2016 September Current

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The Fairest Season of Them All

Community celebrates September with trio of festive fairs, page 8

SEN. PADDEN HONORED FOR SERVICE PAGE 4

SWEEPING UP CRIME PAGE 7

FROM U-HI TO PARALYMPICS PAGE 55

2 SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS

with a focus in marketing and later returned to GU for her master’s in business administration.

The Park Bench

Morgan is a resident of Liberty Lake, living not far from the chamber’s headquarters in the Liberty Square building on Meadowwood Lane. When not steering the Valley’s commerce ship, she trains and competes as a triathlete.

Marketing with a Mission – Morgan has led Valley Chamber since 2014

Q: You spend time growing up in Greenacres. What do you enjoy about living and working in the greater Spokane Valley area?

By Craig Howard Current Editor

When she took over as president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in September 2014, Katherine Morgan did not pound the podium or make boisterous promises about transforming the local business environment in a matter of 30 days.

Instead, the 31-year-old calmly described how she would glean lessons from the chamber board, the businesses and nonprofits that belonged to the organization and her well-respected predecessor, Eldonna Shaw, who guided GSVCC for the previous 13 years.

Rather than hitting the campaign trail to hurriedly sign on as many new recruits as possible, Morgan talked about “a true value proposition” that the chamber could offer prospective members.

She spent her first two months on a different kind of tour, listening to representatives of the Valley’s business community, gauging interest, taking note of priorities and asking how the chamber might provide support.

In other words, the new leader displayed the humility, patience and savvy that had translated to success at every one of her previous career stops.

The approach appears to have worked. Now in its 96th year, the chamber has gone from 551 members two years ago to its current total of 624. Last year, GSVCC paid off its last note and become debt-free, a status that Morgan says will open doors for the chamber as it is now “focused on the next services and investments we can make into this community as we propel in a sustainable movement ahead.”

The Current

Katherine Morgan took over as president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in September 2014. The Gonzaga University graduate grew up in the Post Falls and Greenacres areas.

Photo by Craig Howard On the business development side, the chamber has made a name for itself with the NxLeveL program, acknowledged as one of the region’s best training programs for entrepreneurs. The chamber office offers incubator space for several of these aspiring companies.

Last year, the chamber introduced its “BIG 5” initiative which seemed to bring new clarity to the organization’s broad, sometimes nebulous, mission. The movement to showcase and prioritize the region’s outdoors, goods, learning, cures, and vision has captured interest and imagination while giving the chamber a more accessible calling card.

local commerce.

Morgan returned to the Spokane area from the Midwest in 2012 to be closer to her parents and brother and sister who live here.

She latched on with Greenstone as its marketing director and later worked as the project manager for the company’s latest signature development, Kendall Yards.

Originally from the Southern California area, Morgan moved to the Inland Northwest with her family when she was 9. She attended St. Dominic’s in Post Falls from elementary through high school before enrolling at Gonzaga University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration

A: There is much I enjoy about living and working here. The quality of life is by far an attractor and supports a high employee and business retention in our community and for myself. This community is unique in that we are so close to immense destinations within a reasonable driving distance without the challenges of heavy traffic or the need to plan extra days of travel to experience the gift that I believe it is to live in the greater Spokane Valley. One of the greatest assets for me personally is the ability to live close to my family who live in Greenacres, own a business in the city of Spokane Valley and still remain a constant pillar of love and joy in my life and those around them.

Q: This question probably sums up most of the work you do each day, at least as far as your objective. What is unique about the greater Spokane Valley and why should businesses want to call this area home?

A: The greater Spokane Valley is an emerging part of our growing

See CEO, Page 3

Morgan has described how the idea was inspired by a similar effort incorporated by the Home Builders Association of Kansas City where she served a marketing director for one year – her only professional stint outside the Inland Northwest.

Prior to the move, Morgan worked in the same role for the Spokane Home Builders Association.

Optimism has been one of Morgan’s most visible traits since taking over as CEO. In a corporate world where uncertainty and turbulence can have a cloudy effect on sunny dispositions, Morgan maintains a resilient attitude that has become the face of the chamber. Each month, she emails an update that features “three good things” that are happening in

Katherine Morgan, Greater Spokane Valley president and CEO (third from left), makes it a point to support significant civic events like the groundbreaking for Spokane Valley City Hall on June 9 in U-City.

File photo

The Current

CEO

Continued from page 2 region and a prime place to expand and grow a business. There are countless tangible reasons to do so here as the business climate is strongly supportive of economic growth. I would say, however, one of the greatest reasons business might consider calling this community home is that it is an area supported by a rich community of leaders, owners, community members, families and visitors who truly believe in the community vitality of this area investing their time and talent to maintain this for the generations to come. There are many great places to start and grow business in this country, but the community assets are highlighted and protected by a grand community who illustrates care beyond today and many generations to come.

Q: What have been some of the highlights as you look back on two years as CEO? A: Being surrounded by incredible leadership in the greater Spokane Valley and the Spokane region on our board of directors. The region is surrounded by some of the most giving individuals with only a desire to do good beyond themselves.

Serving a wonderful team at the chamber – currently a staff of five, we are all individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences. This team has more knowledge and passion in their fields of study and expertise that are demonstrated in some of the finest industry work I have seen in this role. I am constantly learning from them and find that some of my great challenges are often found in keeping up and supporting them.

Q: Do you have one favorite moment over the last two years?

A: The unveiling of the “BIG 5 for the Greater Spokane Valley” – the strategic plan for this community’s chamber as unearthed by the feedback of the anyone who lived, worked or played in the greater Spokane Valley to be fueled and executed by this membership and leadership. With months of effort, strategic partnerships and countless feedback to help prioritize the needs and hopes of this community, it is an honor to be a part of a vision that is not that of one individual or exclusive to our board, but a vision that is bigger than any of us and will be an evergrowing and evolving part of the

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 3

work of this chamber for decades to come.

Q: You worked in Kansas City before returning to accept a job with Greenstone. How did this experience outside the area affect your perspective of the Inland Northwest?

A: Without question, my experiences serving the building industry with the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City five years ago left an indelible mark on my perspective of the Inland Northwest. Kansas City is a beautiful community that I am fortunate to have enjoyed and served as the building industry held hope for the end of the recession.

I was honored to be asked to serve in that role and I was able to enjoy the experience with every anticipation to find my way back home and bring those perspectives and experiences gained with me back to a community I love. It was in Kansas City that I witnessed good people come together and held strong to the belief that instead of telling the community where they felt its future was, they went out of their way to ask, to listen and to serve – and there was born a new community agenda known as the “Big 5 for a Greater Kansas City.” The Inland Northwest is a part of the country that has so much to offer, but in the greater Spokane Valley there is a unique value proposition that it offers as it is ripe for innovation that we continue to see in countless ways, whether it is in education with treasures like Central Valley School District’s Spokane Valley Tech, in our manufacturing base with the largest industrial park between Minneapolis and Seattle or with the protection of our rich outdoors nearly steps from any front door.

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber recently took on the “BIG 5” after seeing the success of Kansas City and, as a result, has become what is now seen as a movement of relevancy and change in chambers in our country.

Q: You have obviously brought a genuine commitment to every one of your roles, including the year you spent in Kansas City, but how do you think having grown up in this area benefits you as chamber CEO? A: Serving a community that my parents sacrificed everything to raise a family, serving in a community that offered incredible opportunities in helping me become

See MORGAN, Page 7

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4 SEPTEMBER 2016

Valley Council tackles tourism, snow plows

The Current

NEWS

By Lincoln Dowright

Current Correspondent It may was still Spokane following from City

be summer, but August a busy month for the Valley City Council. The is a summary of news Hall last month:

Recognition of Sen. Padden The Association of Washington Cities, a representative organization comprised of all 281 cities across the state that advocates on the behalf of cities in Olympia, recognized Sen. Mike Padden of the 4th Legislative District with a 2016 “City Champion” award for his many years of service in the state legislature and in particular his recent efforts with issues such as police worn body cameras and the passage of nuisance abatement reforms.

“It is always great to work with the City of Spokane Valley,” Padden said. “I feel very blessed to be able to represent the 4th Legislative District and the people of the city of Spokane Valley, city of Liberty Lake, Millwood and the unincorporated areas of the county.”

The nuisance abatement reforms originated from the city of Spokane

Work continues on the Sullivan Road Bridge replacement project, an endeavor that will mean new, 65-foot wide, fourlane span when completed. The improved version will consist of more than 8,500 tons of concrete and 350 tons of steel.

The bridge carries around 26,000 across it each day, 25 percent of which are heavy trucks.

Contributed photo Valley requesting the ability to recover funds spend to address properties that require major cleanup after the property owner fails to do so.

Body cams are currently not used by the Spokane Valley Police Department nor Spokane County Sheriff’s Department but are currently being utilized by and

have helped the Liberty Lake Police Department.

Tourism Study Last year, the city, while looking at ways to improve retail activities within its economy, reported that tourism-related spending is underperforming compared to other retail related spending. Based upon that report, the city launched another study to determine strategies to increase overnight stays and tourism-related spending within city limits. After analyzing what other cities have done and interviewing local business owners, economic development partners, local hoteliers, citizens, and council members the first phase of the study produced the following list of potential projects: * Develop new events and festivals to compliment Valleyfest and the Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration

Next steps are to research each of the proposals to determine potential feasibility and return on investment of each of the strategies to provide more information before focusing tourism dollars on any one area. The next phase is slated to be completed in spring of 2017.

City Hall construction update Construction of the new Spokane Valley City Hall started on May 31 and has an anticipated cost of $14.4 million, including the land, design and construction. As of printing, the construction is on track for completion in September of 2017 and the basement foundation, walls and electrical have been installed and installation of structural steel supporting on the main floor has begun.

* Trail development and public art

On another note, the City Council gave the go-ahead for the design of two enhancements to the project.

One that completes the design of a 2,000 square-foot multipurpose room in a portion of the basement which could be used for potential uses such as employee training or displaying art (estimated at $21,000 to complete the design work). The second enhancement provides a design consideration on how the site could be altered to

* Creation of an events center/ multifaceted arts and entertainment

See COUNCIL, Page 5

* Development of a waterfront park and whitewater course on the Spokane River * Balfour Park development

Mike Padden, the state senator who represents Spokane Valley and the rest of the 4th Legislative District, was honored by the Association of Washington Cities with a “City Champion” award for his leadership efforts. Padden is pictured above receiving the award from Micki Harnois with the city of Spokane Valley.

Photo by Ben Wick

venue

* Expansion of the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center/Avista Stadium District

The Current

COUNCIL

NEWS

failure to remove are currently set at $500.

Continued from page 4 accommodate up to six potential outdoor sculptures similar to the previously sculptures donated to the city from the Spokane Valley Arts Council (costs for the conceptual design is estimated at $1,840) Road project updates The city received word that the Bridging the Valley project for grade separating Pines and Barker from the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks did not receive funding from the federal grant programs, TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) nor FASTLANE (Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for The LongTerm Achievement of National Efficiencies).

Construction continues on McDonald Road Diet project changing McDonald (Mission to 16th) from a four-lane road to a three-lane road with bike lanes, improved asphalt and updated ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) sidewalk ramps.

Construction of the new traffic light on Mirabeau Parkway and Pines slows as the sidewalk ADA enhancements phase has been completed and it now awaits the traffic light poles which are estimated to arrive in October.

Construction will begin shortly on a 2-inch asphalt overlay on Appleway Boulevard between Park Road and Dishman-Mica Road.

The project includes additional pavement repairs, drainage improvements and installation of ADA compliant curb ramps. It is a $916,555 project being completed

by Inland Asphalt Paving and is being funded primarily with federal funds and a city match of approximately 15 percent.

Potential enforcement sidewalk snow removal

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 5

of

At the request of the City Council, discussion continued last month with a draft of a new ordinance to step up penalties for not clearing sidewalks throughout the city.

According to the City Attorney’s Office, current municipal regulations call for snow and ice to be removed “within a reasonable time” which city staff is interpreting as 30 days and the penalties for

Issues identified with accumulated snow and ice on public sidewalks are impeding pedestrian travel and use of assistive mobility devices, creating hazardous conditions and the likelihood that pedestrians will suffer significant injuries or bodily harm and restricting public access to local businesses potentially affecting their profitability.

The proposal currently being discussed would require property owners or occupants to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks surrounding their site within 24 hours after the event causing the snow and ice accumulation (including both storms and snow deposits from passing plows) if the event happened during the day or by 9 p.m. of the following evening.

Multiple options for possible penalties were discussed but the proposal on Aug. 16 identified a $51.25 fee for the first and second violation which would then escalate to $102.50 for each violation thereafter.

Exemptions from the penalties would be allowed if the property with the sidewalk is a residence, the property owner or occupants are senior citizens or possess a diagnosable physical disability that prevents them from removing snow and they can provide documentation that shows they made a reasonable effort to acquire snow removal services but were unsuccessful.

The proposed ordinance is scheduled to come back to the council this month.

Appointments Michelle Rasmussen was appointed to the Spokane Valley Planning Commission continuing a term vacated by Joe Stoy, that will in December. Rasmussen has a BA in Business from Whitworth University, and is currently employed as the director of Parking and Transportation Services for Eastern Washington University.

She has lived in Spokane Valley for 18 years and was a finalist during the last two rounds of City Council appointments earlier this year.

Tom Hormel was recommended to the Spokane County Commissioners for continuing on the Housing and Community Development Advisory

See VALLEY, Page 6

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The Current

6 SEPTEMBER 2016

VALLEY

Candidate Forum Save the Date

October 12, 2016 6 pm - 8 pm University High School

All are welcome to join us!

Come hear what your potential County Commissioners have to say and meet other candidates vying for your vote.

Continued from page 5 Committee (HCDAC) representing the city of Spokane Valley.

Snow plow purchase The city agreed to purchase a new tandem axle plow/sander truck. Such a truck is critical for plowing the hillside areas of the city. This truck will allow an existing truck in the city’s fleet to be used as a standby in case of a mechanical failure or be used for parts. The cost of the new plow is $228,821.36 and was previously included in the city’s equipment rental and replacement fund and budget for in 2016.

While the purchase was approved unanimously, Deputy Mayor Arne Woodard commented that city needs to work with the contractor community to hopefully privatize the cities snow plowing operations thereby reducing the need for cityowned snow plows. He commented that this was the last time he would support the purchase of a snow plow until that happens.

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Looking ahead The following topics are included on City Council agendas for this month: Sept. 6: Action on finalizing the city’s legislative agenda, discussion on Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Pioneer Trail, draft comprehensive plan and development regulations Sept. 9: A special meeting of the Spokane Regional Council of Governments at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center conference facility starting at 10 a.m.

Sept. 13: Public hearing on the 2017 budget revenues and property tax rates.

Sept. 20: Regular City Council meeting has been cancelled.

Sept 21: Presentations from social services and economic development agencies seeking funding for 2017, Discussion on property tax revenues for 2017.

Sept.

27: City manager presentation of the 2017 preliminary budget.

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 7

Waste Management collaborates with law enforcement to sweep up crime

By Mary Anne Ruddis Current Correspondent Crime prevention is everyone’s business and, as a company, Waste Management is taking that to heart.

On Aug. 2, Waste Management, in cooperation with local law enforcement and the cities of Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake, held training for 65 of their drivers to better prepare them to recognize when to alert police to a situation.

The program, known as “Waste Watch,” puts neighborhood safety first.

“The purpose of the training was to equip drivers to be an extra set of eyes and ears for law enforcement,” stated Jackie Lang, Waste Management spokesperson.

Kelly Cuzzetto has been working for Waste Management for 25 years. As a lifelong Spokane Valley resident, he has seen some changes over the years. ‘There are more people on the street, more activity,” he said.

According to Lang, the company has been holding daily “safety huddles” to talk about the need for vigilance and the Waste Watch program expands that. The drivers have made dozens of reports over the years.

Jesse Granado, Waste Management district manager who organized the training, said the safety huddles launch specific topics such as watching for more children on the streets during summer. The Waste Watch program goes further and provides additional training.

“For Waste Management, this is all about community partnership,” Granado said. “Our drivers know their routes inside and out -- so they notice when something is out of the ordinary. This is another way for us to step up as a community partner, to help make our local community stronger and safer.”

Drivers’ safety is a priority and Waste Management wants their drivers to know when to notify authorities. “They don’t want us to leave the truck and confront someone but to pull to a safe spot and make a call,” said Cuzzetto.

For Cuzzetto, the training helped

MORGAN

Continued from page 3 the person I am today, serving in a community where neighbors are close friends and life-long friends became family – there is more than merely filling this role out of love for others and doing right by others for me. It is, without a doubt, a current calling filled with deepest gratitude for these gifts and I believe that helps keep me humble, grateful and focused on the mission and vision every day.

Q: Greater Spokane Inc.(GSI) is a local chamber that many of your members also belong to.

How would you characterize the relationship between GSI and the Valley Chamber?

Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson and Waste Management Public Sector Manager Tami Yager attended a training last month as part of “Waste Watch,” a program that educates Waste Management truck drivers to watch for suspicious activity and notify law enforcement. The training included representatives of the Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley police departments. Contributed photo reinforce the idea of not hesitating to call when he sees something out of balance. “They told us, that is their job and to not hesitate to call,” he said. “We know schedules and when people are on vacations.

We need to be aware of our surroundings.”

About three months ago, Cuzzetto had a reverse situation happen where he was able to be of assistance. The police were already on the street and he asked what was going on. They were looking for someone. Cuzzetto had just seen a man on the street running with a bag and he was able to point the police to where he was hiding right around the corner. He truly was that extra set of eyes to help police find and arrest their suspect.

Spokane Valley Crime Prevention Officer Chris Johnston and Liberty Lake Police Officer Mike Thomas conducted the hour-long training.

Liberty Lake Patrol Sergeant Darin Morgan said the training was to help drivers "be aware of activity and be cognizant of what is out of place – vehicles parked on the wrong side of the road or out of place, gates open and things that are out of the ordinary.”

The program has received support from both Spokane Valley Mayor Rod Higgins and Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Petersen who both attended and observed the training. Both mayors arrived at 4:45 a.m. that morning to greet drivers and thank them for their service.

“The key to public safety is basically looking, watching, seeing and reporting,” said Peterson. “Our garbage guys know our neighbors.

The more eyes, the better.”

Higgins agreed, saying that public safety is his “number one priority.”

“I think this is a very good training, very detailed, very focused,” Higgins said. “I think it is valuable to the drivers and certainly to the citizens of Spokane Valley,” said Higgins.

Formally coordinating with law enforcement through the training session provides police departments with an extra layer of awareness, Lang said.

“The program is making our community stronger and safer,” Lang said. “With city budgets stretched thin, (the program) is an opportunity for Waste Management to help law enforcement dollars go a bit further.”

Morgan said that the program makes it possible for drivers to “report in real time.”

“They are in the streets at all hours and getting suspicious activity reports to law enforcement quickly can prevent crime,” Morgan said. “We can help them know what to look for.”

The program has been implemented in more than 100 communities across the country.

Drivers are in the streets day and night. “(They) have helped locate missing children and are often first on the scene to report fires and call 9-1-1,” said Waste Management Public Sector ManagerTami Yager, a resident of Liberty Lake.

Citizens are reminded to call 9-11 in cases of an emergency or a crime in progress. Crime Check, 456-2233, is the local resource line to report other crimes and concerns.

A: The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber is dedicated to community vitality and economic prosperity in our region. We are fortunate to have a thriving community of chambers in the Inland Northwest, from the West Plains to the Coeur d’Alene chambers of commerce.

We hold a firm belief that any business who belongs to a chamber that is supporting that unique business’ strategic plan is a win for our community as each chamber plays a critical role in economic development. We are excited to be a part of a region that continues to work smarter in our advocacy efforts on a state and federal level and that is the opportunity we continue to advance with many chambers including GSI in Spokane.

Q: Lastly, give us your best quick pitch on the BIG 5 project.

A: In July of 2015, we invited business professionals, citizens and elected officials in the greater Spokane Valley to engage in a virtual three-step conversation about the future of our region.

With 1,081 “thoughts” shared and 18,071 “stars” assigned to indicate top priorities, the process unearthed five initiatives to inspire economic prosperity and community vitality for the greater Spokane Valley region – “the BIG 5.”

We encourage all to explore these results, shared by citizens, business owners, workers and leaders in our community. We urge you to get involved with the chamber to help further these initiatives for the greater good of our community.

You can discover the BIG 5 for the Greater Spokane Valley – greater outdoors, greater goods, greater learning, greater cures, and greater vision – by visiting www.

SpokaneValleyChamber.org.

8 SEPTEMBER 2016

Season of Spectacles – Trio of local fairs include new features, traditional fun

By Staci Lehman

Current Correspondent With three signature annual events coming up, Spokane Valley and other area residents are in for a lot of fun and learning this month. Valleyfest, the Spokane County Interstate Fair, and the Southeast Spokane County Fair all are all coming up in September and all promise to deliver as they have in the past.

Valleyfest Valleyfest, the premier event for the city of Spokane Valley, is held annually at Mireabeau Point Park.

The roots of the event go back to 1990 when it took place at Terrace

COVER STORY Pines roads.

Since its inaugural year in 1990, Valleyfest has been known for a unique blend of entertainment and education. The majority of this year’s three-day schedule takes place at Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley.

Courtesy of Spokane Focus View Park. This year, Valleyfest will be bigger than ever with some new events and exhibits.

“At Valleyfest last year, we had so much growth on Saturday,” said Valleyfest Executive Director Peggy Doering. “We had to expand activities at CenterPlace on Sunday, which is new. We haven’t had activities at CenterPlace before.”

Valleyfest kicks off Friday, Sept.

23 and goes through Sunday, Sept.

25. The fun starts Friday night with the Lions Club Bed Races, followed by the Hearts of Gold Parade along Sprague Avenue between Gillis and

On Saturday and Sunday, there will be over 200 arts and crafts and social service organization booths in Mirabeau Point Park, as well as food vendors. On Sunday, a new event this year is Totfest at CenterPlace, a collection of programs, companies and agencies specific to young children.

The Current

There are also STEM and robotics demonstrations in the evening and a planetarium.

Most Valleyfest events are free. For more information and a schedule of all Valleyfest events and how to register to participate in them, go to www.valleyfest.org.

“That’s information to make sure children are ready for school,” said Doering. “There’s a lot of resources out there for parents and we thought it would be good to let people know where to reach those resources.”

A popular Valleyfest event that is being brought back this year is “Artist’s Corner.” Fifteen local and regional artists will have booths, conduct demonstrations and sell their work. A “Pro Am,” will be held Sunday where professional artists team up with art students to create art pieces. At the end of the day the works will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Vallefest Children’s Foundation, which helps to pay for kids’ art lessons and supplies, among other things.

For those looking for physical activities, there are 5 and 10K runs, a duathlon and a family bike ride, all on Sunday.

Entertainment this year at Valleyfest consists of several musical groups, including local favorite Men in the Making and other bands and artists from the Northwest. One artist on the agenda has a particularly unique skill.

“She’s from the Crow heritage.” said Doering. “She can sing the national anthem in Crow.”

A free vintage car show on the north lawn at CenterPlace will again be a popular stop for vehicle enthusiasts. And if you have a car you want to feature, the fee to register is $10 with proceeds also going to the Valleyfest Foundation.

You can also show off your dog at Responsible Dog Owners Day, a popular Valleyfest mainstay.

The event includes agility demonstrations, Fairchild K9 demonstrations and the Doxie Derby Race.

“There are over 30 breeds and there is a look-alike contest for dogs and owners, which is hysterical,” said Doering.

The fun will continue later as Valleyfest takes to the sky.

“In the evening we’ll have the hot air balloon night glow event and an outdoor movie Saturday night,” Doering said.

The Alaskan Racing Pigs have been a favorite of fair goers for several years.

This year’s agenda runs from Sept.

9-18 at the fairgrounds on the fringe of Spokane Valley.

File photo

Spokane County Interstate Fair The theme for the Spokane County Interstate Fair this year is “Jaw Dropping Family Fun,” something Fair Coordinator Jessica McLaughlin promises it will be with the addition of a new shark show.

“It’s an educational show, it has a diver that swims with them and talks to the public and educates them,” said McLaughlin.

The shark show, the only traveling shark encounter in the U.S., runs four times a day on the north lawn throughout the fair.

The Spokane County Interstate Fair runs 10 days from Friday, Sept.

9 this year through Sunday, Sept.

18 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on the western fringe of Spokane Valley. It features arts and crafts, livestock, horticulture, floriculture and photography, plus lots more, including some events being brought back from previous years.

“We have kids pedal tractor racing this year being brought back.” Said McLaughlin. That was popular in the past.”

Two other shows that always draw a big crowd are the pig racing and kids’ mutton busting. The pigs race around a track while kids from 4 to 7 years old and under 60 pounds compete for bragging rights by trying to stay on the back of a sheep for eight seconds.

Beyond the farm features, several regional bands will be playing on the north stage and there will be

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FAIR

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 9

COVER STORY

Continued from page 8 lots of grandstand entertainment.

“We start with a rodeo and end with a demolition derby and throw some concerts in between,” said McLaughlin of the many events in the grandstand area.

The PRCA Rodeo, always a big attraction, takes place Friday and Saturday nights, Sept. 9 and 10, in the grandstand. On Sunday, Sept.

11 there will be Free Style Moto X and an event put on by Spokane Valley Fire to mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, country music star Randy Houser plays in the grandstand area. Other artists include Lee Brice and Kenny Loggins. Plus, there are truck and tractor pulls on Friday, Sept. 16 and demolition derbies Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18, to close out the fair.

There are no hair bands scheduled to play this year but there will be a beard exhibition.

“They’re trying for a world record beard train,” said McLaughlin. “A stylist will be on hand from the Man Shop and they will hook people’s beards together.” This new, and interesting event, is on Friday night, Sept. 16. Men with beards are admitted half price after 6 p.m. and the attempt at the record starts at 6:30 p.m. so if you have an impressive beard, stop by to help the cause.

If you make it to the fair, don’t forget the animals. Cows, horses, chickens, pigs, rabbits and many more will be on display in the barns.

Admission to the Spokane County Interstate Fair is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and over, $7 for military members, $7 for kids 7 to 13. Children 6 and under are free.

Discount tickets are available. For information on those tickets and other fair information, go to www. spokanecounty.org/interstate-fair.

Southeast Spokane County Fair The Southeast Spokane County Fair, held in Rockford each year, is a 72- year tradition in the North Palouse area. It runs from Sept.

23 through Sept. 25 this year. The fair provides youth, adults and area clubs a place to display their skills, animals and produce they raised, and provides entertainment for the public.

The Southeast Spokane County Fair has a little something for everyone, including food booths, contests, crafts, floral and baking exhibits, parades, a pancake breakfast, and of course, rabbits and poultry and other livestock judging.

“I’m partial to the animals,” said Jeff Sainsbury, president of the Southeast County Fair.

Something Sainsbury thinks the expanded hours of the rides and carnival this year will also be a hit.

“We have a new company for the carnival,” he said. “They’re going to open on Thursday instead of Friday.

That was at their request.”

There are also some new vendors this year, including one selling snow cones and another taking photos of fair-goers.

On Saturday morning, Sept.

23, the fair starts early with the Firefighters/Lions Club pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. Load up on those carbs because the Harvest Hustle 5K Fun Run follows at 7:45 a.m., then the children’s parade at 10:15 a.m.

The grand parade immediately follows that, featuring fair royalty, floats, music and lots more.

After a one-year hiatus, the 3-on-3 basketball tournament will return to the fair agenda this year on Saturday for ages 10 and up.

There is also Lions Club bingo, lots of youth and local bands providing music throughout both Saturday and Sunday and an annual crowd favorite – chicken chip bingo.

The best part though of the Southeast Spokane County Fair though, according to Sainsbury, may be the price.

The Southeast Spokane County Fair will celebrate its 72nd edition this month. The festivities Sept. 23-25 include a festive parade through downtown Rockford, food booths, contests, crafts, a pancake breakfast and much more.

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“It’s still free,” he said. “It’s just a fun hometown fair, a fun fair to be a part of.”

For more information on the fair; how to register for the fun run, basketball tournament and other fair events, go to the Southeast County Fair website at www. sespokanecountyfair.com.

Sept 23, 24 and 25, 2016 Rockford, WA

THURSDAY, SEPT 22 3 pm

Carnival Opens

Friday, Sept 23 Noon

Fair Opens Flag Raising Ceremony Exhibit Building Opens Carnival Opens Livestock Judging Fitting and Showing to follow Entertainment Exhibit Building Closes

3 pm 4 pm TBA 8 pm

Saturday, Sept 24 7 -10 am 7:45 am 9 am 10 am 10:15 am 10:30 am

following parade

12:30 12-6 pm 2:00 pm 3:30 5:00 8:00 pm

Firefighters/Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast Harvest Hustle Fun Run (check-in) Exhibit Building Opens Carnival Opens Children’s Parade Grand Parade Royalty and Dignitaries Introductions Parade Awards Kid’s Games and Races Coeurimba Youth Band Harvest Hoops 3 on 3 basketball (ages 10+) Lion’s Club Bingo Rabbit Judging Poultry Judging Chicken Chip Bingo (see flyer) Doug Scott & Cabaret Jive Angela Marie Project (singer/songwriter) Rock Club (youth rock bands) Sunday, Sept 25 Exhibit Building Closes 9 am Horse Show (ballpark) 9 am-6 pm Harvest Hoops 3 on 3 basketball 10 am Community Worship Service 11 am Exhibit Building Opens Carnival Opens All afternoon Lion’s Club Bingo 12:00 pm Angus Scott Band (bagpipe & drum) 12:30 pm Sunday’s Mail (Americana) 2 pm Chicken Chip Bingo (see flyer) In Transition (light rock) 4:00 Bill Rasmussen (keyboard) 5 pm Presentation of Fair Awards and door prizes 5 pm Exhibit Building Closes - See you next year!

6-8 pm Remove Exhibits

EXCITING NEW CARNIVAL

FREE Admission!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

WWW.SESPOKANECOUNTYFAIR.COM Like us on

COMMUNITY

10 SEPTEMBER 2016

PRESENTS The Weekly Basketball Skills Camp Classes are held at Fitness Center 14210 E Sprague, Spokane Valley, WA $20.00 per session and payment will be made monthly or per session.

Starts September 11, 2016 Level 2 11:00-12:30 (4th - 8th grades) Level 3 12:30-2:00 (8th - 12th grades) To Enroll Now

call 509-499-1112 or email rsadams23@gmail.com may pay at site on Sunday Stars President Ron Adams is Camp Director. He will be assisted by Stars coaching staff, which includes Lacie and Lexie Hull from CVHS, plus coaches and players of different northwest college women’s teams who will conduct clinics in camp.

For Income-Eligible Children 3 or 4 Years Old by August 31

Call us to enroll today!

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD: Central Valley School District .............. 228-5810 East Valley School District .............. 924-1830

Learn more! www.del.wa.gov/care/find-hs-eceap/

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Sept. 9-18 | Spokane County Interstate Fair, 404 N. Havana, Spokane Valley. Admission to the Spokane County Interstate Fair is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and over, $7 for military members, $7 for kids 7 to 13.

Children 6 and under are free.

Discount tickets are available. For information on those tickets and other fair information, go to www. spokanecounty.org/interstate-fair.

Sept 10 | Central Valley Marching Band Car Wash and Shoe Drive, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., CVHS south parking lot, 821 S. Sullivan Road. Central Valley High School Band and Colorguard programs will be hosting their annual Car Wash and Shoe Drive this month. Accepted donations are paired, wearable shoes, any kind or type. Car wash tickets $5.

For information or advance tickets please email: cvmbPublicity@ hotmail.com.

Sept. 11 | Grandparents’ Day Celebration, 1 to 4 p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Hosted by Greater Spokane Meals on Wheels, the fifth annual Grandparents Day Celebration will feature great food, entertainment, a silent auction and announcement of the 2016 Grandparent of the Year. Tickets are $15; Children under 10 are admitted free. Contact 926-6976 or visit www.GSCMealsonWheels. org for more information.

Sept. 16 | Life Services Annual Fall Event featuring Gianna Jensen and special musical guests The Backups, 5:30 p.m., Western Aviation at Felts Field, 5505 E. Rutter Ave., Spokane. For more information on this event and Life Services’ programs, including their maternity home, visit www.lifeservices.org.

Sept. 17 | Spokane River Clean-Up, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., various sites along the Spokane River. Volunteers will be provided with light cloth gloves, plastic bags for trash and recyclables, and a River Clean-Up backpack.

Be sure to dress for the work and the rugged terrain along the banks of the river. It can be chilly in the morning and warmer in the afternoon, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and wear long pants.

Please wear supportive shoes with some tread to avoid slips and falls. Also, don’t forget your water

bottle. For more information, visit www.spokaneriver.net/ spokanerivercleanup/ for more information.

Sept. 17 | National Drive Electric Week event hosted by the Inland Northwest Electric Vehicle and Photovoltaic Group, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Cork House, 1400 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake. Meet with electric car owners, solar enthusiasts and electrical engineers. See vehicles from Nissan, Ford, Tesla, Porsche, BMW and more. Learn about the connection between solar power and electric cars. The Rieser and Rawley Acoustic Duo will be playing at the event. For more information, call David Klenda at 253-230-5247.

Sept. 23-25 | Valleyfest, Mirabeau Point Park, CenterPlace.

The Valley’s signature community celebration has been a late summer staple since 1990. The fun kicks off Friday, Sept. 23 with the Hearts of Gold Parade down Sprague Avenue. The lineup includes music, food, a vintage car show, pancake breakfast, 5K/10K run and much more. Most Valleyfest events are free. For more information and a schedule of all events and how to register, go to www.valleyfest.org.

Sept. 23-25 | Southeast Spokane County Fair, Rockford.

The three-day schedule for this traditional community festival includes food, music, contests, farm animals, produce, parades, a pancake breakfast, 3-on-3 basketball tournament and more.

Admission is free. To learn more, go to www.sespokanecountyfair. com.

Sept. 29 | HUB All Star Breakfast, 7 to 9 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. Come meet the HUB AllStars from staff to community leaders to local youth. Proceeds from the breakfast go to the HUB Sports Center, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Funds will be directed by the donor toward programs like HUB 360 (an afterschool program for at-risk middle school students), HUB camp scholarships for disadvantaged youth and/or the HUB capital campaign to secure this facility for the benefit of future generations. Please RSVP to 9270602 no later than Sept. 16.

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 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.

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/CatholicSingles-Mingle.

DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Tuesdays 6:30 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 226-2202 or jerrylpeterson@ comcast.net or find us on Facebook.

Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11: 30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley.

Call Steve at 893-4746 for more information.

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

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 11

COMMUNITY

| 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 Farmers 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 892-4412 or 2913722.

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.

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 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.

Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank | Weekly 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.

Join us!

MUSIC & THE ARTS Sept. 3 | The Spokane Symphony presents the 2016 Lud Kramer Memorial Concert, 6 p.m. at Pavillion Park. Free admission.

The symphony will perform an eclectic program of hits from the classics, Hollywood and Broadway.

The lineup includes classics from Shostakovich and Verdi as well as traditional favorites from Gershwin. For more information, visit www.pavillionpark.org.

Sept. 16-Oct. 2 | “On Shaky Ground” at Ignite! Theatre, 10184 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Shows featured Sept.

16-18, 23-25, 30 and Oct. 1-2.

Tickets run $12-$15. For tickets or more information, call 208-3520727.

The

Everything from RARE TO RETRO

Sept. 30 & Oct. 1-2, 2016 Spokane Fair and Expo Center 4 0 4 N H AVA N A S T | S P O K A N E , WA

RECURRING Country Jammers Dance | 1 p.m. to 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 2709264.

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 218-4799.

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

See CALENDAR, Page 12

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Continued from page 11 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 | 6:15 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 Sept. 17-18 | Spokane Doubles Pickleball Tournament, 8 a.m to 4 p.m., both days, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Call 927-0602 for more information. $30 per team.

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

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• 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.

Yoga in Rockford | 5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays. Rockford Park, 20 W. Emma St., Rockford. In case of inclement weather, classes will be held at Dave’s Autobody, 8 W. Emma St.

The Current

e

CIVIC & BUSINESS Aug. 31 | Grand opening of Bellacrosta, a specialty bakery featuring artisan breads and pastries. Bellacrosta is located at 1235 N. Liberty Lake Road, Suite 109 in Liberty Lake.

Sept. 20 | Grand opening of Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 3:30 to 6 p.m., E. 21101 Wellesley #102, Otis Orchards.

Carla Carnegie, MT-BC, NMT, of Willow Springs is one of only three board-certified music therapists in the Inland Northwest. Call 509592-7875 for more information.

Sept. 27 | Manufacturing Matters EXPO, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. The EXPO features a tradeshow with exhibitors representing leading contract manufacturers, job shops, and suppliers. In addition, educational workshops, featuring industry best practices, trends and new technologies are scheduled throughout the day on a variety of topics relevant to engineers, purchasing agents and managers of manufacturing companies.

The EXPO begins Sept. 26 with a reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner and keynote speaker, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Mirabeau Park Hotel. Registration is required for the reception and dinner. Tickets are available for $50 per person or $400 per table of eight. There is no charge for entrance into the EXPO, however, attendees are encouraged to register. For more information and to register, call the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber at 509-924-4994, or visit spokanevalleychamber.org/ ManufacturingMatters.

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.

The Current

Celebrating grandparents both near and far

LIBRARY

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 13

DISCOVER

endless possibilities

By Gwendolyn Haley

Both my husband and I grew up living hours away from our grandparents and consequently only saw them once or twice a year at most. When we started our family, we lived five hours away from our own parents, so our children were also on track to only see their grandparents a few times each year. When the opportunity arose to relocate and live in the same city as both sets of grandparents, we jumped at it.

As a result, our children have grown up around all of their grandparents – family dinners, celebrations and more. As the girls have gotten older, their grandparents attend school functions and help chauffeur them to swimming lessons, music lessons and camps. As our parents have gotten older, the girls are able to help them with chores like mowing the lawn. All of our lives are enriched by closer proximity and closer relationships.

Research has also shown that the benefits of grandparent-grandchild interactions go beyond free babysitting and help with chores.

Children learn family history and values. They benefit directly from interacting with adults who aren’t their parents and who can offer different perspectives tempered with experience.

For grandparents, regular time spent with grandchildren brings about better cognitive function and emotional health, as seen in a study published in the October

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Your neighborhood library is much more than books and everything is free!

Begin unlocking the possibilities today.

This year, Grandparents Day will be observed on Sept. 11. The Spokane County Library District reminds grandparents that local library branches offer fun and educational features like Storytime and Lego Club that grandkids will enjoy.

Contributed photo 2014 issue of “Menopause” that found that post-menopausal women who spent time caring for their grandchildren lowered their risk of certain cognitive disorders.

Your local library is a great way to connect, both for grandparents and grandchildren. Come to a Storytime or Lego Club together. Then try out one of the many all-ages activities that we offer. The library is a terrific way to share a hobby or discover a new interest together. Best of all, the library is free and open seven days a week. There's truly something for everyone, in every generation.

help you celebrate grandparents all month long: “The Grandparents Handbook” (nonfiction) by Elizabeth Laban, Nana Barbara Trostler and Grandpa Myron Laban “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grand and Great” (nonfiction) by Jack Canfield “Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting” (nonfiction) by Lesley Stahl “A Long Way from Chicago: A Novel in Stories” (fiction) by Richard Peck

Grandparents Day is celebrated on Sept. 11 this year. Here are some titles from our catalog to

“The Hello, Goodbye Window” (ficton) by Norton Juster, illustrated

by Chris Raschka

September is Library Card Signup Month

that a library card is the smartest card you can own.

an added value to the educational experience.

As students head back to school this month, the library encourages parents, caregivers and teachers to visit their local library and make sure kids and teens sign up for the most important school supply of all – a library card.

A library card provides students with access to a world of both print and electronic resources, important for achieving academic success.

Plus, the library district’s online resources are free.

With our online resources, students can access live tutors for all grade levels with HelpNow, get assistance with a foreign language through Pronunciator, tackle biology with Science in Context and look up anything and everything in the World Book Encyclopedia. The library district also offers educational programs, activities and clubs that provide

Studies indicate that students most effectively learn when they are allowed to follow their personal interests. Today’s libraries provide children and teens with access to new and innovative software and tools for creating and editing videos, coding, composing music, writing blogs and so much more.

Not only that, but the library comes with experts in developing original programs and honing these new skills – our librarians.

By Jane Baker

September is Library Card Signup Month, a time when Spokane County Library District and libraries across the nation remind parents

This September, open the door to the world of possibilities for the student in your life and sign up for a library card.

www.scld.org

The Current

14 SEPTEMBER 2016

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The Current

CVSD begins school year in building mode

By Benjamin Shedlock Current Correspondent Liberty Lake Elementary, meet Liberty Creek Elementary.

University High School, meet the Central Valley Virtual Learning Center. Five-year-old students, meet full-day kindergarten.

Central Valley School District is continuing its expansion this year to keep up with the growth districtwide.

The district will continue to apply money from a 2015 construction bond to fund capital improvements. The growth in facilities will decrease class sizes for young elementary school students and create programing opportunities for older ones.

CVSD has 11 construction projects underway or on the books.

Work will start on the new buildings at North Pines Middle School in July 2017 and Ponderosa Elementary School in July 2017.

“The completion of these school projects will move us leaps ahead in providing the appropriate learning and teaching environment,” said CVSD Superintendent Ben Small.

“Those schools with open concept designs will see an immediate impacted as those designs have been updated to modern standards.”

Two completely new schools will reshape the elementary scene. In March of the 2016-2017 school year, a new school at Mission and Long will begin to form. Construction is slated to finish this year at the new Liberty Creek Elementary School, a new K-2 site just across the road from Liberty Lake Elementary.

The new elementary school at Mission and Long and Liberty Creek represent the way the district is responding to the fast pace of local population growth. The region’s increasing density is felt acutely in the schools. According to CVSD spokesperson Marla Nunberg, University and Central Valley High Schools were both built to accommodate 1,488 students, but now University High School hosts 1,800 and Central Valley is North of 2,000.

While the high schools are the biggest buildings, most of the district’s 13,000 students learn in elementary and middle schools.

To plan for this challenge, Central

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 15

Valley adopted a capital facilities plan that included building four new schools and renovating several more by 2033.

It was in part due to the growth projections that the district asked voters to pass a $121.9 million bond in February 2015. It was the first school funding bond that passed in the district since the vote that passed in 1998 and funded new campuses at CV and U-Hi along with other building improvements throughout the district. Along with a new comprehensive high school that is being planned, Liberty Creek was slated to be built with the bond money and groundbreaking took place in January. The bond also paid for the planned school renovations, the first of which was completed February at the renamed Mica Peak High School.

According to Nunberg, disruption to students will be minimal. Evergreen Middle and Chester, Greenacres, Sunrise, and Opportunity elementary schools will be undergoing renovations.

Students at Sunrise Elementary will be housed at the old Liberty High School, along with some students from Evergreen. Other Evergreen students will share space with current Opportunity and Greenacres students.

“We’ve planned carefully to keep students separated from construction work to preserve the educational environment as much as possible,” said Greenacres Elementary Principal Lindsay Kent.

A construction sneak preview tour was held on Aug. 25 and the district is providing booklets to residents based on that tour and describing the changes.

“By being cognizant of funds and planning carefully, we’re able to get the projects done,” Nunberg said.

All bond-related construction is planned to wrap up in 2018.

With its current projects moving forward, the district realized that it was making significant progress on its 2033 strategic plan for growth.

With local bond money backing up the district’s growth plan, Central Valley made a winning case for additional state funds and received a state Class Size Reduction Grant worth more than $20 million. In total, the state match is worth 85 percent of the bond money.

The class size grant is opening up opportunities for new programming, Small pointed out.

“Maybe the biggest impact is that we will be able to offer full-

The renovation of Evergreen Middle School is one of several capital improvement projects underway in the Central Valley School District. Photo by Craig Howard day kindergarten and meet our class size reduction requirements of 17-1 in kindergarten through third grade at all of our elementary schools in our district by the fall of 2017,” Small said.

Adding capacity to neighborhood schools will mean less bussing of students to schools outside their attendance area, Small added.

“As a growing school district, capacity is a challenge for us and this voter-approved bond allows us to address our capacity issues at the elementary level,” Small said.

Older students will benefit from increased programming through Central Valley Virtual Learning, or CVVL. Currently, CVVL is a suite of online courses that allow students to supplement their home school courses remotely with an additional subject. The district bought the old Spokesman-Review building at 13208 E. Sprague Ave. as a brickand-mortar home for the programs, which eighth to 12th graders will be able to access starting in 2018.

“Central Valley Virtual Learning will increase the learning opportunities that students can choose at their home high schools,” said CVVL Alison Walton. “Our curriculum is designed to be rigorous, relevant, and personalized to meet the needs of our students.

Our dedicated learning space for CVVL will soon offer students and their families an engaging learning environment where they can receive instructional support from CVSD teachers, tutors and studentled study groups.”

In addition, four new classrooms will be added at Summit School over the next two years, and Horizon Middle School will get a new roof for its gym. New safety and security systems are also being installed in

every Central Valley school.

The building blitz will make a big dent in the district’s need for space, but according to Nunberg, it only kept up with current growth.

Looking ahead, the district’s capital facilities committee has begun discussing an additional bond for 2018. They will meet more this fall, and any bond must come up to the school board for approval, which would happen in December at the earliest.

“ IT’S

THE LAW ”

In WASHINGTON Click or Call Two Business Days Before You Plan To Dig

www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org

The Current

16 SEPTEMBER 2016

SVFD Report – September 2016

burn ban. They also noted that the event would be reported and a fine would be a possibility.

• Motor vehicle accident – Aug. 4 – Shortly before 8:30 p.m., SVFD crews responded to a reported twocar accident on eastbound I-90 near milepost 297. Upon arrival, crews found a van had been rear-ended, causing it to roll several times up and onto the Centennial Trail south of I-90. There were no injuries.

• Good intent call – Aug. 6 – SVFD crews responded to the 20300 block of East Mission Avenue shortly after 9 a.m. to check on a man lying near a row of trees. Crews arrived to find a man resting in the grass who stated that he was fine and needed no help.

• Brush fire – Aug. 8 – A farmer operating a swather in his field at the southeast corner of Idaho Road and Trent Avenue (SR 290) sparked a fire that scorched 19.1 acres.

SVFD crews arrived to find the brush fire moving east through the field at about 11:45 a.m. Crews were able to secure a wet line around the blaze about 12:45 p.m. Firefighting efforts were hampered by windy conditions and heavy smoke. No structures were damaged or lost in the fire, although the crop growing in the burned field was estimated at a $5,000 loss. Crews from three neighboring fire districts and Department. of Natural Resources (DNR) assisted in firefighting efforts.

• Extrication – Aug. 9 – Crews from SVFD and Spokane Fire Department responded to a twocar, high- speed head on collision blocking the eastbound lane in the 8000 block of East Upriver Drive just before 4 p.m. One driver appeared trapped, requiring extrication, but crews were able to open the passenger side door and remove the patient. Both drivers were removed from their vehicles and treated by paramedics at the scene. There was one fatality. The other driver was

transported to the hospital.

• Service Call – Aug. 11 – Shortly after 12:30 p.m., SVFD crews assisted a family with gaining entry into a locked vehicle with three children trapped inside in the 1300 block of North Farr Road.

• Motor vehicle accident – Aug. 14– A one-vehicle rollover accident was reported at 8:20 p.m.

The accident occurred off I-90 near milepost 296. The vehicle was about 60 feet off the roadway in a field and the two occupants were out of the vehicle when SVFD crews arrived on the scene. Both refused treatment and transport to the hospital.

• Vehicle Fire – Aug. 15 – Shortly before 6:30 p.m., SVFD crews responded to a reported vehicle fire in the 9100 block of East Appleway Avenue. The driver of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria said she was stopped at the light when she noticed the engine compartment starting to smoke and smoke starting coming into the passenger compartment.

A bystander driving by noticed the smoke, grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran over to help. The crew applied water to make sure the fire was out and pushed the car out of the roadway.

• Confined space rescue – Aug. 22 – Shortly after 4:30 p.m., SVFD’s technical rescue team responded to a report of a bicyclist who went off the Centennial Trail and down an embankment to the river’s edge. The incident happened near milepost 10 east of the Mirabeau Trailhead. Crews arrived to find the cyclist at the edge of the trail after being helped up the embankment by boaters. The man sustained nonlife threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. SVFD crews retrieved his bicycle and turned it over to his wife, who was cycling with him.

Outdoor burn ban – SVFD issued a Fire Danger Burn Restriction

on July 29 making unauthorized recreational fires and open burning illegal until further notice. This includes wood-burning backyard fire pits and campfires. Open burning of fields, garbage and yard waste is prohibited at all times. Violators may be fined. If an illegal fire causes another fire, criminal charges may be filed.

By the numbers: • Fires* = 126 • Emergency medical service calls =1,192 • Motor vehicle accidents =94 • Extrication = 4 • Hazardous materials = 15 • Building alarms = 63 • Service calls = 16 • Water Rescue = 2 • Confined Space Rescue = 1 *Brush, commercial, residential, rubbish, vehicle fires and unauthorized burning About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley 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. In 2015, SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 15,800 emergency calls.

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. SVFD also offers free smoke alarms and fire safety inspections. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

BECU forges community connections as part of regional debut

contributed 50 cents to a fund that could be utilized to purchase tools.

The workers had read about the credit union concept in Reader’s Digest and figured it could come in handy since laborers were asked to buy their own implements. The banking system was still tenuous and securing a loan for tools or anything else was an uphill battle.

of people helping people lives on,” said Tom Berquist, senior vice president of marketing for BECU.

Valley, there has not been a BECU branch in the Inland Northwest until now. On Sept. 19, BECU sites will open in Spokane Valley at 615 N. Sullivan and in Spokane at 916 N. Division, just west of Gonzaga University. BECU is also planning a third location here soon.

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 1,513 emergency calls from July 23 through Aug. 22. Highlights include: • Deck fire – July 25 – SVFD crews responded to a report of a deck on fire in the 8900 block of E.ast Longfellow Avenue shortly before 6 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a barbeque on fire with flames extending toward the house.

The fire was extinguished quickly by crews who secured the propane tanks and checked to make sure the home was untouched by fire. The fire was caused by a malfunction in the barbeque with damage estimated at $4,000.

• Motor vehicle accident – July 31 – A motorcycle rider laid his bike down to avoid a car just north of the intersection of Sullivan and Sprague shortly before 11:30 a.m.

SVFD crews blocked traffic while paramedics provided patient care.

The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

• Unauthorized Burning – July 31 – Twice in one evening, SVFD crews responded to a report of unauthorized burning at the same residence in the 11500 block of East Sunview Circle. The occupant was educated about the burn ban during the first response shortly before 9 p.m. The crew was called back at 10:30 p.m. after receiving a second report of unauthorized burning. The occupant claimed the fire had restarted although the crew members noted additional items in the burn pit that were not there earlier. The occupant appeared to be burning garbage and paper products which is always illegal.

Firefighters put the fire out and reeducated the occupant about the

By Craig Howard Current Editor

The nation’s fourth largest credit union started with less than $10 in assets during the economic squall of the Great Depression.

In 1935, 18 employees of the Boeing Company in Seattle each

The inaugural treasurer of what would become Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU) stored that first $9 in a tin box. The initial loan for $2.50 bought a set of tools that allowed an employee to continue working.

“While much has changed in the past 80 plus years this philosophy

These days, BECU has over $15 billion in assets and more than 950,000 members, 90 percent of whom live in Washington state. In addition to Boeing employees, all Washington residents and students attending in-state colleges and universities are eligible to join.

This month, BECU will literally branch out in Eastern Washington.

While the credit union has operated a customer service center in Spokane Valley since February 2004 that employs over 100 people and offered ATMs at Rite Aid locations across Spokane

“As the second largest city in Washington, Spokane is a vibrant and connected community,” said Berquist. “BECU is looking forward to providing greater convenience to our more than 5,000 Spokane members and building community partnerships.”

BECU has begun to forge those

See BECU, Page 45

2016

Live Entertainment .......Pages 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, 19 Schedule of Events ...................Page 5

18 SEPTEMBER 2016

Visit Valleyfest

The Current

The Spokane Valley Premier Event September 23, 24, & 25 2016

Welcome to the 27th annual Valleyfest celebration! There will be 200 booths and three live entertainment stages, plus bike and foot races, hot air balloons, fishing at the falls, a car show, dog competitions, hands-on robot activities, and many other educational demonstrations and activities.

Valleyfest is made possible by many community sponsors and hundreds of volunteers donating over 6,000 hours. We want to especially thank our 2016 Title Sponsor, Valley Hospital

Rockwood Health System. Valleyfest is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and we appreciate all those who make this event free and accessible to the greater region.

Start the festivities Friday, September 23, at 6:15 p.m. with the Lions Club Bed Races on Sprague Ave. in front of Appleway Florist. At 7:30 p.m. the twilight Hearts of Gold Parade steps off on Sprague Ave. The weekend continues through Sunday, September 25th at Mirabeau Point Park,

CenterPlace Regional Event Center and Plantes Ferry.

Questions? Information booths are available throughout the weekend at CenterPlace Regional Event Center and Mirabeau Point Park. Browse the following pages to guide you through the Valleyfest experience. Visit Spokane Valley and shop, play, dine, and stay.

Visit website for full at: www.valleyfest.org/ Facebook Page

Valleyfest Sponsors Title Sponsor Main Sponsors

City of Spokane Valley Current/Splash Inland Empire Paper Company Inlander Modern Electric Water Company Spokane Transit Spokane Valley Mall Washington Trust Bank

Participating Sponsors

Working together. For you.

At Valley Hospital, you’ll find the advanced medical technology you need—when you need it. Our dedicated and experienced medical staff includes more than 450 physicians and offers 20 specialties ranging from emergency medicine and surgery to oncology and obstetrics.

Advanced medical care and technology, right here at home. For you.

 PROUD TITLE SPONSOR OF VALLEYFEST!

SpokaneValleyHospital.com

PAGE 2 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

Numerica Credit Union Pinecroft Business Park Spokane Valley Partners Sunshine Disposal & Recycling Umpqua Bank Waste Management

Supporting Sponsors

BECU Fleet Feet Spokane International Airport

Partner Sponsors

Banner Bank Cabela’s Dishman Dodge Fred Meyer Spokane Parks Foundation

Event Day Sponsors Avista KIND Snacks Yoke’s

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Numerica Credit Union

Balloons over Valleyfest Washington Trust Bank

Car Show

LOWCOS Car Club

Family Bike Ride The Bike Hub

Family Stage

Modern Electric Water Company

CenterPlace Patio Stage Umpqua Bank

Fishing at the Falls Cabela’s

Meadow Festival Stage Valley Hospital Rockwood Health System

Multisports Day

YMCA of the Inland Northwest Fleet Feet

Pancake Breakfast Fred Meyer

Valleyfest Float

Premier Manufacturing, Inc.

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 19

Table of Contents Events

Page 5K/10K Run ............................... 20 AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day ......................... 19 Balloons Over Valleyfest............ 15 Car Show ................................... 11 Duathlon .................................... 20 Family Bike Ride........................ 20 Fishing at the Falls .................... 19 Hearts of Gold Parade ................. 6 Lions Club Bed Races ................. 6 Outdoor Movie ........................... 16 Pancake Breakfast ...................... 5 Robotics and STEM................... 22 Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk ......................... 16 TotFest ....................................... 16

Live Entertainment Stages

Page

CenterPlace Patio Stage Saturday ................................. 10 Family Stage Saturday ................................. 12 Family Stage Sunday ................................... 13 Meadow Festival Stage Saturday ................................... 8 Meadow Festival Stage Sunday ..................................... 9

Features Page Artist Corner .............................. 17 Amenities & Maps........................ 4 Booth Vendors Page.................. 14 Compost Demonstration ............ 17 Hotels ........................................ 21 Interactive Activities .................. 18 International Year of Pulses ...... 17 Miss Spokane Valley ................. 22 Save the Date ........................... 23 Spokane Aerial ............................ 9 Spokane Valley Cycle

Page Celebration ................................ 23 Schedule of Events...................... 5 Sponsors ...............................2 & 3 STA Shuttle Map .......................... 7 Staff and Contributors................ 11 Stuff the Bus ................................ 7 Valleyfest Auction ...................... 23 Valleyfest Board of Directors ..... 23 Valleyfest Chirldren’sFoundation .......... 23 Visit Valleyfest ............................. 2

Title Sponsor Main Sponsors MODERN ELECTRIC WATER COMPANY

Participating Sponsors promoting self-reliance & enhancing quality of life

Supporting Sponsors

BECU Fleet Feet Spokane International Airport

Partner Sponsors

Banner Bank Cabela’s Dishman Dodge Fred Meyer Spokane Parks Foundation

Event Day Sponsors Avista KIND Snacks Yoke’s

** Special Appreciation for SCOPE, Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation, Inland Empire Paper Company, Spokesman Review and Exploring Families.

To become a 2017 Sponsor, call the Valleyfest office at 509-922-3299.

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 3

20 SEPTEMBER 2016

Event Amenities

The Current

Festival Map

• Convenient parking available at the Spokane Valley Mall, 14700 E. Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley.

• Ride the STA Valleyfest shuttle bus on Saturday, September 24th, between 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. for FREE. Follow the STA Valleyfest shuttle bus signs on Indiana Ave into the Spokane Valley Mall entrance near Red Robin to the marked shuttle stop. Parking is limited at CenterPlace Regional Event Center.

Responsible Dog Owners Day on Sunday

• MV Transportation provides wheelchair accessible shuttle service between Mirabeau Point Park & CenterPlace Regional Event Center on September 24th, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Look for the white shuttle van.

Mirabeau Meadows Stage

• SCOPE Train: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Family Stage

• Parking available at Pinecroft Business Center & at CenterPlace Regional Event Center (space limited).

• Handicapped parking at Mirabeau Point Park North Centennial Trail Head and CenterPlace Regional Event Center

Fishing at the Falls

• Restrooms with handicap accessibility available at Mirabeau Point Park & CenterPlace

Car Show Patio Stage

• First Aid provided by American Medical Response • ATM Machine at Mirabeau Point Park • Wi-Fi available • Mother/Baby Comfort Tent • Information Booth • Lost & found Misplaced children will be at the SCOPE booth.

Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

Trail - 10 Minute walk from CenterPlace Regional Event Center to Mirabeau Point Park

Copyright 2016. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of Valleyfest. All information provided in this publication is subject to change without notice.

Valleyfest is not responsible for any errors or omissions.

To become a 2017 Sponsor, call the Valleyfest office at 509-922-3299.

PAGE 4 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 21

2016 Schedule of Events SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 CenterPlace Regional Event Center

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Sprague Avenue Between University and Pines 6:15 p.m.

Lions Club Bed Races North Gillis Road & Moffit Road

7:30 p.m.

Hearts of Gold Parade East Sprague Avenue from North Gillis Road to Pines Road

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 CenterPlace Regional Event Center 6:35 a.m.

11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Hot Air Balloon Launch - weather permitting TotFest

Mirabeau Point Park 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Live Music and Entertainment Family and Meadow Stages Family Bike Ride Check-in 11:00 a.m.

Centennial Trail North Trailhead

The Power of Partnership “Eyes and Ears” for Local Law Enforcement Waste Management is proud to partner with the City of Spokane Valley to provide professional and costeffective recycling and garage services. As a bonus, the City benefits because our drivers are trained to help keep our community safe.

It could be front door wide open at 5 a.m., or a child alone and in trouble. With drivers as an extra set of eyes and ears in the community, Waste Management has helped solve crimes and save lives.

Now that’s partnership.

6:35 a.m.

6:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.- 8:00 PM 7:00-9:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Hot Air Balloon Launch Pancake Breakfast Car Show Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk Mobius Planetarium Fishing at the Falls Beer, Wine and Food Garden Including Valley Ale Fest Music and Entertainment Patio Stage Car Show Awards PG Rated Comedy Cup Robotics & STEM Mobius Planetarium Hot Air Balloon Night Glow - weather permitting

Mirabeau Point Park 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Booths Open Live Music and Entertainment Family and Meadow Stages Star Gazing with Spokane Astronomical Society Outdoor Movie - The Good Dinosaur

Pancake Breakfast Saturday, September 24, 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

CenterPlace Regional Event Center Great Room, 2426 North Discovery Place Sponsored by: Fred Meyer

Enjoy breakfast and good company at Valleyfest’s annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, September 24th, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in CenterPlace Regional Event Center’s Great Room. Community volunteers will be serving a delicious hot meal including pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon with your choice of coffee or juice.

The suggested donation is $7 for ages seven years and older, $6 for children three to six years, and free for children under three years. Remember to bring the coupon below to receive $1 off your breakfast. All proceeds go to the Valleyfest Children’s Foundation.

Contact Tami Yager, WM-Spokane Valley tyager@wm.com • 509.944.3121

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 5

The Current

22 SEPTEMBER 2016

Hearts of Gold Parade Friday, September 23, 7:30 p.m.

Between North Gillis Road & Pines Road on East Sprague Avenue The Hearts of Gold Parade Grand Marshals are Phillip Tyler, President of the Spokane NAACP, and Mark Werner, Spokane Valley Police Chief. Together they are helping the community bring the Valley together.

The Hearts of Gold Parade kicks off on Friday, September 23rd, at 7:30 p.m. following the Lions Club Bed Races. The Hearts of Gold Parade has been a staple of Valleyfest since recognize those in the Spokane Valley who give back to the community and their ‘hearts of gold.’ Staging for the evening parade is at the New Life Church on East Sprague Avenue near University Road and continues east to

disband at the Opportunity Shopping Center.

Sprague Avenue will be closed between Pines Road and University Road at 6:00 p.m. to accommodate the premier parade viewing location!

Watch a wide variety of entries: animals, custom and classic cars, eyes open for the Spokane Valley Royalty and the unveiling of the Spokane Valley Hearts of Gold Float.

Before the parade, catch the preparade entertainment, 2nd annual Lions Club Bed Races, or eat dinner and support local businesses on Sprague Avenue.

Lions Club Bed Races Friday, September 23, 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

East Sprague Avenue The Bed Races are back for the third consecutive year, which will take place prior to the Hearts of Gold Parade.

This Lions Club fundraiser is a unique crowd-pleaser that will surely bring in laughter as decorated beds-on-wheels Staging is on North Gillis Road in the parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Rules and heats are announced 10 minutes prior to the start of the race. After the

PAGE 6 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

race, winners are announced in the categories of: Overall Winner Best Bed Design and Best Team Spirit Proceeds from the Spokane Valley local community. Help or support by entering a team! To enter call: (509) 869-7657 or email vanormanby5@aol.com

Some of our Parade Participants Grand Marshals Phillip Tyler & Chief Mark Werner Baha’is of Spokane Valley and friends Balloons over Valleyfest Banner Bank BECU Bowdish Middle School Band and Launch Leaders Brookdale Park Place Camp Fire Inland Northwest Celebrate Davenport Community Float Centennial Middle School Central Valley S.P.A.C.E. Program City of Spokane Valley Mayor and Council Members Coeur d’ Alene Casino Resort Hotel Current/Splash Des Boucher Dick & Dody Dodd Dishman Dodge Duncan Produce, Inc. East Valley School Dist. #361 Transportation Dept.

Eastern Washington ATV Association El Katif Moonshriners El Katif Shrine 4 Wheelers and More El Katif Shrine Legion of Honor El Katif Shriners 1899 Club El Katif Shriners Potentate, John Robertson English Setter Brewing Evergreen Middle School Marching Band Fleet Feet Fred Meyer/Fred Bear Hopped Up Brewing Company Hugs and Noses Volunteers for Shriners Hospitals for Children, Spokane Inland Empire Mustang Club Inland EmPower Derby Inland Northwest Carting Dogs InTec East Valley High School Lilac City Riders Lions Club Bed Races Miss Spokane Scholarship Organization & Legacy Limo Miss Spokane Valley Royalty Modern Electric Water Co. Ness Elementary School Northwest Fence Company Numerica Credit Union Opportunity Elementary School

Original Spokane SeaHawkers PAK9 Dog Training Pasadena Park Elementary School PrimeSource Credit Union Robert Sadler Ronald McDonald Sammy’s Clubhouse Spokane Ferret Rescue SCRAPS Seth Woodard Elementary School Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich South Spokane Shrine Club Valley - Hospital Float Spin Sisters Spokane Aquifer Joint Board Aqua Duck Defender of the Aquifer Spokane County Library District Spokane Dog Training Club Spokane Elite Dance Studio Spokane Empire Fan Club Spokane Gymnastics Spokane International Airport Spokane Kennel Club Spokane Transit Authority Spokane Valley High School Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club Spokane Valley Police Sullivan Park Assisted and Independent Living Sunshine Disposal & Recyling The Inlander Umpqua Bank University Elementary CVSD University SCOPE Valley Christian School Valley Hospital Valleyfest Vets on the Farm Washington Trust Bank Waste Management West Valley High School Window Replacement Systems Ziggy’s Building Materials/ and Ziggy

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 23

Stuff the Bus - Coats for Kids Sponsored by: KXLY, STA, Valleyfest & Spokane Valley Mall Valleyfest is excited to be partnering again with KXLY, Spokane Transit Authority and the Spokane Valley Mall to gather coats for kids in need. The goal of, Stuff the Bus, is to have enough coats to fill an entire STA bus. All supplies donated will be given to the charity, Coats 4 Kids, and distributed to kids throughout Spokane and the neighboring areas for use this school year.

Support the community AND avoid the hassle of finding parking!

Park at the Spokane Valley Mall in the morning and catch the free STA bus over to Valleyfest at CenterPlace Regional Event Center and Mirabeau Point Park. Donate a coat or two at the Coats 4 Kids bins at CenterPlace Regional Event Center, Mirabeau Point Park, STA shuttle stop or at the

Coats 4 Kids bus in the park. On your way home, grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious restaurants the mall has to offer; make your day all about supporting the community of Spokane Valley.

STA Free Shuttle from Spokane Valley Mall Park near the Red Robin at the Spokane Valley Mall and catch the FREE STA shuttle bus on Saturday, September 24th from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m..

STA FREE Bus Shuttle Saturday, September. 24 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 7

The Current

24 SEPTEMBER 2016

Live Entertainment

Meadow Festival Stage - Saturday September 24, 2016 Inland Northwest Dance Association 10:30 a.m.

INDA provides the leadership and opportunities for making dance an appreciated art form in the Inland Northwest.

Desja 12:30 p.m.

John Roberts y Pan Blanco 2:30 p.m.

Men in the Making 5:00 p.m.

Soul/pop singer from Montana; awarded as Montana American Indian Musician of the Year for 2015.

A melding of high energy Funk, African and Salsa grooves with blistering instrumental solos and vocals in Spanish, English and Portuguese.

John has toured the world and played with Sting, Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga to name a few. He is a TEDx presenter and currently on the Staff at MSU-Billings.

Combining oldies rock with humor and a myriad of outrageous costume changes. Together since high school, this band will rock the park Saturday afternoon. Come have a “Blast from the Past” with Men in the Making.

INCLUSIVE Lots of INLANDERS make us their go-to newspaper. So many, in fact, that we’ve become the best-read urban weekly in the nation — for 10 years running.

Our secret? We’ve got something for everyone

— a magic mix of content that attracts nearly 190,000 concertgoing, brewpub-loving, ski-bumming, yogaposing, businessowning readers. Pick yours up free, every Thursday!

I N L A N D E R .C O M / I N VO LV E D

PAGE 8 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 25

Live Entertainment

Meadow Festival Stage - Sunday September 25, 2016 Cheryl Branz 11:30 a.m.

Moses Willey 1:15 p.m.

Armed with her acoustic guitar, versatile voice, and engaging personality, Cheryl is known for songs that range from the heartfelt to the hilarious.

Tends to push the envelope on Bluegrass by incorporating Folk, Americana, and Appalachian music traditions with originals and modern roots music, all played in their own style.

The Portatos Accordion Band 3:00 p.m.

Since early 2011, The Portatos | Accordion Band brings smiles to faces young and old with their music and show-group qualities.

Saturday & Sunday Spokane Aerial Performers

Spokane Aerial Performers are amazing artists who have performed three to four times per month since they emerged as the first aerial performance company for the Inland Northwest. Specialities are hand

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

balancing, aerial hoop, acro and fire performance with students from five to seventy-five. Visit them near the Family Stage and find them upside down.

PAGE 9 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

The Current

26 SEPTEMBER 2016

Live Entertainment

CenterPlace Patio Stage - Saturday September 24, 2016

Valley Ale Fest Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sara Brown Band 7:30 p.m.

The Cronkites Unplugged 12:00 p.m.

The Cronkites Unplugged are known for their blending of Rock music, energy, and humor into their own brand of entertainment for all types and ages.

Valleyfest celebrates our 2nd annual Ale Fest at the CenterPlace beer garden on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Meet the Brewmasters, enjoy beer on tap, and listen to great music, all brought to you by English Setter Brewing Company and Hopped Up Brewing Company.

The Sara Brown Band performs original and classic R&B music throughout the Pacific Northwest at festivals, venues, and weddings.

The Sidemen 5:30 PM 3:30 PM Car Show Awards Awards will be presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the classes: Pre-1939 to Present, Best of Class, the LOWCOS Car Club Choice, and Best of Show.

For the last three years, The Sidemen have delivered their high energy Blues/Funk blend all over the Inland Northwest area

Comedy Cup 4:00 p.m.

The 6th annual PG-rated Comedy Cup Open takes place on the west patio of CenterPlace Regional Event Center and will feature clean, family humor.

We’re each made to grow.

How—and how far—is up to us.

At Umpqua, we’re inspired by the potential within all of us and delighted to help bring it to life.

SPOKANE VALLEY

11205 E Sprague Ave Spokane Valley, WA 99206 509-891-5985 Member FDIC RBK16Q3.870 Equal Housing Lender SBA Preferred Lender

PAGE 10 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG RBK16Q3.870_Valleyfest Ad 2016.indd 1

8/8/16 3:15 PM

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 27

Car Show

Valleyfest Staff and Contributors

Saturday, September 24 CenterPlace Regional Event Center; North Lawn Registration: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fee: $10 Judging: 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Awards: 3:30 p.m.

Hosted and Judged by: The LOWCOS Car Club Come and explore the rich heritage of America’s means of transportation at Valleyfest’s annual Car Show at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center!

The show exhibits motorcylces, rat rods, classics, customs, and every machine in between. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies for classes pre-1939 to present, along with Best in Class and Specialty classes.

Not interested in cars? There will also be live music and a beer and wine garden!

2016 marks the fifth year the LOWCOS Car Club has hosted this event. They were founded in 1991 and currently have six chapters throughout

Valleyfest Office Peggy Doering Executive Director

Brad Hohn Event Day Coordinator

the Inland Northwest extending all the way to Las Vegas.

For additional information please visit the website at www.valleyfest. org/ or call the LOWCOS show chair at (509) 868-3180. There will be no pre-registration and in appreciation to the car show committee there will be no check-in until 9 a.m.

Proceeds will go to the Valleyfest Children’s Foundation to provide scholarships for qualified students.

Pat Leu Administrative Assistant Sales Manager Alyssa Nolan Event Intern Sydney Anderson Marketing Intern

Event and Marketing Consultant

Stephanie Hughes Folding Table Software Labs

Marketing Agency Ed Clark The Clark Company

Graphic Artist

Heather Berndt Lemonade Graphics

Photography

O le Group

catering

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WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

WITH THIS COUPON - MAXIMUM VALUE OF $75

Publication Printing Griffin Publishing, Inc.

Publication Distribution The Inlander The Splash/The Current

Recyled Paper Donated by Inland Empire Paper Company

Volunteers

Hundreds of people volunteer through the year. With volunteer dedication, Valleyfest is possible and successful.

Sponsors

Thank the Valleyfest sponsors by patronizing their businesses.

Turn to page five for a complete list of Valleyfest sponsors.

Special thanks to Carol Carter from CenterPlace Regional Event Center and Jennifer Papich from the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation.

15% OFF

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www.lecatering.co 2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 11

The Current

28 SEPTEMBER 2016

Live Entertainment

Family Stage - Saturday September 24, 2016 Jazzercize 10:00 a.m.

What was once the original dance party workout is now one of the world’s leading dance fitness companies. Jazzercize invites you to dance off that pancake breakfast meal and have fun while you do it!

Paper Cut-Out Crew 4:00 p.m.

Cecil’s Magic 12:00 p.m.

PCC’s mission is to encourage others to explore their cultural identity and understanding, as well as develop self-awareness and a healthy mind and body through the avenues of Hip Hop.

Cecil Lewis, who has been delighting audiences across the Great Northwest for the past 20 years, is back for another Valleyfest year bringing comedy-packed magic and lots of audience participation.

Eric Herman & Puppy Dog Dave 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Whether you are five or fifty-five, Eric Herman and Puppy Dog Dave will have you smiling from ear to ear, dancing from limb to limb, and laughing from funny bone to funny bone!

Jung Kim Martial Arts 2:00 p.m.

The mission of the Jung Kim Martial Arts Demo Team is not only to entertain, but to introduce Taekwondo to the community and show people the values they teach students: respect, discipline, honesty, integrity and dedication.

Dawn of Life 5:00 p.m.

This power house trio is just a band that wants to bring back classic music, not as in Mozart but Rock N’ Roll and Blues, bringing grooves and songs that you can instantly connect to!

A customer owned utility serving the Spokane Valley with low rates and reliable electric and water services since 1905.

Congratulates Valleyfest for another successful year of fun family activities!

PAGE 12 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

Otis Orchards Mallteers 3:00 p.m.

Through a music enrichment program that gives students in 4th-6th grade an opportunity to explore music further than just the general music class, we introduce to you the Otis Orchards Elementary Mallteers.

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 29

Live Entertainment

Family Stage - Sunday September 25, 2016 Jazzercize 11:00 a.m.

See Jazzercize description on page 12.

Cecil’s Magic 1:00 p.m.

See Cecil’s description on page 12.

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

Elite Dance 12:00 p.m.

Elite Dance hopes to build a community for dance education, and personally values every family who enters their studio.

Covenant Marimba Band 2:00 p.m.

Northwest Hula 3:00 p.m.

The Marimba Band was hand-built by their very own Covenant woodworkers.

Come and try out a Zimbabwean-style marimba and learn how to “hammer” away.

Come catch Spokane’s only professional Hula dance entertainment company, featuring authentic and traditional Hawaiian Hula, the fasthip-shaking Tahitian Dance and the New Zealand Maori Poi Ball Dance.

PAGE 13 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

The Current

30 SEPTEMBER 2016

Festival Booth Vendors Some of the vendors at Valleyfest 2016 Commercial Booths

Apple Valley Dental and Orthodontic Banner Bank Bath Fitter Boeing Employees Credit Union Culligan Current/Splash Dishman Dodge Emily Cutler State Farm Farmers Insurance - Fabio Agency Five Star Bath Solutions Fleet Feet Great Clips Green Communications, Cricket Grocery Outlet Wireless Authorized Retailer Hi5 Orthodontics HR Block Inland Empire Paper Company Inland Northwest Insurance Numerica Credit Union One Main Financial Quality Auto Trim Renewal By Andersen River City Chiropractic Sanders Family Dental Spokane Gymnastics Spokane North Army Recruiting Spokane Valley Screen Printing Sunshine Disposal & Recycling Sylvan Learning True Northwest Group Umpqua Bank Valley Hospital Vera Water and Power VPI Home Solutions Warhorse Karate-Jiu Jitsu Washington Trust Bank Waste Management

Responsible Dog Ownership Day Booths

Bark R Boutique Happier at Home Mobile Pet Sitting Happy Tails Pet Camp Inland Empire Collie Club Jake’s Doghouse Personal Delivery Service Pak9 Dog Training Paradise Pet Resort Pet Savers Sammy’s Clubhouse Spokane Ferret Rescue SCRAPS Spokane Agility Club Spokane Dog Training Club Spokane Kennel Club

PAGE 14 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

Social Service Booths

CHAS Children’s Home Society of Washington City of Spokane Valley Community Colleges of Spokane CV Bearbots Dishman Baptist Church East Valley Community Coalition EWU Fostering WA Food Empowerment Project Frontier Behavioral Health Gideons International Girl Scouts of Eastern WA and Northern ID Guardians of the Children Habitat for Humanity-Spokane Hearth Homes Hospice of Spokane Job Corps Life Services Mukogawa Ft Wright Institute Nexus Inland NW Northwest Christian Schools Operation Christmas Child OUTSPOKANE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Service Alternatives SNAP Spokane Aquifer Joint Board Spokane Babywearing Spokane Center for Independent Living Spokane County 911 Spokane County Library District Spokane PFLAG Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency Spokane Transit Authority Spokane Valley Partners Spokane Valley Stormwater/Spokane County Water Resources Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program USS Crusader Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery WSU College of Pharmacy YMCA

Food Vendor Booths

Azars Baja Babes Baja Bowls Ben & Jerry’s Big Bear Chocolates Eggroll Express Frank’s Franks Jump Up Burger King of Tacos Lylo’s Oriental Café Mr. Pop’s Popcorn Old Fashioned Kettle Corn Co Pizza Rita Soups On Southern Roasted Corn Yummy Tyme Shave Ice

Marketplace Booths

AcuHealth Solutions Agnes and Dora by Marci Avon B and G Sweet Heat Peppers Caring Coconut Customized TieDye Grand Canyon University Independent Damsel Pro, Damsel in Defense Isagenix JJ and Company Justine’s Jewelry and Accessories KiRae Kreations Lularoe Tara Cael Mama Torrez Salsa Mary Kay Matilda Jane Clothing Peaceful Paws Massage RiseNThrive (THRIVE Life) Scentsy Seahawks Fan Shop Style Dots - Customizable Jewelry and Accessories Truvision Health Young Living Essential Oils

TotFest Booths

Better Chiropractic Children’s Home Society of Washinton Chiropractic Works Wellness Center Molina Health Care Spokane Regional Library District Sweet Pea Imagery

Arts & Crafts Booths

Adornments by Donna Art to Suit You Crafty Ladies Custom Creations and Alterations Devotion In Motion Family Jewels Healing Stone Foundry Henna Me Pretty Lethal Customs LLC Love Hathaway Mai Essentials Modest Jay N and N Designs LLC Nothing Fancy Ooh La La Henna Owl Things Creative People Painters Rock Cabin Farm Rocky Road Jewelry The Basket Cases Tom Hanson Arts Uganda Beads Upcycled101Co Valley Candles Vivid Glitter Tattoos

YOU’RE AT THE CENTER OF SAVORING THE MOMENT Visit the areas most comprehensive dining destination TWIG’S BISTRO RED ROBIN BUFFALO WILD WINGS HOP JACK’S AND MANY MORE...

LOCATED AT I90 AT SULLIVAN AND EVERGREEN MON - SAT: 10AM - 9PM AND SUN: 11AM - 6PM

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 31

Balloons Over Valleyfest September 23, 24, & 25 Sunrise Launches, Night Glow, and Parade Float Sponsored by: Washington Trust Bank Looking to buy a hot air balloon?

Look no further! With only a few places in the country that make hot air balloons, the Spokane Valley is the proud home to Avian Balloon Company, manufacturer of hot air balloons. All of the balloons flying in Balloons Over Valleyfest were created in Spokane Valley.

The balloons will fly as long as the winds are calm and the skies are clear. If the wind speed is over 5 mph, the balloons will NOT go up. ● See the balloon basket in the Hearts of Gold Parade ● Watch the Night Glow on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. ● Rise and shine for the sunrise launches at 6:45 a.m. Saturday and Sunday Valleyfest thanks sponsor, Washington Trust Bank, and the hot air balloon crew members for all their efforts. This extraordinary event would not be possible without community partners.

Balloons over Valleyfest Where?

114 YEARS IN THE MAKING. TRUSTED SINCE 1902.

WHAT’S OUR SECRET? COME FIND OUT. watrust.com

CenterPlace Regional Event Center, Northwest Lawn

When?

Friday, September 23

7:30 p.m.

Hearts of Gold Parade Balloons Over Valleyfest float 15 million BTUs of Power

Saturday, September 24 6:45 a.m. Sunrise launch 8:00 p.m. Night Glow

Sunday, September 25 6:45 a.m. Sunrise launch

** All flights and Night Glow are weather permitting. Balloons cannot fly when the weather is windy.

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 15

The Current

32 SEPTEMBER 2016

The Step UP For TotFest September 25, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Down Syndrome Walk Sunday, CenterPlace Regional Event Center Saturday, September 24, 9:00 a.m.

Mirabeau Park Discovery Playground Brought to you by: DS Connections Northwest Down Syndrome Connections Northwest presents the Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk at Discovery Playground. With this walk we reach out to our community to promote awareness about Down Syndrome.

DS connections also use the walk as a fundraiser to support local and national education, research, and advocacy programs. Come support and cheer on our walkers!

Valleyfest is proud to present TotFest, which is focused on the earliest years in children’s lives, child care, school, and community programs for ages 0-6. This event will offer information and resources for parents and teachers, as well as others who care for, nurture, and teach young children. TotFest is centered to coincide with the Washington State Early Start Act. Bring your toddlers and interact with the Spokane County Library Districts “Uni” which is a poplibrary that has 24 different activities that families can do together that focus on STEM and literacy activities. Do

The Good Dinosaur Saturday, September 24, 7:30 p.m.

Out Door Movie - Mirabeau Point Park Bring your blanket, grab some popcorn and head to the lawn in front of the Family Stage for this family favorite movie, The Good Dinosaur!

In this enchanting computer-animated fantasy, set in a world where the dinosaurs never went extinct, an amiable young Apatosaurus named Arlo loses his father in a storm and is

swept away by a vicious river current, stranding him in a frightening new place far from his home. He soon embarks on a journey to reunite with his family, and befriends a prehistoric human child known as Spot along the way.

Thank you to the 200+ volunteers that make Valleyfest possible!

Come Celebrate the HUB’s 9th Birthday at our Family Fun Festival!

All events are FREE for the public!

Saturday, October 1st

Cal the office if you can volunteer during Valleyfest PAGE 16 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

developmental screenings with EWU. Visit and take classes with various businesses like Better Chiropractic, Molina Healthcare, Chiropractic Works Wellness Center, Children’s Home Society of Washington, Willow Song Music Therapy and Sweet Pea Imagery. Watch the YoYo Man, Holy Names Music Center and other performers on the outdoor performance stage and play outside games with the Spokane Valley Parks and Rec and tumble and do yoga with the Spokane Valley YMCA. Healthy Children mean a healthy and happy future!

19619 E. Cataldo | Liberty Lake, WA www.hubsportscenter.org (509) 927-0602

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

Artist Corner

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 33

Composting Demonstration Something for the Beginner to the Expert Composter

Saturday, September 24, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Mirabeau Point Park parking lot next to Waste Management Truck 13500 Mirabeau Parkway Sponsored by: WSU Master Gardener Foundation of Spokane County and City of Spokane Valley

Immerse yourself in all things art at the Artist Corner at Mirabeau Point Park! Browse, shop, and create with a variety of local, Spokane artists.

Children and adults welcome to “Create a Masterpiece” on Saturday, September 24, where we invite you to be inspired and get creative on a 5 x 7 canvas of your own for only $5. Come by the Artist Corner on Sunday, September 25 to witness Valleyfest’s first ever “Pro-Am,” where professional artists collaborate with amateurs to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The final product will be auctioned off after 3:00 p.m. In the meantime, browse and shop around the booths and Galleria, which feature many different pieces from

Learn how to turn your trash into black gold for your garden. Get your hands dirty, have fun, and explore the magical world of compost. Stop by anytime during the four hour window!

International Year of Pulses Valleyfest is proud to participate in the United Nations International Year of Pulses! Pulses have recently begun to move into the international spotlight, earning them the coveted spot of being the United Nations international topic for 2016. For those who don’t know, pulses are a category of superfood that includes lentils, dry peas, chickpeas, and dry beans. Overall, pulses offer many benefits ranging from health, affordability and food security, to sustainability, and versatility!

various professional artists.

Don’t want to lug your newly purchased art piece around Valleyfest?

Drop it off at the Artist Corner’s Concierge Service located in the Galleria, and schedule to pick it up at a more convenient time for you!

The Artist Corner is proudly sponsored by the Spokane Valley Arts Council. The Galleria is brought to you by Spokane Gallery. The “ProAm” is sponsored by Art Chowder Magazine. Proceeds from the “Create a Masterpiece” as well as the “Pro-Am” will go toward making Valleyfest 2017 possible!

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 17

The Current

34 SEPTEMBER 2016

Interactive Activities

Throughout Mirabeau Point Park Interactive Activities are Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. unless noted in article Human Foosball

Children’s Activities

2nd Chance Ranch

Sidewalk Games

Life-sized foosball on a 20’ X 37’ field. Put your team together and come join the fun. Great for both kids and adults. 14 players put their hands on the pole and kick their way to a win. This game was donated to Valleyfest by Eagle Scout Darren Hohn.

Make and Take Art, Inflatables, Magicians, Photo Booth, Animated Characters, Face Painting and More to keep your children entertained.

Mobile petting zoo gives children a fabulous, hands-on animal experience.

It gives these unwanted animals another chance and gives your children chance to watch and hold these loving animals.

Never get bored at Valleyfest with these life-sized board games. These games have become a Summer must do in the Spokane area. So come test your skills or challenge a friend to a variety of games.

Astronomy 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Saturday Only Sponsored by Spokane Astronomical Society View sunspots and solar flares through telescopes of all sizes at the Spokane Astronomical Society booth.

The Mobius Planetarium will be located at CenterPlace Regional Event Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

From 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. the Spokane Astronomical Society will give an inside look of the stars, planets, and globular clusters of the universe at Mirabeau Point Park.

www.scldfriends.org

COME DREAM WITH US.

WE’RE PASSIONATE about literacy, education, engaging programs, & our communities.

National Friends of Libraries Week: October 16–22, 2016 Let’s celebrate! Become a Friend. Donate. Volunteer.

District-Wide Book Sale

PAGE 18 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

After Hours at the Library

ALL LIBRARIES Oct 8, 10am–3pm

NORTH SPOKANE LIBRARY Oct 14, 7–9pm

Buy gently used books, music, and movies at all of our library locations.

Enjoy readings by local authors and learn how the Friends of the Library support the community through programs and events.

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 35

Fishing at the Falls Saturday, September 24, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Mirabeau Springs Sponsored by: Cabela’s This Cabela’s sponsored event teaches kids patience and perseverance while also promoting an appreciation and respect for nature and the environment. Fishing is open to any child under the age of 14 regardless of experience. Cabela’s expert outfitters will teach children proper fishing practices and casting techniques in a fun and friendly environment.

All equipment and bait is provided and all the fish caught will be donated to the Union Gospel Mission to feed those in need. The line for fishing will close promptly at 3:30 p.m.

Valleyfest appreciates the American Medical Response, Spokane Valley Firefighters and Police Department for all the assistance in making our community safe.

Stop by their booths and give them a BIG

Thank you!

Dog Gone Fun Day Sunday, September 25, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Mirabeau Point Park Meadows 13500 Mirabeau Parkway Sponsored by: Numerica Credit Union For the ninth year in a row, Valleyfest and the Spokane Kennel Club have teamed up to bring Responsible Dog Ownership Day to the City of Spokane Valley, this year on September 25th. The day is dedicated to educating dog owners about responsible ownership, from researching the right breed for a family to raising a healthy, happy dog.

Canine guests must be vaccinated, ALWAYS on a leash, and are never allowed to approach other dogs. We ask that you please be responsible and clean up after your dog while visiting Valleyfest. The day will include: ● Spokane Disc Dogs Competition Registration at 8:30 a.m. ● Special Presentation to Spokane Police Department K9 Unit ● Agility Demonstrations & Trieball ● Dog & Owner Look Alike Contest 1st place prizes awarded by Pawpular Companions ● Meet the Breeds ● Best Paradise Pet Costume Contest 1st place prize given by Paradise Pet Resort

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

● Child Safety Course ● Weiner Doggie Races 1st place awarded by Little Long Dogs Dachshund Rescue ● Lure Coursing ● Shelters, Rescue, Training and Breeding Clubs ● Pet Blessings

Featuring Bama & Izzie.

● Microchip clinic and much more Thank you Numerica Credit Union for support and sponosorship of local rescue groups and shelters at Valleyfest 2016. See you Sunday!

Offering a large selection of Toys Apparel Accessories Nutritious Foods 21950 E. Country Vista Drive • Suite 100 ~ Liberty Lake, WA 99019 509-927-8890 ~ www.pawpularcompanions.com

Community spirit rocks.

Proud sponsor of Responsible Dog Ownership Day

800.433.1837 numericacu.com Federally insured by NCUA

2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 19

The Current

36 SEPTEMBER 2016

Multisports Day

Plantes Ferry Sports Complex Multisports Day Sponsored by: The YMCA of the Inland Northwest and Fleet Feet

Duathlon

Sunday, September 25, 8:00 a.m.

Plantes Ferry Sports Complex - West Picnic Shelter Enjoy the scenery of Spokane Valley on the first annual timed Duathlon on Sunday, September 25th at 8:00 a.m.

The course consists of a 5-kilometer run along the Spokane River, followed by an 11-mile bike ride through the neighborhoods of Spokane Valley, and ends with the same 5-kilometer loop on the Centennial Trail.

All transitions take place at Plantes Ferry Sports Complex West Picnic Shelter area. Athletes can participate individually or grab a friend and participate as a team!

Entry into the first annual

timed Duathlon starts at $30 for individuals and $50 for a team of two. Registrations completed after September 19, 2016 will incur a late fee and will not receive a T-shirt. For a detailed map and complete event information, visit: www.valleyfest.org or by calling (509) 922-3299

Races timed by Across the Finish Line Timing

WE ARE PUTTING COMMUNITY FIRST

FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

NO CONTRACTS 1 MEMBERSHIP 3 LOCATIONS

JOIN THE YMCA TODAY! ymcaspokane.org 509 777 YMCA (9622)

PAGE 20 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

In the true credit union spirit of “people helping people,” BECU proudly sponsors Valleyfest!

5K/10K Run

Sunday, September 25, 8:00 a.m.

Plantes Ferry Sports Complex - West Picnic Shelter The Valleyfest annual timed 5K and 10K Run starts and finishes at a new location this year: Plantes Ferry-West Parking Lot Picnic Shelter on Sunday, September 25th. This timed run is for everyone - from the Spokane Valley adventurer, to the serious runner, to families wanting to stroll the trail and spend time together outdoors.

Registration for the 5K and 10K Run is $20 before Monday, September 19th to receive a T-shirt.

Registrations completed after Monday, September 19th will be $30 and will not receive a T-shirt. You can register online at: www.valleyfest.org or by calling (509) 922-3299.

CHECK IN FOR MULTISPORTS EVENTS: Packet Pickup for Duathlon and 5K/10K Run Fleet Feet Sports Spokane 13910 E Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 Friday September 23, 2016 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday September 24, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Family Bike Ride

North Centennial Trailhead Sunday, September 27, 11:00 a.m.

Family Bike Ride Sunday, September 25, 12:00 p.m.

North Centennial Trail/Mirabeau Point Park Sponsored by: Bike Hub Calling Families!

Valleyfest’s annual Family Bike Ride, sponsored by The Bike Hub, takes place with check in at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 25th, and commence along the beautiful Centennial Trail and Spokane River at noon.

There are four leader-guided routes to choose from including: 6.8 miles, 8.8 miles, 13.5 miles, and 15.6 miles.

Proceeds from the bike ride help support bike safety in Spokane Valley.

Find routes and information online at: www.valleyfest.org or by calling (509) 922-3299

Valleyfest orders t-shirts on Monday, September 19, 2016.

Register ONLINE by this date!

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 37

Stay in Spokane Valley La Quinta Inn & Suites 3808 N. Sullivan Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 893-0955 laquintaspokane.com

Comfort Inn & Suites 12415 E. Mission Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 926-7432 choicehotels.com

Hampton Inn & Suites 16418 E. Indiana Ave. Spokane Valley, WA, 99216 (509) 928-6900 hamptoninn3.hilton.com

Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99037 (509) 924-9000 mirabeauparkhotel.com

Holiday Inn Express 9220 E. Mission Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99206 (509) 927-7100 ihg.com

Marriott Residence Inn 15915 E. Indiana Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 892-9300 marriott.com

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My Place Hotel 16106 E. Indiana Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 228-6105 myplacehotels.com

Quality Inn & Suites 8923 E. Mission Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99212 (509) 928-5218 choicehotels.com

Ramada 905 N. Sullivan Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99037 (509) 924-3838 ramada.com

Super 8 2020 N. Argonne Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99212 (509) 928-4888 super8.com

the Spokane County VISITWater Resource Center

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PAGE 29

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MARCH 101 ZAGNESS PAGE 39

DEPUTY

Honoring local communities and encouraging citizen involvement

Liberty Lake’s Community Newspaper

Stop by our booth at Valleyfest on Sept. 24!

A Valley-wide Community Newsmonthly

Connect with The Splash and The Current.

For information on advertising options and sponsorship opportunities, email advertise@ libertylakesplash.com P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

509-242-7752

     

LEARN ABOUT

K-12 Pre-schools College classes

Scouts Civic groups Non-profits

Families

Professionals

Retirees

ENGAGE

Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Spokane River Aquifer-River Interchange Simulation models Wastewater Treatment Guided activities Water Reclamation Stormwater

the state-of-the-art Spokane County

TOUR Water Reclamation Facility!

Learn how the County’s water reclamation facility protects drinking water.

Schedule a Visit: wrc@spokanecounty.org  509.477.7577 More information: www.spokanecounty.org/wrc

www.libertylakesplash.com • www.valleycurrent.com WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 21

38 SEPTEMBER 2016

Robotics and STEM

The Current

Demonstrations and Activities Saturday, September 24, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

CenterPlace Regional Event Center Sponsored by: Exploring Families Come play with robots at Valleyfest!

This free event, brought to you by Exploring Families, will entice kids and adults of all ages to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and robotic activities. Available activities include: ● Robotics students will showcase robots they have designed to play - come experience for yourself and interact with robots! ● Observe several types, sizes, and shapes of robots from local high school students, some as big as refrigerators! ● With the assistance of Spokane County 4-H, learn about Lego WeDo robots - which are challenging yet simple to build and operate. ● Get your hands dirty exploring wild outdoor science with FindTheWild. org. We’ll bring natural adventures

inside for this exciting night! ● Remember your grandmother’s old sewing machine? Discover the high tech world of sewing today that combines your imagination and computers inside computerized sewing machines.

Miss Spokane Valley Valleyfest Royalty

2016

SPOKANE VALLEY FIRE department

open house

PAGE 22 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

This year marked the second year of the Miss Spokane Valley pageant, where contestants poured in for the coveted opportunity to represent Valleyfest and the City of Spokane Valley. The contestants attended a panel interview, gave a speech on the topic, “Why I love Spokane Valley,” as well as answered on-stage questions.

The judges selected Hannah Mumm, a student at Central Valley High School, as Miss Spokane Valley 2016, and Lexus Jordan and Melinda Mott, both students at University High School, as her court.

Together the royalty traveled to several area parades inviting local communities to Valleyfest and Spokane Valley’s Hearts of Gold Parade. For the first time ever, the Spokane Valley Royalty will represent Valleyfest on the Hearts of Gold float.

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 39

Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration Sunday, July 30, 2017 Mirabeau Point Park

Valleyfest Children’s Foundation The Valleyfest Children’s Foundation provides small grants to enrich the lives of students interested in pursuing an activity in arts, culture, science, sports, or math. These grants are intended to support student success with financial support to do something their family might not otherwise be able to afford. The aim is to give elementary, middle, and high school students the chance to participate in activities not typically funded by

Spend the day with family and friends enjoying the scenic beauty in and around Spokane Valley on your choice of a 10-mile, 25-mile, or 50mile bike ride. All riders start at the North Centennial Trail head across from Mirabeau Point Park Meadows.

All skill levels will enjoy the Spokane River, comfort stations, and the beautiful scenery of Spokane Valley.

other organizations. Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast, Pro-Am, Create a Masterpiece, and Classic Car Show held annually during Valleyfest in September fund this program. A special thank Umpqua Bank for their generous donation to the Valleyfest Children’s Foundation. For more information regarding the application process, visit us at valleyfest.org or call the office at (509) 922-3299.

There is an after-ride party with music and yummy food. The Cycle Committee is talking about adding an even longer ride for next year! Stay up to date on next year’s event. Find Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration at: valleyfest.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @cyclecelebration

Board of Directors The Valleyfest Board of Directors thank Sponsors and Volunteers for supporting Valleyfest 2016!

Rick Wilhite – President Wilhite Enterprises, Gail Bongiovanni - Vice President Gail’s School of Dance Steve Florance - Treasurer Inland Northwest Insurance Debbie Green - Secretary Washington Trust Bank Peggy Doering Valleyfest Executive Director Steven O. Anderson Stamper Rubens, P.S. Rory Henneberg Umpqua Bank Stephanie Hughes Folding Table Software Lab Wendy Jackson Spokane Valley YMCA Judy Lippman American Cancer Society Heather D. Morgan Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. Melanie Rose Spokane Valley Fire Department Melissa Webb Eide Bailly, LLP Shirene Young Inland Empire Paper Company

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

2017 Valleyfest Auction

Friday, May 5, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

CenterPlace Regional Event Center Mark the calendar and plan to buy tickets to the ninth annual Valleyfest Auction and Fundraiser on Friday, May 5, 2017. Auction supporters begin the effort to help 200 volunteers as they strive to keep the Spokane Valley’s premier event free and open to the public.

The 2016 event was full of Mardi Gras madness and is possible because of the generosity from the following community sponsors: Valley Hospital/ Rockwood Health Systems, Baker Construction, Banner Bank, Current/ Liberty Lake Splash, Inland Empire Paper Company, Inland Northwest Bank, Providence Healthcare, Molina Healthcare, Umpqua Bank, Spokane International Airport and Felts Field, Waste Management, and Washington Trust Bank.

2016 VALLEYFEST • PAGE 23

The Current

40 SEPTEMBER 2016

M eeting Perfection

Corporate Meetings to Weddings “You can’t beat the jewel of the Valley”

♦ Great Room for 350 to 450 people ♦ Fireside Lounge with outside deck ♦ Meeting & event rooms with picturesque views ♦ In-house catering ♦ 380 free parking spaces ♦ Affordable

Home of Featured Valleyfest Events at CenterPlace September 24 and 25, 2016 ♦ Hot Air Balloon Launches ♦ Pancake Breakfast ♦ Classic Car Show ♦ Food Available ♦ Beer & Wine Garden

♦ CenterPlace Outdoor Stage

Entertainment from 1:30 - 9pm including music & comedy

♦ Totfest ♦ Hot Air Balloon - Night Glow

Complete schedule with times inside.

www.spokanevalley.org ~ 509-688.0300 ~ Mirabeau Point Park PAGE 24 • 2016 VALLEYFEST

WWW.VALLEYFEST.ORG

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 41

Brought to you by

International Talk like a Pirate Day

September 19, 2016 started in 1995 but didn’t really get going until Dave Barry wrote about it in his news column in 2002. It’s a silly holiday that celebrates the history and speech from the Golden Age of Pirates. Don’t forget to growl and scowl. Most importantly, Have Fun! Your basic words to learn are: Word Definition Ahoy!

Hello Aye Why yes Avast Stop and give attention Matey Friend Scallywag A bad person Sea Rover Pirate ship Lubber Someone who stays on land Cackle Fruit Chicken egg Batten down the Prepare for a storm hatches Grub Food Shiver me timbers What a surprise or shave my back Heave to Stop Blow me down What a surprise Savvy Understand Plunder Steal Poop deck Highest deck at the ship’s rear

Fun Facts

• Piracy began over 2000 years ago in Ancient Greece.

• The golden age of the pirates was between 1620 and 1720.

• Privateers worked with their government to rob enemy nations.

• Sir Francis Drake was the most famous privateer who shared his profits with Queen Elizabeth.

• Buccaneers were found in the Caribbean.

• Buccaneers invented a special kind of sword called a cutlass.

The Current

42 SEPTEMBER 2016

Descendant of William Wallace made famous in Braveheart

He married American actress Patricia Neal in 1953. They had five children.

Scrumdiddlyumptious which means food that is utterly delicious was his first new word to be used mainstream.

He didn’t like the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory film so he didn’t allow any other of his books to be adapted in his lifetime.

He worked on the screenplays for James Bond “You Only Live Twice” and “Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang”

Author Spotlight

(1916-1990)

“One of the greatest storytellers of the 20th century,” is just one of the ways Roald has been described.

He is one of the bestselling fiction authors of all time, with over 200 million in sales printed in 60 languages. He was born and raised in Wales to Norwegian parents. Undesirable school experiences inspired some of his books.

Photography and literature are what he enjoyed most but his teachers didn’t like his writing.

In 1939, Roald joined the Royal Air Force and became a squadron leader. After an accident in 1942, he became an attaché at the British Embassy in Washington D.C. While there he worked with MI6 and other spymasters. His first published story “Shot Down Over Libya” was purchased by the Saturday Evening Post. It was based on his war adventures. “The Gremlins” was his first children’s book but it wasn’t until 1961 that he became successful with “James and the Giant Peach”. In total he wrote 19 children’s books, most were told from a child’s point-of-view with a villain and a helpful adult.

Creative use of language and his invention of words make his writing very recognizable. He also wrote over 60 short stories for adults most were darkly humorous. He wrote television and movie scripts. During his lifetime, he received many awards including 3 Edgars. His funeral was Viking-like, in that he was buried with pencils, chocolates, wine, a power saw and other favorite things. Since his death numerous monuments, galleries and museums have been established and his estate continues the charity work that he started.

l h a D d Roal

Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary contains over 500 of his invented words and their meanings.

He wrote in his garden shed.

The B.F.G. was his favorite book that he wrote.

His misfortunes motivated him to co-create a WDT valve for neurosurgeons which helped thousands of people and become a vocal advocate for immunizations.

Set of postage stamps based on his books.

He was very tall for his generation, standing 6’6”.

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 43

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Alligator Craft 1. Fold your piece of paper into 8 equal strips. Cut out creating piece A. Cut six of these strips in half creating piece B. Cut one of these halves in half lengthwise creating piece C. You should have 2A 11B and 2C. 2. Starting with one of your B pieces, glue ends together to form a loop.

Make a chain of ten B pieces.

3. Place an A piece in one end of your chain, glue it a few inches from the end. Cut it at an angle to form the tail.

4. Fold remaining A piece in half. Glue the center only in the opposite end of your chain to form the snout. Cut it into a V shape.

5. Take B piece, fold in half, cut ends into a curved shape for the eyes. Unfold and glue to the underside of the snout right next to the chain. Bend ends up to make the eyes stand up.

6. Fold both ends at an angle on the two C pieces to make the legs. Glue the legs onto the two end sections of the chain. Now you can add teeth, draw on claws, and make eyes or use stickers.

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

The Current

44 SEPTEMBER 2016

Valley football programs set ambitious goals for new season

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor Two new football coaches make their debuts, joining veterans Adam Fisher, Craig Whitney and Jim Wood as Spokane Valley football teams anticipate the new season that begins Sept. 2.

Ryan Butner at Central Valley and Adam Daniel at University experienced their baptisms of fire when teams hit the field for real when practices started in mid-August.

Both were alumni and assistants at their respective schools.

Great Northern League’s Fisher at East Valley and Whitney at West Valley had young rosters last year.

Wood at Freeman in the Northeast A also returns an abundance of experience.

Greater Spokane League CENTRAL VALLEY Much of the team that reached post season last year is back.

“Our senior class right now, many have started since they were sophomores,” coach Ryan Butner said.

But – players meet your coaches – most of the coaching brain trust is new. Dave Myers left his head coaching job at Interlake in Bellevue and moved with his Spokane area native wife who took a job here. He applied for the open head job at CV and took on the role of offensive coordinator.

Tre’von Tuggles, the Greater Spokane League rushing leader last season, will be the focal point of the Central Valley running game in 2016 after transferring from University.

Photo by Mike Vlahovich

Travis Harmon arrived from Lake City in Coeur d’Alene where he was a defensive coordinator and finalist for the head job there. Another veteran coach, Brian Spencer from Bothell, is the third significant hire.

“All three of those guys are phenomenal,” Butner said. “I’ve been able to pick up some really, really good coaches.”

One constant is Rick Giampietri.

He may have resigned as head coach, but he’s back coaching the defense.

Also new is Tre’von Tuggles who came over from U-Hi after leading the GSL in rushing last season.

“He is very talented,” Butner understated, aware that people are thinking he might have been recruited. “He showed up (at semester) before people had applied for jobs, ran track and went to camp with us.”

The Bears return 14 starters and enough talent to two-platoon.

Conner DeGeest inherits the quarterback spot. Back with All-GSL credentials are BYU-bound kicker Ryan Rehkow second in the nation in punting, Travis Hawkins, a fouryear starter; junior Jase Edwards and dominating lineman Jordan Talafili.

UNIVERSITY This isn’t the way coach Adam Daniel’s first season was supposed to begin. Tuggles departed and to make matters worse, the bulk of last year’s offense graduated.

But that hasn’t deterred the University alum who brings different dynamic to the Titans’ practices.

At an early practice he expressed optimism despite graduating 16 starters on a team that had a promising 5-0 start, but ended with a meltdown dropping its final five games.

“I don’t want to be too cliché, but it doesn’t matter what you run or what your defense is about, it’s your chemistry, it’s the bonds you build with our brothers in the summer,” Daniel said. “We’re going to build relationships and just kind of fight for one another.”

The Titans, he said, despite the abdication of Tuggles, will run the ball more than they did out a spread offense formation last year, Daniel said, joking he wants to put the responsibility on his brother Jason’s defense.

“I told him to hold teams to 40 points and we’d be OK, because we’re going to score 45,” he quipped.

Seriously? “I like ball control and good defense,” he revealed. “We’ll try to control the clock and keep other teams off the field.”

Last year’s backup quarterback Zak Sherick will take the reins.

Lineman Marcus Miller one of three returning third year starters earned All-GSL recognition last year. Backs

Defensive lineman Zach Duffie returns to West Valley after being named to the All Great Northern League first team in 2015. The Eagles tied East Valley for third in the GNL last season. Photo by Mike Vlahovich Bryan Brayley and Jordan Moore are the others.

Linemen Clayton Fincher and Ethan Jones are fourth-year starters and 280-pound junior Campbell Barrington, already a BYU commit, and receiver Josh Brantley are other veterans.

“We’re young and inexperienced, but I think, gosh, we’ll grow fast – we’ll be competitive,” Daniel said.

U-Hi teacher and longtime assistant with the Titans and Lewis and Clark, Joe Turman, came back to replace Daniel as the offensive line coordinator.

Great Northern League WEST VALLEY Last year the Eagles had speed to burn, if not the productivity they’d have liked. This year they’ll rely on the size of the line, nine of whom return four on offense and five on defense.

“We elected to kind of platoon a bit and it helped our practices,” Coach Craig Whitney explained. “They are looking pretty good.”

Among them are All-GNL linemen Zach Duffie (first team), Connor Koker and Avery Richards (second) and “three kids named Josh” (Moss, Ryder, and Quirk) – who, among them, Whitney said, “We have 900 pounds of humanity. I said, ‘Holy cow! I’d hate to feed you guys.’”

Although the sprinters are gone, coaches think this year’s backfield can be more productive. “I don’t think we’ll have any superstars, but they’re going to be real good, solid players,” said Whitney.

Whitney’s son Connor was a second-team All-GNL defensive back. Hunter Wright returns at quarterback.

“I really like our strength and conditioning,” Whitney said. “Now we have to make some plays and

hold onto the football better than we did last year.”

EAST VALLEY One game separated four teams in the GNL last year. The Knights and WV shared third place. The goal now is to surpass Clarkston and Cheney.

Having five all-league players back is a good way for the Knights to start.

Two of them, Colin Spendlove – who pitched EV into the State 2A baseball tournament – and Rodrick Jackson are All-GNL defenders and receivers. Spendlove had double digit touchdown catches and Jackson complimented him to provide much of the season’s offense.

Also back are key linemen, firstteam all-league Pat Coleman and second-teamer Adam Kirk.

“The skill players have very good speed and the linemen have a great motor,” coach Adam Fisher said.

Expected key contributors are receiver-defender Randy McDonald and running back Isaiah Ervin.

Perhaps the biggest key to success will be the ability to replace prolific passer Dante Clayton.

“These kids have played lots and have worked very hard to be very successful this season,” Fisher said.

Northeast A League FREEMAN There was a silver lining to the Scotties’ injury filled-season in 2015. A lot of players got game time. At that, they compiled a 6-3 season even if they missed the playoffs.

“We have a lot of experience due to (those) injuries,” coach Jim Wood said.

Among the 20-plus or so players who were seasoned on the varsity field were two-way players JT Neely at quarterback and safety, Desmond Parisotto, a receiver and defensive back; Konnor Freudenthal, a fullback-linebacker; McCabe Cottrell, tight end-linebacker; Simon Rooney, starting center and defensive end late in the season.

Jackson Clark was a two-way lineman, Zach Trumble was a tight end/linebacker and Dylan Pavlischak saw playing time both ways late in the season.

“I look for a more consistent passing attack with potential for a solid ground game,” Wood said.

“The offensive line is a question mark, but the potential is there.

Defense is a little more defined because of so many injuries last year.

“Linebacker and defensive line has a little more depth than we have had,” he added. “Since this is high school football, how it ends up, who knows?”

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 45

BECU

Continued from page 16 civic connections in earnest well before the doors open. A $62,000 grant to SNAP, Spokane County’s nonprofit community action agency, will translate into a continuation of the agency’s Financial Stability counseling program.

“We had reached a point where outside funding cuts had put our Financial Counseling program in jeopardy,” said SNAP CEO Julie Honekamp. “Thanks to this generous gift from BECU, we now know this program will keep going and growing.”

Each year, over 800 residents of the greater Spokane area enroll in the program that addresses areas like credit repair and money management. Staffed by one financial counselor and two volunteers, the program typically has a six-week waiting list. Many clients seeking to start a business or buy their first home utilize the program to improve their credit scores and learn how to more effectively manage their money.

“Our

Financial

Counseling

program prepares for and actually gets our clients on a path to build their credit scores and gain control of their money,” said Chris Pasterz, SNAP Financial Stability director.

“With the new support of BECU, we are bolstering the program to ensure that we continue to serve our clients and prepare them for the next stages of their financial stability journey.”

The Financial Counseling program is comprised of two courses, “Navigating the Credit World” and “Give Yourself a Raise” and includes individual consultation with the agency’s certified financial counselor. When completed by clients, they are eligible for SNAP’s credit builder loan program.

One SNAP client named Jeanette suffered a stroke several years ago and was unable to work. During her recovery, she fell behind on her car payments. Eventually, the vehicle was repossessed.

Last September, she enrolled in the credit building workshop with few expectations. Living on a fixed budget from a small amount of disability income, she was facing collections while watching her credit

score plummet. The workshop and the credit builder program helped Jeanette navigate her way back to financial accountability. While Jeanette was unable to remove the car payment delinquency from her report, her score still jumped from 0 to 704 in around five months.

“Now someone who found herself in a situation many would call hopeless has a huge sense of financial accomplishment,” said SNAP Financial Counselor Jay McPherson.

“She also has confidence and peace of mind moving forward knowing she has a downpayment in savings and a credit score that will allow her to purchase a car whenever she is ready.”

“BECU has a long history of providing financial education and helping those in need,” said Benson Porter, CEO of BECU. “The credit union ‘people helping people’ philosophy is a cornerstone of our brand and well matched with SNAP’s mission of providing the Spokane community with access to financial counseling services. With a growing member and employee base here and new branches

opening this month, we look forward to supporting this vibrant city and its residents.”

Earlier this year, Hearth Homes, a Spokane Valley-based nonprofit that provides transitional housing to homeless women and children, received $10,000 through BECU’s “People Helping People” program.

Over 250 nominations were submitted by BECU members with a total of $170,000 awarded to 13 nonprofit organizations.

BECU is a consistent supporter of Junior Achievement of Washington, a program that teaches financial literacy to students. Last year, Junior Achievement brought its money management curriculum to Central Valley High School. BECU is also a benefactor of Rebuilding Together Spokane, an organization that provides safe and affordable housing for low-income residents.

“We live in a very caring community that looks out for nonprofit causes,” said Honekamp.

“BECU fits right in. They are proving that they walk the talk. It’s clear their investment here goes beyond opening some branches. They want to help their neighbors.”

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The Current

46 SEPTEMBER 2016 Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Otis Orchards resident drives awareness of electric cars, solar energy

Katy Allen says it was a presentation Rasmussen did for the city council two years ago that prompted the city to look into the feasibility of building a public charging station.

By Jamie Borgan

Splash Correspondent It’s hard to predict what one might wind up doing when spending an afternoon with Jorgen Rasmussen.

It could involve flying a restored historic plane over Liberty Lake or driving Rasmussen’s electric car around Otis Orchards. It may be playing badminton at the West Central Community Center or visiting Rasmussen’s large personal solar array.

Rasmussen’s eclectic and diverse talents and interests, while perhaps showing a bit of personal whimsy, also serve the important purpose of drawing serious attention to difficult and pressing issues facing our world, such as the effects of fossil fuels on climate change and the need for cleaner energy.

Rasmussen, who hails originally from Fyn, Denmark, grew up in

Denmark native Jorgen Rasmussen has lived in the U.S. since 1984 and in Otis Orchards since 2006. An engineer at Frencken American in Liberty Lake, Rasmussen extolls the benefits of electric cars and alternative energy.

Photo by Jamie Borgan

The Rasmussen property in Otis Orchards includes an array of 40 solar panels that generate enough energy for the entire household.

Photo by Jamie Borgan an agricultural family and learned mechanics from a young age. He studied engineering in Denmark and made trips to the U.S. for study, eventually moving here in 1984. It was during his mechanical engineering studies that an interest in wind energy developed. Denmark is a forerunner in generating power from wind technology and Rasmussen wrote his final thesis on wind turbines. After arriving in the U.S., Rasmussen lived in New Jersey and Portland, Oregon before moving to Otis Orchards in 2006.

He currently works as an engineer at Frencken American in Liberty Lake.

Rasmussen says that the Spokane Valley is not unlike where he grew up in Denmark, with its rural ethos and slightly laid back pace of life. His homestead, Solar Acres Farm, embodies a pastoral calm, though evidence of his vibrant energy abounds.

The central figure of Rasmussen’s property is an enormous solar array of 40 solar panels that can generate more than enough power for an entire household. Rasmussen dug and laid the infrastructure for the entire network himself. Through an incentive program offered by Avista, Rasmussen gets reimbursed by the power company for the energy he generates annually.

His farm is a testament to his holistic thinking. Two steers whose meat he’ll eventually sell, graze in the grasses surrounding the solar panels, and a handful of chickens

wander about the field, temporarily separated from the flock of 36 Rasmussen maintains for eggs. A large vegetable and flower garden sit next to a greenhouse (which of course Rasmussen built himself) teeming with huge tomato plants and vining cucumbers. The effect, while bucolic, is also pragmatic and generates healthy food and clean energy.

We tour Rasmussen’s farm in his Nissan Leaf. Electric cars are a particular passion of his and his energy for the subject has driven him to organize community events and opportunities for electric vehicle owners and Valley citizens to learn about alternative transportation and energy.

Rasmussen’s enthusiasm is palpable. He’s been instrumental in organizing an upcoming event on Saturday, Sept. 17 in Liberty Lake as part of National Drive Electric Week, which will gather electric vehicle owners and residents curious to learn about solar energy and electric cars. The event, which also features a live band, takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the grounds of the Liberty Lake Farmers Market on Meadowwood Lane and is part of a large number of events occurring around the country during that week, including one in Palouse on Saturday, Sept.

10.

Rasmussen’s dedication has even prompted the city of Liberty Lake to look at ways of accommodating electric vehicles. City Administrator

The city subsequently applied for a grant from Avista to put in a public charging station accessible and available to all residents.

Though Allen anticipates that a large number of golf cart drivers will use the station, she says it was really Rasmussen’s enthusiasm for electric transportation that pushed the city to look at it. She describes Rasmussen as “a very dedicated man” who she “admires a great deal,” adding that it really takes the effort and energy of citizens like Rasmussen to move cities forward on these types of issues.

Rasmussen engages issues he cares about in a very hands-on way. He tries to live in a manner that minimizes his footprint, believing that we can’t just talk about changing or wait for large scale efforts at change, but must take action as citizens to address the problems facing our world. Yet, he manages to do it without heavyhanded rhetoric or dire predictions for the future of our planet.

When speaking about the coal trains that pass 100 yards from his house, Rasmussen says, “I went to the coal train hearings to testify.”

With a wry smile he continues in his slight Danish accent, “I told them it’s a real problem when all that steel of the passing trains interferes with our television reception while my wife wants to watch ‘Downton Abbey.’”

Although Rasmussen’s primary motivation for his interest in alternative energy and electric vehicles may center on the pragmatic, it’s obvious that he enjoys the novelty of them as well.

“Have you ever ridden in a Tesla?” he asks smiling, as we watch one drive down the road, “Now that’s a hoot.”

Herein lies the beauty of Rasmussen’s approach to pressing environmental problems – while the sheer scope of them can seem daunting to an individual, Rasmussen’s keen knowledge, applied with such a focus on inclusion and community, makes approaching these issues seem not only achievable, but fun.

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 47

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The Current

48 SEPTEMBER 2016

O’Quinn, Biviano learn lessons from primary election

By Craig Howard

Current Editor Shelly O’Quinn and Andrew Biviano both graduated from high school in 1993 – O’Quinn from Central Valley, Biviano from St. George’s. Each has done social services work – Biviano as a mental health case worker and O’Quinn in homeless outreach and through a micro-enterprise program in Honduras.

Yet some would say that’s where the similarities end for the two candidates running for Spokane County commissioner in District 2.

O’Quinn is the Republican incumbent, having served as one of three commissioners since defeating Daryl Romeyn in the 2012 general election. Biviano is the Democratic challenger, who worked as an assistant U.S. attorney before going into private practice.

In the Aug. 2 primary election, O’Quinn captured 59.83 percent of the vote with Biviano earning 39.90 percent. The ballots were open to District 2 voters only last month while all voters in Spokane County will weigh in on the race in the Nov. 8 general election.

District 2 encompasses an area that includes the cities of Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Millwood and southeast Spokane County.

In total, nine jurisdictions are represented – more than any other district – along with sections of unincorporated Spokane County.

“The election went about as expected,” said Biviano. “I’m staying pretty neutral about it.”

Both candidates knocked on thousands of doors before the primary, an effort they say will continue.

Despite being in office for nearly four years, O’Quinn says she is “not taking anything for granted.”

“I want people to know that I’m taking this campaign very seriously,” she said.

While on the campaign trail, Biviano said he has encountered residents disgruntled with the commissioners’ current approach.

He has talked about bringing more transparency to the system and placing more value on citizen input.

“I didn’t realize how much

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See PRIMARY, Page 49 89281_DMC_Q1HAWS_7_33x11_5c.indd 1

1/14/16 10:03 AM

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 49

Schoen remembered as dedicated civic leader in Millwood

By Mary Anne Ruddis

Current Correspondent If relationships and service form the measure of a life, Richard “Dick” Schoen stands as a pillar over his nearly 72 years.

Born in New York City on Oct. 31 1944, Dick passed away on July 18 after a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis four years prior.

Patti Schoen remembers her husband as full of energy and dedicated to his family, the fire department and the community.

“I couldn’t keep up with him,” she said.

Schoen served on the Millwood City Council for close to a quarter century in total, beginning in 1990 until 2001 and again from 2006 up until the present.

“Dick was instrumental to me for his insight into public transportation and the Spokane Transit Authority,” said Millwood Mayor Kevin Freeman. “I relied on his experience and counsel in

PRIMARY

Continued from page 48 frustration was out there,” he said. “The commissioners are not including citizens in the decisionmaking process.”

O’Quinn says she is also hearing the grumbling, but about the broader political scene.

“Most of the feedback I’m getting this year is that people are unhappy with politics in general, especially on the national level – on both sides,” she said. “When it comes to local issues, I remind them that I’m the local contact for concerns that impact their day-to-day lives.”

With his background in criminal justice, social services and other areas relevant to county government, Biviano said he would bring practical, hands-on experience to the role.

“It’s not just theoretical,” he said.

“People like the idea of having someone from the fields that the county oversees.”

While the challenger has chosen not to overtly criticize his opponent

Schoen served as a volunteer firefighter with the Millwood Fire Department and was appointed as a lieutenant in 1994. Former Millwood Fire Chief Jim Anderson commissioned this memorial plaque that he presented to Schoen’s family.

Photo by Mary Anne Ruddis developing my relationship with STA and understanding how vital public transit is to Millwood. His experience and dedication to Millwood and the community at large made him a valued council member and he will be greatly missed.”

Former Millwood Mayor Dan Mork worked with Schoen for many years, serving with him as a fellow council member and then as mayor

– “I’m running for a job instead of running against someone,” he says – Biviano has been critical of what he sees as the county’s “high turnover of employees and low pay.” He also has issues with the trio of current commissioners’ perspective on land use.

“We just have different values,” he said. “I want to make the county more inclusive. I’m not going to ignore developers, but I do want the public to have more input.”

O’Quinn points the progress the county has made in three areas of emphasis – jobs/economy, public safety and roads/transportation – in the time she has been a commissioner.

“In all those areas, I think we have made improvements but we still have a ways to go,” she said.

As the co-chair of the Spokane Regional Law and Justice Council the past two years, O’Quinn said she has helped to advocate for significant reforms including a $2 million grant through the McArthur Foundation to fund pre-trial services personnel.

In the other commissioner’s race, Democrat Candace Mumm (38.63

for eight years. Mork remembers him as “very unselfish with his time.”

“He would go out of his way to help others in the community and was quick to volunteer,” Mork said.

A statement from the city of Millwood paid tribute to Schoen’s contributions: “It is with great sadness that we acknowledge that Council Member Dick Schoen has passed away after struggling without complaint with a serious disease for four years.

Council Member Schoen served two stints on the Millwood City Council from 1990 to 2001 and again from 2006 to present for a total of over 22 years. He also served for many years as a volunteer firefighter and fire lieutenant for Millwood.

Dick was devoted to transportation issues, serving on the Spokane Regional Transportation Council and the Spokane Transit Authority Board. He also served as Millwood's representative on the Spokane County Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee.

Dick was an extremely effective council member, as well as someone with a great sense of humor. We will all miss him very, very much.”

Schoen spent many years as a volunteer firefighter with the city of Millwood. Former Millwood Fire Chief Jim Anderson worked with Schoen in the 1980s and 1990s at the fire department and as fire

chief. Recognizing that Schoen had leadership skills, Anderson appointed him as a lieutenant in 1994.

“He was well respected in the community,” said Anderson.

Anderson commissioned a memorial plaque that he presented to Schoen’s family. The plaque is in the shape of a Maltese Cross representing the fire department.

A duplicate of the plaque honoring Schoen’s 28 years of service as a volunteer firefighter and his 22 years as a council member is now on a wall at Millwood City Hall.

Tom Richardson, Millwood city clerk/planner, says the city is also hoping to honor Schoen with a bench or possibly a tree in the park along the new trail that the city has been planning during Schoen’s tenure. It is a way to recognize his contribution as part of the council during the planning stages of this important project.

Patti remembers her husband as “awesome,” someone who “loved camping and the outdoors.” She also thinks his faith helped him, especially in the latter stages of his condition. Dick was a member of the Baha’i faith for over 50 years.

Schoen’s obituary can be found at: http://www.legacy.com/ obituaries/spokesman/obituaryprint.aspx?n=richard-carltonschoen&pid=180727256

percent) and Republican Josh Kerns (32.52 percent) advanced to the general election. Nancy McLaughlin, who was appointed as a commissioner last February to replace Todd Mielke after he was hired as executive director of Greater Spokane Inc., received 28.64 percent and will not move on.

While two of the 4th District delegates to Olympia – Sen. Mike Padden and Rep. Bob McCaslin Jr. – did not face challengers on Aug. 2, Rep. Matt Shea, the Republican incumbent, was opposed by Democrat Scott V. Stucker on the ballot. Shea, the position 1 representative, collected 60.19 percent of the vote while Stucker garnered 39.45 percent. The two will face off again in November.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who has represented the 5th Congressional District since 2005, faced a familiar challenger last month in Democrat Joe Pakootas who collected 31.89 percent of the vote to 40.06 for the congresswoman. Both move on to the general election.

In Liberty Lake, a proposition to

build a community center/library/ aquatic facility fell just short of the required 60 percent supermajority.

The $12 million project earned 56.19 of ballots.

In the governor’s race, Republican challenger Bill Bryant fared well in Spokane County, earning 44.09 percent of the vote against Democratic incumbent Jay Inslee (39.68 percent).

A number of familiar faces on the local political scene ran for precinct committee officer (PCO) positions on Aug. 2. PCOs are responsible for connecting their respective political party to voters in a local election district. Liberty Lake Council Members Cris Kaminskas (PCO 4300) and Jessica McGuire (PCO 4305) won their PCO races.

Spokane Valley Mayor Rod Higgins (PCO 4427) and former Council Member Ben Wick (PCO 4416) also emerged victorious. Spokane Valley Council Member Ed Pace lost his bid to represent PCO 4408 by a single vote to Bryce Robbert (109108).

Overall, only 34 percent of the county’s registered voters cast ballots in the primary election.

The Current

50 SEPTEMBER 2016

Valley-based SHBA gives the gift of mobility

By Staci Lehman Current Correspondent A small act of kindness will make a big difference for a Spokane family dealing with their daughter’s illness. In late July, members of the Spokane Home Builders Association’s (SHBA) Remodelers Council spent a day volunteering their time and expertise to build Shaeanne Latimer a wheelchair ramp.

Twelve-year-old Shaeanne has cerebral palsy (CP), a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills. In addition to being born with CP, she was also born deaf, although an electronic device called a cochlear implant now helps her to hear sounds.

“She’s still a normal kid,” said Shaeanne’s mother, Sheena Latimer. “She wants people to talk to her like a normal kid. She’s still a regular teenager.”

Until now, Sheena or her husband Josh have been carrying 70-pound

2016

Shaeanne from the front porch up the stairs of their split level home to get her in and out of the house.

Because she is getting older and the disease is changing, this was becoming more and more of a challenge.

“With CP, it progresses differently for different kiddos,” said Sheena Latimer. “This is a huge relief because she’s getting bigger and getting harder to get around.”

The Remodelers Council “HOMES Renew Crew” became involved when an acquaintance of one of the members told him about the Latimer family.

“One of her old case workers at DDA (Developmental Disabilities Association) called and remembered Shaeanne and that we had a split entry,” said Sheena.

That split entry made it impossible to get a wheelchair in the front door. The back door has a few steps going up to a wooden deck and will be the location for the new 27-foot wheelchair ramp. In total, the ramp would cost about $2,000 if the Latimers were paying to have it built, something Sheena says was never quite in the budget.

The Trex decking for a nonslip surface, lumber for support underneath and enough concrete piers to elevate the ramp added up fast. Luckily, Arrow Contracting-

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling donated the decking for the project and the Spokane Home Builders Association donated the lumber for support underneath. Trade carpenters and other members of the Remodelers Council provided the skilled labor, along with some friends of the Latimer family who wanted to help out. SHBA Executive Officer Joel White also pitched in.

The Remodelers Council has helped other deserving families and, particularly veterans, with ramps as well. Originally they were remodeling parts of homes but found a niche that needs to be filled with the ramps.

“The last couple years we have focused on building ramps,” said SHBA Education and Apprenticeship Director Kim Waseca-Love. “There’s a huge wheelchair ramp shortage because there are a lot of people with disabilities in our area.”

The Remodelers Council is a committee of the Spokane Home Builders Association that educates consumers, participates in legislative and regulatory issues and provides industry information.

SHBA headquarters are located in the city of Spokane Valley. Members include builders, designers, vendors, and service providers, all good people to have around when a project needs done, which

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The Spokane Home Builders Association’s Remodelers Council is always looking for community service projects, especially wheelchair ramps for veterans. If you have an idea for a project, contact Kim WasecaLove at 532-4990. is often. Council members partner with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Wishing Star Foundation and KXLY's Extreme Team.

While Sheena says Shaeanne will be excited about the new wheelchair ramp when she understands the increased freedom it provides her.

It will also give her parents a little breathing room.

“This way her grandma can get her from the bus if we need her to,” said Latimer. “Before she couldn’t lift her.”

Sheena says the new ramp will help the whole family be more active.

“It will be nice to be able to get her out to the bus and to go out to take walks,” said Latimer, “We really haven’t been able to do that because it was a lot of work.”

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The Current

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 51

“On Shaky Ground” premieres at Valley’s community theatre

By Tyler Wilson Current Correspondent Molly Allen will have family onstage and backstage for her original play, "On Shaky Ground," premiering at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley this month.

Allen, co-host of the popular "Dave, Ken and Molly in the Morning" radio show on 92.9 ZZU, wrote and co-stars in the twoact production. Her mother, Ellen Travolta, is producing the show and stepfather Jack Bannon also stars in the play.

"On Shaky Ground," opening Sept. 16, takes place in an apartment house in San Francisco when an earthquake strikes.

Act One features Bannon and Oskar Owens as a grandfather and grandson struggling with the generation gap. Act Two showcases Allen and Billy Hultquist as a couple on the brink of breakup. The stories don't directly intersect, but Allen said the acts share similar themes and ideas.

"Miscommunications and misunderstandings can lead to hurt feelings and pain, that's the through line of it all," Allen said.

Known for her voice on the radio, Allen also has an extensive history in the theatre, dating back long before she moved to the Inland Northwest. However, her love of acting didn't come from seeing her famous parents on television.

"Growing up (around the television industry) I thought it was the dumbest thing in the world," Allen said. "You have to stand around all the time, and I hated the idea of having to wait for an agent to call you."

But seeing her parents work in theatre was much more appealing, and Allen eventually discovered the thrill of live theatre for herself.

"Once the curtain goes up, nobody can stop you, and I love that part of it," Allen said. "It's live, it's exciting, there's a camaraderie between actors, where you have these moments where they save you, or you save them."

Travolta, an audience favorite on Inland Northwest theatre stages, jumped at the opportunity to work behind-the-scenes in support of her daughter.

"I loved the play when I read it, and I realized what a terrific writer she is,” Travolta said. “She is really talented, really funny. She is a brilliant observer."

Most local theaters book their seasons months in advance.

The Ignite! Theatre gave Allen the opportunity to do the show immediately.

"I wanted to do it now,” Allen said.

“It's done, it's ready to go. I'm so impatient I'm already working on my next show. My mom calls me impetuous."

Her mother compliment.

means

it

as

a

"She's impulsive,” Travolta said.

'I’ve got a play, let's put it on.'

That's the way she rolls.”

It wasn't just an opening on the schedule that convinced Allen and Travolta to bring "On Shaky Ground" to the Ignite! Theatre. Travolta said the venue had a "mom and pop" feel that allowed the character of the show to shine.

"This

is

very

small,

pure

community theatre and I mean that in the freshest sense," Travolta said. "They really do theatre as a passion. I find these people to be incredibly talented, tireless and just wonderful."

Travolta was instrumental in securing underwriting for the production and she credits those supporters for helping to bring scale to the production. The show is underwritten by The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Global Credit Union, Jacob’s Upholstery and The Travolta Family.

In Act One, a grandson is visiting his grandfather's home to help connect a wireless music system.

They've drifted apart since the passing of the grandmother and the grandfather doesn't understand his grandson's reliance on technology.

"I wanted to write something for Jack, because Jack is such an amazing actor," Allen said. "Jack's show is really things I've witnessed with him. He likes things simple."

Travolta said the first act speaks to a generation gap she and Bannon have observed with younger people.

"It is a reminder of how few questions young people ask of older people,” she said. “Older people are wise and they have experience, they have things to share.”

Act Two is about a longtime couple - Allen plays a news reporter and Hultquist a photographer. Their relationship appears to be at an end, then the earthquake hits.

"It's about how somebody's insecurities can lead to all kinds of conclusions that aren't real and about these people reconnecting about the time we shared," Allen said.

Allen recruited Hultquist to the show long before there was a finished script.

"It started out as fun, she would send me a page here and there, but then it turned into this beautiful show," Hultquist said. "Everybody knows her from her radio show, for her voice essentially, but nobody knows what a talented writer she is."

Travolta was impressed by the wisdom of Act Two and she credits Allen with taking from personal experiences and observations in order to shape the two characters.

"On Shaky Ground," an original play by Molly Allen, opens Sept. 16 at Ignite! Community Theatre in Spokane Valley.

The cast is pictured left to right: Writer/actor Molly Allen, actor Billy Hultquist, producer Ellen Travolta, actor Jack Bannon and actor Oskar Owens.

Photo courtesy of Valera Photography

"It's another reminder of how we don't listen to each other," Travolta said. "All of a sudden communication breaks down and you start to assume a lot that isn't

See IGNITE, Page 53

52 SEPTEMBER 2016

Dear Editor:

Hey Spokane Valley, do you know what your City Council is up to?

At the July 26 City Council meeting, a motion was heard to continue the city's participation in the Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center (SRTMC). When the motion was introduced, Mayor (Rod) Higgins asked twice for a second. When none of the other council members offered one, the mayor seconded it himself. Had he not, apparently our participation in the SRTMC would have ended without so much as a comment from the council.

What would that mean?

The SRTMC coordinates all the traffic control for the region. They monitor the traffic cameras throughout the region and make it available to the public, online. They manage the automated sign boards through the region, like the one on Sprague at the I-90 interchange, that notify of accidents, traffic delays, and Amber Alerts.

According to a statement on the SRTMC website, the agency “is a team of professionals working 24/7 with multiple jurisdictions to deliver reliable transportation information services, locally and regionally, in order to create a safe and efficient travel experience for everyone.”

If the city of Spokane Valley drops its participation in the SRTMC, residents

OPINION

The Current

can expect:

"regional entanglement"?

- traffic delays due to loss of coordination with other SRTMC partners

SRTMC participation was just one troubling issue. There were plenty more:

- fewer opportunities for federal and state grants (membership in the SRTMC results in higher scores for grant proposals)

Ed Pace commented that, as the city's appointed Spokane Transit Authority board member, he was the sole No vote on a resolution to continue offering preferential treatment to small business contractors owned by women and minorities. Why? Because he thinks it's discriminatory.

- loss of our tax dollars to other communities because of those lost grant opportunities - loss of access to the city’s traffic cameras - loss of a $10,000 software license fee the SRTMC is schedule to pay on behalf of the city of Spokane Valley next year So what does our participation in SRTMC cost? Currently, nothing – $0.00. Our membership calls for a $15,000 annual fee, but that fee has been waived in recent years and will be waived again next year.

So what's the downside? What does the council have to say about our participation?

Council Member Ed Pace, who voted against the motion said, "We don't want regional entanglements." And he was joined in that vote by recently appointed Council Member Caleb Collier.

What is the difference, Councilman Ed Pace, between regional cooperation for the benefit of city residents, and

Council Member Arne Woodard went berserk over roundabouts. City engineers asked permission to seek grant funding for an intersection treatment at Mission and Long in the Greenacres neighborhood.

Public meetings have been held and local residents asked for traffic-calming measures. The majority of residents favored a roundabout according to staff. Arne insisted the local residents weren't “really” in favor and he'd vote against any proposal that includes a roundabout, even if the net cost to local taxpayers is higher.

We've got a seven-member city council, only four of whom were elected. The three newest council members were appointed by a fourman, ultra-right majority who drove off two council members. Another resigned for medical reasons. The council isn't representative of our city.

See LETTER, Page 53

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The Current

LETTER

Continued from page 52 They've leveraged a slim majority to pack the council with cronies to dominate local politics.

If we don't pay attention, this council will tear our city down and tarnish our image. We may never recover.

Attend the council meetings! When we've had as much forehead slapping frustration as we can stand, we can leave the meetings in disgust. Contact your council members. Be heard. And prepare to replace this council with fair representation at the next election.

Please!

Marc Mims

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 53

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Continued from page 51 real."

Hultquist said Allen's presence on stage matches the strength of her words on the page.

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

"Her timing is perfect, she's just got so much charisma," he said.

"On Shaky Ground" is directed

by Dawn Taylor-Reinhardt and Troy Nickerson. Travolta also lauds Marty Kittelson and the rest of the Ignite! team for bringing the show to the stage.

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

"This cast and crew is just fabulous,” she said. “I couldn't be more proud of them and proud of being involved.”

Is Eliminating Tickets are on sale now at: www.

Stubborn orFatcallon brownpapertickets.com Correction (208) 352- 0727. The show runs A story last month about Sept.Your 16-18, 23-25, 30 and Oct. Holiday Spokane Valley Parks and 1-2. Showtimes are lifestyle 7:30 p.m.

Recreation Director Mike Stone Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m.

Wish List? indicated that Stone graduated Sundays. Ticket prices range from Is Eliminating from the University of Montana $12-15. with a degree in Landscape Ignite! is located in the Spokane Architecture. Stone actually Stubborn Fat on Valley Partners Building, 10814 E graduated from the University Broadway Ave, Spokane Valley. of Idaho with the Your same degree.

Holiday JOIN US FOR COOL EVENT! For information about A Ignite! visit The Current regrets the error. www.igniteonbroadway.org.

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The Current

54 SEPTEMBER 2016

Valley Chamber

HIGHLIGHTS

SERVICE DIRECTORY EVENT & MEETING FACILITY HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?

The Tri Community Grange Event Hall is an affordable and ideal location for parties, receptions, dances, reunions and meetings. Full kitchen, stage, piano, tables and chairs, NEW AC, handicap accessible, large parking lot and free signage. Call Gary at 509-481-0727 or email geje2@yahoo.com.

Find us on Facebook!

CONNECT. CONNECT.

EMPOWER. EMPOWER.

INNOVATE. INNOVATE.

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber President & CEO of Buck Knives, will be the featured keynote speaker for the Manufacturing Matters EXPO dinner on

Mon., Sept. 26 Mirabeau Park Hotel 5:30 p.m. Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program

September 26, preceding a trade show the following day.

Manufacturing 2016 Matters

EXPO

As a family-owned business spanning four generations since 1902, Buck

Tickets: $50 per person/ $400 per table of 8 Register: 509-924-4994 or visit spokanevalleychamber.org/manufacturingmatters

Knives has grown to become the dominant brand in the United States for outdoor sporting cutlery. Headquartered

SAVE THE DATE

in Post Falls, Buck Knives is recognized

Oct. 21:

worldwide for its quality, innovation and

Business Connections, Spokane Valley Event Center

elegant function.

The 2016 Manufacturing Matters EXPO is a two-day event, beginning with the keynote dinner, followed by a full-day

Nov. 18 Annual Meeting, Mirabeau Park Hotel

trade show to promote the region’s vibrant manufacturing capabilities.

Trade show exhibitors represent the region’s leading contract manufacturers,

To register, visit spokanevalleychamber.org chamber events.

suppliers, and logistics companies.

Registration is now open for the Manufacturing Matters dinner.

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

VALLEY PARENT CO-OP PRESCHOOL NOW ENROLLING! Valley Parent Co-op Preschool is a birth to 5 preschool program operated by parents in a cooperative effort with the Community Colleges of Spokane. It is a playbased program that combines parent education with a rich learning experience for you and your child.

Classes are M, W & F. For more info, call 509-720-9209.

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The Current

ON THAT NOTE

Wheelchairs, rugby and lessons in courage from Brazil

By Craig Howard Current Editor Josh Brewer’s remarkable journey to the Paralympics started on the sweltering asphalt of downtown Spokane in late June of 2009.

I was working as a reporter for the Spokane Valley News Herald at the time, looking for features on the 20th rendition of Hoopfest that went beyond goofy team names and the total of sprained ankles sustained over two days of basketball on the blacktop. That Saturday, Josh – part of a threeplayer squad from Team St. Luke’s – became the story.

Josh had come to America in late 2007, adopted by Matt and Laura Brewer of Spokane Valley.

Originally from Ethiopia, Josh was severely injured at the age of 10 in an accident that claimed both of his legs and his right arm. Many considered the aftermath and figured he would achieve little.

Josh had different ideas.

“It was tough, but I wasn’t all grumpy all the time,” Josh said. “I was just glad to see another day, the sun’s out and everything. I do have my down times, but for the most part I’m happy about life. So, I’m missing three limbs. I’m going to make the best of it. Whatever you’ve got, you make the best of it.”

Josh had not played competitive wheelchair basketball before that first day of Hoopfest seven years ago. He had done his best to practice on the neighborhood hoop in the weeks leading up to the event but this was a different ballgame entirely. Wheelchair basketball is not for the faint of heart. Yet when opponents caromed into Josh and his chair, he simply spun around and glided the ball calmly through the net.

By the time the bracket played out, Josh and his team had won their division and inspired all of those fortunate enough to witness their efforts.

“I wasn’t sure how well I would play,” Brewer recalls of his first tournament. “It turned out better than I thought it would.”

Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once said, “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” For Josh, the one remaining arm became his foundation. His status as a triple

Josh Brewer attended Bowdish Middle School and University High School before moving to Battle Ground, Washington in 2012. Brewer learned in July that he would be part of the Team USA Wheelchair Rugby roster for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sept. 7-18.

Contributed photo amputee defined him for some.

Those who knew him best could see that his heart placed him in another elite category altogether.

“It just goes to prove you’re never lost,” said Teresa Skinner who coached Josh with Team St. Luke’s and is now the executive director of ParaSport Spokane.

“With Josh, I saw the potential, not the disability. Most of us take what we have for granted, but Josh has taken what he has and made the absolute most of it.”

Josh attended Bowdish Middle School in Spokane Valley from the sixth through the eighth grade before enrolling at University High School. He was a sophomore at U-Hi when his family moved to Battleground, Washington, a suburb of Vancouver, in the fall of 2012.

A few months before the move, Josh was part of a Team St. Luke’s squad that soared to a title at the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Championships in Colorado Springs, defeating a team from Michigan, 50-45 in the final.

“It was awesome,” Brewer said of the NWBAC crown. “That last game, the team we were playing was as good as us. We worked like a team to win. It was like, ‘Whoa, I’m a national champion.’”

The skill and savvy Josh brought to the basketball court would eventually land him on another national stage – this time with Team USA as part of the men’s rugby team headed to the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

While visiting the University of Texas-Arlington on a recruiting trip for basketball, Josh met a player on the Team USA rugby squad.

Basketball aptitude translates well to rugby for wheelchair athletes who learn to navigate their chairs adroitly across a basketball-sized court. With four players per side, the object of the game is carry the ball across the opponent’s goal line while trying to avoid the blitz of foes crashing in from all angles. The rugby ball, the size of a volleyball, must be bounced or passed at least once every 10 seconds.

“Most of the skills I’ve learned on the basketball court carry over into rugby,” Josh said.

Josh tackled rugby with the same optimism, ambition and energy he had brought to basketball. In late July, he learned that he would be part of the Team USA contingent competing in the Paralympics, Sept. 7-18.

“It was such a blessing to hear my name finally announced,” Josh

SEPTEMBER 2016 • 55

said. “It just feels like the American Dream to be honest. To think that a foreigner like me came here to make America my home and then I have the opportunity to represent this country, it’s like everything you learn in school.”

Josh and his Team USA colleagues will be trying to earn back the gold medal they last won in 2008 at the Paralympics in Beijing, China.

Australia took gold in London in 2012, defeating Canada in the final. Team USA finished with the bronze.

As he dons the red, white and blue in Rio this month, Josh gives credit to those coaches and mentors from Spokane who were there with him on that first Hoopfest court for his inaugural competitive test.

“It showed me what you can do in a wheelchair – the big picture,” he said. “I started believing in myself.

They put the standard high and let me know that nothing is given to you, it has to be earned. They just never gave up on me.”

While millions will be cheering on Josh and Team USA in their quest for gold this month, those who know him best understand that this Paralympian has already scaled a different kind of winner’s podium.

“When you’re struggling and you want to get better, it’s in your heart and your mind,” Josh said. “Before, I didn’t think I could become anyone. Now that I’ve been here and seen all the opportunities I have, it makes you realize you can be a somebody. I have one arm, I can type on a computer. You have to find new strength every time.

You have to find courage. You can push yourself to so many levels you don’t even know.”

Josh Brewer was part of a national title in 2012 when Spokane-based Team St. Luke’s defeated a team from Michigan in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Championships in Colorado Springs.

File photo

The Current

56 SEPTEMBER 2016

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