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2 • JULY 2016
NEWS
The Park Bench
Champion of a Chief – VanLeuven retires after 35 years in law enforcement
By Craig Howard Current Editor Rick VanLeuven was always more concerned with the promotion of community safety than selfpromotion. Quiet and cerebral, Spokane Valley’s police chief since March 2007 led by thoughtful example, drawing some critics who wanted a more demonstrative leader at the head of the police force. Instead, VanLeuven simply went about his job in a consistently efficient and unflappable way. In a field where pressure and turmoil swirled nearly every day, VanLeuven represented the calm in the storm. “Rick was wonderful to work with,” said Bill Gothmann who spent nearly a decade with the city of Spokane Valley both as a member of the City Council and planning commission. “I always found him to be approachable and totally professional. I would always go to him for the answers.” VanLeuven retired on June 30 after 35 years with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, nine of those as the Valley’s top cop.
Rick VanLeuven began as police chief of the Spokane Valley Police Department in March 2007 Photo by Ben Wick
After serving 35 years with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, including nine years as chief of the Spokane Valley Police Department, Rick VanLeuven retired on June 30. Photo by Craig Howard VanLeuven was already a 26-year veteran of the sheriff’s office in March 2007 when he was announced as the second police chief in Spokane Valley’s brief history, replacing Cal Walker who resigned the previous fall. VanLeuven was known for his innovative leadership at the sheriff’s office, bringing an effective research-based approach to crime fighting. After he was promoted to sergeant in 1996, VanLeuven was a catalyst in organizing several units to address investigative work and street crimes. He also integrated representatives of those units with law enforcement agencies on the federal level. As a lieutenant in 2002, VanLeuven was selected as the Spokane Regional Drug Task Force commander. When he took the Spokane Valley job in 2007, VanLeuven made it clear that he would be a humble, responsive leader who was always ready to listen and collaborate. “I want to start by assessing the issues facing the police and community and work with the experts in the department to address them,” VanLeuven said when he was introduced that spring. Many of VanLeuven’s successes in Spokane Valley were not as publicized due to the fact that he kept away from the spotlight. When he had some of his deputies, lieutenants and sergeants collaborate with existing task forces and other special teams at the sheriff’s office, the move saved $300,000 in 2011. Gothmann also recalls VanLeuven leading the charge to bring more resource officers into local schools. Five years ago, VanLeuven led the
effort to have SVPD become the first contract law enforcement agency in the state to become accredited by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. After a year, the mission was accomplished, ensuring the department followed best law enforcement practices and became eligible for reduced liability and insurance costs by adhering to 140 standards. Spokane Valley Police received their WASPC reaccreditation in 2015. VanLeuven grew up on a farm in north Spokane County. He credits his father for teaching him a steady work ethic that would translate to success later in life. Before he began a career as a policeman, VanLeuven worked in the lumber industry with his dad, spending most of his time in a sawmill and planer operation. After graduating from Mead High School, VanLeuven earned his associate’s degree in law enforcement from Spokane Community College. Continuing education defined VanLeuven’s approach to police work. A career learner, VanLeuven added to his early degree by graduating in 2009 from the FBI National Academy. A year later, he had his graduation certificate from the FBI LEEDS Academy (Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminars). Q: Prior to being appointed Spokane Valley Police Chief in 2007, you'd put in nearly three decades with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. How do you think that background and experience helped you transition into a new leadership role? A: My tenure with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office gave me great insight, experience and leadership
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opportunities toward becoming the police chief. Working in several different positions and supervising several specialty units and task force operations allowed me to collaborate collective resources while integrating proactive policing concepts to achieve our mission and goals of public safety. Q: You were among three candidates for Valley police chief in late 2006. What do you remember about the process of becoming only the second chief in the city's history? A: It was almost an overwhelming responsibility, but I had great aspirations of developing good public safety programs that benefited the entire city of Spokane Valley. I realized that the average tenure of a police chief is between three and five years, so now looking back at the fact that I was here for over nine years, it has been very humbling. Q: When you were appointed, you talked about evaluating the issues faced by both the community and local police and relying on experts within the agency to address those concerns. Looking back, how do you feel that approach worked? A: I’m very proud of our intelligence-led policing philosophy and the great accomplishments that our proactive policing has contributed to the success of a safer community in the city of Spokane Valley. Customer service has always been a top priority for our citizens as well as a reduction of our crime rate. We have demonstrated that the Spokane Valley Police Department has one of the best values per capita of any agency our size in the state of Washington. Q: What are some of your memories of that first year as police chief? A: This became a career lifestyle change for me with long-hour work days and numerous meetings that blended into scheduled days off. It seemed at some point that I was always tied to my phone and email every day, even while on vacation, if an issue was serious enough. Now, I realize the key is to try to find a good balance between work, family and time off. The additional staffing of our precinct commander greatly helped reduce that work load. Q: In 2009, SVPD introduced the SECTOR system, an automated ticket-writing program. The city didn't pay a cent for that system as you were able to secure the equipment through a grant. How do you feel the department did during your tenure when it came to
See VANLEUVEN, Page 3
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JULY 2016 • 3
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Continued from page 2 accessing outside funds? A: Seeking grant opportunities to supplement additional resources can be very advantageous. We have been able to acquire some critical safety items for the Spokane Valley Police Department through grants, as well as tools and programs to enhance our ability to do our job more efficiently. We have been very successful in the partnership between law enforcement and City Hall in seeking grants and resources for public safety. Q: You worked with several city managers and a variety of versions of the City Council during your time with Spokane Valley. How would you describe that collaboration as well as what you did as chief to be a conduit between municipal government and law enforcement? A: As chief of the Spokane Valley Police Department, I’ve realized that you need to look at the larger picture of the city’s needs for public safety. Collaboration with the city manager, department heads, and council is essential to successful strategic planning, with a constant flow of information. It is imperative to develop a good working relationship with the city manager and facilitate open lines of communication. I have made numerous 2 a.m. phone calls to the city manager when it was necessary. The key is to know what needs to be passed on immediately and what can wait until tomorrow. Q: Looking back, what are you most proud of during your years as police chief? A: My biggest success in leadership is seeing the accomplishments of others who I may have had an influence in their career. I believe in creating an environment through guidance and encouragement that
allows others to grow and succeed. Planting a vision of success with goals of opportunity can have amazing results. Just pointing out someone’s potential with encouragement can turn into great succession planning. I have had so many great opportunities throughout my career and that doesn’t happen without a team of excellent staff. I am successful by the efforts of our staff. I owe credit to the men and women under me who do great work. I would be remiss not to mention the Precinct Commander, Lt. Matt Lyons and Executive Staff Assistant, Kelly Matthews for their outstanding good work that results in my success. I especially owe a great deal of gratitude to Sheriff Knezovich for giving me the opportunity to serve on his command staff and allowing me to serve as chief of police. Q: What are your plans going into the future? A: After 35 years of service in law enforcement, I’m looking forward to new adventures and doing some consulting work. Q: Finally, as you officially retire from this demanding profession, at least on a fulltime basis, what do wish more people understood about the responsibility of being a police officer? A: We are starting to do a good job of recognizing the service of our men and women who serve our country in the military. I wish we could do better for law enforcement as a whole. As people run from danger and violence, we run toward it to protect those running away. We see things that people should not. Unquestionably, this is one of the most difficult, but noble, professions. We serve our community without reservation of reward or praise. Try to envision the sight of law enforcement not as a “cop equals ticket,” but rather as a community protector with dedication and trust.
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VanLeuven, second from left, chatted with fellow leaders at the groundbreaking for Spokane Valley City Hall on June 9. He was joined by Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich (far left), Central Valley School District Superintendent (third from left) and Spokane Valley Council Member Bill Gothmann. Photo by Craig Howard
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4 • JULY 2016
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Walter opts for overtime as CV’s athletic director
years. “It helps when you have a football coach like Rick Giampietri,” Walter said. “He was a mentor for a lot of our coaches.” The school has had a relatively stable coaching staff over the years as well. Rick Sloan, the boys’ basketball coach and Chuck Bowden, the boys’ track coach, both were there when Walter arrived. Girls’ cross country coach Dennis McGuire and girls’ tennis coach Stan Chalich also predate Walter.
By Steve Christilaw
Current Correspondent Grant “Butch” Walter, longtime athletic director at Central Valley High School, hasn’t gone anywhere, technically. But after suggesting he would retire after this, his 14th year at CV, Walter changed his mind.
The Current, a monthly publication for the Valley, offers visual storytelling, eye-catching ads and community coverage readers have come to rely on. This free newspaper is available at more than 150 high-traffic places around the Valley, including the following locations: Albertsons Barlows Restaurant NEW Fieldhouse Pizza and Subs Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt KiDDS Dental Liberty Lake City Hall Liberty Lake Golf Course Liberty Lake Library Liberty Lake Portal Building Palenque Mexican Restaurant Pawpular Companions Trailhead Golf Course True Legends Grill Twisp Cafe and Coffee House Walgreens Washington Trust Bank NEW Yoke’s Fresh Market Would you like to carry The Current in your place of business? Contact us at circulation@valleycurrent.com. PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019
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He will be back for a 15th year. “I’m going to give it another year – one more year,” Walter said. “I work with great people and we have a great group of kids here. That makes the job easy.” Walter and CV are coming off a remarkable year and the school has been on a great run athletically. A run of outstanding athletes has propelled the Bears to three state championships in recent years – back-to-back titles for the girls’ soccer team and an undefeated state title this past winter for a girls’ basketball squad that’s already a favorite to repeat in 2016-17. The boys’ soccer team has reached the state semifinals the past two seasons to bring home trophies. CV teams have been competitive across the board and most have reached the postseason. Just as impressively, CV squads have performed exceptionally well in the classroom. The CV girls’ basketball program added the state academic state championship to go with the title they won on the court. The boys’ tennis team won the academic state title this spring. Overall, Central Valley finished in the top five in the race for the state Scholastic Cup. “I am especially proud of the Scholastic Cup,” Walter said. “That’s a big deal out here. That says you’re getting it done on the field and in the classroom.” Walter was hired 14 years ago, just two weeks before the new Central Valley High School opened. To say he had to hit the ground running would be an understatement. “The day I was hired I got a call from Mike Hittle, the principal – he was hired in June and I was hired in August,” Walter recalled. “He said ‘Congratulations, and by the way, you have a Greater Spokane
Grant “Butch” Walter will return for his 15th year as athletic director at Central Valley High School this fall. Walter had talked about retirement after the 2015-16 academic year. Contributed photo League meeting of coordinators tomorrow.’”
athletic
Walter’s office in the new school consisted of four nondescript walls at first – no desk, no filing cabinets, nothing. And since construction was still underway when classes started, there were home football games that had to be moved until the stadium was ready. “We had to change a home-andhome football game right off the bat,” he said. “When we had finally had our first home football game we still had snow fence around a lot of the stadium area.” And there were other uniquely new-school problems to address. “I’ll tell you a funny story,” he laughed. “When this school opened, every lock on every door was on a separate key. I spent that whole first year trying to get all of the locks changed so that the whole science department was on one key and the whole athletic department was on one key. It was challenge sorting everything out.” And sorted out it was. Walter credits two Spokane Valley athletic directors with helping him over those early hurdles. “Kenny VanSickle at University has been my friend and mentor from the first day,” Walter said. “He’s still my mentor. I think Kenny and I still probably talk on the phone every day about something. The other one who really helped me a lot was Wayne McKnight, the AD at West Valley at the time.” Walter said mentoring is an important part of the success Central Valley has enjoyed over the
This year Walter had to replace Giampietri and long-time gymnastics coach Kim Brunelle. Both new hires came from within. Walter has always put the wellbeing of the young athletes Central Valley has produced ahead of all else. “I can say honestly say that the vast majority of our kids have a good-to-outstanding experience in all of our activities,” he said. “And by that I mean all of our activities: athletics, drama, music, DECA and everything else we offer. I am very proud of that.” To achieve that goal, Walter has put together a hiring process that has found coaches who fit in with that overall goal while producing successful teams on the field. “I think it’s important to get as much input as we can into shaping the questions that we ask in the interview process,” he said. “I send out a mass email to the parents to get their input. It takes a while to sort through all of those responses, but it’s worth it. “And I think just as importantly, we have a very good group asking the questions and measuring the responses. The important part of the process happens after the interview and that group gets together to talk through what they heard and what they think. It’s a process that’s evolved over the years and it’s important that we’ve worked closely with the school district’s human resources department.” Walter’s guiding principle has always been the same. “My philosophy is I want us to do things clean,” he said. “I want us to follow the rules and do things with class and I want us to compete. That’s what I’ve wanted from day one. I don’t want to violate any rules and I want to do things right.”
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JULY 2016 • 5
NEWS
East Valley senior class leaves legacy with tree planting
By Staci Lehman Current Correspondent The East Valley High School class of 2016 left something behind before they walked out the school’s doors as graduates this academic year. The senior class started a new tradition this year by making a gift to the school. “We wanted to do something more positive,” said Zach Hanson, EV studentbody president. Hanson and other class officers organized a tree planting and dedication for the lawn in front of the school as their legacy. A few weeks before school was out in late May, they planted a maple tree donated to the class by Gibson’s Nursery and Landscape Supply on Pines Road in Spokane Valley. The tree not only serves as a gift to the school and a way to dress up school grounds, it is also the first step in establishing what class officers hope will be a long-standing tradition. “We wanted to leave a legacy for other classes to see,” said Caleb Palmer, senior class treasurer.
“It was a way to do something simple, yet meaningful,” added Justin Patterson, an East Valley student who asked to speak at the dedication ceremony for the tree. Patterson said the tree is not only a gift to the school, but also a way to remember classmates who died too young through the years. “It’s a way to honor the knights who left us too soon,” he said. “Much like this tree will do as it grows larger, our friends and families that we lost watch over us.” In the past, the tradition of the senior class at East Valley High School has been to organize some sort of prank to play on the rest of the school. This year, the class decided to work together in a different, more positive way. After a few announcements were made at the dedication ceremony and Patterson’s speech given, students took turns shoveling dirt into an opening that was prepared in advance for the tree. Dozens of students took turns filling the hole, with some dropping a single shovelful of dirt in and others spending several minutes, and a lot of effort, shoveling. Hanson says the work is worth it and the tree will stand as a reminder of the class of 2016 far into the future. “Because trees last a long time,” he said.
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Summer brings construction of well, sidewalk to Rockford By Benjamin Shedlock Current Correspondent Try to turn left onto Missile Base Road off Highway 27 in Rockford, and you’ll soon find a “road closed” sign. Take a look off to the west as you pass by and you’ll see a big hole where a lagoon should be. And soon, there will be a new well nearby. Everywhere you look in Rockford, someone’s hard at work. While summer in this small Palouse town means a break from school for Freeman High School students, for the rest of the town it means getting to work. The busy season for municipal and community groups means there’s plenty going on for area residents. At a recent meeting, the Rockford Town Council voted to close West Missile Base Road as of July 1 because of very poor road conditions. The cutoff, which straddles Highway 27 and snakes behind the CHS Primeland grain silos to connect with Weaver Street, is a popular route for emergency services and oversized vehicles. The loads, if not just normal traffic, are heavy and have taken a toll on the route, which Rockford is responsible for keeping up. The town doesn’t have the resources for upkeep, and has tried unsuccessfully for years to get assistance, “but it just doesn’t qualify” for funding, said Mayor Carrie Roecks. The closure has gotten the attention of funders. “We’re working closely with the state and county to get the road open,” said Roecks. Spokane County is working with the state Transportation Improvement Board to find funding, but nothing has been secured yet. County government is interested in keeping the emergency vehicle route available. The town’s funded projects are all well underway. In late June, the public works department led community tours of the reconstructed “lagoon two.” The tour took advantage of a lull in construction when the lagoon was dry and a new liner was being
JULY 2016 • 7
NEWS
prepared to finish the third and final phase of the project.
Council Member Micki Harnois said that some of the loyal public attendees of council meetings dropped by and had a positive reaction to the project. Roecks called it an informative way to “show people where their money has actually gone.” The project is scheduled to wrap up by the end of the summer. Not far away from the lagoon, the town’s long-planned project to replace its second well is about to start. Only one well is supplying water to Rockford because the second has been clogging and is beyond repair efforts that have been made to fix it. The operating well has not been taxed the way it was last year because this summer’s temperatures have been more seasonable than last year’s heat wave, but the Town Council recognized that Rockford needed to have a backup. Funding for the well did not come in time to build it for the summer, but it should be complete by the end of September. According to Harnois, the construction company is siting the well and grading in preparation for construction, which should start in two to three weeks. On the other side of town, a new sidewalk is being planned. Bids opened June 16 to connect the Mini Mart with the ballpark on the west side of First Street. Ball players looking for a snack currently have to walk through tall grass or cross the First Street arterial. According to Roecks, the town planned to award a contract for the work by June 24. The town secured state grants that don’t require any match, so according to Harnois, there is no cost to the municipality. A more homegrown project is still seeking funding. On June 25, the Southeast Spokane County Fair Board held the “Pasta with a Purpose” feed to raise money to rebuild the fair booths. The booths, which community groups like Freeman High School Drama, the Lions Club, and Rockford’s churches use to raise money during the fair, are being replaced. Built in 1947, they have dirt floors, no running water and do not meet health codes. “Without food, there is no fair,” said Fair Board Member Sheila McCormick. The Fair Board is a nonprofit organization and because admission is free they have not built
up any funding for the project. The fair received a $90,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Agriculture and is looking for $60,000 more to fully fund the project. The pasta feed was in keeping with the strong emphasis on food at the fair, a big draw each year. Residents who missed the event can support the effort by buying a tile in honor of a loved one that will be affixed to the side of the booths. According to McCormick, “If we don’t replace the booths, the fair will go by the wayside.” Additional information about the project is available online at sespokanecountyfair.com. Summer in Rockford also means that local law enforcement is reminding residents to guard against crime. Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich attended the June 1 council meeting to remind residents to report any incidents, “even if they don’t expect the sheriff to show up,” said Roecks. “That’s a pretty big deal.” A rash of break-ins outside of town and the theft of the ATM from the foyer of the Banner Bank at the intersection of First and Emma Streets were topics of discussion at the meeting attended by Knezovich. The sheriff reminded residents and the council that reporting all suspicious activity allows the county to track crime sprees and shift resources for patrol. Knezovich was also in town to promote the new Spokane Human Rights Task Force. The group, formed last spring with the support of community and state leaders, is designed to combat bigotry, hate, and discrimination throughout Spokane County. The council passed a resolution in support of the task force, which the mayor signed.
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NEWS
wildfires. Some of their tips include: 1. Create a safe zone around your home that removes or minimizes combustible vegetation on your property.
Safety Scroll Be fire safe outdoors this summer
2. Develop, discuss and practice an emergency action plan with everyone in your home. Know the ways out of your neighborhood. 3. Ensure that streets in your neighborhood are clearly marked and that address numbers are clearly visible.
Cheif Bryan Collins interface is generally considered as the area where houses and wildland vegetation coincide. Small vegetation fires can grow into larger fires and expand rapidly in these wildland urban interface areas. There are several things homeowners/occupants of properties can do to make their homes fire safe and easier to defend in the case of a wildland fire.
4. When building or reroofing, utilize fire-resistant roof decking materials such as asphalt, metal, slate, clay tile or concrete.
5. Any attachments to your Is Eliminating home such as decks, porches, and fences should be of a fire-resistant SVFD Chief material. Stubborn Fat on Wildfire season is already 6. Use fire retardant siding and underway in Washington state. tempered glass Your Holiday windows in oryourdouble-paned Several small vegetation fires home. have occurred inside of the For more information related to Wish List? boundaries of the Spokane Valley making your home and property fire Is Eliminating Fire Department, including in the Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley The National Fire Protection safe, you can visit http://firewise. areas. (NFPA) Firewise org, http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/ StubbornAssociation Fat on wildland.htm or contact us here at In these areas, the wildfire Communities program offers a vast the Spokane Valley Fire Department amount of information to assist concern is centered Your on the wildland Holiday JOIN US FOR A COOL EVENT! via http:www.spokanevalleyfire. urban interface. The wildland urban communities in an effort to help com minimize risk from destructive Wish List? We are always available to help By Bryan Collins
The Current
Outdoor fires cannot be used for the purpose of burning garbage or yard debris. This is illegal and violators are subject to fines. There are several rules to follow pertaining to outdoor recreational fires in Spokane County, including the cities of Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley. Recreational fires and fire pits can only be used in designated areas and must not exceed a fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use. Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel or a portable fire extinguisher. Adequate clearance from combustibles for campfires and fire pits should be a minimum 25 feet. For portable outdoor fireplaces, owners must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clearance, which usually includes maintaining the domed screen or other spark arresting type device in place over the fire. Fires must be extinguished before being left unattended, and ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.
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The Current
SVFD Report – July 2016
Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a total of 1,420 emergency calls from May 19 through June 19. The report includes: • Hazardous material response – May 26 – An excavation contractor severed a natural gas line in the 1500 block of North Hodges Road shortly after 12:30 p.m.. SVFD crews responded, secured a hot zone area around the hissing gas line and provided protection with a charged hose for Avista crews when they arrived on the scene to mitigate the hazard. Contractors and residents are reminded to call 811 before you dig.
• Confined space rescue – May 30 – A 17-year-old female driver was rescued by SVFD firefighters after the car she was driving rolled down a 50-foot embankment and landed on its roof on a large piece of concrete and rock. The crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. in the 25800 block of East River Road. The driver reported that she was on her cell phone and distracted at the time of the crash. She was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. • Commercial fire – June 1 – SVFD units responded to a reported commercial structure fire shortly after 2:30 p.m. Crews arrived to find smoke coming from the top of a large steel hopper holding wood chips at The Pallet Place, 10315 East Buckeye Lane. Working closely with the hopper operator, crews used multiple hoses to simultaneously cool the hopper and spray the burning wood chips as they slowly emptied out of the hopper onto the ground below. Crews then worked to make sure the fire was out inside the giant mound of wood chips. The fire likely started with a spark inside the wood chipper that directly feeds the hopper. • Injured hiker rescue – June 2 – SVFD units responded to the Dishman Hills Natural Area, 624 S. Sargent Road, shortly before 9:15 a.m. in response to a 9-1-1 call from an injured hiker. Crews arrived to find a 26-year-old man who had fallen about 30 feet down an embankment while hiking. The hiker was conscious but wedged between a rock and a tree and unable to move. SVFD paramedics initiated treatment while the SVFD Technical Rescue Team developed and executed a rope system to
NEWS
safely hoist the injured hiker over rocks and up the embankment to safety. The hiker was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his back and leg. • Motor vehicle accident – June 3 – A SVFD Battalion Chief responding to another incident came upon a motor vehicle accident between a car and motorcycle at the corner of South Sullivan and 14th Avenue shortly after 6:30 p.m. The conscious 24-year-old motorcycle driver was laying in the roadway with a fractured ankle. SVFD crews responded to the scene and administered patient care. The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital.
• Power line down – June 7 – Shortly after 11:30 a.m., SVFD crews responded to a downed power line in the 800 block of South Park Road. Crews arrived to find the live electrical line arcing on the sidewalk. They used cones and hand-held stop signs to keep traffic away from the line until Avista arrived on the scene. • House fire – June 10 – SVFD crews responded to a reported residential structure fire at 12818 E. 10th Ave. shortly before 12 p.m. The homeowner stated that he was deep frying fish when he was called away to assist his spouse. He heard the smoke alarm activate and returned to find the kitchen engulfed in flames and the house filling with smoke. He called 9-11 and safely evacuated with his spouse. On arrival, crews quickly entered the house and extinguished the fire. Firefighters also freed a dog that was trapped in the garage. The cause of the fire was determined to be overheated olive oil left burning and unattended on the stove that ignited and spread to the kitchen. Damage to the structure and contents was estimated at $31,160. • Vehicle fire – June 10 – Shortly before 11:30 p.m, SVFD responded to a vehicle fire in the vicinity of 1000 N. MacArthur Road. Crews arrived to find a sedan with the hood raised, smoke coming from the engine with the occupants and a sheriff’s deputy standing by. The deputy had pulled the car over after noticing flames from the bottom of the car. He advised the occupants that their car was on fire and used an extinguisher to suppress most of the fire. Firefighters finished putting the fire out. • Service call – June 12 – SVFD crews were called to the 12700 block of East 24th Avenue shortly
before 11:30 p.m to assist an elderly dog. The dog had fallen between a hedge and a porch and was unable to get out. • Illegal burning – June 17 – SVFD crews responded to a report of unauthorized burning in the 11900 block of East Mansfield Avenue at 5:35 p.m. Crews arrived to find an unattended yard waste fire. They made contact with the homeowner about the illegal burning activity and extinguished the fire. It is illegal to burn any type of yard waste in the SVFD service area. • Grass fire – June 19 – Just after 11 a.m., SVFD crews responded to a reported grass fire just off Harvard Road near the I-90 interchange. Crews arrived to find a 20 foot x100 foot grass fire with a lawnmower on fire in the center. They quickly extinguished the fire. The lawnmower operated by a contracted worker had backfired and started the field and mower on fire. No injuries were reported.
Fire Commission vacancy – The SVFD Board of Fire Commissioners is seeking applications from citizens interested in serving the community by overseeing the affairs of the fire department. Applications will be accepted through July 8 at 4 p.m. This is a compensated position. Learn more at www.spokanevalleyfire.com.
JULY 2016 • 9
By the numbers: • Fires*=91 • Emergency medical services - 1,130 • Hazardous materials - 16 • Motor vehicle accidents - 85 • Extrication - 3 • Water rescue - 5 • Confined space rescue - 2 • Building alarms - 62 • Service calls - 26 *Brush, commercial, residential, rubbish, vehicle and unauthorized burning About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles. SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 15,800 emergency calls in 2015. Established in 1940, the Department operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, swift water rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. The agency also offers free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.
10 • JULY 2016
Werner named new Valley police chief From Current News Sources
Mark Werner has been selected to serve as the third police chief of Spokane Valley since the city incorporated in 2003. Werner will replace Rick VanLeuven, who is retired at the end of June after serving over nine years as the city's lead law enforcement official. Werner, who had been serving as patrol commander captain with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Werner has 30 years’ experience in law enforcement, including 21 years with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office where he has been part of the command staff for six years. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Eastern Washington University. When it comes to his goals as the city’s police chief, Warner said he would like to "expand leadership responsibility, improve collaboration between law enforcement, community partners and citizens, exceed expectations set by the city of Spokane Valley and the Sheriff's Office and honor all commitments made to stakeholders, employees and the city of Spokane Valley community." Werner was one of three candidates presented for consideration (consistent with the city's contract for law enforcement services) by Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich. Each candidate was interviewed by two teams, one that consisted of acting City Manager Mark Calhoun and community leaders and another comprised of city department heads. Calhoun made the selection after considering each applicant's qualifications and the results of the interviews.
Spokane Valley works toward rounding out City Council
NEWS
The Current
By Derek Brown
Current Correspondent The exercise of musical chairs continues at Spokane Valley City Hall. With three spots to be filled on the City Council, the interview and appointment process has begun in earnest. On April 25, Council Member and former Mayor Dean Grafos resigned, citing ideological differences and a lack of agreement to move the council agendas forward. He criticized other members of the council saying that he could not get anything accomplished on behalf of the people of the Spokane Valley, the very people that elected him. The same week, Council Member Chuck Hafner stepped away as well, citing similar concerns as Grafos. Hafner had served on the council since 2011. A month later, Council Member Bill Bates resigned amid health issues. His resignation became effective on June 14. Bill Gothmann had been serving in his stead but has since fulfilled his tenure as a temporary fill-in. Gothmann, along Grafos and Hafner, had been on one side of the council seemingly at odds with the majority of four politically. Much of the chaos around the dais began with the firing of City Manager Mike Jackson in February of this year. A rift opened up between members of the council after this event and Jackson went on to sue the city. Eventually, the city reached an out-of-court settlement with the deposed city manager. The city held public interviews for positions 2 and 5 on June 21 (the positions once held by Grafos and Hafner). Council was expected to announce its decision on both replacements at the June 28 council meeting (after presstime for the July Current). Bates’ replacement process will follow those of 2 and 5. Candidates must apply by 4 p.m. on July 1. Those applicants not selected on June 28 will be free to apply for Bates’ position. Interested eligible residents can find an application on the city's
website at www.spokanevalley. org by selecting the "News" link. Copies are also available at City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Suite 106, or by calling 720-5102. According to Spokane Valley spokesperson Carolbelle Branch, the City Council will review applications for position 7 and select those to be interviewed. Interviews are tentatively scheduled to occur during an open council meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19. Those selected for interview will be notified in advance. The council anticipates making the appointment to fill the vacancy at its Tuesday, July 26 council meeting, upon which the appointee will be sworn in and seated. Positions 2 and 5 will be filled with interim council members until the Nov 2017 election, at which point voters will select their candidates. According to the official press release from City Hall, the following residents were selected for interviews for positions 2 and 5: • Jonathan "Caleb" Collier - a postman who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. A former non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps, he lists his three highest priorities for the city as a robust public safety environment, infrastructure and promoting a business-friendly climate. • Pamela Joan Haley - a selfemployed owner/part-owner of three small businesses who holds a Master of Business Arts degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management. She lists her top three priorities for the cityas operating an efficient, low-cost government, increasing
public safety and increasing public participation. • Frank Edward Hutchison - a selfemployed business consultant and veteran of the United States Navy who holds a PhD in Physics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics. Improving city operations/strategic planning, attracting, retaining and supporting strong businesses and infrastructure supporting quality of life are his top three priorities. • Michael Munch - a self-employed general contractor with 20 years in the construction industry. His top three priorities are land use/ property rights, getting government out of the way of business and residents and building a better disaster preparedness plan. • Michelle René Rasmussen - a director of parking and transportation services and former city of Spokane Valley employee who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. Continuing economic development efforts, reducing property crime and funding for completion of the Bridging the Valley projects are her top three priorities for the city. • David Anson Wiyrick - a small business owner and retired law enforcement officer who holds an Associate degree in Police Science. He lists his top three priorities for the city as reviewing changes to the public safety contract to enhance police services, recruiting businesses to the city and better public relations. All candidates for City Council must be citizens of the U.S., 18 or older, residents of the City of Spokane Valley for at least a year beforehand, and registered to vote in the city of Spokane Valley.
The Current
NEWS
In the spring of 2010, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office decided to revitalize the S.C.O.P.E. Latent Print program. This program provides a vital service to the citizens of Spokane County and to law enforcement by hoping to find the person responsible for vandalizing their vehicle.
Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort (S.C.O.P.E) By Rick Scott
S.C.O.P.E. Director At S.C.O.P.E., (Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort) our goal is foster community spirit. S.C.O.P.E. believes if law enforcement and citizens work together as a team toward a common goal, neighborhoods can be organized to promote safety and prevent crime. S.C.O.P.E. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation in the state of Washington. It is our goal to support the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Valley Police Department and surrounding community agencies as a contract agency. Within the S.C.O.P.E. organization, we have 19 stations located throughout Spokane County. The stations are comprised of volunteers who provide programs and services in the community to help address the various issues associated with public safety. The success of the neighborhood S.C.O.P.E. stations depends on community and citizen involvement. There are 19 neighborhood stations strategically located throughout Spokane County, currently staffed by 356 volunteers. We have over 20 programs we provide services for our community. These volunteers have provided over 25,500 hours through May of this year.
When citizens call Crime Check (456-2233) to report that their vehicle has been broken into, a report will be generated over the phone and the victim will asked if they would like to have S.C.O.P.E. volunteers check for finger prints which may have been left behind by the perpetrator. If the victim accepts the offer, Crime Check sends the information to our S.C.O.P.E. Latent Print team. Our team will then contact the victim and set up an appointment to come into the Spokane Valley Police Precinct for inspection of possible prints. In 2010, S.C.O.P.E. volunteers were provided Latent Print certification training from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Forensic Department. This program continues to be a great asset to law enforcement and to the victims who are usually traumatized from their experience. The volunteers lift prints Monday through Friday each week and as of the first of the year, the team has had 298 calls for service and approximately 500 volunteer hours have been provided. Another important program we provide is Victim Call Backs, in which our volunteers make phone calls to follow up with victims of property crimes reported to Crime Check. This program is an important and vital community outreach program for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office/Spokane Valley Police Department. It was started in the late 1990s by the
Sheriff’s Detective Division. Detectives may read up to 30 incident reports a day. Currently the Spokane County S.C.O.P.E. program has trained volunteers who receive reports from the SVPD and Spokane County detectives. These reports are sent to them based on criteria set by the detective’s division. These dedicated volunteers call victims back to inform them that their incidents were reviewed and they concerns are taken seriously, It’s important for citizens to know that time is taken to review the reports by a detective and the incidents are taken seriously. Our S.I.R.T (S.C.O.P.E. Incident Response Team) program supports the sheriff’s office with professionally trained volunteers who respond to emergency situations. The volunteers are on call 24/7, and are sent out to control traffic at vehicle incidents, fires and crime scenes. S.I.R.T. volunteers are quick to respond and assist/relieve deputies in traffic control so that the deputies can get back to calls for service. The S.I.R.T. volunteers also participate in community events whenever possible. There are currently 20 certified S.I.R.T. volunteers who have volunteered over 2,600 hours this year. S.C.O.P.E. is always looking for dedicated volunteers who want to keep our community safer. The basic requirements volunteers must meet are the following: Must be at least 18 years old and approved through a criminal background check. Training will be provided for specific programs like Latent Prints Certification, S.I.R.T. and Traffic Control and the other programs S.C.O.P.E. provides. Please contact us at (509) 4773376 or email us at SCOPEMain@ spokanesheriff.org for more information.
JULY 2016 • 11
Spokane Valley Fire Department seeks commissioner
From Current News Sources The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Board of Fire Commissioners is now seeking applications from citizens for the position of fire commissioner. Applications will be accepted through July 8 at 4 p.m. The vacancy was created on June 13 when Commissioner Kolby Hanson resigned due to work obligations. He had served on the Board of Fire Commissioners since January 2002. “Commissioner Hanson has great balance and a great mind,” said Chair Mike Pearson. “He has capably and honorably served the citizens of our Valley for over 14 years. He will be missed.” The individual appointed to this non-partisan position must run for elected office in November 2017 to fill the unexpired term. The term expires in December 2019. A fire commission term is six years. The Board of Fire Commissioners is governed by Chapter 52.14 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Fire Commissioners must be: a U.S. Citizen; a resident of the area served by SVFD for at least 30 days preceding such appointment and a registered voter in Spokane County for at least 30 days preceding such appointment. Fire Commissioners are expected to address issues in a well-informed, fair, unbiased and timely fashion; maintain working relationships with fellow board members, department administrative staff and firefighters; be honest and ethical; be polite, respectful and non-confrontational; provide good customer service; work within the requirements of existing statutes and adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order. The Board of Fire Commissioners holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 4 p.m. at the Administrative Offices of the Spokane Valley Fire Department. For more information and to access an application, visit www. spokanevalleyfire.com or the SVFD Administrative Offices at 2120 N. Wilbur Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99206. For more information call 509-928-1700.
12 • JULY 2016
COVER STORY
The Current
Gold and Green – Dishman Hills celebrates 50 years of environmental preservation By Treva Lind Current Contributor The Dishman Hills Conservation Area unfolds with acres of naturally forested ecosystems literally steps away from greater Spokane’s urban core. Popular for hikes and studies of environmental habitat, the backyard treasure is marking its 50-year milestone in 2016, thanks to conservation steps taken in the 1960s by early volunteers, including catalysts like the late Tom Rogers, a University High School teacher. The Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC) has celebrated the landmark with several themed activities such as free guided hikes and a 50th anniversary dinner in April. Simultaneously, the nonprofit and partnering public agencies are stepping up efforts to protect wider swaths of the Hills by securing properties between existing large conservation areas in its natural corridor. The Hills stretch between the original Natural Area near Camp Caro to Stevens Creek close to the Palouse Highway. Taking into account the existing Glenrose Unit and Iller Creek conservation lands – both affiliated with DHC – filling in
certain remaining gaps would make a contiguous, long-envisioned Dishman Hills Conservation Corridor. “After 50 years, we’ve done pretty well protecting 2,700 acres,” said Jeff Lambert, DHC executive director. “We’re looking forward to adding between 1,200 to 1,500 acres.” Natural areas of Dishman Hills remain significant for many reasons, Lambert said. “Dishman Hills is surrounded by urban development on three sides. There is extensive wildlife habitat and a large variety of ecosystems. It’s so close that people can easily access the Dishman Hills for recreation and education.” In 1966, the first meeting was held for the conservancy group previously known as Dishman Hills Natural Area Association. The group continued gathering regularly at University High School to discuss ways of preserving the area’s ecosystem. A campaign – supported by groups like the Spokane Valley Rotary, Spokane Audubon Society and Spokane Valley Kiwanis – initiated a petition of 5,000 signatures submitted to
The Dishman Hills Conservancy (formerly the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association) originated in 1966 when a collection of locals interested in preserving the surrounding forestland began meeting at University High School. Photo by Craig Howard Spokane County to save the Hills. Lambert said history really starts with Rogers, who took classes into what he called “the Hills” for environmental studies. He started the campaign for the county to acquire a portion as a county park. The request was denied, so Rogers and supporters started raising money privately, and an $18,000 loan from The Nature Conservancy made possible the first purchase of 80 acres. More land acquisitions soon followed, with the county buying acres next the 80 acres, and this private-public pattern continued. The Natural Area’s primary access today sits just off of Appleway Avenue in Spokane Valley near car dealerships, offering a peaceful refuge near a sprawling urban core. Dishman Hills features winding nature trails, towering Ponderosa pines and some 300 varieties of native plants. It also serves as an instant outdoor classroom, a climb to views towering above the city and a time capsule of what the Spokane area looked like hundreds of years ago.
That campaign to establish Dishman Hills as a conservation area was supported by groups like the Spokane Valley Rotary, Spokane Audubon Society and Spokane Valley Kiwanis. Catalysts initiated a petition that emerged with 5,000 signatures and was eventually presented to the Spokane County Commissioners. The attention led to the original purchase of 80 acres at the site. Photo by Craig Howard
DHC board member and geologist Michael Hamilton, 71, introduced himself to original Dishman Hills supporters in the late 1980s and recalls working with them and Rogers. Hamilton became president of the DHNAA in 1993 and remained in that post about 20 years. He’s still very active. Rogers and the group looked to the next generation to carry on the work, Hamilton said.
“The group came out of the 1960s and had kind of renewed enthusiasm for environmental protection and land conservation,” he said. “Tom was very involved in outdoor education. He saw the area, and others did too, as a ready-made classroom for biology, geology, ecology.” Hamilton added that early members also realized the need to gain public support and vision. Through current ownerships, from DHC to the state and county, four large sections of Dishman Hills conservation lands are now separated by patches of private land, Lambert said. However, the nonprofit is working with the different entities including Spokane County and the state Department of Natural Resources to close some major gaps this year. “We would like to connect the conservation areas with a broad conservation corridor for wildlife habitat,” Lambert said. “So our current project involves 700 acres that has been nominated to the (Spokane County) Conservation Futures program. We’re also working to acquire key pieces of property through our own fundraising efforts. We started a capital campaign to raise about $2 million.” A few major trailheads lead into three large conservation lands, including the original Dishman Hills Natural Area. The second one is the Dishman Hill Iller Creek Unit,
See DISHMAN, Page 13
The Current
DISHMAN
Continued from page 12 accessible from two trailheads, and the third newest area is called the Dishman Hills Glenrose Unit, which doesn’t yet have an accessible trailhead at the end of Thierman Road, Lambert said. A fourth area called East Ridge currently doesn’t have public access, he said. Spokane County Commissioner Shelly O’Quinn, an avid hiker, also described recent strides for Dishman Hills in light of this anniversary year. She and her sons access Eagle Peak and the Enchanted Ravine for quick afternoon hikes. O’Quinn said the long-term vision of creating a contiguous corridor would “provide opportunities for recreational activities and protection of wildlife habitat,” “Spokane County, through its Conservation Futures program, has been able to acquire two significant pieces of property toward this vision in the last three years,” she explained. Those properties are the Glenrose 160 (formerly DNR land) and Stevens Creek/Big Rock. Meanwhile, DHC members are working to raise money, negotiate, buy land or secure easements to protect more land and increase community access before land prices rise beyond reach.
COVER STORY
Dave Schaub, current DHC president, described how efficiently a small number of people kept the group’s legacy going for decades. However, its members more recently recognized the need to ramp up conservation efforts. “It’s been run well by a few people for a long time, but with increasing developmental pressures, this slow and methodical, volunteer-driven organization hasn’t been able to keep up with developmental pressures,” he said. “We decided we needed to increase our organization’s capacity. We raised grant money to bring on an executive director; when we brought in Jeff (Lambert) around April 2015.”
JULY 2016 • 13
while leveraging donors’ money by partnering with government agencies, said Schaub. The effort includes working with the county Conservation Futures program.
interesting biologically, geologically and it has great habitat. It addition, it presents fabulous, healthy lowimpact recreation for all residents in the Spokane area.”
“We consider ourselves an advocacy group, and we couldn’t do it without the county and DNR,” Schaub said. “The Dishman Hills ecosystem represents some of the last remaining pre-pioneer landscape in the Spokane region. It’s
Doug Chase, Spokane County parks director, said Dishman Hills provides a huge public benefit, and popular hiking routes. Access is all non-motorized, and the original Natural Area is closed to mountain biking and horseback use. Most of
Schaub explained that the DHC board does “a lot of the active work.” “We have an active conservation committee that does the research for land acquisitions,” he said. “We’re really trying to ramp up our pace of conservation. We’re hoping in next couple years we’ll close the gap between the Natural Area and the Glenrose Unit.” The gap between Iller Creek and Glenrose is expected to take more time. “There are more landowners involved,” Schaub said. In early stages of its capital campaign, the group will seek both grants and private donations,
Dishman Hills features a variety of trails perfect for day hikes. The secluded forest is located a mere 100 yards from Appleway Avenue and the bustling suburbia of Spokane Valley. Photo by Craig Howard the remaining conservation areas are open to mountain biking and horseback. The county’s Conservation Futures program is also a vehicle providing some tax monies to protect lands and currently seven Dishman Hills land holdings are up for consideration to either expand existing sites or help link the corridor, Chase said. A land evaluation committee is expected to forward recommendations to county commissioners in September. Guy Gifford, a DHC board member, also works for DNR but now in a role without ties to Dishman Hills. In 1996, he worked directly as the DNR representative in a partnership of the association members, county and DNR to steward the early Natural Area. “I was managing natural areas that included implementation of the Dishman Hills Natural Resource Area Plan,” he said. “At that time, it
The lower portion of Dishman Hills in Spokane Valley includes a picnic area and rustic lodge known as Camp Caro, a popular site for picnics as well as family and civic gatherings. Photo by Craig Howard
See 50TH, Page 36
The Current
14 • JULY 2016
SAVE THE DATE!
6th Annual
Mutt Strut In memory of Chris Anderlik
Saturday, August 20th 8:00 am • Liberty Lake The “Strut” will begin at Pawpular Companions Pet Supplies and consist of a 2.5 mile route around the Liberty Lake business/ residential walking path. Please register yourself and your companion(s) at www.pawpularcompanions.com In addition to the pledge walk event, we will end at Pawpular Companions parking lot for an ICE CREAM SOCIAL (people AND doggie ice cream!), store vendors with FREE GIVEAWAYS and RAFFLE PRIZES! Please join us to celebrate and contribute to Chris’ dream to “Go an extra mile to practice true compassion for animals!”
All pledge monies raised go to benefit Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary
THANKS TO OUR ALPHA DOG SPONSOR:
Liberty Lake Veterinary Center
Check our Facebook page for updates or call 509-927-8890 21950 E. Country Vista Dr. Suite 100 • Liberty Lake
Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS
courtesy of the city of Liberty Lake. This event kicks off the 19th annual Summer Festival sponsored by Friends of Pavillion Park.
Through Aug. 19 | $1 Summer Movie Express 10 a.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Spokane Valley Regal Theater, 14760 E. Indiana Ave. Two movies to choose from each day (Tuesday/Wednesday). July movies include: “Pan” and “Smurfs 2” July 5-6; “Despicable Me 2” and “Home” July 12-13: “Minions” and “The Peanuts Movie” July 26-27. All shows rated G or PG. Tickets available for purchase at the box office with a portion of proceeds going to the Will Rogers Institute.
July 5 | Explore Electricity with Snap Circuits 3 to 4:30 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Explore how electricity really works with Snap Circuits. Build things that chime, light up, and spin. Grades 4 and up. Registration required. More at www.scld.org.
July 2 |Newman Lake Fire Auxiliary Hot Dog and T-Shirt Sale 9 to 5 p.m. Fire Station No. 1, 9324 N Starr Rd. Have a great meal with community members and buy a t-shirt commemorating our new fire station. The Blood Mobile will also be on hand for donations until 1 p .m. Proceeds benefit volunteer Newman Lake Fire and Rescue. For more call Linda Rivers (509) 9917106. July 3-Sept. 3 | Pavillion Park movies All events at Liberty Lake’s Pavillion Park unless otherwise noted. “Kung Fu Panda 3” July 3; “Home” July 9 at Half Moon Park; “Spaceballs” July 15; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” July 16; “Pinocchio” at Rocky Hill Park, starts at dusk, July 22; “Inside Out” July 23; For the remaining Summer Festival schedule, visit www.pavillionpark.org. July 4 | Over the Lake Fireworks 10 p.m., Liberty Lake’s annual fireworks display can be seen from Liberty Lake County Park, Pavilion Park, and Legacy Ridge. Organizers remind residents to be respectful of other people’s property before, during and after the show. No parking allowed on Liberty Drive or Third Avenue for safety and accessibility reasons. The fire department will issue tickets if a no parking sign is posted. The event is funded entirely by community donations. To make a donation or for more information go to libertylakefireworks.com. July 4 | Fourth of July at Pavillion Park 6 p.m. Enjoy live music by Tuxedo Junction, a 19-piece “Big Band” based in the Inland Northwest that plays classic swing, waltzes, Latin styles and even modern rock. The concert will be followed at 10 p.m. by the second annual fireworks display
July 6 | Building-palooza 3 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. All the bricks, blocks, planks, connectors you need to build the amazing things you imagine. Grades K through 5. More at www. scld.org July 8, 22, Aug. 5 | Movies in the Park sunset, Mirabeau Meadows Park, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway. Spokane Valley Parks and Rec department invites you to the park for three Friday nights of free summer-time family fun with “Jurassic World” July 8, “Inside Out” July 22, and Hotel Transylvania Aug. 5. Pre-movie activities for children will start an hour before sunset. July 10 | Farm to Fork 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Chinook Meadow at Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 South Nukwalqw, Worley, Idaho. Free farmers market followed at 7 p.m. by a celebrity cooking demonstration featuring Top Chef’s Antonia Lofaso. Demonstration tickets are $15-40. More at www. cdacasino.com/farmtofork. July 13 | Race to the Finish Line 3 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Cecil shares the truth about the famous race between the tortoise and the hare. This 45-minute show is filled with magic, music, comedy, and lots of audience participation. So be ready for fun fitness moments and lots of laughs. More at www. scld.org July 20 | Amazing Physical Feats from History 3 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Go on a journey through time with sories told by intrepid storyteller Indiana Bones and his faithful companion Draco. Experience the most spectacular physical feats ever achieved, starting with the theft of Thor’s Hammer. More at www.scld. org July 21 | 38th Annual Cherry Pickers’ Trot and Pit Spit 5 p.m.
9809 E Greenbluff Rd, Colbert. Celebrate the arrival of fresh cherries on The Bluff with a fourmile run (or walk) through orchard country on paved roads. Festivies also include a free Tot Trot (ages five and under) and Pit Spit along with food, fun, pies and music. Trot is $7 (register online through July 20). All other events are free. More information at greenbluffgrowers. com/trot. July 21 | Tabletop Games Stop & Shop 6 to 8 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Drop in and play with the library’s board game collection. When you fall in love with a great game, they’ll provide you with great deals through local shop, Uncle’s Games. Whether competitive or cooperative, most games are geared toward ages 14 to adult. More at www.scld.org. July 29 | Late Night at the Library 7 to 10 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. What happens at night when the library is closed? Find out at Late Night at the Library. Wear play clothes and be ready for games, snacks, crafts and more. For kids entering grades three through five. Signed permission form required. More at scld.org July 30 | Community Shred and Share 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Washington State Employees Credit Union, 12209 E Mission Ave. Shred up to three file-size boxes of old documents containing personal or sensitive information securely and share by donating non-perishable food items for Second Harvest food bank. More at www.wsecu. org/community/out-and-about/ c o m m u n i t y- s h r e d - a n d - s h a r e spokane-valley. RECURRING ACT 2 senior classes Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. More at www.sccel.spokane.edu/ ACT2. Baha’i Fireside Conversation - 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., third Friday of the month. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history, and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. More at 599-2411 or www.bahai.us.
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JULY 2016 • 15
COMMUNITY
Café Card Club - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays. On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford. Play pinochle, cribbage, or hearts. More at www.onsacredgrounds. com. Catholic Singles Mingle meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www. meetup.com/Catholic-SinglesMingle.
DivorceCare Recovery Support Group - Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location. Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com. Grange potluck and meeting - 6 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, Tri Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. A potluck will be followed by a 7 p.m. meeting for this communitybased service organization. More at 481-7447 or geje2@yahoo.com. Liberty Lake Farmers Market takes place each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 8 at Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. The market features local food and farm vendors, artisan crafts and baked goods, live music and more. For more, visit www. libertylakefarmersmarket.com. Men’s Weekly Bible Study - 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org. Millwood Farmer’s Market runs every Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 28 in front of Millwood Presbyterian Church, 8910 E., Dalton off Argonne. Featuring food and farm vendors, artisan crafts, music and more. Market accepts token System, WIC, senior vouchers, EBT and Fresh Bucks programs. For more visit millwoodfarmermar.wix.com/ market. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - 6:30 p.m., the first Monday of each month. Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. More at www.pancan.org or 534-2564. Rockford Crochet Class - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. Activities include hairpin lace, knit, embroidery, needlepoint, and arm
knitting of infinity. More at 8924412 or 291-3722. Rockford Historical Society 11:30 a.m. second Friday of the month (Feb. to Nov.). Harvest Moon restaurant, 20 S. First St., Rockford. More at 291-3193.
38th Annual Cherry
Spokane County Library District 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, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at www.scld.org
Pickers Trot and Pit Spit “A Fun Run”
Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague Ave. 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. More at www.foe3433. com.
a summer evening of fun for all ages!
Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank distribution takes place Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10814 E. Broadway by appointment. Appointments are available during the following days/times: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Thursday (reserved for advanced-age seniors — age 60 and over — and/or physicallyhandicapped people with limited mobility): 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Address verification is required. To make an appointment, call 927.1153 ext. 10, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Summer Lego Club 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Recurring Lego nights all summer long are perfect for kids with more ideas than they can build in one hour. All ages are welcome. Children 6 and under must bring an adult.
MUSIC & THE ARTS July 7-10 | Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story evening performances July 7, 9, 13, 16 at 7:30 p.m.; matinee performances July 10, 17 at 2 p.m. Central Valley Performing Arts Center, 821 S Sullivan Rd. The new Spokane Valley Summer Theatre, a professional summer theatre and acting conservatory, invites you to relive the greatest moments in Buddy's tragically short, but explosive career as you sing along with timeless hits in live, rock concert style. Admission is $24-38. Tickets and more at http://svsummertheatre.com July 9 | Hot Club of Spokane 4
See CALENDAR, Page 16
Thursday, July 21
We will have live music, a variety of food, cherry pies and other delicious goodies. Plus, family friendly fun for everyone! A 6.4K (4 mile) run through Green Bluff's orchard country. 5:00pm - Registration Opens@ Church Center Food at various locations
5:30pm - Cherry Pit Spit @ the Grange 6:00pm - Tot Trot @ Church Area
7:00pm - Race Begins - New start/ finish line @ Harvest House & Church Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers. Pre-register at http://www. greenbluffgrowers.com/trot/index. html Thank you to our sponsors:
16 • JULY 2016
CALENDAR
Continued from page 15 to 5 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. A truly local incarnation of hot jazz and jump blues: Hot Club of Spokane swings the best tunes from the repertoires of Bing Crosby, Paul Whiteman’s Rhythm Boys, Mildred Bailey, and other classic favorites. More at wwwscld.org. July 11, 18, 25 | Teen Watercolor Basics 4 to 5:30 pm Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Explore basic color theory in this three-part workshop. Learn how to cover a large area with transparent pigments of color and reserve white areas, alter colors with glazes, and make corrections. Spokane Art School Instructors will lead this great introduction to the luminous medium of watercolor. Grades 9 and up. Registration required. More at www.scld.org. July 16 | “Rock the Block” with the Mountain Brothers 6 p.m., Beachcombers Beach, entrance on First Avenue along north side of Liberty Lake. Concert featuring the Mountain Brothers presented by Friends of Pavillion Park and the Beachcombers Beach Club. Attendees can carry in a picnic and chairs or anchor a boat offshore. July 27 | Jamming, Juggling Jenks 3 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Jenks is a dynamic music and juggling act that is especially fun for kids and their parents. For more than seven years, Jenks has been entertaining families with his unique blend of super-cool rock songs, family-friendly covers, head-bopping dance songs, and totally awesome juggling. More at www.scld.org July 28-Aug. 7 | Oliver! evening performances July 28-30, Aug. 3-6 at 7:30 p.m.; matinee performances July 31 and Aug 7 at 2 p.m. Central Valley Performing Arts Center, 821 S Sullivan Rd. Come see Spokane Valley Sumer Theatre’s presentation of the family musical Oliver! based on Charles Dickens’ beloved novel. Admission is $20-34. Tickets and more at http://svsummertheatre.com July 30 | Charlie Musselwhite in concert 7 p.m. Pavillion Park in Liberty Lake. Friends of Pavillion Park present fun, danceable Mississippi blues with harmonica bluesman Charlie Musselwhite. Free. More at www.pavillionpark. org RECURRING Country Jammers Dance- 1 p.m. to
COMMUNITY
3:30 p.m., first and third Sunday of the month. Newman Lake Grange, 25025 E. Heather Lane, Newman Lake. Free (donations welcome). More information at jandg2@ comcast.net.
Drop-in Square Dance Lessons - 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (through May 18). Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road. Square dance lessons for $3 per person; no partner needed. More at 270-9264. Pages of Harmony - 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you will love the four-part, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. More at www.pagesofharmony.org. Spirit of Spokane Chorus - 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 2184799. Spokane Novelists Group - noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month. Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 copies for others to read along and critique. More at 590-7316. Spokane Valley Camera Club - 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops. More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc. org Spokane Valley Writers’ Group - 6:45 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission Ave. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. More at 570-4440. Teen Writers of the Inland Empire - 4 p.m., first Thursday of the month (except holidays). Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Teen writers (grade six and older) meet to write and share their work. More at 893-8400.
HEALTH & RECREATION July 18-20 | NBC Basketball Complete Skills Camp 9 a.m. to
3 p.m. HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Spokane Valley. NBC Basketball Camps will be holding four Junior Basketball Day Camps for boys and girls ages 8-12 this summer. NBC Camps specializes in intensity, accurate fundamentals, encouraging coaches, leadership training and making big improvements to your skills. This camp offers basketball training at a pace and intensity level more suitable for beginning or younger players. Schedule and pricing at www.hubsportscenter.org July 26-28 | Breakthrough Basketball Complete Youth Skills Camp | 9 a.m. to 3:00p.m. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Spokane Valley. This youth and middle school camp focuses on developing the complete player. You will develop shooting, ball handling, passing, footwork, defense, rebounding, athleticism, and other essential skills to become a great a basketball player. Each session limited to 60 players. Schedule and pricing at www. hubsportscenter.org. July 31 | 4th Annual Cycle Celebration 8 a.m., North Centennial Trail Head at Mirabeau Point Park Meadows, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway. Spend the day exploring the scenic beauty in and around Spokane Valley on your choice of 10-, 25-, or 50-mile bike ride presented by Valleyfest. $8-20. Register at www.cyclecelebration. com. RECURRING HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Badminton open gym: 7 to 9 p.m. Tues., $5/person • Basketball open gym: Noon to 1 p.m. Tues. and Thurs., $4/person • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs.; and 7 to 9 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $2/seniors ($4/non-seniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate, Modern Farang-Mu Sul, and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times. 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 three and older. More at 953-7501 or www. kidfitspokane.com. Yoga in Rockford 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Rockford Park, 20 W. Emma St., Rockford. In case
The Current
of inclement weather, classes will be held at Dave’s Autobody, 8 W. Emma St.
CIVIC & BUSINESS July 12 | State Board of Education community forum 5:30 to 7 p.m. Ferris High School, 3020 E 37th Ave Spokane. All are welcome to attend this open forum to gather feedback from members of the community. For more information contact Stefanie Randolph at stefanie.randolph@k12. wa.us or 360-725-6501. July 18 | Drop-In Job and Career Help 7 to 8 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Career Transitions instructor Annette Olson assists job seekers and offers career help to students, graduates and professionals considering a career transition or are uncertain about job opportunities. Laptops will be available for participants to use. More at www.scld.org July 20 | Friends of the Spokane Valley Library Meeting 12 to 1 pm. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. The Friends of the Spokane Valley Library invite community members to join them as they discuss upcoming events and fundraising activities. Everyone welcome. More at www.scld.org July 26 | Storytelling: A Community Hope Experience 6 to 8 p.m. 11302 E Broadway Ave. This family-friendly evening of community, art, and storytelling benefits the homeless women with children who served by Hearth Homes. Parking available directly across the street at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Food and Refreshments will be served. RSVP or learn more at http://www.hearthhomes.org/events. RECURRING Flag Museum, sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairmount Memorial Association, details the rich history of the American flag, Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. For more information: 926-2753 or www. fairmountmemorial.com/southpines-cemetery Spokane Valley Kiwanis - 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays. Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave. More at www.spokanevalleykiwanis.net. Spokane Valley Rotary - noon to 1 p.m., Tuesdays. Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at www.svrotary. org.
LIBRARY
The Current
Storyteller Indiana Bones at the library By Erin Dodge
Storyteller Indiana Bones, along with faithful companion Draco, are weaving tales of myth and wonder, at the library this summer. You won’t want to miss “Amazing Physical Feats from History,” at Otis Orchards Library at 11 a.m. on July 20, at Spokane Valley Library at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on July 20, and at Argonne Library at 11 a.m. on July 21. For more dates and locations, visit www.scld.org. I was curious about the life of a storyteller, so I asked Indiana Bones some questions about his life and adventures. He graciously answered and took me on a trip “back in time.” Q: What is the Indiana Bones approach to storytelling? A: I create and tell stories based on ancient myths and legends from around the world and throughout time with a smattering of actual history to give them historical perspective on how or why these stories may have come about. And as my telling evolved, I started using artifacts and fossils to transport the audience back in time as we “dig up the old stories”
together. Q: Who and what inspires you as a storyteller? A: My grandfather first and foremost inspires me. Aside from appearing to me like Marley's ghost, when I was young, about age of 3, he started to introduce me to the great authors—Shelly, Yeats, Scott, and Longfellow, just to name a few. Mark Twain also another great storyteller who inspired me early on. What inspires me is not only the great adventures that my research and travels take me on, but also that storytelling can be a great educational tool. It builds appreciation of stories and can encourage reading. So I say, “Open a book. Open your mind. Open your imagination.” Q: What do you look for in a good story to share? Is there a formula for a good story? A: A sense of adventure, the potential for humor and a story that people may think they know but may not know the reality behind the story all make for good stories to share. If there is a formula for a good story for telling and performing, it would be the different version of the myth or legend which are found in many ancient cultures. So I research as many as I can dig up and combine as needed, making my own unique version.
Renowned storyteller Indiana Bones will bring his unique approach to several Spokane County Library District sites this summer. Contributed photo
Go for the gold in reading
By Gwendolyn Haley We are getting ready for the Olympics in my house. While we aren’t usually a sports family, I have been known to strongly encourage my family to watch swimming events all day long. Next month, the eyes of the world will turn to Rio for the XXXI Olympiad. One way to prepare for full enjoyment of the spectacle and soul of the Summer Olympics is to read inspiring stories of Olympians from the past century. Here are few recent biographies that dive into the lives of Olympic athletes. “The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics” By Daniel James Brown A gripping tale about the nine young, working-class men from the University of Washington who take on the more elite rowing teams of the East Coast and Europe in their bid for gold, set against the backdrop of the turbulent and politically charged 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Also available in a Young Reader’s adaptation for grades 4–7. “The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of Maui's Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory” By Julie Checkoway The story of Soichi Sakamoto and the group of poverty-stricken, sugar plantation kids he coached into swimming champions despite the obstacles of racism and poverty, and before the dawning of WWII blocked their aspirations. “For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr” By Duncan Hamilton Many people know of Eric Liddell, the devout Christian who would not compete on the Sabbath, from the Oscar-winning film “Chariots of Fire.” This new biography continues the story of the athlete and man who spent his life in service in China before dying in an internment camp during World War II. “The Complete Book of the Olympics” By David Wallechinsky Get completely briefed on the Olympics with this comprehensive volume published every four years. Wallechinsky covers over 100 years of Olympic history, interspersed with anecdotes ranging from the memorable to the unbelievable. Ready, set, read!
JULY 2016 • 17
SUMMER 2016
Where can you go this summer for music, magic, electricity, dancing, hiking, stories, entertainment, and to get loud? THE LIBRARY! Free fun for kids, and grown-ups too.
Visit www.scld.org/summer-16 for details.
#ReadySetRead
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18 • JULY 2016
2016 FAMILY FUN HOM E SC H EDU LE
July 4-8 vs. Boise Hawks July 12-16 vs. S-K Volcanoes July 18-20 vs. Vancouver Canadians July 26-28 vs. Tri-City Dust Devils July 29-31 vs. Everett AquaSox
-FREE PARKING-
For Tickets: 343-OTTO (6886) .com
Aug 12-16 vs. Eugene Emeralds Aug 26-28 vs. Tri-City Dust Devils Aug 29-Sept 2 vs. Hillsboro Hops
FEATURED GAME
Star Wars Night & Laser Light Show Friday July 15th
vs. Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Game Time 7:15 pm Join us for Happy Hour before the game and then Star Wars trivia, character appearances, and Star Wars jersey auction. Plus our first ever post game Laser Light show. sponsored by:
SPOKANE
Brought to you by
July 25
is National Carousel Day! This holiday was created to honor the 1871 patent by William Schneider for the modern carousel. Of the many beautifully carved wooden carousels there are only about 200 of these American originals still in operation today. Aren’t we lucky that Riverfront Park is home to a 1909 Looff Carousel. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of our nation’s most beautiful hand carved carousels. Originally installed at Natatorium Park as a wedding present for Looff’s daughter Emma. It features 54 horses, a giraffe, a tiger and two Chinese dragons. The park closed so the carousel was placed in storage in 1968. The carousel was moved to its current location in 1975, where it currently has over 300,000 visitors a year.
The Current
20 • JULY 2016
July 31 is World Uncommon Musical Instrument Awareness Day
This day was created to celebrate the invention of odd or rare instruments and to encourage people to learn to play something new or invent their own instrument. Early instruments were made from bone, wood and animal skin. Historians believe the oldest musical instrument to be a simple flute. They do not agree on dates but tens of thousands of years ago. The harp, trumpet and bagpipes followed. About a thousand years ago the guitar was invented. Most instruments we are very familiar with (ex., violin, piano, clarinet, harmonica, saxophone and drum set) have been invented in the last 500 years. To see and hear some really unusual instruments check this website out www.oddmusic.com/gallery/. Enjoy.
ner Craft Cor Make Your Own Rain Stick
MATERIALS: Paper towel or long cardboard tube Aluminum foil Dry Rice or similar Sturdy paper Glue, Scissors, Crayons or Markers INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Trace around the end of your tube onto the sturdy paper. Draw a bigger circle and then draw a lot of lines between the two circles. Cut along the lines. Glue on the end of your tube as a cap. 2. Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is about one and a half times the length of your tube and about 6 inches wide. Crunch the aluminum foil into two long, thin, snakelike shapes. Then ttwist each into a spring shape. Place inside your tube. 3. Pour in your rice. The tube should be 1/10 full. You can experiment with different amounts to decide what sound you like best. 4. Follow the steps in 1 to create a cap for the open end. Optional: Decorate your instrument!
Match the uncommon insrument picture to it’s name and description. SERPENT - SNAKELIKE INVENTED IN THE 1500’S
STYLOPHONEMINIATURE ANALOG STYLUS OPERATED KEYBOARD
THEREMIN - ONE OF THE EARLIEST ELECTRONIC INSTRUCMENTS
CYMBALON TRAPEZOIDAL BOX WITH METAL STRINGS STRETCHED ACCROSS THE TOP
CHAPMAN STICK ELECTRIC MEMBER OF THE GUITAR FAMILY
DULCIMER APPALACHIAN STRINGED INSTRUMENT
GRAVIKORD ELECTRO- ACOUSTIC DOUBLE HARP
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JULY 2016 • 21
PACE Trait -
GENEROSITY Unselfish giving and sharing of resources, time and talents with others
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
July 16 is World Snake Day.
1327 N. Stanford Ln, Ste B • Liberty Lake
www.GrowUpSmiling.com
Check out our Facebook page for contests and events!
Animal Facts
It was created to educate people about snakes, resources available and to curb people's super- Every month we will feature an information stitions. Snakes live on every continent except on a different animal. Cut them out and collect Antarctica and range in size from a 32 foot long them all! python to a tiny vine snake. About 25% are venBULLSNAKE (gopher omous. All wild snakes would rather avoid husnake) mans. Snakes do a great job in controlling rodent - North America populations which carry many diseases harmful to - 4-9’ 10 years humans and for this should be celebrated for their - Hisses place in the food chain. - Non venomous - Lays a clutch of 3-18 eggs - Eats small mammals like rats, mice, rabbits and chase away rattlesnakes - Squeezes or constricts prey to death - Shakes their tail in dry leaves to pretend it is a rattlesnake - Prey for eagles and hawks
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22 • JULY 2016
Author Spotlight
z t i r F n a Je
HAPPY Independence Day
Jean was born to American missionaries in China in 1915. She attended British school until she came to America in the eighth grade. After graduating from Wheaton College her writing career began in the 1950’s when she had several short stories published. She then wrote picture books before branching out to her trademark biographies and history based books in the 1960’s. More than 50 books have been written by her and many won awards including a Newberry Honor, National Book Award and numerous ALA awards.
Books We Recommend Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution 1987 ages 7-9 An interesting version of what occurred during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, how the constitution came to be written with all of the disagreements, arguments and negotiations needed for that to be accomplished.
Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George? 1996 ages 7-9 A Revolutionary War book told from the English point of view. Was King George really a villain? This is a good book to see his point of view told with a dash of humor.
Why Don’t You Get a Horse, Sam Adams? 2000 ages 7 and up An engaging look at Sam Adams life and how his free thinking helped to shape our country’s path. This is loaded with information in a very kid friendly way.
Fourth of July Fun Facts 155 million hot dogs are eaten on the 4th. 1 in every 4 Americans eat hot dogs. These hot dogs would span the United States from Washinton D.C. to Los Angeles. 60% of Americans hang a flag and watch a fireworks display to celerate. Three presidents died on the 4th of July; John Adams (second president), Thomas Jefferson (third president), and James Monroe (fifth president). Calvin Coolidge (30th president) was born on the this date. Fireworks have been used to celebrate since 1977. There are nationally.
14000
fireworks
displays
200 million pounds of fireworks are used annually. This is worth over 700 million dollars. This holiday is also celebrated in England, Norway, Portugal, Denmark, and Sweden. 80% of Americans have a Bar-B-Que on this day.
The Current
PACE Character Trait of the Month – Generosity By Melanie Rose
Spokane Valley Fire Department Performance. Professionalism. Responsiveness. Service. These are the themes that emerged when our community was recently asked to describe the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD). Our firefighters do indeed spend their days and nights preparing for and responding to emergencies to protect people, property and the environment. House fires, motor vehicle crashes, fire alarms, heart attacks, strokes, seizures, water rescues, hazardous materials spills and much more are all in a day’s work at the Spokane Valley Fire
Student of the Month To say Craig Robertson excels as a student at University High School would be an understatement. The senior-tobe maintains a 4.0 grade point average, is a member of the National Honor Society and is in the running to be a National Merit Scholar. Robertson served as the junior class president this past year and will be ASB vice president during the 2016-17 school year. When not studying for an AP test, Robertson is on the soccer field for the Titans where he has played varsity since his freshman year. He was named the team’s defensive MVP the last two seasons. He tutors students at Horizon Middle School in math. Robertson is also an Eagle Scout and won a P.A.C.E. award in 2013.
JULY 2016 • 23
Department. But it’s what happens during offduty hours that truly demonstrates the spirit of generosity that is alive and well among the firefighters of the Spokane Valley Fire Department. Everyone remembers the devastating wildfires of 2015. Millions of acres were burned in Washington and Idaho. Hundreds of houses and outbuildings were destroyed. Residents were left to pick up the pieces, many without insurance. Here in Spokane Valley, our community was anxious to help but didn’t know how. That’s when the volunteers of the nonprofit organization, Veterans Community Response (VCR), a combined team of SVFD firefighters, combat veterans and trauma clinicians swung into action. They set up a tent in the SVFD administration parking lot and collected a steady stream of donations most needed
by firefighters and families impacted by the wildfires. Not only did they collect the donations, but they personally delivered the donations directly to impacted communities – Kamiah, Chelan, Colville and more. After a week of immediate aid collection and distribution, VCR worked with local emergency management agencies to send volunteer crews to help the residents of these communities rebuild their homes, outbuildings and lives. Lives are also rebuilt right here in the greater Spokane Valley, thanks to the generosity of our employees who voluntarily give each month to the SVFD Employees’ Scholarship Fund. The fund was launched in 2011 by a group of firefighters who wanted to help our residents seeking to better themselves and their lives with a ‘hand up’ instead of a ‘hand out.’
are pursuing a technical or vocational degree or certification at Community Colleges of Spokane. Since its inception, 27 scholarships have been provided totaling just under $70,000. The fund expanded in 2013 to include the George Sly Memorial Endowment, established to honor our fallen firefighter with the goal of providing a full scholarship from the endowment revenue each year. Employees of SVFD have also embraced the opportunity support the Anna Schindler Foundation, founded by a fellow firefighter and his wife to support families battling childhood cancer in the Inland Northwest, as well as raise money and awareness of childhood cancer. Their daughter Anna was a courageous young girl who passed away in 2010, but her spirit lives on through the foundation. In 2015, more than $70,000 in direct
The scholarship fund supports non-traditional students who
In her first two years at University High School, Gracee Dwyer has established herself as a queen of the diamond. The junior-to-be has been named to the All Greater Spokane League fastpitch softball team two years in a row and was the GSL slowpitch softball MVP this past season. Along with clutch defense at third base, Dwyer is a premier power hitter. In the regional tournament this spring, she hit three home runs as the Titans defeated Richland for the championship. In a win at state over Tahoma, Dwyer had three hits and three runs batted in. She also plays basketball at U-Hi and volunteers at Vacation Bible School. In the classroom, Dwyer is also a hit, maintaining a 3.7 grade point average.
Citizen of the Month Folks throughout the community have food on the table and friends they can count on thanks to the efforts of Pam Almeida and Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels.
See Generosity, Page 37 Almeida has served as executive director of the nonprofit agency (formerly Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels) since 1998. She has brought thoughtfulness, wisdom and compassion to the role, guiding staff and volunteers with reliable patience and care while watching out for the wellbeing of each client. Each year, the agency serves over 275,000 meals to seniors and residents with disabilities, helping them remain in their homes. A native of Colorado, Almeida has her degree in psychology/sociology from George Fox University. Before being hired at Meals on Wheels, she worked with people diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Pam and her husband, Jim, are proud parents of three children.
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24 • JULY 2016 Brought to you by
About and for Valley seniors
Valley Senior Center thrives as social, educational hub
to the loss of a spouse or other circumstances, they can come to the center to meet new friends. “The center provides something to do,” said Markey. “Special needs seniors can come and listen to music and socialize. Not only are we friendly, but we have the activities they can enjoy and feel comfortable here.”
By Mary Anne Ruddis Current Correspondent
Every Wednesday, visitors to the Spokane Valley Senior Center enjoy live music that drifts down the stairs and wraps the entrance and front sitting area with a welcoming ambience. The weekly music sessions are just one of the many activities and services that the center provides. “This is a place to connect,” said longtime volunteer Darlene Markey who works the front desk with a friendly smile and outgoing attitude. This unique gathering place for local seniors is located in the CenterPlace Regional Event Center at 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley. The site and accompanying programs are overseen by the city of Spokane Valley and the Spokane Valley Senior Citizens Association (SVSCA). The center moved from its longtime home on Mission Avenue to CenterPlace in 2005. The center’s mission statement, as it appears on the city’s website, states: “The purpose of the association is to promote fellowship, health, recreation,
Senior Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) representatives are also available by appointment at the center to help people navigate Medicare plans. “It really is a onestop-shop to accommodate seniors as best we can and steer them in the right direction,” said ClarkParson.
The Spokane Valley Senior Center had been housed in a building on Mission Avenue since 1976 before moving to the CenterPlace Regional Event Center in 2005. Photo by Mary Anne Ruddis social and educational activities for persons 50 years of age and older, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry.” With around 600 members, the Spokane Valley Senior Center is a vibrant, active, and fun environment. The membership fee is only $20 per year. “What is important to know is that the senior center is the first point of contact for seniors looking for services, especially those new to the area,” said Karen ClarkParson, Spokane Valley Senior Center specialist.
The center offers listings of a variety of local resources, including copies of the Spokane & Inland Northwest Senior Resource Guide. Each April, the center hosts a resource fair bringing together multiple vendors and community resources. Clark-Parson, a city employee and the only paid staffperson at the center, works with a volunteer staff to coordinate a wide array of activities and services. Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels provides lunch every day. The Billiard Room is very popular and sees hundreds of people play every month. Thursday there is a bereavement group. There are bridge lessons and quilting groups. Courses through the Community Colleges of Spokane ACT 2 program offer everything from fitness to art classes. In addition, for those who don’t want to participate in any activities, a pleasant sitting area with floor to ceiling windows provides a relaxing space and view to visit or just sit quietly. “It is a place to socialize and form lasting friendships,” said ClarkParson.
The center is home to a variety of activities and programs, including a book club that meets in a library space on the building’s second floor. Photo by Mary Anne Ruddis
Children who worry about their aging parents being alone all day can have peace of mind knowing that parents are at a place that provides activities and friendships. When people find themselves in a new life situation, possibly due
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that “Senior centers serve as a gateway to the nation’s aging network, connecting older adults to vital community services that can help them stay healthy and independent. Research shows that older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and economic well-being.” Markey is retired from a career in human resources and she values her volunteering. “I have to have a sense of purpose and on Wednesday, this is it.” “The senior center is a place to let people come and share,” explained Markey. “The volunteers are a listening ear for anyone coming through the door. For some, the center is the only socialization they have. [The center] is vibrant, active, and fun. It makes getting old not so scary. We need to be with people our own age that have the same memories and frames of reference.” Still in the planning stages, the center will be reaching out to the community in the fall to host a “meet and greet” open house. The public will be invited to get to know the center and all that is available. For additional information about the Spokane Valley Senior Center and available programs as well as volunteer opportunities, call 926-1937 or visit www. spokanevalleyseniorcenter.org.
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JULY 2016 • 25
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SPORTS
26 • JULY 2016
WV alum Wells shines on college diamond, ponders pro future By Mike Vlahovich
Current Sports Editor Hunter Wells was knee high to a grasshopper when he first set foot on the West Valley Eagles baseball field as a varsity freshman shortstop. As memory serves, his height and weight vary. Hunter said he was maybe 5-foot-4 and 75 pounds; his dad, Ken, says 5-foot, 89 pounds. Why quibble? It is remarkable someone that small and young would be starting at the most important infield position. And who back then could have envisioned that seven years later the now 6-foot-2, 170-pound Hunter would have his name called in the Major League Baseball draft? “Nobody knew who he was as a player,” Ken says, harkening back while looking ahead. “It’s been fun. It’s been crazy.” Wells was selected in the 23rd round last month by the Miami Marlins not as an infielder, but a pitcher who had just completed his junior year at NCAA Tournament qualifying Gonzaga University. He was on a plane to Anchorage, Alaska for summer league play when the announcement was made and didn’t learn about it until he landed. “It’s kind of a funny way (to find out),” Hunter said. It will be a matter of money that determines whether he signs a professional contract or returns for his senior year at GU. Another Valley product, Tyler Olsen of U-Hi, faced the same dilemma after his junior year in 2012 when he was picked by Oakland but returned as a Zag and was drafted by Seattle after his senior season. “I have to wait until the top 10 round guys sign and see if they have money left over for me,” Hunter said. Ken coached his oldest son Harry as well as Hunter beginning with Spokane Valley Baseball coach pitch and through various stages of youth baseball. “He was always throwing baseballs against a wall,” Ken says. “He always pitched in the summer, but wasn’t a star by any means.” He wasn’t strong enough to pitch or bat once he entered WV, but then-coach Don O’Neal figured he
Hunter Wells was ready to play defense. “You could just tell that he had some serious potential,” O’Neal says. “Everything looked easy for him. I knew he was ready. He went out and never got upset or anything. If he made an error it was, ‘Oh, whatever.’ If he did a great job, it was ‘Oh, whatever.’ It’s awesome when you have a kid like that who can mess up and one second later be ready to go.” By his junior year, following a
growth spurt, Hunter was swinging a bat. The summer before his senior year, O’Neal said, everything clicked. “It seemed like every time he went out on the mound he always threw harder,” O’Neal said. “He always had a great curve ball. That was the ace in the hole.” Hunter pitched WV into the state quarterfinals and, after graduation, went to Lower Columbia Community College where he had a 3-1 record, a 3.05 earned run average with 35 strikeouts and 19 walks in 38-plus innings. In two years at Gonzaga his record is 4-8, with 111 strikeouts. Record notwithstanding, pro scouting interest increased. His best outing, Hunter said, was a relief appearance in Oregon that piqued his professional curiosity. “It was a big day for me and I thought, maybe I can do this,” he said. “Pitching is still new to me in a sense. I’ve got a lot to learn.” He throws in the mid-to-upper 80 miles per hour and besides a live arm, his best pitch is a curve ball. Wells said he is still tweaking his mechanics. “Most of it is to help with my
The Current
control,” he said. “I would be considered a little wild to most people.” Pitching may be his meal ticket, but he admits to missing shortstop. Indeed, O’Neal contends he was good enough to have been drafted in that position after high school. Back then, Hunter said, he had no delusions of a potential professional career at either position. “But I always thought if you put in the hard work and dedication you could always achieve your goal,” he said. Meanwhile the Wells family ponders the future. Ken said when the scouts called he told Hunter the decision was his. As for dad and mom, Peggy, the thought of having their son leaving home as far away as the east coast, traveling on a bus and playing 60 or 70 games has caused some trepidation. “Growing up he really didn’t talk about it, that much, but I think it was always his dream,” Ken says. Hunter wouldn’t disagree. “Baseball has always been kind of the one,” he says. “There was just a special connection every time I stepped on the field.”
West Valley graduate Hunter Wells pitched 76 innings as a junior with Gonzaga this season, striking out 78 batters and walking only 40. Wells was drafted in the 23rd round by the Miami Marlins in last month’s Major League Baseball draft. Photo courtesy of Gonzaga Athletic Department
The Current
SPORTS
JULY 2016 • 27
Valley Sports Notebook
Sanders missed the cut. Freeman’s Rhea Jansen placed seventh in 1A with a two-day total 172. University’s Courtney Jackson was a top-40 finisher at state golf. Teammate Hannah Gropp, EV’s Austin Bradford and Renay Monohan, Freeman’s Tyler Haase, Chance Halstead and Isabelle Miller also competed at state. Bears third in soccer The Central Valley’s boys bid for a state 4A title came up just short with the Bears adding a third-place finish to go with last year’s runnerup trophy. Both years they lost to the eventual champions, including 2-0 to Wenatchee in this year’s semifinals. The team rebounded with a 4-1 romp over last year’s champ, Snohomish. CV’s Mark McClain scored twice, Nathan Grinalds and JD Hauenstein, the others. McClain, Hauenstein, Noah Whitman and RJ Stretch were first-team All-Greater Spokane League. EV’s Devonte Gorman and Joseph Gresch, West Valley’s Chris Lucas, Kuai Nylang and Chase Howat were named All-Great Northern League. Speedy track Eagles third West Valley’speed led to a thirdplace finish in the state 2A meet. Zechariah Herford won the 100-meter race while Eagles’ relay teams – Jake Jordan, Caleb Simpson, Tevin Duke and Herford
in the 400 and Allen Edens, Jordon, Simpson and Duke in the 1,600 - finished first and second, respectively. Jacob Nicholson also produced points in two distance races. Depth carries CV girls to fourth Depth led to Central Valley’s girls’ championship in the GSL as well as 40 points toward a fourth-place team trophy at the state 4A meet. Two relay places featured six CV competitors – Anna Dugan, Hayden McAuliff, Anna Pecha, Kearan Nelson and Katie Hawkins and Anna Fomin (in both) accounted for a dozen points. Fomin added five points with her fourth place 400-meter finish. Pecha and Briegen Bester finished third and fourth in the 800, respectively, and Bester took fifth in the 1,600 for a total of 15 more. CV’s highest finisher, Hailey Christopher, cleared 5-foot-5 for second in the high jump. And most of those athletes return. Elsewhere, East Valley’s Brittany Aquino capped a brilliant career, winning the 1,600 and finishing second in the 3,200 for the second straight year. WV’s Maddie Liberg won the girls’ 400 to lead several 2A state top eight scorers. University’s Isaac Barville and CV’s Ben Craig were third in the 800 and 110 high hurdles respectively and Titan Tia Clemenson was sixth in the shot put. Wheelchair athletes Treyton
Dwyer and Nathania Strebel scored in several events each. Valley Christian School multipurpose athlete Michael Campbell was spectacular at the state 1B meet. Campbell won the 300 hurdles, finished second in the 800, third in the 110 hurdles and anchored the second place 1,600 relay second that included James Segalia (sixth in the 400), Braydon Oliver and Josia Steele. Harames sixth in tennis For the second straight year, Central Valley standout Kyra Harames reached the state 4A tennis semifinals against the eventual champion and lost her final two matches to finish sixth. She opened this year’s tournament by winning her first two matches in straight sets. Other Valley state tennis participants were West Valley’s Ava Raney and the Freeman doubles team of Kendra and Krystal Gady. Heartbreak for Titans, Bears University’s softball team opened the state 4A softball tournament with an exuberant 16-0 victory, but unfortunately faced eventual runner-up Woodinville in the second game and saw its season end with a heartbreaking 8-7 loss in consolation. Central Valley lost its tourney opener, won 7-2 over Moses Lake, but also ended its season with a narrow loss, 7-5 to Skyline.
Final Point -
guard duty.
Mike and Sheila Dahl, whose son Joe was drafted into the National Football League recently talked a bit about that. She said, no worries, it was fun. He said he worried about injuries, although Joe was at a position that tended not to be a big concern. Joe, however, did get injured and missed big chunk of his senior year at Washington State.
bench. In hers, the coaches were so good there I watched with eerie calm with nary a concern.
By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor In truth, high school sports never end. July is a month for pre-season conditioning, lifting, camps and travel until a short off period before fall is here. But it’s never too late to recap how the 2015-16 spring season wound up for greater Spokane Valley athletes. Golf is Ryan Maine’s forte and he finished second in the 1A boys’ tournament for the second straight year with a two-day total 142, four strokes off the pace and sharing the fourth best score among all classifications. Maine, leading scorer on Freeman’s state runnerup basketball team, has one year to go. Jordan Phelan, headed to play college volleyball in the fall, was a major three-sport contributor for the East Valley Knights. She was a cog on the Knights’ state placing team last winter and took up golf for a lark, wrapping up her fouryear career with a 25th-place 2A state finish, including a second-day round of 89. CV’s rare five-golfer team didn’t fare too well in the state 4A tourney. Ryan Hadley and Isaac Emerson finished 36th and 37th, but Zach Stocker, Cole Howard and Brady
Parenting from bleachers can be a sport in itself By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor
Leading 2-1, the pitcher took the mound. The college softball game was into extra innings. The tiebreaker format rule began with a runner at second base with no outs. Her team had scored first when the pitcher took the mound. It wasn’t a situation for the faint of heart – not so much for the daughter, who kept her cool even though there was a runner at a third base with but one out following a sacrifice bunt. Not so with the dad, whose daughter handled the pressure better than he. He couldn’t bear it, got up from the bleachers, left the stadium and marched around the perimeter like a worried soldier on
The memory returned while watching the NCAA softball finals. A pair of Auburn University dads stood in the bleachers the whole time, bodies tense, faces contorted. An Oklahoma mom the next day was afraid to look, a program covering her eyes like a sheet. When the Auburn batter slugged a walk-off grand slam home run, the guys were giddy, jumping with joy. All was right with the world. Didn’t see the mom’s reaction after Oklahoma won the national championship. It got me to wondering. How do some parents handle the angst calmly, or at least manage to keep up appearances, while others don’t? Having known Ken Wells forever, it always seemed he was mellow around sport. I asked him how he handled things when his son Hunter, who is my Current feature this month, was playing in high school and college and was selected in the Major League Baseball draft. He said things were more tense when a contingent of family was there.
But that didn’t satisfyingly answer my question. I have a friend who I saw run down to the field and was exhorting coaching his daughter as she ran the bases, in essence becoming a second third base coach. I’ve sat with others where seldom is heard a discouraging word. As spectators we grumble among ourselves about coaching decisions and yell at officials, as if that does any good. And we naturally get upset when our child isn’t playing, convinced he or she is better than the person who’s out there. When my kids were in high school – my son in baseball and daughter in softball – experiences differed. Circumstances in his case made it difficult to relax fearing he might fail and give the coach a reason to keep him on the
It would be fun to participate in an email discussion. Tell me your experience handling things as parent of an athlete. Let me know how you handled the pressures when he or she was playing. Did you go wild? Were you confident in their ability or did you have a knot in your stomach (or were you calm on the outside, but have the knot on the inside)? In hindsight, do you admit that you did or didn’t handle things appropriately? By nature, we are going to protect our young. If there’s enough feedback I’ll do a follow-up column next month. All responses will be strictly confidential. My email is mikevlaho@comcast. net. When that dad re-entered the stadium and saw the players mingling in triumph, the father surmised the team had won. His daughter got out of the jam. I sheepishly admit, if you hadn’t already guessed, that tense-bynature dad was me.
The Current
28 • JULY 2016
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HISTORY
JULY 2016 • 29
All Valley Picnic of 1933 sent message of optimism, prosperity By Angela Schneider Spokane Valley Heritage Museum The All Valley Picnic wasn't just a barbeque in the park. It was a symbol of community and fellowship, bringing everyone in Spokane Valley together for a day of fun and games at Liberty Lake. And in 1933, it showed the rest of the country the Valley was emerging from the Great Depression. The stock market crash of '29 had been difficult on businesses in our area. Spokane University, a respected liberal arts college and the Valley's first post-secondary educational institute, closed its doors during the Depression. Modern Electric Water Company gave up land to pay taxes and its system became run down. The Spokane Valley Growers Union, formed in 1911, closed its mammoth packing plant on Sprague and Union and the Valley lost two state banks, one in Opportunity and one in Dishman. By 1932, however, the economy was back on the upswing. New businesses were springing up, including C.W. Pearson's Sunshine Cottage Tea Room in Vera, the Dishman Community Creamery and George Pierce's garden store. The next year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, a move that altered Washington state's economy. Cited in Vol. 2 of Florence Boutwell's “The Spokane Valley: A History of
the Early Years,” Alvin J. Wolff, Sr. wrote: "For the owners of millions of acres of arid land in central and southern Washington state, it meant a brilliant future." A celebration of optimism The All Valley Picnic started in July 1922 and people arrived by car (if you had one), foot or the Inland Empire Electric Train. Thousands enjoyed music, dancing, games and sports. Businesses throughout the Valley closed for the day, encouraging everyone to attend. J. Frank Giboney, then-president of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the 1933 picnic was expected to be a "jubilee celebration of the beginning of a recovery from the depression days." Times were better, he said, and the picnic was a chance to show off Spokane Valley's optimism. "It is the time when all our neighbors can get together and review their acquaintances, giving each an upward and forward look," Giboney said. "It is a time when all newcomers to the Spokane Valley can catch the Spokane Valley spirit of fellowship and progress." The festival received a program highlight when Washington Gov. Clarence Martin agreed to attend. He devoted his address to the state's fight to bring down the cost of public utilities' services – power, light and telephones.
Competitive horseshoe tossing was a mainstay at the All Valley Picnic as attested by these throwers from 1927 with their game faces on. Photo courtesy of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum "We are determined to give the people of this state adequate power and light facilities at minimum cost," Martin was quoted in the Spokane Valley Herald. "Then we shall go after telephone rates,” he went on. “Frequently I receive long distance telephone calls collect, and I always feel like telling the person who has called me to jump on the train next time and come over, as it would be cheaper." He spoke optimistically of the future, noting he saw conditions improving everywhere during his travels over the state and he found many men were being put back to work. More serious matters The picnic dominated headlines in the Valley Herald for weeks each year, not only providing a play-by-play of the planning and event announcements but also a post-event wrap-up naming every prize winner and donor. At the 11th annual picnic, $200 worth of prizes
were given away. Women spent weeks, maybe even months, sewing aprons for the exhibit and contest. The best hostess apron earned a home dry-cleaning machine, a Solvidor, courtesy of Union Oil, and the best work apron won a Hotpoint Dinette electric range. The event reached peak attendance in the 1920s and averaged 7,000 people every year. More than 20,000 turned out for the 1939 picnic and many, including chairman Thomas Rose, thought it would continue to gain in popularity. But the tides changed in 1942 when the United States joined the Allied forces in World War II. Where the Herald should have wrapped up the festivities with the names of all award winners, the paper now focused on the latest war news. Fun and games at a picnic no longer seemed appropriate. Try and try again Members of the community have attempted to revive the All Valley Picnic in the years since the war ended. The Spokane Valley Kiwanis organized an All Valley Barbecue at Balfour Park in 1956 to raise funds for park facilities and, two years later, the Valley Moose rallied people to a picnic at Liberty Lake for pie eating, watermelon eating, man and wife egg-throwing, fly casting, a fishing derby and more.
The All Valley Picnic drew large crowds to Liberty Lake from the time it was established in 1922. The grounds crew at Liberty Lake Park (above) prepared the venue for the inaugural event. Photo courtesy of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum
The Valley Chamber tried again in 2006, hosting an art walk, an historical display by the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, an antique car show and games. But the event's best years seem to be behind us, resting in the Valley's early days.
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30 • JULY 2016
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East Valley Farm to School program sprouts success
By Jamie Borgan Current Correspondent When Lynette Romney uses the term “Farm to School,” she really means it. As the East Valley School District Farm and Community Garden coordinator, Romney shepherds the East Valley Farm to School program. Her efforts are part of a wider state movement to incorporate more locally grown produce into the diets of children at schools. What makes East Valley’s program unique is that the “farm” in question is not a rural farm located miles away, but rather a five-acre parcel owned by the district and situated between East Valley High School and East Valley Middle School. While the push toward localism has made gardening more en vogue in many schools, the level of East Valley’s efforts distinguishes it from many other efforts around the state. The once completely vacant land has been in use by the district since Romney came on board in 2009. Because of the size of the property, EVSD has been able to provide students with a unique opportunity to learn about agriculture on a larger scale than might otherwise be possible. With help from Shepherd’s Grain and the Washington Grain Association, Romney and students
involved in the project have grown wheat on the land, which they then milled into flour. The flour produced by the students was, in turn, incorporated directly into the kitchens of East Valley schools who have used it for scratch baking. Romney says that two years ago, they were actually able to mill 250 to 300 pounds of flour, all of which was used by the district. The farm was able to save an additional 300 pounds of wheat berries to store for later use in the project. The students, with Romney as their leader, have grown other veggies on the land too; Romney remembers one year when they grew over 3,000 pounds of food, half of which went to the district and half of which went to Second Harvest. Romney’s passion for the value of the program is obvious. “The land is such a great teacher,” she says, citing numerous examples the ways in which growing food has been beneficial for the youth involved. The farm project has partnered with the district’s new tech school, Washington Academy of Arts & Technology but also the alternative school and community agencies serving youth in the Valley. At a time when many people in the U.S. don’t know how their food arrives at their table, the project is a very tangible and pragmatic way for kids to learn about the connection between land, food and nutrition. The program’s lens isn’t only focused on benefitting the school; a total of 15 raised garden beds on site are used for different purposes, including growing and donating
See FARM, Page 31
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Lynette Romney, East Valley School District Farm and Community Garden coordinator, oversees the East Valley Farm to School program, part of a movement to place more of priority on locally grown produce. Crops are grown on a parcel between the high school and middle school. Photo by Jamie Borgan
The Current
JULY 2016 • 31
FARM
Continued from page 30 produce to veterans. The spaces in the East Valley Farm to School program aren’t your average community garden beds; they’re 6 feet wide by 65 feet long and take a community of helpers to cultivate and tend. Volunteers, including students, help Romney all summer, building beds, tending crops, and pulling weeds. Romney says that even during the summer when school’s not in session, she works with about 75 youth who are interested in helping out with the project. It’s not surprising that a conversation with Romney in the garden entails chatting while she plants donated tomatoes in a long bed. Like any farm, the East Valley program takes constant energy to sustain. Romney didn’t grow up in a farming family; she grew up around gardens, but hadn’t farmed on a large scale before taking over as coordinator of the project. Learning the intricacies of larger scale agricultural production went with the territory, so Romney learned about equipment, farming methods, harvesting and production. Romney says she has a “very willing heart” and learned about farming as the students did in order to make the experience meaningful for everyone involved. She sees the value of the farm project as teaching pragmatic skills to a generation that hasn’t been exposed to the intensity of the work like farming before. She embodies that bold spirit, spending hours of her time in the dirt planting, sowing, weeding, and harvesting. But her true joy comes from watching kids learn about the benefits of working and having kids see the very tangible fruit of their labor. Romney has needed to take a creative approach in her farm planning with classes out of session. She often delays planting, so that crops will be a few weeks behind schedule, but ready for harvest when school starts in September. This is part of what’s made the wheat such a valuable teaching tool. Wheat can be planted in spring and harvested in summer or fall, but winter wheat extends the teaching opportunities, as it stays in the ground from fall to spring. Romney’s dynamism and enthusiasm for the potential of the project are palpable. She envisions that especially with the growth of the new tech school in East Valley, more and more teachers and students will begin incorporating the farm into their curriculum, and seeing the endless learning opportunities contained in its five acres.
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The Current
32 • JULY 2016
Program provides free summer nutrition for Valley kids By Staci Lehman
Current Correspondent Greater Spokane Valley school officials are making sure kids don’t go hungry this summer with free meal programs across the three Valley school districts. When not in school, many children don’t eat regularly as families either have limited resources to pay for food or working parents aren’t home during the day to make sure children eat nutritious meals. The Central Valley, West Valley and East Valley school districts all have summer meal programs, funded through a reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to help provide healthy meals to those who might go hungry otherwise. Because of the affiliation with USDA, there is no cost or burden placed on the school districts to facilitate these free meal programs. Central Valley School District
Central Valley School District’s Simplified Summer Food Program for Children started June 20 and runs through July 14. CV’s free meals are served at Adams Elementary School at 14707 E. 8th Ave. and Broadway Elementary at 11016 E. Broadway to anyone under the age of 18. No registration is required and children do not need to be Central Valley students, or even live within the district, to participate. Central Valley School District Public Information Officer Tanya Conklin emphasizes that all children are encouraged to utilize the meal program. “You can be from Texas if you’re in town – want to make sure children are fed,” she said.
is serving breakfast and lunch this summer from June 20 through August 25 (except July 4) at three locations: West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye; Centennial Middle School, 915 N. Ella and Ness Elementary School, 9612 E. Cataldo. These locations were chosen because summer school will be in session at those schools, so students will already be on-site. Meals are served Monday through Thursday, breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. West Valley also welcomes any children 18 years old and under to use the program. There is no requirement that participants live in the district or be a student in the district.
Breakfast and lunch are served Monday through Thursday (except July 4 and 5). Breakfast is from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:45 a.m. to noon each day.
District officials say they provide meals for 40 to 100 children per day during the summer months, depending on the day.
Central Valley launched the free meal program in 2004 and has served more than 32,000 free meals to children during summers since then.
In the East Valley School District, district staff partners with the YMCA and the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation department to serve meals Monday through Thursday at nine locations including East Farms Elementary School, East
West Valley School District The West Valley School District
East Valley School District
Valley High School, Otis Orchards Elementary School, Parkside at Mirabeau Apartments, Edgecliff Park, Terrace View Park, Valley Mission Park and the Valley YMCA. Each location serves both breakfast and lunch. Dates and times vary so see the box below for details. To participate in East Valley’s free meal program, children must be between 1 and 18 years old. They are also required to eat the food on site. The meals are for kids only. Jennifer Witting, Nutrition Services Supervisor for the East Valley School District, says collaborating with the YMCA and Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation made sense as both have summer camps and programs where children are spending the day and need to be fed. It also allows their program to have a larger scope and cover a larger area than the other districts, which means they can help to feed more children. “At East Valley, we do a nice job of offering meals at lots of sites,” she said. “All the way from Newman Lake to Edgecliff.” East Valley’s meal program started June 20 and runs through August 11.
EVHS Summer Food Service program locations All meals are served Monday through Thursday June 20- Aug. 11 East Farms Elementary School, 26203 E. Rowan Breakfast: 8:45- 9:15 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-noon East Valley High School, 15711 E. Wellesley Breakfast: 7:45-8:15 a.m. Lunch: 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Otis Orchards Elementary School, 2200 E. Wellesley Breakfast: 8:45-9:15 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-noon Parkside at Mirabeau Apartments, 2820 N. Cherry Street Breakfast: 8:45-9:15 a.m. Monday-Thursday; Lunch: 12:1512:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday Edgecliff Park, 800 S. Park Road Breakfast: Not Served; Lunch: 12:30- 1p.m. Monday-Thursday Terrace View Park, 13500 E. 24th Breakfast: 9-9:30 a.m. Lunch: Noon-12:30 p.m. Valley Mission Park, 11405 E. Mission Breakfast: 9-9:30 a.m. Lunch: Noon-12:30 p.m. Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place Breakfast: 8:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11:45 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. June 28-Aug. 4 Trentwood Elementary School, 14701 E. Wellesley Breakfast: 8:30-9 a.m. Lunch: 11-11:30 a.m.
The Current
JULY 2016 • 33
Patriotism, tradition wave proudly at 106th version of Fairfield Flag Day By Benjamin Shedlock
Current Correspondent Red, white and blue sweat-shirted crowds gathered in Fairfield on the crisp morning of June 11 for the Southeast Spokane County town’s 106th annual Flag Day celebration. Despite the chill, patriotism burned just as brightly as it did in 1777 when the Second Continental Congress adopted our nation’s flag design. Hundreds of people lined Fairfield’s double-wide main street to watch veterans, civic groups and fair royalty promenade past. In the shadows of grain silos, parents sat in folding chairs as children chased candy thrown from passing floats. Intergenerational families clustered along Main Street to share what has become a moment for local residents to pass traditions along to their families. “The parade means a lot,” said Carrie Jydstrup of Spokane Valley, who joined in the parade as a girl and brought her own children to see the procession for the first time. “When I think of Flag Day, this is what I think of – ‘Small-town America.’[” The festivities opened with smalltown flavor. The National Anthem was led by pastors Paul Anderson from the Fairfield Community Church and Katy Shedlock from the Rockford Community United Methodist Church. The Liberty High School class of 1966 had the honor of starting the march as grand marshals. This observation of the adoption of the nation’s most enduring emblem began in 1916, nearly 150 years after the American Revolution, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Flag Day. In
The 106th rendition of Flag Day in Fairfield took place on June 11 with Old Glory being prominent throughout the celebration. During the annual parade, representatives of the Sons of the American Revolution marched in full patriotic attire from colonial times. Photo by Benjamin Shedlock 1949, Congress acted to establish National Flag Day. During those 150 years, many found their own ways to honor the flag. Since at least the mid-1800s, teachers and town officials have marked this early summer date by holding commemorations and assigning essays to their students. It is not a federal holiday, so with
no national events on the scale of the Fourth of July or Memorial Day to join, local celebrations have endured. Fairfield’s celebration predates the first observance of Flag Day by six years with the event’s Centennial being observed in 2010. “It’s important for the flag itself,” said Micki Harnois, Fairfield Flag Day chair. “It gives time to focus on the
The Liberty High School marching band added a festive tone to the Flag Day parade in Fairfield last month. Alumni from the school's 1966 senior class served as grand marshals. Photo by Benjamin Shedlock
patriotic side of life.” Many participants projected their own meaning of patriotism onto America’s most recognizable symbol. America’s military tradition was on prominent display, as American Legion Post 569 from Plummer, Idaho carried the colors. The Daughters and the Sons of the American Revolution followed soon after, the Sons wearing period military regalia and buckskins. Vets on the Farm, a local veteran reentry partnership, followed shortly after. The Spokane Exchange Club supported its mission of promoting patriotism by making sure everyone waving to the military members had a flag in hand. First-timers experienced the homegrown patriotism of the event. Corey Anderson, whose wife is among the fifth generation of her family from Spangle, attended the parade for the first time. “It’s a good community and family event to bring kids to,” said Anderson. Children in the crowd caught candy that flew from the windows of classic cars from the Early Ford V-8 Club and the Historical Auto Society of Spokane and the Inland Empire. One mother warned her children not to cross into the street to reach for candy. As 7-year-old Matthew Stormand tallied his share with his mother, Jennifer Stormand, he declared that Flag Day was a success. “It’s really good,” said Matthew. “I got a bunch of candy, taffy, Starbursts.” It wasn’t only classic car passengers tossing candy. The Tekoa float and the Alaska Airlinessponsored horse rider provided plenty. The 2016 Southeast Spokane County Fair royalty—Queen Marley Pratt and Princess Victoria Wagner of Freeman High School and Princess Kadia Rinehart of Liberty High School— also exercised their candy-throwing arms. The Spokane Shriners, Spokane County Library District and candidates for political office also marched in the parade. Like the American flag it celebrates, the 106-year old parade has changed over time. According to Harnois, the route has moved from the town’s old school to Main Street, where it has gone both uphill and, in its current orientation, downhill from the library toward Highway 27. The parade has also become the traditional date for holding Liberty High School class reunions. Former classmates participate in the parade and reconnect over dinner afterward. But some things haven’t changed. “It’s an excuse to come home for the weekend,” Harnois said. “It’s tradition.”
34 • JULY 2016
LOCAL LENS
Representatives of the Spokane Valley City Council turned the inaugural dirt at the groundbreaking for the new City Hall building in the U-City area on June 9. Photo by Craig Howard
The Current
Local Lens
Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page. Email photos@valleycurrent.com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos.
The strawberries at Michael’s Berry Farm were too heavy for her to lift.
Work has begun on the new Spokane Valley City Hall. The first standalone home of the city is being constructed on a 3.38-acre site at the southeast corner of Sprague and Dartmouth. The 65,172 square foot facility will include three above-grade floors as well as a full basement. Photo by Craig Howard
Dancers at Michelle’s Dance Studio show off their skills at their spring recital.
Spectacular panoramic views can be found across the greater Spokane Valley this summer. This image was taken from Mica Peak overlooking Liberty Lake and Saltese Flats. Photo by Ben Wick
The Current
JULY 2016 • 35
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50TH
Continued from page 13 was the very first joint management plan for a natural area signed by three agencies for one plan.” Representatives met once a month for at least four years with that joint focus. “The decision we made back then is, any of the public maps you see of the trails they don’t show ownership and that was by design,” Gifford said. “We’re managing this whole area as one unit. We had other maps that showed who owned what if decisions had to be made. We looked at the whole picture together.” The area has a fragile native plant thriving in the ponds that dry up annually but have good water each spring, which brought in DNR, he said. That partnership to steward the land fostered a mindset of people collaborating for the future preservation of Dishman Hills.
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“We had an agreement that this area and its ecosystem was special,” Gifford said. “I’ve often said one person, Tom Rogers, made a difference. He had a passion for the area and got other people involved.” Education has always been a strong component. The group currently has a contractor working on a future stewardship plan, Gifford said, to keep ecosystems the way nature intended them. Part of that would be mimicking impacts from the early part of the ecosystem’s natural process, through perhaps thinning trees or planting vegetation. Gifford also credits Hamilton for years of talking to people about preserving the area, picking up the baton from Rogers, who passed away in 1999. Hamilton, in turn, credits the community for its long support of Dishman Hills. “We call it a legacy project,” Hamilton said. “It’s important to preserve an area’s special character.” “If you have lived in Spokane for a while, you really give thanks to some of the early city leaders who planned all these parks we have today,” Hamilton said. “You couldn’t do it now, but they did it right. We’re trying to do the same in a way with these natural areas. Perhaps 200 years from now someone will say, ‘Good job.’”
Early Dishman Hills Conservancy history
1966: The first meeting of supporters was followed by a public hike in the Dishman Hills with 100 in attendance. Subsequent meetings resulted in a 5,000-signature petition submitted to Spokane County to save the Hills. 1967: Donations start with support from the Spokane Valley Kiwanis and the first Buttercup Hike is held that spring. The Dishman Hills Natural Area Association makes its initial land purchase of 80 acres of the Goldback property with an $18,000 loan from The Nature Conservancy. 1968: Donations continue, and $7,600 is paid off on Goldback land. 1969: First fundraising event held and $13,000 is paid off on Goldback property. A donation by Ina Johnson of $30,000 is combined with support from the state’s Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation, totaling $90,000 in state and federal funds, and the county makes its first land purchase of 117 acres with combined funds. 1970: DHNAA pays off the balance owed to the Nature Conservancy. County acquires Camp Caro as a donation from the Redeemer Lutheran Church and buys another 60 acres to join the association in forming a Natural Area. 1971: County completes its new land purchases. The fifth annual Buttercup Hike is well attended. 1974: County buys an additional 94 acres in the Natural Area center. 1976: Boy Scout Troop 496 builds first nature trail, complete with leaflet guides and signs. 1987: County bond issue of $2.2 million is slated for Camp Caro including new lodge, parking lot, play and picnic equipment, turf and road improvement. State Legislature establishes the Dishman Hills Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA). 1988: The Nature Conservancy buys 70 acres on the western side of the Natural Area identified as high priority for conservation. An advisory committee of DHNAA, county and state is formed for planning. 1989: New lodge at Camp Caro is completed and opens. First Service Day draws 200 people to plant pines and firs. The next Dishman Hills free guided hike is scheduled for the Iller Creek Trailhead on July 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Butterfly Walk with John Bauman” will convene at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schafer Road in Spokane Valley. To sign up, go to www.dishmanhills. org or call Jeff Lambert at 509-9995100.
The Current
JULY 2016 • 37
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There are many more examples of generosity within the Spokane Valley Fire Department. Last fall, our firefighters raised $9,100 for Muscular Dystrophy during the annual “Fill the Boot” drive and $7,100 was raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this spring by our six-man team during the annual Firefighter StairClimb Challenge in Seattle’s Columbia Center. Since 1999, the Spokane Valley Firefighters Benevolent Association has been providing community THE members with financial assistance in times of hardship and helping to meet the charitable needs of our community at large. Veterans Community Response helps wounded and traumatized combat veterans reintegrate into civilian life. Founded by Spokane Valley firefighters in 2009, this nonprofit organization provides a variety of programs and services including “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” retreats to support combat veterans.
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ON THAT NOTE
Home court reunion – Inaugural Alumni Game celebrates Zag Nation By Craig Howard
Current Editor They arrived in Spokane from all parts of the world to suit up at a makeshift kennel. Together, those who planted their high tops at the Spokane Convention Center on June 25 represented a portion of the 18 consecutive Gonzaga University men’s basketball rosters to qualify for the NCAA tournament since 1999. The inaugural “Alumni Game” on Hoopfest weekend reunited former teammates and gave a sell-out crowd of 2,000 a chance to witness the greatest collection of Zag greats to ever gather on a single court. “The atmosphere was amazing,” said Micah Downs, the high-flying off-guard who was part of the Zags’ Sweet 16 team as a senior in 2009. “I think we did a good job of keeping some good energy out there and maintaining a quality level of basketball.” When the final buzzer sounded, Team (Jeremy) Pargo had defeated Team (Dan) Dickau, 108-93 in a game that featured dunks, threepointers and the occasional wheeze from those trying to keep up with alumni still competing on an elite level overseas. Downs, who has played professionally in Spain, Russia, Venezuela and five other countries, is one of many former Zags who
Jeremy Pargo (left) cuts to the basket against fellow point guard David Stockton in the second half of the Alumni Game on June 25. Pargo has played for three NBA teams as well as in Israel, China, Russia and Italy since graduating from Gonzaga in 2009. Stockton was signed by the Sacramento Kings for part of the 2015-16 season and now plays for Reno in the NBA Developmental League. Photo by Craig Howard still holds out hope of latching on with an NBA squad. In 2013, he was named a NBA Development League Futures All Star as part of the Maine Red Claws. Derek Raivio, the 2007 West Coast Conference Co-Player of the Year as a senior in 2007, put up 19 points in the game, weaving acrobatically to the basket and launching long-distance shots that found nothing but nylon. The Vancouver, Washington native is among many ex-Zags to carve out a successful pro career on distant continents with Japan, France and Germany being a few of his stops. “That was always my goal, to
Former Gonzaga players were warmly welcomed by a sold-out crowd of 2,000 at the Convention Center last month. From back row, left to right: Zach Gourde, Steven Gray, Micah Downs, Blake Stepp, Dan Dickau, Ronny Turiaf, Adam Morrison and David Pendergraft. Photo by Craig Howard
play professionally,” Raivio said. Kyle Dranginis, who recently wrapped up his career at GU and hopes to keep playing basketball somewhere abroad, said Gonzaga – with a coaching staff very familiar with overseas basketball – has become “almost like a feeder school” to pro leagues outside the U.S. Meanwhile, Gonzaga longdistance recruits like recent NBA first-round pick Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania), Ronny Turiaf (France) and J.P. Batista (Brazil) flourished in Spokane and beyond. Pargo, a Chicago native who played at GU from 2005 to 2009,
JULY 2016 • 39
came up with the idea for a reunion game and shared it with Hoopfest Director and former GU point guard Matt Santangelo. The event will now be an annual component of the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament with all proceeds going to local charities. “There’s such great love and support at Gonzaga,” said Pargo, who led all alumni scorers with 31 points. In addition to stints in the NBA with Cleveland, Memphis and Philadelphia, Pargo achieved All Euroleague second team status with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2010 and has done well financially in his sport, including a two-year, $5.2 million contract with CSKA Moscow he signed in 2013. “The main difference between the NBA and overseas is athleticism,” Pargo said. “Basically, basketball is just basketball wherever you’re playing.” Dickau, who was named Gonzaga’s first All American as a senior in 2002, didn’t play outside the states until 2009 following a six-year NBA career that included time in Atlanta, Portland, Dallas, New Orleans, Boston and Los Angeles (Clippers). Now 37 and living in Spokane with his wife and family, Dickau said his decision to transfer from the University of Washington to Gonzaga after his sophomore year made all the difference. “There’s such a culture of caring here at Gonzaga,” he said. “This is a school that wants to win and do it the right way with a great work ethic, selflessness and class.”
Erroll Knight (with headband) laughs it up with benchmates during the inaugural Alumni Game on June 25 at the Spokane Convention Center. The reunion of former Zag standouts was part of the 27th Hoopfest weekend in downtown Spokane. From left to right: Casey Calvary, Ronny Turiaf, Austin Daye, Ira Brown, Adam Morrison and Knight. Photo by Craig Howard
The Current
40 • JULY 2016
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