June 2019 Current by The Current

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Summer road improvement projects abound in Spokane Valley, page 12

CHIME IN ABOUT SPOKANE VALLEY PARKS PAGE 10

‘HIDDEN KNIGHTS’ SPREAD KINDNESS AT EVMS PAGE 39

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HOMETOWN GRADS! PAGES 31-35

2 • JUNE 2019

The Park Bench

Key Impact

Goff emphasizes service in leadership capacities By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor For Georgia Goff, it was the high school version of the Electoral College -- with a guest appearance by a few random whales. In March, the University High School junior attended the Pacific Northwest Key Club District Convention in Seattle, running for secretary -- one of four positions on an executive team that oversees some 300 clubs in a five-state region that also includes British Columbia. Established in 1925, Key Club is the youth branch of Kiwanis Club International and owns distinction as the oldest service club for high school students in the world. The

NEWS program -- emphasizing priorities like leadership, caring, characterbuilding and inclusiveness -- now features clubs in nearly 40 countries. Goff had served as lieutenant governor in the Spokane region -- an area that encompasses 10 clubs -- over the previous year leading up to the convention. Her campaign trail to Pacific Northwest secretary began with candidate meetings followed by a caucusing process in which executive team hopefuls made their case before 2,000 convention attendees in nine separate presentation areas. Goff moved through the various stages fluidly, advancing to the House of Delegates, where two members of each club throughout the district place votes on candidates. Goff and another student from Sandpoint, Idaho, emerged as finalists for secretary before Goff won in a run-off. “It can be nerve-wracking,” Goff said of the journey to victory. “It’s difficult to not be repetitive when you’re giving all those speeches, especially by the time you get to the House of Delegates.” Goff changed up her speech at

Photo by Craig Howard University High School junior Georgia Goff serves as secretary of Pacific Northwest Key Club International, the youth branch of the Kiwanis Club. The regional post encompasses all or part of five states and British Columbia. Last year, she oversaw 10 Key Clubs in the Spokane area as a lieutenant governor.

the end, adding creative elements like her “irrational fear of whales” that seemed to play well with voters. She will serve over the next year on a team featuring a governor, treasurer and editor overseeing a district that includes Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Alaska, the Idaho panhandle and British Columbia. A 3.8 student, Goff took over as U-Hi’s Key Club president halfway through her freshman year and served through her sophomore year. The Titans’ version of Key Club has tackled a wide variety of community service projects, from tutoring at elementary schools to collecting socks for Blessings Under the Bridge to working at a Kiwanis fairgrounds concession stand to raise money. On the international front, Spokane-area Key Clubs are part of the Thirst Project, the world’s largest youth-led water reclamation program. One of the goals of the effort is to provide clean water wells to the entire country of Swaziland in southern Africa by the year 2022. “It’s really clear that clean water extends life expectancy,” said Goff of her work and research on the project. When not representing Key Club over the past year, Goff has donned the crown of Miss Spokane Valley Queen 2018 as part of a program sponsored by Valleyfest. Goff has traveled across the state with her court, attending parades and other events. The role has also involved a familiar emphasis on community service. The daughter of Rob and Maria Goff of Spokane Valley, Georgia has a twin brother and two younger twin sisters. Her time at U-Hi has also included participation in softball and track as well as ASB, National Honor Society and Washington Drug Free Youth. Goff has a career goal of becoming a teacher and continuing to give back. Q: How has the example of your parents and your family’s emphasis on service affected your priorities growing up? A: I am naturally a very empathetic person and truly value the opinions and feelings of others, which is why my family’s emphasis on service has affected me so much throughout my life. My parents and grandparents have always taught me to stand up for what I believe in and stand up for others, especially when they may not be able to themselves. Despite the fact that both of my parents have seemingly unconventional jobs, my dad

The Current being the executive director for the Washington State Funeral Directors Association and my mom being a recreational therapist at Eastern State Hospital on a forensics services unit, the passion that they are able to bring forth has taught me to take the time to understand others. For example, because of my father’s’ work in the funeral industry, he has been able to figure out ways to make sure families feel that their loved one is honored in their passing and assist in the grieving process which can be very difficult at times. My mother has been able to help those who struggle with mental illness and help them to foster a sense of health while teaching me to understand the backgrounds of others by not jumping to conclusions about them. Q: It seems like teenagers these days are characterized as fairly selfabsorbed and frankly not all that interested in giving back to their communities, especially if it takes them away from their cell phones or video games. In what ways do you think this might be an unfair stereotype? A: I think that this is definitely an unfair stereotype because although teenagers can be easy to lump together in one big group, we are all incredibly unique with our own struggles and backgrounds. It should also be noted that many teenagers in my generation have been known to take a stand for what they believe in, call for action and have an active role in society. We do all of this while also trying to combat the treacherous terrain that is growing up and learning how to be an adult. It should also be noted that teenagers are still partially kids, we still love to have fun and enjoy ourselves which is why it is so incredibly unfair to dub all teenagers as “lazy” or to assume that “none of them care” simply because we may play video games from time to time or like to sleep in on occasion. We are a powerful generation who understands that we have the power to take part in society and play a role in the future of it. Q: You have had the honor of serving as Miss Spokane Valley Queen over the past year. What has this experience been like representing Spokane Valley across the state? A: This has been an incredibly unique experience as it taught me how to present myself in a professional setting and how to represent more than just myself. For

See GOFF, Page 3

The Current

GOFF

NEWS

Continued from page 2 example, when I traveled across the state, I understood that my role as Miss Spokane Valley Queen could potentially be the only thing people may associate with the city if they have never visited. This is why I took my role so seriously; I love the city of Spokane and the city of Spokane Valley so I made sure to truly represent them to the best of my ability. Q: What kinds of lessons and experience do you feel you are gaining as Pacific Northwest District Key Club secretary that you will be able to carry beyond high school? A: I have had the opportunity to be a part of professional settings and learn how to manage myself, delegate responsibility to others, establish an atmosphere of honesty and kindness and so much more. Key Club has given me so many more opportunities and has taught me so many more lessons than any other activity in my life. I have been able to meet people from all over the Pacific Northwest and even the nation. I have had the opportunity to know so many unique individuals with a passion for service and have had the honor to work alongside them. Key Club has also opened up the door for me to continue to serve throughout the rest of my life by working with the other branches of the Kiwanis family. Q: You have talked about a career goal of being a teacher. Some might point to other potential careers that would be more lucrative. Why is becoming an educator important to you? A: I wish to become a teacher because I believe the foundation of progression is founded in an education. The youth of each generation has the world at their fingertips, and the future is theirs. I believe that if I can help those students and be a role model to them, I can contribute to the greater good of society. I have also always had a great relationship with my teachers, and they have helped me to develop into who I am today. I wish to be able to give that same confidence and friendship to others. Many students throughout the nation come from a variety of different backgrounds and do not necessarily feel happy at home. I wish to be able to provide a home away from home because I believe that everyone, especially children, deserve to have a place to feel happy and safe. I hope to be able

to be the person who inspires change in a student and teach them to strive for independence, individuality and happiness. I want a career where I have the opportunity to love others and inspire them because I believe that if I’m not spending my time improving the lives of others, then I’m wasting it. Q: How would you define the blend between leadership and service? A: Service and leadership are often one in the same in the fact that someone who serves is someone who works at improving the lives of others and a leader is someone who loves and influences others. I firmly believe that a leader is not someone that tells others what to do and orders them around. It is someone who is passionate, works for and with others and leads by example. In order to be a true leader, you have to be able to understand those who you are leading and work towards a common goal. All effective leaders have to be willing to serve those around them. Q: You are part of the next generation of leaders that will have an impact in this community, on this nation and the world. From what you have seen and know of your peers, how are hopeful are you that things are going to get better and not worse? A: I know that it can be very easy to lose that hope but the fact of the matter is, if you want to see change, you need to be the person to make the change. You need to be the person to say something and you need to be the person to start the movement. By doing so, you will find yourself surrounded by like-minded people and people who want to achieve the same goals and make the same differences.

Arwood is new lieutenant governor Following in the footsteps of classmate Georgia Goff, University High School junior Syvanna Arwood was elected Division 46 lieutenant governor, a position that overseas 10 Key Clubs in the greater Spokane area. As lieutenant governor, Arwood also represents the Spokane area Key Clubs she oversees as a member of the Pacific Northwest Key Club District board of directors.

JUNE 2019 • 3

2019 CV Bears Boosters

INAUGURAL Golf Outing and Fundraiser

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Saturday June 15th, 2019 MeadowWood Golf Course Shotgun Start Registration begins at 11:30am Shotgun Start at 1:00pm Golf outing with Dinner •Dinner only - $50 •Individual Golf/Lunch only - $125 •Individual Golf/Lunch and Dinner - $150 •Foursomes /Lunch Only- $500 • Foursomes /Lunch and Dinner - $600

Enjoy the start of summer with some fun golf and great prizes, a fantastic dinner and auction to raise funds for athletics and activities at CV. There will be hole contests, a silent & live auction and plenty of fun! All for a great cause... the students at Central Valley. Golf includes free driving range, lunch, goodie bag & water. Dinner includes steak, potato, salad and one beverage.

Contact by phone or email to sign up, spots are first come first serve: Email: cvbbc@outlook.com Phone: 509-710-4011

4 • JUNE 2019

NEWS Millwood turns down zone change request By Nina Culver Current Contributor After strong community opposition and rejection by the planning commission, the Millwood City Council voted recently to deny two requests to rezone a portion of several residential parcels to light industrial. The rezone request included 9920, 10004 and 10010 East Euclid Avenue, which are owned by two different people. The intent was to take a total of just over one acre from the southern portion of the three residential lots, zone it light industrial and sell it to Arrow Construction, which is currently in business at 9915 E. Trent. Two dozen neighbors testified against the proposal when it was before the planning commission for consideration, citing concerns about noise, dust and the encroachment into a residential neighborhood. “We had a lot of public testimony,” City Clerk Christina

Janssen told the Millwood council at a recent meeting. “The chamber was full.” The planning commission voted unanimously to recommend against granting the requests, with commissioner Chris Walton absent and commissioner Michael Ankney abstaining because he has done business with Arrow Construction. The city council could have voted to accept or reject the planning commission’s recommendation. Several council members asked why the planning commission recommended against granting the request. City attorney Brian Werst said the commission didn’t believe the request was consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and wasn’t in response to a change that was unforeseen. “The amendment did not represent a substantial change in condition,” he said. Councilwoman Kate McLachlan asked if anyone testified in favor of the proposals. One person

representing Arrow Construction testified on one of the proposals, but not the other, Janssen said. “Overwhelmingly, the public input was on the degradation of that neighborhood,” she said. The company told the city that it intended to use the land to store equipment if the proposals were approved. However, Werst noted the applicants did not make a strong argument in favor of the change in their paperwork and that much of the applications were left blank. “There really wasn’t a sufficient showing in the application,” he said. Though quite a few people testified about the proposals before the planning commission, the city council meeting was a closed public hearing, and no additional testimony was allowed. McLachlan said she wished she had been able to hear the testimony from the residents herself but would trust the process. “That’s why the planning commission is there,” she said. “I’m putting my faith in them. It was a unanimous vote.” The council voted unanimously to agree with the planning commission and deny the two proposals. Mayor Kevin Freeman

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The Current was absent, and councilman Andy Van Hees abstained from voting because he lives a couple houses down from one of the properties. Though residents could not testify at the council meeting, that did not stop them from attending. There was a burst of applause and a “thank you” from the crowd after the council voted against the proposals. Resident Stephenie Brown, who lives near Trent and Empire, was one of those in attendance. After the council meeting ended, she shook the hand of every council member and thanked them for their vote. Brown said she was grateful she and others had the opportunity to voice their concerns to the planning commission. “It was a really wonderful meeting for the community,” she said. “We all came together.” In other business, the council heard a report on trash and other issues related to homeless people camping under the railroad bridge on Trent Avenue near the east end of the new Millwood Trail. Public Works Director Paul Allen said he’s been looking into the problem, but said the spot is not within the Millwood city limits. The camping is taking place where the jurisdictions of several other agencies meet, including the Union Pacific Railroad, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Spokane County and Spokane Valley. That makes it difficult to determine who is responsible for it, Allen said. “It’s out of Millwood at that point,” he said. Spokane County recently brought in a Department of Corrections crew to clean up most, but not all, of the mess, and Allen said he will continue to monitor the area. “It’s definitely looking better,” he said. “It’s going to be an ongoing issue.”

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JUNE 2019 • 5

The Current

NEWS Eleven vying for SV Council

seats By Josh Johnson

Current Correspondent

A total of 11 candidates will make their case for three spots on the Spokane Valley City Council that are up for election in 2019. Only two of the positions are held by incumbents, as current Council Member Sam Wood decided against running for another four-year term holding Council Position No. 6. That open position drew four applicants during official candidate filing in May: Tim Hattenburg, Shaun Stanfield, Pat Stretch and Bo Tucker. Brandi Peetz, who first won election in 2017 to fill out a vacated term, filed to keep Position No. 2. She drew a pair of challengers in Michelle Rasmussen and Rocky Samson. Arne Woodard filed to extend his time in Council Position No. 3 by another four years, a role he has served in since 2011. He drew three challengers: Lance Gurel, Al “Albert” Merkel and Adam “Smash” Smith. The campaign begins immediately, as the field will be narrowed to two finalists through the Aug. 6 primary election. The Nov. 5 general election will be responsible for selecting winners from the finalists. Other candidates who have filed to be on 2019 ballots in the greater Spokane Valley Region include: City of Millwood • Council Position No. 3: Mary “Kate” McLachlan (incumbent) and Ed Mack • Council Position No. 4: Andrew Van Hees (incumbent) and Jay Molitor • Council Position No. 5: Shaun Culler (incumbent) City of Liberty Lake • Mayor: Steve Peterson (incumbent) and Shane Brickner • Council Position No. 1: Phil Folyer and Dg Garcia • Council Position No. 3: Dan Dunne (incumbent) and Holly Woodruff • Council Position No. 5: Robert “Bob” Moore (incumbent) and Annie Kurtz • Council Position No. 7: Cristella “Cris” Kaminskas (incumbent), Jeanette Marie Nall and Tom Stanley Town of Fairfield • Council Position No. 2: Jamie Paden (incumbent) and

Mark Matherly • Council Position No. 3: Kevin Finley, Steven Walk and Dave Watling • Council Position No. 4: Valerie Rogers (incumbent) • Council Position No. 5: Emily Thomas (incumbent) Town of Rockford • Council Position No. 3: Clint Stevenson (incumbent) • Council Position No. 4: Micki L. Harnois (incumbent) • Council Position No. 5: William “Bill” Benson (incumbent) Spokane Valley Fire Department • Commissioner Position No. 1: Patrick W. Burch (incumbent), Randall Bean and Bradley Mertens • Commissioner Position No. 2: Ronald Schmidt (incumbent) and Mike Kester • Commissioner Position No. 4: John Guarisco (incumbent) Central Valley School District • Director District No. 1: Cynthia “Cindy” McMullen (incumbent) and John Myers • Director District No. 3: Debra L. Long (incumbent) and Susan J. Dolan • Director District No. 4: Keith L. Clark (incumbent) East Valley School District • Director District No. 2: Laura Gates (incumbent) West Valley School District • Director District No. 3: Bob Wentworth (incumbent) • Director District No. 4: Adam Mortensen (incumbent) Freeman School District • Director District No. 1: Bill Morphy (incumbent) • Director District No. 5: Angela “Annie” Keebler (incumbent)

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6 • JUNE 2019

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SVFD Report Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 1,557 emergency calls from April 15 to May 14: •Emergency medical Spokane services 1,265 •Fires 86 •Motor vehicle accidents 69 •Dispatched and canceled en route 42 •Building alarms 40 •Service calls 18 •Hazardous materials 17 •Vehicle fires 12 •Technical rescue 4 •Auto vs. pedestrian 4 Structure Fire -- At 12:05 p.m. May 3, SVFD responded to a residential structure fire at 11617 E. Carlisle Ave. in Spokane Valley. Homeowners reported hearing something and then seeing smoke. All occupants escaped safely, with the occupant in the front of the home escaping through the front door with one dog. The other occupant in a back bedroom was

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Let Freedom Ring 2019 First Responder of the Year Award Last week, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniel Moman was named the “Let Freedom Ring 2019 First Responder of the Year” by Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Spokane Lilac Festival Association. Deputy Moman was selected to receive this award for his outstanding work as a Deputy in addition to his dedication while implementing and serving as a member of the Spokane County Mental Health Field Response Team. This team consists of Deputy Moman, trained in Crisis Intervention, and Mental Health Professional Holly Keller, a Master Level Clinician. Partnered as co-responders in a patrol car, they respond to potential mental healthrelated calls to improve mental health field response.

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JUNE 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ 7

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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 Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH The Spokane Valley Police has a tremendous increase in reported vehicle prowling since the spring weather has arrived. A surprising number of vehicle prowlings involve unlocked/ locked vehicles, many with wallets, purses, electronics and firearms viewable from outside the vehicle. To reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of a vehicle prowling,I encourage citizens to not leave valuable items in plain view in your vehicle. Be especially mindful of this if you are parking at a trail head or large storefront parking lots. Like watching the Heat maps in The Current? Find additional Maps on our website. www.valleycurrent.com

8 • JUNE 2019

NEWS

Spokane Valley Plante’s Ferry annexation proposed

By Bill Gothmann Current Contributor With the Spokane Valley City Council’s recent research into potential projects to inject with tourism revenue, Spokane County reached out in May with an additional consideration. The county presented a proposal to the City Council to annex Plante’s Ferry Park and jointly improve the park by upgrading some of the playing fields with synthetic turf and LED lighting. Presently, the county maintains and operates five softball fields on 46 acres. The Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association (SVJSA) maintains and operates 13 soccer fields on 63.3 acres under a contract with the county that expires in 2031. Present renovation plans call for illuminating five softball fields and two soccer fields, installing artificial turf on four softball fields (natural turf outfields with under-drain systems), installing artificial turf on one full softball field, installing artificial turf on two soccer fields, leveling 11 natural turf soccer fields

by removing their crown, expanding parking, adding two new picnic shelters, adding three vendor pads, adding one restroom and considering reducing the maintenance facility. Total cost for this work is estimated to be $16.5 million. Several citizens testified that the lighting would disturb their homes, vehicles still do wheelies in the present park, and homeless encampments provide trash. County officials noted the lights would only be on until 10 p.m. County studies show the current facility has an economic impact of about $5.2 million, with Spokane Valley receiving 70 percent of this. Renovation is expected to increase tournaments at Plante’s Ferry, increasing the economic impact to $9.27 million, with Spokane Valley still receiving about 70% of this. SVJSA noted 68.5 percent of its youth participation live in Spokane Valley. Demand for the use of the fields is very high. Analysis by Spokane Valley staff of the renovation plans shows that if the city bears 50 percent of the costs, the capital costs would be $8.3 million. With $2.6 million in the

SPOKANE VALLEY 2019

Hotel/Motel fund, there would be an annual cost of $440,000 to service the resulting $5.7 million bond. Looking at the operations side, taking into account the bond payment and increased sales tax receipts, the City would have an annual cash outflow of $162,000. Park Road project cancelled A planned project to provide three lanes on Park Road from Broadway to Indiana was cancelled by City Council. In 2008, the city was awarded a Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) grant for $304,500 to fund the engineering phase. The City has applied for additional grants in 2006, 2010 and 2018 without success. The Federal Highway Administration requires the city initiate right-of-way acquisition or construction within 10 years of the grant or refund the $285,164 they have spent. Noting city priorities have changed, present grants require more matching funds from the city, a new grant would probably not be approved, and a lack of support from Park Road neighbors, Council decided to refund the money and concentrate on smaller projects along Park, such as sidewalks and the replacement of signals at Mission and Park. Staff will reprioritize these relative to other projects within the city and will return to Council with a new plan. In March 2015, staff set aside REET (Real Estate Excise Tax) receipts in case the city would have to return the federal funds. Duplex development changes nIxed A privately initiated change would add restrictions to building duplexes in Residential R-3 zones. The modification seeks to limit duplexes to one per acre and restrict the location of such units. It would also preclude single ownership of cottage developments. Following Planning Commission meetings that included public testimony, the commission voted 5-0 to reject the change. Staff observed the number of duplex permits has increased from 37 in 2017 to 142 in 2018. They also commented that the change would reduce affordable housing, going against one of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. The city attorney observed that there were a number of areas within the proposal that would be difficult to defend if challenged. Council, although in favor of denying the request, will bring it forward for a first reading and final action in the future. Costs increase for generators The 2018 budget approved $300,000 for generators at City Hall and the police precinct. The city ordered the generators, which

The Current required a six-month lead time. In addition, the city learned there was much more work to be done, especially at the precinct, in order to accommodate the generators, which impacted the pricing. The new estimates are $203,000 for the City Hall generator and $200,000 for the police precinct generator. Staff requested and Council moved forward on the request for the $103,000 in additional funds to complete the project. Budget amendment stirs sidewalk snow removal discussion A normally routine discussion of 2019 budget amendments initiated a conversation about whether the city should clear any sidewalks. The budget items included $80,000 for sidewalk snow removal equipment, including a trailer. Staff reported that, at the request of Council, they sought contractors for removing snow on “Safe Routes for School” sidewalks, as defined by a City map designating such routes. They noted businesses are required to clear their own sidewalks. However, no contractors were willing to take on the liability if someone were to slip on ice and fall. Furthermore, they were unwilling to purchase expensive equipment for a “maybe” project of clearing sidewalks. Council members noted that these “Safe Routes” usually designate only one side of the street within selected distances from schools. Councilmember Arne Woodard stated it was not the norm for cities to plow sidewalks, and other citizens would want their sidewalks plowed by the city. “This is not a good option,” he said. “Give an inch and everyone is going to want a mile.” Council decided to delete the snow equipment from the amendment and come back for further discussion of sidewalk snow removal. Sculpture to be accepted Council approved accepting the sculpture “If I Could But Fly” from the Spokane Valley Arts Council. The six-foot sculpture by Bob Wilfong shows a stylized person reaching for the sky. Initial recommendations call for placing this sculpture into storage for eventual placement on the west lawn of CenterPlace. City Manager Mark Calhoun noted that council will be addressing providing more funds for the West Lawn project during the council’s June 11 retreat. Federal agenda champions four projects The Spokane Valley City Council approved an agenda to be used in discussions with federal staff and lawmakers by Cardinal Infrastructure, the federal lobbyist engaged by the city. The agenda

See SV COUNCIL, Page 9

The Current

SV COUNCIL

Continued from page 8 requests $23.9 million for the construction phase of the Pines Road/Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Grade Separation Project. This would replace an atgrade crossing on Pines Road with an underpass at the BNSF railroad tracks. It would also upgrade the intersection of Pines Road and Trent Avenue. The agenda also requests $25.0 million for improvement of Sullivan from I-90 to Wellesley, $9 million for improvement of Barker Road from Appleway to Mission, and $15 million for improvement of Argonne from I-90 to Trent. Land use, zone changes advance Changes to the city’s comprehensive plan are all considered at the same time, once per year. This time, there are four land use issues and six text amendments. Citizen Danny Davis asked that the land use of a parcel southeast of Broadway and Park Road be changed from Industrial to Single Family Residential and the zoning from Industrial to Residential R-3. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the request by a 5-0 vote, and council supported the recommendation. Whipple Consulting Engineers, on behalf of Advent Lutheran Church, asked that the land use of the parcel on the southeast corner of Eighth and Sullivan be changed from Single Family Residential to Neighborhood Commercial and the zoning changed from Residential R-3 to Neighborhood Commercial. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the request, and council agreed. Citizen Joe Elgee requested the land use of the northwest corner of Marguerite and Sinto be changed from Single Family Residential to Multifamily Residential and the zoning be changed from Residential R-3 to Multi-Family Residential. The Planning Commission had a tie vote of 3-3 on the issue, resulting in no recommendation to the council. On a motion by Councilmember Brandi Peetz, council denied the request. However, council decided to carry the issue to a second reading, where the denial will be acted upon as part of the aggregated Comprehensive Plan amendment ordinance. City staff recommended the land use of the area adjacent to the Whimsical Pig Apartments on Mission be changed from Multifamily Residential to Corridor Mixed Use, agreeing with the land use designation for Whimsical Pig Apartments. The Planning Commission approved

JUNE 2019 • 9

NEWS

the recommendation and so did the Council. The city proposed text amendments to six sections of the Comprehensive Plan. These involved strategies and policies for annexation, providing a study of a multifamily tax reduction, creating a paper 11x17-inch map of the city, updating the pedestrian and bike maps, and including a 20-year listing of future transportation improvements. The Planning Commission and the Council agreed to these. The council also approved recommended changes to the Comprehensive Plan Map. Staff will bring all these items back for a second reading by the Council of the entire package of proposals. Standards developed for assignment of street addresses The city is proposing a text amendment to the city’s municipal code that outlines the process by which buildings are given addresses. The county has been looking into inconsistencies in other jurisdictions and highlighted the need for a regional standard. The city continues to provide addressing that conforms to the county practices. Transportation plan discussed Each year, the city updates its sixyear Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), listing the projects it expects to do over the ensuing six years. Such a plan is required by many agencies in order for the city to receive a grant. Staff presented projects in six different categories. Fourteen projects are in the close-out category, those being carried over into next year, such as the Argonne Road preservation projects now under way. Five bridge and gradeseparation projects were presented, such as Barker and Pines Grade Separation projects and the Argonne Bridge widening. Fifteen intersection improvements are planned, including Barker-Sprague and PinesSixteenth. Sixteen reconstruction or preservation projects were listed, such as segments of Dishman-Mica, Mullan, Broadway and Flora. Five city-wide projects were included, such as reflective signal plates and local street improvements. There were five sidewalk, trail and stormwater improvements. The 2019-2024 TIP can be found at www.spokanevalley.org, within the Economic Development Department. Midlome contract awarded Council awarded a $1,345,902 contract to WM Winkler Co. to pave a number of roads in the Midilome neighborhood. This was $457,921 below the engineer’s estimate and was the first use of the Waste Management Street Wear Fee, enacted in January of this year to pay for the wear on city

streets by Waste Management trucks. Barker widening awarded Council awarded a $2,020,197 contract to Big Sky Corporation for the widening of Barker to three lanes from Euclid north to about ¼ mile south of Trent. The bid was $883,877 below the engineer’s estimate. The county will also be installing a sewer main and will pay for both the sewer installation and 50 percent of several joint expenses. Garland Avenue awarded Council awarded a $1,412,444 contract to Poe Asphalt for the construction of Garland Avenue from Flora to Barker. Centennial Properties is to pay 50 percent of the expense, since it owns property adjacent to the new road. Garland will serve as a detour route when Barker is closed for construction of the grade separation project at Trent and Barker. Evergreen preservation awarded Council awarded a $707,285 contract to Inland Asphalt for Evergreen Road preservation. This was $50,212 above the engineer’s estimate. The project will grind and inlay 1.5 inches of hot mix asphalt, update some pedestrian ramps and restripe Evergreen to add bike lanes between the Mission Connector and Indiana Avenue. This project

was designed in-house. However, since the project involves Interstate 90, the city had to get Washington State Department of Transportation approval, delaying putting it out for bid. Council briefs • Mayor Rod Higgins appointed Andy Rooney, General Manager of the Mirabeau Hotel, to the county’s Hotel/Motel Commission. That commission advises the County Commissioners how to spend receipts from the $2 per night room tax of hotels and motels within the county. • Eight citizens testified against what they considered anti-Semitic and white nationalistic comments and comments favoring spying on citizens by Fourth District State Representative Matt Shea. Prior to the testimony, Mayor Rod Higgins said, “Please note that this issue is outside of the City Council’s span of authority and as such, we will simply listen to your public comments, but don’t anticipate that we can or would do anything in response.” • Mayor Higgins appointed Deputy Mayor Pam Haley to a countywide committee that is examining replacing the jail.

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10 • JUNE 2019

SVFD REPORT Continued from page 6

forced to escape out the bedroom window. Ladder 8 was first on scene and reported a mobile home with active fire conditions, followed closely by the arrival of Rescue 8. Ladder 8 firefighters pulled a fire hose and made entry into the house for fire attack, backed up by Rescue 8’s firefighters. Engine 2 soon arrived and was able to establish a water supply from a fire hydrant to Ladder 8. Firefighters worked to successfully control the fire over the next 25 minutes with further support from additional arriving fire companies. Firefighters remained on the scene a couple of hours to extinguish hotspots. The fire cause is currently under investigation, and the likely reason is an electrical short from a modified wired light fixture. Extensive damage was noted to the kitchen and living room areas, with smoke damage throughout the rest of the home. Two adults were displaced from home and refused Red Cross assistance; they are planning on staying with a family a couple of doors down the street. A total of 11 fire department suppression and command vehicles responded with approximately 27 firefighters and command staff. Additional support was provided by the Spokane Valley Police Department, AMR and Avista. No injuries of civilians or firefighters were reported. Vehicle Accident – On May 5, SVFD units responded to a report of a hit and run on State Route 290. A woman suspected of driving under the influence then hitting another car and taking off in Spokane Valley was later identified. Emily Torgersen Appel, 32, is charged with vehicular assault, felony hit and run and obstruction following the crash that closed State Route 290 at Pines for several hours Sunday night. Washington State Patrol Trooper Jeff Sevigney said the two cars involved in the crash were driving west when Appel rear-ended the vehicle in front of her. The collision caused the struck vehicle to roll. The driver of that vehicle, identified as 33-year-old Cally Leanne Duncan, had serious injuries, but is expected to survive. Court documents state she suffered a head injury and face laceration that required stitches. Sevigney said Appel then drove onto the railroad tracks and got stuck. He said she then took off running once she realized she was stuck. According to court documents,

The Current troopers found an 18-pack of PBR inside Appel’s car, including an open beer can. Troopers said she was belligerent, uncooperative and slurring her speech. Appel was taken into custody shortly after. Spokane Regional Air Support – On April 23, several Spokane Valley firefighters were on scene in Whitman County helping an Amber Alert situation. The new Rescue 3 helicopter was staffed by Spokane Valley Fire Captain/ Pilot Don Kresse, two helicopter rescue medics and two tactical flight officers from Local 29 (Spokane Fire) and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. The helicopter was on site to provide emergency medical care and evacuate injured individuals if needed. The Rescue 3 helicopter is a new program for wilderness and remote medical evacuation supported by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Valley Fire Department, Spokane Valley Police Department, Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. In addition to the Rescue 3 helicopter, Spokane Valley firefighters were also on scene with the Spokane Valley Communications Trailer and Rescue Task Force (RTF) members. The SVFD Communications Trailer helped provide radio coverage for the many different fire & police agencies present to communicate. Our Rescue Task Force firefighters are also specially trained to enter active shooter or other high-risk situations, and were on location to provide immediate life-saving care to injured civilians and law enforcement members if needed. 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. 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. For more information, call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

SV seeking input for park improvements By Nina Culver Current Correspondent

Community members who turned out for a recent meeting to give input on an update to Spokane Valley’s Parks Master Plan were unanimous in their belief that the city needs more parks. The city currently has 12 parks encompassing 191 acres that include seven playgrounds, three pools and four splash pads. Two of the parks, Castle Park and Myrna Park, are unimproved and have no amenities. There are also two trails inside the city limits, the Centennial Trail and Appleway Trail. “Unfortunately, for a city our size, that’s extremely, extremely low,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mike Stone. Funding constraints dictate how many parks the city has and what amenities can be put in them. Stone

said the parks department receives only 7 percent of the city’s annual budget. Stone said the city’s Parks Master Plan was last updated in 2013 and is so old that the city no longer qualifies for federal grants. The summer-long project to collect input and update the plan will allow the city to get grants for parks again, he said. The people attending the meeting said they liked to have trees, playgrounds, trails, open space and shaded areas in their parks. They also gave input on what they would like to see added to new or existing parks. Several in attendance expressed interest in pocket parks, small neighborhood parks located in neighborhoods that offer playgrounds for residents to walk to with their children. Others

See PARKS, Page 11

Photos by Nina Culver Among the active improvements to the parks and recreation system in Spokane Valley are plans for Browns Park, which is popular for its sand volleyball courts, among other amenities. Late this summer, the city plans to add a perimeter path to the park that will include replacement of the current restrooms and picnic shelter.

JUNE 2019 • 11

The Current

PARKS

Continued from page 10 said they wanted more recreation programs and more playgrounds. “We need more parking,” said community member Rick Wilhite. “Parking is a huge issue at Valleyfest. If wishes were fishes, we’d have a band shell and a community center.” The city’s Discovery Park, which offers special features for children of all physical abilities, is well loved. “We need more Discovery Parks,” Wilhite said. “You come by any time it’s light, and there’s kids out there.” Residents were put into groups and asked to rank the current state of the city’s parks by giving various statements a score between 5 and -5. All the groups gave the lowest possible score to the statement that the city has adequate park land. The city has been making efforts to add amenities to its parks, Stone said. Last year the city put in eight sand volleyball courts to Browns park, adding to the eight already there. The courts have been very popular, Stone said. “There have been waiting lists,” he said. “This is the first season they’re all going to be used.” Another large project is planned for Browns Park this summer. The city plans to add a perimeter path with lighting and replace the fence on the south and west sides. “It’s just in horrible shape,” Stone

said. “We’re going to try to make it nicer.” The existing picnic shelter and restrooms on the south edge of the park will be torn out and rebuilt in a different spot, and the shelter will be expanded during the process. A new picnic shelter will be built on the north side of the park near the sand volleyball courts. One of the old volleyball courts right next to 32nd Avenue will be torn out, and a small skate park similar to the one at Pavillion Park in Liberty Lake will be put in. “It’s just our start,” he said. “We don’t have any skate facilities.” Construction in the park won’t start until mid-August and should be complete by Nov. 1. The city also just received money from the state legislature to replace the playground equipment in Browns Park and put in a picnic shelter and a small restroom next to it. “I don’t know if we can get it designed and built this year,” Stone said. Once the two projects are finished, Browns Park will be mostly finished. Stone said he’d like to expand the parking lot and finish the perimeter fencing. “We’re about 90 percent (done) once we get this project and the playground done,” he said. The city has also been busy building the Appleway Trail in recent years, which runs south of

Sprague Avenue, in sections. Stone said the city hopes to build the last section from Evergreen Road to Sullivan Road this year. The project is currently being designed. The city has gone back to the first section from University Road to Pines Road this year to add amenities. “We did it with city money, 100 percent, and we didn’t have much funds,” Stone said. The city has gotten more than $500,000 from the state legislature to improve the section and has been adding benches, trash cans, landscaping near intersections and a restroom. At the time the project was done, the city didn’t put down enough top soil to sustain the native grasses planted there, Stone said. “What resulted was a poor stand of grass and a great stand of weeds,” he said. The grass was torn out, more topsoil was added and the area was reseeded. Stone said the area is not irrigated and the native grass, which won’t be mowed or manicured in any way, may take some time to come in. Stone said one of the most

10814 E Broadway Spokane Valley, WA 99206

common questions he gets is what is going on with Balfour Park. The park as it currently exists is on 2.8 acres just north of Sprague Avenue near University Road. The city owns an additional 8.4 acres next door, and several years ago a proposed design for the park was completed after community input, but there was never any money for construction, Stone said. “I thought I might see that in my career,” he said of the Balfour Park expansion. “I’m not sure about that now.” The plan for Balfour Park was completed so long ago that it needs to be redone, Stone said. It also called for a new library at the location, but the Spokane County Library District has been unable to get a construction bond approved by the voters. The Parks Department will be collecting input on the plan for Balfour Park this summer as part of its update of the Parks Master Plan at various public events. An additional public workshop is scheduled for June 20. The results will be reported to the community at an open house on Sept. 12.

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COVER STORY

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The orange cones are already making an appearance as Spokane Valley and Millwood prepare for what is expected to be a busy season repairing and improving area roads. Several projects in Spokane Valley are major projects that will close lanes or entire roads, requiring detours for those trying to get around the city. Spokane Valley Engineering Manager Gloria Mantz said she’s aware that the multiple simultaneous road closures may make life more complicated for Spokane Valley drivers, but there’s no way around it. “Unfortunately, we have a very short construction season,” she said. “It’ll be worth it at the end.” What isn’t on the list this season is a pavement preservation project

Son

on Broadway Avenue from Havana Street to Fancher Road. It was supposed to be complete this year, but an analysis showed that the road needs to be fully reconstructed and the city didn’t have enough money for the more expensive project this year, Mantz said. What is on the list, however, includes the following items, listed in order of tentative start date. Under way: Argonne Two Argonne Road preservation projects are already under way. The section from Mission Avenue to Broadway Avenue began first, followed by the section from Broadway to Valleyway. Before the asphalt work began, crews went in to do work on the sidewalks and corner ramps at the intersections. “Whenever we do a preservation project, we have to update the ramps if they don’t meet standards,” Mantz

Unknown

Ambitious construction schedule slated for summer

By Nina Culver Current Contributor

Both Knox and Wilbur are completely closed during construction. “It’s just safer for the workers,” Mantz said. June to July: Evergreen overpass New pavement will go in on Evergreen Road from the Mission Connector to Indiana Avenue. The Mission Connector links the Mission Avenue overpass to Evergreen Road, which passes underneath it. “We are paving the connector,” Mantz said. “We’ll be staying off Mission itself.” Pedestrian ramps will be improved along Evergreen and bike lanes will be added as well, which will be welcomed by cyclists. “We’ll have bike connectivity over I-90,” Mantz said. The $800,000 project is set to begin on June 10, and lane restrictions are planned during the day, significantly slowing traffic. There will be some night work as well, and Evergreen Road will be closed to all traffic from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on those days. The intersection of Evergreen and Indiana will close

said. The two projects combined are expected to cost just over $1 million. The city received a grant for a portion of the work between Broadway and Mission. Both are expected to be complete in mid-June. Under way: Sidewalk projects A sidewalk project on Knox Avenue from Hutchinson Road to Sargent Road is already under way. In addition to a new curb, gutter and sidewalk on the south side of Knox, the road will also be improved. “We’re doing a little bit of widening there,” she said. The $441,000 project is being partially funded by Community Development Block Grant funds and is expected to be complete in mid-June. A similar project on Wilbur Road between Boone Avenue and Broadway Avenue is also under way and is expected to be complete by mid-June. The $400,000 project will add a sidewalk, curb and gutter on the east side of Wilbur Road. The budget also includes Community Development Block Grant funds.

Burns Progress St Charles

Roads closed ahead

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Street Improvements Preservation Projects ITS Projects

Traffic Safety Projects - Citywide Reflective Signal Backplates (20 Intersections) - CitywideReflective Sign Post Panels (600)

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at 11 p.m. when night work is under way. When Evergreen Road is closed, cars will not be able to enter or exit Interstate 90 at Evergreen. The connector will be completely closed during the entire project, which is expected to last three or four weeks. June to August: Residential streets Some residential streets in the Midilome area will get some attention this summer. Several streets will either be ground down and repaved or reconstructed at an estimated cost of $1.3 million. The work is expected to begin in midJune and last through the end of August. Streets slated for improvements include Wilbur Road, Bates Road, Loretta Drive and Fox Street between 32nd and 37th avenues, in addition to 35th, 36th and 37th avenues between Bowdish Road and Loretta Drive. June to August: University Road The city will partner with the Model Irrigation District to improve University Road between 16th Avenue and Dishman-Mica Road. A new water main is being installed before the new pavement goes in. The road will be closed from midJune to the end of August. “It’s going to be a full closure,” Mantz said. “There will be a ditch for the water main.” The city received grant money from the Transportation Improvement Board to pay for part of the $3.2 million project.

COVER STORY

June to October: Barker-area projects A brand-new road will go in the city’s new industrial area between Barker Road and Flora Road, just south of Trent this summer. “That’s going to be a new connection,” she said. The two-lane Garland Avenue is estimated to cost $3 million, and it’s being paid for by the city and the property owner, Centennial Properties. In addition to allowing better access to the industrial area, the road will also have a key role to play when the city starts work on the Barker Road grade separation project. “This connection is really important to us,” she said. “We’re going to be using that as a detour route. It’s going to be critical to have that connection.” Barker Road will be closed from the beginning of June to the end of October between Euclid Avenue and the railroad tracks, where the grade separation project will be built. The road will be reconstructed and widened to three lanes. The road has to be shut down so Spokane County can put in a sewer line underneath it, and the county will pay for the sewer portion of the $2.3 million project. August to October: Mission Avenue One of the later projects in the season will be improvements to Mission Avenue between University Road to Union Road, which is scheduled to begin in mid-August and run through October. The asphalt will be ground down and replaced, and a new sidewalk will

be installed along Mission between Bowdish Road and Union. Construction will impact traffic on Mission, which is a major arterial. “We’ll have lane restrictions to begin with,” Mantz said. “When we get more to the preservation aspects, the road will be closed completely.” The road will not be shut down until after Splash Down closes for the season, she said. There will be detours in place to send traffic to either Pines Road or University Road. “We will coordinate with the school district and residents,” she said. “Local access will still be available.” The $2.1 million project includes some grant money from the Transportation Improvement Board for the sidewalk. TBD: Wellesley sidewalks A project to add sidewalks to Wellesley Avenue between McDonald Road and Evergreen Road has not yet been scheduled. “We want to begin construction in June,” Mantz said. “We want to do it while school is out.” The $720,000 project will also widen the road. The sidewalk portion is being partially funded by a Safe Routes to Schools grant. TBD: Valleyway preservation A road preservation project on Valleyway Avenue from Marguerite Road to Mullan Road is one of several being done in partnership with a local water district installing a new water main, in this case Spokane County Water District 3. Mantz said that since the water district is taking the lead on the project, she doesn’t know the exact

Photo by Nina Culver A stretch of Wilbur Road is currently closed for a $400,000 project to add a sidewalk, curb and gutter on the east side of the road.

JUNE 2019 • 13

construction dates. The stretch of road impacted is short, and the city’s share is expected to be $113,000. “They’re paying for whatever work is in the trench,” said Mantz. TBD: Water main installations Similar projects on Woodruff Road between 9th and 10th Avenues and Farr Road from Appleway Boulevard to Eighth Avenue involve a partnership with Spokane County Water District 3 to install new water mains. The roads will be closed during the projects, which will cost the city a combined $255,000.

Motorists will see tamer road season in Millwood By Nina Culver Current Contributor

The road construction season is shaping up to be much simpler in Millwood than recent years. Plans call for crack sealing in the northeast corner of Millwood in the area between Argonne and Butler north of the railroad tracks, said Millwood Public Works Director Paul Allen. The project should begin in early June, weather permitting, and will take a week or two. “The only traffic impact will be a little bit on Empire, but people will be able to get through,” Allen said. A chip seal project is planned for the southwest corner of Millwood north of Trent on Grace Avenue, Sargent Road and Sipple Road. The $136,000 project is being mostly paid for by a $130,000 Transportation Improvement Board grant. “We had to scale the project back because of cost,” Allen said. “Originally we were going to do Buckeye as well.” The city simply doesn’t have a lot of money to spend on road construction this year after completing several large projects. “We spent a lot of money on road projects the last couple of years,” he said. “We’re trying to build that money up again.”

COMMUNITY

14 • JUNE 2019

The Current

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COMMUNITY EVENTS June 6 | Classic Car Show and Valve Cover Race – 4 to 8 p.m., Zip’s Drive In, 5901 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley. Support Greater Spokane Meals on Wheels and enjoy cars of all kinds at this free admission event. Cost to enter a car in the show is $15, and $5 for each valve cover car per race (valve cover cars are similar to a Pinewood Derby for adults). June 7 | Spokane Valley Farmers Market opens – 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday through Sept. 13, CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. For more, visit spokanevalleyfarmersmarket. ziplinestaging.com. June 8 | 9th Annual Felts Field Neighbors Day – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Felts Field, 6105 E. Rutter Ave., Spokane. Free, kid-friendly event features planes on display, including a B25-D Mitchell and a TBM Avenger. Food trucks and rides available for a fee. For more, call 800-493-7515. June 12 | Valleyfest 30th Anniversary Celebration & Raffle Breakfast – 7:30 to 9 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. New fundraising event in support of Valleyfest that replaces previous years’ auction. Tickets are $75 per person for $550 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit valleyfest.org. June 12 | Senior Volunteer Recruitment Fair – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. Free event connects adults 55 and older with volunteering opportunities throughout Spokane County, with representatives from more than 20 local nonprofits attending. For more, email rsvp@ ymcainw.org or call 344-7787. June 21-22 | Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Liberty Lake. Organized by the Liberty Lake Kiwanis, the 26th annual event features hundreds of sales and vendors and food at Pavillion Park. For more, visit libertylakekiwanis.org.

RECURRING ACT 2 Senior Classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered

at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. For more, search for “Act 2” at scc.spokane.edu. 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. For more, call 599-2411. Café Card Club | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford. Play pinochle, cribbage, or hearts. For more, call 951-7039 or email onsacredgrounsrising@gmail.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. Free Last Sunday Lunch | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley - 12:30 p.m. on the final Sunday of every month in the church’s Fellowship Hall, Room 115 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, call 226-2202. 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, Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. Free classes. We have crocheters, knitters, embroidery, quilting and needlepoint. Come and share what you are doing. For more, call 291-3722. Rockford Historical Society | 11:30 a.m. second Friday of the month (February to November), The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. For more, call 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 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 Ave. 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, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (reserved for age 60 and over and physically-handicapped people with limited mobility). Address verification required. To make an appointment, call 927-1153, ext. 10, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings 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 Ave., Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants can access a comprehensive library, engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at svqgspokane.com. Spokane Valley Senior Citizens Association | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Activities include bridge, billiards, book club, Red Hat Ladies, Mahjongg, ACT II classes, foot care, Medicare assistance, monthly excursions to Northern Quest Casino, Meals on Wheels location and more. Annual dues are $25/single or $45/ couple. For more, call 926-1937 or visit spokanevalleyseniorcenter.org.

MUSIC & THE ARTS June 7-23 | “Bottoms Up!” – Various times, Ignite! Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway Ave. Tickets and more info at igniteonbroadway.org. June 21-23, 26-30 | “Always Patsy Cline - Revival” – Various times, University High School Theater, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. This Spokane Valley Summer Theatre production is based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger. For tickets and more info, visit svsummertheatre.com. RECURRING Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9

The Current p.m., Wednesdays, Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. Four-part, a cappella harmony, men’s barbershop chorus. More at 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.

HEALTH & RECREATION June 7 | YMCA Healthy Kids Day 2019 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Spokane Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Free event features a variety of activities designed to inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies active. Fun for the whole family includes arts & crafts, face painting, climbing wall, outdoor movie, demos and booths from local community services, bouncy house and more. First 200 kids receive a free t-shirt. June 22 | Girls All-State Basketball Classic – 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. 23rd annual

JUNE 2019 • 15

COMMUNITY

All-State girls basketball games for Washington and North Idaho standouts. Admission, $5 adults and $3 for seniors and children under 12. More at hubsportscenter.org. RECURRING 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. For more, call Steve at 893-4746. GriefShare Support Group (Mondays)| 6:15 to 8 p.m. Mondays, The ONE Church, east entrance, 15601 E. 24th Ave., Spokane Valley. Most recent program began Feb. 20, but join at any time. Designed to help cope with loss, whether recent or years ago. For more, call Sue at 2941664 or Jere at 710-3354. GriefShare Support Group (Thursdays) | 10 a.m. Thursdays, Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, 15515 E. 20th Ave. Most

recent program began Jan. 17 and runs 13 weeks, but join at any time. If you have lost a loved one and are dealing with grief, stop by to share or just listen. For more, call 926-1545. Yoga in Rockford | 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Rockford Park, 20 W. Emma St., Rockford. In case of inclement weather, classes will be held at Dave’s Autobody, 8 W. Emma St. Mindful Music & Movement | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102, Otis Orchards. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as Parkinson’s, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by board-certified music therapist, Carla Carnegie. For more, visit willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592-7875. Decreasing Anger Group | 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors. For more, call Steve at 8934746 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. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday; 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. $3/seniors, $5/non-seniors. • Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Fit for YOUR Life. See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.

CIVIC & BUSINESS June 4 | Spokane Community College Transit Center Groundbreaking – 2 to 3 p.m., 1810 N. Greene St., Spokane. Celebrate the groundbreaking of the first highly visible construction project related to the Central City Line. For more, visit spokanetransit.com. June 19 | “Intellectual Property Basics for Startups” – Noon to 1 p.m., Spokane Valley City Hall, 10210 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. Dan Wadkins of Lee & Hayes shares in this free “lunch and learn” event cosponsored by StartUp Spokane and the city of Spokane Valley. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch. For questions or to register, email

See CALENDAR, Page 16

E NRI C HE D L I VI NG. L AS TIN G VALUE.

THE

lifestyle

THE

YOU WANT

THE

quality

community

YOU L OVE

YO U DE S E RV E

New homes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls & Coeur d’Alene. gr eenstonehomes.com

16 • JUNE 2019

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CALENDAR

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at University High School Theatre

July 12 – 28 Directed by

Yvonne A. K. Johnson

Music Direction by

David Brewster

August 9 – 18

June 21 – 30 Directed by

Directed by

Yvonne A. K. Johnson

Music Direction by

Drew Olsen

www.svsummertheatre.com 509-368-7897 Evening Show Time: 7:30 P.M. • Sunday Show Time: 2:00 P.M. State-of-the-art theatre • Free parking Presented by

Mirabeau Park Hotel

Yvonne A. K. Johnson

David and Christina Lynch

David Brewster

tdillard@spokanevalley.org or call 720-5333. June 21 | Business Connections Breakfast: “State of Business in the NW” – 7 to 9 a.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Dr. Chip Hunter, Dean of Washington State University’s Carson College of Business, shares findings from the 2019 Business in the Northwest report at this Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce event. Tickets $25 for members, $35 for non-members. For more or to register, visit spokanevalleychamber.org. Wednesdays in June | SCORE Small Business Classes – Wednesday mornings starting June 5, SBA Training Room, 801 W. Riverside Ave. 4th Floor, Spokane. Cost is $25 if pre-registered. SCORE Spokane offers a variety of low-cost workshops designed to encourage the success of emerging and small business owners. Free business mentoring is also available. For more, visit spokane. score.org. RECURRING Spokane Valley City Council | Regular meetings held 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, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. For more, call 9262753 or visit fairmountmemorial. com/south-pines-cemetery. Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave. More at spokanevalleykiwanis. net. Greater Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at svrotary.org. Submit items for The Current Community Calendar by the 10th of the previous month by emailing editor@valleycurrent.com. Priority is given to noncommercial local events open to the public.

The Current

SV activities abound for students on summer break By Keith Erickson Current Correspondent

Students rejoice, summer is just around the corner. School buses will soon be idled and classrooms closed. With the influx of free time, however, comes the perennial and collective sigh from many youth: “I’m bored!” Not so fast. In the greater Spokane Valley area, there’s plenty to keep summer breakers busy. Here are just a few suggestions: Free bowling Valley Bowl, E. 8005 Sprague Ave., is among the many bowling alleys across the country participating in the first ever Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. Eligible students can register for two free games per day through the KBF program all summer long. Valley Bowl has 20 synthetic lanes with new automatic scoring, eight lanes with bumpers for the kids, a trophies and awards shop, cafe and lounge, arcade and pinball games, party packages and so much more! Visit valleybowlspokane.com or call 926-6245. Roller skating Roller Valley Skate and Event

COMMUNITY

Center, 9415 E 4th Ave, just off Dishman Mica Road, offers some of the best skating opportunities in the area. Skate for hours for just $10 per person or take advantage of $2 Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Visitors can take a break from the roller rink fun and enjoy Roller Valley’s 9D VR virtual reality experience offering a hands-on interpretation of panoramic, immersive and interactive experience. There is also a full arcade with the latest games and billiards as well as a snack bar hosting a wide variety of tasty treats and drinks. Visit rollervalleyspokane.com or call 288-4811. Library School may be out, but books are still in. Summer is a great time to escape into the wonderful world of reading. The Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E Main Ave., offers tons more than books. From a Lego club and arts classes, to group reading programs and book sales, the Valley Library offers something for kids of all ages eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy summer and keep their minds sharp. For those who would prefer to stay home, there are many things you can do online with your library card. You can download books, do research, find a tutor, take online classes, read magazines and more! Also check out the Argonne Library and Otis Orchards Library. Visit scld.org or call 893-8400. Swimming Cool off during the dog days of summer at Splash Down, Spokane’s premier waterpark located at 11127 E. Mission Ave. Splash Down, celebrating its 37th season, will be

Photo by Paula Gano Thw summer bowling program can be utilized at most local bowling establishments. Go to kidsbowlfree.com to sign up.

JUNE 2019 • 17

Photo by Paula Gano The greater Spokane Valley are offers a variety of beautiful trails to explore. Whether you are looking to get outside for fitness or take your children on a nature walk, you will find numerous spots to fulfill your needs. open every day during the summer when it’s at least 75 degrees. Splash Down has several picnic areas and a full concession stand. Admission is $10 under 48 inches in height and $15 over 48 inches. Besides Splash Down, Spokane Valley has three seasonal outdoor pools, all of which open on Saturday, June 15. These include the Park Road Pool with Slide Feature, 906 N. Park Road; Terrace View Pool with Lazy River Feature, 13525 E. 24th Ave.; and Valley Mission Pool with Zero Depth Entry Pool, 11123 E. Mission. Open swim is $1 per person. Visit splashdownwaterpark.net or call 464-9541. Visit spokanevalley. org/pools or call 625-6960. Hiking Explore the beautiful Spokane Valley on any number of nature trails that offer adventure for walkers and hikers of all fitness levels. The 37-mile Centennial Trail, slicing its way right through the heart of the Spokane Valley, offers beautiful views of the mountains and Spokane River on a paved and mostly flat and trail. With access points throughout the Valley, the trail hugs the river and offers restroom areas at several locations. Other scenic hiking opportunities include Dishman Hills Natural Area (a protected natural area with 530 acres of dramatic, diverse terrain for hiking and wildlife spotting), Appleway Trail and the Islands Tail

Head. Email parksandrec@ spokanevalley.org or call 720-5200. Museum Take a step back in time when you visit the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, 12114 E. Sprague Ave. The museum is home to a rich and varied collection of published works and source materials about our region’s colorful history. The museum’s collection includes books, maps, newspapers, architectural drawings, oral histories and more. Digitalized archives of the Spokane Valley Herald newspaper dating back to 1920 can be viewed, and school records beginning in 1892 are available for viewing, including teacher reports, articles and more. Admission is $6. Visit spokanevalleymuseum.com or call 922-4570. Movies Catch a flick at the Regal 12 Spokane Valley Theater Complex, 14760 E. Indiana Ave., at the busy Spokane Valley Mall. The Regal Summer Movie Express is featuring $1 kid movies every Tuesday and Wednesday morning through the summer at participating theatres. Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating and, of course, wellstocked concession stand. Visit regmovies.com/theatres/ regal-spokane-valley or call (844) 462-7342.

18 • JUNE 2019

The Current

brought to you by Student of the Month You could say Sarah Adamson hit her stride at West Valley High School. The senior maintains a 3.98 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has been part of the school’s Leadership program and volunteered with Link Crew that supports underclassmen. She has also helped with the “Eagle for a Day” program that supports middle school students transitioning to WVHS. Adamson was part of the Eagles’ cross country team that won the state 2A championship last season. She is also a standout in track where she competes in the 800 and 1,600-meter runs. She contributes to a variety of community service projects through her church and is the recipient of the West Valley Foundation Sophie Hawley Scholarship. Adamson plans to attend Brigham Young University and study nursing.

How a fellow student taught us integrity By Taryn Baxter Guest Column Put one foot in front of the other. Follow the swarm of students trudging to their next class. If you keep your eyes down low, no one will see you. Don’t trip! Maybe you should look up; it would be way more embarrassing if you fell in the middle of the hallway (plus, that green carpet is terrible to look at). Looking around, I see people I have never seen before. Do they even go to this school? Over the top of the endless sea of anonymous heads, I see blond, curly hair. He has his letterman’s jacket on. That reminds me, I should wear mine more often. With a smile, he asks, “How are you doing? How’s your family?” “They’re good, thank you for asking!” Amidst the struggles of high school, he always manages to

Athlete of the Month The three-sport athlete may be a vanishing breed in high school sports but Bryan Andrews is one of the exceptions. The West Valley senior has been a difference-maker in football, basketball and baseball, collecting nine varsity letters. He lettered three years in football as a defensive back and wide receiver, hauling down six catches for 70 yards against Shadle Park last season. He was a two-year basketball starter who averaged 15 points a game as a senior including a 38-point effort against Lakeland in which he made nine of 11 three-pointers. He was named to the All Great Northern League second team as a guard. As a starting catcher for the West Valley baseball team, Andrews helped propel WV to a district title this year, collecting seven hits in three playoff games. In the classroom, he maintains a 3.4 grade point average.

remind me life isn’t that bad. We expect superheroes to save us, and we expect our parents to be patient; but from our own peers, we expect them to pass by us without a glance. They’re just another face. We expect them to be plugged into their phone, staring into the abyss of social media where the amount of red hearts determines their worth. While we expect integrity from our role models, it is rarer to see it in peers. Even so, the integrity of one specific student has broken out of these stereotypes -- impressing adults and peers alike. This student knows everyone in the school, not just his friends. When you see him walking down the hallways, he’s always checking up on others. When his fellow football players walk by, he messes around with them, laughing with whoever it is. When a special ed student walks by, he gives them high fives, wishing them a happy day. Casey Noack is a peer that has consistently showed the amount of integrity he has. He is a peer who has demonstrated rectitude, dependability and benevolence. Because of this, his integrity shines in a way I have never seen in someone our age, and it has inspired me to be mindful of

Citizen of the Month Jackie Fatur has been a humble catalyst for the success of East Valley athletics since 1997. As assistant to the athletic director, the Spokane native helps with scheduling, transportation, eligibility and more. She covers 18 sports each year and works with 40 coaches. “On our campus, Jackie would be described as ‘a mother’ who is looking out for everyone and supportive of all those around her,” said EV Athletic Director Alec Vermaire. “As a first year AD last year, she made my transition seamless.” Fatur graduated from rival West Valley and Kinman Business School. She has two daughters and three grandchildren. Fatur will be retiring this month after 22 years as a Knight. “I’ve enjoyed working with the kids and getting to know their families,” she said. “It’s been rewarding to celebrate their accomplishments and root them on.”

my own integrity. One thing you have to know about Casey is that he loves hockey. In his room, he has posters of the Chiefs teams from the past 10 years plastering the walls. He has been on skates ever since he was 3, and now he literally skates circles around any of our friends. As we looked to the left, we would see him flying past us ... backwards, while we were struggling to hold on to the edge. Throughout the night, I caught Casey aiding anyone who fell over. He could skate so fast that when someone fell on the ice, he was there, immediately helping them up. The younger kids followed him, trying to mimic everything he was doing. The girls ogled over the perfect gentlemen all night. The parents all gratefully shook his hand after he helped them off the cold ice. He didn’t have to think about the consequences of helping the people around him; integrity shone through him that night. It makes me proud to be friends with him. Throughout high school, teenagers experience massive amounts of growth. People endure situations where they question their morals. Casey, however, is still himself through everything. He’s stronger, he’s smarter, he’s

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

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Thanks you for all you do in our community braver; but inside, it’s still Casey. This, I think, is the real definition of integrity. Staying true to your beliefs, even as you are challenged by the realities of the world. Having integrity isn’t just a characteristic, but a way of living life that ensures you are proud of who you are. As graduation approaches, our senior class is preparing for the reality of life, and our integrity is going to shape our actions and growth in the real world. Growing from high school into adulthood, we have to solidify our beliefs. Every difficulty, success, and experience a person has shapes them into who they are. Integrity looks different for all of us – the superhero, the mom and dad, the high school student. However we choose to have it, our integrity shows the world the truth. How will you choose to walk with integrity? Taryn Baxter is a senior at East Valley High School, where she has been recognized as a PACE student for kindness. She works within her community by assisting Days For Girls charity and participating in her church. She has been accepted to Mercyhurst University in Erie, Penn., where she hopes to continue using her writing skills to help work toward a career in scientific writing.

Brought to you by

Free Summer Meals

For several years the Summer Meal Program has been providing breakfasts and lunches for children and teens 18 and under. At the time of print most of these locations had not officially release their participation in the program, but have utilized these approximate times. Please contact your closest distribution center for exact hours of operation.

Spokane Valley United Methodist Church

Community Day Camp 2019 115 N. Raymond Rd Spokane Valley 9AM-3PM June 24th- June 27th & 9AM-noon Friday June 28 Please join us for a FREE experience where your child will grow in their faith through crafts, games, science, songs, dancing & more. Registration forms are available at the church or on line at spokanevalleychurch.org. 509-924-7262

20 â&#x20AC;˘ JUNE 2019

The Current

Let's talk school boundaries! CVSD is growing! Thanks to passage of the 2018 construc on bond, our school district is able to respond to growth within our community. This summer we will break ground on the new Ridgeline High School, opening in the fall of 2021. As we move forward, we will need to revise high school boundaries. Want to get involved? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re accep ng applica ons to join our Boundary Review Commi ee. Apply at CVSD.org today!

Join the conversa on! Follow us at CVSD.org

You Tube

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JUNE 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ 21

Open Gym For All Ages - Fridays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM .

Instructional Classes offered

morning, afternoon, evening and weekends for all goals & abilities toddler through adult

2515 N. Locust Road Spokane Valley 99206

509-315-5433

www.spokanegymnastics.com Bitty Bee Mondays & Wednesdays weekly from 9:30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:30pm! Movie Night- evening of fun, friends, gymnastics, popcorn and movies!

22 • JUNE 2019

The Current

Tatiana Struthers Adams Elementary

Ryan Robinson

Broadway Elementary

Bonnie Richardson

Liberty Creek Elementary

Vivian Van Buren

Liberty Lake Elementary

Melia Cerenzia

Orchard Center Elementary

Hunter Diana

Otis Orchards School

2019

PACE AWARD HONOREES!

Congratulations!

On May 23, these 51 students received a 2019 PACE Award for consistently demonstra ng excep onal character and bringing character to light for themselves, their classmates, schools and community.

Hayden Wheeler Chester Elementary

Weston Fracz

Nathan Gadd

McDonald Elementary

Olivia McKenna

Haylee Kelly

Pasadena Park Elementary

Avisha Patil

East Farms STEAM Magnet School

Millwood Kindergarten Center

Pioneer School

Jaeger Emtman

Roxie Ryan-Downing

Madeline Meredith

PACE inspires and supports excep onal character through educa on, community partnerships and recogni on. Join us for World Character Day on September 27, 2019 and “Shine On!” Learn more about “Bringing Character to Light” at:

Freeman Elementary

Ness Elementary

Ponderosa Elementary

pacecommunity.org Special thanks to Leo's Photography for the 2019 PACE portraits.

#paceawards2019

Grant Evans

Greenacres Elementary

Brandon Andersen

Opportunity Elementary

Aubrey Braese

Progress Elementary

JUNE 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ 23

The Current

Jacob "JJ" Hosig

Haylee Thomas

Asher Nieffenegger

Gabriella Glass

Samara Weinstock

Cameron Remington

Riverbend Elementary

Seth Woodard Elementary

Ella Hickman

South Pines Elementary

Clare Wilkins

Tekoa Elementary School

Thomas Anker Jr. Trent Elementary

University Elementary

Robert Lasko

Valley Christian School

Larry Trefry

Bowdish Middle School

Aisha Abdurhuman

Centennial Middle School

Mark Schnabel

Central Valley High School

Continuous Curriculum School

Dishman Hills High School

Kolby Martin

East Valley High School

Sydney Petersen

East Valley Middle School

Ariel Dillon

East Valley Parent Partnership

Michael Bushyeager

Evergreen Middle School

Cheyenne Groat

Freeman High School

Jack Schneider

Freeman Middle School

Savannah Brumwell

Lucas Fyre

Spokane Valley High School

Chloe Wood

Spokane Valley Learning Academy

Grant Hill

Greenacres Middle School

STEM Academy at Spokane Valley Tech

Megan Perrin

Macgregor Dawkins

Horizon Middle School

Tomas Medellin

Mica Peak High School

Alexis L Brandt

North Pines Middle School

Summit School

Kitana Sharpe

Tekoa High School

Alena Saldivar

University High School

Anna Taylor

Valley Christian School

Robert Walters, IV

West Valley City School

Halle Jones

West Valley High School

Congratulations!

Joseph Hilton

Sunrise Elementary

Trentwood School

24 • JUNE 2019

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About and for Valley seniors

Pickleball forecast: 100% ‘Sunny’ By Tie Lemerond Current Contributor

USA Pickleball Association Ambassador Sunny Lynne Gray loves the sport more than most things in life. She rates her faith, family and pickleball as the three things most important to her, and in that order. Married to Al Gray, the couple share their home and their hearts with their 14-year-old greatniece. They have seven children, 17 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. Born and raised in western Montana, Sunny has spent the majority of her adult life enthralled by pickleball. She began playing decades ago at Stroh’s Fitness Center in Spokane Valley, where she played faithfully for seven years before taking a short break from the game. It wasn’t long before she

was back in the saddle, taking in as much court time as she could fit into her schedule. For 27 years -- and 24 hours a day -- Sunny took care of the elderly in her home, but she still managed to find the time to break away to play pickleball. Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Wash. Three dads -- Bill Bell, Barney McCallum and Joel Pritchard -- created the game when their children were bored with their normal summer activities. Since this time, the game has become one of the fastest-growing sports and is being played in the U.S., Canada and internationally. In 2018, the Sports & Fitness Industry

variation of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Players play singles or in teams of two and typically play to 11 points. In tournament play, competitors often play the best two out of three games. “Anybody can play the game,” Gray said. “It’s easy to learn. It gets you out from in front of the TV and moving around. It’s wonderful. It’s exciting, and it allows you to get out and be around other people.” Gray’s enthusiasm is evidence to why she is an official ambassador of the game, a designation she received from the USA Pickleball Association after taking a knowledge test. “I play every chance I get,” she

“I don’t want to cook or clean. I don’t want to shovel snow or mow the lawn. I just want to play pickleball.”

- Sunny Lynne Gray Association estimated there were more than 2.8 million players in the U.S., a 12 percent increase from 2017 to 2018. The game appears to be a

Photo by Tie Lemerond Sunny Lynne Gray poses with her pickleball paddle at the HUB Sports Center in May. She is recognized as an official ambassador of the sport.

said. “I don’t want to cook or clean. I don’t want to shovel snow or mow the lawn. I just want to play pickleball, and I want everybody to know how much fun it is. I hope I’m being enthusiastic enough when I tell you how much I love this game, and I want everybody to try it.” The HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake is one of her favorite places to play. She also plays on pickleball courts throughout the Inland Northwest, including Spokane’s Five Mile area and Comstock Park and Coeur d’Alene’s Northshire Park and Cherry Hill Park. Gray has played in tournaments all over Idaho and Washington and has 49 medals to prove it. The medals hang on a set of deer antlers above her fireplace. Additionally, she’s won many awards, including the Legacy Award which she won for being the oldest person playing in a tournament. “The HUB hosts at least four pickleball tournaments annually, and one of my favorites is the Superheroes vs Villains tournament that takes place in October. We dress up in costumes and play the game. The money we

raise goes to different charities. Last October, the money went to benefit the Spokane Shriners Hospital. The HUB typically hosts other tournaments in March, May and in September.” Gray is looking forward to the eight outdoor courts being constructed in Liberty Lake at the new Orchard Park, which opens in June. “It brings a whole new level to the game when you play in the elements,” she said. She is grateful to Selkirk Sport, a high-performance pickleball paddle manufacturer in Coeur d’Alene, which recently donated 16 paddles to her so she can teach others to play the game. HUB Sports Center offers pickleball lessons Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon for $10. Registration in advance is requested so instructors can be scheduled. Drop-in pickleball is also available Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays. Gray will also be involved in several upcoming tournaments that are open to the public, including the Spokane Summer Solstice Tournament at Mt. Spokane High School June 2123 and the Picklin’ in the Park Pickleball Tournament Aug. 3 at Pavillion Park. Gray will also be running the concession table at the 2019 Coeur d’Alene Classic July 11-14 at Cherry Hill Park.

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JUNE 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ 25

26 • JUNE 2019

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WV caps stellar softball season

By Steve Christilaw Current Correspondent

The best part of a week after first-year West Valley girls softball coach Brian Ostby watched his Eagles get eliminated from the postseason with a 14-1 loss to Selah at home, the coach was still holding on to the season. “I’m still going by the field and going through the shack,” he laughed. “I keep hoping some little kids will come by the field so I can coach them.” West Valley had an outstanding first season under Ostby, winning 16 of 18 games and sweeping all 12 Great Northern League games. The effort earned the coach All-GNL Coach of the Year honors. “We just had one game where they were hitting it where we weren’t, and that happened to be our last game,” Ostby said. That rarely happened to West Valley this season. After a delayed start due to an unseasonal blizzard in February, the team took up the challenge and improved steadily all season long. “Started out beating Deer Park, and that’s not an easy team to beat,” Ostby said. “We took a loss to Mt. Spokane, and after that game I told them that, ‘Okay, we know what it’s like to lose a game. I don’t want to do that again.’ “After that we just started rolling. We started clicking. Girls weren’t missing practices. They started showing up early and doing what they’re supposed to do. They became more efficient. They gave a heckuva lot more effort when they realized that coach is serious about this. “I can be pretty rough on the girls, but sometimes they need that.” It took an extra effort just to be able to host the playoff game with Selah. “We had three days of rain the week of that game,” the coach said. “We had the girls out there, we had the coaches out there, we

had groundskeepers out there – everyone pitched in. We turned our field from Lake Michigan into a softball field just in time to play the game.” The coach is excited about what his team will be able to do next year despite losing six seniors to graduation, including GNL Most Valuable Player Maddie Thompson. “That’s a lot of leadership to lose right there,” Ostby said. “We’re not going to look the same next year, that’s for sure. We’re not going to be slugging the ball around like we were able to do this year.” Thompson opened the league season by going 4-for-4 with a home run to spark a doubleheader sweep of Cheney and never let up. She belted a grand slam to beat Pullman in the playoffs and smacked a homer to spark the Eagles to a 10-9 win over East Valley in the District championship game. “She went up to the plate, and they went 3-0 on her,” Ostby said. “I gave her the green light, and she hit the next pitch out of the park.”

Also graduating is four-year starting pitcher India Wells, but freshman Rilee Homer proved an excellent backup, throwing some clutch innings of relief down the stretch this season and also earning All-GNL second-team honors for her defense. Thompson will take her game to Coeur d’Alene next season to play softball at North Idaho College. Wells takes her game to Mt. Vernon, where she will pitch at Skagit Valley College. Junior Jillian Taylor earned her second straight All-GNL first-team for her work behind the plate, and junior Kilee Imada, a secondteam selection as a sophomore, also earned first-team honors this season. That pair also coaxed former softball player Hailey Marlow, who hadn’t played in four years while pursuing track, back into the fold, where the junior earned AllGNL first-team

Photos by Randy Cahalan/racphotos.smugmug.com When the dust settled on the 2019 West Valley High School girls softball season, the team had captured the Great Northern championship with an unblemished league record before falling in the postseason.

honors in center field alongside first-team senior Lilly Arch and second-team senior Alex Dudley – giving the Eagles an All-League outfield. “I’m going to have three seniors next year that were all All-League players as juniors,” Ostby said. “That’s invaluable. That’s the thing about this program. We have ballplayers. I’ve been told that we have a great bunch of athletes coming out of the middle school. As long as we get them all going in the same direction and keep them playing ball throughout the summer.” That, he said, is a key component of the program’s success. “The majority of my girls are club players who go all over the state of Washington,” he said. “A lot of them are (Premier G i r l s Fastpitch) qualifiers. My whole team this year were club ballplayers. We’ve been blessed with that because it means they all have a knowledge of the game, and we’re just finetuning that.” O s t b y is confident his team will look different next season, but he also expects it to stick with his basic principles of the game. “I will never change the way I want to play the game,” he said. “I want a team that has speed on the bases. I want a team that runs the bases aggressively. And I want a team that is fundamentally sound in the infield and the outfield. I call it ‘Advanced Catch.’ We can’t rely on the long ball. We’re going to be a different kind of team. We’re going to be faster.” That prospect keeps the coach hanging around the home field. “I know this program has had a great past,” he said. “I think it will be even better in the future.”

JUNE 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ 27

The Current

SUMMER FAMILY FUN! 7-24 game plans Starting at only

Plus $5 Kids Bench Seats Presented by

Storybook Princess & Fireworks Night Saturday, June 22nd - vs. Boise Hawks Game Time 6:30 pm Wear your prince/princess costume and take pictures with all the characters. Plus, stay and join us for fireworks after the game. sponsored by:

343-OTTO (6886)

Serving Spokane Since 1946

28 • JUNE 2019

The Current

S P O K A N E

C O U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

A Universe of Stories Discover out-of-this-world summer programs at the library! S P O K A N E

C O U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

ENGAGE JUN–SEP 2019

LEARN, WORK, CREATE, THRIVE TOGETHER.

FOR KIDS & FAMILIES • • • • • • •

Summer Family Read with Author Grace Lin Camp Read-a-Rama Space Exploration with Mobius Science Center Outdoor Family Yoga Slime Time Stranger Things Trivia Secret Lives of Stars at the SFCC Planetarium

FOR ADULTS • • • • • •

A Universe of Stories

•

Astronomy at the Library Paint with Bob Ross Financial Planning with Edward Jones Medicare 101 Investment Terminology Demystified Drought-Adapted Landscapes Blacksmithing at the Library

FOR SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURS • • • •

Marketing, Advertising, & Sales: Connections & Differences Simple Steps for Starting Your Business 6 Marketing Must-Haves for Small Business Marketing Plans for Entrepreneurs

Blast into summer!

PROGRAMS & EVENTS GUIDE

Pick up your copy of Engage at Argonne, Spokane Valley, Otis Orchards Libraries and The BookEnd.

ALL AGES www.scld.org

Also find it online at www.scld.org/engage.

The Current

LIBRARY

Kids get free meals, library programs in Spokane Valley parks By Erin Dodge Current Guest Contributor Spokane County Library District is partnering Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation’s Free Summer Park Program this summer. We’re rocking, reading, and crafting, and that’s just the start! The Library District is hosting Jenks Family Music at the park, performing high-energy rock music for the whole family with a giant dancing dinosaur. You’ll also see world-class juggling with balls, clubs, and diabolos, plus plate spinning! The dates for “Jenks: Juggling & Music that Rocks!” are: •EDGECLIFF PARK: Monday, June 17, 11am–12pm •TERRACE VIEW PARK: Tuesday, June 18, 11am–12pm •VALLEY MISSION PARK:

Wednesday, June 19, 11am–12pm The following week, the library is reading a selection of books for all ages while enjoying the outdoors! You can also enjoy free swim day at Terrace View and Valley Mission Pools on these days. The dates for “Summer Meals & Stories” are: •EDGECLIFF PARK: Monday, June 24, 11:30am–12pm •TERRACE VIEW PARK: Tuesday, June 25, 12–12:30pm •VALLEY MISSION PARK: Wednesday, June 26, 12–12:30pm Library staff are spending a week in July at each park to celebrate the universe, planets, and stars during “Space Week!” You get to launch into fun with stories, crafts, games, and STEM activities all about outer space. The weeks for “Space Week!” are: •EDGECLIFF PARK: Monday–

Celebrating families reading together with author Grace Lin By Gwendolyn Haley, Librarian Spokane County Library District I’ve observed an interesting phenomenon around my house lately while reading “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,” by Grace Lin, aloud with my youngest daughter. The rest of the family, two teenaged daughters and one middle-aged husband have gravitated to the living room to listen. The story of Minli’s epic journey to change the fortune of her family and the other villagers of Fruitless Mountain is woven with other Chinese Folktales. Lin has done this so deftly that it captures the attention of the whole house. We turned off our screens, set aside our chores, and are drawn into a common experience. Our listening turns into conversation as we discuss the story. Suddenly our family is not only building reading skills and habits but connecting on a personal and emotional level too. As Minli’s father says in the book, “Stories are never a waste of time.”

At Spokane County Library District, we are inviting families— of every age and configuration— to make reading together a central part of their summer experience with our Summer Family Read program. You can track your minutes reading at https://scld.beanstack. org. Along with tracking minutes read, you can earn virtual badges, review books, and complete outdoor activities. For every 60 minutes of reading, readers will automatically be entered to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see “Wild Kratts Live!” on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 6:30pm. Readers who read at least 600 minutes this summer will earn a printable certificate of achievement. Families are invited to celebrate their summer of reading together with award winning author Grace Lin at CenterPlace (2426 N Discovery Pl, Spokane Valley) on Thursday, August 8, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. We’re celebrating with crafts, activities, and a presentation from the author herself. All kids will be entered to win door prizes.

JUNE 2019 • 29

Thursday, July 8–11, 9am– 12:30pm •VALLEY MISSION PARK: Monday–Thursday, July 15–18, 9am–12:30pm •TERRACE VIEW PARK: Monday–Thursday, July 22–25, 9am–12:30pm Kids from birth to ages 18 can enjoy free meals provided by East Valley School District at all three Spokane Valley parks. Parents, guardians, and caregivers must plan to stay with young children in their care while participating in the Free Summer Park program. These park programs are not meant for young children to be left without parent, guardian, or caregiver supervision. You can find more information and view the full schedule for the Free Summer Park Program, including times for free meals, at www.spokanevalley.org/ freeparkprogram. We hope you come out to the park and have some outdoor fun with the library this summer.

Grace Lin is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of picture books, early reader books, and middle grade novels. Lin’s novels “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” and “Dumpling Days” both received Newbery Honors, and her early reader “Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same” received the Theodor Geisel Honor. The cover illustration for “When the Sea Turned Silver” (a National Book Award Finalist) was displayed in the White House, where Lin was recognized as a Champion of Change for Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling. We are so excited to be featuring Grace Lin as our Summer Family Read author. You can check out and read her books in print, eBook, and audiobook formats. You can host an intergenerational book club with family and friends by checking out the Book Discussion-to-Go bags of Grace Lin’s titles. Find all of this and other fantastic summer activities in our programs and events guide “Engage” at www.scld. org/engage, or pick up a copy at your local library.

Fill your summer with

the universe

Out-of-this-world summer programs at the library • • • • • •

SFCC Planetarium Passes Space Frontiers with NASA’s Joe Bruce Camp Read-a-Rama Gravity Catastrophe with The Zaniac Touch-a-Bus & Touch-aRecycle-Truck Storytimes Summer Family Read with author Grace Lin

Visit www.scld.org/engage to blast into summer.

www.scld.org

30 • JUNE 2019

The Current

SV Farmers Market launches June 7 By Tyler Wilson Current Correspondent

Friday evenings in Spokane Valley will be all about fresh, locally produced food this summer. The new Spokane Valley Farmers Market launches June 7 at the CenterPlace Event Center at Mirabeau Point Park. The event runs 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 13. The market will feature several local food producers, artisans and food trucks, including new vendors who haven’t participated in regional markets before. There will be live entertainment weekly, and a beer garden will highlight the lineup of a different local brewer each week. The Spokane Valley Farmers Market is the latest partnership between the city and the JAKT Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and expanding the Valley’s culinary and cultural diversity. The JAKT Foundation is responsible for the annual Crave! Food & Drink Celebration, a threeday festival returning to the Valley July 11-13, as well as Spokane Oktoberfest, which returns Sept. 27-29. Both events are also held at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Katy Ryder, marketing manager for the Spokane Valley Farmers Market, said the JAKT Foundation’s success with the Crave! Festival and Oktoberfest have prepared them to launch a full-scale farmers market in an area of need. “Having that history of putting on these events has really shown us how to navigate the sponsorships and the vendors to deliver a farmers market the community really needs, and it helps us achieve those goals of uplifting the culinary scene,” Ryder said. Ryder said organizers have worked to make the Valley event a qualified market according to standards by the Washington State Farmers Market Association. That means a focus on local farmers and locally-produced products. The market also participates in programming that allows lowerincome homes to obtain quality, fresh food, and Ryder said attendees will be able to learn more about those services at the event. “It’s an all income-friendly market,” Ryder said. “We’re implementing some really awesome food-for-all programs and children’s

programs that invite all different groups of people to come out and enjoy.” The market will fill a current void for Spokane Valley. The next nearest markets include the Millwood Farmers Market, held 3-7 p.m. on Wednesdays, located at 8910 E. Dalton, and the Liberty Lake Farmers Market, held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowood Lane. With other markets around Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, organizers of the Spokane Valley Farmers Market utilized contacts and resources from Crave! and Spokane Oktoberfest to develop a strong lineup of launch vendors. Ryder said they also intentionally reached out to newer and smaller farms in the area. “We had an opportunity to bring in some smaller farms that maybe didn’t have the amount of produce to bring into others,” Ryder said. “They will help us build the foundation of the Market -- a lot of these smaller farms create great produce, and we can give them an economic outlet and to help grow their business.” One such vendor is Makana Farms. Operated by husband and wife Jeff and Joy Hendrickson, the quarter-acre farm in Otis Orchards is in its second year of operation in Washington. They previously operated a seven-acre organic farm in Kauai prior to moving closer to family stateside. They grow using organic standards and are currently in the process of earning organic certification. “We did a little roadside stand last year, and that went pretty well, so we decided for the second season coming up that we wanted to sell at one of the farmers markets,” Joy Hendrickson said. They chose to sell in the Spokane Valley Market because of its proximity to the farm, Hendrickson said, as well as for the opportunity to connect with the community and network with the culinary community as their farm expands. Markets will be their primary revenue stream, but Hendrickson said people can also make special orders through their Facebook page. She said growing in Washington has already had some distinct advantages compared to Hawaii. “The humidity is different, but

Spokane Valley Farmers Market

Local food producers and vendors, including produce, food trucks, baked goods, artisan vendors, craft beer garden, live entertainment and much more. 5-8 p.m. Fridays beginning June 7 and continuing through Sept. 13. CenterPlace Regional Event Center at Mirabeau Point Park, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. More information: SpokaneValleyFarmersMarket.org Part of the Spokane Valley based non-profit JAKT Foundation. More information on their work and local events at JAKTFoundation.org Nearby markets also include Liberty Lake Farmers Market (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays) and Millwood Farmers Market (3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays) Information on Washington State Farmers Markets and food assistance programs: WAFarmersMarkets.org we do have consolidated irrigation,” Hendrickson said. “Here it’s nice because we have a winter season, which gives us a little bit of a break. It gives us time to reflect on the previous season to figure out what worked well and what we’d want to change. … It’s nice to have seasons again.” They grow a wide variety of vegetables, including lettuce, kale, onions, carrots, squash, cucumbers and more, with a major focus on soil health and organic standards. Search “Makana Farms” on Facebook for more information. The lineup of prepared food at the Valley market includes the Crepe Cafe Sisters, operated by Ashley Sadaoui and her sister, Jessica. The sweet and savory crepe business began as the Crepe Cafe, originating at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market in 2002. The sisters purchased the business in 2015, and are now part of four markets per week and several additional events. Sadaoui said markets and similar events have become the business’ “bread and butter.” “As a mobile food vendor, we have the opportunity to join our customers, both new and existing, in their neighborhoods,” Sadaoui said. “No matter the location, our staff enjoys nothing more than serving neighbors, friends and family. Especially with it being where the sisters grew up, we cannot wait to shape our relationship with the Spokane Valley.” The sisters’ crepes are made from scratch, and the menu includes several sweet and savory options. Find them on Facebook or visit www.CrepeCafeSisters.com for more. Other vendors set for the Spokane Valley Farmers Market include 3 Ninjas food truck, Arabesque Farms & Bakery, Bean & Pie handmade pies, Bumper Crop Coffee,

Comellini Estate Fresh Frozen Italian, Highland Honey Farm, Incrediburger food truck, Kawaii Kandy, Lavender Moon Bakery, Liberty Boardworks, Mac Daddy’s Gourmet Grub, New Heritage Farm, North Idaho Suds, Nuts on the Run, Sunset Orchard, Thompson Creek Farm, Twilight Cider Works, Woodard Family Farms and many more. A more complete lineup with links to vendors can be found at SpokaneValleyFarmersMarket.org. “We’ve had a lot of help through the city and with area businesses, so we hope to get some awesome foot traffic and get a lot of families there,” Ryder said. “I see it growing exponentially. I know it’s going to be a hit because we’ve had a lot of support.”

Volunteer at the Market! Volunteers are needed for the Spokane Valley Farmers Market. Anyone interested in helping with set up/tear down, beer garden, KERNEL booth, information/EBT booth and helping out farmers is invited to lend a hand. Volunteers can choose the amount of time to dedicate to the event and the desired activities for participation. Generally, volunteers are needed at a maximum of two hours early and a half-hour after. With interest or for more information, contact Katy Ryder at katy@svfm. org, 208-619-9916 or visit SpokaneValleyFarmersMarket. org.

JUNE 2019 • 31

The Current

Congratulations Graduating Class of 2019 Sarah-Rose Abdallah • Natalie Abernathy • Nicole

Achen • Kyle Adams • Amenah Alazemi • Mara Albretsen • Abigail Allen • Benjamin Alva • Maggie Ames • Anthony Anderman • Nathan Anderson • Rachel Anderson • Ryan Anderson • Mickele Angioi • Tereza Antolova • Alexander Arpin • Jared Austin • Kylie Austin • Spencer Auth • Rian Baggot • Yuxuan Bai • Hope Bailey • Alexander Baker • Seth Baker • Brandon Bakke • Cade Ballif • Marissa Bankey • Shawn Barnett • Phoebe Barr • Mandy Batson • Connor Baum • Kylie Beckett • Evan Beltier • Saren Bennett • Ty Bennett • Joey Benson • Breanna Berkowitz • Leah Berkowitz • Megumi Angela Bernardo • Andrew Bertone • Brendan Bertone • Carson Betterton • Caleb Betts • Josie Birchmier • Zoe Birdtail • Cole Boden • Javin Bolanos • Tyler Bolen • Alexandria Bowmer • Connor Brady • Natalie Brazelton • Merritt Brenneman • Emma Brewer • Ethan Brooks • Liberty Broughton • Nathan Brown • Jenna Brunett • Dexter Brunt • Samuel Bryant-Rolon • Michael Bucknell • Reece Bumgarner • Cade Byus • Kelsie Cabiad • Connor Caffrey • Kylar Cahalan • Isabel Calderon-Lin • Deidre Calvo • Joshua Cannon • Jake Carlon • Emily Carroll • Easton Carter • Stoddard Carter • Jackson Carvo • Blake Chalpin • Dylan Chamberlin • Makayla Chamberlin • Ian Chambers • Miles Chambers • Isaac Chan • Carollynn Chapman • Brady Chester • Nicholas Chlebowski • Hunter Chodorowski • Charles Choi • Benjamin Church • Ethan Cilley • Emily Clark • Haley Clark • Natalie Clark • Sierra Clark • Sam Clary • Kyle Clay • MaKayla Claypool • MaKenzie Claypool • Serena Cobbs • Logan Coddington • Bradley Colliflower • Jackson Coman • Casey Constance • Alexis Cook • Hunter Corkery • Jacqueline Correia • Sean Cowley • Rafe Cox • Ilya Craven • Alex Crosser-Frye • Isabelle Crownhart • Dante Cruz • Parker Culton • Cole Cunnington • Julian Curran• Katelynn Curran • George Daadouch • Alyssa Darling • Tessa Date • Zachary Davaz • Emily David • Kaitlynn Davis • Julio De la O • Andrew Deering • Samantha Dehal • Miguel DeHamer • Michael Delvechio • Valerie DeMeerleer • Brooke DeRuwe • Madisyn DeWitt • Kaylie Dickerson • Sarah Dierks • Seth Diesburg • Tristen Dillon • Brianna Dilts • Thu Dinh • Johnson Do • Justin Dobson • Tanner Driscoll • Thomas Drumm • Ahna Duggan • Payton Easley • Eli Eckelberg • Jayden Edlund • Collin Edvalson • Wyatt Eklund • Aiyanna Elder • Gage Engel • Savannah Engel • Kaitlin Federman • Rylee Felgenhauer • Austin Florendo • Gracie Foeller • Hannah Folsom • Jenna Fonteyne • James Fowler • Cole Fox • Julia Fox • Logan Fredekind • Berkley Fredrick • Isabelle French • Dakota Freter • Michaela Frye • Allison Gagnon • Logan Gering • Haley Gerth • Jayson Gilmore • MaKenzie Glenn • Libby Glover • Trevor Godsey • Clement Gomiero • Sydney Graczyk • Calle Grant • Ty Gray • Cheyenne Green • Killian Greenroyd • Madeline Greer • John Gregory • Hope Grenz • Caid Grytdal • Brandt Gunning • Alicia Gutierrez • Emmanuel Gutierrez • Jhovanna Gutierrez • Riley Hadley • Ethan Hagmann • Chad Hall • Hayleigh Hall-Ellis • Brendon Halverson • Andrea Hamilton • Shannon Hamilton • Kyle Hansen • Semaj Hardiman • Cameron Harms • Drew Harper • Benjamin Harris • Syrena Harris • Jocelyn Haslett • Madeline Hassett • Peyton Hatcher • Payton Hathaway • Jayden Hawks •

Central Valley High School J U N E 8 A T 1 : 0 0 P. M . G.U. MCCAR THEY CENTER 8 0 1 N . C I N C I N N AT I S T R E E T, S P O K A N E

Isabel Haymore • Siqi He • Holly Heckerman • Benjamin Heintz • Chelsey Heizer • Mercy Henry • Olivia Hernandez • Jenna Herrmann • James Hess • Dylan Hockett • Jeremy Hoffman • Tre Hoisington • Derik Holloway • Gregory Hopkins • Amy Houn • Carlie Houn • Colton Howard • Dharma Hoy • Dion Hubert • Nathan Huettl • Samantha Hughes • Kyle Humphries • Konstantin Iarovoi • Derek Ilenstine • Alice Isaac • Tatiana Iurco • Courtney Jackson • Ranson Jacob • Arlette Jacobo • Claudia Jacobo • Chonlasit Jaisom • Noah Janke • Sam Jarvis • Nalini Jeffords • Cole Johnson • Haley Johnson • Lindsey Johnson • Ryan Johnson • Adelaide Jones • Cassanna Jones • Madeline Jones • Nathaniel Jones • Zackary Jongeward • Damen Julian • Geoffrey Julian • Bailey Kahabka • Ian Kaiserman • Alyssa Kamp • Michael Kanyushkin • Tatyana Karptsov • Amanjot Kaur • Grant Kelly • Samantha Kelstrom • Connor Kennedy • Marissa Kenney • Daniel Khadzhi • Aaron Kilgore • Brianna Kimberley • Caleb Kinsolving • Kiolet Kios • Ryan Kline • Chloe Klingler • Jaida Knudsen • Alexandra Konyu • Sarah Kooistra • Sulana Kopets • Joshua Krafft • Gunnar Krogh • Ethan Kuntz • Svitlana Kuzmenko • Kailyn LaBrosse • Leo LaBrosse • Alaina Lamberson • Teagan Lang • Travis Lang • Angelina Laptev • Gerard Larson • Amy Laws • Brendan Leach-Wright • Jack Leary • Spencer Lee • Kade Levins • Lucas Lindley • Jack Livingston • Genevieve Lorhan • Valerie Lucas • Vanessa Lucas • Hunter Lynch • Tyler Madden • Sheamus Mahoney • Chase Malone • Isaac Manwell • Michael Marinello • Mckenna Markquart • Jeslia Marrero-Tejeda • Troy Martin • Jacob Martinez • Eric Matheison • Katelin Matthews • Steven May III • Justin Maynes • Hayden McAuliff • Molly McCormick • Gage McCracken • Emily Mcfarling • Nickolas McHenry • Eliza McIntyre • Karson McKinney • Logan McLaughlin • Malia McPeak • Mason Mellinger • Veronica Melton • Anthony Mendez • Carter Mertens • Johnathon Michels • Alexandria Mickschl • Samuel Miller

• Alyssa Molina • Alondra Morando • James Morrow • Tianna Morse • Mercedes Mosher • Jason Mothy • Claire Mumm • Kali Natarajan • Dakota Navrat • Macy Neal • Joshua Nelson • Ryeder Nelson • Cierra Neumann • Trinity Newman • Tommy Ngo • Joseph Nicholas • Joseph Nicholls • Aisley Niles • Briana Nilles • Pricilla Nisso • Hayden Nolting • Amberlynn Norman • Jessica Nurvic • Marial Odette • Stella Olander • Lauren Olsen • Alison Olson • Brianna Orpilla • Marissa Orrino • Alfonso Ortega • Rebecca Orth • Emma Otis • Jaden Ottersen • Samuel Ownbey • Breckin Page • Cheyenne Parker • Jacob Parker • Nicholas Parkman • Richard Passmore • Kaitlynn Pegram • Kara Peha • Hailey Pennestri • Madeline Perez • Jadon Persicke • Kilian Peterdy • Evan Peters • Sayde Peterson • Sylvia Phillips • Keandra Piatt • Sierra Pike • Nickolas Piland • Chloe Poshusta • Elizabeth Prophet • Hannah Queen • Haylee Queen • Randy Randel • Jared Reach • Toshmin Reed Jr. • Joshua Reneau • Noah Reneau • Madison Reynolds • Olivia Rich • Troy Rigby • Isabelle Riley • Kyle Roach • Megan Robertson • Kiana Robinson • Kylie Roche • Rylan Rodgers • Ellie Roodhouse • Sarah Rose • Margeaux Rottrup • Roni Rountree • Shaundra Russell • Kaden Russell-Hall • Daniel Russert • Meghan Salsbury • Grace Sampson • Lucas Sampson • Teigan Sampson • Katherine Sams • Kylee Samuelson • Elena Sanchez • Cassandra Sanders • Nathan Sauther • Ethan Schaefer • Ethan Scheffer • Mark Schnabel • Taylor Schneckloth • Morgan Schneidmiller • Carlee Scholl • Matthew Schwarz • Dane Scott • Madelyn Sears • George Sefa Jr. • Joseph Self • Daniel Semencha • Arman Shaarbaf • Belaal Shahin • Andrew Sheffield • Madisen Sheldon • Damon Sheneman • Hannah Sherman • Avel Shevchenko • Elisha Shevchenko • Adam Shiner • Frankie Siddons • Ethan Silbert • Madylyn Simmelink • Riley Simonowski • Abigail Sims • Kendahl Siva • Camryn Skaife • Cole Skinfill • Thomas Skinner • Allison Smith • Justin Smith • Liam Smith • Samantha Smith • Jaden Smith-McGregor • Kyleigh Spellman • Thea Stadsnes • Rachel Stevenson • Colson Stock • Gisele Stockman • Kaden Stone • Jaden Stough • Jalaina Strand • Zack Stratton • Natalie Stroh • Reese Strom • Bethany Stuhlberg • Grace Stumbough • Ramie Sullivan • Kevin Swain • Kayla Swavely • Joseph Sylvester • Colby Tate • Allison Taylor • Elle Taylor • Spencer Taylor • Brysen Templeton • Meara Terliamis • Rachel Terriff • Daniel Theodorson • Kyle Thiede • Jaren Thomas • Kenneth Thomas • Kallen Thorson • Ashley Tobert • Aly Tolman • Abigail Tomany • Derek Tresner • Rachel Tucker • Onisti Tuggles • Makala Vasquez • Arthur Vasyukhnevich • Tyler Vo • Nathan Waggoner • Luke Walker • Madison Walker • Benito Ward • Amberlynn Weatherbee • Karen Weaver • Garrett Webb • Nicholas Webb • Sydney Webb • Brett Webster • Seamus Welch • Jasmine Wen • Shayne Westlake • Cameron Whitcher • Reid Whitecotton • Ian Whitman • Tomekia Whitman • Calvin Whybrew • Merrell Wickham • Alana Williams • Jordan Williams • Ashlyn Wilson • Joshua Wilson • Kyle Winans • Julius Wirthlin • Samantha Woodbury • Jared Woodlief • Gentry Woods • Chandler Woodward • Chloe Wulffert • Michael Yakovlev • Gunnar Young • Yuriy Yuryev • Joseph Zuniga

32 • JUNE 2019

Paul Abramchuk • Faith Adams • Deborah Aguilera • Phillip Amado • Benito Amaro • Brooklyn Anderson • Taryn Baxter • Mark Belavus • Shontelle Belback • Tizara Belback • Elyssia Bell • Tristen Berndt • Jacob Bingham • Abigail Brake • Kiara Brandvold • Tierra Bremer • Kolby Brown • Joshua Browning • Myklyn Bruce • Alexandra Burgess • Taryen Burke • Zephrym Bush • Destiny Butler • Tynon Butler • Nicole Buzzell • Madylin ByfordBelisle • Camilla Calistro • Daizy Camargo • Madison Camyn • Stephanie Canright • Dominique Carrillo • David Cathcart • Brock Chapman • Trinity Chernecke • Max Chicklero • Scarlett Chicklero • Gillian Collinson-Hengen • Macynzi Conklin • Dylan Cross • Drayven Crowe • Austin Cuilty • Elizabeth Cunningham • Megan Demetrulias • Josiah Dewitt • William Dexter • Diana Dikhamindzhiya • Kieran Dillon • Dylan Dilulo • Lindy Dobson • Samantha Donaghue • Natalie Donohue • Ashley Dorris • Myklyn Drysdale • Christine Dugger • Zachary Dunn • Kiarra Dupree • Malachi Eastman • Danielle Edelen • Paul Elliott • Cameron Engh • Samantha Etter • Mason Fairchild • Tiler Fermo • Herbert Fields • Garrick Florea • Karina Flores • Marco Flores • Holly Flynn • Zane Forsman • Madeline Foster • Olivia Freeman • Christopher Freese • Christopher Frogge • Dakota Gamble • Jennifer Garcia • Chloe Gellhaus • Jynnika Gleason • Alyssa Goodman • John Goodman • Chase Gordon • Bailey Gorr • William Graybill • Cole Grogan • Haylie Gumminger • Jacob Halvorsen • Andrew Hansen • Dakota Hanson • Aaron Harris • Jasmine Harroun • Jared Hathaway • Brianna Hawley • Samantha Hayden • Alexa Hays • Hadynne Heffley • Micah Heidenreich • Tiffany Henthorn • Elijah Herndon • Katherine Hicks • Benjamin Hippe • Abigail Hodgden • Tyler Holmes • Zachary Holt • Alohalani Hudson • Arriana Iacolucci • Ariel Ibarra • Leonel Ibarra • Madison Ingels • Jaylon Inhofer • Vanessa Ivie • Dakota James • Kili Jeanmarie • Aidan Johnson • Destiny Johnson • Dallace Johnston • Alan Juris • Alexis Keenan • Jourdain Keller • Adam Kennedy • Derek Kiki • Cheyenne Knox • Illya Kononykhin • Angelika Kopets • Sarah Kroll • Joseph Lacroix • Ethan Lafferty • Monique Lanfell • Joshua Langton • Indiana

The Current

East Valley High School JUNE 10, 7 PM INB PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 3 3 4 W . S P O K A N E FA L L S B L V D . , SPOKANE

Rosenberg • Hannah Rowland • Madison Savoie • Bradley Schade • Kaley Schertenleib • Hunter Scott • Isabelle Seiler • Abbigail Serpa • William Sessions • Treycen Sewell • Terrence Sharp • Mckenzie Shelton • Kayla Sherwood • Matthew Sigitov • Kacy Sines • Jessika Smith • Marek Smith • Cassandra Speer • Keeley Stevens • Maryalyse Stoner • Joshua Strebeck • Tyler Strebeck • Katelyn Strosahl • Dylan Stutzke • Caleb Suarez • Anita Sushchik • Vitaliy Svirgun • Jerehmey Tadlock • Logan Taggart • Ethan Taylor • Lacey Teague • Lillie Thompson • Shaelen Thompson • Joshua Thornton • Carter Thurston • Ivanna Tomasek • Noel Torres • Delani Turner • Jacob Vansant • Jennifer Vargas • Camryn Varni • Chase Vigesaa • Elizaveta Vostroknutova • Zaine Wacker • Cevannah Walters • Joshua Ward • Jeirnee Weigate • Elisabeth West • Nicholas Whallon • Alyssa Whittington • Aric Wikum • Genesis Wilkinson • Gabriel Wilson • Charity Yount • Santannah Zehnder

Larkin • Mckay Larsen • Madison Larson • David Lashkay • Katherine Lee • Taylor Letro-Border • Dominik Levar • Cole Lewis • Sierra Ley • Cason Long • Joshua Long • Vantsoua Lor • Amber Love • Brandon Love • Aiden Lowe • Alicia Lungu • Andrew Mann • Riley Martin • Sadie Martin • Sydney Martin • Justin Martinez Jr • Vanessa Martinez • Brennon McDermott • Cole McDonald • Dawson McWhirk • Edwin Mejia • Kimberly Mejia • Katia Mejia Carrero • Jayden Meldendez-Vega • Zoe Mertens • Chase Miller • Melissa Miller • Bailey Mitchell • Courtney Mitchell • Justin Montgomery • Hannah Moore • Jesse Moore • Felix Morales • Jaclyn Neilson • Casey Noack • Jeremy Nolan • Jade Ostendorf • Micah Palmen • Anne Parker • Jordan Pennington • Kassidy Phillpot • Madisin Picanso • Peter Ploegman Jr • Haili Poss • Riana Ramos-Loughlin • Jacob Rector • Jayme Reynolds • James Rice • Kadin Rice • Kayley Rich • Jessica Rodriguez • Jarom Rosenbaum • Sean

Dishman Hills High School JUNE 5, 6:00 PM F O X T H E AT R E 1 0 0 1 W. S P R A G U E AV E , S P O K A N E Bodamer • Cody Bohnas • Anthony Bosley • David Brady • Marlena Brown • Monicea Brown • Najaie Bryant-Muellner • Joshua Campbell • Keyshawn Carter • Maryjane Cavazos • Kaylee Churchill • Chandler Clark • Miles Crane • Payton Andrews • Shayna Annis • Jael Augustine • Makayla Bagwell • Andrea Baheza Sean Daniells • Rebecca Daugherty • Heleyna Dennis • Cameron Douglas • Caleb Dubois • • Rose Baheza • Reneece Leequione Bailey • Tyson Ell • Paige Evanoff • Trinity Ferguson Michelle Banda • Justin Barskey • Ty Batson • • Jonathan Gabert • Anna Gay • SarahAnne Ritok Belton • Kateland Bennett • Oliver Bickell Greeson • Carli Guzman • Kendra Hirschberger • Brooke Blumer • Daniel Blumer • Hannah

East Valley Parent Partnership JUNE 10, 7 PM INB PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 3 3 4 W . S P O K A N E FA L L S B L V D . , SPOKANE Myklyn Bruce • Kieran Dillon • Kaden Drysdale • Olivia Freeman • William Graybill • Madison Ingels • Alexis Keenan • Isabelle Seiler • William Sessions • Anita Sushchik

• Gray James • Alicia Jennen • Hannah Jones • Andrew Kautzman • Kaitlyn Knox • Dillon Labish • Irena Lee • Roman Litwin • Alexandra Lopez • Marcos Lopez • Marcelina Lozano • Cole Malone • James Mayberry-Vonderohe • Sierra Miera • Gracie Miller • Nicolle Miranda • Channing Montez • Tessa Moore • Carlos-Joaquin Morales • Sha-Lin Moua • Taytum Nevers • Donavyn Nunn • Joshua Osgood • Gabriel Oxley • Mason Parker • Carter Patrick • Savannah Paxton • Griffin Porter • Corryn Pratt • Kendall Priest • Hadiah Rahman • Cameron Remington • Joseph Reninger • Anthony Ruelas • Zachary Rupert • Audrey Sackman • Sierra Samuels • Mercedes Scoggin • Alyx Smilari • Vanessa Smithee • Abbeygayle Tallman • Siarah Thomas • Tim Thomas • Jacob Tomsha • Timathy Uttke • Kylie Van Vleck • Blake Vogt • Jacob Wehr • Austin Wheeler • Devin Whited • Ashanti Williams • Alyssa Wiltse • Johnathon Wolf • Zachary Zaragoza

JUNE 2019 • 33

The Current

Freeman High School JUNE 8, 1:00 PM FREEMAN HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM 14626 S. J AC K S O N R OA D, R O C K F O R D Anasage Aldendorf • Marguerite Bailey • Lindsay Balkenbush • Garrett Barnes • Makayla Bjornstad • Jenny Bliesner • Hannah Brock • William Campbell • Destiny Capello • Noelle Case • Elliette Clark • Corvin Cogley • Julia Collins • Hailee Cordova • Nolan Doloughan • Maxwell Ebert • Kolby Emtman • Melanie Fagan • Tyler Figler • Casey Fitzgerald • William Folsom • Paul Fricke • Hope Garlick • Evan Gilbert • Cheyenne Groat • Ashley

The Oaks Classical Christian Academy JUNE 8, 1:00 PM VA L L E Y F O U R T H M E M O R I A L C H U R C H 2303 S. B O W D I S H R OA D, S P O K A N E VA L L E Y

Valley Christian School JUNE 1, 1:00 PM VA L L E Y R E A L L I F E C H U R C H 1831 S. B A R K E R R OA D, GREENACRES Braden Akers • Marina Hansen • Julia Hayes • Natalie Hicks • Madeline Johnson • Iavis Kopets • Jolynn Pope • Kendra Pope • Rebecca Riehle • John Stock • Phoebe Trigsted • Maxfield West • Gihyun Yun

Spokane Valley High School JUNE 6, 2:00 PM SPOKANE COMMUNIT Y COLLEGE LAIR 1 8 1 0 N . G R E E N E S T R E E T, S P O K A N E Adam Bleam • Sam Cable • Christian Cooper • Mason Cox • Isaac Dickman • Jacob Dickman • Angelica Grishko • Lauren Gunning • Mackenzie Herbel • Veronica Kucherova • Breanna Mason • Holly Peters • Peyton Shaver • Monica Trotskiy • Destiny Vansant • Deionte Whitt-Waller • Kahner Wilson

Quinlan Biladeau • Madeleine Burgess • Clara Cimijotti • Jonathan Clancy • Grace Cvancara • Greyson Gold • Maria Guglielmo • Carson Harken • Lydia Higdon • Jacob Kim • Jacob Kimball • Elizabeth Kind • Aaron Kleyn • Logan Long • Lucy Mannan • Gabe McEachran • Grace Netjes • Hannah Palpant • Chloe Sorensen • Abigail Treffry • Tabitha Verhage • Emma Welch • Elenor Wiens • Corbin Young

Spokane Valley Transition School

JUNE 6, 2:00 PM SPOKANE COMMUNIT Y COLLEGE LAIR 1 8 1 0 N . G R E E N E S T R E E T, S P O K A N E Michael Avdeev • Johonna Briggs • Jeremy Brown • Trazae Buckholz • Alexis Burks • Samuel Cable • Avery Cantlon • Cassandra Cantrell • Alyssa Capato • Liana Collins • Michael Courchaine • Gabriel Cramer • Zackary Cronin • Michael Davydenko • Samuel Dedkov • Garrett Dewey • Ashlynn Diaz • Brandon Dodson • Veaceslav Dragomir • Christina Dunphy • Lindsay Erickson • Alli Fifield • Keiondrey Foster • Daniel Fredericksen • Gracienne Gamboa • Alisa Garbuzov • Kara Gerard • Roman Glushko • Keandra Gordon • Liliya Gutsulenko • Corban Hanson • Angelica Ivashchenko • Joshua Johnston • Khalia Kelp • Katie Kesseru • Heavyn Kraemer • Gregory Macy • Tyler Mays • Chase McAllister • Alexuis McCarter • Adrianna McNeill • Il’Ya Mitrofanov • Mikayla Morlan • Hanna Pasamonte • Alesia Pashkovsky • Tristin Payne • Blaine Petersen • Sarah Pinkston • Andrew Rogers • Sativa Rogers • Davyd Rudenko • Andrea Santoro • Shyanna Sharon • Kirby Smith • Payton Stanton • Amber Summers • Jacob Tillinghast • Daylon Tyler • Destiny Vansant • Kali Wahrer • Hunter Walls • Daelyn Warren • Alina Zubritskaya

Horstketter • Stephanie Hyta • Rhea Jansen • Ashley Jensen • Lexi Johnson • Veronica Keizer • Eva Knight • Jordan Lang • Savannah Lindsley • Olivia Matson • Kristian Mayer • Elise Mccammond • Jonathan Mcguire • Stephen Mcnally • Brianna Miller • Marcus Morphy • Christina Morrison • Megan Neely • Olivia Nees • Charles Oja • Ryan Palting • Dylan Passey • Trevor Paternoster • Alexandria Petersen • Hailey Peters • Hannah Pylant • Jacob Roibal • Jackson Sather • Josie Schultes • Josie Showalter • Andrew Simmerman • Dakota Steiger • Bryant Stevens • Nyiella Stokoe • Kaitlynn Strahl • Makenna Svelmoe • Chloe Thosath • Hannah Tippy • Brynn Van Orden • Loryn Wagner • Jesse Warnecke • Sydney Warrick • Hannah Watts • Justis Wells • Jackson Whitaker

Mica Peak High School JUNE 6, 6:30 PM EASTPOINT CHURCH 15303 E S P R AG U E AV E , S P O K A N E VA L L E Y Alexzandria Stephanie Anthony • Cameron C. Akins • Chloe Kathleen Allen • Jackson R Ashworth • Isabella Cheri-lyn Beers-LoCicero • Rocky Montana BigChild-Chatwin • Adin J Boyd • Akym Bozhko • Gabrielle Leighton Christiansen • Skyeler Dane David • Trent B. Everett-Anderson • Emily Joy Fenske-Ramos • Robin (Robbie) William Flood • Ethan Isaac Golden • Joseph Ryan Haddock • Gracey Cheree Opal Heidel • Mia C. Hendrickson • Cole Issac Higby • Vallerie Byrne Hoang • Katherine A Hughes • Illinois M Johnson • Kristine Elizabeth Johnson • Danielle R Kafka-Brown • Marco John Kellar • Kasidie Alexandra King • Haily Elizabeth Lane • Brandon Mikel Looper • Meghan MacCary • Zachary Edward Manson • Danielle M McAlister • Christian Tomas Medellin • Elijah-Chase Kelly Mennealy • Suzanne Jean Moehle • Haylee Ann Morgan • Caden Skye Morris • Alec Lane Myers • Valerie Deane Oliverson • Jonathan Palmer • Gabriella Rose Pelayo • Bol Akon Pennington • Skyler Duane Pixler • Julia N Reighley • Joseph Anthony Rodriguez • Melissa Kay Sherwood • Demetrius Seth Sims • Riley James Smallwood • Bran Michael Derace Smith • Logan Parker Volz • Kyra A Wickstrom • Isabelle Grace Wilcox • Devon Michael’Frederick Willis • Hannah Michelle Wilson • Tyler Anthony Zellers • Dante D. Zimmer

STEM @ SV Tech

JUNE 8, 4:00 PM S P O K A N E VA L L E Y T E C H 1 1 5 S U N I V E R S I T Y R O A D , S P O K A N E V A L L E Y, W A 9 9 2 0 6 Seth Anderson • Claire Marie Brock • Davis Bryan Desgrosellier • Samantha Jeanne Freeman • Jessica Hatch • Alyssa Michele Hilfiker • Grant Hill • Ethan John Howe • Conrad J. Knapp • Isaiah Myers • Shane Stewart • Hayden Miller Stipe • Jacob Ryan Windhorst

34 • JUNE 2019 Alyssa M. Abbott • Zayn A. Abou-Harb • Alexander Logan Adamietz • Tyler Aaron Adams • Emmalee D. Allen • Sydney Dakota Altizer • Abigail Miracle Anderson • Joci Nicole Anderson • Adrianna Jacqueline Arteaga • Gabriella Alexis Arteaga • Logan D. Arter • Gabrielle L. Ashby • Hanna Lee Atwood • Jeremy Steven Austing • Cody James Ayton • Brooke Cathrine Bailey • Vincent Gerard Baird • Vicki Mary Karen Baker • Hana Marie Banker • Lucas Eleuterio Barajas • Nicole Lynn Barnes • Dominick T. Barth • Trent Daynem Basden • Tyler Ryan Bash • Krystal M. Bates • Ashton Jay Beach • Austin Beare • Tanner Alden Beck • Alecia Nicole Belarde • Alexander Beliaev • Hannah Marin Benson • Alyssa Ann Benthagen • Dylan Kougar Bergquist • Leah Christine Bertrand • Alexis Leonora Berube • Amy C. Bethmann • Tessa Marie Bice • Vitaliy Biksey • Tiranashe Teresa Binford • Tyler Morgan Bishop • Garrett Andrew Black • Erin Nichole Blake • Carsten Gunnar Blegen • Jonathan R.S. Blodgett • Caleb Wesley Boldizsar • Aeron T. Borowczyk • Craig Michael Bourland • Sophie Boyd • Dezhane Harmony Bradford • Brooke Braley • Chelsea Dayle Branum • Jazlyn Michaella Breesnee • Zane R. Brewer • Jacob Kenneth Brown • Jeanna Elizabeth Brown • Lindsay Ann Brown • Natalie Elise Brown • Kyle Ernest Brummitt • Sidney Bucher • Ryan C. Buergel • Jackson Gregory Burchett • Ryan W. Burgess • Katrina Myrtle Cammack • Madison Alexis Campbell • Zachary Gerald Cantrell • Ryan L. Carver • Alysa Autum Chamberlain • Taven Joseph Chamberlain • Taylor Marie Chamberlin • Maegan Renae Chandler • Zachery N. Charbonneau • Hailey Nicole Coleman • Aleighia Marie Colyar • Madison N. Conklin • Allison P. Connolly • Hannah Marie Conrad • Zachary Alexander Cooley • Kandace Lynn Cooper • Avery Cordova-Doutre • Alison J. Courchaine • Calvin James Crawford • Kelsey Mikel Crosby • Madelyne Dawn Czifro • Kila M. Damron • Hayden James Darby • Corinne I. David • Caden Stewart Davis • Sage Rowan Davis • Skylar Aaron Davis • Shelby Ann Deal • Hunter DeBower • Brier Kaitlin Demakis • Caitlin Faith Deonier • Jada Mae Diamond • Darius Lamar Dickerson • Dashawn Lamar Dickerson • Cameron Allen Domke • William Andrew Dow • Logan Walter Dreher • Kamariah K. Drexel • Luke Duffy • Emmalee Louise Dunning • Kye Duplessis • Emily R. Edmiston • Victoria Escobedo • Angelina Esposito • Gage Faire • Ira L. Fernandez • Elyjah Spencer Ferrell • Sonia Antoinette Ficklin • Tyler B. Fifer-Alexander • Lillian Florence Fincher • Nathaniel Fitzgerald • Blodah Marsilius Flumo Jr. • Lindy Ford • Trinity Jeanae Foster • Zachary W. Fox • Ethan James Freeman • Holden Odell Freeman • Hayden Jeffrey Frohlich • Gabriel A. Fuller • Brenden Furukawa • Joshua Brian Gadd • Katie Josephine Gage • Giacobbe O. Galietti • Autumn Sage Gallagher • Michael Jovan Gallardo • Amy Garbuz • Kody A. Garrett • Breanna N. Gates • Shaeden T. Gauthier • Erik G. Gavin • Michelle Renae Geer • Andrew G. George • Kohl Stephen Gerber • Isaiah Blaes Gessner • Riley David Getty • Isabelle Girtz • Camile Edith Gomez Garcia • Allison Lorraine Gomez • Zachary Tyler Granly • Nicholas Charles Griep • Titus M. Griffith • Logan Janae Griffiths • Ashlyn Elizabeth Gummow • Kianna Samantha Guzman • Kayla A. Haldorsen • Jace Hames • Alyssa Brianne Hanson • Rebecca Kay Harned • Bryce D. Harris • Ashlynn Danielle-Elaine Harrison • Mathew Reed Harshberger • Logan Daniel Haskell • Morgan Ryder Hatchett • Spencer L.

The Current

University High School JUNE 8, 9:00 AM MCCARTHEY CENTER AT G O N Z A G A U N I V E R S I T Y 8 0 1 N . C I N C I N N AT I , S P O K A N E Hawkins • Brooklyn K. Hecker • Alina N. Helbling • Kyle C. Helton • Kyla Marie Henry • Brandon Hesterly • Bethany Laurie Hewson • Rebekah Nicole Hibler • Steven Andrew Hickey • Travis William Hicks • Jacie Elaine Higbee • Lilly K. Higgins • Hailey Caroline Hill • Ryan Michael Hoctor • Madison J.T. Hodgen • Danielle Grace Hodgson • Triniti Kae Hodgson • Casey Wayne Howard • Taylor Marie Howard • Elizabeth Anne Hughes • Ashley Humbles • Gia Rolynn Humphrey • Jarred A. Humphrey • Logan Michael Hurley • Jayden Lee Immonen • Matthew Daniel Ippolito • Joseph Brendan Isaac • David Floyd Jackson • Barton Ankeid Jacob • Troy Jacob • Gabriel Glenn Jacobs • Jeffrey Vincent Jakubenas • Christian Eric Jamison • Heaven M. Jenks • Taylor T. Jennings • Chase A. Johnson • Christopher Carlos Johnson • LelaRose C. Johnson • MaKenzie Elizabeth Johnson • Ryan Richard Johnson • Tatanya Johnson • Winter Jamison Johnson • Kaitlin Jones • Elizabeth Kay Jordan • Benjamin Ronald Joy • Alesha H. Kassman • Brendan Jacob Kendall • Lane Robert Kennedy • Genevieve May Kessler • Emily G. Kilma • JoElla King • Cole Michael King • Makenna Ren?e King • Hope McKay Kirk • Kennedy Elizabeth Knight • Emelda A. Knudson • Jayda A. Koenig • Rochelle K. Koepke • Jordan Anthony Kopp • Caitlin Jean Kosmicki • Noah Kridler • George N. Kuria • Athena Trinity Langley • Dayton Robert Larson • Delaney Grace Larson • Haley Larson • Kali Marie Holland Lash • Piper Kristine Lawson • Mikael Lawrence Leighty • Marcus Lee Lenker • Siqi Li • Maggi M. Lingow • Samuel K. Lissy • Quinten Deshon Little • Madison M. Lively • Joshua C. Lobdell • Hannah Machelle Long • Hannah Paige Love • Seth Xavier Lowe • Frankie Symone Luciano • Carson Richard Lundmark • Brady James Magruder • Jacob Patrick Mahn • Myranda Ray Mahoney • Jaymon Joseph Manzi • Makayla Rose Marshall • Shelby Ann Martell • Madison Cera Martin • Miles Aleksandr Martin • Isaac Daniel Matt • Zachary Robert Mattson • Ryleigh Ruth May • Kaden Daniel McAllister • Dylan McBride • Adel Lyn McGovern • Braden M. McKinley • Stacey Marie McNeely • Noel Mejia • Zackary Meldrum • Gabriela Michele Mendez-Aurand • Antonio Isaiah Mikowychok • Aaron R. Miller •

Christian Wayne Miller • Hannah Rose Miller • Trey Patrick Miller • Nathan William Mills • Shayla Annelene Minier • Jordan Edward Minnihan • Hunter S. Moos • Caleb Scott Morton • Cody Mowry • Kobe Joshua Munn • Clayton Thomas Murock • Brianna Zsofi Nagy • Kamryn Nicole Nead • Natalee Nichole Nerren • Jayden Ness • Kamryn James Nixon • Lanie Marie Nomee • Harlie Nottom • Cameron David O’Brien • Mackenzie Ohmann • Kaden Berlin Osborn • Gabriel J. Owen • Jared Tanner Owens • Julius Jack Berry Page • Jaccalyn Painter • David Paul Palozzolo • Katie Elayne Papineau • Bailey Sebastian Parshall • Jorden Jorge Pasols • Shyanne Parker • Julianna May Paulsen • Jordan M. Pearce • Arnaldo Pellegrino • Payton KristinaRose Penick • Kaci D. Peringer • Riley J. Petersen • Brendan G. Peterson • Logan J. Phillips • Viktor Viktorovich Pisarenko • Madilynn Avery Poulsen • Bryndon Powell • Emma Grace Presho • Isaac B. Pribble • Gracie Kathleen Priddy • PaulMichael R. Pruczinski • Casey Mackenzie Ragsdale • Kaleb Robert Ramelow • Matthew C. Ranniger • Raven Victoria Reiha • Spencer Joseph Reincke • Elise A. Reiner • Hailey Nichole Reynolds • Andrew Richard • Hope Marie Elizabeth Richardson • Kortney Kay Richardson • Jasmin Luana Riekert • Kevin A. Riffle • Marcus Roberson • Fraser A. Robertson • Grace Sue Rogers • Nolan S. Rose • Lorin Elizabeth Ross • Camden Rowe • Raelee Mae Rowland • DanielRyan David Rushlow • Caleb C. Saladin • Alena Kay Saldivar • Bryan Scot Sampson • Hailey Shyann Samudio • Joshua Benjamin Sanders • Gabriel David Sandford • Isaiah R. Sandoval • Dustin Wayne Santora • James Sargent • Griffin Paul Schmedding • Benjamin Brian Schmidt • Myka L. Schroeder • David M. Schweiter • Abby Rose Scott • Avery Kirt Scott • Vivianna M. Segalla • Samantha Mae Sennott • Brandon Dwane Severson • Lamak mag Edson Sewell • Devin A. Shelley • MaKenzie R. Sibley • Baylee Simon • Jayvn Lee Simpson • Macy Alisabeth Sloan • Caitlyn Elizabeth Smith • Cody Michael Smith • Cory Andrew Smith • Harmony Rain Smith • Madeline Ann Smith • Tieler H. Smith • Lance J. Springstead • Shalamar Shavan Squetimkin • Emily J. Stannard • McCoy D. Starkey • Mitchel David Stefonowicz • Kyle Ralph Stenico • Jamasea Nepri Stewart-Brown • Sierra L. Stinson • Kobe D. Stroh • Andrew Lee Sweet • Bellamie Ann Sy • Riley N. Tait • Cole Ethan Tarbart • Christopher Ryan Taylor • Megan Leeanne Taylor • Blake Foster Tellinghusen • Sarah Jayne Tesdahl • Evan Jackson Thomas • David W. Thompson • Erik Douglas Thompson • Joel David Thompson • Madison Rae Thompson • Joseph Kenneth Toft • Nonica A. Tomsha • Ethan Ryan Trower • Kylie Brianne Turner • Nova’Lee Ann Turner • Adam Lee Tveit • Joshua Twillegar • Mackal Lee Urbat • Jenna Kay Van Steenkist • Karina A. Vargas • Josie A. Vasquez • Brian Alexis Vazquez-Mortera • Hannah Rae Victor • Abbie Mae Vigue • Brynn Alyssa Vogel • HarleyQuinn Grace Wahl • Alexzandra LeeAnn Wallace • Keyson Wallick • Erin Marie Walls • Joseph C. Warner • Xander K. Weaver • Skylynn Shae Emma Weishaar • Christian James Wheeler • Kelsey A. Wich • Treston Lee Wiggin • Cole Andrew Williams • Payt’n J. Williamson • Phaydra Williamson • Nate Everett Wilson • Taylor A. Wilson • Alexa Rochelle Wing • Amara Winkler-Coty • Dylan J. Wisener • Gavin M. Wolcott • Avery Payne Wold • Elijah Wolfe • Breyden Kristopher Wood • Aidan Ellis Wright • Cameron M. Wright • Cody L. Wright • Angelica Guadalupe Zamarron Perez • Haley Zeller

JUNE 2019 • 35

The Current

West Valley High School

The JAKT Foundation. Enhancing a Vibrant Spokane Valley Community Through Local Events.

JUNE 9, 3:30 PM INB PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 3 3 4 W . S P O K A N E FA L L S B LV D. , S P O K A N E

Sarah Adamson • Tayler Afana • Bryan Andrews • Lillian Arch • Hunter Autrey • Vladelena Avakimova • Jacob Barnhart • Celina Baxter • Coady Beauchamp • Akylah Beitey • Victoria Berglund • Jake Blalock • Jessica Bowerson • Christopher Boykin-Terrell • Eduar Bran • Rachel Brodhead • Braedyn Caine • Anastasia Caler • Isaiah Cardwell • Alexus Carr • Kayah Carrell • David Chernioglo • Rachel Clements • Marissa Clemons • Shyann Clure • Saharah Comstock • Niyah Conom • Grant Conrad • Rayanne Culver • Kylie Cuti • Heather Danielson • Michael Daniels • Chandler Day • Rebekah Dedera • Kasey DeFord • Emma Dobney • Senite Dokken • Andrew Dorgan • Nicholas Drynan • Alexandria Dudley • Emmett Duncan • Colton Ellingson • Payton Ellis • Arvid Engman • Cecelia Fa’Asala • Elijah Fishburne • George Fisher • Matilda Foster • Joseph Foxworth • Shiann Franklin • Jared Freedland • Jasmine Fryer • Xiang Yu Gao • Noah Gary • Connor Glenn • Jolene Glover • Logan Goff • Skyler Gomes • Ruben Gomez • Micah Gould • Courtney Green • Zachariah Hainline • Mackenzie Harper • Evan Herzog • Beverly Hilsabeck • Adam Himoto • Tirainy Hobbs • Nevaeh Holden • Christina Humrich • Samuel Huseby • Lillian Hyde • Tori Ivins • Garrett Jackson • Justin Jeffries • Sierra Jochec • Gabriel Johnsen • Tristan Johnson • Brendyn Jolly • Halle Jones • Spencer Jones • Amber Jump • Jacksen Kaiser • Ashlin Klocke • Vanessa Knorr • Jacob Koestner • Chelsea Koker • Aidan Kovacs • Thomas Larsen • Raisa Lemeza • Chantelle Logan • Alexis Lopez • Touyee Lor • Haleigh Loran • Olivia Lord • Amanda Ma • Emily Ma • Bayleigh Mandziara • Kyle Mangum • Kaylie Maresh • Ben Mashat • Alexander May • Teagan May • Trevor McArthur • Allie McGlothlen • Connor McLaughlin • Madison McLaughlin • Marshall Meleney • Kaylan Meyer • Preston Michels • Sumara Milam-Sloan • Kelsey Miller • Kathryn Moloney • Trinity Moore • Kylie Morrison • Garrett Morton • Lukas Moua • Kayla Nakazawa • Kaia Nelson • Daniel Netro • Skyler Netto • Jenna Nicholson • Haley Nixdorf • Sean O’Dowd • Micah O’Leary • Ayana Oka • Jaden Padilla • Hunter Page • Kristoffer Peters • Samuel Peterson • Margaret Pettit • Sierra Pierce • Erik Porter • Emily Powers • Jonathan Ramirez • Ava Raney • Caleb Raskell • Giovanni Raskell • Kathryn Recchia • Zion Redfox • Ethan Rehn • Ruby Rieser • Ariane Roberge • Brayden Rodrigues • Taylor Rohrig • Anton Roig • Madalyn Roig • Elizabeth Ryburn • Corey Saling • Richard Sandoval Penaloza • Frankie Schade • Jacob Schmidt • Emily Scott • Elijah Selzer • Gavin Sheppard • Gracie Sherrill • Connor Shillam • Ethan Simpson • Keara Sinclair • Isaac Smith • Gabrielle South • Joliena South • Madison Spittler • Sasha Steed • Gabrielle Steele • Jaylin Steen • Lance Steen • Justin Steinman • Ivy Stevens • Molly Stevens • Sydney Stone • Sydney Swatzell • Charles Swecker • Raymond Tesch • Maddison Thompson • Hunter Tiffany • Morgan Tressel • Casey Urlacher • Jordyn Vader • Evelyn Vanstralen • Alexandra Vargas • Jessica Voropay • Peyton Vosberg • Taylor Wallingford • Audrey Wartinger • Taejah Washington • India Wells • Kimberlyn West • Isabella Whalen • Julianna Wickwire • Emma Williams • Ne’Vaeh Williams • Chase Wilson • Travis Wise • Gavyn Witcher • Collin Woodall-Williams • Malibou Woolard • Tiana Yarbrough

Spokane Valley CenterPlace • July 11 – 13, 2019 • CraveNW.com

Spokane Valley CenterPlace • September 27- 29, 2019 • SpokaneOktoberfest.com

Spokane Valley CenterPlace Parking Lot Fridays, 5 - 8pm, June 7th - September 13 th • SpokaneValleyFarmersMarket.org

36 • JUNE 2019

The Current

Community Bulletin LIVE BAND PLAYING Pop, Soft Rock, R&B, Funk, and Top 40 -

Want to share a special moment or other thought on the bulletin board? Send them to publisher@valleycurrent.com

S” Libby Jr. High “ALL”“ALGORHYTHM Class Reunion

1966 –1968 (Sponsori ng Class)

2019 Libbyfest Reunion Please join us for the Annual Libbyfest “All” Class Reunion sponsored by the Class of 1966-68. This years LibbyFest will be at (Players and Spectators—12828 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley, WA) again. We will be in the lower renovated club area this year. Participants are welcome of this venue at their pleasure (Breakout rooms must be reserved in advance to use other areas have recently added a new casino and gaming area. Come visit with old by management). They friends ers. All Classmates from past years are encouraged to attend. Please and faculty teachspread the word!!! (For “Facebook” info and additional events go to “Libby Fest.”) Highlights & INFO  Libby memorabilia (Please call if you have anything to share.  This venue has a bar and lounge. A full-service menu is available as well. Please tip the help.  Oldies played for your enjoyment and live band “Cover2Cover.”  Donations accepted to help cover all costs.

The horticulture and botany classes at East Valley High School have been busy tending to the plants in their greenhouse. The plants include marigolds, peas, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs and squash. The students plant the seeds and take care of the plants until it is time for them to take them home to plant in their own garden. Extra plants are given away to teachers and students who want them.

Players and Spectators 12828 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley, WA 1) Just East of Pines on Sprague Avenue in the Valley 2) Lounge area, dining area, bowling, arcade, Casino and gaming area, billiards, outside area available, smoking ok. 3) In case there are problems finding the location call Bob West at (509) 992-2939 c 4) “No” potluck, No chairs needed. 5) No Host Bar Available, Full Menu Available (Please Tip Hosts)

ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE BOB WEST (509) 992-2939 DOUG HOLLAND (509)496-5847 CATHY YAMADA (HANSEN) (509) 990-6607 TONI POLIONE (SNEVA) (509) 599-0068 LYNETTE HOWARD (SPILKER) (509) 230-9325 DOROTHY ZELLER (HUFF) (509) 714-7338 PATTY SHELLEY (SULPIZIO) (509) 924-8445 COLLEEN CANINO (HAGEN) (509) 270-5125

y Chamber of Commerce Photos contributed by the Greater Spokane Valle g poeple out working towards becoming Lemonade Day rook the Valley by storm! Youn volunteers and forward-thinking the business leaders, social advocates, community ! a time citizens of tomorrow...one lemonade stand at

Contributed by East Valley School District Congrats to Jared Hathaway, your new 2A Triple Jump CHAMPION!! He finished at 45' 9" which is also a new school record.

Contributed by University High School The football team took time out of training recently to help a 95-year-old WWII vet with his yard work

JUNE 2019 • 37

The Current THE LIBERTY LAKE VALLEY GREATER SPOKANE

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A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE EDITOR/PUBLISHER Ben Wick

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

Inland Empire Utility CC

Spokane County Library District 28, 29

Liberty Lake Community Theatre

Spokane Gymnastics

Central Valley Booster Golf Tournament 3

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry

Spokane Indians

Central Valley School District

Liberty Lake Farmers Market

Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 25

Cornerstone Pentecostal Church 38

Liberty Lake Lions

Spokane Valley Summer Theatre 16

Cycle Celebration

Liberty Lake Orthodontics

Spokane Valley United Methodist 19

Greenstone 15

Northern Quest

Healthy Living Liberty Lake

PACE

HUB Sports Center

Simonds Dental Group

40 22-23 40

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

The Tri Community Grange Event Hall is an affordable location for parties, receptions, dances, reunions and meetings. Full kitchen, stage, piano, tables and chairs, NEW AC, handicap accessible, large parking lot and free signage Meeting Times: 6:30 pm the first Wednesday of every month. Phone: 509-270-6089

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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.

38 • JUNE 2019

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Experience the Difference of Pentecost

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

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NBC Camps Complete Skills Basketball Camps

June 25-27, July 9-11, August 20-22 – 9:00am-3:00pm Ages 8-12 • $175/person

Skyhawks Basketball Camp June 18-22 – 9:00am-3:00pm Ages 6-12 • $149 /person

Skyhawks Volleyball Camps

Dates

June 18-22, July 30-August 3 – 9:00am-12:00pm Ages 6-12 • $135/person

Runnin’ Jaguar Basketball Skill Camp

June 18

June 19-21 – 3:00-7:00pm Ages 7-14 • $125/person

Skyhawks Mini-Hawk or Cheerleading Camp July 16-20 (MH), July 16-20 (CH) – 9:00am-12:00pm Ages 4-7 or 5-10 • $135/person

Breakthrough Basketball Camps - 4th-12th grade

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July 24-26 Skill Development – 9:00am-3:00pm - $245/person July 27-29 Youth Skills Camp – 9:00am-3:00pm - $195/person

Advantage Basketball Camps July 30-August 3 – 9:00am-4:00pm Ages 6-18 • $295/person

Nigel Williams-Goss Basketball Camps

August 8-10 Youth Skills Camp – 9:00am-4:00pm - $225/person August 14-17 Elite High School Camp – 9:00am-4:00pm - $325/person

Pat Powers Volleyball Camp August 11-12 – 9:00am-3:00pm Ages 12 to Adults • $135/peson

1431 N Liberty Lake Rd Suite B, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Call today for appointment 509-928-6700

NOW REGISTERING FOR ALL SESSIONS! For more details and registration information:

visit: www.hubsportscenter.org/summer-camps Call: (509) 927-0602 We provide events that have a positive impact on youth and the community!

The Current

ON THAT NOTE

JUNE 2019 • 39

‘Hidden Knights’ making visible impact at EVMS By Nina Culver Current Correspondent

Kindness is spreading through the halls of East Valley Middle School thanks to a small group of students who call themselves the Hidden Knights. The group has made it a mission to do kind things for fellow students as well as the staff at the school. The group owes its start to teacher Chris Russell, who said he really only gave his students the idea and let them run with it. “I spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year teaching respect and honor and things like that,” he said. As part of that, he shows his students videos of “On the Road with Steve Hartman” from CBS. Hartman travels the country and shares uplifting stories about the people he encounters and places he visits. Those videos inspired a couple of his students. “I had a couple of kids come to me under the radar who wanted to do kind things,” he said. “They didn’t have an outlet.” Russell had heard about a similar group at another school and presented the idea to the students. “We just ran with it from there,” he said. At first, the group just included

Photo by Nina Culver Sydney Petersen joined the Hidden Knights after the initial effort the group made to give Valentine’s goody bags to everyone in the school. The group invited her to join after receiving thank you notes like this one

seventh graders. Their first task was to prepare a goodie bag for every student on Valentine’s Day. “Our first act of kindness was big, probably too big for our britches,” Russell said. Russell may not give himself enough credit about the launch of the group. He paid for the goodie bags, helped out by the school principal. The second big act of kindness was to provide donuts and coffee for the staff, along with a thank you note for every teacher. Russell, however, didn’t have to pay for it. “These girls wrote letters to area businesses and got Starbucks on board,” he said. The Valentine’s Day goodie bags made a big impression on eighth grader Sydney Petersen, who now heads up the eighth grade students who joined the Hidden Knights. She wrote thank you notes to all the members of the Hidden Knights. Both Russell and seventh grader Abigail Stewart quickly pulled out their cards signed by Petersen on a recent day. “Mine’s been in my binder since I got it,” Stewart said. Stewart, Petersen and seventh grader Jayah Jones all say they joined the group because they wanted to make their school a better place. “We have a really rough eighth grade class right now,” Petersen said. “Everybody is just so mean to each other. There’s so much gossip. We’ve probably had eight fights this year.” Jones said middle school can be an isolated place for students sometimes. “There was no connection at all between other people,” she said. “I didn’t know how to do anything about it.” She was pleased at their first effort and how it helped bring students together. “When we did the Valentine’s thing, I know people were really happy about it,” she said. “It was so cool. It’s nice to see everyone have something.” In April, the Hidden Knights tackled something tangible, cleaning out the weeds in flower beds outside the school and planting flowers. The manager of the Starbucks on Sullivan Road brought a crew of employees to help. “We thought it was going to be an easy thing, but it took all day,” Russell said.

Photo by Nina Culver From left, Jayah Jones, Abigail Stewart and Sydney Petersen are among a group of East Valley Middle School students who have helped a movement of kindness spread at their school this spring. Among the projects the group has taken on: cleaning out the weeds in flower beds outside the school and planting flowers. The students have been keeping the flowers watered and healthy ever since. There’s fewer than two dozen Hidden Knights right now. Group members are anonymous, which can make recruitment of new members difficult. Stewart said Jones told her to come to a meeting in Russell’s room, but wouldn’t tell her why. “I did not know what I was getting into,” Stewart said. “I just really wanted to join it because I like doing kind things.” Petersen was asked to join after she sent her thank you notes. “It just feels good,” she said of being kind. “You see other people smile, and you want to smile.” Though the trio agreed to be unmasked, being anonymous is part of what the girls like about the group. “I really feel like people try to do nice things for the wrong reasons,” Jones said. “Being anonymous takes that away. There’s no reward.” The group meets weekly and enjoys pizza together once a month. They’re already trying to decide what else they should do before the school year ends. “I like having something to look forward to,” Jones said. “It’s nice to be together and know that people are there to support you.”

And their kindness appears to be spreading. Russell said he’s heard the school staff has started its own kindness club. Recently, someone has been hanging signs around the school with strips on the bottom designed to be torn off. Each strip has a suggestion such as “cheer a friend up” and “tell someone they are beautiful.” Russell said no one seems to know who is putting up the signs. “None of mine are taking credit,” he said. The students are pleased to see that they’re having a positive impact. “Having it grow and having people go off of it feels good,” Jones said. Though the group has only existed a few months, the three students are determined to keep it going next year, even Petersen. She wants to bring it with her to high school and start a similar group. “That’s going to be a little tough, because we won’t have the support of Mr. Russell,” she said. “We should probably start out small.” Russell said he’s confident the students will continue their acts of kindness. “They’re small but mighty,” he said. “I think they have the potential to carry it forward for a long time.”

40 • JUNE 2019

The Current

Fun In The Sun! FREE Teeth Whitening for Life

for New Patients CALL TODAY!

With Purchase of a New Patient Exam, Necessary X-rays & Recommended Cleaning. Offer expires 06/30/2019

This offer includes all of our spa services! Yes, for FREE!

Dr. Erin Merriﬁeld • Dr. Cliﬀ Cullings • Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Amanda Roper

money We're giving the sun a run for its ment with some of the hottest excite around at Northern Quest.

See the stars under the stars, including Snoop Dogg, Toby Keith, ZZ Top and more.

Free Sunday street fairs in our Grand Plaza.

Bring the family out for the region’s largest and longest ﬁreworks display.

Park and play with 67+ luxury sites, and even cozy cottages for rent.

Details at northernquest.com

877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA