April 2022 Current

APRIL

2022

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unknown future of avista stadium upgrades required to maintain local team, page 10

HARKEN HAS A HEART FOR ART PAGES 2

HUTTON STARTS HOPE ROAST COFFEE PAGE 14

PACE TRAIT OF THE MONTH PAGE 20

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• APRIL 2022

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Catalyst for Culture –

Harken bolsters Valley arts scene

By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor

Jim Harken saw his hometown of Carterville, Montana go through ebbs and flows until the commercial network in the small, rural community consisted of little more than the general store owned by his grandfather.

The town had seen its heyday when Harken was a boy living in the family home a block from the elementary school. With the Milwaukee Railroad Depot as the anchor, Carterville was platted with streets and lots in the early 1900s and thrived as a farming and railroad hub. When the depot closed, businesses followed. By the 1950s, the roads were mostly empty.

By 2000, Carterville was removed from the state highway map.

As chronicled on the website “Lost and Found Montana,” the town now grouped in the same wistful category as forgotten places like Ross Fork, Horton and Fergus, still lingers in the memories of those who called it home.

Harken moved with his family to Forsyth, Montana, 15 miles from Carterville, after his father built a home there. He graduated from high school in his adopted community and enrolled at the University of Montana in 1952. Yet he still remembers Carterville.

Many years later, Harken would serve as the main excavator for a different kind of lost and found project – the unearthing of the Spokane Valley arts scene. Only this time, the revealed terrain would grow into a unique oasis.

Harken’s journey to conductor of the local arts engine began in 1960 when he and his wife Joanne moved to Spokane Valley after he completed dental school at the University of Washington. Harken’s in-laws were from Spokane and Joanne was their only child. The move made sense for

a number of reasons.

“The transition here was smooth,” Harken recalls. “We lived in a rental at first then built our own home in 1962.”

Harken set up shop at 16th and Pines, building up his clientele mostly through word of mouth.

He would practice dentistry in the Valley for over 54 years, retiring in 2014. Along the way, he was part of every prestigious dental society, including the Washington State Dental Association where he served as president.

In the late 1960s, Joanne went

back to school, enrolling at Eastern Washington University. On her schedule was an art class. One day, she brought home a watercolor that she and her husband decided to purchase on a payment plan – $50 a month for four months – and the Harken art collection was born.

“We never had any art until then,” Harken recalls.

After that, the couple went on trips to places like Honolulu, Hawaii, Santa Fe, New Mexico and Great Falls, Montana where the itinerary consisted of perusing galleries and soaking up local arts

Contributed photo Dr. Jim Harken practiced dentistry in Spokane Valley for over 54 years before retiring in 2014. The Montana native and avid art collector was the catalyst for the formation of the Spokane Valley Arts Council in 2004, a nonprofit that has spurred increased awareness and support of arts and culture through the collaboration of civic leaders, businesses and local artists. Harken is shown in front of the first bronze statue placed by SVAC near CenterPlace.

and culture.

The family art compilation grew over the years to nearly 3,000 pieces.

Harken has donated a number of works to around a dozen art havens including the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane and campus museums at the University of Montana and University of Wyoming.

“I collect whatever I see as quality,” Harken says.

“It’s also about getting to know the background of the artist.”

Prior to Spokane Valley incorporating as a city in 2003, Harken and several of his friends began brainstorming ideas for an organization that could be a catalyst for enhancing arts and culture in the Valley. Gathering around a kitchen table, the discussion, Harken recalls, “Was about how we could make the whole area a better place for the arts.”

Unfortunately, Harken lost Joanne in 2002 before plans for the group took shape. The couple were proud parents of five kids. Harken remarried in 2003 and now has eight kids, 24 grandkids and five great grandchildren in a blended family with his wife Pauline.

By 2004, the Spokane Valley Arts Council (SVAC) had been established but it wasn’t until two years later at the annual Valleyfest celebration that the fledgling group and its mission began to take flight.

Valleyfest Director Peggy Doering approached Harken and SVAC about putting together an art event that would be held in the Great Room at CenterPlace, the flagship of the community festival. The display and sale turned out to be a welcome boon to area artists and turned a modest profit. It was the beginning of an annual happening – the Artist Showcase Art Auction – that would become the calling card of SVAC. Over the years, SVAC has galvanized civic leaders, businesses and artists in elevating awareness and support of Valley arts and culture. A successful collaboration with the city of Spokane Valley has meant grant funding and placement See HARKEN, Page 4

APRIL 2022 • 3

The Current

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• APRIL 2022

HARKEN

Continued from page 2 of dynamic sculptures across the community, including four on the grounds in and around CenterPlace.

“I think it’s made a major impact, though not nearly as much as we’d like it to be,” Harken said.

Harken has served as art director of SVAC since the inaugural year and was board president until 2015 when he stepped down to address some health issues. The 2022 SVAC Artist Showcase Art Auction will be held Oct. 7-8 this year, the first time the event has expanded to two days.

Q: You grew up in humble circumstances in a small Montana town. How did that background affect who you became as a person?

A: My humble beginnings were in a small town in Eastern Montana, one block from the grade school. There was no incorporation there. Our house was two rooms with no plumbing, running water or electricity. I didn’t know any difference, that's all I was aware of.

Q: Your father originally wanted you to become a doctor. How and when did he eventually accept your career path of becoming a dentist?

A: My father wanted me to go to medical school to become a physician. He didn’t accept my career path until the day I graduated, despite paying for my education.

I opened my first practice in 1960.

He had a wait-and-see attitude as I grew my private practice at which he was my first patient. From then on, he began to accept me and my profession and was very proud until the day he died.

Q: What are some of your recollections of the Spokane Valley area when you and your young family transitioned here in 1960?

A: The Valley was point of reference between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. It was still

GREATER

unincorporated, with lots of fields and open countryside. It felt more like home in Eastern Montana.

The patients that my practice was built around were all community members and a very close-knit group most living within a mile of my office.

Q: You've been a resident of the Valley for over six decades. What are the main changes you've seen in this community over that time?

A: The city of Spokane Valley has become incorporated. We added a bus line, library, City Hall, the school system has become more sophisticated and larger. We’ve become a destination for businesses with a lot of new manufacturing.

The open fields are now tight communities with little open space.

There are over 100,000 residents, a huge growth from the approximate 35,000 to 40,000 when we first settled here.

Q: How would you describe the Valley arts scene before the Spokane Valley Arts Council was established in 2004 and how do you think the organization has impacted this scene over the years?

A: At the time of SVAC’s incorporation, there was virtually no art scene in the Valley. The artists we did have sold most of their work outside of the area. There was a lot of “mall artists” at the time. If they wanted to sell their art, they would ask for space set up a table at a local mall. There was no organization at all. Since the Arts Council became involved and we started having events each year, the results of those events, with the help of the city through their grant program, we have built larger-than- life bronzes that we have gifted to the city. There are 11 now at a value of $1.6 million. The public has become very aware of these bronzes. Most are located between City Hall and CenterPlace. Future placement will be at Balfour Park across from City Hall, east of the location where the

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VALLEY

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

new library is being built. As I reach out to the public, people are aware and pleased with the bronzes placed around the city. It’s almost like a resort destination. People who come through the area stop to look at the statues and other cities of like size around the state are looking to us for direction of how we have been able to provide so many bronzes. We have also attracted a couple galleries into the Valley because of our bronzes and activities at CenterPlace. The city is now building a new performing arts building. The city has asked us to donate a statue for the entryway of this new building.

Q: How has your annual auction, which began as a branch of Valleyfest years ago, served as a rallying cry for local artists?

A: The Artist Showcase Art Auction had made the public more aware of the arts. It’s made the sale of art a reasonable aspiration and more commonplace than it once was. The community has realized the value of art in the home. It is more than a decoration, but a point of pride. We have local artists as well as artists from Canada and eight other states involved our auction. Our auction has prompted the local press, TV and radio to give more attention to local artists and to art events.

Q: How has art enriched your life?

A: I've collected art since 1967. I have over 3,000 pieces in my home and have decorated as a museum.

Every piece I own, I know the artists personally and where it came from.

I have had the opportunity to visit artist's homes and galleries around the county because of my passion. It has increased to desire to understand how they accomplish what they do and why they do it. It's like an eye opening into their lives. My wife, Pauline, has been by my side and become quite knowledgeable. She’s a quick learner. I basically acquire the art and she finds a place to put it.

The Current

Q: In what ways has the city of Spokane Valley supported the efforts of SVAC over the years?

A: Uniquely, the city of Spokane Valley has developed a program of grant allocations to the nonprofits within their city limits. Each year, the nonprofits apply for grants for whatever projects we are doing for the coming year. We’re given notice of the city’s designs, then usually in October we’re granted a small portion which we add to our profits from our other events. That goes to help with the overhead that we incur throughout the year, for insurance and all the things we need to make it work. They allow us to use CenterPlace for free for two consecutive days a year to host our auction. This is a huge benefit, cutting out this event location expense. The profits we make can go back into the city. We work very closely to select the sculptures in advance before producing it.

Q: When most people think of Northwest cities with a thriving arts presence, cities like Coeur d'Alene, Leavenworth (Washington) and Cannon Beach (Oregon) come to mind. What will it take for Spokane Valley to someday be mentioned among those communities?

A: It's going to take more galleries and business in the Spokane Valley.

It’s going to take more organizations doing things that compliment us. It’s going to take years to do it, because we are not a destination town or resort. It going to take individual households becoming interested in the things we are doing and our progress, for them to recognize that art in their own homes is important.

Schools are going also to have to add the importance of arts back into their curriculums. It's got to come from the kids. Other than that, just a lot of hard work. By the artists, the community members who are already like and enjoy art and by the continued support of the city.

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The Current

APRIL 2022 • 5

NEWS

SVFD Report – Feb, 2022 Current news sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1669 emergency calls from February 15 – March 15, 2022.

By the numbers: Emergency Medical Services 1359 Car Collisions 77 Fires 77 Dispatched and Cancelled en route 54 Building Alarms 47 Hazardous Materials 20 Service Calls 15 Vehicle Fires 11 Technical Rescue 6 Auto vs Pedestrian 2 Tech Rescue 1 • Total calls for service decreased from 1842 last month to 1669 this month.

• Calls for EMS decreased from 1570 to 1359.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions increased from 69 to 77.

• Vehicle Fires increased from 7 last month to 11 this month.

• Fires saw an increase from 66 last month to 77 this month.

Of Significance: • Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) held a groundbreaking ceremony March 14 for the new SVFD Facilities and Maintenance Shop.

“For SVFD, this is momentous, fulfilling one of the capital and strategic plan goals of having a facility that can manage the size and numbers of our apparatus,” said SVFD Fire Chief, Frank Soto. “With the ever-growing community and its subsequent public safety needs, the new facility will help us be able to keep up with the service needs of our communities, the service needs of our apparatus, and accommodate our Ladder trucks that do not fit into our current maintenance facility.”

• We continue to emphasize Driving Safely and according to road conditions and temperatures.

• Be careful with portable heaters.

Keep flammable items away from them and turn them off when not in the room.

• If you have chicken coops, please make sure to use a fire safe heating pad inside the coop.

Heating lamps can catch straw and other flammable items inside the coop on fire.

• SVFD Calendars are out, pick one up at any Fire Station entryway or at the SVFD Administration Building, 2120 N. Wilbur Road.

Media Release: February 27 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a reported residential structure fire at approximately 2:30 p.m.

February 27 in the North 3400 Block of Arden Road in Spokane Valley.

A neighbor saw smoke and flames coming from the side of the structure and called 911.

The first arriving crews pulled a preconnected hand line from an engine to knock down the fire on the exterior of the structure. Additional crews took handlines to the interior of the structure and extinguished the fire and ensured that the fire had not extended. A thorough search of the structure was performed to ensure that no one was inside the residence.

The fire was contained to one corner of the building.

The residents were not home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A total of 12 fire units responded to the call. No injuries were reported.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents to be aware of their neighborhood surroundings.

March 2 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a reported residential structure fire at approximately 8:30 a.m. March 2nd in the East 5300 Block of Sharp Avenue in Spokane Valley.

Callers reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the structure and called 911. The first arriving crews pulled a preconnected hand line from an engine to knock down the fire on the interior of the structure. Additional crews took handlines to the interior of the structure and extinguished the remaining fire and ensured that the fire had not extended. A thorough search of the structure was performed to ensure that no one was inside the business. The property owners stated that the business was being remodeled.

Nobody was in the business at the when the fire started. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A total of 12 fire units, including units from Spokane Fire Department, responded to the call. No injuries were reported.

See SVFD REPORT, Page 6

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• APRIL 2022

The Current

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See SVFD REPORT, Page 24

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The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents to be aware of their neighborhood surroundings.

March 4 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a reported motorhome fire at approximately 5:00 pm today in the East 4800 block of Second Avenue in Spokane Valley.

Valley Engine 6 was the first unit on scene, and they observed a fully involved motorhome fire. They pulled a preconnected hand line from an engine to knock down the fire on the exterior of the structure.

Additional crews took handlines to nearby structures and shrubs to ensure that the fire did not extend.

There was a single resident inside at the time of the fire that managed to escape without injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A total of 12 fire units responded to the call including automatic aid units from the City of Spokane ! ( Fire Department. No injuries were reported.

Mar. 6 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD)units responded March 6 to a report of a structure fire in the 13000 block of 15th Ave in Spokane Valley. A total of 11 apparatus and support vehicles responded.

Firefighters arrived at the singlefamily home to find smoke coming from a backyard structure behind the garage of the residence and confirmed a working structure fire.

Crews quickly sized up the structure and extended an attack hose line down the driveway to the backyard and into the structure to extinguish the fire. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported and one patient was evaluated at the scene and after evaluation required no further treatment on scene or transport.

A wood stove was stated as the cause of the fire by a resident of the structure. Damage was confined to the shop which was the original structure. With an aggressive attack, firefighters were able to save the structure and the building remained intact after operations were completed.

Mar. 14 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a reported apartment fire at

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Published Date: 3/14/2022 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

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APRIL 2022 • 7

The Current

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel Spokane Valley Districts

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Every year, April is observed as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to mitigate the prevalence of distracted driving on United States roadways. New NSC estimates show that our roads are the most dangerous they’ve been in years; on a typical day, eight people are killed and hundreds more are injured in distraction-affected crashes. 10 Tips to Keep in Mind this Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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57th

2022 February Burglary Hotspots

Published Date: 3/14/2022 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

Incident counts summarizes the events within 1/4 of a mile of each other. The heat map shows the density of events within the area. lo Bige u lch G Francis

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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 of a particular crime were reported at that location.

Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. I encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

2022 February Vehicle Theft Hotspots

11-15 >15 2 Miles

6. Set Up Your Navigation App or GPS Beforehand 7. Leave Multitasking for Life Outside the Car 8. When Fatigue Hits, Pull Over 9. If You’re Driving with a Baby, Have a CoPilot 10. Speak Up and Help Out The danger level of distracted driving is often equated to that of drunk driving. So, if you would not let your friend who had a couple drinks too many drive, you do not have to feel bad about discouraging driving while distracted. Don’t be afraid to kindly speak up and offer to help take care of the distraction for the driver, whether that means helping with the GPS or answering an urgent text message.

8

• APRIL 2022

Past, Present, and Future capital projects reviewed

By Lincoln DoWright Current contributor

Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Since before the city incorporated, the Spokane Valley Hoteliers participated in the Spokane County Regional Tourism Promotion Area which is a per night tax on each hotel room within Spokane County (except the City of Liberty Lake). In October 2021 the Spokane Valley City Council adopted a resolution terminating the regional TPA interlocal agreement between Spokane Valley, Spokane County and the City of Spokane preferring that Spokane Valley have its own TPA. With the change in the membership and leadership of the Spokane Valley City Council the new council asked to re-review the decision. After reviewing the history of the TPA which identified $731,569.05 as being generated by collections from Spokane Valley based hotels.

The City Council gave consensus to continue with terminating the interlocal agreement at the end of 2022 and outlined the process the Spokane Valley hoteliers would need to follow in order to establish a new Spokane Valley focused Tourism Promotion Area.

The process begins with an initiation petition including a description of the boundaries of the proposed area, the proposed uses and projects to which the proposed revenue from the charge shall be put and the total estimated costs, as well as the rate for the charge, and be signed by sixty percent of persons who operate lodging

NEWS

businesses within the proposed area.

Said petition should be presented to the city council before the City may consider establishing a new TPA. Evergreen Preservation Project The road preservation project grinds and provides an asphalt overlay on Evergreen Road from Broadway Avenue to Mission Avenue and includes the installation of ADA curb ramps, pavement repairs, channelization and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) conduit.

The project came in $70,000 higher than the engineers estimate or 6.8% and was awarded to the lowest bidder, Inland Infrastructure LLC in the amount of $1,099,941.

School Zone Flashing Beacons In the spring of 2021 the City Council during their discussions and allocations of prior years unspent revenues, allocated money to install flashing beacons at all school zones throughout the city which didn’t have a flashing beacon yet. From that discussion city staff have brought forward 9 locations with 18 beacons removing schools with existing beacons, high schools, and virtual learning centers.

According to Jeremy Clark Spokane Valley Traffic Engineering Manager, materials for five of these locations are in the procurement process for installation in early summer. These locations include Greenacres Elementary, Greenacres Middle School, and Sunrise Elementary within the Central Valley School District; as well as Centennial Middle School and Early Learning Center within the West Valley School District.

Central Valley’s Spokane Valley Learning Academy off of Barker, was cited as being now utilized as a home based learning center with no students that walk to school; East Valley’s Trent Elementary was noted as being a strict bussing and dropoff school; and therefore not being recommended to have a flashing beacon installed.

West Valley’s Ness Elementary has speed reduction zone along Broadway, but with Broadway now being the school boundary and the physical access to the school not being along Broadway, it is being recommended that the school zone speed limit be removed.

District 81’s Pratt Elementary has been converted to a choicein high school and therefore it is recommended to remove the school zone speed limit.

Councilmember Ben Wick, recalled the conversations from 2021 around this initiative as being based around public safety and wanting to make all school zones safer across the city and advocated that all schools be included. “I have the most immediate knowledge of East Valley’s Trent Elementary as it was the school in my neighborhood and I have seen kids walking to school, crossing Highway 27” and “again we have the funds set aside for installing these beacons for all remaining schools and we should for all schools that have school speed limits.”

Mayor Haley and Councilmember Hattenburg agreed with wanting to include a beacon for at Trent Elementary.

Consensus from the majority of council was given to continue to move forward with the recommendations with Councilmember Wick opposed.

Salary Commission

The Current

In January 2022 the City Council appointed an Independent Salary Commission to assess the current salary of Councilmembers and determine whether a salary adjustment would be warranted. The current monthly salary for the Mayor is $1,775, and for Councilmembers is $1,415. The new salaries would be $2,250 for the Mayor, and $1800 for Councilmembers. As was done by the 2018 Salary Commission, the 2022 Salary Commission also recommends Council convene a salary commission every three years to keep the salaries current.

Unless a valid referendum petition is filed within the 30 day time period, the salaries for both the mayor and councilmembers will go into effect on April 18th.

Sullivan / Trent Project Update The Sullivan Road/SR 290 interchange connects rural freight traffic with one of the region’s busiest urban corridors. Sullivan Road between I-90 and SR 290 is home to 9,000 jobs, 85% of which are directly related to freight. Large employers, including Mercer International and Amazon, move their goods and employees via Sullivan Road and Bigelow Gulch within Spokane County. Sullivan Road south of SR 290 is a WSDOT Freight and Goods Transportation System (FGTS) T-2 freight corridor that turns into a T-1 freight corridor south of Euclid Road and continues to its I-90 connection, carrying over 10 million tons of freight annually.

The connection of Bigelow Gulch Road into Sullivan Road will dramatically impact the operations of the SR 290 interchange. Peak hour traffic volumes are expected to increase from 1,400 existing trips to 2,400 future trips once Bigelow Gulch Road improvements are

The Current

complete. Without reconstruction of the SR 290 interchange, it is expected that both westbound and eastbound ramp intersections will drop from a current Level of Service (LOS) B to LOS F by year 2030. This increase in traffic, and decrease in LOS, will degrade the safety of the existing interchange, slow the movement of rural freight into the urban area, and ultimately restrict economic growth in the region. Based on the Sullivan Corridor study conducted by Welch Commer in 2021, the conceptual level project estimate to reconstruct the interchange is $26.6 million.

In 2021, the City selected KPFF Consulting Engineers (KPFF) to evaluate alternative designs for the interchange. KPFF is analyzing four alternatives in terms of cost, rightof-way needs, impacts to existing properties, constructability, safety, and other pertinent project elements, so the City could select the preferred alternative to advance to design.

Alternative 1 titled the Standard Signalized Diamon Interchange would widen Sullivan to 7 lanes, two lanes in each direction, two southbound dedicated left turn lanes and one northbound left turn lane. It would require replacement of both Trent and BNSF bridges as well as increases on-ramp lengths but has potential to impact Trent’s access to/from Progress and maintains the signalized intersections for both the eastbound and westbound ramps.

Alternative 2 titled Diamond Interchange with Peanut Roundabout requires replacement of both the Trent and BNSF bridges and increases on-ramp lengths which has potential to impact Trent’s access to/from Progress and replaces the signals with roundabouts which would handle the turn movements on and off both eastbound and

NEWS

westbound ramps.

Alternative 3 titled Diverging Diamond Interchange, crosses the northbound and southbound traffic to the opposite of Sullivan between the two signalized crossover intersections. It allows unsignalized left turns and right turns to/from the ramps, decreasing conflicts and increasing traffic volumes through the signalized intersections. Also requires replacement of both Trent and BNSF bridge and increase onramps length which has the potential impact to Trent’s access to/from Progress.

Alternative 4 titled Jughandle, provides the narrowest road section on Sullivan, reducing bridge costs.

Trent and Sullivan would connect using two roundabouts in the NW corner of the interchange. Possibility that the BNSF bridge may remain and with only the eastbound onramp being lengthened there would be no impacts to Trent’s access to Progress.

The preliminary project cost estimate is $26.6 million of which the city has allocated $500,000 for alternative selection.

Barker Road / BNSF Grade Separation Change Order The Barker Road BNSF Grade Separation project is a capital project managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and awarded the project to Max J Kuney Company as the lowest bidder on January 28th 2021 in the amount $11,637,134. Within the construction management contract between the City of Spokane Valley and WSDOT, WSDOT is allowed to issue change orders valued at or below $100,000 upto a cumulative amount of $350,000.

As of the March 29th Spokane

Valley City Council meeting, WSDOT working with city staff has executed 20 change orders cumulating to $271,201.48 Change order #38 in the amount of $129,500 is for the additional extended overhead costs of the contractor to complete the roadway construction on Trent Ave including the roundabout in 2021 and allowing the connection to Wellesley Ave to be open to the traffic earlier than scheduled.

After some discussion over the total number of change orders city manager John Hohman clarified that not all change order requests get approved without being warranted, properly justification and documentations.

Change order was approved unanimously.

Appleway Trail Parklets The Appleway Trail was formed in June of 2012 with the execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Spokane Valley and Spokane County allowing Spokane Valley to build a multi-use trail along the former Milwaukee Rail Right-ofWay which would continue to be owned by Spokane County.

During the planning portion of the project the city often discussed the potential economic development benefits of the project and it was oftentimes envisioned that businesses adjacent to the Trail would be able to create amenities that accessed directly onto the Trail.

According to City Attorney Cary Driskell, the city has been contacted by several businesses potentially interested in taking advantage of their proximity to the Trail. After analysis, city and county staff are proposing amendments to the interlocal agreement that would

APRIL 2022 • 9

allow for these types of activities to occur.

In general the changes include, an update of the definitions to refer to the trail as the Appleway Trail and the reach of the agreement to cover the entire length of the trail; the establishments of a license agreements for third-party users, clarification that the City would be responsible for payment of all assessments on the property such as stormwater charges, which the city had not paid each year.

Councilmember Padden, expressed her dismay in the interlocal agreements language that if or when the county disturbs the trail or amenities that they wouldn’t have to repair or restore them.

After a number of councilmembers expressing their desire to have the city be the owner of the property.

Council approved the update of the Appleway Trail interlocal agreement with Councilmember Padden objecting.

Upcoming Council Meetings April 5th – The City Council decided to cancel the meeting due to many of the members not being available.

April 12th – Action is expected on a potential donation from Avista in relation to the Pines road Grade Separation project and on a potential amendment to the Law Enforcement Interlocal Agreement.

April 19th – is a study session which will hear from Fire Chief Frank Soto about Fire Department Response Statistics, Pavement Preservation Program, Parking on Private Property, and ARPA allocations.

April 26th – is a focusing on recapping the state legislative session and thanking our state legislators.

10

• APRIL 2022

COVER STORY

The Current

Spokane Indians Baseball will retake the field amid questions a Northwest League team. “We mowers and other equipment on of long term future actually moved up two levels in it before that time, Duff said. “We

By Nina Culver Current contributor The Spokane Indians baseball team is back on the field for a full season for the first time in two years, though there’s a twist. The team is now playing a long season, which starts in mid-April instead of the traditional June.

Team president Chris Duff sat inside Avista Stadium on a recent sunny day as staff members worked to ready the field and stands for opening day, which is now set for April 8. “We’ll take this weather on opening day,” Duff said.

The longer season means that there will now be 66 home games instead of 38, with a total of 132 games in the season instead of 76.

Though single game tickets remain about the same price as before, the price of season tickets has gone up, Duff said. However, fans have the option of purchasing a partial season ticket which includes only some of the games in order to provide a

cheaper option.

That’s not the only change. The Spokane Indians are now directly affiliated with Major League Baseball. It used to be that the team was a member of the Northwest League, which was affiliated with Minor League Baseball, which was affiliated with Major League Baseball. But last year Major League Baseball did a major reorganization, making minor league teams direct affiliates. “The middle people were removed,” Duff said.

Major League Baseball also eliminated the short seasons the Spokane Indians used to play and instead of 160 minor league teams, there’s now only 120. “It’s exciting that Spokane made the cut,” Duff said. “It’s a great opportunity for the community.”

The team had been affiliated with the Texas Rangers for 18 years, but with all the changes it is now affiliated with the Colorado Rockies.

It is now a High-A team instead of

baseball,” Duff said. “It’s two years more maturity in the players. The players are bigger, stronger and faster.”

The Spokane Indians didn’t play at all during 2020 because of the pandemic and had a shortened season last year, in addition to spacing requirements for fans. This year will be the first normal year in partnership with Major League Baseball, Duff said. “We’re still working our way through it, to be honest,” he said.

As part of the new relationship, MLB presented the team with a list of millions of dollars in improvements it expects to be made at the 60-yearold Avista Stadium between now and 2025. Some of those changes have already begun. The team improved the drainage of the ball field in order to allow play earlier in the season, when the ground is typically wet with spring rain.

Usually the field was “squishy” until May and could not support

went down a few inches,” he said.

“We added materials that make it more firm.”

New sod was laid down last fall and the field grass was already a vibrant green by mid-March. “We relied on our ground crew and the experts we hired,” he said.

Some of the buildings used by the team were weatherized to include more insulation and heaters so that the water can be turned on earlier in the year. Previously, water wasn’t turned on until the end of April or May in order to avoid frozen pipes.

“We aren’t typically fired up this time of year,” he said.

Other requirements from MLB include a larger clubhouse, a renovated field, larger dugouts, better field lighting, a new commissary to serve catered meals to players, an on-site workout facility, more and larger batting cages and facilities for female coaches and umpires.

The Current

“They’re putting emphasis on player development,” Duff said.

The changes are expected to cost an estimated $17 million dollars.

Some new buildings will have to be added and some current ones can be renovated and expanded, Duff said. The team would also like to add another $7 million in fan amenities, including renovations to the bathrooms and concession areas.

“We also want to make sure our community is receiving something as well,” he said.

What is yet to be determined is how to pay for it all. Avista Stadium is at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, which are both owned

by Spokane County. The team has been in discussions with the County about how to pay for the improvements, Duff said. “I think we’re truly in the brainstorming phase,” he said.

There area a few options, said Spokane County CEO Scott Simmons. Those options include the county asking voters to pay for some of the improvements through a construction bond or a levy lid lift on the August ballot. The decision on whether or not to put something on the ballot would have to be made by the county commissioners by May 12. “Neither of those decisions have been made at this time,” Simmons

COVER STORY

said.

If a construction bond is put on the ballot, the county is trying to decide if it would like to add some other park improvement projects as well, Simmons said. While doing that would possibility increase the appeal of the bond measure, it would also make the bond more expensive.

Team representatives had a discussion with the county commissioners about the upcoming projects in a public meeting earlier this year. “That was the first time they were coming to us,” said commissioner Mary Kuney. “They weren’t coming to us for a decision.

These are all just preliminary discussions.”

Photo by Nina Culver Chris Duff President of the Spokane Indians on the newly rennovated field at Avista Stadium which underwent major reconstruction last year to improve drainage.

APRIL 2022 • 11

Kuney said the improvements requested by MLB make sense, particularly the requirement for facilities for women. “If there’s a female umpire they have to have their own space and we don’t have that,” she said. “That’s what Major League Baseball is trying to do is be thoughtful and plan for that.”

Duff said the team can provide money up front, increase their annual lease payments or do some combination of the two in order to pay for some of the improvements.

“We’re happy to contribute up-front capital costs if that’s what helps the county,” Duff said. “We know what we need to do, but we’re still brainstorming how to get it done.”

Despite everything that has to be worked through, Duff said he and his staff are happy to have a normal season where they can focus on selling out the house instead of carefully spacing groups apart.

“We’re really excited,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming. We’re going to sell as many tickets as we want to, which is great.”

The focus is once again on providing a fun experience for fans, which includes popular special events including fireworks nights and $2 hot dog nights. The mascots will take the field to entertain and amuse in between innings. “We’re excited to have fans back,” Duff said. “It’s why we do what we do.”

The full schedule of games and ticket information is available at www.milb.com/spokane.

12

COMMUNITY

• APRIL 2022

COMMUNITY EVENTS April 1-3 | 45th Annual Custer’s Spring Arts & Crafts Show – Spokane County Fair & Expo Center.

Features 300 professional artists and crafters from across the northwest displaying and selling their Fine Art, Hand Crafts and Specialty Foods.

Admission is $8 per day, per adult.

Parking is free. www.custershows. com April 8-9 | In-Store Easter Egg Hunt– Simply Northwest. Search our retail shop for the Easter Eggs that have been hidden by the Simply Northwest Easter Bunny. Each egg contains a secret gift for you to enjoy!

Prizes for both children and adults.

Limit one egg per customer.

April 9 | Easter Egg Hunt & Petting Zoo – 2 p.m., Spokane Club Valley 5900 E 4th Ave. Member event, guests welcome! Reservations may be made at spokaneclub.org. The petting zoo is back! Bring the whole family to spend time with the animals, enjoy some treats, and hunt for eggs! We will have egg hunts for children ages 1-12. $15 per child, $5 per adult.

April 9 | Second Saturday Seed Swap – 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., 7413 E Trent Ave. Join us for a FREE seed swap!

Attendees should bring seeds of the choice and then swap it with another attendee. You’re sure to find some super amazing plants that you’ve never seen before! We will have tons of seeds in the store if you don’t have any to bring. We are offering a 15% discount on ANY plant in the store for all attendees of the event. Hope to see you there!

April 9 | Kindred Spirits 6th Annual Spaghetti Feed - 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Spokane Valley Eagles Aerie 3433, 16801 E Sprague, Spokane Valley. It’s time for our Annual Spaghetti Feed. All proceeds will benefit diabetic camp sponsorship.

Let’s get as many kids to camp as possible! Food, Silent Auction, and Games. Come have fun and support this wonderful cause! Donations gladly accepted. $10 per plate, ages 5 and under free.

Apr 15 | Good Friday Service – 7 a.m., Valley Assembly of God, 15618 E Broadway Ave, Spokane Valley, WA. Come join to worship and learn of Jesus’s journey. For more info, call 509-924-0466 or go to http://www. valleyassembly.org/ April 15-16 | Bake Sale – 10 a.m.

– 4 a.m., 16801 E Sprague. Annual Spring Bake Sale to support Spokane Valley Eagles Aerie 3433. Raffle Baskets too!

April 16 | Life River Fellowship Easter Party – 2 a.m. – 3:30 a.m., 2810 N Park Rd. Easter Egg hunts for all ages 0-12 with designated areas for different ages. There will be games the whole family can play. And Easter Gifts to take home.

Apr 17 | Hope Alive! Easter at Valley – 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m., Valley Assembly of God, 15618 E Broadway Ave, Spokane Valley, WA. For more info, call 509-924-0466 or go to http://www.valleyassembly.org/ April 23 | Heroes Silkies Walk 5k – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E Mirabeau Pkwy, Spokane Valley, WA. Join us as we embark on the Centennial Trail to the Spokane Valley Vet Center!

Register online and grab a pair of Signature Heroes Silkies! Register early to get a free shirt! Limited edition Heroes Silkies also available when you register online. Cost is $0$25. HeroesHomestead.org April 29, April 30 | 2022 Homeschool Conference hosted by CFHE – Friday 1:30 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.

– 1 p.m., Valley Assembly of God, 15618 E Broadway, Spokane Valley, WA. The purpose of this event is for you to be encouraged in your homeschool journey by gathering with other Christian families and to hear dynamic speakers. They will address a variety of topics that will appeal to the whole family! More info here http://www.cfhe.net/ annual-homeschool-conference1. html

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.

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 community-based service organization. For more, call 2262202.

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 2913722.

RECURRING

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.

ACT 2 Senior Classes | Affordable classes offered by Community

Spokane Valley Eagles | 16801 E. Sprague Ave. Breakfast served

The Current

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 | New distribution/service hours!

No appointment needed, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 10814 E. Broadway Ave. Address verification required. For more info, call 927-1153 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Wednesday Food Pantry | Open to everyone! Wednesday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. 15618 E. Broadway Ave. For more info, call 509-924-0466 or go to http://www.valleyassembly.org/ MUSIC & THE ARTS Mar 27 – Sept 1 | Dreamworks Animation: Journey from Sketch to Screen Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane. From the makers of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Trolls, comes an extraordinary exhibition celebrating over 25 years of DreamWorks Animation. Featuring over 350 items including rare and never-seen-before concept drawings, original artifacts, interactives, film clips, and more! Tickets are $20.00 For more, visit northwestmuseum. org.

April 9 | Maria Schneider with the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble. Various times. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane.

7-time Grammy winning composer, conductor, and band leader Maria Schneider - with the awardwinning Whitworth University Jazz Ensemble directed by Dan Keberle, perform Schneider’s latest music for jazz ensemble, conducted by Ms. Schneider. Tickets start at $15 available at foxtheaterspokane.org

RECURRING Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road.

The Current

Four-part, a cappella harmony, men’s barbershop chorus. More at pagesofharmony.org.

Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:30 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 509-866-6354.

Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops. More at 509-951-1446 or www.sv-cc.org Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings at 6:30 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.

HEALTH & RECREATION April 9-10| Inland NW Klassic Volleyball Tournament – 8 a.m.

– 6:30 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

Our mission is two fold. We look to provide our region with a large multi-site tournament that is well run and that we hope will provide a great late season experience for players in Washington, Idaho and Montana. The second part of our mission is to raise money to for grants and scholarships that support Evergreen Region players and clubs..

For more, contact Mark Springer at inkvolleyball@gmail.com April 12 | INSHRM Panel Discussion: Mental Health. 11 a.m.

– 1 p.m. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N Discovery Pl, Spokane Valley. How do we help employees in their time of need in a meaningful way instead of just sending one more email reminding them about depression hotlines? Join INSHRM for an in-person conversation with

COMMUNITY

a panel of speakers that are on the frontline of the issue, sharing their perspective on the challenges and solutions to an impossible problem costing us countless dollars and lives every year. Featured speakers include; Katy Bruya, Tamra Sheehan, and Julia Heath. Registration: http://inshrm.org/meetinginfo. php?id=52&ts=1646707521

RECURRING Al-Anon Meetings | Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. No meetings on holiday Mondays. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon family groups can help. For more, call 425344-9280.

Al-Anon Family Meetings | Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m.,708 N. Pines, Spokane Valley. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon/Alateen family groups can help. For more, call 509456-2125.

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 509-893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

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 509-892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com.

Family and Friends of Addicts| 6 p.m. Wednesdays, The ONE Church, 15601 E. 24th Ave., Spokane Valley. Support group utilizing tools and principles to help navigate relationships with addicts and finding peace, strength and hope.

For more, call 509-590-2422.

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 294-1664 or Jere at 509-710-3354.

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 509-9261545.

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; 9:30am to 11:30am Tuesday and Thursday; 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. $3/seniors, $5/nonseniors.

• Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Fit for YOUR Life.

See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.

Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11:30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. For more, call Steve at 509-893-4746.

Mindful Music & Movement | 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. Wednesdays, Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102-103, Otis Orchards.

All are welcome to this session specifically designed for adults living with chronic health issues.

Session addresses physical function, vocal wellness and strength, selfexpression, breath work, movement, and increase of mood through music experiences, as facilitated by boardcertified music therapist, Carla Carnegie. $10 per person. For more, email carla.carnegie@gmail.com or call 509-592-7875.

Weekly Dance Lessons | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, The Rock Bar and Lounge, 13921 E Trent Ave., Spokane Valley. Come learn something new! Get outside your comfort zone! Weekly drop-in lessons. 6:30 Line Dance or Beginner American Swing. 7:30 Intermediate American Swing. $5 per person, $15 date night special for couples taking both beginner and intermediate lessons.

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. CIVIC &

BUSINESS

APRIL 2022 • 13

April 22 | 2022 Valley Chamber Business Awards – 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center, 1100 N Sullivan, Spokane Valley. The award categories will recognize organizations (businesses & nonprofits) that excel in business innovation, create inspiring workplaces and lead through community stewardship. Tickets: $75 per person. For more or to register, visit spokanevalleychamber.org. .

RECURRING Central Valley School Board | 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 19307 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley East Valley School Board | 6:00 pm April 12 and April 26 at the Administration Office located at 3830 N. Sullivan Rd., Building 1.

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 via Zoom, For more information contact: President Mike Frucci, 509-927-2342, frucci101@ comcast.net. More at Spokanevalley.kiwanisone.org Greater Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at svrotary.org.

West Valley School Board | 6:30pm April 27 st the District Conference Center is located at 8818 E. Grace, Spokane, WA 99212.

Submit items for The Current Community Calendar by the 15th of the previous month by emailing editor@valleycurrent.com. Priority is given to noncommercial local events open to the public.

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• APRIL 2022

Hutton Students learn through creation

BUSINESS

By Ashley Humbird Current contributor

Here in the United States, we can thank the Boston Tea Party for starting us on the path of coffee appreciation. Making the switch from tea to coffee was seen as a form of patriotic duty. And here in Spokane the love of roasting beans and savoring the floral notes of an espresso has come to fruition for two talented and determined West Valley High schoolers living at Hutton Settlement.

Hutton Settlement is the a 300 plus acre homestead that has been in the Valley for over 100 years. The Hutton Settlement campus sits on 20 beautiful acres where they produce their own fruits in an orchard, raise chickens, and grows their own vegetables. Hutton Settlement is a residential group home providing long term care for children of the ages between 5 and 18 with currently 28 children living in the multiple homes on the campus.

Children from all over the eastern part of Washington state can find a safe and welcoming haven when they have need.

The concept of a coffee stand on the grounds of Hutton Settlement was first conceived by Parker

Photo by Ashley Humbird HOPE or Hutton Opportunities for Professional Exploration was established in 2021 with everything from logo development to coffee roasting and blends developed by students.

Ritzma, an 18-year-old resident of Hutton Settlement and senior at West Valley, during the COVID pandemic. He started with a small loan from his house parents to purchase a used espresso machine on eBay for $200.

“There are so many opportunities to learn and grow with it,” says Parker. After a short amount of time, an idea bloomed between him and David Milliken, the activities director at Hutton Settlement. To

Photo by Ashley Humbird Parker Ritzman (left) and Roxy (right) have learned how to perfect the art of coffee roasting on their Deidrich bean roaster.

cut out the middle man and begin roasting their own coffee beans and taking it to the neighborhood.

Coffee roasting is a serious business. It takes on average just 1215 minutes for that prefect roast. Go too much over 15 mins and you’ll get that a burnt bean that will taste bitter and slightly acidic. Roast beans for less than 12 minutes and the full depth of flavors will not develop. Knowing that the roasting machine was key to the operation, they sourced the best model on the market, a Deidrich Roaster. Which just so happens to be made in Ponderay, Idaho.

Once they knew they had a roaster, the next step was to revamp the building they’d be using for their roasting house. A simple one roomed building that had started its life back in 1919 as the fruit dryer, it was being repurposed and given a second life with fresh coats of paint and modern furnishings. Perfect accommodations for the white and stainless steel Diedrich roaster.

With that, HOPE Neighborhood Roasters was brought to life.

HOPE is an acronym for Hutton Opportunities for Professional Exploration. Having joined Parked in the beginning, Roxy ‘the campus coffee addict’, a 17-year-old Hutton Settlement resident and junior at West Valley, has been a vital partner in every step from planning to

The Current

development. Both Parker and Roxy are involved in every step of Hope Roasters.

“I was all onboard. I definitely have learned a lot.” Roxy explains about the beginning. “I didn’t know that there was anything to really learn about coffee. I didn’t know there was a science and specific math behind it roasting.”

They are committed to creating an exceptional product. The coffee guru, as they refer to the owner and creator of the Deidrich bean roaster, frequently stops by to continue training them in perfecting their craft. They hold what is known as ‘cupping’ sessions, which is where different beans are roasted at different temperatures and times, then ground, and made into espresso. They gather around a tall, long sleek stainless-steel bar and taste the espresso and take notes on the flavors each different cup presents. This is the process for creating coffee blends. Beans from different countries mixed to create a new flavor profile.

In the summer you will be able to find their stand at the Millwood and Spokane Valley Farmers market.

And are currently having their coffee served at Queen of Sheba.

They offer coffee subscriptions, where the coffee will be delivered either weekly or every other week.

The Hope Roasters project achieves three proposes within Hutton’s learning framework: • Career & Technical Education (CTE) for Hutton Settlement youth (retail and marketing, supply chain management, business entrepreneurship) with educational credit opportunities.

• Global awareness through country-of-origin studies and cultural communication with coffee farmers worldwide within the Café Femenino Cooperatives.

• Sustainable funding provided for all Hutton education programs.

The coffee beans, or grounds, are packaged with care into 13 oz. bags

by Parker, Roxy, and her younger sister after cooling the beans in containers for 24 hours. On the back of each bag, it tells you the name of the bean roaster, the date it was roasted, and the origin/blend of the bean inside.

“Now that I know what good coffee tastes like,” Roxy, the ‘campus coffee addict’ jokes, “I’m never going back!”

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• APRIL 2022 S P O K A N E

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BioBlitz 2022 APRIL 17–23 Celebrate the Earth with a week of fun-filled, nature-based programs & activities for all ages.

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www.scld.org

APRIL 2022 • 17

The Current

Trustworthiness

By Michael Dunn

Superintendent, NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101 The words of Indira Gandhi ring often, and loudly, in my ears: “You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.”

Amidst a time during which so much of what we may have once thought normal or predictable has been disrupted, and in which forces of division seem at work to pry us apart rather than bring us together, I ponder how many fists are reactively clenched.

For years, I have read and strived to follow the wisdom of Stephen Covey who directly stated, “If you want to be trusted, be trustworthy.”

Can I – or anyone – trust, be trusted, and be perceived as trustworthy with hands – or heart or mind – closed?

For me, the answer is no. And I want to trust, to be trusted, and to be trustworthy. I think most with whom I share the planet want the same.

So, where to begin? With myself.

With my palm open. With what I say; perhaps more importantly with what I do – my actions and behavior.

And with an understanding that what I see, what I hear, depends on where and how and what I look and listen for. Fist unclenched; eyes and ears open; neither heart nor mind closed.

I must give due heed to more of Covey’s wisdom: “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most important ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”

I need to embrace the reality that it begins with the reflection in my own mirror. Raised by good parents, I was taught that it is always and ever important to treat others with decency, dignity and respect. As parents, my spouse and I stressed the same importance with our (now grown) children.

Conceptually, this is easy. In practice, however, it requires constant awareness that such commitments are due all, not only those we know and care about or with whom we philosophically agree. Espousing I believe this is insufficient; it necessitates that I assure my words and actions match the belief.

I need to trust that others are

positively intended, and earn their trust that I am. If I fall short, or others do, acknowledging and correcting my shortcomings is not dependent on forces or circumstances over which I have little control; it falls on me.

On the choices I make to speak, act, treat others and live in a trustworthy way. Trustworthiness cannot be – should not be – conditional on the presence, or lack thereof, of this quality in anyone else.

I may not agree with someone. I may feel mistreated, misunderstood, or not respected by another. But I still and always am held to my own trustworthiness; to a fundamental commitment that I want to be trusted to speak and act honestly and respectfully, and to an assurance that I accord decency and dignity to others…regardless of whether that

is returned.

Life has been disrupted in various ways. Divisions, sometimes even meanness, are sown. Yet, trust and trustworthiness mean my fist must remain unclenched; my eyes, ears, mind and heart always kept open.

And before anyone else can or will see that, I must answer to the eyes looking back in my own mirror.

Michael Dunn, a 43-year education veteran, became superintendent of NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101 in 2008. Previously he worked as a teacher and administrator in districts of diverse size and setting. Dunn started his career as a high school social studies teacher in the rural Ritzville School District and later served as a high school principal in the Spokane (Shadle Park) and Mead (Mt. Spokane) districts.

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• APRIL 2022

The Current

APRIL 2022 • 19

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Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Madison Carr has soared like an Eagle in four years at West Valley High School. The senior maintains a 3.71 grade point average and is secretary of the WV chapter of National Honor Society, helping to coordinate service projects with nonprofits like Millwood Impact and a new volunteer collaboration with Spokane Country Regional Animal Protection Services (SCRAPS). She is also part of the Leadership program and Yearbook staff. Carr is a four-year letter winner in soccer and was named to the All Greater Spokane League first team this season. In basketball, she earned three varsity letters and was All GSL second team this year. In track, Carr was a district champion in the shotput and 4 x 200 relay last season.

She also competes in discus and the hammer throw. She will continue her track career at Central Washington University.

There has been no grey area to the start for Caleb Gray this baseball season. The senior at West Valley High is hitting .600 with two doubles, a triple and a home run for the Eagles. In an 11-1 over Lakeside, Gray was named MaxPreps Player of the Game after going two-for-three with a single and grand slam. He serves as team captain.

Last season, Gray hit .500 with nine doubles and two home runs, earning first team All Greater Spokane League honors. Generally a corner infielder, Gray also catches and is the closer for the Eagles. In the summer, Gray is part of the Crew Athletics club team. In the classroom, Gray maintains a 3.3 grade point average. He is also a volunteer at Valley Real Life Church. Gray will continue his baseball career at Yakima Valley Community College.

In April 2006, the Spokane County Commissioners appointed Ozzie Knezovich as sheriff. The Wyoming native has been the face of area law enforcement ever since. Knezovich is winding down his final term as county sheriff this year after earning 86 percent of the vote in the 2018 general election. In 2020, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored Knezovich with a National Distinguished Citizen Award for 30 years of public service. He served as a U.S. Army airborne medical specialist and combat medic before beginning his law enforcement career as town marshal in Superior, Wyoming in 1990.

Knezovich graduated from Weber State College with an integrated studies bachelor’s degree in 1985. He joined the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office in 1996 as a deputy. He is a past president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

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• APRIL 2022

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About and for Spokane Valley area seniors

Over the Hill Gang back together

By Ashley Humbird Current Contributor

In a world where virtual friendships have become the norm, a group of over one hundred members stands out as being hardy to the changing of the times. The Over the Hill Gang whose members frequent the Liberty Lake Golf Course and MeadowWood Golf Course every Monday to share in fellowship and sportsmanship.

It’s a bright March afternoon and after playing a game of golf, a group of distinguished gentlemen sit around a cast iron table. They sip their beverages of choice and ponder their day in the sun while sitting on the Liberty Lakes Golf Courses’ Clubhouse patio. To an outsider, they would seem like any other group of friends. But to the regulars who play at Liberty Lake

Golf Course they are more; the matching beige hats they wear gives them away. Bold black print. Simple font. Over the Hill Gang.

Sitting around that table are: Gary McInturff, who is in his first year serving as president after serving two years as Vice President; Ken Hamm serving in his tenth year as the group’s Treasurer; Joe Hauser, the gang’s Chairman; and Phil Hanson, an Over the Hill Gang member. They have finished up their four-player game. The group celebrated their 40th year anniversary last year and are gearing up for the first official day of the 2022 season starting April 4th. Part of the membership fee goes to the kickoff lunch they will host the weekend before to help build anticipation and excitement for the upcoming season. It’s a time to come together after the long winter where some of their members travel to warmer climates and have made the journey back to the greater Spokane area.

Members come from all over the Inland Northwest. From Cheney to

the south, Mead to the North, Five Mile to the West, and CDA to the East; are all welcome to be a part of the comradery and enjoyment.

A group formed in 1981 by Max Gray for people who wanted to have fun and have a reserved block of set time at the Liberty Lake Golf Course, during which they evolved into a formal organized non-profit.

They keep the dues low. A yearly membership fee of $55.00 grants your entry into this gang, With age being the only requirement Members must be at least 60 years of age, or turning 60 in their year of play. The gang had a peak of 131 members pre-COVID, but as with many other institutions, the gang has since had their membership dip, they are currently sitting at 115 members.

One perk of being an Over the Hill Gang member is establishing your handicap and having assistance from Steve Christianson, who is the reigning handicap chair and ‘is the man to become best friends with.’

A handicap in golf is a way to ‘level

Photo by Ashley Humbird From left: Steve Christianson-Handicap Chair, Ken Hamm-Treasurer, Joe Hauser- Games Chairman, Phil HansonMember, and Gary McInturff-President

the playing field’ based on a player’s ability and scores from the previously played games. At the mention of sandbagging, a term for a player who played badly on purpose to achieve a higher handicap score, the Over the Hill Gang members react as one: no’s are heard around the table. The gang takes sportsmanship seriously and holds their members to a high standard of integrity, The gang looks onto the course as a group of about 15 younger golfers step onto a mound near a sand trap.

“Part of our dues are donated to the pro shop here at the Liberty Lake Golf Course,” Ken explains. “We donated between $300-$500 dollars each year to the Youth Golf Program.

It allows them to buy balls, pay teetimes and more. I bet some of those young people were in the program.”

Phil investigates and reports that they are part of a golf team at a local school and that 8 students were in the Youth Golf program. The students attend Central Valley High school and are on the golf team. The team name ‘Bears’ stands out on the baby blue of their golf bags.

The community involvement of just one group touches the lives of all ages. They believe in teaching the younger generation to respect, appreciate, and love the game that they themselves hold in such high regard.

Gary, the President, works closely with the managers at both of the Spokane County owned and operated golf courses in Liberty Lake to set a schedule for when the gang will be on their courses. In addition to playing golf, they mix it up some weeks by playing different golf games to grow and build on their skills. With the start of Spring, you can be sure you find seventyplus members of the Over the Hill Gang each Monday on one of the two Liberty Lake courses enjoying the centuries old game where the rules are simple: Play the ball as it lies, play everything into the hole, and play the game as it was intended to be played when first conceived by the Royal and Ancients from the Scottish ancestry of the grand old game.

APRIL 2022 • 21

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• APRIL 2022

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U.S. Kids Golf Tour expands game for youth, families

By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor

As the longtime PGA director of golf at MeadowWood Golf Course in Liberty Lake, Bob Scott has seen the trends of youth golf ebb and flow over the years.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott noticed “real push for junior golf” as other sports shut down or were restricted for safety reasons.

“There’s definitely been a resurgence,” Scott said.

This spring, Scott will welcome the return of a program that will bring more opportunities for kids to play the game competitively while including their families in the process.

An Inland Northwest chapter of the U.S. Kids Golf Tour will open its spring season at MeadowWood on April 2 after a hiatus of over five years. The tour is open to kids 5-18 and will feature two seasons – spring, from April through May and fall, from August through October.

“I think it’s a great program,” said Scott. “U.S. Kids Tour is a place where a lot of kids can get into the game and families can too.”

Liberty Lake residents Aaron Asmus and Ryan Haggerty have led the charge to bring the tour back to Eastern Washington after the family that ran the program moved out of the area. Asmus said the goal is to offer more opportunities for competitive play beyond the short summer season that has traditionally been offered.

“This is about the next generation of golf and bringing more kids to the game,” Asmus said. “This is going to give kids on this side of the state opportunities that kids on the west side of the state have already.”

Asmus and Haggerty each have two kids that will be playing on the tour. Scott gave credit to both golf dads for getting the program back on track.

“Before Aaron and Ryan, it just didn’t seem like it was taking off,” Scott said. “I think their enthusiasm and just reaching out to so many people has had a positive ripple effect.”

Haggerty said the response to the tour has been encouraging.

In addition to MeadowWood, the spring tour will include the Liberty Lake Golf Course, Stoneridge, just north of Rathdrum and Prairie Falls in Post Falls among others. The season will culminate with a tour championship at the Palouse Ridge Golf Course in Pullman.

“People we’ve talked to have been really responsive,” Haggerty said.

Haggerty has also approached courses in places like Yakima and the Tri-Cities which traditionally feature warmer weather in the fall, which could mean extending that season into November.

As news of the Inland Northwest tour has spread, youth from outside the Spokane area, including California, Montana and Oregon, have signed up.

“The Seattle tour is tough to get into, so we’re seeing more interest in what we’re doing here,” Haggerty said. “We don’t want this to just be a Spokane tour just for Spokane kids.”

Asmus is quick to point out that the tour is “not a direct competitor” to the Washington Junior Golf Association or Idaho Junior Golf Association, two programs known for their summer seasons.

Asmus and Haggerty say one

Photo by Tami Haggerty After a hiatus of over five years, the U.S. Kids Golf Tour returns to the Inland Northwest this spring with a debut tournament at MeadowWood Golf Course in Liberty Lake on April 2. Golf dads Aaron Asmus and Ryan Haggerty, both Liberty Lake residents, have been the catalysts in bring the tour back to the area.

unique aspect of the tour is the inclusion of families. Parents can caddie for their kids and offer advice and support throughout the rigors of a tournament.

“It’s about creating lifelong memories beyond just a kid out there on their own,” Asmus said.

“Even if it’s just encouragement, a parent saying, ‘I’m here for you, I’m here to help.’ It really levels the playing experience for the kids so it’s not so daunting.”

The family caddie option does come with a caveat, Asmus noted.

“It’s great as long as your kid doesn’t fire you,” he said.

Tee markers for each tournament are based on ages of competitors.

Kids 6-8, for example would play a par-4 averaging between 150 to 175 yards while 9-11-year-olds would ramp up to 250-275 yards for a par4.

The sign-ups for spring season have totaled an average of around 18 kids per tournament. Cost per membership is $40 with the price per tournament $45 for 6-10-yearolds and $55 for 11-18.

Asmus said kids on the tour should have “some foundational understanding of how to play golf” while pointing out that the program will offer a variety of opportunities for those who participate.

“The goal is to have a balance,” Asmus said. “You could have kids who are there trying to qualify for regional, national or international tournaments and others who are just playing with their friends and developing with the game.”

The tour is under the umbrella of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation, an organization established in 2001 with a mission to “help kids have fun learning the lifelong game of golf and to encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories.”

“Golf is a lifelong sport,” Scott said. “It’s a family sport.”

For more information about the local chapter of the U.S. Kids Golf Tour, email uskgspokane@gmail. com.

APRIL 2022 • 23

The Current

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The Current

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approximately 7:05 p.m., March 14 in at the Manorvale Apartments in the east 10100 block of Main Avenue, in Spokane Valley.

A neighbor saw flames through the window and called 911. The initial responding units saw smoke coming from a single upstairs apartment.

VE2 attacked the fire with a preconnected hose line while other crews evacuated adjoining units.

The fire unit was searched, and a dog was found inside. The dog was taken outside, but resuscitation efforts failed. Two adults and a child live in the apartment, but they were not home at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire was determined to be a pot left on the stove. The fire damage was limited to the apartment of origin, but the apartment below suffered water damage. Red Cross assisted the family.

A total of 12 fire units responded to the call including automatic aid units from the City of Spokane Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8. No injuries were reported..

Significant Incidents: Vehicle Fire – Feb. 15, 12:42 p.m.

– Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews from Valley Ladder 10 (VL10), Valley Engine 7 (VE7), and Valley Engine 6 (VE6) responded to an incident involving a vehicle fire near Sprague and Evergreen.

Crews arrived on scene to find a partially involved motorhome with fire coming from the front compartment and the area of the engine. Valley 22 (V22) was already on scene. The Sherriff’s Office was also on scene and controlling traffic to the area. VE6 pulled a bumper line for fire control and overhaul.

A quick knock down of the main body of fire was performed from street level. A hose line was then brought inside the motorhome. The inside was overhauled and checked for extension throughout. Once fully extinguished, temperatures throughout the motorhome were checked with the TIC with minimal temperatures noted. The motorhome was then turned over to the owner and for towing.

Alarm System – Feb. 28, 2:12 p.m.

- Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) VE3 was dispatched for the report of an alarm sounding

for water flow. Valley Ladder 10 (VL10) arrived and was cancelled by Valley Engine 3 (VE3). VE3 arrived to find a medium 2-story commercial structure with a basement and nothing showing. VE3 made access to the building, found the alarm panel, investigated, and found the alarm to be functioning properly and not in alarm. VE3 contacted the maintenance person who stated they were not having problems at the property. Crews reset the alarms with no problems being found or observed. VE3 cancelled VL10. No further assistance needed from VE3.

Crews returned in service Chimney Fire – Mar. 3, 10:17 p.m.

– Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Valley Engine 4 (VE4) crews responded to a report of a chimney fire. VE4 crews arrived to find a 2-story small residential with light smoke noted from the chimney.

VE4 laddered the roof and assisted the homeowner with removing the flashing around the chimney to find smoke venting from cracks in the chimney and a notch for the flashing.

Charred roof decking was noted and VE4 removed approximately 3-4" of materials from around the chimney. Homeowner removed burning materials from his fireplace and was advised to not burn in the fireplace until it can be inspected.

No extension was noted into the attic space. The homeowner said he would continue to check on the chimney overnight and seek professional help during business hours.

Extrication – Mar. 7, 6:06 a.m. – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a vehicle vs a semi-truck. Crews arrived to find a multi-vehicle collision on eastbound I90 near the Otis Orchards and Liberty Lake exit requiring extrication. One patient was trapped inside the front driver side of the vehicle. Valley Engine 3 (VE3) and Valley Ladder 10 (VL10) crews were assigned to extrication and patient care. Valley 31 (V31) arrived and was assigned safety of the extrication. Valley Engine 5 (VE5) taped off the area to create a safe zone for crews to work and for the bystanders near the scene. Valley Engine 4 (VE4) crews provided stabilization of the semi-trailer. Life Flight was inbound, so crews set up a landing zone for them to land just east of the incident. Once the patient was safely extricated and transported, crews assisted with cleanup of the area.

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LIBRARY

APRIL 2022 • 25

Libraries accept food donations to help eradicate food insecurity with Spokane Valley Spokane County doesn’t get enough addition, we removed barriers to service Partners to eat to live a healthy life, and for including geographic and information

by Erin Dodge

children, the statistic is even grimmer.

The projected increase in childhood food insecurity is 27 percent over prepandemic levels. Food insecurity rates are highest for single-mother households and households with incomes below the poverty line. In 2020, 35.3 percent of households with incomes below the federal poverty line were food insecure.

Food insecurity can amount to reduced quality and variety of food as well as one or more household members reducing intake because of poverty or lacking resources. There is no single face of food insecurity. It impacts school children, parents who skip meals to ensure their kids get enough to eat, as well as the elderly on low fixed incomes.

Erin: What changes in the needs of the community have you seen during the pandemic?

Angie: Gratefully, Spokane Valley Partners has been poised to meet the changing demands of the community through the pandemic. Through city and county CARES grants, we were able to mobilize our services. In

requirements.

With school closures, we adapted how we served students who were learning remotely by delivering the food through the school bus system.

Partnerships with senior service agencies were strengthened so our most vulnerable neighbors were provided groceries to their homes.

During one month last year, we experienced an 821 percent increase in new families seeking help from our services compared to the same month the prior year. This outrageous increase grew in the midst of volunteer withdrawal. We have had to do more with less people and that required innovation. The current increased need for energy assistance is astonishing with over 57 percent more households needing assistance in 2022 compared to the same time in 2020. We have seen the needs grow from food to rental assistance to energy assistance.

To get help or give help, visit the Spokane Valley Partners website at SpokaneValleyPartners.org.

Library Giving Day donations to support Museum & Cultural Passes program

through Spokane County have written letters and posted on social media to thank Spokane County Library District for giving them an amazing family day out. Purchasing four, five, or six passes to a museum or symphony performance can be costly for many families. The Museum and Cultural Passes program provides opportunities for these experiences to our neighbors and fellow county residents, while removing the cost burden.

“Wonderful, life-changing experiences are made through our culture pass program, and we hope that this year’s Library Giving Day will help us continue that for library customers,” Nunemaker said.

Individuals, organizations, and businesses can donate for Library Giving Day at www.supportscld.org/ library-giving-day. All donations, of any size, are welcome.

The Library Foundation of Spokane County is a state-recognized nonprofit created to sustain and enhance the services, programs, and collections of Spokane County Library District.

Anyone with questions about the Foundation can contact Jill-Lynn Nunemaker by phone at 509.893.8238 or by email at foundation@scld.org.

Current Guest Contributor

Spokane County Library District is holding its food drive, Food for Fines, at all of the libraries in Spokane Valley, during National Library Week, April 3–9.

For every non-perishable item of food donated, $2 will be cleared from the library cardholder’s account for overdue fees, up to $20. And anyone can donate, even those without fees.

Donated food will be collected for local food banks, including Spokane Valley Partners.

I recently got a chance to ask Angie Kelleher, Director of Development and Communications, of Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank and Family Services, some questions about food insecurity and what changes the food bank has seen since the pandemic. Here’s what I learned.

Erin: What is food insecurity and who does it affect?

Angie: One in seven people in

by Erin Dodge

Current Guest Contributor

Library Giving Day offers library enthusiasts the chance to show their support for the programs and services provided by the library. This year it takes place on Wednesday, April 6.

For 2022, the Library Foundation of Spokane County is raising funds – aiming for $5,000 – for the Museum and Cultural Passes program and will be accepting donations received between March 25 and April 15 towards the campaign.

The Museum and Cultural Passes program offers library cardholders the opportunity to check out passes at no cost so they can explore culturally rich experiences with their family and friends.

The passes program was started

by Gwendolyn Haley, Librarian and Program Services Manager of Education and Enrichment at Spokane County Library District.

“The library provides a window into our cultural world through books, movies, and music. Expanding the access for our community to local cultural institutions like the museums and symphony was a logical next step,” Haley shared.

Since the start in 2018, hundreds of library customers have used the passes to experience hands-on science and technology found at the Mobius Discovery Center, local exhibits and nationally touring instillations at the Northwest Museum of Art and Culture, and moving and magical performances from the Spokane Symphony.

A wonderful story of culture and connection was shared by Jill-Lynn Nunemaker, Development Director: “We had a person—this is a true story—who wrote to tell us that they checked out a Spokane Symphony Pass and ended up meeting their romantic partner while at the concert!”

Nunemaker also noted that families

APRIL 6, 2022 (donations accepted March 28–April 15)

Help us raise $5,000 to fund & expand our Museum & Cultural Passes program: • Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture • Mobius Discovery Center • Spokane Symphony Your generosity keeps this program thriving!

Donations of any size are welcome. www.supportscld.org/ library-giving-day

www.scld.org

26

• APRIL 2022

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The Current

King gets candid on life experience in Spokane Valley

ON THAT NOTE

By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

Alveda King had never set foot in Eastern Washington before making a trip to the area last month for several well-received presentations.

In the opening remarks of a talk at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spokane Valley on March 6, King described the Inland Northwest as “absolutely marvelous” with its blue skies, towering trees and mountains.

The late winter temperatures, however, were an adjustment for the Atlanta native.

“I guess you would call this weather ‘crisp,’” she said. “I would call it ‘cold.’ I’m from Georgia.”

The niece of illustrious civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., King has made a name for herself as an activist, state legislator, teacher, commentator and author of eight books.

King told the assembled crowd at St. Mary’s that she learned about the importance of forgiveness from her uncle and her dad, A.D. King – younger brother of MLK and a respected civil rights leader himself – at an early age when her family faced persecution from racist mobs.

“The message was, ‘Don’t riot, don’t tear up your community, it’s better to go home and pray,” she said. “Those were the lessons I learned – forgiveness and love. God made all people to live together.

Either live together or perish as fools.”

King was only 17 when MLK was assassinated in 1968.

“At the time, I wanted to hate all white people for killing my uncle,” she said. “My dad told me, ‘You must learn to love and forgive.’ I learned that my race needs to get along with your race. It’s like Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors. God created all people and we could virtually be brothers and sisters.”

From 1979 to 1982, King served as a state representative in Georgia from the 28th District.

She later ran for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Photo by Craig Howard Alveda King, neice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke to several groups throughout Spokane and Spokane Valley.

“I've been a Democrat and I've been a Republican,” King said.

“I've even considered being an independent. Today, I'm just a Christian.”

The mother of six kids, King has her master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University and worked as college professor for 19 years. She became a born-again Christian after a fellow professor reintroduced her to the gospel.

“It was like a light went off,” King said. “Other things that had seemed important didn’t seem important anymore.”

An avid pro-life activist, King serves as pastoral associate of Civil Rights for the Unborn and director of African American outreach for Priests for Life.

“If life ends when the heart stops beating, it should begin when it

starts beating,” King said. “When you hear the phrase, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal’ – that should apply to the womb.”

King shared the story of her parents who found out they were pregnant with her and an abortion was considered.

“My granddad talked to my parents and said, ‘That’s a little

APRIL 2022 • 27

girl,’” King said. “Children are a gift from God.” When abortion has occurred, King said there are healing resources available for women such as Rachel’s Vineyard which came as a welcome support for her in the early 1970s after her own experience.

“I was told my baby was a lump of tissue who couldn’t feel,” King said. “We know that babies can feel.

People need to know what abortion is and what it looks like.”

King speaks out on the disparity of abortions among black women that is at a rate five times higher than white women (“Abortion and Women of Color: The Bigger Picture”) In a group statement from a document called “The Equality Proclamation,” King was among activists in September 2020 who claimed that tactics and locations of abortion providers in Alabama were “discriminatory and disproportionately harmful to black mothers and their babies.”

King remarked that, “Human choice is sacred but we take away the baby’s choice to live when there is an abortion.”

King said she makes it a point to address the often-divisive issue “without hostility.”

“This is the time to have a little more kindness, so you can cross over into this conversation,” she said. “I’ve made the decision to have prayer and quiet persistence for life.

When we find ourselves angry, we are getting further away from the truth. We have to be ready with genuine answers, genuine help, genuine assistance.”

Local resources for expectant moms: Path Life of Spokane – 509-4449035; Family Promise Infant House – 509-747-5487; VOA Alexandria's House – 509-489-0349; Covenant Homes & Resources – 509-462-2024; Life Services Maternity Home – 509462-4000. Abortion recovery and healing support: Rachel’s Vineyard – 509-994-4355.

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