January 2015 Current

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Five stories of resolve from Spokane Valley PAGE 10 We’re open.

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NEWS

2 • JANUARY 2015

The Current

Grafos with a gavel Spokane Valley mayor concludes first year as ‘face of city’

A Cup of Joe

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

There was a time when Dean Grafos was less than enthused about the idea of Spokane Valley as a city.

After the vote for incorporation passed in May 2002, Grafos bandied with several efforts to dissolve the new jurisdiction, finally throwing his hat into the ring to run for Spokane Valley City Council in 2009 as part of the “Positive Change” ticket. Running on a platform that included jettisoning the Sprague Appleway Revitalization Plan and holding off on the idea of a new City Hall, Grafos beat out three candidates that fall to usher in a dramatically altered governing board.

Grafos was one of four new council members sworn in at the beginning of 2010.

They would inherit a healthy reserve built up by the original council as well as a lean staffing approach and a cost-effective strategy of seeking out contracts in the private sector. The layer of fiscal reassurance would serve as a key to the city’s stability during the storms of the nationwide recession.

Grafos faced off against John Carroll in the 2011 general election, earning nearly 57 percent of the vote to win re-election. Last January, Grafos edged out fellow Council Member Chuck Hafner in a 4-3 decision to become the fifth mayor in Spokane Valley’s brief history.

At his first State of the City address last May, Grafos celebrated Spokane Valley’s stability and progress, trumpeting achievements like new street maintenance initiatives, bridge repairs, expansion of municipal parks and a continuing commitment to public safety. He reminded residents that all had been achieved without a single tax increase.

“We have not only weathered but have triumphed over one of the worst recessions in our country’s history and are continuing on a path of economic prosperity,” Grafos said in his speech.

A native of Pendleton, Ore., Grafos moved with his family to Spokane’s South Hill in 1954. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School before earning his degree from Eastern Washington University.

His professional path would later include becoming a state-licensed real estate broker.

Grafos and his wife, Elizabeth, are both children of Greek immigrants who achieved success with a genuine investment in the opportunities afforded by the American Dream. Grafos’ father worked as

a railroader and Elizabeth’s dad established himself as a businessman in Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake.

“Our parents are part of that story of how hardworking and industrious immigrants embraced and helped build their wonderful new country,” Grafos said.

Dean and Elizabeth Grafos have established an impressive portfolio of their own with a similar work ethic and level of dedication. The couple has over 40 years of work and investment history in the Spokane Valley. They own several companies in fields such as storage, truck rentals, real estate and construction.

Elizabeth Grafos is a Central Valley High School and University of Washington graduate. The couple has two grown children.

When not spending time with his family, researching municipal issues, attending meetings or representing the city at public events, Grafos pursues interests as a car enthusiast and outdoorsman as well as volunteering with causes like the Union Gospel Mission.

The Current caught up with Grafos recently to chat about the most recent state of Spokane Valley and life as mayor of Washington’s 10th largest city.

Q. A.

Growing up, did you have much interest in government?

Did you ever run for ASB office in school?

Growing up, I was always interested in public affairs, current events and history. Our family has always viewed public and community service as honorable. Though I myself never ran for school office, my wife did, one of my children did and both our children are political science graduates. One teaches high level comparative government and history with a master of arts in athletic administration, and the other has an M.A. in public administration and a Ph.D. in public policy.

Kudos to Central Valley schools!

Q: What were your initial thoughts about incorporation, both on the prior ballots to turn Spokane Valley into a city and the vote that finally passed in May of 2002?

A: Like many in the Spokane Valley, I did not favor incorporation. I did a great deal of business with Spokane County and felt it

CURRENT PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

Dean Grafos became the fifth mayor in the history of Spokane Valley last January when his fellow City Council members selected him in a 4-3 vote over Chuck Hafner. Grafos was first elected to the governing board on the general election ballot in 2009. was pretty efficient. I was afraid, like many, that it would add another costly layer of government. I was intrigued with the idea of more (county) commissioners to grant greater representation. When it passed in 2002, I accepted the decision and believed that the new city would continue to support the character of the Valley and respect the independent values of this community.

Q: How closely did you follow Valley politics after incorporation and when did you decide to run for City Council?

A: About 2007, I was informed of a multi-million dollar sub-area zoning plan called Sprague Avenue Revitalization that the city intended to implement that would drastically impose harmful restrictions and ‘downzone’ hundreds of businesses and parcels of property over 6 miles of the Sprague corridor. The city had already reduced property entitlements along large swaths of the Valley, including Sprague and Trent in 2004, mostly unknown to those affected. It was a multi-million dollar plan destroying the livelihoods and investments of hundreds of small businesses—those who were the backbone of our community. Big box stores were unaffected. It was truly a massive and costly government overreach, 200plus pages and over three pounds of regulations, formulated by new urbanist planners from out of state. We fought this zoning with limited success for the next two years.

In 2009, the late state Sen. Bob McCaslin asked me to join him and run for City Council as part of a slate of candidates put

together by current Councilperson Chuck Hafner. With Sen. McCaslin’s support and encouragement, I joined to work from the inside of city government to make this the best city possible. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Q: What did you learn about the process of running for office in that first election?

A: The most important thing I learned in that first time and since in the political realm is to always be true to what you believe. That doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind or you can’t learn new things.

It means that if you believe in certain principles, you are ready to stand alone if need be. Plus, you don’t have to worry about remembering what you may have said some other time. I knew that over 40 years of self-employment plus a good dose of common sense were essential if I were to do the job right. As a fiscal conservative, I believe bringing business principles to government is important in this time of scarce resources.

Government has new challenges and requires more “thinking outside the box.” My wife and I decided early on to buck the conventional wisdom and run our campaign how we wanted, based on years of experience and work in the business world. As my business partner and campaign chair, she helped to communicate my message of common sense, responsible budgets, free enterprise solutions, valuing tax revenues as your own and respecting our community values and neighborhoods.

See GRAFOS, page 4

The Current

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This is one of many reasons to be cautious when selecting hormone replacement therapy. The goal should

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Conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) consists of standard doses of synthetic hormones without considering each person’s individual hormonal profile. Bio-identical hormone therapy is individually customized through labs and clinical signs/ symptoms. Bio-identical hormones mimic hormones produced by the body, meaning they have the same chemical structure as the hormones created naturally in the human body.

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NEWS

GRAFOS Continued from page 2

Q: Has your approach to campaigning changed since that first election in 2009?

A: No. The same principles apply. You must always be responsive to your constituents—you will be respected for listening, whether you agree or not. I also believe that if you promise something to the community, you should work 24/7 to fulfill your promises to the best of your ability. And as always, leadership requires effective communication and collaboration with fellow councilpersons, for it is a team effort that gets things done. It also, as in business and in our daily family living, requires focus on realistic priorities without getting sidetracked; in other words, stay out of the weeds, be effective. If you go to the city of Spokane Valley website and find the 2014 State of the City address, it will list some of the many accomplishments of the current and recent past councils.

Q: How dramatic was the learning curve when you first joined City Council?

A: Other than Roberts Rules of Order and municipal procedures and slower pace, it was not a difficult move. When you are clear on your priorities, stay focused, and are willing to put in the hard work as you’ve always done to survive in business, it is not difficult. My only real constraint is time and the lack thereof.

Q: What are some of the main differences between being a City Council member and mayor?

A: First and foremost, as a councilperson or as mayor, you represent all the people and you are tasked to represent their needs and interests first. As mayor, you must also make sure all voices on the council are heard. The city of Spokane Valley is not a strong mayor form of government. As part of the legislative branch of the city, the mayor is elected by the council for two years, runs the meetings and, along with the deputy mayor and the city manager, sets the weekly meeting agenda concerning the business of the city. The mayor also sits on various committees as do other council members and makes public appearances representing the city and the community.

Q: The city recently signed a contract with Sunshine Disposal and Recycling for waste management services, opting for a private-sector agreement instead of a contract with Spokane County. You have also talked about how important the collaboration remains between the city and the county in other areas. How challenging is it to maintain that balance between the public and private sector when it involves municipal contracts?

A: The city of Spokane Valley is essentially a contract city. By bid and negotiation for essential services, for the most part, lower costs can result, a plus for taxpayers. However, from where these services originate can vary. If the welfare of the community

The Current

and their tax dollars are the priority, then there is no real conflict as each contract is based on its merits. The city of Spokane Valley holds over 14 contracts with Spokane County in a very favorable relationship between both entities. At any given time, however, each may go in different directions. Regionalism is not always the best course if there is inadequate representation for the city or the costs are not beneficial.

Such is the case with the solid waste contract awarded to Sunshine Disposal and Recycling. The city spent years negotiating, evaluating and discussing options, and in the end chose Sunshine because of their strength, their responsiveness to city needs and their cost savings.

Q: The Sullivan Road Bridge renovation project is now under way. The city was able to procure a considerable amount of grant money for this work.

What have you learned about the process of seeking out supplemental funding for capital projects on the state and federal level?

A: The process of successfully applying for and receiving either federal and/or state funds is a complicated, time-consuming and very expensive process. Our city staff does it well. I’ve learned it takes persistence and focus in securing these funds, but it is equally important for a city to be prepared financially to do its part in securing these funds, especially when it requires matching dollars. One important caveat to chasing funds — it is very important that in the process of securing funds for a major project, that other important city needs, especially infrastructure, not be put off. Funding for large projects often takes many years, and critically needed projects elsewhere could be neglected, costing more in the long run in repairs, lost revenues, etc. Also, “chasing” grants with no particular goal is not productive and a waste of taxpayer dollars spent where not always needed.

Q: Finally, what is your favorite aspect of living and working in Spokane Valley?

A: At this point of my life, I have spent most of my years living in Spokane Valley.

I am so grateful to this community for the privilege of living here, earning my livelihood here and, most importantly, raising my family in this special “village.” I have gotten to know so many people through the years and, through my city service, have been able to reach so many more. The Spokane Valley is unique and welcoming, with large numbers of Valley school graduates constantly returning here to live because they know how special this community is. They join so many more of all ages that recognize our quality of life and the many opportunities for work and play. As a representative of our city, I am proud of what we have accomplished. We welcome families and businesses alike and, as I have said many times, it has truly been an honor to serve.

The Current

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The Current

6 • JANUARY 2015

NEWS

Ballot loaded with school measures, SVFD levy

By Josh Johnson

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

Approximately three months after receiving a general election ballot, most registered voters in the greater Spokane Valley will find another in the mailbox on or around Jan. 23.

This time, the spotlight won’t be on electing members of the Washington Legislature or considering statewide initiatives, but on local measures — specifically, schools and the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

The most prominent request among these Feb. 10 ballot measures comes from the Central Valley School District, which is asking voters to pass a capital improvement and construction bond that would raise nearly $122 million, notably without raising taxes thanks to the upcoming expiration of a previous bond.

CV joins West Valley and Freeman in also putting forward replacement levy requests, all of them continuations of current levies that will expire at the end of 2015 without voter renewal. The same is true with the SVFD request.

Central Valley bond and levy Voters in Central Valley last passed a construction bond in 1998, a $78 million request that built two high schools and funded renovations to other buildings.

Four times since then, CV has asked voters to approve additional bonds, and all four times they have come up short of the required 60 percent supermajority.

Proponents hope the fifth time is the charm and carry with them this time the benefit of the soon-to-be-retired 1998 bond, meaning the February request doesn’t carry the usually accompanying tax increase. The heart of the bond measure is expanding school capacity. CVSD reports an increase of 1,700 students in the past decade with no new schools added during that time.

Approval of the $121.9 million measure would trigger an additional $58 million in

state matching funds. The money would build one new elementary school and renovate — and in most cases, expand — seven other schools.

Also included is funding to do some preliminary planning for a future third high school to be located at district-owned property on 16th and Henry. Various safety upgrades, a roof repair and land acquisition for a future relocation of North Pines Middle School are among other bondfunded projects. The complete list is available at www.cvsd.org.

The bond isn’t the only CV proposition on the ballot, as the renewal of the district’s School Programs and Operations Levy is also before voters. The levy accounts for about 22 percent of the district’s overall budget and supports educational programs, extracurricular activities, utilities, insurance and various security measures.

The CVSD’s current levy rate would not be raised if the measure is approved.

The three-year levy is estimated to collect $3.56 per $1,000 of assessed property tax valuation between 2016-2018.

Central Valley has scheduled a trio of open houses for voters to ask questions and learn more about both ballot measures. The events are Jan. 13 at Evergreen Middle School, Jan. 14 at Opportunity Elementary School and Jan. 15 at Liberty Lake Elementary School. All run from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

timated rate of $4.55 per $1,000 assessed property tax valuation.

West Valley has another three-year levy specific to technology. The Technology Capital Projects Levy is also an extension of the current tax rate, estimated at about 28 cents per $1,000 assessed property tax valuation. This measure supports technology goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan, including items like classroom technology, network maintenance and teacher tools and training.

More information on the West Valley levies is available at www.wvsd.org.

West Valley levies

For the first time in years, East Valley voters won’t be considering a levy at the same time as their counterparts in neighboring Valley school districts. This is because during the last levy election cycle, in February 2012, East Valley increased its levy term to four years as opposed to the three years run by other districts.

While that likely means a February 2016 ballot decision, the East Valley School District is presently discussing options for its aging transportation fleet. A capital levy is one consideration.

Stay up to date with East Valley news at

Voters in the West Valley School District will also have two measures to consider, both of which are familiar three-year levies the district is asking voters to extend for another term, 2016-2018.

West Valley’s School Programs Maintenance and Operations Levy makes up about 20 percent of the district’s operating budget and pays for a long list of items, from textbooks, teachers and transportation to art, athletics and parent access.

Like in Central Valley, the increase would not raise taxes, maintaining an es-

Freeman levies The Freeman School District is seeking to renew a single levy on Feb. 10. The district’s Educational Programs, Technology and Operation Levy makes up about 16 percent of the overall budget and covers a wide range of educational programs, including support and technology for classrooms, extracurricular activities, music and art programs, textbooks and transportation.

Another levy that wouldn’t increase current tax rates, the Freeman measure is projected to run taxpayers $3.01 per $1,000 in assessed property tax valuation. It also covers a three-year term, from 2016-2018.

More information is available at www. freemansd.org.

What about East Valley?

www.evsd.org.

SVFD levy The only non-school measure on local ballots is being put forward by the Spokane Valley Fire Department, which is seeking to extend its Maintenance and Operation Levy for four years, 2016-2019.

While this levy is a renewal of one already in place, SVFD commissioners did approve a 6 cent per $1,000 assessed property tax valuation increase to be built into the current request. In levy information available at www.spokanevalleyfire.com, SVFD reports emergency calls increasing about 5 percent in 2014, about 86 percent of which are for medical emergencies.

An increase in levy funding is being put forward in part to implement action items over the next four years that were included in the updated 2014 strategic plan. These include: • Building a new station in Liberty Lake and selling the current station to the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District, which operates a wastewater treatment facility on adjoining property. The station would be built without taking out debt, continuing the department’s tradition of not carrying debt on any capital projects and maintaining a 25 percent reserve fund.

• Evaluating the use of Alternative Response Units into SVFD service, and incorporating these units if the evaluation demonstrates improved level of service.

• Upgrading aging equipment.

• Recruitment and training of new staff.

• Various facility and equipment upgrades.

• Enhanced communication processes and equipment.

With 10 fire stations and a service area of more than 75 square miles covering communities such as Spokane Valley, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park and Liberty Lake, SVFD reports that more than 50 percent of its budget comes from the Maintenance and Operation Levy.

In Case You Missed It Spokane Valley acquires land for future City Hall The Spokane Valley City Council recently made the decision to purchase a 3.38-acre parcel of land at the southeast corner of Sprague Avenue and Dartmouth Road for a future City Hall.

According to a press release, the property is part of the former University City (UCity) Mall and is in a high-profile area of the city that is attracting redevelopment.

The purchase agreement included demolition and removal of an existing parking structure, access ramp and related facili-

ties which is scheduled to be completed by August 2015.

The purchase price was $1,126,759.24 plus closing costs and will be purchased with money available in the city’s Civic Facilities Capital Project Fund and Capital Reserve Fund. For more, visit www.spokanevalley.org.

Shea re-elected as assistant floor leader Representative Matt Shea was recently selected by Washington House Republican lawmakers to serve as Republican as-

sistant floor leader in the state House of Representatives. In this position, Shea will help manage legislation and debate on the House floor, represent Republicans in negations with majority party floor leaders and provide input in leadership meetings, a press release said.

Shea was re-elected in the fall to his fourth team in office representing Spokane Valley. The 2015 legislative session begins Jan. 12.

Valley advocate passes away Clark Hager, a longtime businessman

and advocate for Spokane Valley, died Nov. 17. He was 82.

Hager was an activist who helped lead the campaign for incorporation of the city of Spokane Valley. He was also the owner and publisher of the Valley Herald for several years in the mid-1990s. A member and officer in many civic, political and social organizations during his lifetime, he served as president of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce for a period of time.

A memorial service for Hager was held in early December at Tyrannus Christian Fellowship in Spokane.

The Current

Let’s Talk!

Bring your questions and engage in informal conversation:

2015 Bond & Levy Open House January 13 • 5:30–7pm Evergreen Middle School 14221 E. 16th Avenue January 14 • 5:30–7pm Opportunity Elementary 1109 S. Wilbur Road January 15 • 5:30–7pm Liberty Lake Elementary 23606 E. Boone Avenue School tours will be available.

For more information, call 228-5405 or visit www.cvsd.org

JANUARY 2015 • 7

On February 10, Central Valley voters will be asked to consider approval of a $121.9 million construction bond and a three-year replacement levy. Voter approval will not raise the tax rate.

Construction bond projects: School renovations: w w w w w w w

Evergreen Middle School – renovate and expand original 1974 building, increasing student capacity from 600 to 750 Opportunity Elementary – renovate and expand original 1968 school building, increasing student capacity from 408 to 624 Greenacres Elementary* – renovate and expand original 1978 school building, increasing student capacity from 515 to 624 Chester Elementary* – renovate and expand original 1974 school building, increasing student capacity from 310 to 502 Sunrise Elementary* – renovate and expand original 1980 school building, increasing student capacity from 467 to 624 Ponderosa Elementary* – renovate and expand original 1979 school building, increasing student capacity from 344 to 502 Barker High School & Early Learning Center – renovate former Yoke's grocery store building (16 N. Progress) to serve 220 students currently a�ending Barker High School (located in former Blake Elementary) and more than 380 preschool students currently located in the old University High School *schools with open-concept floor plan

New schools: w New Elementary School – expand elementary capacity by 624 students in the eastern por�on of the district. Build new elementary school adjacent to Liberty Lake Elementary to serve students in grades K-2. Transi�on Liberty Lake Elementary building to serve students in grades 3-5. w Preliminary Planning for New High School – develop educa�onal speci�ca�ons for future comprehensive high school to be located at 16th & Henry

Additional projects: w Safety and Security upgrades – improve school entry points and communica�on infrastructure to strengthen school safety and security w Land ac�uisi�on for North Pines Middle School – purchase addi�onal land for future reloca�on of school on same site w Four addi�onal classrooms for Summit School – expand capacity of Blake Elementary (currently Barker High School) to accommodate Summit School reloca�on w New gym roof for Horizon Middle School – remove and replace failing gym roof system

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8 • JANUARY 2015

THE BIG READ is coming to your community!

Big Read to promote community reading

By Mary Kate Koch

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

In February, we will be all about The Call of the Wild

by Jack London.

We’ll have music, movies, and outdoorsy programs for all ages.

THE BIG READ is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Find out more at www.NEABigRead.org.

The call to read will be strong this February as the Spokane County Library District kicks off the Big Read on Feb. 8. This community reading event aims to get everyone in Spokane County reading and engaging in one book. The selection this year is Jack London’s classic, “The Call of the Wild.”

“The Big Read is an initiative to bring reading into the heart of the community,” SCLD Youth Services Manager Gwendolyn Haley said. “Readers are important to the community. They are more likely to be involved in community events, like going to sporting events or concerts, and tend to be more engaged people. We want to get the entire community engaged with this one book.”

The Big Read is a National Endowment for the Arts program that started as a pilot project in 2006 as a reaction to reports that rates of literary reading were declining across the country.

The SCLD is one of only 77 communities to win a Big Read grant. This grant allows the SCLD to put on community lectures and events related to the book, as well as give away free copies of the book.

“The grant gives us the opportunity to give away books rather than just tell people that they really should read it,” Haley said.

“It gets more people involved.”

One of the reasons the SCLD chose “The

BIG READ KICKOFF Feb. 8 at 6 p.m.

CenterPlace Regional Event Center 2426 N. Discovery Place Live Oakes Educational Theater will be performing a living history show with Jack London as the star, and the SCLD will have book giveaways. The Big Read will run through the end of February and will feature music, movies and outdoorsy programs for kids and adults.

For more: www.scld.org

ABOUT THE BIG READ The National Endowment for the Arts inaugurated The Big Read in 2006 to restore reading to the center of American culture. Organizations selected to participate receive a grant, access to online resources and materials designed to support widespread community involvement.

In order to combat the decline or literary reading, The Big Read provides citizens with opportunities to read and discuss a single book and engage in events related to the topic. The program typically lasts around one month.

To date, more than 1,100 grants have been awarded to U.S. communities to host Big Reads since the national launch.

For more: www.neabigread.org

Book Review

By Gwendolyn Haley

SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

www.scld.org

Call of the Wild” was because it is such a readily available novel. Since its initial publication in 1903, “The Call of the Wild” has had many reprints and editions issued.

Thanks to Project Gutenberg, the book is also available for free online as an e-book and on any e-reader device.

“There are so many versions of this book,” Haley said. “We chose it because many of the middle schools are already teaching it. So many adults remember reading it in school or reading it to their children. It’s a book about adventure, so it appeals to many in the Spokane-area who enjoy the outdoors. It also appeals to multiple ages.”

The Inland Empire Sled Dog Association has agreed to speak at Big Read events to get people who are interested in sled dog racing involved. Those interested in wolves, which are a major factor in the story, can attend a community panel about the reintroduction of wolves to Eastern Washington on Feb. 12 at Gonzaga’s Wolff Auditorium.

Haley said she hopes that the barrage of interests applicable to this book attracts as many people in the Spokane area as possible to engage with it.

The official kick off for the Big Read is 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at CenterPlace Regional Event Center. Live Oakes Educational Theater will be performing a living history show with Jack London as the star, and the SCLD will have book giveaways. The Big Read will run through the end of February.

The Current

Remember reading “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London in school? I had to read it during an American Literature class back in high school. I had never selected anything by London, and a wilderness adventure novel was way outside of my normal reading tastes. I remember being drawn into the story, and I was surprised that I could not put it down. I actually stayed up late reading a school assignment to find out what happened next. I recently picked it up to read again in preparation for the library’s Big Read in February.

“The Call of the Wild” is the story of

Buck, a courageous dog stolen from his original master and sold as a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. The novel was experimental in its time, as more than half of the characters, including the hero, are dogs. Buck’s journey takes him from one human master to another. He endures cruelty, hunger and hardship, at the hands of both humans and other dogs. Despite his early years as a beloved pet, Buck has not lost his wild instincts and he quickly learns “the law of club and fang.” Ultimately, he is rescued from a cruel master by John Thornton and the two form lasting bonds, even saving one another’s lives.

“The Call of the Wild” is that rare liter-

ary classic that appeals to readers of many ages and tastes. It is a philosophical novel about the struggle to survive and the conflict between civilization and “the wild.” It is also a page-turning adventure story that captures a reader’s imagination with the quest for gold in the Klondike, the thrill of dog sledding and the very fight for survival. Finally, it is a dog story, and who doesn’t love those? Buck is a memorable hero and London tells his story without humanizing him or making him seem any less like the amazing dog he is.

Whether you read it years ago or are picking it up for the first time, I hope that you will join us in February for the Big Read. I plan to read the book aloud to our family’s pampered pooch, Pepe, just to see if Buck’s story strikes a spark of the wild in him.

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

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 9

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Liberty Lake resident Member, American Dental Association

The Current

10 • JANUARY 2015

Five Valleyites and their remarkable stories of facingand scaling- monumental challenges Story and illustration by Craig Howard CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

It doesn’t have to be a New Year to start on a resolution.

For some, the need for resolve, determination and strength happens during the course of day-to-day life. It could be the decision to get sober, become an entrepreneur, overcome a physical setback or simply help others in spite of your own challenges.

Norman Vincent Peale, late author of the best-selling book, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” created a term for those who saw the positive potential, or the possible, in the midst of uncertainty. He called them “possibilitarians.”

“Change your thoughts and you change the world,” Peale said.

As 2015 dawns, the Current has selected a quintet of “possibilitarians” with connections to the greater Spokane Valley community. All have faced daunting hurdles

of different kinds, emerging with inspiring stories of courage and hope. Through their experiences, they have exemplified the resiliency of the human spirit, a lesson that can serve us all well throughout any New Year.

Have hope, will travel Sarah McGrew These days, Sarah McGrew owns and operates her own cleaning company, is the nurturing mother of three thriving children and will soon begin the entrepreneurial training program at Spokane Community College.

Yet McGrew will be the first to tell you things were not always so idyllic.

Back in 2008, she piled all her belongings in a used Reliant and drove to Spokane with her kids, leaving her hometown of Moses Lake and layers of negative influences. McGrew knew no one in Spokane,

had very little money and no place to stay.

“I knew it was up to me to parent these kids,” McGrew recalls. “I needed to get myself together, and I knew it wasn’t happening in Moses Lake. I’d just heard Spokane had help and resources.”

McGrew wound up at the Union Gospel Mission family shelter and, later, Spokane Valley’s Hearth Homes, a faith-based program offering hope and housing to women and their children. The support and encouragement served as a path out of the substance abuse that had plagued McGrew in Moses Lake.

“Moving to Spokane was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she said. “Before, I had no direction. I had all these things in my backpack that I hadn’t resolved. I found the help I needed here.”

McGrew’s parents divorced when she was 3, leaving her mom to raise Sarah and her two siblings while dealing with depression and anxiety. The family often

relied on local food banks for meals. With lack of stability at home, Sarah found refuge at school, where she consistently excelled.

That changed in middle school, when McGrew turned to drugs and alcohol as a way to flee the trauma of abuse and neglect that was shattering her world.

“My self-esteem was really low,” she said. “I internalized a lot. I didn’t choose the best direction in my teenage years. I coped in ways that were self-destructive. I look back and realize it was an unhealthy escape.”

Teachers did their best to warn McGrew of the pitfalls. She listened — partially.

“They saw potential in me that I didn’t see,” she said. “They told me I was going down a path that I shouldn’t be, and I was worthy of more.”

McGrew pulled herself together enough

See RESOLVE, page 11

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 11

COVER STORY

RESOLVE Continued from page 10

to graduate from high school. A job at a fast-food restaurant followed.

“I knew I needed to get away from the crowd I associated with,” Sarah said. “I knew I was in trouble and needed to make some big changes.”

McGrew fared well for a time, bringing home a humble, but consistent paycheck.

She also began attending classes at the local community college. Still, pressures began to take their toll. The stress, combined with a painful history that had still not been unraveled, led her back to drugs.

“I was just running from it again,” she said. “I thought I had control over it. I thought I could use just a little bit and it would get me through, but it just took me spiraling down really fast all over again.”

It wasn’t until she relocated to Spokane and found a reliable and nurturing counselor that McGrew was able deal mindfully with her past.

“I’ve had to learn to not let those things affect me,” she said. “You just disassociate, in a sense. At some point, you have to face it but know it’s also time to move forward.

You’ve got to recognize what it is, learn from it and pick yourself back up. I needed to deal with some of the root causes of my addiction. I’ve learned to be empowered, to not give up on myself and not give up on hope. If you’re stagnant and not moving, that’s when you need to reach out the most.”

After Hearth Homes, McGrew and her children moved to St. Margaret’s, a transitional housing facility sponsored by Catholic Charities. There, she connected with a program through WorkSource and the Department of Social and Health Services that placed her at a job with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable homes both in the U.S. and internationally.

Now running her own business with two employees, McGrew has hopes of growing the venture significantly down the road.

She has been taking classes at the Women’s Business Center at the East Central Community Center, learning keys to marketing, sales and doing her own taxes. She is just as dedicated to staying clean and sober, making sure to rely on the counseling that finally helped her gain clear vision and solid ground.

“I’ve learned it’s about knowing your selfworth and being confident that you have the strength and the power to overcome anything, and also realizing it’s a responsibility,” said McGrew, who now lives near Plantes Ferry Park. “You have to realize that it’s up to you. I knew that’s a place I’ve been and I never want to go there again, so for me it’s an everyday thing to keep practicing motivation and a positive direction going forward. Running and hiding is not the answer. There are answers out there. You have

CURRENT PHOTOS BY CRAIG HOWARD

Above, small business owner Sarah McGrew said she found the assistance she needed to turn her life around after moving to the Spokane area in 2008. At right, Phillip Croft was adopted from China two years ago by a Spokane Valley family. “Some kids ask Santa Claus for gifts. I was asking for a family,:” he recalled. students and beaming with Panther pride.

“On a daily basis, we don’t think about his disability,” Joni Croft said. “That’s Phillip. It’s his personality. It’s his heart. I think God make him resilient.”

Phillip has become a standout athlete When people first meet Phillip Croft, with ParaSport Spokane, a program for lothey don’t notice that he can’t move his legs. cal residents with physical disabilities. The They notice his radiant, ever-present smile. nonprofit promotes experiences for athletes like Phillip that foster self-worth, confiA student at Valley Christian School, dence and independence.

Croft arrived in the U.S. from his native Teresa Skinner, ParaSport executive diChina in August 2012 after being adopted

by Karl and Joni Croft. In the year leading rector, said Phillip has become a genuine up to his adoption, Phillip was confined to catalyst on the team, excelling in both track bed, recuperating from a surgery to remove and basketball. a serious infection.

“He just has a super-happy, outThe year was the going personality,” latest in a series of she said. “Almost medical challenges instantly, he gelled Phillip had dealt /päsəˈbiləˈterēən/ with his teammates. with from an early Noun If he doesn’t underage. A congenital stand something, tumor attached to One who sees the positive he doesn’t take it his spinal column potential, or the possible, in personally. He just stunted the nerve the midst of uncertainty. has a great sense of connections to his humor.” legs, rendering Phillip a paraplegic At the National from birth. A quarDisability Track and Field Championships tet of spine surgeries followed, implanting last July in Ames, Iowa, Phillip took first steel reinforcements that stabilize his torso. and set new records in the 100, 200, 400, At seven months, Phillip was abandoned 800 and 1,500 meter races. by his parents, subsequently living in or“My goal is to compete in the Paralymphanages until the Crofts adopted him just pics,” Phillip said. “Before, I never thought over two years ago.

I’d make it. I was doubting myself. But after “I was so happy,” Phillip says. “Some kids those races, I thought maybe I can do it.” ask Santa Claus for gifts. I was asking for a Success at sports did not come right away family.” for Phillip. When he first participated in the Karl and Joni’s two children, Brittany and 1,500 meters, he was under the impression Kyle, both graduated from Valley Christian that the race was 15 meters. When preparSchool. Now, Phillip glides his wheelchair ing for Bloomsday, hill practice was precaridown the VCS hallways, joking with fellow ous at best. By the end of the training, he to stand up to it and move forward. I am very humble and happy that I’m where I’m at right now.”

Strength of a lion Phillip Croft

POSSIBILITIARIAN

was yelling “I am a lion!” while churning down paved slopes.

“My coaches have taught me not to make excuses,” Phillip said. “They tell me I can do it.”

In school, Phillip’s motivation has been similar, as he has worked to speak, read and write English. He regularly earns A’s and B’s and has rapidly worked his way up the reading levels.

As far as harboring resentment over his limitations, Phillip says he chooses to celebrate his capabilities — with an eye toward faith.

“You could be a negative person, just always be mad the whole time — or you could be happy,” he said. “I think believing in God helps. When you pray, it’s basically like a message to God.” Whether he is scooting down the stairs at the Croft home or navigating an escalator with his fellow ParaSport athletes, Phillip has learned that being in a wheelchair does not define him.

“He brings a lot of life and a lot of energy to our house,” Karl Croft said. “We’re so proud of all his accomplishments.”

Now 15, Phillip says he is focused on improving at sports and school. Whatever happens, one thing is certain — he will always sport a championship smile.

“There’s always a bad thing and a good thing,” he said. “Like if you were in a car accident. The bad thing is that you ruined your car; the good thing is that you’re still alive. Bad things do happen, but sometimes you’ve just got to focus on the good things.

Being disappointed or being mean, that doesn’t help. So I do something else. I try to be happy.”

See RESOLVE, page 12

12 • JANUARY 2015

COVER STORY

The Current

RESOLVE Continued from page 11

A change of heart Nathan Howard By the time he was 50, Nathan Howard would get winded walking up a small flight of stairs.

Born with what doctors describe as “a non-surgical transposition of the heart vessels,” Howard was first aware of the defect as a teenager when he was diagnosed with a heart murmur. Over the years, his heart wore down like a malfunctioning engine until, finally, it needed to be replaced.

Howard did his best to battle beyond his physical struggles over the years, participating actively in golf, tennis, volleyball and basketball. While living in the Portland, Ore., area, he was part of a team that qualified for a national tournament in North Carolina.

Still, the fatigue and dizziness worsened, leading to a point in 1993 when he was added to a transplant waiting list. On Sept 14 of that year, at 5:30 a.m., he received a call from Oregon Health Sciences University in downtown Portland. A match had been found.

“The first thing I noticed after receiving my new heart was that my hands and feet were warm,” Howard said.

The good news of a successful transplant was followed shortly after by the realization that he no longer had a job. An engineer specializing in concrete, Howard was informed by his employer at the hospital that he was being replaced. He worked briefly as consultant for another company until Social Security disability came to the rescue.

Grateful for his second chance, Howard was also aware he was one of the lucky ones. According to Life Center Northwest, a nonprofit organization promoting organ transplantation, an average of 18 people die each day waiting for a transplant.

In the years following his life-saving operation, Howard has volunteered for Life Center, speaking on the importance of people marking the organ donor option on their driver’s license. He is included in the “Wall of Heroes” at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, a monument that honors both donors and recipients.

Since 1993, Howard has served several missions for his church with his wife, JoAnn, in places like Washington, D.C., Seattle and Nauvoo, Ill. The couple lives in Spokane Valley and serves as publishers of an online newspaper for their church. For several years, they donated time each week to Meals on Wheels as volunteer drivers.

“Every year, I make a list of very optimistic goals,” Howard said. “Visualization is important to me.”

Howard’s daily affirmation includes an

CURRENT PHOTOS BY CRAIG HOWARD

Above, heart transplant recipient Nathan Howard is a vocal advocate of organ donation — not to mention a living testament of its positive impact. At right, John Christensen doesn’t allow a motorcycle accident that resulted in a lost limb to keep him from owning his own Volkswagen repair and restoration business. Hook’s Auto Repair opened in 2009. original four-verse song that rings of appreciation.

“I thank God, my family, all those who have supported me,” he said. “I’ve learned to practice gratitude regularly.”

In March 2012, Howard began another uphill battle when he was diagnosed with leukemia. A surgery to remove his spleen — bloated to three times its normal size — took place later that July. The rigors of chemotherapy followed.

Friends like Dallas Croskrey said that Howard has maintained a cheerful attitude despite some bleak times.

“I really do appreciate Nathan’s example,” Croskrey said. “He’s always friendly and positive. He once told me, ‘Whenever you can be kind to someone, be kind.’ I’ve really taken that to heart.”

Howard still drops by the Spokane Valley YMCA once a week to play volleyball and remains active in his church. He and JoAnn will often deliver food and smiles to friends and family who are experiencing storms of their own.

These days, Howard continues to emphasize the positive and serve those around him between visits to his oncologist and the latest round of tests. He has become a candlemaker in recent years, literally and symbolically bringing light into the lives of others.

“I don’t want to complain, because I don’t want to be ungrateful for all I’ve been blessed with,” Howard said. “Also, I think about others that are worse off than me. If I’m bitter, I’m not making a positive difference.”

The power of a left hook John Christensen Doctors weren’t sure John Christensen would survive the horrific motorcycle wreck that occurred just outside Colville on Sept. 23, 1998.

Flown by LifeFlight to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Christensen spent 21 days in intensive care followed by six months in a wheelchair. The consensus among medical professionals was that he would never walk again. He had also lost his left arm just below the elbow.

For the Navy veteran and lifelong car mechanic, a future in auto repair looked grim.

“I’d worked with my hands my entire life, and suddenly I’m missing a hand,” he said.

Although he did lose the need for a wheelchair, the incident took both a physical and emotional toll.

“I was very, very depressed,” Christensen said. “It took me awhile to come to grips with things.”

A bout with drugs after the crash led Christensen to prison, where he served 18 months. After emerging, he began working on cars at home. When a referral from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation pointed to a micro-enterprise program sponsored by SNAP, Christensen realized there might be an opportunity to open his own business fixing cars.

“I’m not a quitter,” Christensen said. “I heard there might be some funding available.”

Christensen opened Hook’s Auto Repair in June 2009 on Dishman-Mica Road in Spokane Valley. With a name that refers to his replacement hand, the business specializes in air-cooled Volkswagen engines and restoring vintage VW bugs from the 1950s to the early 1990s.

SNAP Financial Access Director Kerri Rodkey said Christensen has been one of the nonprofit’s most successful entrepreneurial clients.

“John is a remarkable example of persistence, dedication and a great work ethic,” Rodkey said. “He has overcome obstacles of several kinds to become a recognized leader in his field. We really look at John as an inspiration.”

Christensen refers to his transformed arm as “a minor inconvenience, not a handicap.” He employs vice grips and other tools as compensation when the work requires.

Occasionally, his hook will come in handy, such as when he needs to lift an engine at a challenging angle.

“I’ve learned to adapt,” he said.

Business at Hook’s is up almost 30 percent from when Christensen first opened.

He employs one other person and promotes the shop mostly through word of mouth.

“We do good work at good prices,” Christensen said. “I’ve always said, ‘I will not waste my customers’ money, and I won’t waste my time.’”

Christensen credits his faith for a turnaround that helped him find freedom from substance abuse as well as stability in his career and personal life. He volunteers at a

See RESOLVE, page 13

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 13

COVER STORY/COMMUNITY

Community Briefs Tickets on sale for annual dance

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Danica O’Neal’s survival following a November 2013 car accident was called a “miracle” by many. She said the event gave her a new perspective and ability to help others “by looking at the big picture.” O’Neal, who graduated from East Valley High School and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, currently works with Central Valley High School students affected by autism, depression or ADHD. church-sponsored food bank on the South Hill and attends Bible study group each week.

“I go to God for a lot, especially patience,” he said.

Christensen also looks for other ways to help, such as responding to the needs of residents in Okanogan County who lost their homes, vehicles and other belongings in the Carlton Complex fire last July.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” he said. “I know I’m helping someone else get through a tough time. It makes me more humble.”

The road back Danica O’Neal In her job as a behavior modification technician at Central Valley High School, Danica O’Neal works with students who have been diagnosed with autism, depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder and other conditions that can affect learning. Since mid-November 2013, O’Neal will tell you she approaches each day at work, and in general, with new eyes and a preserved heart.

The first frost of the season had settled on Spokane County in the late-night hours of Nov. 10. O’Neal was with a group of friends in a car traveling at fast speeds on Spokane’s lower South Hill. After veering to the left, the vehicle struck a curb and flipped over several times. O’Neal was in the passenger’s seat.

The driver and two passengers in the back of the car escaped with minor injuries.

O’Neal was not as fortunate. A chain link fence post punctured the vehicle on impact where O’Neal was sitting. The post went through her chest and out her right shoulder, a half-inch from her heart and the same distance from her lungs.

Doctors would tell her later that the

sheered post essentially wrapped around her vital organs, sparing her life. When the EMT crew arrived on the scene, they sawed off the front and back parts of the post, then removed the car frame to pull O’Neal out sideways onto a stretcher. A three-hour surgery at Sacred Heart Medical Center followed.

“I heard several times that I was a miracle,” O’Neal said.

O’Neal credits her faith and the unwavering support of family and friends for her calm response to the injury and the challenges she faced after the operation.

“After the accident, I came back with a new perspective of just how precious life is,” said O’Neal, a graduate of East Valley High School who went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology and is now working on her master’s in teaching.

O’Neal also said she is more assertive in situations when things feel off, like they did on that November night when a driver was traveling too fast.

“Now, I’m never afraid to speak up for myself when I feel uncomfortable,” she said.

Just over a year since the incident, O’Neal still deals with post-traumatic stress when she gets in a car, particularly the passenger’s seat. The crash left her with permanent nerve damage in her right arm and a scar where the post was removed.

Yet instead of wallowing in the difficult aftermath, O’Neal has turned the experience into an opportunity to help others “by looking at the big picture.” She speaks to groups about the importance of self-defined confidence and self-esteem as well as taking control and accessing support.

“You shouldn’t isolate yourself,” O’Neal said. “And you shouldn’t let other people define your self-worth. I want them to know how important they are as individuals.”

Tickets are now on sale for the 10th annual Father Daughter Dance to be held 7 to 9 p.m. March 7 at CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Way. Presented by Liberty lake Kiwanis and the city of Spokane Valley, the theme for the night is Alice’s Evening in Wonderland. Tickets are $45 per father/daughter couple and $20 for each additional daughter.

To purchase tickets, call 688-0300 or visit www.spokanevalley.org/recreation.

Local union participates in Operation Warm Coats for Kids The Spokane Valley Firefighters Union (Local 876), in conjunction with the Spokane Valley Firefighters Benevolent Association, recently delivered coats to students who needed a coat for the winter.

Opportunity and Summit Elementary Schools in the Central Valley School District provided the union with sizes and genders for children who would benefit from the Operation Warm program.

Meals on Wheels announces 2015 board of directors The Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels recently named their board of directors for 2015.

Alan Curryer, CEO of Rockwood Retirement Communities, will be serving as president. Other positions include Terri Wager of Sunshine Home Health Care, vice president; Stacey Sphohr of Moss Adams LLP, treasurer; and Joan Killian, a

retired volunteer as secretary.

For more, visit gscmealsonwheels.org.

Rabideaux completes basic training Army Pvt. Chance A. Rabideaux recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Benning, Ga. In addition to learning about Army history, traditions and core values, Rabideaux received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, chemical warfare, combat, military courtesy and justice, physical fitness and first aid during the nine-week training.

Rabideaux, who is a 2014 graduate of Central Valley High School, is the son of Ticha Rabideaux of Spokane Valley and stepson of Shannon Rabideaux of Liberty Lake.

Spokane Ag Expo announces photo contest winners The Spokane Ag Expo Photography contest recently released the names of winners in their 2015 “Agriculture in the Inland Northwest” contest.

Youth Category winners included an honorable mention for Garrett Lewis of Rockford for his photo “Man in Field.” He also was the Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Choice in the youth category for the same photo.

All of the 93 entries will be displayed at the 2015 Spokane Ag Expo at the Spokane Convention Center Exhibit Halls during “Ag Week in Spokane” on Feb. 3-5. Following the show, the winning photos will be posted at www.agshow.org.

Education Brief CV students earn AP awards Over 100 students in the Central Valley School District earned the designation of “AP Scholar” by the College Board. Eight-two students at Central Valley High School and 32 students at University High School were named based on the results of 2014 college-level Advanced Placement exams.

According to a press release, the College Board recognized several levels of achievement based on student’s performance on the exams. The students honored are listed below by designation.

National AP Scholar Award Average score of 4 or higher on on all AP Exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more exams Central Valley High School: Jacob Conant, Karl Ellingson, Philip Howard, Donggyun Kim, Joshua Ross, Curtis Schmitz, David Yuan

AP Scholar with Distinction Award Average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams Central Valley High School: Oscar Arreguin, Samantha Bullock, Jacob Conant, Carlin Coulson, Katelyn Dolan, Karl Ellingson, Anusha Gollapalli, Hailee Herbst, Philip Howard, Corey Hunter,

Gabrielle Ilenstine, Andrew Keeve, Donggyun Kim, Kelsey Mccune, Melissa Morgan, Mara Orenstein, Sidney Orr, Tyler Pichette, Joshua Ross, Curtis Schmitz, Dennis Schmitz, Austin Seely, Nicholas Shaber, Brady Simmelink, Elena Townsend, Jaclyn Urbanec, Tyler Valentine, David Yuan University High School: Jarred Biederstaedt, Anna Edlund, Rachel Getty, Joseph Hall, Juliana Kerbs, Conor Linehan, Samuel Polsin, Elizabeth Smith, Hannah Wesselman, Joshua White

AP Scholar with Honor Award Average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams Central Valley High School: Laura Arpin, Brock Benzel, Trevor Brown, Danielle Calcaterra, Rachel Casey, Spencer Cole, Sophie Kaatz, Jessie Kunz-Pfeiffer, Andrew Matheison, Emily McCarty, Frank Petrilli, Noah Rhodes, Alexander Thorson, Matthew Troxel University High School: Elyce Gamble, Rebecca Hall, Jacob Jones, Ella Lamm, Jennifer Loehner, Courtney Sherick, Khalil Williams

AP Scholar Award Completed three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher Central Valley High School: Ryan Baker, Elizabeth Bernbaum, Sarah Cable, Jacob Childers, Madisen Degeest, Tyler Duquette, Natalie Ford, Avery Frank, Gabriel Grabowski, Alec Grebe, Natalie Harrington, Hailey Hawkins, Matthew Hays, Foster Hockett, Matthew Hommel, Jared Johnson, Courtney Lauer, Clarisa Martinez, Mitchell McCarty, Mathew Merrick, Collin Nelson, Kennedi Newman, Jacob Nolan, Mackenzie Odea, Courtney Owens, Courtney Petrini, Brendan Reimer, Tyler Ribail, Christopher Salsbury, Chad Samuelson, Caitlin Shirley, Lauren Simpson, Ryo Smith, Abigail Stolp, Landon Toth, Jenna Vasquez, Rachel Wight, Bryan Wilson, Briton Woolf, Davis Young University High School: Piper Driskell, Aziza Foster, Adam Hawkins, Amelia Kannapien, Spencer Knudson, Emily Lyonnais, William Peregoy, Samantha Pickett, Joshua Ramsey, Shelby Rotchford, Austin Ruiz, Rilee Skidmore, Taylor Smith, Abigail Tunick, Cassidy Walter

Brought to you by

THE PERKS OF BEING PRINCESS

Helping dreams come true

When Hailey Stroh was named National American Miss (NAM) Princess, she received many prizes as well as opportunities to better herself. Besides a $5,000 check, two new dresses and a trophy bigger than herself, Hailey received a makeover by a Hollywood stylist and a consult with an actress coach.

Pageant winner partners with Make-A-Wish to brighten kids’ lives

As part of her winnings, Hailey will travel across the country this year to help at NAM state pageants. She is headed to Texas in February for an all-expense-paid national photo shoot. She also has plans to attend the Miss America pageant in September as well as next year’s nationals, when she will crown her successor.

By Tammy Kimberley

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

A dream came true for Hailey Stroh, 7, when she was recently crowned National American Miss Princess.

The daughter of Liberty Lake residents Jim and Theresia Stroh competed in her first-ever pageant last summer and won the title of Miss Washington Princess, earning her the chance to compete on the national level in Anaheim, Calif., in November. She walked away from the experience with a title as well as a deeper desire to serve others.

Even though the win elevated her to high status in pageant circles, Hailey has remained grounded in serving others, especially through the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Months before she was crowned Miss Princess, Hailey started collecting donations for wish packs that would be given to children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses going on vacation through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In the end, Hailey collected 78 bags with around $50 worth of items, including a stuffed animal, books, toiletries, fun activities and travel games.

“Helping children is right up her alley,” Theresia said. “Hailey wants to be a doctor. Miracles have happened through this foundation; it gives kids the drive to get better.”

When Hailey’s family dropped off the packs to the local Make-A-Wish chapter this fall, they learned that Macy’s was offering to donate $1 to Make-A-Wish for every letter written to Santa. They committed to telling everyone they knew about the simple way to raise money for

For more on NAM, visit www.namiss.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Hailey Stroh, who was crowned National American Miss Princess in November, collected donations for 78 wish packs for children who are ill and have been granted a vacation through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also gathered over 900 letters to Santa for which Macy’s donated $1 per letter to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

the organization.

“We told people at school, at church, at stores,” Hailey said. “The lady who does story time at the (Liberty Lake Municipal) Library passed on the word too.”

The mom of a friend Hailey met during

the Washington state pageant saw a picture that Theresia posted on Facebook and ended up collecting more than 200 letters in the Seattle area.

Hailey’s family delivered 938 letters to the downtown Spokane Macy’s right

before Christmas. And they are already planning other ways they can spread the word about simple ways people can help the nonprofit, such as donating frequent flyer miles for recipient families to go on vacation.

Long before their involvement with pageants, the Stroh family made service a regular part of their lives.

For several years, Hailey’s grandparents, parents and siblings have purchased gifts for single moms and their children at Isabella House in Spokane. Hailey said it is a lot of fun because her grandparents dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the rest of the family are elves.

“In today's world, it's easy to be self-indulged and think only of your own needs,” Hailey’s dad, Jim, said. “The best way to open your eyes is to give and share and do things for others.”

Both Jim and Theresia said the pageant experience has further encouraged Hailey and their other children to explore what they are most passionate about and then do something.

“Instead of me and Jim saying ‘let's go do this,’ it's helped us talk about what they wanted to do to make a difference,” Theresia said. “Hailey's dream came true, so she wants to help other kids' dreams come true.”

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 15

COMMUNITY

Snack on this

By Tammy Kimberley

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

Even though January can be cold, dark and dreary, the month has a bright spot in that it recognizes some tasty comfort foods. National Popcorn Day is Jan. 19, National Pie Day is Jan. 23 and National Peanut Butter Day is Jan. 24, not to mention that National Pizza week is celebrated the second week of January.

This activity will test your knowledge on each of these largely popular food items. Using the key, write down the letter corresponding to your answer for each of the statements in order to answer the question: What was the first vegetable grown in space? If you get stuck, the answers can be found at the bottom of the page.

Peanut Butter = A

Pie = P

Pizza = O

Popcorn = T

1) If you lined up the number sold at U.S. stores in one year, it would circle the globe and then some.

2) 94% of Americans eat this at least once per month.

3) During Colonial times, housewives served this item with sugar and cream for breakfast.

4) The U.S. produces and eats more of this than any other country in the world.

5) It has more iron than eggs, peanuts and spinach.

6) Saturday night is the most popular time to eat this food.

15 ways to help others in 2015 Welcoming in CURRENT STAFF WRITER

Many people make resolutions this time of year. These ideas are often ways individuals can improve themselves, but we are challenging kids to think about ways they can help others in the coming year.

Serving others doesn’t always take a lot of time. Many of the activities listed below take 15 minutes or less. While you could do many of these things alone, it’s always more fun with a friend or family member —so invite them to come along!

1. Be a good neighbor by bringing up

neighborhood trash cans to houses or shoveling driveways and sidewalks on a snowy day.

2. Create a homeless care kit in a sock.

Include items such as toothbrush, snacks, hygiene items and the other sock, of course.

3. Leave a note of gratitude/thankful-

ness in your mailbox for the mail carrier, especially on rainy or snowy days when their job is most difficult.

4.

Go through your toys and clothes and donate them to a charity or group that can use them to assist others.

5.

Offer to run errands, walk a dog or cook a meal for someone who is injured or sick.

6. Plant individual flowering plants in

pots to take to a nursing home or assisted living facility in the spring or summer.

Stay for a while and ask residents to share stories from their lives.

7. Make encouraging cards to be sent

overseas to military personnel. Many groups do this during the holidays, but it can be done any time of the year.

8.

Pick up litter or trash at a local park, or adopt a town landmark or monument and keep it clean.

9.

If you’re an animal lover, research ways to help a local animal shelter, whether it be by putting on a pet food drive, walking animals or participating in awareness events.

10.

Volunteer to deliver Meals on Wheels to older citizens in the community. (Your parents have to be on board for this activity, since you’ll need a driver.)

11.

Leave a happy sidewalk chalk message on the driveway or sidewalk of a friend or someone who needs encouragement.

12. Buy gift cards or de-

liver special treats to the local police or fire station to show appreciation for the services they provide.

13. Sign up for a run or activity where

the proceeds go to others in need. A couple local events include the CV Heart in Hand run in the spring benefitting local homeless families and the Sugar Rush in the fall to raise funds for Inland Northwest Baby.

14. Participate in a local food drive.

Several school service organizations typically send groups to local grocery stores around the holidays to collect food for families in need.

15. If acting is your thing, volunteer at your local theater or organize neighborhood kids to put on a play or movie for parents and friends. Bringing entertainment to others is a valid way of serving!

the new year

While you’re waiting for the big ball to drop indicating the start of 2015, celebrate with these games and ideas that can be done with family and friends. And if you have fun prizes for the winners, it adds even more to the excitement!

Resolutions: Ask everyone to write down their resolutions on pieces of paper that are placed in a basket. Then read them and have everyone guess who made the resolution. Or you can have people write down three resolutions — two that are real and one that is fake—and party-goers have to guess which is the fake resolution.

Scavenger hunt: Hide items related to New Year’s Eve throughout your house and provide party-goers with a list of items to find. Possible items to find include a party hat, noise makers, a clock, balloon and calendar— be creative to come up with your own ideas!

Time capsule: Place your resolutions along with any other mementos from the past year in a container. Hide it and decide not to open it until next year.

Word games: See how many words people can make from the letters in “New Year’s Eve.” Or scramble the letters of words that have to do with New Year’s Eve and see who can guess the most correctly.

Source: www.howdoesshe.com/15-funnew-years-eve-activities-for-kids-or-adults/ Answer: 1) P, 2) O, 3) T, 4) A, 5) T, 6) O. In October 1995, NASA and the University of Madison (Wisc.) created the technology to grow a potato. Coincidentally, the top producers of this vegetable include Idaho, Washington and Wisconsin.

Compiled by Tammy Kimberley

Going to the dentist can be fun and easy!

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

Evening, early morning, and Saturday appointments available.

Call to schedule an appointment today!

509.891.7070 New patients welcome

Check out our Facebook page for contests and events.

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

www.GrowUpSmiling.com

The Current

16 • JANUARY 2015 Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Business alleviates stress in downsizing, relocation

CARING TRANSITIONS OF SPOKANE Location 11011 E. 4th Ave. #41, Spokane Valley Services offered Senior relocation, downsizing and estate sales

By Sarah Robertson

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.”

That’s the first thing Michael Begley will tell you if you ask about his new business venture, Caring Transitions of Spokane. And when you hear his story, it’s easy to understand why.

In the passing of his parents and two grandparents, Begley and his brother were the only heirs and family members able to take care of the estates. And he has gone through the process of liquidating an estate four times in the last 13 years.

“My grandmother’s estate took a long time. The house had squatters, and I could only spend a few days at a time since it was in California,” he said. “It was very expensive with the mortgage, taxes, insurance, etc. The estate paid out so much money because the house sat so long. It was seven months before everything was settled.

“My mom’s estate moved a little more quickly, but it was still hard because it was out of state. I found every card and letter I wrote her, a lock of hair and my baby teeth. It was really cathartic for me, but very hard to do.”

But his father’s passing and estate took the largest toll on Begley and his family.

“My dad had a lot of stuff. We had to rent dumpsters,” he said. “It wasn’t just the time and money; it took an emotional toll trying to figure what to do with a family member’s belongings.”

It was those experiences that led Begley to Caring Transitions, America’s largest franchise dedicated to managing senior relocations, downsizing and estate liquidation. The business offers a streamlined support system to facilitate a less stressful transition or clear out a home.

“I had a drive to own my own business, and this is something I can relate to,” he said.

Before opening Caring Transitions of Spokane, Begley worked in technology for 15 years at several companies, including Microsoft, and most recently served as the Director of Technology for The Taylor Study Method. As a certified relocation and transition specialist, he really

FAST FACTS

Date opened October 2014 Number of employees 12 Area served Spokane, Spokane Valley, South Hill, Millwood, Veradale, Liberty Lake and surrounding areas To contact 381-1724 or mbegley@ caringtransitions.net

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Michael Begley uses his personal experiences and problem-solving skills to assist clients through Caring Transitions of Spokane. The business opened in Spokane Valley in October. enjoys problem solving, and he hopes to bring his talents to Caring Transitions’ clients.

“I want to help people and prevent them from having my same experiences,” he explained. “I’ve seen siblings get into arguments and fights over stuff. This can help. When someone passes away, it often takes seven to nine months before a house is ready to sell. We can do it in a couple weeks.”

Caring Transitions can handle every aspect of a move or estate liquidation including coordinating with movers, packing belongings, organizing estate sales, and even providing expert appraisals for valuable items. Begley also has a tool that allows him to take measurements and create floor plans of a client’s new living space so they know which pieces of furniture will fit.

According to Begley, Spokane seemed like a good fit because of its sizable senior community. He noted that Caring Transitions offers services to anyone—regardless of age—relocating or going through

a divorce.

And for seniors that would prefer to remain in their homes, Begley works with an occupational therapist to make recommendations on creating safer spaces for independent seniors.

“Moving isn’t always the right answer,” Begley explained. “Eighty percent of the time seniors want to stay in their home.

We can help them clean it up, update the home, and do a home evaluation to make it safer.”

Begley has put together a team of veterans who will be able to carry out the services Caring Transitions offers. Driving a very large moving truck is just about the only thing they can’t do. “‘I am very fortunate that I am connected to a lot of veterans who have very high ethical standards,” Begley said.

“They are what I am most proud of in this company. They are efficient and honest.”

Aside from the integrity of his employees, Begley said he’s focused on the ethics of the business. Caring Transitions is

licensed, bonded and insured.

Begley said his role is not to sell the company’s suite of services to every client.

“I want people to know that we’re here to provide the services they need and to offer outside resources — like mediation or estate planning — if needed,” he said.”

We create a tailored solution based on every situation so you only get what you need to help make your transition painless and stress-free.”

Founded in 2006, Caring Transitions was the first national franchise to offer specialized services for senior relocation and transitions. The franchise now has 150 locations throughout the U.S. Begley’s branch is also the first of its kind in the area. For more, go to www. caringtransitionsspokane.com.

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 17

COMMUNITY

Trivia Test 1. TELEVISION: What was the opening theme song from “Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour”?

2. MOVIES: Who played the role of Boo Radley in the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”?

3. MEDICAL: What is the more common diagnosis for rhinorrhea?

4. GEOGRAPHY: What four U.S. states meet borders at one point?

5. COMICS: What is the name of Snoopy’s yellow bird friend in “Peanuts”?

6. RELIGION: Who was the first pope of the Catholic Church?

7. ENTERTAINERS: Who was the first actress to receive $1 million for a single movie?

8. INVENTIONS: In what year was Velcro patented?

9. AD SLOGANS: What cereal is known as the “Breakfast of Champions”?

10. GAMES: What is a flush in a poker hand?

— 2014 King Features Syndicate Inc.

Finding value of books, buttons ‘Collecting’ by Larry Cox KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

Q: My dad collected autographed first editions, and I have inherited his collection. Among them are signed copies of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood” and Gail Sheehy’s “Passages.” Where can I market my books? — Carole, Buffalo, N.Y. A: One of the better rare-book dealers is Bauman’s, 535 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022; 212-751-0011; www. baumansrarebooks.com.

Incidentally, Gail Sheehy has just published her memoir, “Daring My Passages” (William Morrow Books, $29.99). “Passages” created quite a stir when it was first published in 1976. In fact, the Library of Congress has named it as one of the 10 most influential books of our time.

Q: I have been watching the series about the Roosevelt family on PBS. I found some FDR campaign buttons in my granny’s sewing box. I would like to know how much they are worth. — Bill, Spokane, Washington A: One of the better references is “Warman’s Political Collectibles: Identi-

fication & Price Guide” by Dr. Enoch L. Nappen and published by Krause Books.

It features dozens of FDR buttons in fullcolor. Dr. Nappen is a political science professor at New Jersey’s Monmouth University and a member of the American Political Items Collectors (APIC).

Q: I have three early American paintings that I believe to be quite valuable.

Can you recommend an expert who can help me determine values? — Stan, Hartford, Conn.

A: Jeffrey W. Cooley specializes in American painting and might be able to help you. His contact information is The Cooley Gallery, Inc., 25 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT 06371; www.cooleygallery. com. A second source is James B. Bakker Antiques, Inc., 248 Bradford St., Provincetown, MA 02657; www.bakkerart.com.

Write to Larry Cox in care of KFWS, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475, or send e-mail to questionsforcox@ aol.com. Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox cannot personally answer all reader questions, nor do appraisals. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.

Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life

Answers to Trivia Test 1. “The Beat Goes On” 2. Robert Duvall 3. Runny nose 4. Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico 5. Woodstock 6. St. Peter 7. Elizabeth Taylor, “Cleopatra” 8. 1955 9. Wheaties 10. Five cards of the same suit

MOVE-IN SPECIALS

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

Community tours available daily! Please call to RSVP. Locally Owned and Operated by the Arger Family

• 509-922-3100 • 1201 N Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley • www.evergreenfountains.com

The Current

18 • JANUARY 2015

COMMUNITY

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Dec. 31 to Jan. 1 | Glad City New Year’s Party 7 p.m. (Wed.) to 1 a.m. (Thurs.), Millwood

Presbyterian Church Community Center, 3223 N. Marguerite Road. Perfect for young adults, families and anyone that loves good clean fun, the public is invited to this dance party with a live DJ, dance competitions, prizes, live performances and fun stuff to keep the kids awake and busy. General admission is $5 per person or $20 per family (free for ages four and younger). For more: www.facebook.com/ kingdomculturespokane

Dec. 31 to Jan. 1 | Year End Countdown 9 p.m. (Wed.) to 8 a.m. (Thurs.), HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. This New Year’s Eve Party for high school and middle school students is presented by Revolution-ShakenHRC Ministries. Cost is $10 and includes food, activities, live DJ and more. For more: www. hrcministries.com/nye2015

Dec. 31 to Jan. 1 | Puttin’ on the Ritz gala 9 p.m. (Wed.) to 1 a.m. (Thurs.), 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

Jan. 1 | New Year’s Day Jan. 3-4 | Christmas Tree recycling 9

a.m. to noon, Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road. Boy Scout Troop 400 will be accepting Christmas trees for recycling at this location. They will also pick up trees. Requested donation is $5 for drop-off or $10 for pick-up. For more: www.troop400.net/trees

Jan. 8, 15 & 17 | Lego Club 4 to 5 p.m. Jan.

8 at Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave.; 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 15, Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne; 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 17, Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St. All ages are welcome to come build with Legos. Children six and under should be accompanied by an adult. For more: www. scld.org

Jan. 8, 13 & 15 | Kids Explore and Discover Club: Shark Month 4 to 5 p.m.

Jan. 8, Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne; 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 13, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.; 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 15, Otis Orchards

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

WorShip Service 10:45 a.m.

Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Come create a cardboard shark and use it to test the science of how sharks float in the water. We’ll make shark jaws from paper plates as we learn fierce facts about one of the most dangerous creatures underwater. For children in grades K-5. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 10 | STARS Training: Storytime Boot Camp 10 a.m. to noon, Spokane Valley

Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Adults are invited to learn how to put a together a storytime for preschoolers that includes not only books, but finger plays, songs and movement activities.

Registration required. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 13 to Feb. 17 | Drawing Fundamentals six-week series 6:30 to 8

p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne. Learn the basics of drawing with an artist from The Spokane Art School. This series of classes on Tuesdays for ages 16 and up explores the uses of line, shape, texture, value and form using a variety of materials. Learn to draw what you see from still life and photographs and compose interesting pictures using design principles. An introduction to color with pastels completes the course. Supplies are provided; registration required. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 14 | STEM Academy informational meeting 5:30 to 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Tech, 115 S. University Road, Ste. B. Beginning in the fall of 2015, the Spokane Valley Tech STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Academy will open its doors to 25 ninth-grade students. Current eighth grade students in the Central Valley School District will have the opportunity to enroll in the pilot program by Jan. 23. To RSVP or for more: 2285600

Jan. 15 | Horticulture Class series begins 6 to 9 p.m., WSU Spokane County

Extension Education Center, 222 N. Havana St. The 12-week class is designed for those who want in-depth horticulture training for personal or professional development. Classes take place on Thursday evenings until April 2 and are open to the general public. Registration and a $275 payment are required prior to starting. For more: 477-2195

Jan. 13-15 | CV Bond & Levy Open Houses 5:30 to 7 p.m., Jan. 13 at Evergreen

Middle School, 14221 E. 16th Ave.; Jan. 14 at Opportunity Elementary, 1109 S. Wilbur Road; and Jan. 15 at Liberty Lake Elementary School, 23606 E. Boone Ave. Residents are invited to bring questions and engage in informal conversation about the Central Valley construction bond and replacement levy that will be brought before voters Feb. 10. For more: www.cvsd.org

Jan. 19 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 21 | Spokane Valley Book Club 2 to 3:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “During the Reign of the Queen of Persia” by Joan Chase. For more: www.scld.org

23304 E. Wellesley, Otis Orchards, WA

509-926-9552

Jan. 23-24 | Friends of Spokane Valley Library book sale 3 to 5 p.m. (Fri.) and 9 a.m.

to 3 p.m. (Sat.), Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Proceeds from the sale of gently-used books, CDs, videos and DVDs support various

library programs, activities and services. There is a $10 admission fee for the Friday pre-sale. A $3 bag sale will be held Saturday. For more: www. scld.org

experiment proves, something beautiful and full of promise can emerge from even the most barren, afflicted soil. For ticket prices and more: www.ingiteonbroadway.org

Jan. 26 | Financial Peace University begins 6 to 8 p.m., Liberty Lake Municipal

Recurring

Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. This nine-week financial course created by Dave Ramsey will help attendees learn how to manage finances and become debt free. Cost is $93; space is limited. For more: www.daveramsey.com

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-Singles-Mingle Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club and more. For more: www.libertylakewa.gov/library Rockford Crochet Class 10 a.m. to noon,

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

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

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

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

CIVIC & BUSINESS

Spokane County Library District Valley

Jan. 3-4 | Spokane Gun Show 9 a.m. to 6

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

Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague.

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

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

Spokane Valley Kiwanis 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission. For more: www.spokanevalleykiwanis. net Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6:45 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month, Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission.

This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. For more: 570-4440

MUSIC & THE ARTS Jan. 4 & 5 | Auditions for “American Idle: Murdering the Music” 6 to 9 p.m.,

Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Roles available for males and females ages 16 and up. The show performs Feb. 27 through March 15. For more: www. libertylaketheatre.com

Jan. 16-18, 21, 23-25, 30 | “The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sundays),

Ignite! Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway Ave. Beatrice Hunsdorfer wreaks a petty vengeance on everybody around her. But when her daughter Matilda undertakes an experiment that wins a prize at her high school, Beatrice can only maim when she needs to love and deride when she wants to praise. And yet, as Matilda’s

• Digital night is Jan. 19, print night is Jan. 26.

p.m. (Sat.) and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sun.); Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Hosted by Lewis Clark Trader of Washington, general admission is $7 (weekend passes also available). For more: 208-746-5555 or www. lewisclarktrader.net

Jan. 8 | Sullivan Resurfacing community meeting 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Valley Assembly Church, 15618 E. Broadway Ave. The public is invited to a presentation at 5:45 p.m. followed by a time of questions and comments regarding the 2015 resurfacing project of Sullivan Avenue from Sprague to Mission. For more: 720-5001

Jan. 10-11 | Northwest’s Premiere Bridal Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sat.) and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sun.), Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Get inspired with ideas for decor, venues and catering by visiting the nearly 200 booths. The event also includes fashion shows, sweepstakes and giveaways, and a Man Cave. Tickets are $9 in advance or $10 at the door, which is good all weekend. For more: www.bridalfest.com

Jan. 22-25 | Inland NW RV Show Noon to 8 p.m. (Thurs.), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sun.), Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Local dealers will be offering financing and show pricing on new motor homes, mini motor homes, travel trailers, tent trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, campers and more. Admission is $8 (cash only) and is good all weekend. Kids 12 and under free with a paying adult. For more: www. spokanervshow.com Jan. 31 | Gem of the Valley Awards of Excellence 5:30 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel,

1100 N. Sullivan Road. Hosted by the Greater

See CALENDAR, page 29

The Current

Kidney gift a special delivery

PROFILES

JANUARY 2015 • 19

Donor’s daughter benefited from recipient’s research

By Treva Lind

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

Spokane Valley resident Janice JordanBichler first placed her name on a national list 10 years ago to become a kidney donor, but the timing to take that step never seemed right — until last month.

Jordan-Bichler, 56, now shakes her head in amazement at life’s connection to a prior stranger, Bob Garvie, 65, a medical device developer who received one of her kidneys on Dec. 9. After seeing Garvie’s biography on the registry site MatchingDonors.com, she found out his career had tied into a stem-cell procedure in 2002 that saved the life of her 14-year-old daughter, Ari. Born blind and with a rare blood disorder, Ari wasn’t expected to live past age 3.

At 14 months, however, Ari underwent a stem-cell transplant procedure at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Garvie helped develop the technology used in a then leading-edge device that purified extracted bone marrow from a donor to provide stem cells for infusion into a patient.

“When I read Bob’s bio, I knew without a doubt that this is it,” said Jordan-Bichler.

She and her husband, Kevin Bichler, a physician assistant, own and operate the family medicine practice, Optimal Healthcare in Spokane Valley.

“I think that is so amazing that Bob was on this stem-cell track that helped Ari, and now I’m helping him and giving back,” Jordan-Bichler said. “It seems things have gone full circle. Bob also is working on developing other medical devices, so he’s going to make a huge impact in the lives of many people.”

Garvie, who currently lives in Texas, was diagnosed in 2009 with A1AD, which attacks the liver in carriers of the gene. He subsequently received a liver transplant, but liver disease had damaged his kidneys to the point of renal failure, so he was on dialysis for nearly four years. Several other potential kidney donors fell through, until MatchingDonors.com connected him to Jordan-Bichler in September.

“Janice is my angel,” Garvie said. “She’s something else to be donating to me with her having seven children. She is probably the most generous person I’ve ever known.”

Garvie traveled to Spokane last month

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Spokane Valley resident Janice Jordan-Bichler donated a kidney in December to a Texas man, Bob Garvie. Garvie has spent his career developing medical devices, one of which was used in 2002 to save the life of Jordan-Bichler’s daughter. for the transplant at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. Within two days, Jordan-Bichler sent an email saying she and Garvie were recovering well, adding, “both kidneys doing a superb job on their own. Mine as a solo and mine in its new home.”

Looking ahead, Garvie has two medical devices on the drawing board. One is for wound care management, and another that would extend the life of organs from deceased donors for up to a week on a lifesupport system, versus the typical viability of 48 hours.

For much of his career until 1991, Garvie was a partner in a medical device company, Haemonetics. While there, he also helped develop the Haemonetics Cell Saver, a system that recovers, cleanses and recycles a patient’s blood during surgery.

“The cell saver was a device I developed and brought to market; the same technology was used in a different machine developed by Haemonetics, the V50, that purified the bone marrow extract that provides these stem cells,” Garvie said. “The V50

was undoubtedly used on Ari because we were the only company working with these leading-edge units at that time.”

“When Janice contacted me, she specifically said she’d read in my bio that I was a partner in Haemonetics, and she recognized that name. It’s a small world. Her daughter’s survival is a very cool story.”

Today, Ari is doing well and goes to Horizon Middle School. At age 8, doctors found renal cell carcinoma in her left kidney, Jordan-Bichler said. The cancer normally affects males over age 55.

“She had the kidney removed, so she has one kidney, and that’s also why I waited,” Jordan-Bichler said. “I thought, is she going to need a kidney? But she has done beautifully in the last seven years. Now I’m getting older, and I wanted to make sure I could still donate.”

“Everyone has two kidneys, and we only need one. Bob has been on dialysis for four years. It’s three days a week for four to five hours at a time, and now he’s going to get his life back.”

People die every day waiting for a kid-

RECEIVE … AND GIVE

and has a dream of riding a horse.

Kidney recipient Bob Garvie said he plans to rally donations to the Spokane nonprofit, Free Reign Therapeutic Riding.

“I’d love to see Ari get on a horse with them,” he said.

Garvie’s rationale? The Spokane Valley resident who donated a kidney to Garvie, Janice Jordan-Bichler, has a daughter who is blind

He plans to make a donation toward her having lessons through the nonprofit and hopes that others in Spokane will donate to Free Reign Therapeutic Riding as well.

JANICE JORDAN-BICHLER Age 56

Favorite place in Spokane Valley to go with family Froyo Earth on Sullivan for frozen yogurt

When did you learn about Sacred Heart’s kidney transplant program?

I didn’t hear about the Sacred Heart kidney transplant center until last year in June. They’re nationally known for their success rate.

What most people don’t know about me I actually hiked the Inca Trail at Machu Picchu right before I turned 55. It was a three-day trek, and it was on my bucket list; so is my kidney donation.

Occupation Nurse. I take the test on Jan. 6 to recertify as a physician assistant.

ney, she added. With her medical training, Jordan-Bichler also knew that a kidney from a living donor offers a higher success rate.

“I feel that I’m the one who is blessed,” she said. “I look at Ari, and I thank God every day. I appreciate all my children so much more. Bob is driven to bring this organ preservation to others before he dies, and I feel blessed to be a part of his vision.

It’s kind of my thanks for God giving me the gift of my daughter.”

HISTORY

20 • JANUARY 2015

The Current

When ‘going to the mall’ meant U-City SV City Hall site now planned for portion of property

By Josh Johnson

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

On Dec. 2, the Spokane Valley City Council made it official.

The municipality would purchase a 3.38-acre parcel of land at the southeast corner of Sprague Avenue and Dartmouth Road for a future City Hall.

Longtime residents know this site as part of the former U-City Mall property. Indeed, the $1.1 million purchase agreement included demolition and removal of the parking structure and access ramp that once connected anchor tenants J.C. Penney and The Crescent.

The announcement stirred up interest in U-City history at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum and on Facebook, perhaps most prominently among the 1,100-member group, “The History of the Spokane Valley — 1960 to the Present.” Museum Director Jayne Singleton and longtime resident David Sean Brown (who is an administrator on the aforementioned Facebook group) shared some of their research and photos with The Current. Below is a partial timeline of milestones in the history of the University City Shopping Center (aka U-City Mall).

• August 1965: The $3.5 million University City Shopping Center opens with 29 stores, including anchor tenant J.C. Penney. According to a 1997 article in The Spokesman-Review, it was then the second-largest shopping center in the Spokane area and the first air-conditioned mall in the state of Washington. A staple of Sprague and University for long before U-City arrived, Rosauer’s grocery store was incorporated into the center.

• November 1980: A $4.5 million expansion of U-City opens, increasing the number of stores at U-City from 33 to more than 60, according to a Dec. 28, 1980 Spokesman-Review article. The expansion added 54,000 square feet and added rooftop parking between J.C. Penney’s and The Crescent. The article stated a

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JACK CUNNINGHAM COLLECTION/SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM ARCHIVES

This aerial view of the University City Shopping Center and its nearby neighborhoods was taken in 1966, a year after the mall opened. second-level expansion of Penney’s would be completed the following May, adding 24,000 additional square feet to that store. A store directory from immediately following the expansion includes tenants like Hamer’s, Savon’s, B. Dalton Bookseller, Washington Photo, Candy’n Carmelcorn Shop, Golden Hour Restaurant, Newberry’s, House of Fabrics, First National Bank, Hickory Farms, Mark’s Hallmark Shop, Mother’s Cupboard, Dodson’s Jewelers, Graham’s Office Supply, DJ’s Sound City, Orange Julius and Kay-Bee Toys & Hobbies, among many others.

• August 1989: A zone change approved by Spokane County planning commission members was meant to pave the way for plans to double the size of UCity to 125 retailers and 1 million square feet. An Aug. 25, 1989, article in The Spokesman-Review quoted a developer targeting a spring 1992 completion. Alas, the expansion never materialized. The plans followed at least two instances where developments to compete for Valley mall shoppers were rumored. A 1980 article referred to a “proposed regional mall at Broadway and Sullivan.” In the mid-1980s, Liberty Lake Investments Inc. planned to build a major mall in that community, but an environmental

impact study derailed it and ensuing legal battles failed to resolve the issues, according to a Jan. 8, 1990 Spokesman article.

• 1996-1997: Years of planning and competing between rival shopping center developments ended when JP Realty broke ground on a new Spokane Valley Mall, which opened a year later.

J.C. Penney left U-City to be an anchor tenant at the new destination, as well as a few of the smaller retailers. The University City Shopping Center looked to a future as an outdoor, strip mall oriented destination, but never really gained traction to fill the imprint it had held for more than three decades as “U-City.”

••• This December, the museum entrance was decorated with big red bells that used to hang from the lightposts in the mall’s parking lot.

“U-City really went all out to decorate for Christmas,” Singleton said.

While the mall’s history is catalogued and remembered down Sprague at the museum, the city is making its own investment in the property’s future, noting in its press release other recent development in the area, including Spokane Valley Tech. Perhaps the next chapter is on the horizon.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGIE WALSER REGER

The U-City Mall was a popular place for everyone from Christmas shoppers to Spokane Valley teenagers. This image was scanned from an early 1980s Central Valley High School yearbook.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SPOKANE VALLEY HERITAGE MUSEUM ARCHIVES

This conceptual design of University City Shopping Center was futuristic for 1965. The mall was the first in Washington state to have air conditioning.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Group seeking Valley churches to host homeless The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 21

By Treva Lind

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

When Kaleo Church hosted a few homeless families recently for a week of overnight stays, a real blessing came from the chance to build relationships with the visitors they served, said Lauren Goldbloom, a volunteer coordinator.

Located at 404 N. Argonne, Kaleo joined in November for the first time to become one of 12 host churches for the nonprofit Family Promise of Spokane, which operates a day center for homeless families located in the South Perry District at 904 E. Hartson Ave. “We had a very positive experience — just being able to help a real need in our city,” Goldbloom said. “It was a really relational context where we got to know people and meet needs at the same time, rather than just drop off a donation. The families were grateful for the support.”

Family Promise works with churches that have space for the families to stay overnight in their facilities for one week on a rotation schedule, meaning each church serves in that role about four times a year.

However, because of a growing need in Spokane Valley, Family Promise needs to find an additional 10 Valley churches to expand services here, said Steve Allen, its executive director.

Just over 800 Spokane Valley students are homeless or living in transitional housing, based on information from among three Valley school districts.

Justin Bryeans, pastor at Kaleo Church, said families who are members at the church shared meals, played games, and watched Sunday night football with their guests. He added that Family Promise arranges for a smooth transition with the delivery on a Sunday of such supplies as beds and bedding.

“I’m a dad, and I can’t imagine with all of what goes into taking care of your kids, doing that from the point of homelessness,” Bryeans said. “Being followers of Christ, we can walk with some folks toward having some stability, and the way that Family Promise does it, it’s so easy.”

He added that the church has classrooms that aren’t used during the week. “I can’t think of a better way for them to be used but to keep a family from wondering where they’re going to sleep tonight. These are our neighbors.”

About 50 volunteers at Kaleo offered support, such as bringing or preparing food for meals. Some families from the church stayed overnight, Goldbloom said.

“Often, the whole family stayed, and it gave their kids the chance to imagine what it would be like not to have your own home,” Goldbloom said. “All of the kids

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Family Promise of Spokane is working on expanding the number of partner churches in the Valley area. The organization operates a day center for homeless families, while local churches rotate to help provide lodging. made friends easily.”

Allen said many people don’t realize homelessness is a problem in Spokane Valley, which is why Family Promise is trying to help.

“The Greater Valley Support Network Coalition identified Family Promise of Spokane as one of the best opportunities to help homeless families in the Valley,” he said. “The network asked if we would consider expanding our program to increase our service in the Valley.”

“In April, we won $25,000 with the Windermere Charity Challenge, which opened all kinds of doors. In May, Thrifty Car Rental and Sales of Spokane donated a new van to our program. In June, we found the new building. We are now looking for 12 to 20 inter-faith churches in the Valley.”

The vision is to serve six families at one time, he said, with likely three families in a city rotation and three families in a Valley rotation.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church serves as another Valley host church in addition to Kaleo, Allen said. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is a support church, which is an option for congregations that don’t have the right facility or size, but members can

FOR MORE Family Promise of Spokane 904 E. Hartson Avenue 509-747-5487 www.familypromiseofspokane.org donate items or serve to support a host church.

Opportunity Presbyterian also is a support church for Family Promise, Allen said.

“We have 21 support churches,” he said.

“What we need is another 10 host churches in the Valley, and another 10 to 15 support churches. We’re trying to get the word out.”

“It’s been a blessing to see churches come together,” he added. “There is such a need in the Valley, yet there’s no shelter in the Valley for an entire family.”

Host churches provide the families dinner each evening for a week and sit down with them to eat, a component that gives people the time to share about parenting and life, Allen said.

“They come together over common table and food. That really breaks down barriers. Usually, the churches set up the families in three to four Sunday school rooms overnight and serve a light breakfast, and then they get transported by our van to our day house in the South Perry District.”

About 85 percent of the families served by the 17-year-old nonprofit return to sustainable lifestyles in their own homes, while keeping the family unit intact.

Family Promise works with families to tailor individualized plans to help them take steps toward lasting independence, Allen said. All families in the program receive the following: • Overnight accommodations at a local congregation • Three meals a day • Intensive case management • Family Day Center/office with internet access, guest phone, laundry and showers • Transportation assistance to school, work and other appointments • Social support from volunteers • Linkage with needed social and educational services

LOCAL LENS

22 • JANUARY 2015

Students send holiday mail to heroes

The Current

Companies stock shelves of non-profits Six-year-old Dominick LaBella, son of IntelliTect employee Jenni LaBella, helped sort, drop off and shelve donations collected for Hearth Homes and Hands Up non-food pantry. Organized by IntelliTect, the drive took place in early December at Tilton Excavation Co., The Liberty Lake Athletic Club, Northwest Health Systems and Casey Family Dental.

Pasadena Park Elementary students participated in the Red Cross sponsored Holiday Mail for Heroes project, where they created letters and cards that were sent to military veterans.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

SUBMITTED PHOTO

McCaslin takes oath of office

Volunteer spirit multiplied STCU employees delivered 25 checks totaling $25,000 to organizations where employees have volunteered on their own time in the past year through STCU’s Volunteers Count program. Local recipients included Spokane Valley Partners (pictured) and West Valley band boosters.

State Rep. Bob McCaslin takes the oath of office administered

by Spokane Superior Court Judge Sam Cozza while wife Heather looks on. McCaslin was elected to represent the 4th District in November.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Turning candy into cash

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Breaking down the code

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ness Elementary teacher Ashley Bonfield works with students who are learning to write computer code. The students participated on a project known as “The Hour of Code” during computer science week in December.

SV Kiwanis supports kids On Dec. 11, the Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club helped the Central Valley High School Key Club make over 270 blanks for their annual blanket drive. The Club had a busy month of supporting kids as they teamed up with Modern Electric to donate baby cribs; provided a giant box of games, puzzles and crafts to Empowering Inc.; and worked with East Valley School District on their Christmas clothing drive among other activities.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Dr. Jared Evans presents $50 each to Continuous Curriculum School students (left) and Greenacres Elementary students (right) for a Parent/ Teacher Organization coupon contest that KiDDS Dental held in conjunction with the 7th annual Great Candy Buy Back.

Hansen takes oath for WVSD board

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Using technology to testify

Dr. Gene Sementi, West Valley School District Superintendent, administers the oath of office to Dan Hansen, who was appointed to replace Jim Williams, who resigned after 32 years on the board.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Spokane Valley Police Chief Rick VanLeuven and Deputy Todd Miller, visible on the screen, testify from Spokane to members of the Senate Law and Justice Committee assembled at the state Capitol in November. The officers were taking part in a groundbreaking test Senator Mike Padden arranged to demonstrate how legislative committees may use videoconferencing technology to take public testimony from remote locations across Washington.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 23

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ADVERTISERS AND READERS WHO SUPPORT AND CONNECT OUR COMMUNITY. 23905 E. Maxwell - Home for sale Abstract Painting ActionAnderson Home Services LLC Adagio Strings Al French for Commissioner Aladdin Carpet Cleaning & Sales Alisha Fenton, Aesthetician Amaculate Housekeeping Andrean Accounting Anytime Fitness Avista Utilities Balanced Wellness Medical Clinic Banner Furnace & Fuel Barlows Restaurant Black Jack Limousine BMGordon Edge, The Bombshell Boutique Broadway Court Estates Carver Farms Casey Family Dental Casey’s Place Central Valley School District Central Valley Theatre CenturyLink Citizens for Valley Libraries City of Liberty Lake City of Spokane Valley Clark’s Tire & Automotive Coeur d’Alene Deck Coldwell Banker - Diane DuBos & Rob Brickett Coldwell Banker - Luke Brown Committee to Elect Josh Arritola Committee to Elect Matt Shea Compass Rose CONCEPTiNET Copper Basin Construction CorkHouse Kitchen + Bar Cornerstone Pentecostal Church Country Homes Power Craft Fair at Valley Hospital Crossfit Liberty Lake Cullings Family Dentistry Desperate Housewives Shop Hop Diamond Park N Jet Dimensions Salon Donna’s School of Dance & Music East Valley ECEAP

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BUSINESS

24 • JANUARY 2015

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce presents the

GEM OF THE VALLEY

Awards of Excellence Excellence is Priceless

Biz Notes Chamber hires new director of membership The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce recently announced the hiring of Dusty Wetzler as director of membership. After serving eight years in the banking industry and the past few years as a Chamber ambassador, Wetzler started his new role on Dec. 16.

"Dusty comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience only eclipsed WETZLER by his abundant passion and enthusiasm for the Greater Spokane Valley that will serve our community well,” Chamber President and CEO Katherine Morgan said.

Wetzler graduated from Spokane Community College and is currently enrolled in Leadership Spokane.

Just Roses changes name

Saturday, January 31, 2015, 5:30 pm Mirabeau Park Hotel Dinner, Awards Recognition & Grand Prize Auction Tickets are $55 Join us as we recognize the Entrepreneur and Businesses of the Year, Community Caring and Charity/Cultural Services Awards, Chamber Member Volunteer & Ambassador of the Year, District Educators of the Year, and the Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year.

For more information and tickets, call the Chamber of Commerce at 509-924-4994 or visit spokanevalleychamber.org

DIAMOND SPONSOR:

The Current

Under the direction of owner Terri O'Connor, Just Roses Plus recently rebranded to the name Rose & Blossom.

The floral business has two locations, 2010 N. Ruby in Spokane and 1119 N. Pines Road in Spokane Valley. Both locations operated as Just Roses Plus for 23 years prior to the name change.

Caring Transitions opens to serve area seniors Michael Begley recently opened Caring Transitions of Spokane, a resource for managing senior relocations, downsizing and estate liquidations. In addition to providing organizing, packing and moving oversight, Caring Transitions handles on-site and online estate sales and liquidations.

The local franchise serves Liberty Lake, Spokane, Spokane Valley, South Hill, Millwood Veradale and other surrounding areas. For more, visit www.caringtransitionsspokane.com.

Numerica announces new hires Numerica Credit Union recently hired Jennifer O'Callaghan as its new vice president of marketing.

With 18 years of experience in marketing, her career has included an emphasis on retail, direct response, and website, digital and traditional advertising campaigns.

O'Callaghan has a bachelor's degree in communications at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Michelle Grabicki, former vice president of branch administration, recently accepted the position of vice president of corporate culture. In this role, Grabicki will oversee internal culture initiatives, corporate training programs, and leadership and organizational development.

With 25 years of credit union industry experience, Grabicki joined Numerica in 2001 where she has provided oversight of the operations of Numerica's seventeen branches throughout eastern and central Washington and north Idaho, as well as its member service center in Spokane Valley.

Hunter named Providence director Robert (Bob) Hunter recently accepted the position as regional director for Providence Spokane Heart Institute (PSHI), which provides comprehensive cardiac care for patients of all ages. As regional director, Hunter will serve as cardiovascular clinical program director with responsibilities reaching across hospital inpatient, outpatient and PMG clinical settings.

Hunter comes to Providence most recently from Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio, but also served 15 years in leadership roles at Cleveland Clinic, including associate administrator of cardiovascular medicine. He holds an MBA and Master of Arts in Hospital and Health Administration.

Local surgeons serve in Nepal Dr. Jonathan Keeve and Dr. Michael McDonald of Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists recently donated their services to patients in Nepal through a partnership with SIGN Fracture Care International. SIGN is a Washington-based medical mission organization aiding struggling hospitals in developing countries.

"I've gone on seven or eight medical mission trips, and they're a great opportunity to give back," Dr. Keeve said. "It certainly heightens your appreciation for how fortunate we are to live and work in a country with access to quality health and orthopaedic care."

Currently in its fifteenth year, SIGN works with surgeons in more than fifty countries and has provided life-altering treatment to more than 100,000 patients worldwide.

Avista offers bill assistance Avista recently announced the company offers tools as a means of helping customers with higher bills, especially during the winter months.

According to a press release, Avista offers a variety of financial assistance and grant programs including comfort-level billing, energy assistance, Project Share and Avista’s Cares program. In addition, Avista also offers a number of energy efficiency programs and rebates.

For more, visit www.avistautilities.com/ assistance or call 800-227-9187.

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

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 25

BUSINESS

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Painting Heinz Painting & Handyman BBB accredited, hardworking, honest, and on time.

Free estimates! Now is the time to get your house painted. Call today! Dave Heinz, 509-953-8093.

Licensed, bonded & insured, HeiNzpH924Bw. Many satisfied Valley customers.

CURRENT PHOTOS BY VALERIE PUTNAM

The Clubhouse at Painted Hills is set to open as a restaurant and sports bar at the site of the former namesake golf course.

Couple bringing sports bar and grill to Painted Hills

By Valerie Putnam

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

A summer trip to the lake unexpectedly turned into a business venture for Deanna and Scott Reckord. During their drive, the owners of Sullivan Scoreboard chanced upon the location for their soon-to-open restaurant and sports bar, the Clubhouse at Painted Hills.

"It caught our eye," Scott said of the Painted Hills Golf Course clubhouse, 4403 S. Dishman-Mica Road. "We thought it would make a great restaurant."

The Reckords have casually been looking for a Valley location to start a higher end sports bar and grill for over four years.

"It's a great location; there is nothing else in that area," Deanna said. "And this was the only one we could agree on."

The couple plans to open the new establishment in early spring. The Reckords’ restaurant opens just prior to groundbreaking on a new, larger development envisioned by owners Dave Black and Bryan Walker of NAI Black. The site of Black’s proposed development is the former 100-acre, 9-hole Painted Hills Golf Course. Black purchased the property last year following the bankruptcy of Painted Hills.

"We found out they are building 600 units," Scott said of the new development.

"It will be done in five phases. The first phase is supposed to start April 1."

According to Scott, the development will also feature a bike trail and 10-acre park.

"We're excited to be out there," Scott said.

ABOUT THE CLUBHOUSE The Clubhouse at Painted Hills is tentatively scheduled to open sometime in late February or early March. The sports bar and grill will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., serving lunch and dinner. Children are welcome until 9 p.m. every day. After 9 p.m., the establishment transitions into an adult-only sports bar.

PET SERVICES GROOMING BY NICOLE 15 years experience in Spokane Valley with all breeds and temperaments of dogs and cats Now at Liberty Lake Veterinary Center, 22026 E. Country Vista Dr., Liberty Lake • 509-928-3007

yoga instruction

Sunflower Yoga Small classes with individual attention Gentle, beginner & intermediate yoga

For more information on the Clubhouse, visit www.facebook.com/theclubhouseatpaintedhills

Deanna and Scott Reckford and Chris Hall, right, are among the team developing the Clubhouse at Painted HIlls. The Reckfords own the business along with Sullivan Scoreboard, where Hall is general manager.

"People are excited, too."

The Clubhouse will be open for lunch and dinner. The menu will feature familyfriendly pub food, such as prime rib, pasta, steaks and pizza. According to Deanna, the menu is still under development. She expects the average cost of menu selections to vary from $6.99 to $19.99. She also plans on offering vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The couple intends the sports-themed restaurant to be family friendly until 9 p.m., transitioning into a more adult-bar atmosphere until 2 a.m. seven days a week.

Deanna described the sports-themed decor as dark and rustic, with several TVs tuned to various sporting events. The establishment will also provide seasonal outdoor seating on a large exterior patio.

"We may have live music on the patio in

the summer," Deanna said.

The couple engaged Harvey Construction to renovate the facility. The existing clubhouse is set to undergo an estimated $100,000 interior remodel with new paint, carpet and furniture, as well as adding 500 square feet to the existing 2,000.

A separate bar will be added to the old clubhouse. The existing putting green on the north side of the restaurant will be converted to a lighted synthetic putting green that customers can use during evening hours.

"There is no maintenance," Scott said about using synthetic material. "It will last longer."

The Reckords plan to hire 15 to 20 employees and are currently accepting applications for all positions.

Jackie Kittel OTR/L, E- RYT 500 Iyengar Certified Yoga Instructor

(509) 535-7369

www.sunfloweryoga.net

Scott has owned the Sullivan Scoreboard twice over the past 20 years. He first purchased the facility in 1993 and sold it five years later in 1998. After working for other local restaurants, he decided to again own his own business. In 2007, he repurchased the Sullivan Scoreboard and updated the interior with paint, new carpet and renovated the kitchen.

"I'd rather own my own business," Scott said. "I like working for myself."

Between the two of them, Deanna and Scott have over 60 years in the restaurant business.

"We're people persons," Scott said. "We've always enjoyed it."

The family-owned and operated business boasts three generations in the daily operation. Deanna's mother does the bookkeeping for the company, and two of their children will be working at one or the other location.

The Reckfords plan to be hands-on owners for both ventures. Deanna does a lot of the cooking at the Scoreboard and plans to be the main cook when the Clubhouse first opens.

"We work a lot," Scott said. "We're on the floor five days a week."

26 • JANUARY 2015

SPORTS

The Current

WV’s Petersons wrap up collegiate careers Brothers Bryan and Mitch enjoyed success on the gridiron, in the classroom

By Mike Vlahovich

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

It was at once a parents’ dilemma and dream to die for — how do you manage to be in two places at one time and watch your two sons play college football?

For the most part, West Valley graduates Bryan and Mitch Peterson’s schedules cooperated.

While gun-slinging oldest son Bryan was lighting up the opposition as quarterback for Whitworth University, Mitch was smacking around opponents as a special teams player and linebacker at Washington State.

“It worked out pretty well,” said their father, Mike, who estimates wife Robin and he got to see roughly 70 percent of each son’s games.

He was a broadcaster at Whitworth home games, typically played at 1 p.m. Then they’d head to Pullman for a Cougar contest played mainly at night. They’d work around injuries. Sometimes, games were on different days. Once, they flew to California and watched WSU play Stanford then returned to watch the Pirates.

This spring, in another twist, they’ll see all three of their children, including daughter Leah, a year behind Mitch in high school, graduate from college in the same year.

Football wasn’t the first choice of either Bryan or Mitch. Although attracting interest from numerous colleges in the sport, Bryan was drafted out of West Valley by the Boston Red Sox and spent three years playing minor league baseball.

“It was a dream come true,” he said. “It was what I wanted to do growing up. Playing for the Red Sox was awesome as well.”

His career had a promising beginning before a staph infection and nagging injuries derailed it. Because of Mike’s ties to Whitworth, he suggested talking to then-football coach John Tully. Bryan had originally planned to go to the University of Washington, but decided he’d give football a try at the smaller school, which turned out to be a perfect fit.

Mitch, two years behind Bryan in high school, had starred on the Eagles’ state finalist football team, but committed earlier to play baseball at Washington State.

“Bryan was definitely a role model,” he said. “It was kind of what my brother did and I was having a lot of fun with it. I kind of made my mind up I was going to play baseball.”

The brothers had never focused on just

one thing. Their parents stressed academics first and involved them in a variety of activities. During fall baseball at WSU, Mitch realized he missed aspects of football that baseball didn’t provide.

He talked to football coaches and asked if he could walk on in the spring.

There was an opening at quarterback in the fall of 2011 when Bryan enrolled at Whitworth as a freshman. Bryan had piled up impressive stats at West Valley.

“I had a chance to be a starter,” he said.

“It was the main reason I chose Whitworth, actually. I just wanted to play football.”

Play he did. Once Bryan worked his way into the starting lineup, over four years he passed for 7,800 yards and 49 touchdowns.

This year, under a new coaching staff and a spread offense, he accounted for 2.867 of those yards and 27 TDs on 306 completions in 454 attempts. One game, he was a stunning 58-for-82 and 580 yards.

“I don’t think I ever ran that many plays total in a game (before),” the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder marveled. “I didn’t realize I threw that many times. Honestly, it was the funnest offense I ever played in.”

Mitch beat long odds to make the Cougars roster. Major college football proved to be a reality check, the 6-1, 210-pounder said.

“It was way different than high school; the speed, the complexity of it,” he said.

“The first practice opened my eyes, so the first spring was about getting used to the pace and system.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Bryan Peterson, above, enjoyed a three-year minor league baseball career in the Boston Red Sox organization before becoming the quarterback at Whitworth University. Mitch Peterson, No. 48 at right, originally committed to Washington State University as a baseball player. After realizing he missed the gridiron, he walked on to the football team and won coaches over, making his way from practice squad, to special teams, to secondary, to linebacker.

His work ethic won coaches over. Playing under two different coaches’ systems, he went from practice squad, to special teams, to secondary, to linebacker.

“It was truly rewarding and lots of fun,” Mitch said. “It taught me a lot of lessons and instilled them in me to help me moving on; about competing and doing your best.”

Their dad was an athlete who graduated from University High, played football at Portland State, Wenatchee Valley and WSU where he was leading receiver as a senior — so sports is ingrained in the family. But, Mike and the boys say, it is secondary.

All three children will graduate this year

with double majors: Bryan in psychology and theater arts (he plans to head to Hollywood and try his hand in acting); Mitch and Leah (a volleyball player now assisting at WV) in marketing and international business (Mitch will complete his master’s degree in July).

The boys have been honored with conference football All-Academic team awards.

“What are the goals of going to college?” asks Mike rhetorically. “Number one: Get a degree; ideally, multiple degrees. Playing the sport you want is icing on the cake.

“So there was an incredible amount of icing. Their accomplishments speak for themselves.”

The Current

U-Hi, CV bball teams challenging in GSL

By Mike Vlahovich

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

When University and Central Valley meet for the first time in basketball, it’s merely a taste of things to come — the annual Stinky Sneaker spirit game Jan. 22.

When they played at CV Dec. 19, the girls were tied with 3-1 records behind defending state champion Gonzaga Prep.

The Bears’ boys shared second place in a wide-open league at 3-1, a game ahead of the Titans who were part of a four-team logjam for fourth at 2-2.

So what happened? The doubleheader between district rivals was a wash. U-Hi’s boys extended CV’s losing skid to two games with a 59-45 result that further muddled a league in which there is no unbeaten team, and seven of 10 are separated by one game a third of the way through the season. CV’s girls won handily, 70-49.

For the U-Hi boys, junior guard Spencer Matt scored 24 points and had 10 rebounds and is averaging some 19 points per game for the Titans. Garrett Schmerer and Austin Dill were also averaging

JANUARY 2015 • 27

SPORTS double figures.

CV had seven players who have scored in double figures. Top among them was Michael Hannon, who had double digits every game, including 27 against Shadle Park during a 73-46 triumph earlier in the year. That was the closest a Greater Spokane League team had come until losses to Rogers and U-Hi back-to-back.

Cameron Tucker, Parker Bowden, Tanner Sloan, Landon Daines, Max Sykes, and Justis Simmons are the others.

But the Titans shut them down CV’s girls and the Titans were part of a four-way tie for second, but have a ways to go against the Bullpups. The Bears lost to Prep 72-53 in a game between the GSL’s consensus top two teams, falling behind 20-4 after a period.

Against U-Hi, last year’s league scoring leader Madison Hovren scored 34 points, the third straight time over 30 this year.

Teammates and twin sisters Lexie Hull scored double figures in four games and Lacie Hull in three.

The junior-dominated Titans are led

by Brooke Bailey, who was averaging 15 points per game.

Inland Empire Classic Wrestling season got under way with the first of several big area invitational tournaments.

The Inland Empire Classic at Central Valley brought out the best in several Valley athletes. The hosts, who finished fourth with 150 points, had champions in Braeden Orrino at 145 and Blake Beard, who pinned his way to the championship bout at 138 pounds, where he won 8-0 and was named outstanding wrestler of the tourney.

His brothers, Bryson (126) and Bridger (132), took second and fifth respectively.

Chauncye Garrigan at 182 pounds and Bryce Gardner at 106 both finished third.

East Valley national age group champion Trey Meyer found the wherewithal to break a tie with 27 seconds left in his championship match, earning a takedown for a thrilling 4-3 win at 152 pounds.

The Knights finished fifth in the 18-team tournament in mid-December with 134.5 points. Kenny Martinez (220 pounds), Chance Blackburn (160) and Randy McDonald (120) finished third and Court Kessinger (285) was fourth.

University’s Cam Sorensen (132) finished second while Kavan Nielson (126) and Levi Meinzinger (170) were third).

Following a shocking loss to Lewis and Clark, U-Hi righted the ship against Mt. Spokane, a team it’s never lost to in the GSL. CV is unbeaten. EV, down a bit the last few years, is back in the GNL ring swinging, as its IE effort attests.

EV just like last year The veteran East Valley girls basketball team took up where it left off last year, easily winning five straight games to open the 2014-15 season. Two of the wins came at the expense of previously unbeaten teams, including Timberlake in Idaho, which was 8-1 at last look.

The Knights finished 21-4 last year and placed among the top six teams in state.

Hannah Burland has led the way offensively with a 19.0 scoring average, including a 29-point outburst in one win. Jordan Phelan is scoring in double figures, including a team high 18 in the opener against Timberlake.

It’s been a group effort for the boys, who

opened 3-1 for new coach Jason Wilson.

They scored 84 points against Timberlake in their opener and eked out a 70-69 win against Freeman in overtime.

Seven different players, nearly all new to varsity, have scored in double figures at least once, paced by Dante Clayton, who did so three times, including a team-high 21 points. Others have been sophomore Devonte Gorman, Mike Jensen, Tanner Jacobs, Mackenzie Grytdal, Gabe Bancroft, Terron Standifer and Jeremiah Hilliard.

Eagles’ learning curve The alliterative West Valley basketball schedule — Lakeside, Lake City, Lakeland — has been a learning experience. The boys and girls teams started 2-2 and 1-3 respectively. WV boys opened with a pair of wins then dropped two straight. Their female counterparts dropped three in a row before breaking into the win column.

Anthony Rice scored a combined 30 points and junior Alex Hall totaled 28 in wins over Lakeside and Lake City. Martin Herford had games of 15 and 20 against Post Falls and Lakeland.

Erin Higbie was a constant for the Eagles girls, averaging 13.0 per game. Her best outing, 16 points, came against her former school, Post Falls.

Freeman boys balanced As new Scotties basketball coach Marty Jessett said of his guard-oriented offense, it is balanced. Jacob Phipps is averaging 15 points per game, Ryan Maine, 13.5, Jack Paukert, 13.0 and Matt Harris, 9.0.

Of the four, only Maine stands 6 feet or taller.

New coach boasts long history in local sports scene the Valley Herald. Then it was through name recognition when he coached basketball at St. George’s and later while personally covering him as the girls coach at his alma mater and as the boys coach at University when I moved to The Spokesman-Review.

By Mike Vlahovich THE FINAL POINT

The theory has been put forth that only six degrees separate people from one another. I might argue that in these parts, it is fewer than that.

Take the case of new Freeman boys basketball coach Marty Jessett. It seems he and I have been connected in one way, shape or form — if only by name recognition in the beginning — for the better part of my journalistic career.

It began when he was the “enemy” as an athlete at Cheney High School, and I was covering Valley high school opponents at

The circle remains unbroken as it comes back around now that he returns to the gymnasium at Freeman in an eerie sixdegrees turn — nine years since he left as Titans boys basketball coach.

A year ago, these aging muscles were undergoing rehab by physical therapist Sean Freeman, who is also the Scotties trainer. The Scotties were coached by John Graham, who I knew when he was an assistant at West Valley under Jamie Nilles, who coached against Jessett in the Greater Spokane League back in the day.

As armchair experts are wont, Sean and I would chew the fat about the basketball

“The situation is really, really nice. I’ve got a great group of kids. They’re not very big, but they can shoot it. They’re fundamentally sound, defensively solid and offensively solid. The previous coaches did a nice job of developing kids.”

— FREEMAN COACH MARTY JESSETT

program while I was doing my therapy (what else would I be talking about?).

Then Graham resigns and now Jessett resurfaces, and we’re connected once more.

Marty spent three years at the helm of the Titans and had two successful years,

just missing state. He stepped down citing family reasons. His children were 11 and 6 when he walked away.

“I was never home and it got to be a grind,” he says. “It was tough on everybody.”

When we talked about the reasons for his coming out of retirement, they were essentially for the opposite reason. His son and daughter were now grown, and he was free to return to something he loved.

“My son’s in college and my daughter’s at Ferris,” he said. Conflicts are fewer.

It must have been meant to be. A math job opened at Freeman, and he wanted to get back to a smaller school, so he pulled up stakes and left U-Hi. Coincidentally, the basketball job opened after he was hired, and he signed on.

He says being eight years away was “en-

See FINAL POINT, page 28

OPINION Life’s not fair, but you can do something about it 28 • JANUARY 2015

By Ian Robertson

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

Life’s not fair! We’ve said that many times to our children when they came with a complaint that something was not fair, or right, or what they expected. So often, there are two sides to every question.

Headlines abound. “Union pays only 1.7% of income in taxes yet demands corporations ‘pay their full share.’” “Affirmative action: can it make life fair?” “Income taxes and fairness.”

Fairness means to be free from bias or injustice. We expect that from our legal system, as it balances mercy with justice.

Evenhandedness. Every person should be treated equally. No problem so far.

But what about everyday life? We can be really biased on many things. Pecan pie is much better than apple pie. My high school is better than yours! My dad is better than your dad. That’s OK. How do we accept tough situations?

Real prejudice against minorities, or immigrants, or poor people, or rich people for that matter. Author Sonia Ricotti said, “Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.”

Writer Paula Bostrom suggested these five steps (TinyBuddha.com): 1. Recognize the problem 2. Do something about it 3. Let others help 4. Take ownership 5. Change what you can and accept the rest.

Remember the old Serenity Prayer!

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Here’s 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.”

new twist: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know… it’s me.”

With this new year, perhaps one resolution could be tackling a community challenge, making the world better for another human being. Perhaps the biggest change will be in each one of us.

Remember last year’s Ice Bucket Challenge? Donations to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease went from $2.7 million to $94 million. Don’t underestimate your ability to make a difference — even a small one.

So follow those five steps above.

How can I make life a little bit better for someone else? What’s the problem? Here’s one challenge that can make life a little fairer for homeless families and children.

Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing, once said, “If large masses of people were starving there would be a swift public reaction to feed them. Similarly large masses of people without housing should be immediately helped.”

Today, this is one of the challenges in Spokane County. Last year, over 1,600 homeless children were registered with four school districts (Central Valley, East Valley, Spokane Public Schools, and West Valley). Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it seemed that all the poor needed were turkeys and toys. Those things are nice Band-Aids, but the real need is affordable housing. Tiny houses may be the next big thing. Permanently affordable, owned not rented. Yes, that’s what I’m working on in 2015.

The prophet Isaiah’s words are my promise for 2015. “I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places. … You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew. …

You’ll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.”

Isaiah 58:11,12 Yes, life doesn’t seem fair for most people around the world. But let’s make “OUR” world a little bit better.

Ian Robertson is a retired Spokane Valley pastor. He is on the PACE board, was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, was a founding member of the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake, and is now working with the Inland Northwest Fuller Center for Housing, providing “decent homes for decent families.” He wrote this column as part of a series highlighting the PACE trait of the month. The trait for January is “fairness.”

FINAL POINT Continued from page 27

ervating” (look that up, sportswriter!), making it tough to be away for so long and get back into the swing of things.

But he had kept his “finger on the pulse” of the game and did some scouting during his absence. With a little help from his friends, who have encouraged him to stray a bit and be willing to try different things, he said it’s great to be back, and he’s having fun.

“It worked out pretty well,” Jessett said.

“The situation is really, really nice. I’ve got a great group of kids. They’re not very big, but they can shoot it. They’re fundamentally sound, defensively solid and offensively solid. The previous coaches did a nice job of developing kids.”

The Current

The Scotties essentially start five guards, and the lack of height has put them at a disadvantage in the early going. Through the first two weeks, they went 2-2, winning twice by a point — one in overtime — and losing another by one point — also in overtime. Welcome back, coach. Bring on the Maalox.

Speaking of degrees of separation, my son played AAU basketball and graduated from U-Hi with Tyler Olson, who is now playing professional baseball. Tyler’s brother Kyle played basketball at Freeman and later at University for Jessett.

He is now Jessett’s assistant coach.

It’s a closely connected world, indeed.

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

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 29

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR Volume 4, Issue 1 EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Josh Johnson

GENERAL MANAGER

Tammy Kimberley

Sarah Burk

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

sarah@valleycurrent.com

Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics

CIRCULATION

circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS

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

On the cover: Illustrations by Craig Howard; layout design by Sarah Burk

Continued from page 18 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, the public is welcome for this night of dinner, awards recognition and auction. Tickets are $55.

For more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org

HEALTH & RECREATION Jan. 4 | Frost Fest Volleyball scrimmages 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Cost is $100 per team. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

Jan. 7 | Special Olympics Unified Sports Basketball 3 to 5 p.m. HUB Sports

Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. This inclusive sports program partners with Special Olympics athletes on teams for training and competition.

Competitions carry on Wednesday afternoons throughout January. For more: pbryant@sowa. org

About

Jan. 16-18 | Flip Fest 2015 Spokane

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

Jan. 18 | Winter Warm Up Volleyball Tournament 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. HUB Sports

The Current 23403 E. Mission Avenue, Suite 102 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 P: 242-7752; F: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com

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County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Presented by Dynamic Gymnastics, admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and children over 5 and free for children under five. For more: www. flipfest.org

Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. U14 and U16 teams are invited to participate. For more: www. evergreenregion.org

Jan. 19-22 | USA Boxing National Championships HUB Sports Center, 19619

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E. Cataldo Ave. Preliminaries will be held at the HUB while semifinals and finals will be held at Northern Quest Resort & Casino. For cost and more: www.teamusa.org

Jan. 20 | Healthy Living seminar 6 p.m.,

2207 N. Molter Rd Ste. 203. A presentation on the CoolSculpting procedure will be made by Healthy Living Liberty Lake. To register or for more: 9246199 or www.healthylivingll.com

Jan. 25 | Winter Warm Up Volleyball Tournament 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. HUB Sports

Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. This is a U14 tournament. For more: www.evergreenregion.org

Jan. 25 | Futsal Fest Adult Tournament

8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Men’s, women’s and co-ed divisions are available in this 4-v-4 tournament.

Registration is $175 per team if registered by Jan. 7. For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

Clark’s Tire and Automotive • Healthy Living Liberty Lake • K9 Country Club KiDDS Dental Liberty Lake • Liberty Lake Family Dentistry • Liberty Lake Orthodontics Liberty Lube • Spokane County Library District • Spokane Spine & Disc

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

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

Inaccurate or deceptive advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints about advertisers should be made in writing to the Better Business Bureau and to advertise@valleycurrent.com.

The Current is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads.

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

Copyright © 2015

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All rights reserved. All contents of The Current may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Balanced Wellness Medical Clinic • Barlows Family Restaurant • City of Liberty Lake

Amaculate Housekeeping Avista Utilities Balanced Wellness Medical Clinic Barlows Restaurant Casey Family Dental Central Valley School District Central Valley Theatre Clark’s Tire & Automotive Cornerstone Pentecostal Church

9 4 3 3 9 7 5 3 9

Evergreen Fountains K9 Country Club Kathrine Olson DDS KiDDS Dental Kiwanis Father Daughter Dance Lakeside Holistic Health Liberty Lake Family Dentistry Liberty Lake Orthodontics Northern Quest Resort & Casino

17 7 3 15 4 5 5 9 32

Otis Orchards Community Church 18 Providence Health Care of Spokane 1 Russian School of Piano Art 9 Side by Side Counseling Services 9 Simonds Dental Group 32 Spokane County Library District 8 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 24

Service Directory 25

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

30 • JANUARY 2015

PARTING SHOTS

The Current

Tales from Uganda In the absence of answers, pursuing a fuller story

By Josh Johnson

CURRENT STAFF COLUMN

Fifteen thousand five hundred fiftyseven.

That’s the number of words I pecked into my iPad while journaling a 13-day visit to Uganda this November.

Why is it, then, when people ask me about the trip, I can’t find the words to answer their questions?

“What did you learn, Josh?”

“What were your key takeaways?”

“What is the best strategy to assist the people you were visiting?”

I’m at a loss when asked questions like this. To be sure, my mind is actively swimming in search of the somewhat muddy “moral to this story.” As for strategies for helping the Third World, I have a couple partially formed opinions on the matter and several others that were struck down by the novel idea of actually going there.

At times, I admit I’m frustrated at still being in a bit of a fog about the trip, some four weeks now from when I returned. The American in me is freaking out: “Capture the data! Form a hypothesis! Take action!

Achieve results!”

These are all fine things; I’m just not there yet. And the tiny piece of African I absorbed is telling me that’s OK. One of my favorite aspects of African culture is its rich tradition of storytelling. You can learn a lot from stories. In America, we like our lessons to come complete with three-point outlines and action steps, but learning from stories is more introspective and therefore more intuitive, which is also to say it takes longer.

I have a hunch many of life’s most important lessons are the result of marinating in the complexities of personal growth as opposed to injecting them straight into the bloodstream.

So what did I learn? Still chewing on it.

But here are the words I have for now — in story form, of course. They are stories about kids.

My only other trip this fall was a quick there-and-back to Seattle to catch a game against Real Salt Lake at CenturyLink.

We were visiting a church, and there were kids everywhere. But only two were sporting the rave green, and I tracked them down.

“Seattle Sounders, Seattle Sounders,” I enthused, pointing to their jerseys and flashing a thumbs up.

They seemed to like that I took a special interest in them, though they didn’t seem to have a clue why. Their smiles were unique to them and at the same time so much like those on the kids around them — megawatt African smiles. Derek was 100 percent boy; he was happy to cheese for the camera and then zipped away to play.

The pastor we were visiting told me the twins were orphans who lived with a couple from the church. The couple looks after 10 kids in all, five their own and five orphans — a dozen Ugandans in total doing life together in a tiny hut.

The Sounders jerseys were the kids’ Sunday best, one-time gifts from a couple in Seattle who at one time took an interest in the boys, pledged regular support and then faded away.

I saw Derek and Dick later that week with the three other orphans they live with. I didn’t recognize them at first. Derek was wearing a light purple tank top and Dick was wearing what appeared to be a blue blouse with a glittery silver flower on the front. By that point, I had realized it was not at all uncommon for Ugandan kids to wear opposite-gender clothing — the closest thing that fits.

Though dressed a far cry from those overpriced Sounders jerseys, these were the same kids. Laughing, playing — the same kids.

Better than rave green The first kids to truly catch my eye in Uganda were Derek and Dick. Rave green jerseys will do that.

The twin boys were wearing Seattle Sounders soccer kits. I could hardly believe my eyes. I’m a massive Sounders fan.

Derek’s Sounders jersey stuck out to Current Publisher Josh Johnson during a November trip to Uganda.

“Sweet! Sweet!” is the refrain in Uganda when a bag of candy is nearby.

I said I didn’t recognize them at first.

That was before I saw Derek flash his oneof-a-kind smile. And to think I had been looking for a certain hue of green.

An ‘Angel’ leads worship Angel was abandoned by the river as a baby.

Her mother apparently didn’t want the guilt of throwing her daughter into the water to drown, although that end result was clearly her intention. She placed the child right on the edge of the bank with her doll just out of reach. If she were to crawl for the doll, she would roll down the river bank and be washed away.

But Angel was being watched over. She was located by a passerby and brought to a pastor in town, who placed her with a widow from the church named Usta (pronounced like “I ‘use-ta’ like New Kids On the Block, but I’d rather not talk about it”).

Usta breastfed the girl and raised her as her own — along with the 14 other children that have been placed with her, none of them biological.

The pastor talks about Usta as a tireless worker with a huge heart. She lives with all the children in a home the size of an

American living room four miles away from the church. They walk to church and back every week. Despite the fact there is no money to send these orphans to school — and no room left at the 60-child orphan school the church operates on its campus — she is teaching them the Bible.

“Angel is amazing. She knows more Bible verses than me,” the pastor marvels.

On the Sunday I meet her, Angel is leading a children’s choir as the soloist with the microphone. The other kids are barefoot, but she has purple and pink striped stockings pulled up to her knees. Angel leads the choreography and belts out the lyrics with the polish of a pro.

“I’ve got my mind made up and I won’t turn back because I want to see my Jesus someday.”

The children sing the English lyrics over and over, as the congregation — 85 percent of them unemployed, most missing loved ones from disease, many uncertain of their next meal — claps and shouts along.

I look up from the iPhone screen I’m shooting video from and realize everyone but the three white Americans are dancing

See UGANDA, page 31

The Current

JANUARY 2015 • 31

PARTING SHOTS

UGANDA Continued from page 30

along with the choir.

I can’t comprehend what is happening, but I never want to forget it.

Ugandan whiplash The Americans are late. It’s the secondto-last day of our trip, and we are standing up orphans. I’m feeling more than a little bit guilty.

The plan had seemed like a good one.

We decided we wanted to interview some of the orphans in the Fort Portal church we were visiting. The idea was basic and far from fleshed out. Gather stories. Hopefully share stories with friends back home.

Maybe some will feel inspired to support the work this Ugandan church is doing among the poorest in a poor community.

But the window we chose was on the back end of the one sightseeing day on our itinerary. We left at 4 a.m. to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, a couple hours away in good driving conditions.

I will digress long enough to say that the trip was an incredible whirlwind adventure. We saw elephants, hippos, flamingoes, monkeys, cranes, hyena, water buffalo, warthogs and a pride of eight lions — all in their natural habitats in the wild.

We almost got stuck in mud on a terrible road next to an elephant our driver feared was going to charge. We ate lunch at one of the more beautiful settings the good Lord painted in this world, at a resort on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Edward. I ran into two guys from Seattle who introduced themselves to me because I was wearing a Gonzaga shirt. Then there was the friendly British woman enjoying tea on holiday and an Austrian photographer who would later email us incredible snapshots of the lions we witnessed together in the wild … pictures he took through what appeared to be a lens so big it might be able to capture the rings of Saturn … while he sat perched like royalty through an opening atop a sleek off-road vehicle … that was piloted by a smartly dressed guide who let us borrow his binoculars when we parked our van alongside.

I could write volumes about these few hours at the national park; it’s just that what would happen later in the day left me with such mental and emotional whiplash, I don’t have it in me.

The drive home turned rainy, and by the time we showed up we were 45 minutes behind schedule. Would anyone still be there when we showed up? As we turned into the muddy drive leading to the church, my heart sank — and not because the place was vacated, but quite the opposite.

The pastor had spread the word that we would love to visit with any of the church’s orphans who happened to be in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by — no promises of support. He said we were just

A few of the orphans visited by a small team from Valley Real Life Church in Spokane Valley smile for a photo in Fort Portal, Uganda. gathering stories. Even still, over the next two hours and continuing for another couple hours the next day, we visited with 404 of the 511 orphans the church keeps tabs on, patiently playing in the rainy fields for their turn to share their story. To improve efficiency, we separated them into households, and there were still 98 different groups.

The eighth group we interviewed was one of the smallest ones — 9-year-old Agnes and her brother, Frank, who appeared to be about 6. Their mom died in an accident, and their father passed away from AIDS. With both parents gone, an uncle swooped in to try to claim the family property — not the children, mind you, just the property. The church helped the kids fight in the courts to keep their property, where they were living when I met them. The pastor explained that Agnes makes meals and gets her brother to church. They don’t go to school. Adults check in on them when they can, but right now, it’s just the two of them: Frank and sister Agnes, age 9, head of household.

I think of my two daughters, who I have been missing desperately these past 11 days. Jaysa is 6. Kylie is 9.

The next group comes in. There are

404 stories and not the time to take them down, let alone process them.

Sharif is in her second home after the first placement didn’t feed her.

After Rita’s parents died, she was placed in home where she was sexually abused.

She was rescued and the man prosecuted, but then the same situation played out in her new home. Along with three other orphans, she is now living with a widow. This time there is no man in the house.

12-year-old Timothy’s father was murdered, and his family land was stolen. He wants to be a doctor so he can help orphans, but for now he is washing people’s cars using river water and cutting grass with a machete to support himself and his younger sister.

Caroline was dropped in the garbage after being born. Her mentally ill mother died shortly after giving birth. A passerby saw her in the trash and brought her to the church, where she was placed with a widow who has taken in five orphans in total.

It is near the end of the first day, and we are in all ways exhausted. The pastor is escorting Caroline and her group out — shooing them, really — but she quietly returns and whispers something in his ear before leaving.

The pastor translates: “She says, ‘Please thank them for me.’”

My mind draws a false parallel, immediately recalling a story in the gospel of Luke where Jesus sends 10 people on an errand that heals them from a disease, and one comes back to thank him.

Why did that come to mind? Do I think I am Jesus? I haven’t done anything for this sweet little girl with the shy smile.

“Please thank them for me.”

For what? Thank us for what? Once more, a question lacking the words to answer it with.

••• In Africa, when there are no answers, there are stories.

While I’ve shared other people’s stories, I haven’t shared mine. Why? Mine is usually boring.

Maybe it doesn’t have to be.

Maybe that’s part of the answer.

Current Publisher Josh Johnson can be reached at josh@valleycurrent.com. This column comes out of his trip to Uganda in November with a small team from Valley Real Life in Spokane Valley to visit a partner church in the city of Fort Portal.

The Current

32 • JANUARY 2015

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