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2 • NOVEMBER 2018

The Park Bench

Farm to Flight – Fletcher served in Air Force with distinction

By Craig Howard Current Editor When Paul Fletcher was growing up on his family’s farm in Otis Orchards, visions of enlisting in the military and traveling the world were not part of the equation.

Fletcher was too busy hauling hay, changing out sprinklers and driving a tractor to think that one day he would serve nearly 35 years in the Air Force and spend part his career working in high-level positions at the Pentagon.

The youngest of four boys, Fletcher attended Otis Orchards Upper Elementary, housed in the same building where his older brothers once attended Otis Orchards High School. He moved on to East Valley High School where he played baseball and basketball and was good enough as a sharpshooting guard to receive a handful of small college scholarship offers.

He was also adept in the classroom, compiling good grades and serving as the president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter.

NEWS had secured his pilot’s license.

More significantly, Fletcher’s time in Pullman resulted in meeting his future wife Kathy – when both were enrolled in a chemistry lab.

She was a Palouse native and her father was a WSU professor. Paul and Kathy were married at the start of their junior year. The couple has one son.

With his diploma from WSU in hand, Fletcher officially entered the Air Force in January 1973, reporting to Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas. Unlike the other fledgling pilots in his class, Fletcher had to cope with a hiatus from the air between college graduation and flight school. He began flying an T-37 and fell airsick on his first five flights.

Fletcher’s experience in Texas improved thanks to a buoyant flight instructor named Dave Saxon whose positive and encouraging approach had a lasting ripple effect.

“He gave me the confidence that I could get through pilot’s training,” Fletcher said.

One pivotal flight had Fletcher soaring to an altitude of 25,000 feet and finding calm both in the serenity of the sky and behind the controls. He had never been above 15,000 feet before. He would go on to graduate in the top third of his class.

Fletcher’s next stop was Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas where he honed his ability to fly the C-130, a four-engine turbo prop aircraft that would become his signature plane. Over an Air

Force career that spanned nearly 35 years, Fletcher would log over 3,500 flight hours in the C-130, C-21, T-37 and T-38. In his time as a flight instructor, he found himself adopting some of the same reassuring tactics that his former teacher in Texas had passed on.

Fletcher’s Air Force journey also took him to homeland bases in Ohio, Illinois, Virginia and Hawaii as well as stops in England and West Germany prior to the reunification of that country. He would have two stints in Washington, D.C., as well, serving in critical administrative capacities at the Pentagon.

When Fletcher retired from the Air Force in 2007 he and Kathy originally thought of settling in Little Rock where he had been stationed for close to a third of his career. Ultimately, the couple agreed to return home to the Inland Northwest, purchasing a home in Spokane Valley. It didn’t take long before Fletcher joined another good cause. He became a member of Spokane Valley – now Greater Spokane Valley – Rotary and served two terms as president.

When not traveling with Kathy or working on a Rotary project, Fletcher enjoys golf and spending time in the kitchen – he can cook up a mean curry and resplendent risotto.

Q: When you were growing up in Otis Orchards, what was Spokane Valley like? How much has it changed from those days?

A: It has changed tremendously.

There were actually orchards,

many, many of them, in Otis Orchards. I remember my mom picking asparagus in the orchards now and again. There was a large warehouse at the corner of Harvard Road and Trent where apples were stored and railroad cars loaded.

Going from Otis to Liberty Lake, there was almost nothing past the Spokane River, not even a service station, until you reached the lake.

Now you have the city of Liberty Lake – it’s amazing.

Q: What were some traits and/or skills you learned and developed in the military that maybe you did not possess to a great degree before enlisting?

A: The military is all about great leaders and great followers all working together as a great team. There are many aspects of good leadership but right at the top is leading by example, being humble and being a good listener.

Of those qualities, listening gets the least attention. I never got a class or course on how to listen well. And, as one raises in levels of responsibility, it becomes all too easy to be in a transmit mode when you should more often than not be in a receiving mode and listening to those around you and learning from them and their experiences.

Everyone has something to contribute and if you take time to listen, you are all a lot better at executing the mission.

Q: You were stationed in a variety of places around the world during your time in the Air Force. How difficult was it for you and your family to plant roots in an area and then relocate and start again?

A: It was always a challenge and I contribute 99 percent of our success to my wife Kathy. Although we moved fairly often, we always had a home to come to at the end of the day. She always got us settled and ensured our son had as stable an environment as possible to do well in school and meet new friends. The military generally has people move on a regular basis so there are always a lot of shared experiences and welcoming people when you arrive at a new location – but it was Kathy who was the rock upon which our family was built.

Fletcher was a senior at East Valley in 1968 when he spotted an ad in U.S. News & World Report that mentioned something about a ROTC college scholarship. He followed up and soon found himself at McChord Air Force Base near Tacoma, running through a series of tests that would gauge his capacity to be a pilot. He passed with flying colors.

“I had not thought about flying before,” Fletcher recalls. “But after that, being a pilot became my goal.”

He enrolled at Washington State University in the civil engineering program and began his path of pilot’s training with the Air Force footing the bill. In the summers, he worked as a concrete laborer.

Fletcher’s older brother Dave had enlisted in the Air Force in 1963 and ended up serving 20 years.

By 1972, Fletcher’s senior year, he

The Current

Spokane Valley native Paul Fletcher served nearly 35 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 2007. Fletcher, a graduate of East Valley High School and Washington State University, is also past president and a longtime member of Greater Spokane Valley Rotary.

Photo by Craig Howard

Q: As someone who spent nearly 35 years serving your country and defending the freedoms that were established when this nation was founded, how would you characterize the average citizen’s appreciation for our military in general?

A: I’ve seen the entire spectrum.

See FLETCHER, Page 3

The Current

FLETCHER

NOVEMBER 2018 • 3

NEWS

Continued from page 2 I entered the service as the Vietnam War was winding down, and the appreciation for the military was at one of the all-time lows. When in college, we held our ROTC ceremonies at 6 a.m. to avoid demonstrations. I had one pilot training friend who had never worn a uniform before showing up for active duty – he’d gone to a California university. Compare that with the high esteem the military is held in today. I believe it started with Desert Shield Desert Storm when the speed, precision and professionalism that was displayed in Iraq were pretty eye opening. We have great people in the military – great leaders, both officers and enlisted, with immense integrity. We have very high standards that are followed and enforced. In these days of individual satisfaction, we put a huge emphasis on teamwork and of being a part of something that is much larger than ourselves. I hope the pendulum never swings back, the public support enjoyed now is earned and much appreciated and means so very much to our members in uniform.

Q: Turning to your life after the Air Force and return to Spokane Valley, what was it like to come back home after all those years?

A: It was just like a permanent change of station to a new location. I had one brother who still lived here, a few more family members and a handful of friends from my high school years. After getting settled, I joined Rotary and immediately had a large group of friends with whom I had lot in common – wanting to serve their community. We could not have settled in a better location. The beauty, the friendly people, the great climate and the many great things to see and do just make the Spokane area truly in a class of its own.

Q: You have been very involved as a Rotarian since your retirement. What have you enjoyed about being part of this effort?

Rotary and the Air Force share a motto: “Service Above Self” and that is very important to me. I love Rotary and all the people who are Rotarians. There’s a common focus of service to community and to those in need, wherever they are, around the world. And then you have an organization that takes on a disease that was crippling the world – polio. Long defeated

in America, polio was endemic in over 125 countries in the mid1980s. That number is down to three – three countries in the entire world. The impact our club has on the community is huge.

We give $1,000 scholarships to 10 graduating seniors every year, give over 2,500 books annually to K-5 students in 10 elementary schools, support to HOPE school, Buddy Ball, Teen Closet and many others.

Not to mention the aid to seniors in the Valley provided through the administration of a trust fund given us by Henry “Hank” Grinalds giving around $35,000 a year.

Q: We hear a lot about the declining interest and membership of service clubs.

Are there ways to generate interest and involvement among younger generations to keep this tradition going?

A: We have to find ways to connect with younger generations – every service organization is facing similar challenges.

We see generations comprised of those who want to spend time with their families; we see very generous young people who want to dive into service projects within the community versus attending structured weekly meetings. So, we need to adapt while keeping the best parts of what Rotary has always provided. I saw it in the military just as I see it Rotary. The young people or no less dedicated to service and no less patriotic than their elders – they just have different experiences and react to conditions differently. We just need to connect.

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Q: Finally, our community will observe Veterans Day this month along with the rest of the nation. What does this day mean to you?

A: I reflect a lot on Veterans Day. I think of those who have given their life or a part of their life fighting for the freedoms our great country enjoys. I believe that too many take those freedoms for granted, too many have never had the opportunity to travel to and see first-hand the huge challenges that millions and millions in this world face on a daily basis. Too many think it’s their right and that they deserve to live here. In my opinion, it’s not a right to live in America, it is a privilege. The freedoms we all enjoy have been earned and continue to be earned by those that serve selflessly every day, in every corner of the world. I thank God that there are and always have been veterans out there who decided to serve their nation and help keep those rights secure.

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4 • NOVEMBER 2018

NEWS

Kuney, Chase face off in allRepublican commissioner race

By Keith Erickson

Current Correspondent

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In a race lacking a Democratic challenger for the first time in 40 years, the two Republican hopefuls seeking a four-year term in District 2 on the Spokane County Board of Commissioners both bring years of relevant experience.

Spokane County Commissioner Mary Kuney, appointed to the position last year by Gov. Jay Inslee, is opposing county Treasurer Rob Chase, who defeated Kuney in a reelection bid for treasurer in 2014.

District 2 covers the southeast section of Spokane County including Liberty Lake, the city of Spokane Valley, Millwood and southern portions of Greater Spokane Valley.

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Both candidates listed public safety, transparency and fiscal prudence as top priorities for commissioners, although their views differ on those issues.

Chase, who is finishing his second

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term as treasurer, said he believes the public is often “stonewalled” when seeking county information.

“I don’t think there’s enough transparency,” he said. “That’s one of the big complaints I’ve gotten as I’ve door-belled.”

Kuney, a certified public account who also served as a former state auditor, seemed puzzled by her opponent’s charges.

“Anyone can come into any one of our meetings at any time,” she said. “Everything that we do is recorded and people can get any of those recordings. (Transparency) is an issue that I’ve only heard from my opponent.”

Kuney’s goals, if retained, are to support public safety and economic development initiatives to generate revenue for the county through sales tax from new businesses and property tax from new construction, which she said could help reduce future budget shortfalls.

“The two go hand-in-hand,” Kuney said. “Without strong public safety, we aren’t going to have a strong economy. People aren’t going to want to be here if there’s a lot of crime running rampant.”

Chase agrees public safety is a

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from other elected county officials, including Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, clearly demonstrate her leadership.

top issue for the county, but said as the elected officials controlling the budget, commissioners must justify their expenditures at every turn.

“I feel like I’m doing a great job as commissioner and bringing common sense to the position,” she said. “I think that being on the commission one year and having the support of the elected officials who have chosen to endorse says a lot.”

Continued from page 4

“You can’t just go carte blanche on all requests,” he said. “I think the best way, really, to have a good economy is to not increase taxes, but to make sure you are spending the money you do have correctly,” he said. “I haven’t really seen that here.”

Chase said he’s reluctant to increase taxes, stating that commissioners used $5 million that could have been put toward roads to make up deficits and took the 1-percent property tax increase after the Legislature created a new property tax to boost school funding, causing taxes to go “sky high.”

Both candidates underscored their track records as public officials in promoting government efficiency.

Since he was elected treasurer in 2010, Chase said his department has overseen an increase in revenue collections of 20 percent.

“And we haven’t added any staff,” he said. “The only area we’ve added (personnel) is when the county took over waste management contract from the city. They operated it with 11 people and we do it with seven.”

Kuney said her accounting background along with experience auditing the county’s books can be applied toward serving as commissioner, especially when tackling the budget. “I’ve demonstrated an ability to be efficient and effective to make sure we are meeting the needs of our citizens with our budget,” she said.

Kuney said her proven record as a commissioner and support

Chase said his “generalized experienced” and knowledge of inner-workings at the courthouse gained during his eight years as treasurer set him apart from Kuney.

“I have a wide variety of experience you need as a commissioner,” said Chase, who holds licenses in insurance, real estate and mortgage brokering.

While Chase has raised far less money than his opponent, he believes there is a “diminishing return” when financing a campaign and touted his grassroots campaign strategy.

“I put up all my own signs and did 605 miles of doorbelling in the primary,” he said. “I met a lot of people and heard a lot of good ideas.”

Kuney secured 58 percent of the vote in the August primary election, with Chase obtaining about 39 percent.

Washington State Public Disclosure Commission data shows Kuney raised more than $80,000 in campaign contributions with $53,000 in individual donations.

Chase has raised more than $17,000 with a majority of that amount from individuals.

While both represent the GOP, their political ideologies and support bases differ. Kuney has generally garnered the backing from traditional Republicans, while more conservative party members affiliated with the Tea Party have tended to line up behind Chase.

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6 • NOVEMBER 2018

Spokane Valley City Council Report – November 2018

By Bill Gothmann Current Correspondent 2019 property tax levy rate to decrease by 7.5 cents The city of Spokane Valley is expected to collect a total of $12,054,402 in property taxes in 2019. A total of $11,804,402, the same as last year, will come from the tax levy and $250,000 will come from new construction. The city will not be taking the permitted 1-percent raise in property taxes. As a result, the property tax levy rate is estimated to be $1.291851 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, $0.075331 less than last year. This rate is computed by dividing the total to be collected by the city, $12,054,402, by the total value of assessed property within the city, $9,331,109,315, and multiplying this by 1,000. These figures could change as Spokane County updates its predictions of assessed value.

Note also that individual property taxes could still be increased due to increased valuation. Council approved this property tax ordinance.

Council considers limiting public comments A considerable number of changes were discussed for the Governance Manual, the “rule book” by which the council conducts its business. Under present rules, there are two times that citizens may testify at a regular meeting on items not on the agenda.

No time limit has been set. However, the mayor has, on occasion, limited these times to 30 minutes each so council could consider the agenda items for which the meeting was called. A change was discussed that would permit only one time during a regular meeting for public testimony on items not on the agenda and limiting that time to a maximum of 45 minutes.

Council also discussed whether a council member should have prior notice when being dismissed from a committee. Also, council members should be sure to note whether they are representing the council or their own interests when they attend public meetings.

These changes to the governance manual are expected to come up for additional consideration on Nov. 6 Mandated pay increase impacts Appleway Trail Project State law mandates that governments pay prevailing rates for

all workers for all public works and maintenance contracts. The rates are set and enforced by the state’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). This year, the city received a legislative direct appropriation of $539,320 for amenities for the Appleway Trail that was expected to cover the project’s full cost.

However, staff estimates that a recently L&I mandated 223-percent increase from $11.50 to $37.19 per hour for a landscape laborer will result in a 30-percent increase in cost for the project. As a result, the expected cost is now estimated to be $776,622 to cover the revised labor costs and other possible expenses.

By adding $125,000 from the park’s capital project fund to the $539,320 grant, $664,320 would be available.

This would require council action, however.

To meet this financial challenge, staff proposed dividing the project into a base bid and alternatives.

The base bid would include the new restroom, some landscaping and a single drinking fountain. The four alternatives would be additional topsoil, 28 new trees, site furnishings such as benches and bike racks and an additional drinking fountain.

Council agreed to move forward with the bidding of the project.

More employees in 2019 budget Staff identified four service priorities as they presented next year’s budget for the city: public safety, pavement preservation, transportation and infrastructure and economic development. Major items in the approximately $78 million budget include public safety ($26 million): capital projects ($23 million): community and public works ($5.1 million); street fund ($4.9 million); general government ($4.6 million); operations and administration ($4 million); stormwater/aquifer protection ($3.1 million) and parks and recreation ($3 million). Recurring revenue is expected to increase by 5.79 percent compared with a spending increase of 1.93 percent.

Staffing levels are expected to increase by 4.5 full time equivalent (FTE) employees to 93.75, primarily for engineers required for project oversight. Much of this increased FTE expense will be paid for by grants. Council advanced the budget to a second reading.

Salary Commission to set council salaries Council passed the second reading that updates the city’s salary commission ordinance. Under the ordinance, the mayor will choose a five-member salary commission which would do the research and issue a report on what the salaries of the council and mayor should

be. These proposed salaries could be higher, lower, or the same as the present salaries. The proposed salaries would then be published for two weeks. If there is no referendum petition filed with the city within 30 days of the publication, the new amounts would go into effect immediately. The commission is expected to be selected during the Nov. 6 council meeting.

Duplex projects exceed density requirements Council requested that staff examine the density of duplex developments. Staff found that two out of five examined did, indeed, exceed the maximum of five units per acre in that zone. Each of the lots had greater than 10,000 square feet which, according to the regulations, permitted duplexes.

However, when the number of dwelling units permitted per acre was computed, two of the developments exceeded the maximum by one dwelling unit.

Staff will continue to study this loophole in the city’s regulations while monitoring the county’s changes they are making to their density requirements.

2018 budget amendments considered Staff presented changes to the 2018 budget resulting in an increase of revenues of $2,018,568 and an increase in expenditures of $828,581. A total of $1 million is expected to be collected from road wear revenues from solid waste trucks and will be dedicated to pavement preservation. Railroad grade separation revenues decrease by $1,107,112 and expenditures decrease by $1,939,921 because of project timing of the design work. Real Estate Excise Taxes are projected to bring an additional $1.4 million in revenues while the Capital Reserve Fund is spending $884,519, mostly for the reconstruction of Euclid Avenue from Flora to Barker, improvements at the intersection at Eighth and Carnahan and design services for widening the Barker Road corridor. Council unanimously advanced the budget to a second reading.

New Business License Code approved Council passed the second reading of a new business code. The new code adopts a model ordinance require by the state in which there is a uniform definition of “engaging in business.” Businesses outside the city would also be required to obtain a license if they do business within the city. However, if they do less than $2,000 per year, the license is free.

“Heart of the Valley” sculpture to be stored

Thanks to the Spokane Valley Arts Council (SVAC), the city has been fortunate to receive five sculptures, two at CenterPlace and three at City Hall. Their latest project is a sculpture

by Richard Warrington titled “Heart of the Valley.” The sculpture is 12 feet high and weighs over 2,000 pounds.

The city has retained landscape architect Jon Mueller of Architects West to assist in siting the sculpture and determining related costs. He and staff studied the University Trailhead site recommendation by council and concluded that the sculpture would be obscured by poles and other obstructions. He recommended that it be stored for ultimate placement in Balfour Park when it is improved. Council accepted the recommendation.

Crave! event reports 50-percent attendance increase Food and world class chefs produced a 50-percent increase in attendance at the Crave! Event from 2017 to 2018, where 3,000 attended.

JAKT, the event organizer, reported that improvements to CenterPlace assisted greatly in this increase, resulting in over 360 room nights in area hotels. Visit Spokane has chosen Crave! as one of the events they will be promoting. Crave! is scheduled for July 11-14 in 2019.

Superintendent details East Valley’s needs At council’s invitation, East Valley School District (EVSD) Superintendent Kelly Shea presented three needs of the district: safety and security, high school/middle school relocation and building improvements. Security items include classroom deadbolts, a secure point of entry, better communications systems and security cameras. The Forker Road realignment project will bisect their athletic fields, requiring them to find alternatives. Building improvements include Trentwood’s parking lot, gym dividers so both sports and lunch can occur at the same time and heating, ventilation and air conditioning updates.

Domestic violence awareness Council proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In accepting the proclamation, District Court Judge Patti ConnollyWalker explained that the Spokane County Domestic Violence Coalition has been working on both the criminal side and the civil protection side. Last year the focus was on advocacy, treatment, revision of laws and providing assessment to determine what level of treatment is needed.

New programs are being implemented such as lethality assessment protocols and more resources for victims. However, she

See SV COUNCIL, Page 7

The Current

SV COUNCIL

Continued from page 6 observed that domestic violence numbers are not going down. The local YWCA provides resources and support for those seeking refuge from domestic violence. The YWCA 24-hour helpline can be reached at 326-2255.

Browns Park improvements considered The 2019 budget sets aside $1,160,000 for improvements to Browns Park.

After discussing a number of amenities for the park that are included in its master plan, council decided the city should apply for American Disability Act funds for the perimeter of the park, delay improvement to the parking lot, seek an agreement with Central Valley School District for the use of the University High School parking lot, re-examine the need to add trees and add shelters as alternatives to the bidding package.

Community Development Block Grant projects proposed Each year the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funds for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for low-income areas to be improved.

These funds are administered by the

NOVEMBER 2018 • 7

Spokane County CDBG Consortium, to which the city of Spokane Valley belongs. Because most of the other consortium consists of small cities and other municipal agencies, the city receives a 20-percent set-aside of these funds. Spokane Valley’s estimated share for 2019 is $334,000.

Council approved submitting three sidewalk projects for the city listed in order of priority: Ella Road from Alki to Broadway Avenue for $402,739, Conklin Road from Appleway Trail to Riceland Lane for $85,784, and Farr Road from Sixth to Eighth Avenues for $333,365. Three projects will be submitted in case other funds become available, which has happened in the past.

Outside agencies receive grants from city Spokane Valley’s proposed 2019 budget sets aside $243,000 for outside economic development and social service agencies. However, $43,000 of this is committed for a direct contract with Greater Spokane Incorporated and $18,000 is committed for a direct contract with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. A total of 12 agencies applied for the remaining $182,000 and made presentations to council.

Council members each proposed a schedule for allocating these dollars to the agencies and Finance

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Director Chelsie Taylor averaged the seven council member figures for each agency. At least four council members must propose allocations for a particular agency in order for it to be considered. Modifications were then made for any averages that were over the amount requested.

However, Council Member Ben Wick allocated only $122,000, hoping to fund three community agencies who did not apply. However, staff indicated that this could not be done under the present rules. Council Member Linda Thompson decided to allocate only $147,500. Thus, the chart shown by Taylor only allocated a total of $168,500. Council Member Arne Woodard amended this by distributing the extra $13,500 to those who received proposed allocations from all seven council members.

The final result was: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, $5,500; Elevations, a Children’s Therapy Resource Foundation, $4,286; Feed Spokane, $4,850; GSI Startup Spokane, $3,336; JAKT, the group responsible for the Crave! event, $20,389; Spokane Valley Arts Council, $24,105; Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, $8,300; Spokane Valley Partners, $35,000; Spokane Valley Summer Theater, $5,000; Valleyfest, $49,687 and Widows Might, $21,546.

Council Briefs • Because of the many Ridgemont citizens reporting traffic problems on 21st Avenue, Council Member Thompson asked staff to review what could be done to solve the problem.

City Manager Mark Calhoun stated they would bring forth a report to Council.

• Mayor Rod Higgins appointed James Johnson to the Spokane Human Rights Task Force.

• Council members reported that Spokane Transit Authority is discussing transitioning buses to electric power.

• Council unanimously approved the reaffirmation of the city’s nondiscrimination resolution, adopted on March 28, 2017 and described in the October 2018 issue of The Current.

• Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Sourcewell, a Minnesota cooperative with 60,000 nation-wide members that purchases equipment and services for its members, taking advantage of economies of scale.

Membership is free.

• City Manager Calhoun alerted council to watch for six television commercials about the city produced under a contract with KREM Marketing.

The Current

8 • NOVEMBER 2018

SVFD Report – November 2018

From Current News Sources Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1,458 emergency calls from Sept.

21 – Oct. 22. Incidents included: • Technical rescue – Sept.

21 – Firefighters used a stokes basket and ropes to perform a technical rescue in the 12500 block of East Valleyway Avenue, shortly after 11:30 a.m. They rescued a 65-year-old man from his roof. The man was working on his flat patio roof when his hip slipped out and he was unable to get back down the ladder.

• Motor vehicle vs. bicyclist – Sept. 24 – A 13 year-old boy on a bicycle was hit by a car at the corner of Dishman-Mica Road and E. 28th Ave. at 3 p.m. The impact caused the cyclist to be thrown about 8 feet into Dishman-Mica Road. The driver was stopped at the intersection preparing to turn right onto Dishman-Mica when the cyclist, who was traveling southbound, was struck. The boy was not wearing a helmet and sustained multiple injuries. He was transported to the hospital.

• Chimney fire – Oct. 2 – Shortly before 9:30 p.m., a Washington State Patrol officer on a routine traffic stop noted heavy black smoke and sparks coming from the chimney of the Longhorn Barbeque at 2315 N. Argonne Road and alerted firefighters. Upon arrival, firefighters found the unoccupied building to be filled with smoke and noted the heavier, darker smoke was coming from the kitchen. A SVFD ladder truck allowed crews to quickly gain access to the roof of the restaurant and extinguish the source of the heat in the chimney.

The fire was confined to the smoker and flue and did not spread to the rest of the building. Investigators

determined the cause of the fire to be accidental. Three pigs placed inside the smoker at 8 p.m. caused the animal fat build-up inside the barbeque pit’s ventilation flue pipe to catch fire.

• Garage fire – Oct. 4 – Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the 18800 block of East Marlin Drive shortly after 4:45 p.m. Incoming units could see a smoke column and upgraded the response to a working fire, bringing more resources to the scene.

Firefighters arrived to find a garage fully involved in fire, threatening the attached home. They quickly extinguished the fire, preventing fire damage to the home. Due to a large amount of material inside the garage and the nature of the garage’s construction, firefighters remained on the scene through the night to ensure the fire was out. No injuries were reported.

Investigators determined that the fire started along the north wall of the garage in a plastic pail used for trash. The homeowner said his uncle was smoking inside the garage before the fire started. The fire was determined to be accidental.

Spokane County Fire District 8 also responded to this fire.

• Unauthorized burning – Oct. 17 – Shortly before 6:45 p.m., SVFD firefighters responded to a report of illegal burning in the 1700 block of South Early Dawn Drive. Firefighters arrived to find a homeowner burning garbage in his fire pit. Firefighters informed the man that burning is only allowed using dry, seasoned firewood.

Burning garbage, yard debris, lumber or any other type of waste is always illegal. The homeowner extinguished the fire immediately.

• Planter fire – Oct. 18 – Firefighters responded to a reported brush fire at 6704 E. Sprague Ave., shortly before 6 a.m. They arrived to find smoldering potting soil inside a wooden barrel being used as planter at Taco Time. The crew

thoroughly applied water to douse the smoldering fire, likely caused by a cigarette extinguished in the highly flammable potting soil, which is not dirt.

• Motor vehicle vs. pedestrian – Oct. 18 – Shortly after 8:15 a.m., firefighters responded to a reported pedestrian involved in a hit-and-run collision at 24800 E. Mission near County Vista Road. Paramedics arrived to find a 61-year-old woman lying unconscious in the street in the care of bystanders.

They quickly assessed and tended to her multiple injuries. A SVFD paramedic continued emergency medical care in the ambulance as she was transported to the hospital in critical condition. She later died from her injuries. The driver was later apprehended and charged with vehicular homicide.

• Portable bathroom fire – Oct. 21 – Firefighters responded to a reported “portable building on fire” at Trentwood Elementary, 14701 E. Wellesley Ave, shortly after 4 pm. Crews arrived to find a plastic portable bathroom fully involved in flames, located adjacent to the school building. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, limiting the fire damage to the exterior wall and stopping the fire before it spread inside the school building. Investigators are treating the fire as arson and ask anyone with information to call 928-1700.

School was uninterrupted by the fire.

• Burn Ban lifted – As of Oct. 12, outdoor recreational fires are again allowed in the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated Spokane County.

This means outdoor fires – including campfires and backyard fire pits with dry, seasoned firewood – are allowed. Open burning of fields, yard debris and garbage is always

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prohibited. Read more at www. spokanevalleyfire.com By the numbers: • Fires* - 847 • Emergency medical service – 1,141 • Motor vehicle accidents - 104 • Hazardous materials - 18 • Building alarms - 90 • Service calls - 16 • Vehicle extrication - 1 • Water rescue - 2 • Technical rescue - 1 • Rescue Task Force - 1 *Brush, commercial, residential, rubbish, vehicles and unauthorized burning About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the City 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.

SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 17,280 emergency calls in 2017. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington.

SVFD operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, special operations rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. SVFD provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

The Current

Great digital reads for the entire family

By Librarian Sheri Boggs

Spokane County Library District November marks the time of year when families start drawing close together for the holidays and that means lots and lots of family time! The Spokane County Library District has got you covered with several themed booklists available on our popular OverDrive digital platform.

“We Are Family” is a handpicked selection of e-books and digital audiobooks perfect for kids from ages 8 to 12 on the theme of family, including “Ramona the Pest,” the Penderwicks series, and “One Crazy

Discovering World War I during its centennial

By Gwendolyn Haley, Librarian Spokane County Library District One hundred years ago, on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m., the guns ceased and World War I, the “war to end all wars,” was over. During the four years of the war, an estimated 13 million people (combatants and civilians) died. The “Great War” had sweeping impact on the lives of not only the people who lived through it but also on the years to follow, with ripples that reach into our modern century.

This November, we remember the worldwide conflict with programs throughout Spokane County Library District. Musicians Brad Keeler and Linda Parman perform songs in “Over There: The First World War in Song” that reflect the culture and mood of the First World War era.

These thematic concerts will take place on the following dates: Moran Prairie Library: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m. to noon

LIBRARY Summer,” by Rita Garcia Williams.

“Family Road Trip” is a list of audiobooks the whole family can listen to on those long drives to Wenatchee, Walla Walla or wherever your family gathering takes you (think “Charlotte’s Web” or the Geronimo Stilton series).

For teens, “Family Ties” offers simpatico titles for all those times when the relatives can be a bit much, like “We Were Liars,” by E. Lockhart, and “Return to Me,” by Justina Chen.

It’s worth pointing out that the library district curates these lists throughout the year and they’re not limited to children and teens.

Current lists for adults include “Snuggle into Fall,” “Libros en Español,” and “Robots, A.I., and Superintelligence – the Future Is Now.”

Cheney Library: Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6 to 7 p.m.

Deer Park Library: Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Argonne Library: Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Humanities Washington Speaker and public historian Lorraine McConaghy takes us back in time for “Washington at War: The Evergreen State in World War I.” The program begins with an illustrated introduction and then offers a readers’ theater script, in which we explore this dramatic period of wartime industrialization, immigration, women’s rights, social change, radical labor, epidemic disease and worldwide turmoil.

The programs are scheduled for: Spokane Valley Library: Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7 to 8 p.m.

North Spokane Library: Thursday, Nov. 15, 7 to 8 p.m.

Whitworth University English professor Charles Andrews offers a look at the particularly vibrant time of peace-activist literature during the 1920s and 1930s in Britain.

Over the last century, the world

NOVEMBER 2018 • 9

To see what books we’re currently highlighting, you can go to our website’s digital library at www.scld.org/digital-library.

On the digital library web page, click on OverDrive to get to the library district’s OverDrive web page, where you’ll find a fantastic variety of lists, mostly for grown-ups. For lists geared specifically to kids or teens, you can click those links at the top of the OverDrive web page.

If you’re trying out e-books and audiobooks for the first time, OverDrive has an intuitive app for your digital devices called “Libby.”

You can learn more about Libby and download it to your device at https://meet.libbyapp.com.

With so many great stories to choose from, the late fall and winter holidays may just become a little more festive!

has been filled with warfare and violence, and perhaps the voices of writers who responded to the “Great War” will give us resources for peacemaking today.

Andrews will following dates:

speak

on

the

Cheney Library: Sunday, Nov. 4, 3 to 4 p.m.

Spokane Valley Library: Thursday, Nov. 29, 7 to 8 p.m.

Now is the perfect time to check out a museum pass from your local district library (http://bit.ly/MACpasses) and visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture to view their exhibit “The Inland Northwest and the Great War: A Centennial Commemoration of World War I.” For some virtual discovery, students can take a deeper dive with the library’s digital resources (www.scld.org/digital-library/).

Both World Book and eLibrary from ProQuest offer a collection of articles and other resources to find out more about the First World War. With so much to experience during the centennial of World War I, I hope you personally discover something to remember.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Shop Local.

Get a Prize.

Everyone wins!

Stop by your Neighborhood Champion: CHENEY LIBRARY, MEDICAL LAKE LIBRARY, OR ARGONNE LIBRARY (MILLWOOD) Saturday, November 24 10am–5pm Shop at local businesses on Small Business Saturday and you could receive a special prize from the library, while supplies last.

Prizes are sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Ree Creations (above) is one of the local participating Cheney businesses.

Photo: Rogue Heart Media

North Spokane Library: Saturday, Nov. 3, 4 to 5 p.m.

Medical Lake Library: Monday, Nov. 5, 4 to 5 p.m.

Spokane Valley Library: Monday, Nov. 5, 7 to 8 p.m.

Airway Heights Library: Tuesday, Nov 6, 6 to 7 p.m.

www.scld.org

10 • NOVEMBER 2018

Vet responder team delivers support in wake of disasters

By Craig Howard Current Editor When Andy Hail and his fellow Community Responder Team (CRT) colleagues arrived in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept.

20, the devastation of Hurricane Florence was instantly apparent.

In navigating their way to the southeast part of the state with help from a local driver, the CRT crew from Spokane had to divert their path several times due to rising waters that had transformed the region into a perilous quagmire.

“It started from the moment we arrived in Raleigh,” Hail said.

“The flooding was continuing to adversely impact all the communities and roads.”

The CRT contingent arrived about a week after the hurricane hit. Hail described the mission as “just going in and taking care of the high priority tasks like removing trees from people’s property.”

Hail, who retired from the Spokane Valley Fire Department in 2016 and spent time before that as a para-rescuer in the U.S. Air Force, is one of close to a dozen CRT members who have donated time to various relief efforts since the group was formed earlier this year. CRT is a branch of the local Veterans Community Response (VCR) organization and collaborates with All Hands and Hearts (AHAH), an international disaster response effort, to help communities recover from storms, fires and other calamities.

In North Carolina, CRT volunteers trained in the use of chainsaws cleared downed trees and other debris. Hail said the work saved many residents from paying costly fees to private companies for the same essential assistance.

“The people were so gracious and thankful,” he said. “A lot of them had no means, no

COVER STORY insurance and their homes were just devastated. We saw water up to 14 feet high in some.”

Hail said the work in North Carolina brought together a diverse cross-section of helpers, all dedicated to restoring hope and stability.

“We saw people from so many different backgrounds working together for a common purpose,” he said. It was amazing.

Everyone was so united.”

Hail and his fellow CRT members returned to Spokane Oct. 16.

Another team headed to Florida to help in the wake of Hurricane Michael around the time their colleagues made it back from North Carolina. CRT volunteers have also worked with AHAH in St. John, Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma and in Puerto Rico as part of recovery efforts there. A total of 18 deployments have been completed since the group was organized in March.

In addition to the partnership with AHAH, VCR works with the Washington Department of Natural Resources in wildfire fuels reduction projects.

Hail said the CRT missions are part of the larger VCR vision to help veterans “re-engage and readjust.”

“This gives them an opportunity to get out in the real world and see that they do have purpose and meaning,” he said. “We know the vets want that – they also want a chance to give back. When we were first brainstorming the (CRT) idea, it was like, ‘Why not have them use physical and mental skills to help communities recovering from wildland fires and storms?

There’s such a need for disaster response.”

Another benefit involves addressing the isolation that many vets feel after leaving the service, Hail said.

“Vets can be suspect of the civilian world when they return,” he said. “This gives them the opportunity to interact with civilians. They realize that civilians appreciate what they bring to the table.”

Hail said there is a continued need for CRT volunteers.

“We definitely need more people to train and send out,” he said. “There’s a lot of need out there in the field.”

A Community of Service – Nonprofit helps veterans find their way back

By Tyler Wilson

Current Correspondent Before the launch of his nonprofit organization, Veterans Community Response (VCR), Darrin Coldiron knew it would be important to speak to veterans about what sort of support they wanted from after returning home.

“They wanted real appreciation and real understanding – a lot of them talked about not wanting empty gestures,” Coldiron said.

“We wanted to know about what kind of support was actually helping them.”

Coldiron – who serves as VCR president – already had experience in the nonprofit arena. The Spokane Valley firefighter traveled to Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami to assist in rebuilding infrastructure in the village of Komari. He and friends formed the nonprofit, Community Focused Disaster Response, which through 2008 worked to complete more than 75 projects in Komari.

Then in 2009, Coldiron connected with the Spokane Veterans Center in an effort to organize combat veteran retreats and his existing nonprofit eventually evolved into Veterans Community Response.

Comprised of firefighters, veterans and therapists, VCR now consists of two major programs with the intention of helping combat veterans navigate the postwar readjustment process. The first is the Combat Veteran Retreat Program, which combines outdoor activities with peer mentoring and trauma therapy.

The second is Disaster Response, which serves as a platform for combat veterans to continue rewarding service work at home.

This second prong grew out of Coldiron’s previous nonprofit experience in infrastructure redevelopment. When wildfires struck the Inland Northwest in 2015, a team was formed out of VCR to assist in recovery efforts.

“As combat vets worked through their healing process, we found that they often liked to do this service work,” Coldiron said. “People go into service work for a reason. I’m a fireman and as a public servant

The Current I do feel that need to give back to the community. I feel that’s what makes our community strong, and I think there is a similar mindset for a majority of veterans.”

He said Disaster Response became a natural progression of the nonprofit’s approach to longterm reintegration.

“We don’t want to just give people a Band Aid,” he said. “The next best thing we could do was rebuild, so we started doing rebuilds. We built pump houses, we built a recovery shed and that was the beginning of our disaster response.”

The Disaster Response team within VCR consists of about a dozen members and their work has included preventative wildfire response as well as things like assisting elderly and disabled rural clients with eliminating hazards and reducing fire risk on their property. Coldiron said the process for veterans to participate in this aspect is not just a simple volunteer effort.

“Either you have to be known to one of us or you have to be willing to go through the vetting process, because we are on private land and we’re helping people who have been traumatized,” Coldiron said.

“The first step is often not just joining this team – it is coming to a retreat or coming to one of our events.”

Coldiron points out that VCR’s post-fire immediate aid and rebuild projects are done in partnership with the county emergency management agencies.

“This is important because acting post-disaster without research, thought and coordination can be counter-productive,” he said.

An All Hands collaboration

and

Hearts

VCR has recently collaborated with All Hands and Hearts, a largescale disaster response nonprofit organization, to send Army veteran Rich Shults to assist in hurricane recovery efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands. VCR’s wing is known as Community Responder Team or CRT. Shults said he struggled after leaving the Army until a friend convinced him to attend one of the retreats.

“I’d had a pretty hard time,” Shults said. “I was spending an unhealthy amount of time by myself and I didn’t know any of the (support) groups.”

He said the VCR helped him adjust to post-Army life.

See VCR, Page 11

The Current

COVER STORY

NOVEMBER 2018 • 11

Stepping Up to Support Vets

Veterans Community Response (VCR) is an Inland Northwest nonprofit organization comprised of firefighters, veterans and therapists who work to support veterans in their post-war readjustment. The organization features a variety of programs that help veterans develop the skills to overcome their physical, mental and spiritual wounds and move into productive and satisfying post-combat lives.

Veterans Community Response is a local nonprofit formed to help vets readjust to society after their service. One of the approaches to group takes to healthy reintegration involves collaborating with Native American elders in a spiritual setting that promotes healing and trust.

Photo by Nikki Caputo, Wingspan Media

VCR

Continued from page 10 “It provides that sense of community and belonging that you had when you’re in,” Shults said.

The opportunity to help with All Hands and Hearts was a form of passing it forward.

“Just kind of being the product of what the VCR does in terms of helping folks, I really felt the need to give back,” Shults said. “They gave me so much, and I wanted to do anything I thought would help. I was kind of the test monkey for the trip because I was the first one to have the time.”

Shults helped “muck and gut” homes on his trip, pulling down rotten drywall and removing materials tarnished by mold.

“We had to completely gut out homes and try to salvage what they could,” he said. “Really it was just a way to help these folks make that next step as far as recovery.”

VCR will send other veterans in the future in partnership with All Hands and Hearts, which delivers about 95 percent of its donations directly to programs.

“I’m kind of a skeptic as far as all these different organizations that get money – where they are top heavy and only a percentage goes for what’s needed,” Shults said.

“But to see the efforts that were put together (with All Hands and Hearts) – it’s a great organization.”

‘Three-Legged Stool’ Retreats

Coldiron said VCR hosts between five to seven veteran retreats per year, which can include activities like whitewater rafting or winter skiing. He said the retreats focus on “three pillars” – first, a clinical aspect where trauma clinicians from veteran centers work with participants and their individual issues; secondly, a spiritual aspect with guidance from Native American elders and, third, a group outdoor activity designed to serve as fraternal support.

“All these guys have had their units scattered when returning home, so we are rebuilding them a team,” Coldiron said. “We have peer mentors who have been through this and are there to help them reintegrate into peaceful society and these cohesion activities are helping them rebuild a team of trusted brothers.”

Roger Vielle is a Blackfoot Indian elder and Army veteran who works with the VCR during retreats to serve as a spiritual counselor to participants. One aspect is guiding veterans through a sweat lodge experience and other ceremonies designed to bring about healing.

“Many lives are changed – people have had a great spiritual awakening by this,” Vielle said.

“I’m not going to take any credit for it. I’m a facilitator. I sing the songs and say the prayers. There can be a lot of tears and laughter shed in there.”

Vielle said the experiences are not designed for any specific religion or faith.

“You can come in with your own beliefs – we’re just there to help heal,” he said. “One of the things I tell everybody is that in our traditions and culture, we go back to where we were because we all left a part of ourselves. So we go in this lodge, and we get it back and start to put it back together.”

After the experience, Vielle makes himself available to help provide context to participants about their experience and the group is then free to share their thoughts or any feedback they may have.

“Healing is not a journey you go through by yourself,” Vielle said.

“Healing doesn’t mean the pain doesn’t exist. You just don’t have to let it control your life. We’re here to help.”

Coldiron says that in addition to VCR’s two major programs, it also offers one-day outings, including up to four free days at nearby ski areas and two whitewater raft trips. Each year, VCR also brings in a yoga teacher in who offers a free class to veterans (Wednesdays 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Vet Center).

Finally, Coldirion said the group is looking at offering mountaineering and other fitness programs for 2019.

As Veterans Community Response extends its reach to more veterans in the Inland Northwest, Coldiron hopes his group can further inspire a sense of community that better connects veterans and civilians.

“If people value their community, if they value their nation, the way

For more information on Veterans Community Response, visit www.VetComRes.org.

To learn more contact Darrin Coldiron at 509-329-8657 or at darrincoldiron@gmail. com To make a donation, please text VCR to the number 41444 on your cell phone. For more information, visit the VCR Facebook page: Veterans Community Response and website at www.vetcomres. org or email vetcomres@ gmail.com.

The Veterans Crisis Line – toll-free 1-800273-8255 or text to 838255 – provides confidential help for veterans and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. More at www.VeteransCrisisLine. net. The Spokane Vet Center is a supportive resource for veterans and their families located at 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway in Spokane Valley. The Vet Center can be reached by calling 509-444-8387. to keep it strong is to get involved,” he said. “These are the strands that make us strong. I would encourage people to find any way to give back.”

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12 • NOVEMBER 2018

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Nov. 3-4 | Fall Craft Show benefiting the Central Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information contact: cvmbPublicity@ hotmail.com. Admission: $2.

Nov. 3 | Spokane Valley Heritage Museum Heritage Luncheon – 11 a.m., Eagles Lodge, 16801 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. This year’s program is “Spokane Valley: Where It All Began, 1858-1930” and will be presented by Chuck King and Jayne Singleton. Attendees will also enjoy a silent auction, the presentation of the annual Heritage Preservation Award and lunch.

Tickets are $20. For more information call the museum at 922-4570 or visit www.spokanevalleymuseum.com.

Nov. 8 | Salute to Veterans Dinner - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave., Spokane. All veterans eat free. The evening will include an honor guard from Fairchild Air Force Base, special recognition of veterans from all services and Gold Star families and personal stories told by veterans. Musical entertainment by The Willows and Bill Comphe. KHQ anchor Dan Kleckner will be the MC. Cost for non-vets: $15 for members of the Southside Community Center; $17 for non-members. Reserve space by Nov. 5 by calling 535-0803.

Nov. 9 | Veterans Day Panel – 6 p.m., Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. This special event will feature local veterans telling stories and answering questions from attendees. Panelists will include vets from the Navy, Marines, Army and Air National Guard.

Nov. 10 | Veterans Recognition

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Ceremony – 10 a.m., Lakeland High School, Rathdrum Idaho. Doors open at 1 p.m. This free community event will include an opportunity to meet, thank and honor our local veterans. The agenda will feature live music and prizes. For more information, call Barbara Williams at 208-691-7964.

Nov. 20 | Tom’s Turkey Tuesday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, 720 W. Mallon, Spokane. Stop by to pick up your complimentary Thanksgiving dinner courtesy of Tom’s Turkey Drive. Visit www.krem.com for more information.

Nov. 25 | Christmas Lighting – 3 to 6 p.m., Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley. This free community event will feature games, crafts, singing and refreshments. All are Welcome.

Nov. 29 | Celebration of Lights sponsored by the Greater Spokane Valley Rotary Club – 5:30 p.m. This free community event will start at the east end of the Spokane Valley City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. The choral group from Bowdish Middle School will sing and there will be hot chocolate, candy canes and a visit from Santa Claus.

RECURRING Free Lunch Last Sunday | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 North Raymond Road, Spokane Valley - 12:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall, Room 115 Grief Share Support Group | Thursdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene.

15515 E 20th Ave, Spokane Valley.

If you have lost a loved one and are dealing with grief, this wellrespected program is here to help with the healing. Stop by to share or just listen. Call 926-1545 for more

information.

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. “Focused Fitness on Dishman Mica,” a yoga class, is now part of the schedule. More at www.sccel. spokane.edu/ACT2 Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursday 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.

Inland Empire Blues Society monthly meeting | Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Bolo's 116 S. Best Road Café Card Club | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays. On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford.

Play pinochle, cribbage, or hearts.

More at www.onsacredgrounds.com Catholic Singles Mingle | Meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www.meetup.com/ Catholic-Singles-Mingle.

DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays 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.

Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11: 30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Call Steve at 893-

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Live or work in Washington or North Idaho? You’re eligible. Join us.

4746 for more information Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this community-based service organization. For more information call 226-2202 or see us on Facebook.

Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m.

Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org.

Rockford Crochet Class | 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford.

Free classes. We have crocheters, knitters, embroidery, quilting and needlepoint. Come and share with us what you are doing. Call 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

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Spokane Home Loan Center 12111 E Mission Ave, Suite A Spokane Valley, WA 99206

The Current

NOVEMBER 2018 • 13

COMMUNITY

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 advancedage seniors — age 60 and over — and/or physically-handicapped 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 Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley.

Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft.

Participants have can access a comprehensive library, can engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at www.svqgspokane.com

MUSIC & THE ARTS Oct. 18-Nov. 11 | Spokane Watercolor Society Juried Show, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture - Helen South Alexander Gallery, 2316 W. First Ave., Spokane. Days/ times: Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m. The opening reception and awards program will be held Oct. 18, from 5-8 p.m. The jurist is nationally and internationally known watercolor artist Birgit O'Connor.

Nov. 2-11 | “Shrek the Musical,” Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane. Based on the Oscarwinning DreamWorks Animation film, this stage presentation is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure. Tickets are $16 at door; $14 in advance; $13 for seniors; $12 for age 12 and younger. For more information call 227-7638 or visit www.bingcrosbytheater.com.

Nov. 29-Dec. 15 | "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Charles M. Schulz. The classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation, in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Visit www.libertylaketheatre.com for more information.

RECURRING 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 fourpart, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. More at www.pagesofharmony.org.

Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity

Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 2184799.

Spokane Novelists Group | Noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 copies for others to read along and critique. More at 590-7316.

Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops.

More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc.org

HEALTH & RECREATION Nov. 4 | Real People, Real Solutions – Lutheran Community Services Northwest annual fundraising luncheon – program begins at 1:30 p.m. at Mukogawa Commons, 4000 W. Randolph Road, Spokane. This event will feature food, philanthropy and fun in support of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, a local nonprofit agency helping people recover from mental health, trauma and addiction issues; supporting families beset by trauma and poverty; resettling and supporting refugees; finding foster homes for neglected children and working with families to keep at-risk teens from being removed from their homes; helping seniors and people with disabilities remain independent and standing up for victims of crime.

For more information, call 343-5020 or email cmckee@lcsnw.org with questions.

Nov. 9 | Operation Veteran Smiles – A free dental care event, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the dental office of Dr. Justin Rader, 1223 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Call 208-664-9225 for more information.

Through Nov. 30 | Through the end of November, Sullivan Park Assisted Living Community, 421 S. Adams Road in Spokane Valley, will offer free and confidential cognitive screenings for seniors. Each screening

See CALENDAR, Page 15

A holiday guide for the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake and Rockford areas

“Eat, Shop and Be Merry” is a special cover section that will champion what holiday guide aimed at area consumers and businesses — and as a bonus we’ll include your idea as part of our story featuring can’t-miss local gift ideas. Restaurants are encouraged to advertise and contribute a tantalizing menu item for our article on dining out.

On November 20 and 21, the guides will be distributed throughout the greater Valley area via The Splash and The Current. The December issues are strategically scheduled to land before Thanksgiving, just in time to remind residents about supporting local businesses on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25) and throughout the holiday season.

A total of 35,000 copies of this guide will be included in the December issues of both The Current and The Splash. That’s right-be part of both publications for one price!

1/4 PAGE: $420 1/2 PAGE: $720 1/2 PAGE: $720 normally $770) normally $1300) (normally $1300)

Display ad with submitted menu item or gift idea: Display ad (submitted gift idea or menu item will be printed if space is still available):

* Contract discounts apply

FULL PAGE:

$1320 (normally $2500)

Oct. 30 Nov. 6

The Current

14 • NOVEMBER 2018

Look into the facts behind I-1631 Initiative 1631’s new $2.3 billion energy tax would increase every year with no cap

$2.3 Billion Energy Tax, Increases Every Year

Unelected Board, No Accountability

I-1631´s new energy tax would cost Washington families and consumers more than $2.3 billion in the first five years alone. And I-1631´s escalating taxes would automatically increase every year – with no cap.

There would be no meaningful oversight of the unelected board of political appointees in charge of spending the billions in revenues collected under I-1631. There is no specific spending plan and no requirement to spend funds specifically on reducing greenhouse gases.

Source: Fiscal Impact Summary of I-1631, Washington State Office of Fiscal Management, Rev. 8/24/2018

Consumers Pay Higher Gas Prices Washington already has the third highest gasoline prices in the nation, and I-1631 would drive these prices even higher. An independent study shows that I-1631 would increase gasoline prices by 13 cents per gallon in the first year, with automatic increases every year, indefinitely. These increases would quadruple to 59 cents more per gallon within 15 years.

Source: Initiative I-1631, Sec. 8 (3); NERA Economic Consulting, Analysis of Economic and CO2 Emissions Impacts of Washington Initiative 1631, October 2018; AAA, State Gasoline Price Averages

Sources: Initiative 1631, Sec. 4, 5, 6; Washington State OFM, Fiscal Impact Study of I-1631, August 24, 2018

Hurts Families and Small Businesses Families and small businesses would face higher costs for gasoline, heating fuel, natural gas, electricity and other goods and services.

I-1631 would cost the average Washington household $440 more per year in 2020, increasing every year indefinitely, reaching $990 by 2035. This would especially hurt those who can least afford it.

Sources: Initiative I-1631, Sec. 8 (3); NERA Economic Consulting, Analysis of Economic and CO2 Emissions Impacts of Washington Initiative 1631, October 2018

“I-1631 would cost the average household $440 more in 2020. Household costs would continue to increase every year, with no cap, especially hurting families and those on fixed incomes.”

Vicki Malloy Farmer/Orchardist, Malaga

“I-1631 would continue to increase prices for electricity, heating and gasoline every year, making it harder to compete with out-of-state companies.”

Sabrina Jones Small Business Owner, Spokane

“I-1631 would force Washington consumers to pay billions, and then would give an unelected board a blank check to spend those billions however it chooses, with no specific plan and no guarantee of less pollution.”

Rob McKenna Former Washington Attorney General

“Consumers would pay billions in higher prices for gasoline, electricity, heating fuel and natural gas. But there’s no guarantee it would help our environment.”

Colin Hastings Executive Director, Pasco Chamber of Commerce

Small businesses, family farmers and consumers across Washington agree

FactsAbout1631.com Paid for by NO on 1631 (Sponsored by Western States Petroleum Association), PO Box 7035, Olympia, WA 98507 Top 5 Contributors: BP America, Phillips 66, Andeavor, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, Valero Energy Corporation

The Current

CALENDAR

Continued from page 13

takes approximately 30 minutes. To schedule your screening, please call 790-4326.

Nov. 6 and Dec. 4 | Quit for Good – Tobacco Cessation class. Have you tried quitting smoking before without success? INHS and Providence Health Care are teaming up to provide a free four-week program designed to help you have long-term success in quitting tobacco. Tobacco cessation tools will be available to you as well as tobacco cessation experts. The class includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) while supplies last when NRT is not covered by participant’s health insurance. This is a live, interactive webinar.

Log in information will be emailed with your registration confirmation. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

Nov. 20 and 27 | Know Your Numbers: Risk Factor Screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane.

Do you have hidden risks? Sign up to get immediate results for cholesterol, blood glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure and more.

Nov. 29 | Pre-diabetes screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. This

NOVEMBER 2018 • 15

simple blood test provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past three months.

Immediate results are provided and can be discussed at the time of appointment with a registered dietitian and/or a certified diabetes educator.

For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by boardcertified Music Therapist, Carla Carnegie. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards. For more information, visit www.willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592 7875.

RECURRING Yoga in Rockford | 5:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for

those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by board-certified Music Therapist, Carla Carnegie. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards. For more information, visit www.willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592 7875.

Tuesday afternoons | Decreasing Anger Group, 3 to 4:30 p.m., the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: Combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors, Contact Steve at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Wed. and Sun. $3/seniors ($5/nonseniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times.

CIVIC & BUSINESS Nov. 6 | “Hope for the Homeless” – 7 to 8:30 p.m., Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley . Come and learn about current homeless situation in the Spokane Valley. There will be a panel discussion and several agencies will be there to offer resources. For more information, call 926-7262.

Nov. 6 | Compass Club Ladies Luncheon and Auction – noon, Ramada Inn at Spokane Airport. The Compass Club been an organization since 1948, when seven women decided to form their own club to provide more opportunities to meet

people and to get to know friends better through hobby groups. The purpose of the Spokane Compass Club is to develop fellowship and acquaintance among new residents and assimilation into the life and social activities of their new community. Cost of the luncheon is $25. Reservations are required.

Please contact compassres@gmail. com Mondays in November | Financial Literacy with Dycelia Weiss – 12:30 to 2 p.m., STCU Community Education Kitchen and Classroom at Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank and Family Services, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Call 9271153 or visit www.svpart.org/foodbank/ for more information.

RECURRING Spokane Valley City Council | Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Ste. 101. Council study sessions are held the first, third and sometimes fifth Tuesdays at 6 p.m., also in Council Chambers.

Millwood City Council | Regular meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Millwood City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave. Spokane Flag Museum | Sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairmount Memorial Association, details the rich history of the American flag, MondaysFridays, 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.

Greater Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m., Wednesdays.

Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at www.svrotary.org.

Brought to you by

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird, not the bald eagle?

Wild turkeys are the largest game bird in North America. It is estimated that there are over seven million in the wild. There are two species wild and ocellated. Eggs take about 28 days to hatch. They eat acorns, seeds, berries and insects. Fossils show that they had been domesticated in Mexico from at least 800 BC and that Native Americans hunted them since about AD1000. While most domesticated turkeys are too heavy to fly, those living in the wild prefer to fly up to a low branch to roost for the night. They used all parts of the bird; besides eating the meat, feathers were used to stabilize arrows and as decorations for ceremonial clothing, skins have been tanned and used for boots and belts and male spurs were used as projectiles on arrowheads. Turkeys can see in color up to 100 yards away, run up to 25 MPH, fly up to 55 MPH and can even swim. A group of wild turkeys is a flock but a group of domesticated is called a gang. There are several differences in males and females; males are more colorful, larger, have some hairlike bristles on their chest called a

beard and gobble loud enough to be heard a mile away, females cluck, cackle and do not gobble.

Males poop in spirals and females make a j shape.

The caruncle is the red-pink fleshy growth on the head and upper neck of a turkey. The wattle is the bright red growth under their neck and the long red fleshy growth by their beak is a snood.

There are 50 million turkeys butchered at Thanksgiving time every year as part of an industry that grosses over one billion dollars a year. 88% of Americans will eat turkey for Thanksgiving.

70% of a turkey is white meat while only 30% is dark meat. The heaviest turkey ever weighed 86 pounds. The wishbone or furcular is formed by the fusion of the birds two collarbones. It acts as a spring to store and release energy when flying.

This is why it really needs to be dry before you can break it.

A mature turkey has about 3,500 feathers, most of which are composted. It is said that Big Birds costume on Sesame Street is made of turkey feathers.

Henry VIII was the first English king to eat turkey.

The Current

NOVEMBER 2018 • 17

509-315-5433 2515 N. Locust Road Spokane Valley 99206

h es Throug Fall Class r 8th Decembe

www.spokanegymnastics.com

ses s a l C r e t n Wi . 31st r a M h t 0 Dec. 1

Fall & Winter Hours

Indoor Playground: Monday-Friday 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM Open Gym For All Ages- Fridays 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM .

Ninja Zone • Bitty Bee Academy and Flippin’ Fun Movie Night • Parent’s Night Out • Open Gym for All Ages • Parkour and Breakdance Classes • CompetitiveTeams • Gymnastics Birthday Parties

The Current

18 • NOVEMBER 2018

The results are in!

from our mock election

Last month, on October 10, 2018, the students from East Valley High School, and University High School partnered with The Current to create a candidate forum that featured the Spokane County Commissioner Candidates. All those in attendance were asked to participate in a mock election at the completion of the program. Here are the results.

Federal Partisan Office

Judicial - Nonpartisan office

U.S. Senator

Supreme Court Justice Pos 8

Maria Cantwell (D) Susan Hutchison (R)

25 21

U.S. Rep. Dist 5

Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) 22 Lisa Brown (D) 34

Legislative Dist 4 - Partisan Office State Rep Pos. 1

Matt Shea (R) Ted Cummings (D)

7 42

State Rep Pos 2 Bob McCaslin (R) Mary May (D)

13 39

Spokane COunty - Partisan Office County Commissioner District 2 Mary Kuney (R) Rob Chase (R)

County Assessor

Leonard Christian (R) Tom Konis (R)

51 5 22 30

County Commissioner District 3 Robbi Anthony (D) Al French (R)

County Clerk

Tim Fitzgerald (R) Michael Kirk (D)

Dennis Cronin 23 Michelle (Shelley) Szambelan25

Spokane County - Nonpartisan office District Court Judge pos 1 Patrick T. Johnson Randy Brandt

21 26

East Valley school district proposition No. 1

34 15

Thank you to all of the students, teachers and our partners who helped make this event possible.

Michael Baumgartner (R) 12 David Green (D) 38

By Nina Culver Current Correspondent More than a dozen candidates showed up for a candidate forum at East Valley High School last month, but it was the four candidates for Spokane County Commissioner who took center stage and answered questions from high school students.

Commissioner Al French, a Republican, faced off against Democrat Robbi Katherine Anthony while incumbent Republican Mary Kuney was opposed by fellow Republican Rob Chase. Each was given the opportunity to make an opening and closing statement in addition to answering questions.

The Oct. 10 forum was hosted by the Greater Spokane Valley Current and Liberty Lake Splash.

The students asked for the candidates’ views on road maintenance, the homeless, the opioid epidemic, urban sprawl, the county budget, mental health and contamination in the Spokane River.

East Valley High School government

6 20

33 23

County Treasurer

Candidates debate issues

Nathan Choi Steve Gonzalez

Superior Court Judge Pos 10

teacher Lori Merkel organized the students from East Valley and University High School who participated in the event. Last year students interviewed Spokane Valley City Council candidates.

“They were riveted and vested and impressed,” Merkel said.

This year’s students were no less enthusiastic.

“I offered it to my AP Government students and they jumped on board,” Merkel said. “They loved it. They were so excited. They took it very seriously.”

Levy Yes 34 Levy No 4

Merkel’s students, some of whom are old enough to vote, got a chance to learn about where the candidates stand on issues.

“For me it’s about civic involvement and their voice matters and this is what democracy looks like,” she said.

“The grassroots stuff is what will affect their lives.”

The students chose their own question topics and met ahead of time to discuss and craft their questions.

“They’re very, very interested in mental health issues,” she said.

The Greater Spokane Valley Current and Liberty Lake Splash hosted a candidate forum Oct. 10 at East Valley High School featuring over a dozen hopefuls in this month’s general election. Candidates for Spokane County Commissioner answered questions from high school students at the event. From left to right: Al French, Robbi Katherine Anthony, Mary Kuney and Rob Chase.

Photo by Nina Culver

Last year’s event included all the Spokane Valley area high schools, but some schools were unable to make the time commitment this year, Merkel said.

East Valley senior Keeley Stevens asked French and Anthony what they would like to change about the Spokane County budget. French responded that he wanted an end to unfunded mandates from the state so the county could spend that money on other things. Anthony suggested paying county employees more to reduce turnover and reduce the time and money spent on training.

Stevens said the experience taught her a lot. “I thought that it taught me what to listen for and whether or not the candidates are answering the questions that they were asked,” she said.

Stevens is 17 and won’t turn 18 until after the November general election.

“I barely missed the cutoff (to vote),” she said. “I was actually very upset about that.”

Stevens said people she knows in school are very interested in voting.

“Those that are 18 have registered to vote and are forming opinions,” she

See FORUM, Page 19

The Current

NOVEMBER 2018 • 19

FORUM

Continued from page 18

said.

University High School senior Aaron Miller,18, said the candidate forum helped him to prepare to vote in his first election. “I thought it was a really great experience,” he said. “I really like politics. It also gave me an excuse to do research on the candidates.”

But he was taken aback by the response French had to a question Miller asked about why money was moved from the road fund to the general fund to balance the budget last year when both candidates say that road maintenance is important.

French denied using any money from the road department to balance the budget and chastised the students for making a mistake. “We did balance the budget and we didn’t raise taxes,” French said. “You need to be very accurate with your words.”

Miller said he used his phone during the forum to double check his research to make sure he was correct. He said he relied on news stories from The Spokesman-Review and the Inlander that described how the county commissioners voted to raise taxes earmarked for roads and then transfer the increased revenue to the general fund to help balance the budget.

During his closing statement French apologized to the students and said he didn’t mean to appear aggressive.

Miller said the candidate forum helped him decide how to vote in one of the commissioner races, moving him from undecided to favoring Kuney.

“On paper, Rob Chase looked really good and Kuney looked good too,” he said. “It didn’t feel like Rob Chase was answering the questions entirely. I thought Kuney did a great job.”

One of Chase’s responses that confused Miller was in response to a question a student asked about what the candidates would do to address hate and intolerance, particularly in schools. The question was prompted by recent visits by the white supremacist group Identity Evropa to Spokane Valley high school campuses.

Chase said people are often called “the R word” (racist) lately and he believes it’s used as a weapon. “How do you defend yourself against that?” he said. “It’s not my experience.

Maybe if I was Jewish or black I would feel differently.”

Miller said he believes the white supremacy groups are a concern. “It’s definitely impacting our schools,” he said.

After the event the students and other audience members were asked to fill out mock ballots indicating who they would vote for, but Miller said he is looking forward to making his vote count in the general election.

Student of the Month Not many athletes can say they have achieved success in hockey, cross country, football and track.

East Valley senior Casey Noack is one of the exceptions. Noack reached nationals with the Spokane Junior Chiefs hockey squad his first two years of high school. He is a three-year letter winner in cross country and part of the EV’s state-qualifying team last season. In track, Noack has run long and short distances and specialized in the javelin. This season, the senior is the starting quarterback on the Knights’ football squad. Noack maintains a 4.0 grade point average, is a member of the National Honor Society, participates in choir and is the ASB activities coordinator.

He has been a member of Washington Drug Free Youth all four years at EV.

Citizen of the Month

Thanks you for all you do in our community

When not studying for AP classes in subjects like calculus, history or environmental science, East Valley senior Zoe Mertens can be found volunteering at local nonprofits like Second Harvest or raking leaves at the home of a local senior as secretary of Key Club. Mertens also has the distinction of being the only female on the EV football team. Mertens maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is president of EV’s chapter of the National Honor Society.

She credits her grandmother Val Kurtz – an East Valley math teacher – with helping her gain confidence through high school.

In addition to football, Mertens has participated in basketball, volleyball, track and golf. She has been part of Washington Drug Free Youth since her freshman year. She would like to be a heart surgeon or brain surgeon.

The Community Box is brought to you by

Come visit your Spokane Valley Neighborhood Financial Center located at 615 N Sullivan Road

800-233-2328

Join us for our 8th annual

Athlete of the Month If they ever construct a Spokane Valley version of Mt. Rushmore, Chuck Stocker would be one of the honorees. The former superintendent of the East Valley and Freeman school districts, Stocker began his career in education as a teacher in the Central Valley School District in 1964. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves and has been actively involved in Rotary and as a volunteer with Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was named 2011 Citizen of the Year by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and was also honored as Volunteer of the Year from the chamber. Stocker is a longtime board member with the HUB Sports Center, contributing to the capital campaign that secured the facility. He and his wife Lu have been married since 1961 and have four children.

benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project

Saturday, November 10 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come find crafty gift ideas including aprons, quilts, dog blankets, team related items, homemade pies, jams, breads & much more. Specialty gift items for the person who has everything!

MeadowWood Golf Course Clubhouse

24501 E. Valleyway Ave. | Liberty Lake For more information or to contribute: renebbc@hotmail.com 100% of proceeds support the Wounded Warrior Project; help us top last year’s donation of $11,066

Also - Support our local homeless by donating a pair of socks when you visit.

The Current

20 • NOVEMBER 2018 Brought to you by

Evergreen

About and for Valley seniors

Walk to End Alzheimer’s makes strides to support, educate

By Benjamin Shedlock Current Correspondent An enthused and cheerful crowd turned out last month to participate in the annual Spokane Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Washington chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association say funds raised as part of the Oct. 6 event will be used to fund Alzheimer’s research and provide support and care to local families that are affected by the disease. Last year, the walk raised nearly $100,000.

the total is 5.7 million. For each patient, there are three unpaid caregivers.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the condition is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. It causes memory loss and interferes with the cognitive functions people need for daily living. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but early detection and treatment can help increase quality of life. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. After the Promise Garden Ceremony, participants walked a 3-mile route along an accessible trail. At the end of the walk,

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participants strolled by 20 resource booths, featuring information related to Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving options.

The Alzheimer’s Association had a table that provided participants with a one-stop shop for those wanting to find out more about the disease and corresponding reinforcement, including local support groups, a helpline, educational programs, hospice care, memory care and adult respite care.

Providing a central location where people can find resources is important because Alzheimer’s is a unique disease, says McBride. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis and it comes with a unique caregiving process. Patients are

With annual events like this held across the country from August through October, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraising effort for this disease, which affects a growing number of Americans. The walk raises awareness, promotes local resources and provides a boost for patients and their family members, who can often feel isolated.

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sometimes unable to participate in their own planning or medical decision-making, putting an extra burden on family members.

Nationwide, that burden adds up. Caregivers provide more than 18 billion hours of unpaid care to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Two-thirds of caregivers are women, and one-third are daughters of patients. One quarter of caregivers also care for children.

All of this work comes in addition to the more than $340,000 in paid care Alzheimer’s and dementia patients receive in their lifetimes.

McBride, who says her family is “disproportionately affected” by the disease, understands the challenges of Alzheimer’s well.

She lost her father to a rare form of dementia five years ago, and her 54-year-old sister received a diagnosis last year. Her mother just started experiencing time disorientation and memory loss, two symptoms of dementia.

Funds raised by the event will be used to support local programming and national research. Alzheimer’s resources in the Spokane region that receive support from the walk include peer support programs for patients and families.

Nationally, funds will be used to expand research. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research.

The walk began at 9:45 a.m., between the Looff Carrousel and ice ribbon in Spokane’s Riverfront Park, with the Promise Garden Ceremony. During the solemn event, participants received a color-coded flower that shows whether they live with Alzheimer’s or have lost a loved one to the disease, as well as whether they are a caregiver or a supporter of the effort to end Alzheimer’s.

In Washington state, 110,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s, according to the association’s research. Throughout the U.S,

LIVING COMMU

McBride’s personal experiences led her to work for the Alzheimer’s Association.

She says the organization provides a one-of-akind service in the region because of its sole focus on helping people living with memory loss.

“It gives you the hope that we’re kind of on the brink of something,” said Carrie McBride, spokesperson for the Washington chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“It’s a really poignant moment,” McBride said, pointing out that the disease can be isolating for both patients and caregivers, most of whom go unpaid for their exhausting work. “For me, it lets everyone know you’re not alone in this fight.”

Fountains

Such research is what gives McBride hope for a future without Alzheimer’s, which is the mission of the association.

“Because we help raise money for finding effective treatment and a cure, maybe we won’t have to worry about it for me or my younger siblings,” McBride said.

“Definitely not for my nieces and nephews.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer's took place Oct. 6 at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. The event featured a "Promise Garden" comprised of symbolic flowers that represented those dealing with Alzheimer's, those who have lost loved ones to the disease, caregivers of those coping with Alzheimer's and supporters in the campaign to end the disease.

Contributed photo

For more information about the Spokane Alzheimer’s Association, go to alzwa.org or call 456-0456.

The local office is located at 1403 S. Grand Blvd. in Spokane.

The Current

NOVEMBER 2018 • 21

Germanfest Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life

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West Valley secures GNL crown, looks to playoffs

By Steve Christilaw Current Correspondent Craig Whitney has a go-to phrase he especially likes.

“That was a great high school football game,” he will say after an especially thrilling victory by his West Valley Eagles.

In other words, he says it frequently.

Since taking over the program in 2003, Whitney has turned West Valley into an annual threat to win the Great Northern League (GNL) title and reach the state playoffs.

On Oct. 19, West Valley assured itself the GNL crown and home-field advantage for a crossover game with a thrilling victory over Cheney on a goal-line stand as time expired, 1714. The impending crossover contest

will send the winner directly into the first round of the 2A state football playoffs.

Before Whitney first took over the program, West Valley did its best to win a football game annually.

Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn’t.

Declining enrollment made WV the smallest class 3A school in the Greater Spokane League, the team dropped to Class 2A for the 2006-07 school year and with that shift came increased success. By 2009 the Eagles were back in the state playoffs and lost in the championship game to Lynden – the fourth time the school has played for a state championship, winning the title in the fall of 1975.

The Eagles reached the state quarterfinals two years ago and finished 10-2. Last year they were 12-0 going into a semifinal battle with eventual state champion Hockinson.

This year West Valley lost a nonconference game to Class 3A Shadle

Park but went undefeated in the GNL and finished the regular season 8-1 after a 34-14 win over East Valley Oct. 26.

Success follows a familiar formula and that approach at WV involves stopping the ball. West Valley’s defense is stout and the team plays exceptionally well on both sides of the line.

“I have to give a ton of credit to our guys up front,” Whitney said following the Eagles’ 52-27 drubbing of Pullman.

“They don’t get a whole lot of credit, but they did the hard work up front.”

The line creates a number of alternatives for running the football.

Kobin Carver is a speedy back to attack the edges and Marshall Meleney is a power back with good speed and a devastating stiff arm. Quarterback Matt Allen is equally adept at finding the right back at the right time as well as tucking the ball under an arm and shredding a defense all by himself.

“That’s the fun thing,” Allen said.

“We have some great weapons and none of us really care who scores so long as we win games.”

Against Pullman, Carver ran for more than 170 yards and three touchdowns. Meleney punched in for three touchdowns and Allen added a seventh.

Both teams made big statements early in the game at West Valley and the game was tied, 20-20 early in the second quarter.

The West Valley defense shut out the Greyhounds from there until they capitalized on the line Eagle turnover to set the final score.

In that game, West Valley did not punt and had just two possessions where it did not score – the late turnover and the final possession, when Allen took a knee twice to run out the clock.

Against Cheney Meleney ran for 105 yards and both touchdowns while Allen added 65 yards on 16 carries.

Allen provided the difference in the game with a 33-yard field goal with 3:14 left.

But game was decided in the final minute, with the West Valley defense making a statement stand.

Cheney got the ball to the West Valley 5 in the final minute and faced third-and-goal at the Eagles’ 1 with 24.8 seconds. The Blackhawks were stuffed at the line of scrimmage twice to seal the win.

Eagles Excel – The 2018 WV season at a glance

The West Valley football team went 8-1 in the regular season this year, winning the Great Northern League championship. Senior running back Marshall Meleney (#44 above) has been one of the keys to the Eagles' success.

Photo by Dirk Linton

Aug. 30 – West Valley 49 – North Central 0 Sept. 7 – West Valley 14 – Shadle Park 16 Sept. 14 – West Valley 42 – Othello 24 Sept. 21 – West Valley 14 – Eastmont (Wenatchee) 10 Sept. 28 – West Valley 23 – Clarkston 14 Oct. 5 – West Valley 41 – Lakeland (Rathdrum) 13 Oct. 12 – West Valley 54 – Pullman 27 Oct. 19 – West Valley 17 – Cheney 14 Oct. 26 – West Valley 34 – East Valley 14

The Current

Valley Sports Notebook – November 2018

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor West Valley is once again racing into the football post-season as autumn weather cools.

The Eagles (4-0 in the Great Northern League, 8-1 overall) did not seem to miss a beat despite the graduation of key players when they reached the state semifinals.

WV defeated rival East Valley 34-14 on Oct. 26 and will play a crossover game against a yet-to-be-determined opponent from the Central Washington Athletic Conference on Nov. 3.

Matt Allen, WV’s do-everything quarterback, rusher and kicker, sparked an offense with both his feet and arm. He averaged triple digits passing and rushing, booted extra points and field goals and scored multiple touchdowns in nine games to set the tone.

Marshall Meleney at running back complemented Allen with several 100yard rushing games.

Costly losses for CV and U-Hi this year came against Lewis and Clark.

A 20-point fourth quarter rally left the Bears two points short and the Titans and Tigers set off fireworks with

Final Point

Branching out with the Valley’s family tree of athletes

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor A while back during a memorial for a friend of ours whose son was a standout middle-distance state champion runner, his University High coach Bob Barbero wondered if I could have had written about a third-generation family athlete.

Two generations for sure, Bob being part of one, I said as we mulled it over, and mathematically the possibility of a third, although none I’m aware of.

I do know, however, while writing a story about Bill and Kara Ames’ four soccer daughters I realized that I have been involved with as many as four generations if you include administrators.

You can’t mention the Central Valley School District without including Ames’ names.

SPORTS

scoring from runs and passes of 66, 64, 46, 65 and 57 yards. Late scores favored LC in a 39-29 final.

The Titans’ rivalry game was onesided with CV winning 41-7.

Bears’ Hunter Chowdoroski and Zack Jongeword piled up yards on the ground for CV. Quarterback Gavin Wolcott, running back Isaac Matt and receiver Kye Duplessis were big play guys for U-Hi. Soccer playoffs underway Second in 4A state last year, undefeated GSL girls’ soccer champion CV began its quest for possibly another final four run.

Depth and experience greeted firstyear coach Rob Rowe with goal scorers like Maggie Ames, Kailyn LaBrosse, Marissa Bankey and Mady Simmilink among the many contributing to the 13-0 season. Defenders and goalies Drew Scott and Clair Kauffman only allowed more than one goal in a match, twice during the season.

Same held true at University (9-4) where the team only allowed one goal or shut out all but two foes.

Veteran Kelsey Crosby was an offensive catalyst and sophomore keeper Josie Krum was stingy in the net.

East Valley finished first in the GNL, losing but one match in league.

Taryn Baxter was the main scorer with support from a host of players, including Taryn Baxter, Janus and

Alexa Olivier. Paige Tomcho and Lexie Thompson shared goalkeeper.

Volleyball contenders Freeman’s volleyball team split Northeast A League matches with Lakeside, the two teams sharing first place and anticipating a playoff showdown.

Middle Eva Knight, setter Justis Wells, hitters/defenders Reah Jansen and sophomore Jordyn Goldsmith helped show the way.

Heading into the final match of the season, University’s volleyball game against league leader Mt. Spokane, there was a seeding dilemma in a three-way battle among the Titans, Mead and Gonzaga Prep for seeding into district.

The Titans had a solid front row trio in senior Kylie Turner and juniors Lauren Fleury and all-around player Kristah Taffany.

Turner and Shayla Miner were defensive forces, junior setter Jiliana Poplawski and back-row defender Tiffany’s digs kept U-Hi in the hunt.

East Valley was third in the GNL paced by setter-server Megan Lange, McKenzie Whallon, Jaclyn and Brooklyn Gulliford.

Titans all the way Perennial slowpitch softball power University went 20-0 in the regular season. They scored in double figures in all but five games. More important, the Titans did not allow an opponent to score in double figures during the

Patriarch Bill Ames was the highly regarded principal at Central Valley High. His sons, Bill Jr. and Bob were Bears’ athletes in the late 1950s and young Bill went on to a career as teacher, coach and the athletic coordinator at University High.

His son, Bill III, was a multi-sport star at U-Hi during one of the best athletic times in school history and like his uncle went on to play college football at the University of Washington. The fourth generation includes soccer stars Ashley, Kasey, Maggie and Dori and, in the middle, three-sport son Bill IV. I used to wander the halls of the four Valley high schools on a weekly basis back in the day, to parley with coaches and get to know athletes on a more personal level, not just warriors in uniform.

That was the advantage of writing for our family-owned Spokane Valley Herald, the weekly newspaper and heartbeat of the Valley until 1992 and my move to The SpokesmanReview. Come to think of it, I’m now writing for my third-generation newspaper.

One day, there was a drive to CV where Principal Ames and I chatted about various things, catching up

on the school’s doings. One topic I recall was about teachers’ pay. Bill told me that he made more money in the summer selling farmers crop insurance than during the school year.

Why did he continue teaching I wondered? “Because I love kids,” was his answer. (Interestingly I got a similar comment from an ex-West Valley teacher and coach who also worked summers.

Later I kept in contact with Bill Ames Jr. who was both coach and activities coordinator at U-Hi. During Bill III’s time as a Titan, the football team reached a rare post-season game his senior year.

His junior and senior years, U-Hi, along with another CV legacy, Steve Ranniger, fueled fourth- and thirdplace state basketball finishes in 1984-85 (U-Hi, practically an annual state hoops qualifier since the school’s inception wouldn’t qualify for state again until 2012.)

And this is what Bill and his wife Kara hath wrought: Daughters Maggie and Dori, who are driving the Bears toward another state tournament and older sisters Ashley and Kasey who went on to play at Concordia in Portland. Sandwiched in between is brother Billy, who

NOVEMBER 2018 • 23

regular season.

Pitcher Ainsley Rell kept offenses at bay. Titan softball was typically sound defensively and had depth offensively.

Veterans Alyssa Benthagen and Makayla Marshall led by example.

Cross country seeks state Central Valley boys and West Valley girls finished second in their respective state cross country meets last year.

The Bears boys are chasing defending champ Lewis and Clark with five members of their team back, including defending individual state champion Ryan Kline, Evan Peters, Joey Nicholls , Sheamus Mahoney and Tyler Hunter.

West Valley’s boys and girls teams both advanced to regional 2A tournament with second- and firstplace finishes in the District 7 2A cross country meet.

West Valley had but one senior on last year’s state runner-up girls team and edged Pullman 30-37 for the district title. The rest returns – Jenna Engeland, Annika Esvelt, Sarah Adamson, Mikayla Davis, Emma Garza and Sydney Stone.

They defeated Pullman 30-37.

The boys fell to Pullman 40-49, but edged Cheney by two points to earn the regional berth. Depth was key.

WV’s first finisher was just fifth, but the team added three other runners in the top 10.

graduated last year following an injury-plagued season that kept him out of football and basketball. He still managed to earn multiple varsity letters in both sports plus track in his time at CV. There have been numerous brother-sister family sporting standouts I’ve covered over the years. The four Stocker siblings, including Kevin from CV, were the children of administrator Chuck who I had dealings with in my job.

Kevin’s kids were Bears. I covered Jim Bjorklund, whose daughters Jami and Angie starred at University and went on to play at Division I basketball at Gonzaga and Tennessee respectively.

The list goes on and on.

Bob Barbero, for instance, was one of the first athletes I covered in track and cross country as an athlete at West Valley. I covered him again as a state champion cross country head coach and track distance coach at University. He currently is helping his son, Mike, coach the Titans. A half-century of the Barbero clan, but I’m still waiting to cover the feats of that third-generation athlete.

Unless, unbeknownst, I already have.

The Current

24 • NOVEMBER 2018

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The Current

Heritage Program celebrates history, supports museum From Current News Sources

Just what is the annual Heritage Program?

If you haven’t been, you’ve missed out on an incredible and engaging opportunity to learn about the heritage of the Spokane Valley. For the record, the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum serves the entire geographical Valley, including Millwood, Liberty Lake, Otis Orchards and other areas outside of the city limits of Spokane Valley.

The museum developed the Heritage Program to bring history out of the books to inspire a connection with our heritage.

Some of the topics previously presented include the story of the Ice Age Floods and their impact on the Valley, David Thompson’s journey, local railroad history, 1858 Indian Wars, crime history in the region, Felts Field history and other topics of local historic significance.

Have you wondered which house is the oldest in the Valley, how University Road gets its name or who Mr. Dishman was? Did you swim in the irrigation ditch or dance

at one of the lake resorts? Do you know why there is a pyramidal monument at Vista and Sprague?

Do you now about the trails, bridges and ferries connecting the Valley to places in history? If not, then don’t miss this annual event.

This year’s presentation is, “The History of the Spokane Valley, 1858-1930” and is presented by Jayne Singleton and Chuck King, the team who started the museum in 2004. The museum’s collection includes over 5,000 records in a searchable database, more than 10,000 photos, hundreds of maps, oral histories and the archive volumes of the Spokane Valley Herald newspaper. Drawing on the collection and years of research, the presentation sets the record straight that all the history in the entire region began in the Spokane Valley at a place that became known as Spokane Bridge.

The annual Heritage Preservation Award is also presented at the event. The award is given to an individual, business or organization that has shown extraordinary

NOVEMBER 2018 • 25

efforts to preserve an historic place, home, artifact or landmark significant to our community heritage. The first recipient to be honored was Florence Boutwell.

A well-respected author and historian, Boutwell researched and wrote three volumes on Spokane Valley history that are a must have. This year’s recipients are Mr. & Mrs. Jones, who own and continue to preserve the Daniel Courchaine home and Bud and Sharon Morrison for continued preservation of the Morrison Ranch House. The Courchaine home is the oldest home still standing in the Spokane Valley.

The event also includes a silent auction fundraiser and raffle with all proceeds benefiting the preservation of our Spokane Valley history. A great luncheon is served every year as well.

Saturday, Nov. 3 is the date for the 15th annual Heritage Program.

RSVP now. The event begins at 11 a.m. at the Spokane Valley Eagles, E. 16801 Sprague Ave. Tickets are $20, available at the museum or the event. For more information, call the museum at 922-4570 or visit www.spokanevalleymuseum. com.

Vintage maps like these are part of the extensive collection at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. The museum's annual Heritage Program will take place on Nov. 3 featuring a presentation on "The History of the Spokane Valley, 1858-1930." The event will also include a silent auction, a luncheon and raffle with all proceeds benefiting the preservation of Valley history.

Image courtesy of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

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The Current

26 • NOVEMBER 2018

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Honor Point Museum takes flight, seeks new home

By Linda Ball Current Correspondent In April 2016 the Honor Point Military and Aerospace Museum moved into a hangar on East Rutter Avenue on Felts Field, thinking it had found a permanent location. After getting settled over a span of twoplus years, the museum is closed and preparing to move once again.

Executive Board President Elliott Briggs said the hangar’s owner, Tim Gump “has a major investment in the facility and needs to get a return on his investment.” Briggs said the museum has been paying $5,000 per month in rent, below market value, on the 10,000 square feet it occupies in a 40,000 square-foot facility known as the Felts Field General Aviation Flight Center.

Briggs said there are no sour grapes or hard feelings; it’s just business.

The Honor Point Military and Aerospace Museum originated at Fairchild Air Force Base with the stipulation that it be self-sustaining.

Retired Air Force Col. Arne Weinman was the original visionary. He wanted to have a place to welcome veterans home. It was his dream to celebrate the time they put into their service. Weinman is still very involved, building out many of the displays. Briggs said he is the heart and soul of the museum.

Then 9/11 happened. With the attack on U.S. soil, all civilians were ordered off limits to military bases, so all of the museum’s artifacts were on the move.

The first stop was the old MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture) where everything was put into storage. When the new MAC was proposed and built, the artifacts were moved to an old missile silo not far from Spokane in Fishtrap.

Several missile silos dot the countryside around Spokane, which were armed and ready for launch during the Cold War. Once again, there was no museum, just a place to store everything.

The owner of the missile silo decided to convert it into a residence, so once again the board and volunteers had to move the artifacts, this time to Spokane International Airport, then finally the move to Felts Field. Even with 10,000 square feet in the Felts Field hangar, Briggs said 7,000 more artifacts are in storage. They have a plethora of historical items relating to the military and flight.

Briggs said there is a push from the city of Spokane to develop Felts Field and prices are going up. He has no expectation that they will be able to afford to stay on an airfield.

A nonprofit museum isn’t exactly a moneymaker.

There has been a military installation in Spokane since 1897, which was called Fort George Wright.

Fort Spokane on the Columbia River and Fort Sherman in Coeur d’Alene closed when Fort George Wright was opened.

Spokane also has a history in aviation. American pioneer aviator Charles Hamilton, piloted air rides on a Wright Flyer at the Spokane Fairgrounds in the early 20th century. Felts Field is one of the oldest federally designated airports in the country, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991; it was certified as a commercial airport in about 1923, predating major airports in Spokane or Seattle.

“We have a long and proud history of military and aviation,” Briggs said.

“In World War II we had Rosie the Riveters working here. When vets come here and tears roll down their face, it’s so fulfilling.”

Tony Martin of Liberty Lake, the

See HONOR POINT, Page 27

The Current

NOVEMBER 2018 • 27

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After losing its home at Felts Field, the Honor Point Military and Aerospace Museum has moved most of its collection to a warehouse owned by Community Colleges of Spokane that provides around an acre of storage. The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum has agreed to house two of Honor Point's exhibits at its location on Sprague Avenue in the Valley for several months. Honor Point officials continue to look for sponsorship and a new permanent venue.

Photo by Linda Ball

HONOR POINT

Continued from page 26 executive board vice-president of the museum, is in charge of the artifacts. The board really can’t afford 10,000 square feet again, but 5,000 to 6,000 square feet would work as they could change the exhibits around frequently keeping artifacts in storage, rotating them around.

Martin said they have thousands of artifacts and only recently organized the museum like they wanted it.

But the dream is not dead – they say they will find a place to go, it’s just a question of where. They have contacted a couple of commercial real estate professionals for help.

One asset they plan to part with is a Russian built MIG-17 from the Vietnam War era. It is too large to take but there is a market for them, Martin said. He expects a collector

would pay around $30,000, which would be seed money for the move and a new facility.

Some of the fascinating vintage items in the museum’ collection include the front of a B17 Bomber, the engine from a post-World War II B36 Bomber, a telephone switchboard used from World War II to the early 1990s at Fairchild AFB, a space suit used in the Mercury program - which is priceless - a launch and a console from one of the missile silos and a “Link Trainer,” which was used to train World War II pilots. Martin said there are only 12 of these trainers, that run, left in the world, and this is one of them, rescued from Silverwood. Martin said they also have hundreds of military uniforms in storage from American, German and Japanese troops, all part of an inventory of unique artifacts that are once again looking for a permanent home.

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OPINION

The Current

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

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CIRCULATION Larry Passmore

circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Christilaw, Nina Culver, Brooke DeRuwe, Keith Erickson, Bill Gothmann, Craig Howard, Benjamin Shedlock, Mike Vlahovich, Tyler WIlson The Valley Current P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com The Current is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Spokane Valley area.

Copies are located at drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and the surrounding area.

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Dear Editor,

Recently, a group of concerned private citizens formed an organization called "People for Effective Government" or "PEG.” We come from all walks of life with one common goal: to bring more civility to public discourse and to encourage less partisanship in the body politic.

We believe that most people's political beliefs fall somewhere between the 30-yard lines and do not reflect the inflexible ideology of the extreme left nor right.

We believe that those in public service need to find common ground in order to meet the challenges of the future and preserve and protect our system of government and the ideals embodied in a democratic republic as envisioned by our nation's founders.

PEG has thus far held four public forums, featuring History Professor Dale Soden of Whitworth University, Cornell Clayton of the Thomas Foley Institute for Public Policy at WSU, Tom Trulove, former mayor of Cheney and Sam Reed, former Washington Secretary of State.

Former Washington State House of Representatives

Democratic Majority Leader Lynn Kessler will be PEG's November public forum speaker. You can find out more about PEG by going to our web site at pegnow. org. You can also "like us" on Facebook.

Please consider joining our movement to achieve more effective government in the days to come.

Sincerely, Mark Newbold People for Effective Government (PEG) Spokane WA

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The Current

PACE Trait for November – Citizenship

By Brooke DeRuwe

My favorite color combination is red, white and blue. You will find all three colors in the flag of the United States of America, which is where I call home. The white in our flag stands for purity and innocence, the red is for valor and the blue is for perseverance and justice. The stripes represent our country’s beginning and the stars display the pride we have in our 50 states. When I see our flag, I see citizenship. We all live together in our community and we all must be good neighbors. We must get involved to help our community, we must protect the environment and volunteer our time. We must respect authority and obey the laws and rules.

Both of my parents are police officers and have raised me to be a good citizen. They are my role models and always encourage me to give back to my community. I love police and understand that they are doing their best with one of the toughest jobs. They defend the Constitution, but I have seen the other side – when they come home after a rough day, experiencing things no one should. Their sacrifice, service and dedication can be seen in the American flag worn on their uniforms and displayed on their patrol cars. The flag is a simple reminder of the importance of citizenship.

NOVEMBER 2018 • 29

creating relationships with special needs students who aren’t always included. I know that I don’t add much in the way of athletic abilities, but my smile seems to be contagious and my spirit is always on full speed. When I walk onto the basketball court or the soccer field and hear my name with excitement, it is clear to me why I dedicate my time to helping students feel great about themselves.

As I wander the halls of my school, often wearing red, white and blue, I keep a smile on my face. I hope that one day my smile will help someone in need or change someone’s bad day into good. Giving back to others is important and a trait of being a good citizen, whether it is working in the community garden, working with my peers in and out of school or finding those in need to give a helping hand, it is important to remember why. Many kids are struggling to find themselves and to choose the right path. Citizenship is about helping and supporting peers and community members through the ups and downs of life.

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.

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

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Brooke DeRuwe is a senior at Central Valley High School who has been awarded multiple PACE character traits of the month. She is the ASB treasurer at CVHS and is involved in Unified Sports, Key Club, Green Team and Honor Society.

Brooke is an active volunteer with the Spokane Police Department and the Salvation Army. She was the Young Philanthropist of the Year in 2017, awarded by United Way, in recognition of all of her community service and citizenship.

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lifestyle Fountains

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George Gee Automotive • Liberty Lake Family Dentistry THE

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Waste Management • Spokane County Library District New homes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Libe

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As the ASB treasurer at Central Valley High School, I try to lead by example. I work hard to give back to my school community. It is important for all of us to respect the environment, so I dedicate time as a board member of the Green Team, a student-led club focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of our community. We spend time in our community garden, ultimately providing food for those less fortunate. We coordinate the recycle campaign to encourage less waste at our school and routinely host campus clean-ups to keep our school healthy and clean.

Citizenship is also about being a good neighbor. Not just your next-door neighbor, but supporting all of our community members, regardless of our differences.

Unified Sports is an important way to give back and be that good neighbor. I love the time I have spent playing sports and

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Index of advertisers

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

Amaculate Housekeeping Banner Fuel

8

Evergreen Fountain

21

Northern Quest

32

EWC4P 15

Radiant Nails

BECU 12

Fall Folk Festival

Simonds Dental Group

Cathy For Congress

3

George Gee

Central Valley School District

7

Greenstone 25

Spokane Gymnastics

Ignite! Theatre

15

Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 26

27

Wounded Warrior

Central Valley Theatre

24

City of Spokane Valley

4

Jim Custer Enterprises

Cornerstone Pentecostal Church

3

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry

Dennis Cronin

Central Valley senior Brooke DeRuwe is the ASB treasurer and winner of several PACE character traits as a student.

Contributed photo

11

241

Lorraine Fine Jewelry

24 4

5 27

5 32

Spokane County Library District

9 17

19

Service Directory

26

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

The Current

30 • NOVEMBER 2018

Look into the facts behind I-1631 Initiative 1631’s new $2.3 billion energy tax would increase every year with no cap

$2.3 Billion Energy Tax, Increases Every Year

Unelected Board, No Accountability

I-1631´s new energy tax would cost Washington families and consumers more than $2.3 billion in the first five years alone. And I-1631´s escalating taxes would automatically increase every year – with no cap.

There would be no meaningful oversight of the unelected board of political appointees in charge of spending the billions in revenues collected under I-1631. There is no specific spending plan and no requirement to spend funds specifically on reducing greenhouse gases.

Source: Fiscal Impact Summary of I-1631, Washington State Office of Fiscal Management, Rev. 8/24/2018

Consumers Pay Higher Gas Prices Washington already has the third highest gasoline prices in the nation, and I-1631 would drive these prices even higher. An independent study shows that I-1631 would increase gasoline prices by 13 cents per gallon in the first year, with automatic increases every year, indefinitely. These increases would quadruple to 59 cents more per gallon within 15 years.

Source: Initiative I-1631, Sec. 8 (3); NERA Economic Consulting, Analysis of Economic and CO2 Emissions Impacts of Washington Initiative 1631, October 2018; AAA, State Gasoline Price Averages

Sources: Initiative 1631, Sec. 4, 5, 6; Washington State OFM, Fiscal Impact Study of I-1631, August 24, 2018

Hurts Families and Small Businesses Families and small businesses would face higher costs for gasoline, heating fuel, natural gas, electricity and other goods and services.

I-1631 would cost the average Washington household $440 more per year in 2020, increasing every year indefinitely, reaching $990 by 2035. This would especially hurt those who can least afford it.

Sources: Initiative I-1631, Sec. 8 (3); NERA Economic Consulting, Analysis of Economic and CO2 Emissions Impacts of Washington Initiative 1631, October 2018

“I-1631 would cost the average household $440 more in 2020. Household costs would continue to increase every year, with no cap, especially hurting families and those on fixed incomes.”

Vicki Malloy Farmer/Orchardist, Malaga

“I-1631 would continue to increase prices for electricity, heating and gasoline every year, making it harder to compete with out-of-state companies.”

Sabrina Jones Small Business Owner, Spokane

“I-1631 would force Washington consumers to pay billions, and then would give an unelected board a blank check to spend those billions however it chooses, with no specific plan and no guarantee of less pollution.”

Rob McKenna Former Washington Attorney General

“Consumers would pay billions in higher prices for gasoline, electricity, heating fuel and natural gas. But there’s no guarantee it would help our environment.”

Colin Hastings Executive Director, Pasco Chamber of Commerce

Small businesses, family farmers and consumers across Washington agree

FactsAbout1631.com Paid for by NO on 1631 (Sponsored by Western States Petroleum Association), PO Box 7035, Olympia, WA 98507 Top 5 Contributors: BP America, Phillips 66, Andeavor, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, Valero Energy Corporation

The Current

ON THAT NOTE

United Methodist Church known for mission of goodwill

By Keith Erickson Current Correspondent Although it occupies an impressive chunk of a city block just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley United Methodist Church sits unassumingly amid a hodgepodge of homes and businesses.

But inside, there’s much work being done.

Led by the popular and upbeat Pastor Mike Graef, parishioners at this 80-year-old church on the corner of Main Avenue and Raymond Road dedicate countless hours to an array of goodwill service projects—all in the spirit of giving back to the community they love to call home.

“Really, the heartbeat of this church is mission and service,” said Graef, who has led the local Methodist church for about seven years. “We’re always looking for new ways to partner with our neighbors in the Valley to bring along support for important causes.”

It is an ongoing mission that is always evolving and began decades ago with a simple notion to help feed Spokane Valley residents in times of need.

In the early 1970s the church took on a pivotal role in expanding the city of Spokane’s Meals on Wheels program into the Spokane Valley to feed people who may otherwise go hungry. To this day, several United Methodist parishioners continue to volunteer for the program.

“We have some of longest serving drivers with more than 30 years of helping deliver meals,” Graef said.

“We’re very happy to be involved.”

Valley Methodist is also a strong supporter of the Naomi House, a local ministry dedicated to helping homeless young women and their children through assistance with transitional housing, life skills education and job training.

As an integral part of Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank & Family Services, the Valley’s social service hub, church members help collect and distribute tons of food and other essentials to less fortunate residents.

“The organization was launched partly through our help and does all sorts of wonderful things,” Graef said. “We continue to be really supportive of their efforts.”

To understand the full capacity of the church’s dedication to helping others, one need look no further

than the loyal parishioners who volunteer untold hours to endless causes.

“I don’t know how much time I spend here, I just show up to do what needs to be done,” 92-yearold Doris Swehla said recently as she folded newsletters in the church’s basement. “I love it here – it’s my home away from home and it’s where all my friends are.”

Church member Susan Ingalls said practicing her faith, giving back and a strong sense of camaraderie highlight her love for the church. And she’s also quick to credit “Pastor Mike” for his candor, friendly attitude and unbridled support of the fellowship.

With its rich history, Spokane Valley Methodist Church has a congregation of about 350 and is always welcoming new parishioners.

The church was a product of three congregations that merged in the Spokane Valley in 1938, which is when the first worship service was held at the church’s current location, Graef said.

“In the early 1970s we were

joined by the Greenacres Methodist Church and we’ve been going strong ever since,” he explained.

Today, a large part of the volunteerism at the church is focused on helping the homeless.

Church members, led by its newly created Homeless Action Team, will host an event Nov. 6 to further that cause. Several area churches have been invited to learn about homelessness in the Spokane Valley and what can be done about it.

“This issue has overwhelmed us and led us to look deeper into the problem,” Graef said.

Wanting to help, but realizing they didn’t have all the answers, the Homeless Action Team joined forced with local social workers, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Greater Valley Network to wrestle with the issue.

The meeting will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and be facilitated by Joe Ader, chairman of the Spokane Homeless Coalition.

“We want to gather as much information as possible to see what we can, and cannot, do to help,” Graef said.

Meantime, the pastor extended an invitation to the community to the church’s free monthly dinner,

NOVEMBER 2018 • 31

Susan Ingalls (left) and Doris Swelah are longtime members of the Spokane Valley United Methodist Church and two of the congregation's many volunteers. Photo by Keith Erickson held the last Sunday of each month at 12:15 p.m. The free hot meal exemplifies the spirit of what Spokane Valley United Methodist Church is all about, Graef said.

“We’re a great reflection of what a great place Spokane Valley is to live,” he said. “We are joyful and humble people with no pretensions.”

Worship services at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley, are held Sundays at 9 a.m. (traditional) and 11 a.m. (contemporary).

Spokane Valley United Methodist Church Pastor Mike Graef said his parishioners exemplify the spirit of giving back.

The church has stood at the corner of Main Avenue and Raymond Road for the past 80 years and been integral to a variety of community causes including the start of the local Meals on Wheels program.

Photo by Keith Erickson

The Current

32 • NOVEMBER 2018

IT’S SHOWTIME!

(FOR MORE THAN JUST MOVIES.)

With all the new venues now open at Northern Quest, every visit can be a unique experience. Shop at Windfall for your favorite hom home, outdoor, lifestyle and jewelry brands, take in a movie and have dinner (at the same time!) at M&D, challenge the kids on the latest arcade games in Cyber Quest, or drop the little ones off at Kids Quest while you have some play time of your own.