFFEE, page 22

The Current

22 • DECEMBER 2014

COVER STORY

Above: Karina Komarov, barista at the Wake Up Call on North Pines, suggested the London Latte, a sweet and salty caramel treat sprinkled with cinnamon.

Right: Forza, 325 S. Sullivan Road, welcomes patrons with a cozy fireplace and comfortable seating.

Barista Stephanie Mazurik (far right) created a whimsical snowman as latte art.

COFFEE

menu as, “a sweet and salty caramel treat sprinkled with cinnamon.” I’ll return to the red box for another London fog-lifter.

Galaxy Grind

up a bit of butter rum syrup and chocolate sauce. We settled on the latter, which tastefully brightened up a day that had rather gloomy weather.

Forza Coffee Co.

Wake Up Call

The Venetian came to call here. Forza employee Sephanie Mazurik made me this smooth brew with brown sugar, espresso and milk while she handled a flurry of other customers’ orders. This Forza site had almost every seat full, a sign it’s popular with people in the neighborhood. Oh, and there is a cozy fireplace inside, too.

Energy pulsates at this little cute shop near the corner of Pines Road and 16th Avenue. Lines of cars ran through the two drive-thru windows, and at least six people were seated around small tables inside.

Barista Samantha Waltermire, decked out in a Seattle Seahawks sweatshirt, offered up a s’more, with toasted marshmallow flavor and chocolate.

The shop also gets its coffee beans from Doma, and serves up an assortment of sandwiches, soups and baked goods. I had already heard about this place’s reputation for generous salads. Word has it that Galaxy Grind handles a rush of weekday orders from high school students who come by before and after classes.

I liked the s’more, of course, but I may have to go back to order what I saw delivered to 3-year-old Dane Stuhlmiller, who slurped a fancy-looking chocolate milk with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Continued from page 21

1106 N. Pines Road Spokane Valley After chatting with part-owner and president Christopher Arkoosh by phone, I found out this location is one of four Wake Up Call outlets in the Valley. For the family-owned Spokane business, Arkoosh said his mother-in-law and partner-owner, Christi Walsh, came up with the idea to build shop exteriors that look like oldfashioned British call boxes. A fifth one is going up on the South Hill.

Three of the Valley outlets have both drive-thru service and indoor seating, but the one along Dishman-Mica road is a drive-thru only. Arkoosh said Wake Up Call focuses on serving high-end coffee considered in the top 2 percent for quality.

For the stop at the Pine’s location, barista Karina Komaro recommended the signature London Latte, described in the

325 S. Sullivan Road Spokane Valley

Mazurik also made a whimsical snowman as latte art for a drink my son shared, although she said it wasn’t her best work because of the busy rush. It was a fun character, nonetheless. Along with tables and cushioned chairs, this shop has a coffee bar. At night, Forza features wine and beer choices.

Manager and co-owner Sarah Hooker said the company uses whole-bean coffee from the award-wining Dillanos Coffee Roasters in Sumner, Wash. Holiday specials feature java with eggnog or peppermint, along with other flavors.

12402 E. Saltese Road Spokane Valley

Thomas Hammer Coffee Spokane Valley Mall Janet Williams, vice president of retail, said the nearly 21-year-old Spokane-based

Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters can guarantee the freshness and quality of its beverages, made from coffee beans it roasts locally in downtown Spokane.

Thomas Hammer’s shop on Spokane Valley Mall’s first level has operated since the mall opened. It’s popular with both retail workers and shoppers, and anyone who brings in their own cup gets 25 cents off an order. Around Thanksgiving, the company brings out Bin 7, a specialty high-quality roast.

On most days, two house drink favorites are Carmella DeVille, a caramel sauce latte, and the Jack Hammer, a mocha drink with honey and cinnamon, said manager Hilary Hanks.

Hanks also created some delicate latte art for my Carmella DeVille, a name playing off Disney character Cruella. Nothing cruel about the Carmella’s full flavor that also lets the good coffee taste come through.

Country Brewed Coffee House 5 S. 1st St. Rockford Owner Samantha Bishop opened this country-chic coffee shop in September in Rockford, and the shop offers a variety of latte choices. While I thought an afternoon

See COFFEE, page 23

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 23

COVER STORY

Clockwise from left: Along with making specialty drinks like the s’more, Galaxy Grind barista Samantha Waltermire whips up a fancy chocolate milk for fellow Seahawks fan Dane Stuhlmiller, 3, who is sitting with his uncle, Mark Waltermire. Hilary Hanks, manager at Thomas Hammer Coffee in the Spokane Valley Mall, makes a mean Carmella DeVille in addition to other seasonal favorites. Samantha Bishop opened Country Brewed Coffee House in September, where The School Bus is a popular drink for Rockford residents as well as those passing through town. Grinders manager Shelley Richardson said the East Trent establishment strives to offer “café quality in a drive-thru setting.” 509 Grind features Spokane-based Cravens Coffee and offers specials each weekday. The shop was opened in April by Donna Hedlund (left) and is managed by Janell Heinen (right).

COFFEE Continued from page 22

visit would be slow for Bishop, it turned out she was pretty busy. She said she gets a good mix of both Rockford residents and people who stop on their way to the casino or traveling the scenic highway.

Bishop buys her coffee beans from Avion, a Coeur d’Alene-based roaster. This shop also does its part to support the Freeman School District. For each $20 prepaid card purchased, 10 percent goes to the high school’s student needs fund.

In fact, a popular drink at Country Brewed also is called The School Bus, fueled with butterscotch and caramel. I rolled with it, and can see why people make it a stop.

Grinders 14505 E. Trent Ave. Spokane Valley This stand has intrigued me since I saw Bumper Crop Coffee’s roasting facility being built steps away.

“We try to offer café quality in a drivethru setting,” said Grinders manager Shelley Richardson. Owner Malcom Wicks roasts the Bumper Crop Coffee served at Grinders. He mostly built the new facility himself, and while interior work remains, he’s roasted in it the past five months.

“The coffee we serve is very fresh,” Richardson said. “I believe we’re the only stand that has a roasterie right next door. We also sell retail coffee by the bag.”

I caught up briefly with Wicks, who said

his passion is to roast coffee beans under specific roast profiles that maximize flavor.

“I want to know what I’m serving clients,” he said.

Richardson made Grinders’ popular vanilla bean latte made with a light syrup using real vanilla bean. A sip won me over, and I agree with Richardson’s assessment: “We’re really more about the coffee.”

509 Grind 1612 N. Barker Road Greenacres The last stop brought me to another stand at the corner of Mission Avenue and Barker Road, a coffee drive-thru that once made national news when a previous owner tried to make it look like someone was trying to burn the place down as a hate

crime. Fire investigators later said it was self-serving arson.

Wipe that all away, because new owner Donna Hedlund bought the business and spruced up the stand. She opened it as the renamed 509 Grind in April, and it features Spokane-based Cravens Coffee, a specialty roaster. The stand even features its own 509 Grind blend crafted by Cravens.

To draw in traffic, Hedlund and manager Janell Heinen offer specials Monday to Friday. For example, Wednesdays bring a Wheel of Fortune spin for prizes like a free muffin or discounted coffee. I tried 509 Grind’s most requested drink, Donna’s Cup of Joe, made with dark chocolate, caramel and macadamia nut flavor. A welcomed departure from a plain old cup of joe, it’s also made at a fun place to stop.

BUSINESS IntelliTect invests in making others’ lives better

The Current

24 • DECEMBER 2014

ABOUT INTELLITECT Mark Michaelis founded IntelliTect Corporation in 2006 inside his home. Today, as the high-end software architecture and development consulting firm has grown to over 30 employees, he is its Chief Technical Architect and CEO. IntelliTect’s services include Software Architecture consulting, software development, application lifecycle management, SharePoint and Office 365 services, integration and enterprise service business development (ESB) and analysis services.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Mark Michaelis, founder of IntelliTect, and his wife Elisabeth previously spent eight months working at an orphanage in Mozambique.

IntelliTect dedicates half of its annual profits to fighting poverty both locally and globally.

By Valerie Putnam

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Growing up in Southern Africa, Mark Michaelis, founder of IntelliTect, saw extreme poverty first-hand. When he returned to Africa later in life, he and his wife Elizabeth spent eight months working at an orphanage in Mozambique.

These two experiences profoundly impacted Michaelis' life. Today Michaelis, who is CEO and the chief technical architect, dedicates 50 percent of IntelliTect’s profits annually to impact poverty. His Spokane Valley high-end software architecture and development consulting firm has donated over a million dollars to local and international causes since he founded it in 2006.

Michaelis' primary focus is supporting organizations that provide aid to heavily poverty stricken areas, specifically in Africa. Organizations must work where the deepest poverty levels exists.

"The poverty in Africa is the worst anywhere in the world," Michaelis said.

Most of the organizations IntelliTect supports are Christian-based nonprofits such as World Vision, Compassion International, International Justice Mission (IJM), Food for the Hungry and World Relief.

Ninety percent of his firm’s donations are directed to international organizations and projects, while the remaining 10 percent helps local nonprofits.

Eric Edmonds, IntelliTect philanthropy coordinator, said the company holds organizations accountable by checking on financial statements annually to ensure the money is being used where it is needed.

He spends an average of five hours a week

managing the organization’s philanthropic activities.

"We like organizations that run lean," Edmonds said. "We have strict criteria—85 percent of the money needs to go to the field."

The company also assists organizations that combat slavery and human trafficking as well as those that increase education opportunities for poverty stricken areas.

"We think building schools in places where there aren't schools can change a region," Edmonds said.

Michaelis sent a young African man named Sergio to college after he learned he wanted to go beyond seventh grade but didn't have the means to do so. This support included a bicycle so Sergio could make the hour bike ride to and from the institution.

"He is an amazing guy," Michaelis said.

"This year he is graduating with a law degree."

According to Michaelis, Sergio is planning on staying in Africa to fight poverty in his community. Sergio has been tasked with the responsibility of finding the next candidate to receive Michaelis’ support of higher education.

"That is crazy good," Michaelis said. "It gives you a picture of the fact the world can be changed from Spokane."

Michaelis and Edmonds also work with two local organizations that give international assistance—Partner's International and International Assistance Program.

IntelliTect recently created a web site for Partner's “Harvest of Hope” campaign that will run through December. Last year, IntelliTect joined with Partners to build a school

in South Sudan and Kenya serving 400 students.

Working with International Assistance Program, IntelliTect supports an orphanage in Ghana and funds micro-loans in Ethiopia. The Letta Micro-finance Institution of Ethiopia has grown to over 2,100 loan recipients with an average loan of $300.

IntelliTect also supports local nonprofits such as Spokane Valley Partners, Union Gospel Mission and Northwest Connect, which impacts the Hillyard neighborhood through its food and nonfood banks.

Three years ago, Michaelis began helping Hearth Homes, a Valley-based nonprofit that serves homeless mothers and their children. He started out as a board member but soon found himself leading the organization when the original leadership resigned. In this role, his countless volunteer hours resulted in the nonprofit becoming more self-sufficient and sustainable.

"It's a great organization," Michaelis said.

"They have two houses that can serve eight women."

Currently Michaelis and Edmonds are seeking proposals from nonprofits to decide which projects to support before the end of the year and into the next year.

"It's an investment," Michaelis said.

"We're looking at what projects we want to invest in and it takes time to determine what we want to do."

Michaelis and Edmonds hope that by sharing IntelliTect's story it will inspire others to give.

"Americans spend a ton of money between now and the end of the year,” Edmonds said. “So in some kindhearted gentle

A recent success story is last year’s selection of the firm by Microsoft to teach SharePoint 2013 on four different continents.

“At its core, IntelliTect is a company dedicated to helping people achieve their potential,” IntelliTect Philanthropy Coordinator Eric Edmonds said. “Our end goal is to maximize the potential of the organizations and people we work with philanthropically.”

TO GIVE …

IntelliTect and other local businesses have joined together to host a household essentials drive Dec. 1-12 to support Hearth Homes and Northwest Connect.

Donations of non-food items are being collected including dish soap, allpurpose cleaners, shampoo, razors, deodorant, laundry detergent and trash bags.

“These items are expensive and are not provided to families through the local food banks,” IntelliTect’s Social Media and Public Relations Consultant Jenni LaBella said.

Collection drop-off locations include The Liberty Lake Athletic Club, Casey Family Dental, Tilton Excavation, Northwest Health Services and St. Gabriel Mom’s Group at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Otis Orchards.

For more information, contact Labella at jenni.labella@intellitect.com or 850-7425. way, I would encourage Americans to think about how they spend their money and to imagine the jobs that result from giving to an organization that makes a difference."

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 25

BUSINESS

Biz Notes CHAS adds Valley location Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS) recently purchased the 24,402-square-feet Class A office building at 15812 E. Indiana Ave. According to a press release, CHAS plans to use the vacant portion (approximately 6,000 square feet) of the building as an additional medical clinic to expand their current offerings in the community.

The remaining portion will continue to be leased to current tenants.

Banner Bank acquires AmericanWest Banner Corporation recently announced that AmericanWest Bank will merge with and into Banner Bank.

According to a press release, the acquisition of AmericanWest Bank for $702 million increased the financial institution’s total assets to $9.7 billion, $6.8 billion in loans, $7.9 billion in deposits and 190 branches across five state.

Based out of Walla Walla, Banner Bank initially entered the Spokane market eight years ago when it purchased Farmers and Merchants Bank.

Chamber announces leadership team The 2015 leadership team for the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce was announced at the Chamber’s annual meeting in November. The officers nominated and approved by the board include Denny York of Fairmount Holdings, chair; Ben Small of Central Valley School District, chair elect; Julie Van Wormer of ALSC Architects and Jeff Adams of Horizon Credit Union, vice chairs; Brain Mansfield of Walmart, secretary; Mike Baker of Modern Electric, treasurer; Barry Baker of Baker Construction, past chair; and Erica Young of Anderson Peretti, member at large.

For more information, go to www.spokanevalleychamber.org.

SHBA inducts Tombari into Builders Hall of Fame Banner Bank employee Frank Tombari was recently inducted into the Spokane Home Builders Association Hall of Fame for his efforts supporting the organization and the greater Spokane community.

His role in securing financing for the construction of SHBA’s building and his guidance through the development of a strong financial plan TOMBARI were key in Tombari’s selection, a press release said.

“Banner is extremely fortunate to have a commercial banking expert as talented as Frank on its team,” said Mike Beasley, senior vice president for BannerBank.

“Frank’s dedication to supporting the SHBA and others like it in the Spokane region is something all of us at Banner admire.”

For more, go to www.bannerbank.com.

Valley contractors among Festival of Homes winners The Spokane Home Builders Association recently announced the 2014 People’s Choice Awards for the 10th annual Festival of Homes. The winning entries for each category were selected by this year’s attendees to the event.

The Valley area homes that won are as follows: • Up to $199,999: 1322 N. Robie Lane, Lewis Construction & Development • From $200,000-224,999: 17021 E. Baldwin Ave., Markham Homes; 1939 N. Holl Blvd, Greenstone Homes • From $225,000-259,999: 19840 E. Indiana Ave, Greenstone; 11806 E. Rivercrest Dr., Monogram Homes • From $260,000-299,999: 4819 N. Emerald Lane, Viking Builders • From $300,000-349,999: 5513 N. Radium Lane, Paras Homes • From $350,000-399,999: 5415 S. Osprey Heights, Morse Western Homes • From $400,000-499,999: 8907 S. Deer Creek Ranch Lane, Dave Largent Homes • $500,000 and up: 224 N. Chief Garry Drive, Morse Western Homes A number of the homes from the show have sold, and all homes in the Festival are still featured at www.SpokaneFestivalofHomes.com.

Premiering during this Fall’s Festival of Home, the Festival of Chefs proved to be a successful addition to the event. Chefs Jeramie Entner and Patrick Fechser of Liberty Lake’s Hay J's Bistro won the Festival of Chefs People's Choice Award out of nine restaurants featured.

Funds raised during the event allowed Spokane Home Builders Association to donate $1,000 to the Women & Children’s Free Restaurant.

Pottery Bug relocates The Pottery Bug recently moved its business across the street to a new studio in Otis Orchards. The business is now located at 4707 N. Harvard Road, across the street from the Otis Grill.

Recently voted as one of the top three arts and crafts businesses in the KREM2 Best of Spokane Contest, The Pottery Bug allows customers to paint their own pottery, glass fusing and canvas painting.

This two and a half years old business celebrated the grand opening of its new location on Nov. 8. It also has a second location in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Snider promoted at Numerica Numerica Credit Union recently announced the promotion of Maigan Snider to small business loan officer.

As part of her 11 years of financial industry experience, Snider was a small business loan processor in Numerica's business services department for the past year. Prior to that, Snider was a small SNIDER business administration loan assistant with Mountain West Bank at their administrative offices in Coeur d'Alene.

Snider has a bachelor's degree in business administration with concentrations in business and human resources management from Eastern Washington University.

Safeway partners with STA to sell bus passes Spokane Transit Authority recently announced its plans to provide new locations to purchase STA bus passes including Safeway stores.

Under the partnership, Safeway will sell adult, youth and reduced fare 31-day bus passes at many area locations including the stores at 1441 N. Argonne Rd. and 14020 E. Sprague in Spokane Valley and 1233 N. Liberty Lake Road in Liberty Lake.

The passes are also available for purchase at Yoke’s Fresh Market, Rosauers, Huckleberry’s and Super One. There is no additional fee for purchasing bus passes at these locations.

All other STA bus passes, including para-transit passes, must be purchased at either the STA Plaza, 701 W. Riverside Avenue; STA’s office at 1229 W. Boone Avenue; or online at www.spokanetransit.com.

Fred Meyer partners with Chiefs for fan shopping spree Six selected fans will compete during intermission of the Chiefs Dec. 6 game to win a $1,000 shopping spree to Fred Meyer. In addition, the fan will be accompanied for his or her favorite Chief who will carry bags and help make a $500 donation to Second Harvest.

Fans can enter at local Spokane Fred Meyer locations until Dec. 1. To be eligible, fans must be at least 18 years old and able to attend the Dec. 6 game at Spokane Arena. Finalists will be notified by Dec. 3

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and receive four complimentary tickets to the game.

Tickets for Fred Meyer “Shop With The Chiefs Night” are available at the Chiefs ticket office, 535-7825 or online at www. ticketswest.com.

Krispy Kreme offers promotion Krispy Kreme, 15401 E. Indiana Ave., is holding a couple special events this month. On Dec. 12, any customer who purchases one dozen donuts at regular prize can purchase a dozen original glazed donuts for 12 cents.

On Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Santa Claus will pay a visit to the store.

Kids and their families are invited to stop in for a free picture with Santa. For more, call 922-7101.

Rebooked launches services Rebooked, the winning team from Startup Weekend Spokane in April, announced that they've launched their services to businesses and the general public. Rebooked allows service providers like hair salons, dental offices and medical providers the ability to easily rebook cancelled appointments and no-shows.

The company has an app available at The Apple App Store and anticipates its Android version to be available by the end of the year. For more information, go to www.rebooked.com.

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

26 • DECEMBER 2014

SPORTS

The Current

CURRENT PHOTOS BY MIKE VLAHOVICH

Outside linebacker Billy Sims played varsity for the third year in a row for the Freeman Scotties.

While his football season was cut short by a loss in the first round of state, the senior will be busy in the winter wrestling for Freeman.

Sims plays hard ’til the whistle blows

By Mike Vlahovich

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Billy Sims is, unintentionally, the namesake of a former Oklahoma running back legend and NFL player whose throwback jerseys can be found for sale on eBay. “I’ve heard about it a couple times,” said Freeman’s leading tackler, who is named after his dad.

But he’s no offensive speedster. Freeman’s Billy Sims is the outside linebacker who had opposition backs running the other way this season as the defending state champions earned their third straight trip to the 1A football playoffs and 10th overall.

“This year he’s been outstanding,” coach Jim Wood said. “He is by far our leading tackler. He basically shuts down (the left) side of the field for us.”

Wood said that Sims started off and on last year as he and senior Rocky McClure spent time on the bench due to injuries.

This year he’s been a season-long force defensively and also plays some tight end.

“He blocks well and is starting to catch the ball pretty well, too,” Wood said.

“That’s usually not his thing.”

Sims moved to Mica from North Spokane when he was about four years old.

He calls it a much better environment with the freedom to pursue activities such as hunting and fishing. This is his third varsity football season.

“My freshman year I played quarter-

back and during that time our quarterbacks didn’t play much defense,” he said.

“That didn’t fly with me. I was more of a defensive guy.”

As a sophomore he played on special teams and last year, when Freeman went undefeated and wore its first state football crown, he played roughly two or three quarters per game.

“I definitely learned a lot from previous years,” he said. “They (the older players) were always hungry and going after the ball. They were always flying around and I just loved the way they played.”

Sims takes away the edge on the left side and said he hopes the ball carrier comes his way because it means he’s making a play. But there’s no place an opposition back is safe. There are times, said his coach, when he’s run across the field to make a tackle.

“I just feel my best strength is reading the ball,” Sims said. “I read the ball so well I know where the play is going.”

The Scotties lost just once for a return state berth, but lost in the first round to Zillah. Part of that was because they weren’t as deep as last year and had more players going both ways.

This year they played in a beefed up Northeast A League. Wood said that the top four teams were as strong as he’d seen in a while.

Unbeaten Colville and Deer Park dropped down from 2A where both were always competitive. The Indians beat

Freeman 28-7 in what proved to be the title match.

Both Wood and his linebacker noted that Colville jumped on them early and they didn’t respond. “We had no energy after that and it put a big damper on the game,” Sims said. “It definitely humbled our team.”

Until then, Freeman had won five straight games and allowed but two touchdowns. The Scotties then scored 53 points on third-place Lakeside, which lost only twice all year to earn the state trip.

Wood said it was tougher to return a second time than the first, adding that winning last year was no cakewalk, either.

With the season over, there’s always wrestling as winter sports begin next week. The Scotties finished fifth in state last year and nearly everyone, Sims included, is back.

But there they are again: Deer Park, is a perennial state champ, last year’s 2A titlist and winners of six of the last seven.

Colville individuals are obstacles as well.

One thing’s for sure, in either sport there’s no quit in Billy Sims. “He just plays until the whistle is blown,” Wood said.

Mixed results elsewhere University (6-4) had the best overall record among the other Valley teams this year and came close to making the 4A post-season. Included was their first

win over rival CV in 10 years and victories against a pair of Idaho state playoff teams, Sandpoint and Post Falls.

Bryce Williamson completed his career by winning the Greater Spokane League rushing title. In 10 games he totaled 1,600 yards and scored 25 touchdowns.

The five-team Great Northern League was up for grabs. Every team had a league loss and three finished tied for second place at 2-2. Youthful West Valley (5-5 overall) qualified for regionals — by a total of five points. That was their combined margin in victories over East Valley and Cheney that broke the three-way tie.

It took a personnel switch for the Knights (4-5) to find their offense. They finished the season with three straight wins, including over GNL champion Clarkston, after Dante Clayton was installed at quarterback and veteran Colton Ramm moved to receiver.

Clayton threw for 564 yards and 11 touchdowns in the three wins and Ramm had four touchdown receptions.

Central Valley’s (3-7) new offense accounted for three touchdowns or more in seven games, but the wins didn’t come.

Junior quarterback Tanner Sloan finished the year with 2,221 passing yards on 206-for-381 passing and 13 interceptions overall. He was second in the GSL. Tucker Stout had 47 catches for 548 yards and 7 touchdowns, P.J. Bowden had 21584-6 and Rhett Foley was 44-437-5.

The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 27

SPORTS

Teams wrap up fall season

By Mike Vlahovich

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

There’s something about Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco that suits East Valley’s Chad Stevens. It’s where he’s run his best races.

The Knights senior distance runner captured the State 2A championship in early November. His time of 15 minutes, 27.3 seconds was ninth overall among all classifications.

Along with teammate Scott Kopczynski, they didn’t finish one-two as they’d hoped last spring after the duo took second and fourth in the track 1,600 meters and one-two in the 3,200 led by Kopczynski. But he placed third in Pasco and the high places were enough for EV to bring home the fourth place team trophy.

Central Valley’s Briton Demars placed third in the 4A state race in a 15:24.38 time, the Bears fifth as a team. U-Hi boys were seventh. Patrick Mirrane, Hunter Simpson and Isaac Barville placed between 18th and 28th but the Titans didn’t have enough depth to medal.

West Valley’s Skylar Ovnicek finished sixth in the 2A race.

Let’s hear it for the girls A woman’s work is never done, particularly at Spokane Valley high schools as this fall’s state tournaments attest. Nine girls teams — four each in volleyball and soccer, plus Central Valley cross country — stormed into their respective playoffs.

To recount: VOLLEYBALL — How often do the two teams from the same school district and in the same classification qualify in the same year? Central Valley and University did, both reaching state for the second consecutive years.

And two Valley teams turned in milestones, the Bears and East Valley placing in state for the first time.

CV had an unprecedented season, winning their first league, district and regional championships as well finishing eighth in state. Remarkably, the rival Titans placed second behind them in the former three and missed by one win a state place.

U-Hi won its opener, but lost the next two. Bad breaks bit both on day one of the tournament or else both might have placed.

CV lost its first state match in five games, including an agonizing 16-14 fifth set, then bounced back to win twice before losing in the match for seventh and eighth. All three were decided in four games.

Both teams lose three key seniors — CV’s Kazlyn Roullier, Sasha Montgomery and Kara Nitteberg, but the Bears also bring back several others who had major contributions at state, including Keann White and the Rockwood sisters, Jade and Meghan.

The Titans graduate the heart of their two-time state qualifiers: Last year’s GSL MVP Sydney Schlect, Alex Douglas, Brooklynn Tacke, Sara Carpenter (who turned a huge state performance) and Jacey Schuh. Freshman Rachael Schlect and seniors Kendall Collins and Daryn Griffith are among returnees.

East Valley, which breezed through a perfect Great Northern League season, finished seventh in the 2A state meet, also for their first trophy. And they did it the hard way.

Following a tough five set loss in its opener, EV won three straight, sweeping the last two in three games for their award.

Junior Jordan Phelan, who was the season-long kills leader, returns. Seniors Emily Soir and Shalyn Stack were key contributors.

Like the Knights, Freeman won three straight matches following an opening loss to place seventh. The Scotties graduate but four, including setter Josie Schultz, and are sophomore dominated. Also back will be leading hitter Alisha Straw.

SOCCER — Except for one hiccup, state champion Central Valley rolled to the state 4A final four for the second straight year. They put on a dazzling offensive and defensive display after losing for the district championship, then scored a whopping 14 goals on the foot of sophomore Kelsey Turnbow and allowed one goal thanks to a stifling defense from midfield on back and rock solid goal tending by Chloe Sholtz.

The infinite wisdom of the WIAA pitted two teams from the same league in the first round of State 2A when East Valley and West Valley met for the fifth time.

Although the Eagles won the GNL, they had lost to the Knights three times.

WV won 1-0, but was beaten by Ephrata 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

Freeman was shut out in the first round of 1A state.

CROSS COUNTRY — Riddled by injuries, Central Valley repeated as league and regional champions anyway and finished sixth in the State 4A meet in Pasco.

East Valley’s Britanny Aquino placed third and West Valley’s McCall Skay were second respectively.

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The Current

28 • DECEMBER 2014

SPORTS

Paying tribute to an all-league athlete

By Mike Vlahovich THE FINAL POINT

When Dick Lloyd put his mind to something, said his best friend Eric Johnson, he made it happen with force of will.

Until you saw him play sports you may not have guessed there was an athlete inside the unimposing physique. And yet he stands among the best three-sport athletes in East Valley history and went on to play baseball professionally.

When baseball didn’t pan out, who would have thought “his astounding second act” would lead to this average high school student becoming one of the most brilliant engineering minds in the military weapons industry.

“He told me he couldn’t stand the thought of being another washed up jock,” Johnson told the congregation during a moving eulogy at the funeral Mass for Lloyd at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Otis Orchards. “It was important to him not to fall into that trap.

“He willed himself to greatness. How can you will yourself to brilliance? I saw it; it happened.”

Lloyd was East Valley’s Achilles, Johnson intoned. But like the mythological Greek warrior made virtually invulnerable when he was dipped into the river Styx, Lloyd had his own Achilles’ heel.

His chosen career took a troubled turn several years ago sending his life into a tailspin that ended in tragic death last month, his body ravaged by cancer at age 53.

I came to know Dick, the athlete. He would be an All-League selection in three sports, three times in baseball.

He quarterbacked a Knights football team into the state playoffs as a senior and was named All-State.

Poring through vintage Spokane Valley Heralds for this column, I saw that it took him awhile to get the hang of basketball scoring, but by his senior year, Lloyd averaged around 18 points per game.

And he dominated baseball where, as a junior, he helped the Knights to their first state appearance with both arm and

bat. To give you an idea why the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted him, the summer before he signed, Lloyd compiled a 9-1 pitching record with a miniscule 1.06 earned run average on an American Legion team with a losing record.

We crossed paths nearly 20 years later when I was still writing for The Spokesman-Review. He dropped by the Valley office out of the blue to chat and left me a manuscript that juxtaposes his baseball career and that of a warhead designer.

I kept it along with other minutia retrieved from cluttered drawers when I retired, but could only find four pages when I read of his death. As I re-read it, it almost seemed part autobiography and part mea culpa as he questioned if Iraq’s wrongs made his right.

“My professional baseball and sports career is a direct reflection to my warhead work. I pitched well my first year. I thought I was well on my way, and why not? I had a good fastball, but my big breaking curve ball was going to take me straight to the ‘bigs’. When you are all alone on the mound, it’s like being a warhead designer being alone before a test. I learned baseball has directly carried over to my warhead career.

“Today I visualize new warheads … and see myself presenting to generals at the Pentagon or Vice President in the board room convincing them my ideas will work. I was able to see exactly what Iraq was designing and I am on the other side developing warhead technologies to counter their design.

“It’s a job that takes you to the edges and whether you are a lawyer, baseball player or doctor, that has its own internal secrets.”

Ultimately Lloyd’s vocation became his undoing. In 2010, he became the target of a federal investigation and lost his job, agents confiscating a computer and taking boxes of material from his house, according to a story in The SpokesmanReview. Yet he was never charged.

Eric Johnson, currently the news director at KOMO television in Seattle, and Dick Lloyd met in fifth grade, fittingly, through baseball.

“I was 10 years old and had just finished pitching a pretty good game and this kid came walking up to me,” lefthanded flinger Johnson eulogized. Eric was told he was good, but not half as good as the kid’s brother. “What I saw was this big, tow-headed kid in corduroy pants and man, he was throwing smoke.

See FINAL POINT, page 30

WVHS soccer team named champs

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The West Valley High School soccer team was named champion of the Great Northern League. Coach Shelli Totten-Peterson was selected as GNL Coach of the Year.

Rushing to help sweet babies

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Over 500 people participated in the Nov. 8 Sugar Rush run, a fundraiser for Spokane Valleybased Inland NW Baby. Inland NW Baby said it appreciates the community support and looks forward to Sugar Rush 2015 being an even “sweeter” run.

OPINION

The Current

Caring for our community

By Nancy Hill

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

Every day when I come home from work I am met at the door by my dog Zoey. I adopted her from SCRAPS last year, when she was only five weeks old.

Her mother was killed and she was abandoned along with her littermates. A Good Samaritan brought these helpless puppies to SCRAPS. Zoey needed someone to care about her and it was easy to do. In return, she is always happy to see me and gives me her unconditional love.

As a community, we have the opportunity to show that we care every day on some level whether it’s about the animals, the environment or other social issues.

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) is leading the charge to protect the animals in our community. SCRAPS depends on you to care enough to help by reporting animal cruelty, helping an injured animal, or simply taking a lost pet in until the owner can be found.

SCRAPS provides a safe haven for the community’s homeless, stray and lost animals. These are animals that need special care, and helping with that are SCRAPS volunteers and donors. Every day, people like you care enough to volunteer their time to enrich the lives of shelter animals.

They come to SCRAPS to walk a dog, socialize a cat and to educate potential adopters. They go out into the community helping with outreach events, all while providing humane education. These volunteers are showing that they care in a

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

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

— William Penn

valuable and tangible way. They are saving lives, building relationships and promoting responsible pet ownership.

SCRAPS donors also care. They care enough to donate to SCRAPS Animal Medical Fund so that our homeless animals can have the help that they deserve.

These donations are essential in providing treatment for victims of animal cruelty and abuse. Donations also help support SCRAPS adoption and transport programs assuring that these animals will have a second chance in life.

Pet owners make decisions every day regarding their animals — whether they take the dog for a walk, groom the cat or simply show their animal some love. Part of caring is providing that pet with appropriate medical care, including vaccinations and sterilization. Pets also should be licensed and microchipped. “License Your Pet — Prove That You Care” is our motto as a licensed pet can easily be returned to the owner if it is lost. The license is your pet’s phone call home and shows that you care.

We all have choices that we must make in life. The most basic choice is that of caring. My parents raised me to treat others the way I would want to be treated.

To speak for those who can’t speak for themselves: the children and the animals.

To care about our community, our environment, and the future of our children and their children. It is essential as a community and as a nation that we look to the future and that we care. We have to care because if we don’t — then who will?

Today you can make a difference in the life of someone or something. You can care and show kindness to a friend, a stranger or a homeless animal. Caring can be a simple act like mowing the neighbor’s lawn. It also can be more significant by committing to volunteer at an organization, whether it is SCRAPS or another nonprofit in the community. You can donate to a cause that you care deeply about — helping to make a difference. The important thing is that you care, because together I know we can make a difference.

Nancy Hill is regional director of Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), a progressive municipal animal protection agency serving as the regional provider for Spokane County and its municipalities. Nancy serves as the President of the SCRAPS Hope Foundation and has dedicated her career to helping the community’s homeless animals. SCRAPS is a proud member of Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE).

DECEMBER 2014 • 29

The Current

30 • DECEMBER 2014

SPORTS Volume 3, Issue 12 EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Josh Johnson

GENERAL MANAGER

Tammy Kimberley

Sarah Burk

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

sarah@valleycurrent.com

CIRCULATION Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics

circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS

Hope Brumbach, Gwendolyn Haley, Craig Howard, Mary Kate Koch, Treva Lind, Valerie Putnam, Sarah Robertson, Annie Szotkowski Mike Vlahovich, Bill Zimmer

On the cover: Current photo by Treva Lind

About

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FINAL POINT Continued from page 28

I didn’t even think it was possible for a kid to throw like that.”

The new sheriff in town was righthander Dick Lloyd. They became inseparable, doing the things kids did — riding bikes, collecting baseball cards, having pine cone fights. (“Everybody wanted to be on Dick’s team.”)

After Dick’s pro baseball career was cut short by injuries, the two became fraternity brothers at WSU. Dick, Eric said, would be in the library 12 to 16 hours a day determined to become an engineer.

Turns out he was a mathematical savant.

Books passed around in church contained theories and math equations only Einstein could understand.

But then things went awry and he lived his last few years back home disgraced. “‘I just lost my way,’ that’s how he said it,” Eric told the mourners. “He paid a terrible price and I’ll only say this. He was wronged by a corporation, wronged by the FBI, wronged by the CIA, wronged by our system. He was treated outrageously to the end. He lost everything.”

The Dick Lloyd Eric remembered was a shy guy who blushed in front of girls. He couldn’t jump all that well, wasn’t especially fast, had no muscle definition and didn’t lift weights, yet was the greatest natural athlete he’d ever seen.

Thankfully, I got to see him two years ago at a reunion wiffle ball game among 50-somethings regaling in the glory of their youth baseball days. But I’ll remember him best as that smoke-throwing, strong-armed, sweet-shooting athlete at East Valley High School 35 years earlier.

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

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PARTING SHOTS Nonprofit tackles Ebola prevention in West Africa The Current

DECEMBER 2014 • 31

By Annie Szotkowski

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

When Kimberly Sonko talks to her husband’s immediate family in Gambia, a country that to date has no reported case of Ebola according to the website gov.uk, she notices the fear and the struggles to communicate about preventing an outbreak.

Sonko’s women-led, Spokane Valleybased nonprofit, Christ’s Hands on Afrika, will soon send supplies to rural areas to prevent the spread of Ebola. Gambia closed its borders to Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria, the countries most hard-hit by the virus, but concerns linger.

“They are recommending school children go to school carrying towels soaked in bleach, and if the children get in contact, they tell them to wash their hands in bleach,” Sonko said.

The exposure to bleach makes the children’s hands cracked and vulnerable to sores and wounds, but items for sanitary care, such as bars of soap, are in short supply in Gambia.

On Nov. 1, Sonko and co-founder Brooke Pierce led a medical drive at Redeemer Lutheran Church. By the end of the day, over 3,500 medical supplies consisting of bleach, soap bars, lotion, gloves, masks and bandages were donated. Eventually, items will be shipped in a large shipping container from Seattle to Banjul, Gambia, for a journey that Sonko said will take three to four months.

Banjul, a Gambian coastal city that attracts Europeans to its beaches, is about 6,000 miles from Spokane Valley. Despite the distance, the impact on the Sonko’s family hits home. Sonko and her husband, Charles, communicate with Moses, Charles’ brother, in West Africa.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines Ebola as “a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with a strain of Ebola virus” and notes “the 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa.” Although the risk of affecting people in the U.S. is miniscule, entrepreneurs and tech millionaires in Seattle are not taking the epidemic lightly. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen announced in September he will donate to the CDC to build and equip emergency operations centers and train staff in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the Associated Press reported.

The disease is spreading partially by a lack of communication among cities and villages within West African countries, including Gambia. The World Health Organization reports that “community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks of Ebola.”

“People don’t talk about it,” said Sonko.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

TO GIVE …

Christ’s Hands on Afrika is seeking financial donations as well as donations of the following items: bars of soap, hand sanitizer, bleach, towels, gloves and body wash disinfectant (Dettol).

To get involved, drop off supplies at KIDDS Dental, 1327 N. Stanford, Suite B, Liberty Lake; Jenny’s Café, 9425 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley; or Applebee’s Restaurant 12217 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley.

Kimberly Sonko and Brooke Pierce recently sponsored a medical drive where they received over 3,500 medical supplies to send to Gambia. The women are co-founders of the Spokane Valleybased nonprofit, Christ’s Hands on Afrika.

Because of the Ebola outbreak, Sonko said children in Gambia are being told to carry towels soaked in bleach to school in order to disinfect when they come into contact with other children.

For more: www.christshandsonafrika.com “People don’t want to draw negative attention.”

The nonprofit’s vice president Kristin Wilkinson met Sonko through a Bible study and had a desire to “help the weak, vulnerable, and hurting around the world,” she said.

“There just happens to be a whole lot of people who fit that description in Africa, and this is the particular door that God opened in my life for an avenue to bring hope, relief and love,” Wilkinson added.

Community engagement mobilizes Christ’s Hand on Afrika’s effort to help.

“They survive off of community,” said Sonko. Medical-supply drives and collaboration with local churches will progress the nonprofit’s goals, as will the connections in Gambia.

“That’s what’s unique about our organization,” said Sonko. “We’re not putting the supplies on a plane, not asking a company

or organization to help. We have family and connections and trust.”

Christ’s Hands on Afrika has started a program in Gambia called Backpacks for Success in which students receive backpacks with a water bottle. Many students endure a long commute to and from school without access to water.

Originally operated out of Long Beach, Calif., Christ’s Hands on Afrika also focuses on water and education. Sonko’s brother-in-law mentioned ubiquitous posters that read, “Stop Ebola. Wash your hands to prevent entry,” and, “What to look for in regards to Ebola.” Even with proper water stations around Gambia, soap is not available to sanitize.

Christ’s Hands on Afrika will continue to accept donations, both monetary and supplies, throughout the holiday season.

Three locations serve as drop-off sites until the end of December, and the nonprofit’s staff is willing to pick up supplies from residences.

“Anybody of any income level can help,” Sonko said.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Christ’s Hands on Afrika is hosting “Shop With a Purpose” from 5 to 9 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Old Schafer Road. Vendors will sell handmade crafts. Donations and proceeds will support shipping costs for Christ’s Hands on Afrika as well as the nonprofit’s programs.

The Current

32 • DECEMBER 2014

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