January 2019 Current by The Current

JANUARY

2019

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Together we make a difference Organizations that better our community and how you can help them in 2019. page 10

BILL BATES REMEMBERED AS QUALITY LEADER PAGE 5

SENIOR SERVICES HERE TO HELP PAGE 20

FIRST VALLEY CONNECT INSPIRES PAGE 31

2 • JANUARY 2019

The Park Bench

Library Lead – Roewe in second year as SCLD director By Craig Howard Current Editor Patrick Roewe wants to make sure people have a grasp of the modern-day library. From E-books and blog posts to dynamic instruction in topics ranging from financial literacy to cake decorating, the contemporary library is more engaging and interactive than ever, says the executive director of the Spokane County Library District. Oh and that cliché about keeping quiet amidst rows of languishing literature? “I’ve never heard a librarian say, ‘Shush,’” Roewe says. Roewe officially took over the SCLD helm on Sept. 1, 2017, replacing Nancy Ledeboer who led the district since March 2012 before retiring. Ledeboer was preceded by Mike Wirt whose marathon tenure as executive director began in 1979 and spanned until Ledeboer took over.

NEWS Science Center in Seattle, working five years in customer service. He would return to school during that time, studying for his master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences at the University of Washington. Upon receiving his diploma in 2005, Roewe began looking for work in his adopted field. It wasn’t easy. He completed nearly 40 applications without any luck. “There was a lot of silence,” he said. “I learned perseverance.” Roewe’s persistence paid off when he was hired by SCLD in 2007. The move back to Eastern Washington came as a surprise. “When I was at Gonzaga, I never thought I would be coming back here,” Roewe said. “But it’s been great to rediscover Spokane as an adult.” While Roewe says he misses working on the front lines with library patrons in his upper level administrative post, he makes it clear that he has an open-door – and open-line – policy as executive director. “I’m pretty accessible,” he said. “If there are concerns or complaints, I welcome calls.” Roewe met his future wife Liz – a native of Connecticut – when both were students at UW. The couple is proud parents of two children. Q: You grew up on the west side of Washington but

attended college at Gonzaga. Having returned to the Inland Northwest after a few years back in the Puget Sound area, how has your perspective changed, if at all? A: When I was young and thought I knew everything, I was quite confident that I had experienced all there was to experience in the Spokane region and that my fortunes lay elsewhere. Of course, what I really knew was basically Spokane’s Logan neighborhood and the downtown area. To come back and experience the region over the last 12 or so years has been great. It feels like the Inland Northwest is continuing to grow both culturally and economically in really exciting ways. Since the Spokane County Library District covers all corners of the county, I’ve had the good fortune to get to know places like Deer Park, the West Plains and, of course, Spokane Valley. All of these communities are great places to live and work and I did not have that perspective as a college student. I think the region is attracting and growing a lot of dynamic employers. I think it also attracts and grows high-caliber employees with its competitive cost of living, great schools, parks and, of course, libraries. When I graduated from college, Seattle was a great place to be young and new to the workforce, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else than the Inland Northwest as

“This is a good challenge,” Roewe says of his current role which involves oversight of a network that features 11 buildings, 170 employees and an annual budget of around $12 million – not to mention some 118,000 library card holders. Roewe grew up in Chehalis, Washington, a town of just over 7,000 residents 90 miles south of Seattle. He was part of the student newspaper at W.F. West High School where he participated in speech and debate.

Roewe latched on with the Pacific

an adult. This is the community in which my wife and I have chosen to raise our kids and, as clichéd as it sounds, it is a great place to raise a family. Whether it’s hiking Iller Creek or the Dishman Hills or getting our Christmas tree at Papa Tom’s in Otis Orchards and grabbing a burger at the Otis Grill afterwards, we’re frequently off on little adventures, and overall feel very blessed to be living here. Q: Growing up, was the library one of your favorite destinations? Would we have found you doing research on a school report or burrowing through your favorite books as a kid? A: Honestly, I wouldn’t call it a favorite. It was definitely in the family rotation and I have many fond memories of our regular trips to the Chehalis library. I’ve always been an avid reader and what I loved about the library, both then and now, is that I could learn a little about almost anything. Whether it was a “choose your own adventure” story, or a book on medieval knights and castles, the library always had something to feed my curiosity as a kid. But I was also a kid who took full advantage of growing up in a small town. I loved hiking and camping with the Boy Scouts, playing pickup games at the park, and riding my bike all over town with friends. I also had to stack firewood and do a ton of yard work as a kid, which was less fun. Q: Why did you decide to go back to school to get your Library and Information Science degree?

Roewe began with SCLD in 2007 as a librarian, moving up to regional manager and later deputy director.

Roewe migrated to the east side of the state after high school, majoring in English at Gonzaga University. After earning his degree in 2001, Roewe headed back over the Cascades, fairly certain that he would settle permanently in the Puget Sound area.

The Current

Patrick Roewe took over as executive director of the Spokane County Library District in September 2017. He began with the district in 2007 as a librarian after graduating with a master's in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Washington. He received his undergraduate degree in English from Gonzaga University. Photo by Craig Howard

A: I graduated from Gonzaga with some vague notions of going on to graduate school to eventually teach but was pretty burned out on academics and looking for a break. So I moved to Seattle into my brother’s basement and got a customer service job the Pacific Science Center. I had the good fortune to move up into managerial roles there pretty quickly and liked working for a place that focused on education, but I knew pretty quickly that it wasn’t the career path for me. At one point, I remember reading an article in the Seattle Times about Gonzaga’s rare book collection, which really sparked something in me. I like books, I like history, and being an archivist sounded appealing. So, I looked into how to become an archivist and found I needed to get a master’s in Library Science.

See ROEWE, Page 3

The Current

ROEWE

NEWS

Continued from page 2 Some more research uncovered that the University of Washington offered an evening program in that degree. So I applied, was accepted and went to school in the evenings while working full time during the day. I took one class in public library service and never looked back. Q: What are some of the most common misperceptions and stereotypes of libraries that you’ve heard? A: There’s an enduring perception that libraries are quiet warehouses for books, as that’s a lot of peoples’ memories of libraries from when they were kids. And while I’m happy that they have such positive memories, the library of today is quite different. It’s intended to be a place of interaction and activity. We have live music performances, we have hands-on learning experiences in coding and crafting and programs that encourage action and interaction for both kids and adults. We still have quiet spaces for people to work and concentrate, but that’s just one part of our services. There’s also a perception that libraries are a thing of the past and aren’t being utilized in the age of Amazon and Google. The truth is just the opposite. For the entire district, year-to-date through November 2018, we’ve had over 1.2 million in door count, which is a 4-percent increase over the same period in 2017 and people have borrowed over 2.4 million items, which is 2 percent more than the last period of time. We’ve had over 78,000 people attend library programs so far this year. Library use is robust, to say the least. How people use the library has certainly changed. You can be a power user and never set foot in the library. You can download books, audiobooks, movies and music to your smart device, you can conduct market research for your business or look up repair schematics for your lawnmower, all from the comfort of your couch. The public library is certainly public resource for now and for the future, it is not a relic of the past. Q: As an SCLD employee since 2007, I know you’re wellaware of the district’s struggles at the ballot when it comes to capital facility bonds. What do you think the future holds in terms of funding for new and upgraded library buildings? A: We’ve purposefully taken a step back on this question and are

looking at it again from the ground up, particularly for the Spokane Valley Library. The building itself is in decent shape. Its shortcomings revolve around the fact that it was built in the 1950s and thus is limited in being the library of now, much less the library of the future. When that library was first built, the Valley’s population was a fraction of what it is now, so there’s a capacity issue in terms of space. And services have changed dramatically as well. When it was first built, computers took up an entire room, now they line the desktops and we carry them in our pockets. So the building’s infrastructure is not built for contemporary use. From a service delivery standpoint, new libraries in Spokane Valley remain a priority for the district, because that is where the greatest need is. But there are no firm plans regarding funding options at present. We are currently assessing the feasibility of a public/private funding approach but it is in a very early stage. Any final decisions would ultimately be made by our Board of Trustees and those are a few years off.

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Q: Lastly, we’re starting a brand-new year this month. What kind of journey will SCLD be taking in 2019? A: Strategically speaking, 2019 will be focused on planning. We will be finalizing our Community Engagement Plan. Staff have recently conducted community conversations with members of the public to determine their needs and aspirations which, when combined with the opportunities we’ve identified on a staff level, will inform our strategic priorities for the next three years. We will also be making a determination regarding a potential levy lid lift election to restore funding for maintenance and operations. We have not had a levy election since 2010 but financial forecasts are indicating that one is needed in order to maintain current services and avoid reductions in the future. Final decisions for both of those planning elements will be made this spring. Operationally speaking, we will continue to focus on delivering top-notch library services through in-demand resources, welcoming buildings and helpful staff. We’ve also got some really cool programs coming up this spring – memoir writing, the second annual Valley teen poetry slam and a series of TV and film workshops at the Studio at the Spokane Valley Library are all coming up. You can learn more by picking up a copy of Engage or by visiting www.scld.org.

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4 • JANUARY 2019

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By Tyler Wilson Current Correspondent Spokane Valley residents can now quickly report potholes, street flooding and other concerns thanks to a new smart phone application. Launched in September by the city of Spokane Valley, the “SVexpress” mobile app allows users to report an issue and even upload a photo of the concern in just a few simple steps. The app can either pinpoint your current location for easy reporting or you can manually select an address or location of concern. Requests can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though the city will typically respond to requests during its regular operation hours. SVexpress is available as an iOS or Android mobile app by searching “SVexpress.” Users can also submit requests for service through the same program online at www. SpokaneValley.org/311. Elisha Heath, executive assistant to Spokane Valley City Manager Mark Calhoun, served as project lead in researching and integrating the new action request entry system. She said the city had been looking to upgrade its internal customer care system and selected this particular program based on its features as well as its integration to the city’s web hosting and community-request management software called QAlert. Both SVexpress and QAlert are products of Qscend Technologies, Inc. “(Qscend) offers vastly more features when it came to mapping capabilities as well as our ability to share information across departments,” Heath said. The technology allows staff to track trends and to schedule repairs more efficiently, Heath added. The app’s features also improve the quality of reports being received by the city. “People don’t have to necessarily know the address and they can attach files and photos,” she said. “They can also sign up for accounts so they can track the requests.” Examples of reportable concerns include broken sprinklers on city property, potholes, illegal dumping, down traffic signs or signals and general snow concerns and de-icing requests. Then there are various road obstructions. “Dead animal removal is a really popular one,” Heath said. “You’d be surprised how many deer get hit within the city limits.” The city notes that animal removal

The Current

applies to wildlife only not domestic animals. The app’s pinpoint capability can also inform users if they are reporting an issue outside of the city’s jurisdiction. “It helps to eliminate some of the unnecessary reporting around the outer edges,” Heath said. The application includes tabs for recent news releases, the city calendar and social media announcements. It also connects to the city’s website at www. SpokaneValley.org, which includes City Council minutes, ordinance and code information and various details on departments and services managed by the city. In a release announcing the app, Calhoun said the new app service will allow the city to respond more quickly and effectively. “SVexpress gives residents an opportunity to report a problem, such as a vandalized sign or broken sprinkler at the park, at the very moment and location that they notice the issue,” he said. Submitted requests are monitored by various staff members during business hours and routed to the appropriate city department or employee for resolution. “What we’re really striving to do is look at within the next business day being able to contact the citizen to let them know where (an issue) has been added to a worklist,” Heath said. The app especially provides value for reports made outside of business hours. “It really does help us get more accuracy from the citizen and getting it into our system, whereas if they are calling and just leaving a voicemail over the weekend,” Heath said. Heath said in researching the application, Qscend provided data and reports for their services utilized in cities like Olympia and Pittsburgh. She said the city looks forward to more public feedback on the app but expects more users once winter snow and de-icing requests begin. “We do think it’s user-friendly and we look forward to more people utilizing it,” Heath said. SVexpress is intended for mobile phones. It was not designed for iPads and other tablets. For those utilizing tablets, they can report a concern on the same interface by going online to www.SpokaneValley. org/311. Residents can also find a complete directory of Spokane Valley services and staff contact phone numbers by visiting www.SpokaneValley. org. City Hall is located at 10210 E. Sprague Ave. and can be reached at 720-5000 or via email at cityhall@ spokanevalley.org.

The Current

Community fixture Bates remembered for activism

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“Bill always did his homework to determine that the outcome of anything that came before the council was in the best interest of the people of the community,” said longtime friend and former Spokane Valley Council Member Chuck Hafner. A beloved family man, business leader and respected community advocate, Bates passed away on Sept. 10, just 10 days short of his 80th birthday. “Bill was one of those people that you meet for the first time and become instant friends, seldom does that happen,” Hafner said. “We had a rare friendship that continued until the day he died.” Always eager to help others and make a difference in his hometown, Bates had vast knowledge of the Spokane Valley that he applied to his position on the council. As the city continued to grow, a top priority for Bates was to maintain the integrity of its neighborhoods and streets. “There were lots of concerns about disappearing neighborhoods being replaced by more and more apartments and Bill took that very seriously always seeking balanced growth and listening to all sides,” Hafner said. The late councilman also advocated a viable infrastructure. “Bill understood the importance of a good road system and preventative maintenance was extremely important to him,” Hafner said. A strong supporter of law enforcement, Bates believed quality of life and a well outfitted police force went hand in hand. “It was a high priority for him that we had enough deputies on

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Whether it was the need to beef up the Spokane Valley Police Department or cautiously determine the merits of a new housing proposal, former Spokane Valley City Council Member Bill Bates considered every community issue carefully, weighing the impacts on the community before making a decision.

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APPOINTMENTS • SAME DAY EMERGENCIES • SAME DAY CROWNS Former Spokane Valley City Council Member Bill Bates passed away on Sept. 10, 2018. Contributed image

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the streets because if you don’t have a safe city, you can have the best parks and roads but none of that really matters,” Hafner said. “We worked closely with (Spokane County Sheriff) Ozzie (Knezovich) to make sure that we provided the funding for the safety and welfare of the community.” While Bates didn’t always agree with his colleagues on the council, he was highly respected and always worked hard to reach a consensus. “Disagreements were few and far between but when they did arise, he was always willing to consider a compromise to be united,” Hafner said. Former Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey, who was also Bates’ half-brother, praised his sibling as a selfless man who was admired by his six half-siblings. “He was the oldest and we all looked up to him,” Towey said. “Bill was always thinking about other people instead of himself.” The past mayor said Bates was well-liked on the council for his camaraderie and diligence. “He had a strong common-sense approach to issues, he always did his homework and he had a lot of knowledge of the community,” Towey said. Bates and his wife, Kathyrn, had five children – four girls and a boy – whom he cherished and maintained close contact. He also had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When he wasn’t spending time with his family or serving the community, Bates was a dedicated businessman. He was regional vice president of retail operations for 26 Rosauers grocery stores for many years.

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CALL OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE Bates graduated from West Valley High School and attended Whitworth College. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at The Naval Base Pearl Harbor. He married Kathyrn Crane of Coeur d’Alene on March 4, 1961. Bates was appointed to the Spokane Valley City Council in May 2011 and elected to a full-term in November 2013. Due to illness, he resigned his post in May 2016. Previously, he served as chairman of the Spokane Valley Planning Commission. In addition to his commitment to municipal causes, Bates served

as president of the SCOPE (Sheriff Community Oriented Police Effort). The volunteer-based unit, boasting nearly 400 members in Spokane County, assists law enforcement in a wide array of tasks. Hafner said Bates will be remembered fondly as a community leader, dedicated family man and close friend to many. “No one could ever fill Bill’s shoes, there’s no question about that,” he said. “We will always have very good people on the council and in this community, but none will be like Bill.”

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Konis will begin serving his fouryear term this month, replacing Vicki Horton who retired after two four-year terms. Horton encouraged Konis to run and endorsed his campaign.

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The recount was wrapped up by Dec. 7, according to Spokane !( County Auditor Vicky Dalton, with Konis emerging victorious, 89,165 to!( 89,012 votes. The recount – which included a review of all 231,000 ballots – was certified on Dec. 12. While the 153-ballot difference was close, Dalton said there have been slimmer margins.

Konis is an accredited residential and commercial Appraiser and former Realtor who has also served as a Precinct Committee Officer.

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Christian, a and Realtor who served briefly as a 4th District legislator, held a lead of around 1,000 votes on election night Nov. 6 but Konis, an employee of the assessor’s office for nearly 25 years, crept back enough to prompt a recount that began on Dec .3.

Konis and Christian – both Republicans – shared plenty of common ground during a goodnatured campaign that stressed their respective nonpartisan assets. Both expressed concern with skyrocketing home prices and the effect on aspiring homeowners. Each candidate backed the utilization of the latest technology to add efficiencies to the appraisal process as well as keeping the assessor’s office – which experienced some attrition in 2018 – fully staffed.

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Among other duties, the assessor’s office assigns property values in Spokane County, calculates levies and manages senior and disabled exemptions. Assessed property value in the county rose to a recordSpokane high $49.7 billion last year.

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The 2018 general election was certified in Spokane County on Nov. 27 – but the race between Tom Konis and Leonard Christian for county assessor went into overtime.

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By Craig Howard Current Editor

NEWS F o rker

Konis wins assessor race in recount

The Current

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6 • JANUARY 2019

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The Current

JANUARY 2019 • 7

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Dangerous road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter. So this winter utilize these recommendations: 1. If you don’t have to go out, don’t.

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By Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner The maps provided below depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Thefts from a Vehicle (also known as vehicle prowling), Burglaries and Thefts. As you view the map each circle will contain a number indicating how many instances Spokane of a particular crime were reported at that location. Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. I encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

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2. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to keep maximum traction and avoid skids. 3. Increase your following distance. Allow at 5-6 seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you. It’s always a good idea to check weather forecasts, traffic reports and road conditions so you can give yourself extra time to get to your destination. One of the best things you can do in case of an emergency is pack a winter driving kit that includes; a bag of abrasive materials like sand or cat litter to use for gaining traction, snow shovel, flashlight, gloves and warm coat, ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables, blankets, warning flare, food and water and first aid kit.

8 • JANUARY 2019

Wick appointed to Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board

From Current News Sources Ben Wick, a member of the Spokane Valley City Council, has been appointed to the Washington Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) by Gov. Jay Inslee. FMSIB is a statewide board that facilitates freight movement between and among local, national and international markets to enhance trade opportunities. The board is also charged with finding solutions that lessen the impact of the movement of freight on local communities. Wick is one of two city representatives on the board and was nominated by the Association of Washington Cities to serve. “Council Member Wick is highly capable and interested in serving the FMSIB in its mission to help move sound freight corridor policies, projects and funding recommendations forward while being sensitive to the impacts on cities,” said Peter King, CEO of the Association of Washington Cities in support of Wick’s nomination. “He is a strong representative of cities in our state.” Wick is in his second term as a member of the Spokane Valley City Council. His term on the FMSIB is from Oct. 22, 2018 to June 30, 2022. Other members of the board include two representatives from county governments, two representatives from port districts, one railroad industry representative, one trucking industry representative, one marine industry representative, one representative from the Washington Office of Financial Management and the Washington Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

NEWS

Spokane Valley City Council Report – January 2019

By Bill Gothmann Current Correspondent Council rejects Spokane Sports Commission funding City Council rejected the recommendation of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) and voted not to provide lodging tax funds to the Spokane Sports Commission. In 2003, the city implemented a 2-percent hotel/ motel tax, the proceeds of which are used to promote conventions and tourist travel to Spokane Valley. The organizations to which the tax proceeds are distributed were ultimately determined by council after receiving a recommendation from the LTAC. For many years, council modified LTAC’s recommendations as it saw fit. However, in 2012, the state legislature altered this authority, requiring council to approve some or all of the listed recipients in the amounts recommended by the LTAC or reject all the recommendations and send them back to LTAC. This would result in repeating the grant application process causing delay to the agencies requesting the funds. This year, City Council received the recommendations from the LTAC for allocating grants from the Lodging Tax fund. They approved reserving $275,000 for a yet-undefined large sports venue, leaving $350,000 of the budget for other grants. They granted the HUB Sports Center $52,000; JAKT Crave NW $21,500; JAKT Farmers Market $7,000, JAKT Oktoberfest $5,000; Spokane County Fair and Expo $55,000; Spokane County Parks Recreation and Golf $35,000; Spokane Valley Heritage Museum $5,500; Valleyfest $12,000; Valleyfest Cycle Celebration $1,000; and Visit Spokane $48,000. Council denied providing $108,000 to the Spokane Sports Commission, wanting more funds to go to Spokane Valley recipients. In its $200,000 request to LTAC, Sports Commission President Eric Sawyer emphasized the benefits to Spokane Valley of supporting golf courses at Liberty Lake, sports at Mt. Spokane, and Plantes Ferry Park. He also encouraged the city to partner with the county to provide more softball venues. Agreements approved for Barker design Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is working on a design for the eastbound Barker/ SR-90 (Trent) interchange. For the

westbound interchange, the city and the state are proposing that the city design it with WSDOT reimbursing to city for its work. WSDOT will provide $900,000 for the work and the city will turn any unused funds back to them after the project is completed. Two documents were approved to accomplish this. First, an interlocal agreement was approved between the city and WSDOT for the city to do the design. Second, HDR Engineering has been selected by the city to do the actual design work consisting of a roundabout at Cataldo and Barker. A contract for $373,012.27 with HDR was approved. Transportation grants awarded City Manager Mark Calhoun announced three transportation grants. The city applied for a $1,875,000 grant from the Washington Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) for University, 16th to Dishman-Mica and was awarded the entire $1,875,000 for the $3,125,000 project. It is expected to be completed in 2019. The city also applied to TIB for $406,400 for Adams Road sidewalk from 16th to 23rd and was awarded the entire amount. Although the city unsuccessfully applied for a TIB grant for the Sprague and Barker intersection, The Spokane Regional Transportation Council awarded Spokane Valley $349,000 for this project. WCIA briefing cautions council about road decisions Andy Cooley, an attorney who works with Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), of which Spokane Valley is a member, advised council to seek advice from city road engineers before making decisions about municipal roads. To do otherwise puts the city at risk for lawsuits and endangers its citizens. The most common interaction between citizens and governments is roads. There are many crosswalk lawsuits. Governments within Washington State have paid out $35 million, with the average award being over $2 million, “all this because of plastic paint.” He stressed the amount of thought that goes into the design of signs and crosswalks. Council can avoid this risk to the city by referring road complaints to city engineers so that the safest choice can be made. The Federal Highway manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) governs many of the decisions of traffic engineers specifying, for example, when an intersection qualifies for a stop sign. He noted that, although council members have immunity within their role of setting policy, they risk not having this immunity if they step out of this role. Staff reports on Ridgewood

The Current

neighborhood traffic In their report on traffic in the Ridgewood neighborhood, city engineers found that a number of traffic studies show that speeds are below the acceptable 85th percentile (30 mph). Traffic volumes of 1,600-1,700 average daily traffic are within acceptable limits. The maximum slope of the roads is 8.5 percent. The maximum permitted is 8 perent, “although deviations allow for 10-percent maximum with limitations.” Police monitored the area for trucks in “local delivery only” areas and found only one in violation. Speed bumps are not warranted since no calming is required because the speeds are within limits. However, radar signs are effective and staff is still trying to determine where and when to place them. Engineers will continue to monitor the area. They estimate that traffic to Ridgemont will increase 20 percent in the future. Some citizens noisily expressed their dissatisfaction after this report was presented. Sullivan Bridge project under budget The Sullivan Bridge project came in $345,080 under its $15,833,333 budget. The project replaced a failing bridge with one that has a 75-year life, provides improved river access and gives the bridge additional capacity. A total of $553,870 in change orders were executed. The major ones were $509,938 for Centennial Trail realignment and a credit of $142,530 for deletion of a water main. Required open space for Mixed Use Zones rejected There are three planning zones in which multi-family residences are permitted: Multi-Family Residential (MFR), Mixed Use (MU), and Corridor Mixed Use (CMU). Mixed Use projects are intended for projects having both non-residential uses and residential areas. For example, dwellings could be located on the second floor and commercial uses located on the first floor of a building. Alternatively, commercial uses could exist in one area of the development and residential uses in another area. Present code requires that 10 percent of gross area in MFR zones be set aside for open space, whereas 210-square-foot per dwelling unit is required for open space in MU and CMU spaces. However, there is no requirement for open space in CMU/ MU zones if there are less than 10 dwelling units in the project or if the development is within 1,300 feet of a park. The code also allows paying a fee in lieu of dedicating land. In order to encourage genuine mixed uses, the Planning Commission reviewed the present code and

See SV COUNCIL, Page 9

The Current

SV COUNCIL

JANUARY 2019 • 9

NEWS

Continued from page 8 proposed regulations requiring all multi-family projects to provide 210 square feet per dwelling of open space. It defines exemptions for CMU/MU developments, removes the “fee in lieu of land” provision, and specifies that parking uses are not considered open space. CMU/MU projects would be exempted from open space requirements where all ground floor units or an entire floor is non-residential or where 25 percent or more of the total building area or where 25 percent or more of the total development building area is non-residential or “when functionally integrated as part of a complex or related structures in a development.” There was considerable discussion on this topic among council members. Council Member Arne Woodard declared, “we went backwards” while Council Member Linda Thompson noted, “I am an advocate for open land.” Council agreed to bring the proposal back later for final action. In a subsequent meeting, a motion was made by Woodard to delete all open space requirements for Mixed Use zones. After some discussion, the motion was approved by a 4-3 vote with Mayor Rod Higgins and Council Members Arne Woodard, Sam Wood and Deputy Mayor Pam Haley voting in favor of the motion and Council Members Ben Wick, Brandi Peetz, and Linda Thompson voting against the motion. As a result, there will be a public hearing on the subject and then council will make its final decision. Planning Commission to consider Comprehensive Plan changes The City Council approved sending to the Planning Commission three privately initiated changes, one city-initiated change, two map changes and four text changes to the Comprehensive Plan. Danny Davis, owner of Circle J Mobile Home Park, is proposing to rezone a parcel on the east side of Park Road south of Broadway from Industrial to Single Family Residential. Advent Lutheran Church and TCF Properties are proposing to rezone the southwest corner of 8th and Sullivan from Single Family Residential to Neighborhood Commercial. Joel Elgee and property owner Terry Ovstedal are proposing to rezone the northwest corner of Sinto and Margurite from Single Family Residential to Multi-Family Residential. The city is proposing to rezone 12 parcels on the north side of Mission from Mamer to McDonald from Multi-Family to Corridor Mixed Use. This site is predominately the site of the Whimsical Pig Apartments. The two map amendments consist of

updates to the Bike and Pedestrian Map and creating a new appendix to the Comprehensive Plan. The text amendments include developing a list of the last 20 years of transportation projects, adding annexation goals, updating the chapter two Goals, Policies and Strategies and updating the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. The Planning Commission will hold hearings on these items and provide their recommendations to the council for final action. Fees updated Fees the city charges are all listed in a Master Fee Schedule which is updated each year. This year, updates included adding CenterPlace charges for conference phones, easel paper, additional microphones and laptop use. The fee for out-of-city business registration with annual revenues equal to or less than $2.000 is zero dollars. The new schedule also states that credit card transaction processing fees are non-refundable. Marijuana Transport License created At the present time, the city provides licenses for marijuana production, processing and the existing three marijuana retailers within certain zones of the city. These are subject to a number of other requirements. However, state law allows for licensing of the transportation of marijuana under a number of restrictions. As a result, staff brought forward a proposal for licensing transportation of marijuana. With Council Members Thompson and Peetz dissenting, council voted 5-2 to forward the proposal to the Planning Commission for their consideration and advice. City logo restrictions loosened When the city logo was developed, council adopted strict regulations for its use, the design standard to use, who can use it and how approval is gained. Since that time, logos have been developed for CenterPlace and Economic Development. Staff brought forward a proposal to adopt official logos by resolution, permit variations where appropriate, to allow the media to use the logo for news purposes only and provide for administration approval. There was unanimous consensus to bring this back to council for final action. • Council approved joining Aging and Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW), the designated area agency on aging, at an annual cost of $12,100. • Council approved an amendment to the municipal purchasing code that would permit the city to negotiate with contractors or subcontractors directly if no bids were received on larger contracts. This provision already is in place for smaller contracts.

Valley Chamber

HIGHLIGHTS

CONNECT.

EMPOWER.

INNOVATE.

Stories of Good Will A Special Business Connections January 18, 2019 Gem of the Valley Awards 5:30 - 8:30 P.M. Mirabeau Park Hotel Join the celebration of excellence at the 16th annual Gem of the Valley Awards Gala. This premiere event features raffle items, a live auction, an elegant dinner and awards program honoring the following: • • • • • • • • •

Chamber Volunteer of the Year Chamber Ambassador of the Year Non-profit of the Year Heart of the Community Award Small Business of the Year Large Business of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year Educators of the Year (East Valley, West Valley, Central Valley and Freeman School Districts) Citizen of the Year

Sponsor a VIP Table and highlight your business.

December 14 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CenterPlace Events Center Businesses can

SAVE THE DATE sponsor a chamber Wed. Jannon-profit 30,2019 to member host for lunch and After 5 Networking provide a at Arctic spotlight Spas table for them to share their 11604 E. Indiana mission. 4:30 - 6:00 P.M. Join us forTable our January Spotlight $175 After 5 Networking Event at Arctic Spas! Free to members $10 for future members February 22, 2019 Business Connections CenterPlace Regional Event Center 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

For more information, visit: spokanevalleychamber.org.

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

10 • JANUARY 2019

Valley of Hope – Nonprofits diligent in making a difference

By Craig Howard Current Editor Ronny Turiaf appeared to be living a charmed life in the summer of 2005. The native of France had just been taken as the 37th overall pick in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers following a stellar four-year career at Gonzaga University where he was an All-West Coast Conference selection three times and Player of the Year as a senior. With a promising pro career – and the corresponding contract – ahead of him, Turiaf seemed destined for a secure and fulfilling life. Then doctors caught something wrong with the player who had always been known on the court for his dynamic enthusiasm and robust heart. An enlarged aortic root in Turiaf’s heart would require an operation. The Lakers stepped up to pay the medical bills but the possibility of the former Zag competing in the NBA was put on hold – with no certainty that it would ever happen. Six months after open-heart surgery, Turiaf was back with the Lakers, his trademark determination paving the way. He would go on to a 10-year career in the NBA with L.A. and several other teams including the 2011-12 World Champion Miami Heat. In 2009, Turiaf started a nonprofit foundation to help kids without health insurance get the medical help they needed. The effort was also established to provide support, including echocardiograms (an ultrasound of the heart) to people with heart-related issues. Once again, Turiaf emerged a winner – and helped others along the way. As a New Year dawns, similar inspiring causes are reaching out and lifting up residents of the Greater Spokane Valley. In this issue, we hand the keyboard over to half-a-dozen local nonprofit groups that are all making their own unique impact. We know that 2019 will likely have its share of sadness and setbacks – but these organizations remind us that it is the unwavering emphasis on hope that will propel us beyond the discouragement. As the late Christopher Reeve of “Superman” fame once said when asked how he adjusted to life as a quadriplegic after an accident in 1995, “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” May your New Year be full of joy and possibilities.

COVER STORY

The Current

Because There is Hope The fight against cancer is a battle that goes far beyond defeating the disease itself – diagnosis, treatment and recovery impacts patients in nearly every realm of their lives. Families, friends and communities alike, suffer the emotional, physical and financial burden of chronic illness. Through her personal encounter with this tragic reality, Melody Biehl saw a pressing need for support for those affected. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, Melody endured a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. She remains cancer-free today to provide respite for a growing family of fighters and survivors. In 2004, Because There Is Hope was founded upon Melody’s commitment to hope, healing and a safe haven for patients undergoing treatment. Here's what two people had to say about their experience with Because There Is Hope: “No words can truly begin to express our thanks for the answer to prayers and Because There Is Hope! Being able to stay here during our trying and stressful time through uncertain medical times was a God send! Thank you for all you did during our stay. God Bless,” – Cathy, Idaho “I was put in touch with Because There Is Hope through my

The Arc of Spokane Melea loves working with animals. One day, she hopes to be a vet tech or own her own business. She first came to the Arc of Spokane when she was a senior in high school from the School to Work program. But Melea’s real story begins when she decided she wanted a bigger challenge that would make it easier for her to one day become a vet tech. She wanted to attend community college and earn a degree. Melea describes herself as “independent and hardworking,” but community college was no small feat as she faced challenges in traditional learning environments and battled intense anxiety. But Melea doesn’t give up easily. She asked for help, sought out resources and relied on her campus community and family to help. The hard work and her brave spirit paid off. Melea

doctor’s office. Melody was super accommodation. I was already overwhelmed with trying to figure out my rare cancer so Because There Is Hope was such a gift not to add on extra worry of finding a place to stay.” – Cecelia, Oregon Because There Is Hope is committed to offering hope and support for every patient in need; the need is greater than one home can provide. Our current Hospitality House can accommodate up to six individuals at one time. We have provided over 60 patients and caregivers lodging, some of those individuals have stayed up to six weeks during treatment. Patients coming from as far away as Montana, up to the Canadian border, Eastern Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In an ongoing mission to extend their reach throughout

made honor roll with a 3.0 GPA and was asked to give the speech at her graduation. She may not own a business just yet but the best is yet to come. She recently found employment as a dog washer and completed an internship with a local vet clinic. Until then, she is using her gift of working with animals to make a positive impact and wants her story to inspire others who want to work with animals. One of Melea’s strengths is that she is willing to reach out for help and works hard to accomplish her goals. Melea's job coach notes how important it is that she remains true to her special ability. Saying with a laugh, he said, “Melea is the animal whisperer.” She is a great example of what self –advocacy, effective support and hard work can do for a person who knows where he or she wants to go in life. The Arc of Spokane is the leading non-profit agency in the

the cancer community, Because There is Hope has begun plans for the construction of a new hospitality house for in-treatment patients. Property was donated by Cancer Care Northwest, and Garco Construction drew the architectural design of a sevenbedroom/seven-bathroom home and will be able to accommodate 12 individuals at one time. There will be a common area, shared kitchen, laundry, outside deck. We can’t do it alone. Volunteers, sponsors, donors, builders, contractors and many more are needed to help fulfill the next piece or Melody Biehl’s dream for hope and healing. To learn more about Because There Is Hope, visit www. becausethereishope.org or call 939-9672.

Inland Northwest that provides life-changing support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families at every stage of life. We promote independence and choice and enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families. We advocate alongside the people we serve for opportunities to live rich, contributive and independent lives. To learn more about The Arc of Spokane, visit www.arc-spokane. org or call 328-6326.

The Current

NAOMI Hope is abundant at Spokane Valley-based NAOMI. Take the story of a resident who invited us to press in around the difficult issues that perpetuated the addiction, crime and the ensuing fallout in her life. One full year later, this mom has experienced dramatic shifts in her life. Surrounded by a community of NAOMI staff, volunteers, and fellow moms, she had the strength to face a judge for over 20 crimes, maintain her sobriety for two years, begin to name the dysfunctional cycles in her relationships and make extremely difficult decisions about what she will and will not allow in her and her child’s lives. We believe community is key to transform a life steeped in dependency whether it is substances or abusive relationships. At NAOMI, single mothers and their children experiencing homelessness come to find a safe home environment where authentic relationship is paramount and the intensive support with skill development

COVER STORY and accountability lift the burden of years steeped in trauma and allow for healing. “This feels like the family I never had.” A NAOMI alumnus shared over one of the community dinners we recently had. After living at NAOMI for a year and becoming reunified with her daughter after struggling with severe alcoholism, this mom is now nearly three years sober and thriving. “I always had it in my mind that nobody cares and that this is my problem and no one needs to know. It’s relieving to know it’s not really like that!” Located on Broadway near Bowdish, families stay at NAOMI for up to two years while focusing on parenting, domestic, interpersonal and recovery skills with outstanding real-time support. Receiving no state or federal funding, NAOMI’s mission of transforming lives of homeless single mothers and their children is made possible by individual donors, local organizations and grants and a multitude of volunteers. This year, the NAOMI community is growing as we look to purchase another home to house program alumni that choose to continue

World Relief

their education and build equity; whether working and paying down debt or saving up for home ownership. Our vision is a community where every family is free of isolation and poverty and we know there is no quick fix to make this happen. We invite the Spokane Valley community to partner with us to make our mission possible and transform the lives of all those we serve. To learn more about NAOMI, visit www.naomicommunity.org or call 926-6492

Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank & Family Services Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank & Family Services is “preventing hunger and poverty alongside great community partners.” There is hope in the midst of a crisis. Spokane Valley Partners stands in the gap as the primary community safety net for struggling families in the Spokane Valley. Data reveals that 38 percent of families living in Spokane County are below ALICE and federal poverty levels. ALICE stands for “Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.” That means that nearly four out of 10 families in our community do not have enough income to accommodate a basic household survival budget, even among working adults. However, onethird of the people we serve are under 18; another one-third are over 55 and cannot just go get a job. The remaining onethird includes many of what is commonly referred to as the “working poor.” At Spokane Valley Partners, we see desperate dads trying to make ends meet and single moms with zero margin for any unforeseen emergencies. These are good, hard-working

people, our neighbors, trying to build a future for their families. Some will need assistance for the remainder of their lives, the elderly and the disabled. Others just need some help until they finish school and find their way into the middle class and beyond. We have countless experiences with families that fall on hard times, a job loss or emergency and they need a little

JANUARY 2019 • 11

help for a short period of time. We hear many of their testimonies after getting back on their feet. In fact, many become regular donors and volunteers in support of our programs. Spokane Valley Partners is unique. It was formed by our community to compassionately help our neighbors when they need it. With almost 30 years

Sarai never would have imagined that life would take her to the Spokane Valley. Born in Pakistan, Sarai had a relatively peaceful and happy childhood. Shortly after she married, however, her life changed dramatically. Radicals attempted to kill her husband because of his and her Christian faith and they were both forced to flee for their lives. After three years in a neighboring country, Sarai came to the United States through the U.S. refugee admissions program and built a new life in the Northwest with the help of World Relief Spokane, a local nonprofit agency that resettles refugees in the Spokane area. Sarai (name changed to protect the identity of her husband and family overseas) is one of more than 10,0000 refugees the agency has resettled during its 29 years in this community. The office

See WORLD RELIEF, Page 24 as a nonprofit and roots that go all the way back to 1951, this agency continues to address the most difficult poverty issues. We are able to do so much because of our dynamic volunteer base and the unending efforts of businesses, schools, civic groups, churches and families who work hard to replenish our warehouses with food, clothing, diapers, and supplies. We are proud of our lean operating budget, which spends less than 6 percent on administration and fundraising. Your impact as a community of supporters ensures that each year over 700 tons of food are available to the hungry (50 tons going directly into Valley schools), nearly 50 tons of clothing (including well over 1,000 coats), more than 100,000 diapers and hundreds of families are assisted with utilities and other expenses at their point of crisis. We have tremendous hope as we continue to elevate the most vulnerable, because we know we are not alone, but have the backing of our entire community. Thank you! To learn more about Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank & Family Services, visit www. svpart.org or call 927-1153.

COMMUNITY

12 • JANUARY 2019

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Dec. 21-Jan. 1 | Winterfest Spokane – RiverPark Square, 808 W. Main Ave., Spokane. Cultural Christmas trees will be on display at the downtown mall during this time as part of a local holiday celebration. Dec. 29-30/Jan. 5-6 | Christmas tree recycling – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Valley High School (821 S. Sullivan Road) and University High School (12420 E. 32nd Ave.). Fundraiser for Boy Scouts of America Troop 400. Suggested donations: $5 drop-off; $10 pick-up. For more information, go to www. www. troop400.net/trees/. Through Jan. 2 | Coeur d’Alene Holiday Light Show Cruises. Enjoy over 1.5 million holiday lights as well as “Journey to the North Pole” with departure times at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Boarding is at The Resort Plaza Shops. More information and tickets are available at https://www. cdaresort.com/discover/activities/ holiday-light-show. Cost is $22.25/ general, $21.25/seniors, $7.50/ages 6-12, free/age 5 and younger. For more information, call (855) 3795478 or go to www.cdacruise.com. Jan. 12 | “How to Survive the Winter” – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, 8706 E. Upriver Drive, Building B, Spokane Valley. Explore all things winter with various activities and learn how animals use unique adaptations to survive in the cold. Bake sale and hot beverages available. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new iguana enclosure is at 11 a.m. No cost to the event although a $5 donation is suggested. For more information call 340-1028 or email OLCinfo@wvsd. org Jan. 19 | The Friends of the Spokane Valley Library Book Sale, Spokane Valley Library,

TELL ME ABOUT CREDIT UNIONS .

12004 E. Main Ave, Spokane Valley, Pre-Sale is Friday, Jan. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m., with a $10 entry fee. Saturday, January 19th is the Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring excellent used books, DVDs, and CDs. Proceeds help the library fund activities throughout the year Ongoing in winter | Ice skating at Riverfront Park – 507 N. Howard, Spokane. The ice ribbon at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane consists of a 16-foot wide and 650-foot long pathway with a 3,500-square- foot attached pond. Skaters can experience slight inclines and declines as they make their way around the path of ice with large, cozy fire pits for spectators and skates alike to sit around and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. There is a café with a variety of food and a large windowed dining area. Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Helmets available free of charge. Cost: First hour: $6.95/general, $4.95/ages 3-12, additional hour at half off; skate rental is $4.50/hour. For more information, call 625-6601 or visit www.spokaneriverfrontpark. com.

RECURRING Free Last Sunday lunch | 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 8934746 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 communitybased service organization. For more information call 226-2202 or see us

It’s like a bank, but it’s owned by members, not shareholders. See how that makes a difference for your money. Stop in or visit becu.org. Live or work in Washington or North Idaho? You’re eligible. Join 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 291-3722. Rockford Historical Society | 11:30 a.m. second Friday of the month (Feb. to Nov.). Harvest Moon restaurant, 20 S. First St., Rockford. More at 291-3193. Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at www.scld.org Spokane Valley Eagles | 16801 E. Sprague Ave. Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch served Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by bingo from 1 to 3:30 p.m. More at www.foe3433.com. Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank | Weekly distribution takes place Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10814 E. Broadway by appointment. Appointments are available during the following days/times: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Thursday (reserved for advanced-age seniors — age 60 and over — and/or physicallyhandicapped people with limited mobility): 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Address verification is required. To make an appointment, call 927.1153 ext. 10, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m

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HOME LOANS:

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

The Current

JANUARY 2019 • 13

COMMUNITY

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 Dec. 31 | Spokane Symphony presents “Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony” – 7:30 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Music Director Eckart Preu and the Spokane Symphony will ring in the New Year with triumph and jubilation for the last time as part of Preu’s farewell season. This production features more than 150 performers on stage, including four guest vocalists and the Spokane Symphony Chorale, directed by Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah. Tickets range from $13-$36 for children 12 and under and $19$52 for adults. Buy tickets at www. spokanesymphony.org, or by calling the box office at 624-1200 Jan. 19-20 | Spokane Symphony Classics 5: Dvorak and Rachmaninoff – 8 p.m. and 3 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane. The pre-concert talk begins one hour before each concert. Tickets range from $19 to $60 and are available at www.spokanesymphony.org, or by calling the box office at 624-1200 Through Dec. 2019 | “As Grandmother Taught: Women, Tradition and Plateau Art” – Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave., Spokane. A unique display featuring coiled and twined basketry and beaded hats, pouches, bags, dolls, horse regalia, baby boards and dresses alongside vintage photos of Plateau women wearing or alongside their traditional, handmade clothing and objects, with works by Leanne Campbell, HollyAnna CougarTracks DeCoteau Littlebull and Bernadine Phillips. Hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. the third Thursday of the month

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 218-4799. Spokane Novelists Group | Noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month. Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 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 Dec. 29 | Washington State vs. Santa Clara men’s basketball game – 11 a.m., Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon, Spokane. Catch the Cougars battle the Broncos in this Pac-12/ West Coast Conference holiday matchup. Tickets are $10, $15, $25, $35, $50 and $60 and are available at www.wsucougars.com or www. spokanearena.com. Jan. 8 | Blood Pressure SelfManagement Class. Learn what you can do to monitor and manage your blood pressure for a healthy heart. This four-week class series will give you the tools you need to take control of your cardiovascular health. Topics include: healthy eating; how to reduce salt in your diet; physical activity for heart health; how and when to take your own blood pressure. Participants who attend all four weeks will receive a free digital blood pressure monitor at the final class. For more information, call 2328145 or visit www.inhs.info. Jan. 9 | 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

See CALENDAR, Page 14

Experience the Difference of Pentecost

Come and Pray with Us! Services: Sunday @ 11am & Wednesday @ 7:30pm Prayer: Monday-Saturday 6am-9am www.spokanecornerstonechurch.org 21326 E Mission Ave, Liberty Lake WA.

Addictions Depression, Anxiety PTSD Dementia, Parkinson’s

DON’T OPERATE

REGENERATE!

Lyme Disease

What is NAD? NAD is a detoxification and brain restoration protocol that includes intravenous NAD and oral nutritional supplementation. It has proven itself effective at detoxing patients eliminating cravings and reducing withdrawal symptoms in 90% of cases. Who is a Candidate? We use NAD as a nutritionally based treatment for addictions (drug, alcohol, gambling etc) anxiety, depression and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Brain Function Restored In addition to addressing the physical cause of addiction, anxiety and depression, NAD helps to restore mental clarity and function, elevates mood, restores memory, and increases the sense of wellbeing that years of suffering may have destroyed.

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR STEM CELL THERAPY? Does your pain keep you from doing things you love? Do you often take medications for the pain? Are you considering surgery to alleviate the pain? Has pain diminished your quality of life?

STEM CELL SEMINAR TUESDAY JAN 22 4:00 PM The Untold Truths of the Stem Cell Industry 6:00 PM Stop the Addiction Now Holiday Inn Express Spokane Valley 9220 E Mission Ave, Spokane, WA 99206 Dr. Susan Ashley, M.D. Board Certified Family Physician

1431 N Liberty Lake Rd. | Suite A | Liberty Lake, WA 99019 | (509) 924-6199| HealthyLivingLL.com

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14 • JANUARY 2019

CALENDAR

Continued from page 13

registration confirmation. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info. Jan. 9 | Know Your Numbers: Risk Factor Screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. Do you have hidden risks to your health? Sign up to get immediate results for cholesterol, blood glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure and more. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info. Jan. 23| Pre-diabetes screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. This 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. Each Friday | Vets Day – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hospitality House, 216 S. Washington, Newport. Veterans are invited to drop by with questions about the V.A. and other issues. Complimentary snacks and coffee will be served. For questions, call

Brad Hanson at 509-671-3585 or the Hospitality House at 509-447-3812 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 boardcertified Music Therapist, Carla Carnegie. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102.

Save the Date

for

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/ non-seniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times

CIVIC & BUSINESS Mondays in January | 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 927-

Something

Liberty Lake Kiwanis is inviting you for a Father Daughter Dance at the Chocolate Factory! On March 2nd, present your golden ticket at The Mirabeau Hotel Hotel/Dinner/Dance/Breakfast Available More information to come! To Purchase Tickets Visit: www.libertylakekiwanis.org

Fath

er Daugh Dance

ter

1153 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, Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. For more information: 926-2753 or www.fairmountmemorial.com/southpines-cemetery Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays. Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave. More at www.spokanevalleykiwanis.net. Greater Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m., Wednesdays. Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at www.svrotary.org.

Sweet! $55 early bird, $65 after Feb 14, and $70 at the door. $20 for each additional daughter. Photographs by Stolen Images

Questions? Call: Dana 995-4043 or Linda 951-3573

Liberty Lake

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The Current

JANUARY 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ 17

The Current

18 • JANUARY 2019

McMorris Rodgers lauds passage of Farm Bill Report

supporting trade and market access programs and increasing our commitment to agriculture research, like the great work being done at Washington State University. Our farmers are the greatest anti-poverty program and have done more to provide food security to the world than any government program. I was proud to support this legislation which supports them.”

From Current News Sources

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers released the following statement celebrating the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report on Dec. 12. “Right now, our farmers need

PACE Trait for January – Fairness By Chief Bryan Collins

Spokane Valley Fire Department As a leader in the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) I often reflect upon those critical characteristics that have

certainty,” she said. “They need to know that the farm safety net is intact. That’s what this legislation does. The final 2018 Farm Bill includes my top three priorities – protecting crop insurance,

contributed to our success as an organization over decades. One of the most important – fairness – is a character trait that is embedded in the core value set of the employees here at SVFD. I would like to take the opportunity to illustrate how both internal to our organization – such as how we hire, promote, reward and treat each other – and external in how we deliver high quality professional emergency services to the public

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

sses a l C r e t n i W

www.spokanegymnastics.com

arch M l i t n u w No

Open Gym For All Ages- Fridays 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM Indoor Playground (Ages 6 or younger): Monday-Friday 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM

Birthday Parties • Ninja Zone • Parkour Classes Bitty Bee Academy • Competitive Teams • School Break Day Camps Parent’s Night Out • Open Gym for All Ages Breakdance Classes • Flippin’ Fun Movie Night

Last month, McMorris Rodgers spoke on the House floor in support of the Farm Bill Conference Report. At the beginning of the Farm Bill process, the congresswoman outlined her priorities to support Eastern Washington’s farmers

and agriculture industry through hosting a series of Farm Bill Listening Sessions all throughout Washington’s 5th Congressional District. This summer, McMorris Rodgers brought Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Michael Conaway (R-TX) to again reiterate the importance of these priorities and let them hear directly from Eastern Washington farmers. In November, Cathy was also recognized with the Friend of Farm Bureau award for her leadership on policies that benefit farmers and support agriculture.

the concept of fairness is critical to earning the trust and respect of others. As an example, SVFD employs more than 200 people working in diverse areas from Fire and Emergency Response to Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources and so on. Employees within the organization desire to feel that they are being treated in an equitable and fair manner in matters such as how much they are paid, their hours of work and employment conditions and, as importantly, that their contributions in the way of ideas and suggestions are being given fair and equitable consideration. Employees understand that in a diverse working environment there are times when people are treated differently based on the circumstances. So long as employees feel that the situation was considered and handled in a fair manner, in most cases they are very understanding and thus develop a level of trust and comfort that the organization respects them and their ideas and concerns. When SVFD firefighters and paramedics respond to emergencies on a daily basis, they deliver high quality care and compassion to each and every individual without regard to who they are, their social or economic status, whether they support us or they don’t – it doesn’t matter. As a core value we respect and treat all of those in need in a fair and compassionate manner. We like to say that we treat each and every person we come in contact with as if they were a member of our own family. This approach has garnered SVFD with the public trust and confidence that has ensured our success since 1940.

Organizationally, SVFD has been providing emergency services here in the Spokane Valley for nearly 80 years now. We are privileged to do so and are granted that opportunity by those in our community who receive a ballot and a vote to either support their fire department or not every four years. To date, we have always been successful in that endeavor, to a large degree because our public understands that their direct support of their fire department is the fair and just way to protect our communities. It is a fair and equitable way to deliver service to those that need it, when they most need it. I would ask that as we approach this holiday season and New Year that we pause to ask ourselves and reflect upon this important characteristic. Are we practicing fairness in our personal and professional life? Are our relationships supported by a foundation in which we treat ourselves and others in a “fair and just way” in everything we do? From everyone here at SVFD, I hope that answer is a resounding “yes!” And we all wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday and New Year.

The Current

JANUARY 2019 • 19

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Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Iavis Kopets is ambitiously pursuing the American Dream as a senior at Valley Christian School. His parents are originally from Russia and his relatives started the first Russian-speaking church in Spokane. Kopets maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. He serves as ASB president and captain of the VCS Knowledge Bowl team that has qualified for state in two of the last three years. Kopets is a classically trained pianist who counts Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky among his favorite composers. The senior is also a defensive specialist and vocal leader on the Panthers’ varsity basketball squad. Kopets is considering Georgetown University and the University of Chicago for college. He would eventually like to attend law school at Stanford University. In the meantime, he has been studying advanced calculus at Gonzaga University.

Valley Christian senior Phoebe Trigsted is recognized as one of the best basketball players in the state. Passing up opportunities to play at bigger schools, Trigsted has been an All Northeast 1B League honoree and varsity starter for the Panthers since the eighth grade. “I love my school and the high academic expectation, so I decided to stay and contribute what I could to their sports program,” Trigsted said. She averaged 18 points a game last year. This season, Trigsted is averaging 30 points per game, including a season high of 36 in a win against Springdale. She passed the 1,000-point mark as a junior and connected on seven three-pointers in a game last year. The senior is also a standout volleyball player. Trigsted maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society.

If you see a new school being built in the Central Valley School District, it’s fair to say Kim Pearman-Gillman had something to do with it. The longtime Valley resident has served as co-chair of CV Citizens for Education and been part of two successful capital bond votes over the past four years. “Kim Pearman-Gillman is the ultimate community builder,” said CVSD Superintendent Ben Small. “She is willing to support community-minded efforts through both monetary commitments and dedication of her valuable time. Kim was key to our success of the construction bond in 2015 and again in 2018.” Pearman-Gillman is a partner and business development executive at McKinstry. She was appointed to the Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees last year and serves on the University District Development Association Board. She and her husband are proud parents of three daughters.

Thanks you for all you do in our community

transportation, particularly funding for the North-South Freeway. Her tenure prioritized efforts to increase state funding for and speed the construction of the North Spokane Corridor. Schindler viewed the project’s perennial lack of funding through the lens of Olympia’s exclusive focus on I-5 corridor priorities. She attempted to statutorily increase the project’s funding. Mielke views Schindler’s advocacy for transportation to enhance local business as one of her key accomplishments. Schindler’s pursuit of full state funding for the corridor put her at odds with former Governor Christine Gregoire. Schindler argued the connector was a key piece of state infrastructure and should be funded that way by the state. Repeatedly rejecting plans to toll the road or add a tax on gasoline or local businesses that would fund the freeway, Schindler went so far as to vote against Democratic legislation that would have partially funded the freeway on the grounds that such support was not commensurate with funding for west side projects. Eventually, as the Great Recession iced state and federal funding for infrastructure projects, Schindler embraced the need for the region to share the burden, part of what Mielke points to her as focus on higher goals. “She didn’t draw a line and say ‘No’ on revenue,” said Mielke.

Schindler was widely respected by the media and members of both parties for her kindness and even application of her principles to her party members. Despite initially supporting her successor, Rep. Matt Shea, who was elected amid scrutiny of his divorce, Schindler later backed opponents of his with less controversial conservative credentials. Schindler’s conservative views saw her returned to her legislative seat multiple times before she stepped down. According to Padden, Schindler was “a solid conservative who reflected the values of the 4th District.” Mielke called her “one of the most effective conservative elected officials I have ever met.” Schindler took stances that she believed balanced the interests of small business and traditional notions of family values. She voted against a family leave bill that would have taxed all workers to pay a stipend to workers who took time off to bond with their newborn children. Beyond her personal and political legacy, the recognition of Schindler’s love for her family and for all the people she worked with closely will endure. “Lynn had a large family,” said Mielke. “It was very important to her but in the way she carried out her relationships, she saw everyone as extended family and treated them with the compassion that comes with that.”

Character, commitment define Schindler’s legacy

By Benjamin Shedlock Current Correspondent Former five-term state Representative Lynn Schindler passed away Dec. 5 at the age of 74. Her passing drew an outpouring of remembrances from those who viewed her as a principled and effective public servant who sought common ground as a politician. “I was very sorry to learn that she had passed away and will remember her fondly,” said state Sen. Mike Padden, a Republican from the same 4th Legislative District – encompassing Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and the Greater Valley area – that Schindler represented for so many years. Padden praised Schindler’s ability to work across the aisle. “She was an absolute paragon of what a legislator ought to be,” he said. Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) CEO and former Spokane County Commissioner Todd Mielke remembered Schindler as “one of the most decent, respectable human beings I have ever known.” Mielke called her “amazingly smart” and “about as pragmatic as they come.” Schindler served in the state legislature after being appointed in

June 1998 to serve an unexpired term. She served until 2009 and was the Republican whip in her final term. Schindler broke the mold for a conservative voice from a conservative district in a blue state. She led the Republican house minority in Olympia to push ideological, infrastructure and pocketbook issues despite Democratic control. Her influence included shaping the county Republicans as vice chair to former U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt and president of the Spokane Valley Republican Women. Schindler cannot be remembered outside the context of the deeply held conservative values that shaped her public life and attracted admirers. Her husband and 10 children attended the Latin Rite Mount St. Michael Church where her funeral and a memorial Rosary were held last month. Schindler’s colleagues say she backed up her conservative viewpoints with effective lawmaking. “Her work at the committee level was first-rate,” said Padden. Mielke viewed her success in committee as a result of her focus on shared ultimate goals. Noting politics’ increasingly partisan divide, Mielke characterized Schindler not as adversarial but as a dealmaker of the old school. “Lynn was effectively able to break that wall down,” he said, describing her approach as “gently persuasive and very effectively so.” A perennial vexation for Schindler’s deal-making prowess was

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About and for Valley seniors

Senior Services program rallies to support local residents By Benjamin Shedlock Current Correspondent When Linda Mays was between cars last year, she relied on her daughter-in-law to drive her to the doctor. According to Mays, the doctor told her, “Now Linda, next time I see you, I want you back in the car!” Linda is at the age when many people hang up their keys, but most of the time she’s the one providing the rides. Since 2007, Linda has spent nearly every weekday driving around Spokane Valley as a volunteer for Catholic Charities Eastern Washington’s Senior Services program. She logs more than 1,000 miles each month, helping other seniors see the doctor, pick up prescriptions and get groceries.

Every fall, Catholic Charities organizes a leaf-raking blitz to bag up and cart away leaves. The event is a common way for seniors to connect with Catholic Charities, according to Program Manager Cyndie Lapke. She recalls one Valley client who received assistance with leaf raking only to call back a few years later when the client couldn’t drive. Catholic Charities lined up rides for the client to go to medical appointments and, once per month, to buy groceries. Now the client has asked for help around the house. “So they started with one (form of) assistance, but now we’ve got transportation for them, and the leaf raking is still a huge thing,” Lapke said. For Lapke, the services provided are less important than the camaraderie clients receive. “They feel like they belong and they’re not forgotten,” she said. Mays, the transportation volunteer, agrees. “I get the same benefits my

According to Carroll, drivers are needed because busses in the Valley run mostly on arterials, making it difficult for people in neighborhoods to use public transit, particularly in the winter. “I like to think of Catholic Charities as that extended family in the community,” Carroll said. Although many clients don’t have family members who can help with driving, even those that do can’t rely on them for frequent travel. That’s where volunteers like Mays come in. They complete an online application, undergo a background check and wait for a case manager to match them with a senior who needs the help. Seniors who need assistance, or their caregivers, can call the Catholic Charities Family Services Center in Spokane to complete an over-the-phone

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington’s Senior Services program provides support to local seniors and residents with disabilities, including transportation to medical appointments and to pick up groceries. Contributed photo intake. Case managers will get the client’s information, determine how often the client needs the service and income-qualify them. Income is self-reported and not verified. “We don’t want to be the third door that closes on them, we want to be the first one that opens,” Carroll said. Mays develops bonds with clients whose needs are ongoing, like cancer patients. “I just try to be a good friend and a good Christian to them,” said Mays. Her generosity shows in the 175,000 miles she has put on two cars as a volunteer.

Senior Services provides a range of services in Greater Spokane Valley. One service is a statefunded program designed to help low-income seniors and those living with disabilities stay in their homes. Background-checked volunteers visit clients to provide fellowship, help with basic household tasks and offer rides for essential shopping or medical appointments.

To potential volunteers, Mays recommends, “You need to talk to some of the clients because many of the clients are so appreciative.” Catholic Charities offers multiple ways for volunteers to get involved. The annual leaf-raking blitz allows volunteers to start with a large group. Lapke also organizes church and community groups. She helped the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints Valley Stake tackle a yardwork day and the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Otis Orchards deliver grocery bags from food banks to those who cannot travel.

“I see that the silver tsunami is catching up with us,” said Program Director Tom Carroll, referring to the wave of aging baby boomers who need support for daily living. Carroll points out that seniors’ need for Catholic Charities services is increasing as more people age in place rather than move in to assisted living facilities.

Much the work Senior Services volunteers do is yardwork, like lawn mowing or snow shoveling.

LIVING COMMU

clients do,” she said. “I open up to (clients) about my own personal life so they don’t feel so alone.”

“I enjoy meeting the people and helping them because some day I might need it myself,” Mays said.

“They find they need assistance or don’t have the energy level or mobility to mop, dust, vacuum or take care of the house,” Carroll said.

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Carroll wants low-income seniors and people living with disabilities to know that services are easily available. “We’re a resource for you,” she said.

Each fall, volunteers with Catholic Charities Senior Services program rally to help with a community-wide leaf raking blitz. The program also offers other yard maintenance such as snow shoveling and lawn mowing. Services help keep residents safe and allow them to keep living independently in their homes. Contributed photo

Individuals who would like help with chores should call Cyndie Lapke at 459-6172. Those interested in volunteering should contact Catholic Charities’ volunteer coordinator at volunteer@ccspokane.org or call 358-4250.

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Sports Notebook – January 2019

(Tyler is currently a relief pitcher with the Cleveland Indians). Jessett was out of coaching for a while but returned and was hired at Freeman. Thacker has won 500-plus games at stops at various schools during a long, successful career and is now at Liberty in the 2B Bi-County League. Ironically, Olson had asked Jessett for a head coaching recommendation after Graham resigned, not knowing that Jessett had applied for the head job at Freeman as well. And now it’s Kyle’s turn. His style is an amalgam of what he took from his predecessors, saying they were more partners than bosses, gave him a lot of freedom and encouraged input. But with most of the players graduated from the run of unprecedented state successes Kyle Olson knows he faces a challenge. “We have the same goals,” Olson said, “to get back to state. It’s pretty daunting after having a run of three state finals.” The Scotties began the season 2-4, led by Kaleb Ohler’s 12.3 point average and Dylan Oja at 11 points per game. Jace Phelan and Johnny McGuire were also near double figures. Olson is one of four new head coaches at Valley schools. Longtime assistant coach Mike Laws has taken over the Central Valley boys’ program, Ryan Bragdon is the new Bears girls’ coach and Jeremy Knee takes over coaching East Valley’s boys’ basketball team.

Titan boys start well University boys’ basketball got off to an impressive start winning five of their first six games through midDecember, including a victory over rival Central Valley. Four players were averaging in double figures, including 6-foot-4 Marcus Lenker at 17.5 points per game, Logan Phillips at 13 per outing and Logan Dreher logging nearly 11. The Bears, with considerable size this year were 4-2 overall and led in scoring by Kyle Clay at 15.6 points per game and point guard Jayce Simmons at 11.2 Transfer sparks WV West Valley graduated some highprofile boys basketball players – but newcomer Nick Drynan has made up for the loss. Point guard Drynan, whose brother plays at Gonzaga Prep, was scoring at a 22.3 clip with Bryan Andrews adding 15 points and Jackson Kaiser more than 10 for the Eagles who were 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the Great Northern League through mid-December. East Valley has struggled to date under new coach Knee. Junior Tyrell Brown was averaging 12.1 points nearing season’s mid-point. Bears, Titan search Central Valley’s girls’ basketball team began the Ryan Bragdon era with a new look and a 4-1 record. The loss came against GSL favorite Lewis and Clark. Three veterans of last year’s national championship

team carried the load. Tomekia Whitman was averaging 13 points per game, Camryn Skaife 10.5 and Mady Simmelink 10. CV beat University (3-3) in their early-season rivalry. The Titans have but three seniors on the team. Ellie Boni led scoring through six games with a 13.7 average. Kinsley Barrington was scoring at an 11 points per game clip and Jacksen McCliment-Call added 10 per game. GNL girls in hunt East Valley girls state-seasoned basketball teams (7-1 at publication) were making noise in their bid to return. The Knights loss came on the road to rival Clarkston, the Great Northern League’s top two teams last year. Scoring was spread throughout the lineup, led by Genesis Wilkinson at 12 points per game and Faith Adams at 10.6. Holly Flynn was averaging nine points. West Valley had a 4-2 overall record approaching Christmas. Leading scorer was junior Hailey Marlow who scored in double figures in every game including three 20-point games, with a high of 25. She had a 17.2 overall average. Northeast A League Freeman was 4-2 and led in scoring by sophomores Anna Chisholm (11.5 points per game) Sydney McLean and junior Bradee Parisotto. Phoebe Trigsted at Valley Christian was scoring at a near 30-point per game average with a high of 36.

Dollar replaces teamwork as athletes’ main priority

Steeler football player Le’Veon Bell today feels “disrespected” because he was only going to make a $14 million and hence sat out the season. It ain’t easy trying to make a living in this era of inflation. As one athlete was quoted in print some time ago – “I’ve got to feed my family.” Bell (not to mention Seahawks defender Earl Thomas who held out this season before he was injured and done for the 2018 campaign) apparently considered themselves invaluable and irreplaceable when they weren’t given the money that they – and their agents – requested. But it isn’t about the money. You deserve to get what the market will bear. What disturbs me is someone like Bell thumbing his nose at his teammates – and in the case of Thomas holding out, getting

injured in his game back and then disrespecting his team while leaving the field. We talk about teamwork in a sport and today greed gets in the way. Thomas hasn’t been missed and Seattle is the better for it. Bell is. It’s one thing to hold out for a raise – but the harm it’s done to the Steelers’ Super Bowl aspirations is another. The Steelers lost a game when they rushed for a mere 75 yards and are averaging around 90 yards per game. Imagine how far they potentially could go with someone as good as Bell in the lineup. But he essentially deserted his teammates and fans. Maybe we were naïve growing up when told that teamwork creates chemistry and breeds success. Bell didn’t care about that, he cared only

about himself. Cynical journalist Charles P. Pierce wrote an article in Sports Illustrated that college football and basketball programs have become naïve and gullible hiring halls. He was referring to the “one-and-done players” who now can be signed to NBA contracts and bypass any legitimate college experience. He has a point. We can’t live without our sports and willingly open our wallets pouring more money into exorbitant parking lot prices, tickets, garb and concession stands that take a week’s worth of grocery money for a soda and hot dog. We willingly become the kind of folks Pierce wrote about. Loyal fans deserve to expect more from athletes like Bell and Thomas than hearing them shout, “Show me the money!”

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor The coaching fraternity tends to be tightly knit in general, in particular with Freeman boys basketball where the Scotties’ coaching circle is unbroken. First-year coach Kyle Olson, played basketball for Mike Thacker at Freeman and Marty Jessett at University. He became an assistant coach at Freeman under John Graham and stayed when Jessett took over. Jessett retired last winter after guiding Freeman to its third successive state 1A final and said Kyle was the logical choice as his replacement. Early this year. Olson and Thacker sat side-by-side at a game scouting and talking about their mutual love of basketball. “I love Thacker and I love Freeman,” Olson said. “It’s why I kind of was drawn back there. John knew I had ties to Freeman and he reached out to me.” Sports have been an obsession in the Olson family. Growing up, as is often the case, brothers Kyle and Tyler were coached by their dad, Jeff. Kyle left Freeman to play for Jessett at U-Hi with his older brother

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor Little could the fictional characters in the movie about professional football player Rod Tidwell know how prophetic he would be more than 20 years ago when he shouted through the phone to his agent Jerry Maguire, “Show me the money!” Tidwell (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) and Maguire (Tom Cruise) were protagonists in the popular 1996 movie by the same name as Cruise’s character, but real-life Pittsburgh

The Current

JANUARY 2019 • 23

Legislative session just around the corner

City wellprepared to address snowy streets

By Sen. Mike Padden 4th Legislative District

When the new legislative session begins on Jan. 14, there will be a number of new challenges and opportunities. The 2019 session is a budget year, meaning it is scheduled for 105 days and will provide plenty of competition for both policy and budget priorities. My committee assignments are listed below: Committees • The Senate Law and Justice Committee is sure to be busy again; at the top of the list will be amending Initiative 940, which changes the law governing the use of deadly force by law enforcement. Serving on this committee as the ranking member will also allow me to continue working on public safety issues – particularly on property crimes, impaired driving and human trafficking. • The K-12 and Early Education Committee is also important for our community and our state. Support for charter and religious schools and improvements in the quality of education for each of our children will be among my top priorities. I’ll also continue my work to improve school safety and for efficient use of the taxpayers’ dollars. • A new assignment, to the Transportation Committee, will be especially important given that it is a budget year. Over the past several sessions, our 4th District delegation has been able to secure support for a number of vital projects in our region, including funding for the Barker grade separation project. With the substantial growth in the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and unincorporated Spokane County, we have significant transportation needs. The Barker-to-Harvard project is just one example. Some other priorities for this session include: • Condominium-construction regulations. Changes made in 2009 to the state’s Condominium Act were aimed at providing consumer protection; unfortunately, they ended up creating an insurmountable barrier to new condominium construction. At a time when many communities

Sen. Mike Padden - 4th Legislative District are facing a shortage of affordable housing, policies that get in the way of increasing the housing supply make absolutely no sense. The law needs to be changed in the 2019 legislative session. • Remote testimony. The 2019 session starts at a time when driving across the mountain passes for legislators can be impossible or life-threatening due to weather. Technology advances make remote testimony a fairly simple, commonsense solution to this problem. • The budget. The good news is that positive economic numbers continue to roll in. According to our state economist’s latest report, estimated revenue growth for the two-year period ending next June 30 is now up to $7 billion – a 17.8 percent rate of growth. Despite this continuing great news, there are still some in Olympia calling for tax increases from the Legislature. Governor Inslee’s new budget proposal includes a 67-percent tax-rate increase that would hurt small businesses, an unconstitutional tax on income and a 131-percent increase in local education property taxes by reinstituting the same inequitable school-funding policy that led to the just-settled McCleary lawsuit. As your voice in Olympia, I will be fighting for tax relief and keeping the state on a fiscally responsible path. To reach me between now and the end of April, when the session is scheduled to conclude, just dial 360-786-7606 or phone the tollfree legislative hotline at 800-5626000 and ask to be connected to my office. Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

By Bill Gothmann Current Correspondent Keeping the 919 lane miles of streets within Spokane Valley clear of snow is a major task – but the city of Spokane Valley appears to be ready for the challenge. According to Spokane Valley Street Superintendent Shane Arlt, the two most frequent complaints from citizens are “when will I get my streets plowed?” and, ironically, “you plowed my street.” The work starts before predicted snow or ice arrives by laying down liquid Magnesium Chloride (MgCl) on critical areas, such as arterial intersections, school zones and specific hills. This de-icer is effective for up to an inch of snow in temperatures down to 20 degrees. Below that temperature, the city uses large crystals of sodium chloride salt (NaCl). The city owns 10 large snow plows, three of which carry MgCl and seven carry the NaCl. Plows usually travel at night at an average of 19 miles per hour on their route. When snow accumulates, primary routes such as arterials, hill sides, and critical intersections are plowed using these same large trucks, accompanied by a dose of salt crystals, NaCl, increasing traction for drivers. They have also started using NaCl that includes MgCl. The City tries not to use sand because it creates dust and must be cleaned up in the spring. All this work is done by a crew of four full-time employees and 14 part-time employees. Of municipal streets, 15 percent are major arterials, 17 percent are minor arterials and 68 percent are local roads. Although it has corrosion inhibitor, MgCl is a corrosive liquid that can result in rust to cars. Arlt recommends that residents wash their cars frequently to prevent damage. When residential traffic flow is impaired, the local roads are plowed using contracted graders and drivers traveling at a much slower speed. It takes, about 48 hours for a complete plow. State roads Trent (SR 290), and Highway 27 are plowed by the state and the city is billed for the cost. Private roads (generally named “lanes”) are not plowed by the city but by private contractors hired by the residents.

The city tries to plow at night when there is little traffic. This reduces the time to plow while providing a safer driving environment for everyone. The city experimented in reducing the speed of the plows in residential areas in order to reduce the amount of snow on sidewalks but found it increases the size of the berms creating problems for both residential driveways and intersections. Therefore they went back to plowing at their previous speed. The city “inherited” some “batwing” plows when they purchased the trucks. These plows have slanted tops, forming a tunnel that throws the snow further. However, this is more appropriate to busy state routes and the city does not use them. Spokane Valley has also looked at using gates on the graders to prevent berms at driveways. However, since these graders are owned by contractors, the city would have to buy and supply the gates. Instead, staff is going to see how these products work in Spokane before they consider using them. Spokane Valley City Council has discussed plowing sidewalks on the 35 miles of arterials of the city’s 76.5 miles of Safe Routes to Schools. Staff is looking at how and when to implement this. Meanwhile, to keep sidewalks safe for school children, seniors and those with mobility problems, citizens are reminded that those living in Tier1 areas are required to remove snow from their sidewalks when the accumulation is three inches or more. Tier 1 areas include commercially-zoned areas of the city and Safe Routes to School. Go to www.spokanevalley. org/sidewalksnow to see a Tier 1 map. When asked what citizens can do to assist snowplow drivers, Arlt suggested they try to remove cars and trailers from the streets if possible to make the street easier to plow. He also noted that a few drivers have quit because of the number of confrontations with residents. So, take it easy. Give them a friendly wave when you see them. These folks are trying their best, working long, difficult hours, to make Spokane Valley a safe city for the traveling public. According to the city website, you can contact the city if you believe your street has been missed, if you see a problem area or even have a snow-related questions. Simply report it at www.spokanevalley. org/311 or download the SVexpress mobile app on iOS or Android. Submitted requests are monitored during business hours. You can also call the city at 720-5000.

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24 • JANUARY 2019

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WORLD RELIEF Continued from page 4

serves more than 2,000 refugees and immigrants every year through its resettlement, medical assistance, employment and legal services. “Our goal is to help people like Sarai put their lives back together,” said Mark Finney, director of World Relief Spokane. “From the moment they step off the airplane in Spokane until they take their oath to become U.S. citizens five years later, we walk alongside to support and encourage them.” When refugees arrive at the Spokane Airport, World Relief staff meets them and takes them to temporary housing while the organization searches for a permanent home. Sarai stayed with a host family that volunteers with World Relief before the staff helped her move into an apartment two days later. Once she was settled into her new home, World Relief’s staff helped Sarai find a job. She enrolled in the organization’s accelerated selfsufficiency program. A teacher and marketer in Pakistan, Sarai’s first job in the U.S. was as a wood finisher. She was quickly promoted to supervisor. “World Relief partners with 150 local employers to train and provide quality employees to fill our labor needs,” Finney said. “They consistently tell us that refugees are reliable, hard-working and model employees. Refugees appreciate the opportunity to work hard, and they are proud to give back to America.” Now that she is self-sufficient Sarai has a new goal – reuniting with her husband. The couple was separated in their hasty process to flee Pakistan and he is still in process of making his way through the U.S. State Department’s arduous vetting process. Sarai hopes that, with the help of World Relief’s legal services team, her husband will be joining her in Spokane sometime in 2019. To learn more about World Relief, visit www. worldreliefspokane.org or call 484-9829.

Feed Spokane Imagine a community metaphor for the saying from the family dinner table – “Don’t let your food go to waste” – and you will emerge with the unique nonprofit, Feed Spokane. Feed Spokane began as a conversation in 2005 between local meal site directors, restaurateurs, the nonprofit community action agency SNAP and residents who wanted to help their homeless neighbors and those dealing with food insecurity in Greater Spokane. Drawing upon the example of a successful effort in Portland, Oregon, organizers connected with Arby’s and the Old Spaghetti Factory to secure surplus prepared food and deliver it to area meal sites. By 2007, the cause had achieved 501c(3) nonprofit status and established a board of directors. These days, Spokane Valley resident Steven Brashears leads Feed Spokane along with his wife Susie Larson, the group’s volunteer coordinator. The effort reaches some 16,000 people a week. “We hear the question, ‘Why should I donate food?’” Brashears says. “The easiest answer is, ‘It’s the right thing to do.’” Brashears points out that despite the work of organizations like Feed Spokane, less than 10 percent of the collectable food in the U.S. is retrieved. He found out about Feed Spokane through former Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels Director Pam Almeida and has now been executive director for seven years.

“I’ve always tried to emphasize service above self,” said Brashears, who spent 35 years in the mortgage banking industry before reinventing himself as a nonprofit facilitator. “I always make it a point to answer my phone because someone might be hungry. It makes you feel better about yourself when you serve other people.” With a mission of “safely rescuing quality food to feed Spokane’s hungry by nurturing sustainable community networks and charitable partnerships while eliminating food waste,” Feed Spokane provides muchneeded food to 24 “coalition groups” such as churches, food pantries and various nonprofits. While most of the delivering is done in the Spokane area, the effort does reach communities like Ione and Pullman as well. “What is rewarding to me is when I go out and visit these coalition groups,” Brashears said. “Not long ago, one of the coalition members came up to me with tears in his eyes and said, ‘We would not be able to do what we do without you.” On Jan. 26, Feed Spokane will host its annual “Friend Raiser” from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army with a goal of introducing restaurant owners and prospective donors to the mission. “Remember, this all started with the question, ‘What do you think happens to all the leftover food,’” Brashears says. To learn more about Feed Spokane, visit www. feedspokane.org or call Steven Brashears at 216-7364.

The Current

Save money and get help with digital devices By Erin Dodge

Current Guest Contributor Want to save hundreds of dollars this year? I’m guessing the answer is “Yes.” Here’s how you do it: Use your library card to get access to tens of thousands of eBooks and audiobooks for no cost. Or perhaps this is how you do it: Use your library card to access home and auto repair guides to DIY with confidence. Here’s another one: Use your library card to get oneon-one help with technology from library staff when it is convenient for you. Whether you have a new device or you're loving your old one, you

LIBRARY have access to apps and resources with your Spokane County Library District library card. All of the library’s apps and digital resources (over 50 of them) are available at no cost. Don’t miss out on following offerings from the library. Your bank account will thank you! Get help with your device: If frustration is keeping you from enjoying your mobile device, you can get personalized help for no cost with the Book-a-Librarian service. At your appointment with library staff, you will get the help you need to understand the ins and outs of your device, such as setting up your email and downloading eBooks. You can make an appointment at www.scld.org/book-a-librarian. Read digitally with OverDrive: Discover eBooks and audiobooks to read and listen to popular and topical fiction, nonfiction and poetry titles that you can download to your smartphone, Kindle or other eReader as well as for audio players. Save hundreds of dollars on digital reads and audiobooks

Cozy up to slow reading this winter

a relaxing soak. The experience provides something different than a walk to the bathroom for a rushed shower.

Spokane County Library District

Set aside time to sit down with a book, breathe deep and open up your mind to what an author has to say. Philosopher Damon Young says in his book “The Art of Reading” that when we do this, we treat that author justly, demonstrating a willingness to take them seriously.

By Melissa Rhoades

One morning in fourth grade stands out in my memory. I arrived early to class, sat at my desk and opened a novel I was midway through. I became completely engrossed, sinking into the world on the page. The next thing I noticed beyond those pages was laughter – an entire roomful of it. I looked up to find everyone laughing at me. Class had already started. The teacher had tried to get my attention but the book so captivated me it took 20 laughing children to pull me away. In today’s fast-paced world, how can we recapture moments like that? The answer is slow reading. Slow reading is the opposite of speed reading, not just in pace but also in the quality of thought, reflection and inspiration that follows. It activates the same highorder cognitive skills required for scientific inquiry and broadens our perspectives by forging new neural pathways in our minds. Think of slow reading as a hike through woods to a hot spring for

Here are some tips to help you get into the slow reading groove. Tip 1: Treat a book like a friend

Tip 2: Choose challenging books Neurologist and dyslexia specialist Maryanne Wolf explains in her book “Reader, Come Home” that when we read books with unexpected vocabulary, syntax and outcomes, we develop new neural connections in our minds. This breaks us out of habitual thinking ruts and helps us discover new things. Wolf shares that discovery is vital for the development and retention of critical thinking skills. In fact, it’s key not only to the success of individuals but the health of whole societies. Tip 3: Seek diverse books When we read books by authors (and about characters) who are different from us, we actively expand our reality beyond our own perspectives and experiences. This

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JANUARY 2019 • 25

at www.scld.org/

Winterize Your Home and Auto: Your digital device could be a handyman’s best friend. Tackle projects with comprehensive videos and instructions on just about any home improvement project and repair. Find accurate, authoritative and up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles. You’ll find home and auto digital resources available at no cost at www.scld.org/home-auto.

SPOKANE SYMPHONY PASSES from the library

When you have your library card, a resolution to spend less on digital apps and resources is easy. Save money on digital newspapers (NewsBank), electronic magazines (RBDigital), hobby and craft guides (Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center), online training and courses (Lynda.com), homework help and online tutoring (HelpNow), and more with the digital library found online at www.scld/org/digitallibrary.

helps us develop empathy, another profoundly important skill that affects both our personal lives and the health of society as a whole. Wolf calls this consciousness-changing aspect of deep reading one of its “most profound, insufficiently heralded contributions.” Tip 4: Read print The choice to read print is not about avoiding the digital world. Rather, it’s about balancing our digital intake with other experiences. In “Reader, Come Home,” Wolf cites neurological studies that find we don’t retain content as well when reading from a screen – even from e-readers not connected to the Internet. Tip 5: Be patient Slow reading is like an exercise regimen. The benefits develop with sustained practice. This takes some discipline, so be patient not only with the books you choose but also with yourself.

Your library card can get you a seat at the Spokane Symphony for one of four Sunday matinee performances, each conducted by Eckart Preu.

Dvorák and Rachmaninoff Sunday, Jan 20, 3pm

Passion’s Pursuit Sunday, Feb 17, 3pm

Korngold and Shostakovich Sunday, Mar 10, 3pm

Russian Virtuosity Sunday, Apr 14, 3pm

Discover a great performance! Visit www.scld.org/ symphony-passes.

Winter is a great time of year to start slow reading. As daylight wanes and outdoor temperatures drop, prepare a favorite steaming beverage, sequester yourself away from digital devices, cuddle into the couch with a book, and luxuriate in slowing down. For more slow reading tips and resources, visit www.scld.org/ slow-reading.

www.scld.org

The Current

26 • JANUARY 2019

SVFD Report – January 2019

chemicals and had previously injured a person. Because no one was aware of what the container had in it, SVFD crews evacuated more of the area to create a 150foot exclusionary zone and called for the city of Spokane’s Regional Hazardous Materials Team. SVFD and the city’s Hazardous Materials Team worked together to mitigate the hazard. The team collected and tested a sample of the liquid inside the barrel and determined it to be acid with an oxidizer present.

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1,225 emergency calls from Nov. 13 – Dec. 10. Incidents included:

• Illegal burning – Nov. 13 – Engine 2 responded to possible structure fire and arrived to find a smoldering pile of leaves with an occasional flame coming from the pile. There was also burnt pressboard at the base of the fire and the leaves were loosely piled making it appear they were put there very recently. The homeowner said they started on fire that morning and he had been keeping an eye on them. The homeowner was told to get a hose and put the fire out as it is illegal to burn yard waste within certain areas. Engine 2 gave the homeowner an information sheet on recreational burning. You can find this information on the SVFD website at www.spokanevalleyfire. com. • Extraction – Nov. 14 - Engine 5 responded to Valleyway Avenue and North Dick Road to find a twovehicle collision resulting in an SUV coming to rest on its top. The occupants were out of the vehicles. Engine 5 blocked the traffic to protect the scene for the first responders and occupants. Ladder 10 also responded to provide patient evaluation to the single occupant of one of the vehicles involved. Engine 5 provided evaluation to the occupants of the other involved vehicle. Witnesses had stated the SUV had slowly rolled three times during the collision. All occupants had been wearing seatbelts and did need to be transported to the hospital. • Structure fire – Nov. 16 – Engine 6 responded to a possible structure fire at the 3100 block of Park Road. Upon arrival Engine 6 went to a room where the owner had an odd smoke smell. The homeowner indicated an appliance had just been plugged into a wall outlet and thought the wall outlet had overheated. Engine 6 looked around the room with the thermal imagining camera and found the outlet and appliance were cool, however the ceiling light fixture was warm even though it had LED light bulbs. One of the bulbs had burned out and had some discoloration. When the engine crew removed the bulb, the other bulb burned out and it appeared there was an obvious short in the fixture. The switch to the fixture was turned off and the

• Ice training – January – SVFD is hoping to conduct ice training for three days, if the weather cooperates with some freezing temperatures. Visit www. spokanevalleyfire.com for details. By the numbers: • Emergency medical services other bulbs removed from the light fixture and the homeowner said they would leave the light off until it could be replaced. • Structure fire – Nov. 22 Shortly after 2 a.m., firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the 6700 block of East Sixth Avenue. They arrived to find light smoke coming from one side of the residential structure. Taking an offensive approach, firefighters worked inside and outside the building to quickly extinguish the fire in a bedroom. There was only one occupant and a cat in the residence during the fire and they escaped without any injuries. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the homeowner. Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire was likely the failure of an electrical fault/failure in the bedroom. The fire damage was contained to the bedroom and damage was estimated at $10,000. • Commercial fire – Nov 26 Shortly after 9:30 a.m., firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the 5600 block of East Sprague Avenue. They arrived to find light smoke coming from the commercial structure. The employees had attempted to suppress the fire with the kitchen fire extinguisher, yet the fire reignited several times. Spokane Valley Fire Engine 6 used the remainder of what was left in the kitchen fire extinguisher and a dry chemical extinguisher was able to extinguish the fire. Engine 6 then removed the pressure cooker from the building to the north parking lot. Damage was limited to the pressure cooker. Area of origin was in the area of the burner unit, near the back of the unit and near the

ground. The most probable cause was grease buildup near the burner unit being ignited by the burner. Grease buildup within and in the vicinity of the pressure cooker also became involved. • Structure fire – Dec. 1 Shortly after 4 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the 2000 block of South Century Court. They arrived to find light smoke coming from the front door of the residential structure. Taking an offensive approach, firefighters went inside with a water extinguisher and were able to quickly extinguish the pot of food on the stove. The fire damage was contained to the kitchen and some cabinets and damage was estimated at $25,000. • HAZMAT/vehicle accident – Dec. 6 –Shortly before 7 a.m., firefighters responded to a reported motor vehicle accident on North Sullivan Road. They arrived to find something leaking from a tanker vehicle that was struck from behind and the call was upgraded to a HAZMAT. Inland Asphalt provided some assistance to the fire crews to help contain the leak with a front loader of sand and built a containment area around the bottom of the hill. This work by Inland Asphalt helped keep the spill from accessing the river and potentially kept the accident from becoming even bigger. • HAZMAT – Dec. 6 –Shortly after 9:40 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of a possible hazardous materials incident in the 17000 block of East Indiana Avenue. Once on site, fire crews determined a tank in the back of a work van potentially had hazardous

• Fires*

966 76

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Building alarms

• Dispatched and cancelled en route

• Hazardous materials

• Service calls

• Vehicle fires

• Auto vs pedestrian • Technical Rescue

*Brush, commercial, residential, rubbish, vehicles and unauthorized burning About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park, and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles. 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 also provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

The Current

SVFD seeks approval of levy

By Keith Erickson Current Correspondent Over the past five years, the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) has experienced a 34-percent increase in calls for service, fielding some 18,000 calls per year. To keep pace with that growth while continuing to provide exemplary service, SVFD will ask voters on Feb. 19 to pass a replacement maintenance and operations (M&O) levy that will fund operations and capital improvements for the next four years through 2023. Passage of the measure is critical to maintaining the excellence in fire and medical service that citizens have come to expect, said SVFD Chief Bryan Collins. “Last year, SVFD responded to more than 1,800 fires and saved $16 million in property or 88 percent of the total values of the properties and contents involved,” Collins said. “Without renewal of the M&O levy, SVFD will simply be unable to continue providing this excellent level of response.” Funded over four years, the levy

JANUARY 2019 • 27

would cost property owners an average of about $1.91 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. That’s about 11 cents per $1,000 more than the current M&O levy of $1.80 per $1,000 that expires at the end of the year. That means the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $100 more per year under the levy. Collins emphasized that this is not a new tax. It replaces the expiring four-year M&O levy passed in 2015. As it did then, the measure requires 60 percent approval for passage. SVFD employs about 200 personnel, including 175 responders. The levy would fund 54 percent of the department’s annual operations budget and shoulder capital expenditures including replacement of aging fire vehicles and essential equipment like defibrillators, “jaws of life” extrication units and thermal imaging cameras. Passage would also allow for construction of Fire Station No. 11 in the rapidly growing area near Barker Road and Euclid Avenue north of Interstate 90, as well as a ladder truck and firefighters that will be needed in the next four years, Collins said. Collins emphasized that the department is a “pay as you go” organization. “We do not carry bonded debt and we don’t buy what

we can’t afford,” he said. With a 75-square-mile service area that includes about 125,000 citizens, SVFD responds to about 15,000 emergency medical services calls each year or about 41 calls per day. “Our sudden cardiac arrest survival rate of over 50 percent is among the best in the entire nation,” Collins said. If approved, the levy will also fund an alternate response unit (ARU) to provide cost-effective service for nonlife-threatening emergencies as well as funds to remodel the Sullivan Road fire station to include the addition of an entryway to provide citizens with a 24/7 safe zone – a provision in all other SVFD stations and in line with the department’s commitment to public service. “We are deeply involved in our community and schools,” Collins said. “Among our many activities, we provide fire safety, prevention and CPR education to more than 6,300 students in 40 schools each year across the Greater Spokane Valley.” While garnering a supermajority (60 percent) voter approval margin can be daunting, the chief said he is “cautiously optimistic” for passage of the replacement levy. In February 2015, the measure was approved by a margin of 72 percent. “These taxpayer dollars were used

as intended: day-to-day operations and specific capital improvements including relocation of Liberty Lake Fire Station No. 3, which was completed on time and under budget, Collins said. Should the M&O replacement levy not pass, the chief outlined these scenarios: Six of the department’s 10 fire stations would close; advanced life support services would no longer be provided and there would be reduced availability with only 12 firefighters on duty responding to an average of 50 calls for service each day. Collins said the community has responded favorably before when it recognized the importance of a fouryear funding measure to sustain and improve its top-notch emergency services. That premier service has earned the SVFD a low insurance rating for fire agencies. The rating means homeowners and businesses are in the lowest cost pool available for fire insurance premiums. “I’ve been in the firefighting business for 35 years and I’ve seen a lot of department models and here in the Spokane Valley, we really have something we can be proud of as far as the level of service to the community,” Collins said.

General Project Location: South of E Country Vista Drive, north of E Sprague Avenue; west of N Henry Road; and east of N Hodges Rd. Project Size: +/- 59.68 acres

28 • JANUARY 2019

CVSD, Liberty Lake discuss annexation for high school By Nina Culver

Current Correspondent The Central Valley School District (CVSD) has asked the city of Liberty Lake to annex the site of its new high school into municipal limits. The district recently purchased 99 acres at Henry Road and Sprague Avenue from the Spokane Gun Club. The club will lease back a portion of the property until July 2021, shortly before the new high school is scheduled to open. Liberty Lake city limits currently end at Country Vista Drive, which runs along the north edge of the property. The annexation request is for 60 acres of the site, not including the current gun club location. “There’s actually several parcels involved,” said Liberty Lake Director of Planning and Engineering Services Lisa Key. “It’s only the eastern half of the site.” The land is currently zoned “light industrial,” which does not allow for schools and the district is asking for a zone change to “public/semipublic institutional” along with the annexation, said Key. “We wouldn’t want light industrial in that part of the city,” she said. The annexation will allow the district to develop the site more easily rather than having to work with both Spokane County and Liberty Lake, said CVSD spokeswoman Marla Nunberg. “That actually puts us all with the same municipality as far as permitting,” Nunberg said. “It actually keeps us on schedule. Timing is very important.” The annexation will also make it easier for the district to include access to the high school from Country Vista Drive, said Key. “It would have made it more complicated for them,” she said. “It makes for awkward permitting.” The annexation process began in September and a public hearing was held at the Liberty Lake City Council meeting on Nov. 6. A second hearing is scheduled for the council meeting on Dec. 18. “Council can make a decision that night or defer deliberation to another night,” said Key. If

the

council

approves

the

Existing County Zoning:

Light Industrial

Proposed Zoning:

P (Public/Semi-Public Institutional)

Proposed Use:

High School & Appurtenant Facilities

The Current

annexation, they must provide Spokane County with 60 days notice of their intent to annex the land. That means the earliest the land could be officially added to the city is Feb. 21. Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson said he anticipates that the annexation will be approved. “We’re moving forward,” he said. “We’re looking forward to that property coming into the city.” Peterson said he’s glad that his city will eventually have two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school inside it’s city limits. That means local children can stay inside Liberty Lake for the entire time they attend school. “We’re delighted,” he said. “I don’t think we ever anticipated that. It’s a big win.” The city does not have a community center and Peterson said he’s excited for the fact that residents will be able to use the sports fields, gyms and auditoriums at the high school and the middle school that is currently under construction. “They’re going to have a lot of things that will benefit us,” he said. Nunberg said it is standard procedure for the district to allow community use of its facilities when they are not in use by students. People need to fill out an application and pay a minimal cleaning fee if required. No permits for the high school can be issued while the annexation is underway. “The annexation is separate from the development of the high school,” Key said. “They’re legally separate decisions. The city cannot issue a permit until the annexation is complete.” Additional work will have to be done before any permits can be issued, Key said. “The school district will actually have to do a full-blown environmental impact statement,” she added. Nunberg said the district is already moving forward with the required environmental and traffic studies. Once the studies are done and the permits are in place the district hopes to be able to start ground work this spring and begin construction in July, she said. Once the new high school opens in 2021 it will relieve the overcrowding at the district’s two current high schools, Central Valley and University. Central Valley currently has students in 14 portable classrooms and there are six portable classrooms at University. “We’re just excited to get it going,” Nunberg said.

The footprint for the third comprehensive high school in the Central Valley School District led to discussions between the district and the city of Liberty Lake about annexing the property into the city. On Dec. 18, the Liberty Lake City Council Page 1 of 4 for unanimously approved CVSD's request for annexation and consideration land use designation. Annexation of the 59.68 acres will not take place until Feb. 21. The new school, which will be called Ridgeline, is scheduled to open in time for the 2021-22 academic year. The district had originally selected a site at 16th and Henry Road for the high school but the school board voted instead to build on land near the western boundary of Liberty Lake between Country Vista and Sprague. CVSD Superintendent Ben Small said the revised site will mean having to make far fewer traffic improvements and save taxpayers money. Contributed image

Ridgeline earns naming rights for new high school From Current News Sources

What’s in a name? A lot of careful thought and consideration by the entire community when it came to naming the area’s newest comprehensive high school, scheduled to open in fall of 2021. Over 430 name and mascot ideas – along with their rationale – were gathered for several weeks late in 2018 according to officials with the Central Valley School District (CVSD). A naming committee reviewed all the input in order to find the one name that would best portray the school community for years to come. The CVSD School Board ultimately decided on the name on Nov. 26 after the committee gave their top three recommendations. Ridgeline High School rose to the top because it fits the geographic characteristics of the area, say district representatives. “It is a powerful name that represents the beauty of the

views of the hills surrounding the school site to the north, south and east,” states Jesse Hardt, the new Ridgeline High School principal. CVSD Board President Cindy McMullen, who participated on the committee asserts, “I love that Ridgeline combines the beauty of the location with the element of strength that Central Valley schools – especially our high schools – are famous for.” The 14-member committee consisted of the board president, principal, parents, students and teachers. Eryn Lewis, an eighth grader from Greenacres Middle School who participated on the committee said she was proud “to have a small part in choosing it and it is something new and important. My favorite part about the name is that it reflects the beauty of our surroundings and our community. I believe that Ridgeline High will be an amazing school.” Principal Hardt concludes, “The name, ‘Ridgeline’ gives this new school community the best opportunity to create our own culture and tell our story.” What happens next? A new mascot and school colors will soon be chosen so that the distinct Ridgeline High School community identity can continue to develop.

The Current

JANUARY 2019 • 29

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

Danica Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com CO OWNER

danica@libertylakesplash.com

EDITOR

Craig Howard

craig@libertylakesplash.com OFFICE MANAGER GRAPHICS

Paula Gano

paula@libertylakesplash.com

Randy Edwards

randy@libertylakesplash.com

CIRCULATION Larry Passmore circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Nina Culver, 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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Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to publisher@valleycurrent.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Current. Subscriptions Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for 12 issues. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. Subscriptions must

be received by the 15th of the month in order for the subscription to begin with the issue printed the end of that month. Correction policy The Current strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 242-7752 or by email to editor@valleycurrent.com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery. Advertising information Display ad copy and camera-ready ads are due by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. Call 242-7752 for more information. Advertising integrity Inaccurate

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knowingly accepted. Complaints about advertisers should be made in writing to the Better Business Bureau and to advertise@libertylakesplash.com. The Splash is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads. Copyright © 2016 All rights reserved. All contents of The Current may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

HUB Sports Center receives $50,000 challenge gift From Current News Sources

The HUB Sports Center (HUB) created the HUB 300 Club in August 2018, seeking 300 individuals/ businesses to contribute $1,000 each in order to pay off the remaining mortgage on the facility. The HUB 300 Club was kicked off by girls’ basketball State Gatorade Player of the Year Lexie Hull of Central Valley High School, who donated $1,000 via Gatorade to bring awareness to the importance of youth sports in our community. In November, the HUB received a matching gift challenge of $50,000 from an anonymous donor. Gifts to the HUB 300 Club through the end of 2018 would be matched dollar-for-dollar. To date, $21,000 has been contributed toward that challenge.

Love The Current? Support our partners. 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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Last month, the Harriet Cheney Cowles Foundation added an additional $50,000 of matching funds to the initial challenge. Now donations to the HUB 300 Club are being doubled. With the public’s $50,000 contribution (of which $29,000 is still needed) and these two matching challenges, the HUB will receive $150,000 toward the HUB 300 Club and paying off the mortgage. Adding this to their existing total of $54,000, they will have only $96,000 left to completely pay off the facility. “We are appreciative of the generosity of the anonymous donor and the Harriet Cheney Cowles Foundation,” said HUB Executive Director Phil Champlin. “It is a tremendous opportunity for the HUB Sports Center to make a significant reduction in our mortgage. We thank those that have already donated to the HUB 300 Club and humbly ask for 29 more to join in and allow us to fully realize these generous donations.” More details about the HUB 300 Club and a list of current donors is available at www.hubsportscenter. org/hub300club. HUB Sports Center is a 501c3 nonprofit sports facility that opened in 2007 and has operated with a positive cash flow since October 2010. The over 66,000 square feet of space is used for community events, outreach programs and athletic activities.

George Gee Automotive • Liberty Lake Family Dentistry THE

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Aging & Long Term Care of E WA

Amaculate Housekeeping

Evergreen Fountain

George Gee Automotive

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Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 9 30

13 Stateline Plaza

Citizens for Fire and EMS

Kiwanis of Liberty Lake

Cornerstone Church

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry

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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 • JANUARY 2019

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The Current

Inaugural Valley Connect serves up support

ON THAT NOTE

such as “having more volunteers to help visitors understand what resources were available and what vendors offered.” She was also hoping to receive more surveys back from attendees. “We learned a ton of good stuff and intend to be back next year,” Luppert said.

By Craig Howard Current Editor

Just as with the Homeless Connect in the city, Peeler said momentum should build for the Valley’s version in future years.

Bob Peeler has worked at SNAP – Spokane County’s nonprofit community action agency – for nearly 40 years and been part of more than a few resource events.

“I think they need to stay true to the Valley, though,” Peeler said. “Keep it relevant to the things that are going on in your community.”

So, when the longtime social worker gave the inaugural Spokane Valley Connect a sparkling review, it meant a lot to organizers who saw around 350 people drop by Opportunity Presbyterian Church on Pines Road Sept. 14 for help with everything from housing to nutrition and many things in between. “As a vendor, it was very wellorganized,” said Peeler who is based out of SNAP’s Homeless Services office in downtown Spokane. “The people who put it together were very responsive. If we needed anything, they were right there. For the folks who attended, the flow was very good. They had time to stop by the booths and talk.” SNAP was one of 49 vendors represented at the event, which ran from 2 to 6 p.m. and was patterned after the Homeless Connect held in the city of Spokane for years. Peeler was the driving force behind the startup of that event after serving on the Washington State Homeless Coalition and seeing the success of a homeless resource fair in Tacoma. Peeler said SNAP “made some good connections” at the Valley event and plans to conduct more homeless outreach based on the feedback received. “We were told for the longest time there was no homeless issue out in the Valley,” Peeler said. “Obviously, that’s not true.” Aileen Luppert, chair of the Valley Connect, said Peeler’s input – and the increased emphasis on reaching the Valley’s homeless population – served as rewarding affirmation. “That alone makes it worth it,” she said. “That warms my heart.” Luppert said the goal of Valley

JANUARY 2019 • 31

Coblentz said event leadership viewed the event as a success and plan to keep it on the annual calendar.

The inaugural Valley Connect took place at Opportunity Presbyterian Church in Spokane Valley on Sept. 14. The event, organized by the Greater Valley Support Network, featured a variety of nonprofit vendors and was designed to raise awareness about local resources. Around 350 people attended. Contributed photo Connect was to empower attendees to quickly and easily access a wide variety of community resources. The idea came to life following discussions at the Greater Spokane Valley Support Network, a coalition that includes representatives from local nonprofits, faith groups, cities, school districts and other entities. “Our anectodal evidence was correct,” Luppert said. “People need resources in the Valley. I think this event was just more proof that our vendors care about the community and want to help.” Cal Coblentz, executive director of Spokane Valley Partners, served on the leadership team that helped organize the Connect. “We were overwhelmed with the agency and business support that we received to launch this firsttime event,” he said. “Both vendor participation and attendance exceeded our expectations.” Coblentz echoed Peeler’s thoughts about the misguided stigma regarding the lack of need among many Valley residents. “I believe the perception is that folks in the Valley are independent

“It's a good way for families to transition into the school year which creates an additional financial burden to their budgets,” he said. “It's also a valuable place for agencies to connect with each other and promote more collaboration to solve problems together more efficiently.”

and poverty isn't as big of an issue as some other parts of Spokane,” he said. “Certainly, most also think we do not have the challenge of homelessness. However, both of those perceptions are false. The Valley has a growing homeless population.” Coblentz pointed to research that shows over 800 students within Valley schools classified as homeless. Spokane Valley Partners serve about 1,000 Valley households every month with grocery supplements. In 2016, the city of Spokane Valley and its various school districts educated 21,678 students. Of those students, 9,366 (42 percent) received free or reduced lunches due to their family income level. Local veteran and elderly populations are also facing challenges. The Spokane County 2017 Point in Time count showed a 13 percent increase from 2016 for unsheltered veterans. In addition, 8.9 percent of the area’s elderly are living below state and federal poverty guidelines. Luppert said organizers learned lessons from the first event that they will incorporate next year,

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