January 2016 Current

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Community members share personal and corporate aims for 2016 PAGE 12

INSIDE: NEW OWNER, TEAM TO CAPTAIN THE CURRENT | PAGE 2

NEWS Current greets 2016 with new owner 2 • JANUARY 2016

FROM STAFF REPORTS

A familiar Spokane Valley leader is taking the helm of Spokane Valley’s monthly newspaper.

Ben Wick, who just completed a term as member of the Spokane Valley City Council, has purchased The Current and its sister publication, The Splash newspaper that serves Liberty Lake, from Josh and Kim Johnson, owners of Peridot Publishing LLC. The first issue for Wick’s new team, which includes his wife, Danica, as graphic artist and longtime Current contributor and veteran Spokane Valley journalist Craig Howard as editor, will be the next one — the February 2016 edition.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to be a part of The Current,” Wick said. “I have always enjoyed reading The Current, seeing the community-focused stories and even cartoons over the last four years. You never know where life will take you, but I am looking forward to being a part of The Current and continuing its focus on our local community.”

Wick, a Spokane Valley native, comes from a long line of Valley residents who settled in the area before Washington state was formed, placing the clan on the Washington State Pioneers list. Wick is

Breaking down the transition New owner and publisher Ben Wick

With a Spokane Valley family heritage that lands his family on the Washington State Pioneers list, Ben’s connections in the community are both deep and wide.

He served on the Spokane Valley City Council from 2012 through 2015 and has served on several local and regional boards, including most recently as chairman of the Spokane ReWICK gional Transportation Council. He is information systems manager for Spokane Industries and a summa cum laude graduate of Eastern Washington University in computer science.

His community involvement is wideranging, from serving as a member of the SNAP Financial Access board and as past chair of the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center’s advisory board to memberships as diverse as Spokane Valley Ki-

involved with a multitude of local boards and causes in between serving as information systems manager for Spokane Industries.

“I have really enjoyed being more involved with the community and working with all of the great people while serving on the Spokane Valley City Council,” Wick said. “As my City Council term comes to an end, I still have a passion for our community and jumped at the opportunity to be a part of The Current. Josh has done a great job with The Current, and I look forward to putting in just as much passion.”

Wick was similarly thrilled to tap into the talents and experience of Howard, who first covered the community as part of the Spokane Valley News Herald, where he worked for a decade beginning in 2002.

In recent years, he has covered the Valley as a contributor for The Current.

“Craig has done a great job covering news and events in Spokane Valley,” Wick said. “His knowledge, experience and creativity will be a great part of the new team moving forward.”

Howard has admired The Current’s role serving Spokane Valley since its debut issue in February 2012.

“Over the years, The Current has es-

tablished great brand recognition as well as reader and advertiser loyalty,” Howard said. “I'm excited to continue covering the news of this area in a way that is unique, engaging and distinctly local. Community journalism in Spokane Valley is alive and well.”

Howard added that Wick’s lifelong love of the greater Spokane Valley area makes him a natural successor for both The Splash and The Current.

"Ben has his roots in this community and genuinely cares about his neighbors,” he said. “I really believe he is a great match for both the Splash and Current. He wants to tell the stories that interest our readers while exploring new avenues that will contribute to the long-term success of both publications. This is a win-win for sure."

Howard noted he looks forward to continuing to work with longtime Current contributors, including veteran local journalists Mike Vlahovich and Treva Lind.

Just four years old, The Current has from its inception focused on investing in the community. It was named the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce’s small business of the year for 2013 and

See CURRENT, page 4

wanis and the Inland Northwest Llama Ranchers. He lives in Spokane Valley with his wife, Danica, a graphic artist who will work on The Splash, and their two children. The family is kept company by an Australian Shepherd named Dundee and, yes, llamas.

He can be reached at ben@valleycurrent.com.

and is a past president of the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council. He is also a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest and a member of the Greater Valley Support Network. He and his wife, Sarah, have two children.

He can be reached at craig@valleycurrent.com.

New editor Craig Howard

What’s happening to Peridot Publishing?

Craig has been covering Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley since 2002, many of those years as news editor for the Spokane Valley News Herald. He is also a longtime contributor to The Splash and The Current, and he has had stints as a reporter for three other community newspapers. He also is editor of the online Latter-day Sentinel HOWARD and a contributor for Northwest Runner. He received his journalism degree from the University of Oregon in 1992.

Craig has worked in communications and development at SNAP since August 2012. He currently serves on the board

The team isn’t going anywhere and can still be found working away in their office at the Liberty Lake Portal. With its new focus on special publications, Peridot is currently focused on the 2016 Spokane Valley Guide, a publication produced in partnership with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach them at: Peridot Publishing 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 102 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 509-999-4567 josh@peridot.info (Josh Johnson, publisher) tammy@peridot.info (Tammy Kimberley, general manager) sarah@peridot.info (Sarah Burk, graphics editor)

The Current

A word of thanks

By Josh Johnson

CURRENT STAFF COLUMN

They say journalism is the first draft of history, and so I have been blessed with the opportunity to write and edit 12 years of rough copy about my hometown. It is hard for me to emphasize enough how much of a privilege this has been. I’ve experienced the joy of spotlighting the accomplishments of kids whose parents I once rode the school bus with. I’ve taken notes from the front row as our community has developed. I interviewed my grandparents when they were named grand marshals of the Fourth of July Parade, and in the years to follow I edited their obituaries, welling with both tears and pride.

Who gets to do a job like this? It has been a beautiful match: I’m truly passionate about our mission of “informing, connecting and inspiring communities,” and this just happens to be the community where my grandparents spent decades living and working in local schools, where my parents raised my four siblings and me, where my heart remains.

As I close out my time as owner and publisher of The Splash and The Current, that heart is full. There are more thank-yous to share than space allows, so for the purposes of this column I will focus my gratitude on the people who I was blessed to work alongside.

First and foremost, the good Lord has given me a wife that shares my heart to live life on purpose. Kim is always up for an adventure, but her special skillset is in bringing meaning and richness to the journey. Without her, my schedule would be full. With her, my life is full.

Publishing The Splash and The Current was a dream of mine, and Kim has encouraged and stood with me all along the way (and kept the books, and sold ads, and slept on the office couch as I sent that final page in the middle of the night …).

Tammy Kimberley and Sarah Burk joined the business about the same time (nearly eight years ago), and both are continuing on as our company transitions to new things. Their fingerprints were all over the founding of The Current and building it into what it has become. There are people who have crazy talent and people who have crazy work ethic. These are usually not the same people. Exceptions: Sarah and Tammy.

Peridot Publishing struck lightning

See THANKS, page 4

The Current

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ing team as it shifts focus in 2016. Peridot’s next publications will be distributed in April: the 2016 Spokane Valley Guide and its Liberty Lake counterpart. Plans for future special publications are in the works and will be announced later in 2016.

The Current was founded by Peridot Publishing in 2012, and in 2013 the company took on the Spokane Valley Chamber’s long-running membership directory, which has since been expanded and rebranded as the Spokane Valley Guide.

Two long-tenured Peridot Publishing employees, Graphics Editor Sarah Burk and General Manager Tammy Kimberley, are continuing on with the Peridot Publish-

“While this move creates margin in our life for some new adventures ahead, Kim and I will always have a special place in our heart for The Current,” Johnson said.

“The bittersweet nature of this transition is improved by the fact we leave the publication in great hands. Ben, Danica and Craig share our love for this community and our dedication to hands-on, local journalism. We will be cheering them on.”

THANKS

advertising avenues into Spokane Valley and truly inspiring our team as she battled — and beat — cancer.

Kelli Dexter was our office manager for many years, and she kept all of our systems rolling while sharing a wit, wisdom and camaraderie that truly built up our team.

I’ve been so blessed with great designers over the years, so a huge thank you to Jill Hacker, Tom Stover, Hannah Johnson and Karen Sutula for helping us nail the presentation time and again.

Bob Sullivan was one of Liberty Lake’s unsung heroes. He passed away last year, but I was blessed by his example, his work ethic and his humor. He distributed papers for several years, and the last paycheck I wrote him was mailed shortly after his 80th birthday. Pamela Aguilar and Sandy Johnson were also exceptionally reliable and friendly shuttling newspapers all over the community. Our current distribution team of Mike Wiykovics, Dean Byrns and Stefanie Byrns have continued the tradition seamlessly. We are so blessed, and a special thank you to Mike for taking our statistical tracking of distribution to new heights.

I said I would focus this column on my coworkers, but that takes nothing away from my gratitude to this community — advertisers, readers, neighbors and friends. You have embraced, encouraged and supported us along the way. It has meant more than I could ever express.

The Current is entering a new chapter in its history, and I am excited for Ben Wick and his team. Ben, this is a great gig.

Meanwhile, I’m not packing up my desk. Peridot Publishing is still in Suite 102 of the Liberty Lake Portal building, so come say hello. We have some projects in the hopper I am particularly excited about introducing to you later in 2016.

I will, however, be shifting my hours a bit, providing margin for Kim and I to pursue some other priorities and opportunities that are on the horizon. The page has turned, and new adventures await — time to get started on the next, first draft.

Josh Johnson is owner of Liberty Lakebased Peridot Publishing LLC. He can be reached at josh@peridot.info.

Continued from page 2

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The Current

twice. What’s more, the pages of hundreds of past issues are filled with their hearts.

They truly love this community and have poured themselves into never settling on a single aspect of The Current. I admit it, Sarah and Tammy, your standards are even higher than mine.

My brother, Bo, was our first hire in 2004.

He is the type of person who makes you sick because not only does he literally know how to do anything, but he is the only male in the family who doesn’t appear to be balding. While his career has taken him elsewhere, he never left his brother’s business because he keeps answering my phone calls.

The rest of the siblings all have clocked hours at the business as well. My sister, Bri Kirsch, did a masterful job with design and sales. Zak and Mike have delivered thousands and thousands of newspapers over the years, and Mike’s charm paid dividends when he built the distribution list for The Current, as many businesses took a chance and opened their doors to a new publication.

I never paid my parents, Gary and Karen, but even if I did it wouldn’t dent my indebtedness. They have lent unending encouragement, assistance and timely prayers to support us along the journey.

Evan Jensen, Hope Brumbach and Kelly Moore are top-notch journalists who taught me much while building a strong (and award-winning) reputation for our newspapers. Craig Howard, Chad Kimberley, Mike Vlahovich, Treva Lind, Valerie Putnam, Craig Swanson and so many others have shared their writing talents with us over the years. And a special thank you to the teams at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum and Liberty Lake Historical Society, who have been responsible for one of our most popular standing features — the history page.

Janet Pier is a tireless professional who took such great care of our business partners for many years. Cindy Esch also deserves special mention for building new

The Current

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Arne Woodard has overcome a variety of setbacks through his life, both personally and professionally, but the odds may have never been more crushing than when he found himself pinned between a tractor and a truck on his family’s Newman Lake farm at age 17.

Woodard survived the accident, pulled from the scene after nearly an hour with 8,000 pounds of pressure lodged on his legs. Although doctors said he would never walk again without crutches or leg braces, Woodard was strolling down the aisle to receive his diploma at Gonzaga Prep by the end of his senior year. He recalls faith paving the way for his recovery, a lesson he has carried far beyond high school.

“I listen carefully to the direction I’m supposed to go,” he said.

The man who would go on to become the deputy mayor of Spokane Valley then enrolled at Spokane Falls Community College with a goal to study at Washington State University and become a veterinarian. All that changed when his dad asked him to take care of the family farm.

“I was in my sophomore year at SFCC at the time,” Woodard recalls. “We had to feed 10 tons of hay a day to the cattle and most of the hay was in Rockford, so it was a big commitment.”

The Woodard farm was eventually sold and Arne found himself in the heavy construction business with his brother. From roadwork to sewer and water lines, the pair built infrastructure for many neighborhoods across the greater Spokane area in the 1970s. The experience would come in handy years later when Woodard faced discussions involving public works as a member of the Spokane Valley Planning Commission and later the City Council.

After the construction business, Woodard threw his hat into the ring with a number of ventures — the restaurant industry and a health food store among others. The only time Woodard has ever lived outside Spokane Valley was for three months when he worked for a restaurant chain and was relocated to Billings, Mont.

Woodard was remodeling homes for Spokane Valley-based KC Properties when he signed on as a Realtor in 1994. He was the top agent for all 11 years he worked for the company. In 2005, he forged out on his own to form Woodard Properties & Investments Inc. Over the past decade, he has sold nearly 600 homes.

“I like to help people achieve their dreams by buying the most they can with-

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A Cup of Joe out putting them in an untenable position financially,” Arne said. “I have seen a huge number of people whose lives have been transformed by home ownership. You see ripple effects with employment, education all kinds of things.”

In addition to his duties on council, Woodard has held leadership roles with the Spokane Independent Brokers Association and the Spokane Association of Realtors. He is part of charitable efforts through the Brokers which includes an annual Christmas auction that raises thousands of dollars for charities last year. The group also supports the Second Harvest Food Bank and Angel Flight throughout the year.

Arne and his wife, Charmagne, also give to plenty of nonprofit causes every year.

The couple will celebrate their 26th anniversary in February and have seven kids in their blended family. Woodard said the decision to contribute to charities is “about lifting people up.”

Woodard has also seen the other side of the equation.

“I see people in far greater need than I am, and I’m going to help them,” he said.

“Why? Because I’ve been hungry, I’ve been homeless, I’ve been without a job. I’ve been

See WOODARD, page 6

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The Current

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NEWS

WOODARD Continued from page 5

helped by others who provided the USDA milk and cheese program when my family was hungry. I’ve been helped by someone who bought me a suit so I could interview when I was unemployed. I can never repay that debt, but I can try to help.”

Woodard has served on Spokane Valley’s governing board since 2011. He is active in the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Valley Support Network, a collaboration of leaders from education, nonprofits, the faith community and business sector — all with a goal of addressing issues like affordable housing, hunger, wellness and more.

“It’s important that the city listen to what’s going on out there,” he said. “It’s about community. It’s about giving. You love the people who find themselves in trouble.”

From his unique collection of ties — now numbering over 100 with prints ranging from the Three Stooges to Peanuts to a range of holiday themes — to his verbal shenanigans at council meetings, Woodard is known for lightening the mood while still adding valuable insight. There has been talk that he could become Spokane Valley’s next mayor in the early part of 2016, an opportunity that Woodard

finds less important than continuing to serve the community he has always called home.

“People aren’t going to remember titles,” he said. “They’re going to remember the crazy ties you wore or how you made people laugh at council meetings. Above all, I’m in this to make a difference.”

Q.

People talk about the learning curve when they join City Council. What was that process like for you when took your seat at the dais in 2011?

A.

The learning curve coming onto council, for me, had more to do with the amount of data and verifying research I had to do weekly.

Having been on the planning commission at least somewhat prepared me for the government processes, but not necessarily the time it took to get things done.

Q: How do you think your background in real estate and other professional fields helped in your transition to City Council?

A: My background in real estate, construction and all the other small businesses I ran certainly helped with the wide diversity of issues that we face weekly. They also help in the long range revisions of codes and regulations, because the expe-

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rience in dealing with government agencies helped to guide my efforts to simpler, friendlier methods of doing things or at least to set those directions for staff. Finally, the experiences of life, work and family have created a certain set of people skills.

Q: Did you have an opinion on Valley incorporation when it appeared on the ballot for the fifth time in May of 2002?

A: Vivian Lattemer and I co-chaired the fourth effort to incorporate, so when the Valley was given the fifth effort, I was pleased. I was not real excited about some of the main players in that effort, but supported and encouraged people outside of the official effort.

Q: Did you ever consider throwing your hat into the ring as a council candidate after incorporation passed?

A: I really didn’t, but 50-plus people did throw their hat in the ring; I personally new quite a few of them. Circumstances were not right, and I was still recovering from the extreme efforts we put into the previous effort.

Q: You weren't sitting at the dais when the Sprague/Appleway Revitalization Plan was passed, but you were part of council by the time it was repealed.

What was your opinion of the SARP and do you have ideas about what could be

See WOODARD, page 7

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The Current

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NEWS

WOODARD Continued from page 6

done to revitalize the city's main corridor?

A: Actually, I was the deciding vote to repeal SARP. If government will get out of the way by reducing or eliminating the regulations that hamper organic growth and expansion, then your corridors will rejuvenate, but maybe not the way that some few would like.

Q: Council has voted to move ahead with a new City Hall. Why do you think it's important for Spokane Valley to have a dedicated headquarters?

A: We are now 12 years old and currently rent. At some point to be taken seriously, we need to invest in a permanent site to be City Hall. It is a point of permanence, identity and pride. It is also a good investment, no different than owning a home.

Q: There has been a considerable amount of road work in the city over the past few years. Where do you feel Spokane Valley stands on staying ahead of the street maintenance curve?

A: We have definitely slowed the backlog of unmaintained streets, but we are still slowly falling behind. As the economy continues to strengthen and grow here in the Valley, we will find additional money to fully fund the road preservation program, it will take approximately an additional $3 million per year.

Q: You ran against a former Spokane Valley Mayor in Tom Towey in the most recent general election. What do you think were the keys to your victory?

A: The prime keys are I am who I am, consistent, independent, honest, approachable, conservative, strong work ethic and available to help. I also remember who it is that I serve — the citizens. I also worked hard campaigning.

Q: How do you think Spokane Valley is now perceived from the perspective of other cities throughout the state?

A: Other than Spokane and Spokane County, I believe they see us as leaders and setting our own course. Probably, they see us as bucking the system, but very strong.

Q: You've seen a lot of ups and downs in your field of real estate over the years.

How would you characterize the market now?

A: I think the real estate industry is stabilizing and getting prepared to start marching more strongly forward. It is the banking that is still influencing the market and continuing to put the brakes on.

Q: Finally, what do you enjoy most about living and serving in Spokane Valley?

A: It is always going to be the people and the local values. We are still differentiating ourselves from others in the area and the state.

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The Current

SVFD Report A total of 1,248 emergency calls were reported by the Spokane Valley Fire Department between Nov. 20 and Dec. 15: Fires* 119 Emergency Medical Services 926 Hazardous Materials 27 Motor Vehicle Accidents 84 Steep Angle Technical Rescue 1 Building Alarms 73 Service Calls 18 *Types of fires include brush, commercial, residential, rubbish, vehicle and unauthorized burning and downed power lines

Highlighted calls • Commercial fire — SVFD crews responded to a reported structure fire inside the Kaiser Trentwood plant at 15000 E. Euclid just before 2 pm. Nov. 22. Crews proceeded to Door No. 7 of the structure, locating the fire in the wall and ceiling areas about 400 feet inside. A total of 15 fire apparatus responded, with 36 firefighters attacking the fire from inside and the roof of the building. The fire is believed to have started with a spark that ignited building dust. Damage was estimated at $2,000.

No injuries were reported.

• Structure fire — SVFD crews responded to a drive-by report of flames on the side of a home in the 18700 block of East Marlin Drive shortly after 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 26. Crews found a single-wide mobile home on fire with flames spreading quickly from the front to the rest of the home. The occupant and dogs escaped unharmed.

The home was completely destroyed at an estimated loss of $120,000, including about $80,000 worth of motorcycles parked inside. The fire was believed to have been started by a 55-gallon drum being used as a fireplace just outside the home.

• Dryer fire — Dryer lint build-up is believed to be the cause of a small, early-morning fire at the Guardian Angel Assisted Living facility at 23102 E. Mission Ave. in Liberty Lake. SVFD crews responded shortly before 6:30 a.m. Nov. 27 and found a smoldering fire in a wooden platform that had been on fire under the dryer exhaust before facility staff tried to put the fire out. SVFD crews completely extinguished the fire. Residents were evacuated and returned with no injuries.

• Service call — A man trapped between floors in an elevator was freed by SVFD crews shortly before 4 p.m. Nov. 27. Crews responding to a hotel at 9220 E. Mission Ave. used the elevator key to open the door, allowing the trapped man to climb out on his own.

• Steep angle technical rescue — A hunter in the woods behind the 3200 block of N. Rocky Hill Lane fell in the steep terrain and became trapped at about 4:15 p.m. Nov. 29. SVFD crews were called to the scene and performed a steep angle

technical rescue, with the assistance of the landowner in his pickup truck. The hunter was transported to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

• Hazardous materials — An earlymorning explosion followed by the smell of gas in the bakery area of Yokes Fresh Market prompted staff to evacuate the store, located at 9329 E. Montgomery Ave. SVFD crews responded just before 4:15 a.m. Dec. 1 and quickly secured the gas shut off. No smoke or fire was found.

Avista crews arrived to investigate.

• Motor vehicle accident — A semitruck carrying POD storage containers struck the side of the Value Village building at the corner of Sprague and Pines shortly after 2 p.m. Dec. 2. When SVFD crews arrived, bystanders had pulled the driver from the truck and were tending to him on the ground. Light smoke was showing around the truck. Crews ensured there was no active fire and took over patient care. The driver was transported to the hospital.

• Church fire — Just after 3 a.m. Dec. 3, SVFD crews arrived at the scene of a fire at the Spokane Baptist Church, 12817 E. Broadway. As crews arrived, there was heavy smoke coming from the roof and fire on the outside of the rear structure of the church. The fire spread quickly to the attic. Crews prevented the fire from reaching the sanctuary building. Fire investigators later determined the cause of the fire was electrical.

• Illegal burn — SVFD crews responded to a reported possible illegal burn in the 18000 block of East Euclid Avenue shortly after 8:30 a.m. Dec. 3. They found two men in a field actively burning a small pile of vegetation. On closer inspection, the burning vegetation was harvested marijuana plants. The crew extinguished the fire and educated the apologetic men about alternative, approved means to dispose of vegetation.

• Lock-out — SVFD responded to the 11700 block of East Nora at 11:10 am.

Dec. 13. Two young children were locked in a car. The crew used their tools to gain access and reach the children, who were unharmed.

2015 statistics During the first 11 months of 2015, SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 14,400 emergency calls, an increase of 14.9 percent over the same time period last year. In 2014, SVFD responded to more than 13,800 emergency calls over the 12-month period.

Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and unincorporated areas of Spokane County, including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park and the area surrounding Liberty Lake.

The Current

COMMUNITY

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS

Jan. 18 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dec. 31 | Puttin’ on the Ritz gala

Jan. 19 | Too Fun Tuesdays: Legos 4 to 5 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Keep your engineering and problem solving skills flowing and your imagination stimulated with an abundance of Lego bricks.

Children six and under should be accompanied by an adult. For more: www.scld.org

9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St., Spokane. Enjoy live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, late-night fare, midnight champagne toast and more. Tickets are $85 per person, and a no-host bar is available. For tickets and more: 624-1200 or www.spokanesymphony.org

Jan. 1 | New Year’s Day Jan. 2-3, 9-10 | Christmas tree recycle

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan. Local Boy Scout Troop 400 will be recycling trees with proceeds going to support the troop with 50+ boys from across the Spokane Valley. Minimum suggested donation is $5 if you drop off the tree or $10 if picked up from home (within approximately 10 minutes of CVHS and Liberty Lake area).

To register for pick up or for more: www. troop400.net/trees

Jan. 5 | Too Fun Tuesdays: Build It 4 to

5 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Keva Planks, straws and connectors, and other construction materials will be provided so that all ages can build. Children six and under should be accompanied by an adult. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 6 | Tween Club: Duct Tape 4 to 5

p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Especially for tweens in grades 4 and up, use this adhesive to make colorful picture frames, key chains and bookmarks. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 6 | Grange potluck and meeting

6 p.m., Tri Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. A potluck will be followed by a 7 p.m. meeting for this community-based service organization. For more: 481-7447 or geje2@yahoo.com

Jan. 7 | Born to Learn: Brain Science and Early Learning 6:30 p.m., Spokane

Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. This documentary, part of the KSPS Kids Forward Initiative on Early Learning, explores the fascinating science behind brain development and early learning. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 11 | Our Genes Aren’t Blue 4 to

5:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Kids in grades K through 8 are invited to discover what humans and an onion have in common in a fun, hands-on class from Mobius Science Center. This will also be offered Jan. 19 at Otis Orchards, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave.; Feb. 1 at Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Rd.; and Feb. 16 at Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St. For more: www.scld. org

Jan. 12 | Too Fun Tuesdays: Art 4 to 5

p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Supplies will be provided to make an artistic masterpiece. Bring a smock or old t-shirt; children six and under should be accompanied by an adult. For more: www. scld.org

Jan. 13 | STEM Academy Information Night 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Spokane Valley

Tech, 115 S. University Road. For more: www. spokanevalleytech.org

JANUARY 2016 • 9

Father Daughter Dance 2016

Jan. 19 | Stone Age Survival 6:30 p.m.,

Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Rd. In this workshop, anthropologist Teri Tucker presents compelling facts about the technologies, dexterity, kinds of mental kills and innovations that were within the grasp of early human toolmakers. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 20 | Spokane Valley Book Club

2 to 3:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Join fellow book lovers to discuss “Deep Down Dark: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine, and the Miracle that Set Them Free” by Hector Tobar. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 20 | Blake Road Sidewalk Project Community Input Meeting 5 to 7 p.m.,

Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave. Bring questions, comments and concerns about the upcoming sidewalk project on Blake Road to this meeting hosted by the city of Spokane Valley. For more: rwright@ spokanevalley.org or 720-5019

Jan. 21 | Random Fandom 4 to 5:30 p.m.,

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Whovians, Bronies, Otakus, Trekkies and more are invited to geek out on all things fandomrelated. Come share your enthusiasm, make crafts, play games, munch on treats, and check out the original books, comics and DVDs that sparked the excitement. This program is for teens in grades 6-12. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 22-24 | Living with Forgiving retreat 6 p.m. (Fri.) to 1 p.m. (Sun.),

Immaculate Hearth Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., Spokane. Liberty Lake resident Charlie Finck will be leading this forgiveness retreat. Cost is $192 per person, $294 per couple or $100 for commuters. To register or for more: www.ihrc.net or 448-1224

Jan. 23 | STARS Training: Engaging Families with Literacy Activities 10 a.m.

to noon, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn how to design a family engagement program based around literacy activities.

Preregistration is required; two STARS credits available. For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 23 | Your Inner Fish Part 3: Your Inner Monkey 11 a.m., Fairfield Library,

305 E. Main St. In this PBS documentary, paleobiologist Neil Shubin explains how many aspects of our form and function have evolved.

For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 26 | Too Fun Tuesdays: Games

4 to 5 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. We’ll bring the games, you bring the competition! From classic card games to popular tabletop games, the library will have plenty to choose from. Children six and under should be accompanied by an adult. For more: www.scld.org

See CALENDAR, page 10

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016 7 TO 9 P.M.

Doors open at 6:30pm

The Current

10 • JANUARY 2016

KIDS — SHOW OFF KIDS — ARTISTIC SHOW OFF YOUR YOUR ARTISTIC TALENT IN THE TALENT IN THE

Ways Ways to toA Play Play R T

A R T C C O O N N TT EE S S TT

COMMUNITY

Community and Education Briefs WVHS teacher wins grant Mary-Pat King, art teacher at West Valley High School, was recently awarded a $500 grant by STCU. Awards were selected at random from more than 3,000 entries from area educators.

According to a press release, STCU provided meals, refreshments and door prizes at 28 back-to-school events for educators in Eastern Washington and North Idaho this year. Nearly 3,200 certified teachers who attended those events entered drawings for classroom grants. It is the fifth consecutive year that STCU has offered the drawings.

Jarvis makes Dean’s List Elementary kids who live or attend Elementary whoSpokane live or attend school in thekids greater Valley school in the greater Spokane area are encouraged to enterValley this area are to enterValley this contest forencouraged the 2016 Spokane contest the 2016 Spokane Guide by for following three simpleValley steps: Guide by following three simple steps: ❶ Draw, color or paint a ❶ofDraw, or paint a in picture whatcolor it means to play picture of what it means to play our community, whether that be in a our community, whether that be aor place to explore, experience nature place toenjoy explore, nature or timeexperience with friends! enjoy time with friends! ❷ Drop off or mail in your artwork by ❷ Drop off or mail in your artwork by

JANUARY 15

JANUARY 15office to The Current newspaper to to The the Current Peridot Publishing newspaper office office (23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 102, (23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite Liberty Lake, WA 99019) 102, Liberty Lake, with your name, age,WA city99019) of residence, withschool, your name, age, city of residence, grade and contact info. school, grade and contact info. ❸ Discover if your picture is ❸ Discover if your is featured in the Guidepicture coming featured in 2016. the Guide coming out in April Prizes from out in Aprilbusinesses 2016. Prizes from community will also community businesses will also be awarded to top entries. be awarded to top entries.

It’s that simple, so get creating!

It’s It’s that that simple, simple, so so get get creating! creating!

Questions?

Questions?

Questions?

Contact 242-7752 or

Email guide@peridot.info Contact 242-7752 or guide@valleycurrent.com guide@valleycurrent.com S P O N S O R E D B Y: S P O N S O R E D B Y:

Madeline Jarvis of Greenacres was recently named to the Dean’s List at Berry College in Rome, Ga. According to a press release, students who earn a 3.5 GPA or better are eligible for the list.

Photo contest entries due The Spokane Valley Guide is looking for photos that convey what makes Spokane Valley a unique place to live for its annual photo contest. The deadline to enter this contest is Jan. 15.

Whether it's a breathtaking outdoor scene or a beautiful shot of residents gathering at a local event, shutterbugs are asked to submit images capturing the essence of the community. Selected images will be featured in the 2016 Guide.

Amateur or professional photographers age 16 or older are eligible to enter. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.

For rules and more, click www.libertylakesplash.com/special/photo_contest.asp.

Tickets on sale for dance Tickets are on sale for the 11th annual Father Daughter Dance to be held 7 to 9 p.m. March 5 at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley.

Presented by Liberty Lake Kiwanis and the city of Spokane Valley, the theme is Enchanted Evening in Oz. Tickets are $45 per father/daughter couple and $20 for each additional daughter.

To purchase tickets, call 688-0300 or visit www.spokanevalley.org/recreation.

GraceSon hosts fundraiser GraceSon Housing, an organization that provides housing and hope to teens moms and their children, is holding a semi-formal event 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

The fundraiser is described as a beautiful, bright evening with dinner, music and dancing. Semi-formal, bright attire is requested. Tickets cost $75 per person, $600 for a table of eight of $750 or a table of 10.

To register online, visit http://gracesonhousing.ejoinme.org/BNOH.

CALENDAR

followed by Bingo from 1 to 3:30 p.m. For more: www.foe3433.com

Continued from page 9

Spokane Valley Kiwanis 6:45 a.m.

Jan. 26 | Cave of Forgotten Dreams

6 p.m., Otis Orchards, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave. In this Werner Herzog documentary, look into the very beginning of human culture by traveling to Chauvet Cave. For more: www. scld.org

Jan. 27 | STCU Workshop: Budgeting

101 6 to 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Take control of your financial life with a budgeting plan that’s simple, reasonable and effective. Learn about the importance of financial goals, five steps to a successful spending plan, managing your spending plan and setting goals to put your plan into action. Preregistration is required.

For more: www.scld.org

Jan. 27 | Waiter, There’s No Fly in My Soup! 6:30 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N.

Argonne Rd. Join David Gordon, author of “The Eat-a-Bug Cookbook,” for an adventure in entomophagy (eating bugs) as well as a chance to sample edible insect snacks. For more: www.scld.org

Recurring ACT 2 senior classes Affordable classes are offered through Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. For more: www.sccel.spokane.edu/ ACT2 Café Card Club 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford. Play pinochle, cribbage or hearts.

For more: www.onsacredgrounds.com

Catholic Singles Mingle This group with

no dues is for single adults of all ages. For more: www.meetup.com/Catholic-SinglesMingle

Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club and more. For more: www.libertylakewa.gov/library Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. For more: www.pancan.org or 534-2564

Rockford Crochet Class 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St. Hairpin Lace, knit, embroidery, needlepoint and arm knitting of infinity scarves are some of the activities. For more: 892-4412 or 2913722

Spokane County Library District Valley branch 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. For more: www.scld.org

Spokane Valley Eagles 16801 E. Sprague.

Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Lunch served Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission. For more: www. spokanevalleykiwanis.net

Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6:45 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month, Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission.

This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. For more: 570-4440

MUSIC & THE ARTS Jan. 3 | Northwest Sacred Music Chorale 4 p.m., St. John’s Cathedral,

127 E. 12th Ave., Spokane. This Christmas Choral Spectacular includes members in the Spokane Valley area. Tickets are $22 for general admission and $16 for students, seniors and military. For tickets and more: www.nwsmc.org

Jan. 4, 5 | “On Having Good Fortune” auditions 6 p.m., Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Ages 18 and up are encouraged to audition for the show performing March 3-12. For more: facebook.com/libertylaketheatre

Jan. 7 | “The Roots of Music: Exploring Earth’s Soundscapes” 6:30

p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place.

In a compelling presentation that weaves together music and ecology, biologist George Halekas surveys the unique beauty of nature’s soundscape. The free presentation will begin by looking at the emergence of music in ancient hunter gatherer societies from an ecological perspective, then shift to exploring Earth’s soundscapes from the large planetary scale, to investigating representative habitats like the rainforest and ocean. For more: www.tieg.org

Jan. 22-24 | “The Merry Wives of Windsor” 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. and 2 p.m.

Sun., Ignite! Community Theatre, 10814 E. Broadway Ave. Comic complications abound as Sir John Falstaff tries to seduce two wives of wealthy citizens, but tables are turned and Falstaff gets what he deserves in the end.

This Booklight Reader’s Theatre production is directed by Brian Cheney. Admission is $5 at the door (free to season ticketholders). For more: www.igniteonbroadway.org

Jan. 23 | “This, That or The Other” 8 p.m., Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are $7 at the door for this improv show. For more: facebook. com/libertylaketheatre Jan. 29 | Live music Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. A variety of local musicians will perform. For more: facebook.com/libertylaketheatre Jan. 30 | Play In A Day Liberty Lake

Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. For more: facebook.com/libertylaketheatre

Recurring Pages of Harmony Wednesdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you’ll love the four-part a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. For more: www. pagesofharmony.org

See CALENDAR, page 11

The Current

JANUARY 2016 • 11

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR Continued from page 10 Spirit of Spokane Chorus Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. For more: 218-4799 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. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops. For more: 951-1446 or www.sv-cc. org

The cost of admission for these live MMA Cage Fights is $20-30. Tickets can be purchased at Warrior Camp, 5027 E. Trent in Spokane. For more: www.warriorcampfitness.com

Jan. 9-10 | Spokane Health & Fitness Expo 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sat.) and 10 a.m. to

4 p.m. (Sun.), Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana. This expo will provide free classes, health tests, samples and more.

Admission, which is good all weekend, is $8 for adults and $4 for kids ages 6 to 12. For more: www.spokanehealthfitexpo.com

Jan. 9 | Elks National Hoop Shoot 3 p.m.,

CIVIC & BUSINESS

Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road. Kids between the ages of 8 and 13 are invited to show their skills at the free throw line. The contest sponsored by the Elks is open to boys and girls who are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the event to register.

Contestants who win the National title at the National Finals will have their names inscribed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For more: www.elks.org/hoopshoot

Jan. 2-3 | Spokane Gun Show & Flea Market 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sat.) and 9 a.m. to

Jan. 10, 24, 31 | Evergreen Region Volleyball Tournament HUB Sports

— Next meetings are Jan. 18 and 25

3 p.m. (Sun.); Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Admission is $8 per day ($4 per day for Flea Market only). For more: www.lewisclarktrader.net

Jan. 21-24 | Inland NW RV Show Noon

to 8 p.m. (Thurs.), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sun.), Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Local dealers will be offering financing and show pricing on new motor homes, mini motor homes, travel trailers, tent trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, campers and more. Admission is $8 (cash only) and is good all weekend; kids 12 and under free with a paying adult. For more: www.spokanervshow.com

Jan. 22 | Gem of the Valley Gala: Annual Awards of Excellence 5:30

to 9 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. The public is invited to this 13th annual event featuring auctions, dinner and awards program to highlight businesses and individuals in the community. Tickets are $55 per person; VIP tables are $600 for preferred seating for eight. For more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org

Jan. 30 to Feb. 6 | Spokane Boat Show 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(Sun.), noon to 8 p.m. (Mon. through Fri.); Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Over 50 dealers from around the Inland Northwest representing the newest model boats and boating accessories will be at this show. Admission, good for the entire week, is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12 to 17; and free for 12 and under. For more: www. spokaneboatshow.com

HEALTH & RECREATION Jan. 1 | Riverview Little League registration opens Register online to play

baseball in the Valley area. For more: www. riverviewlittleleague.com

Jan. 3 | Frost Fest Volleyball 8:30 a.m. to

4:30 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Scrimmage other U12, U14 and U16 teams. Cost is $100 per team. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org

Jan. 8 | Warrior Camp MMA Event 7

p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave.

Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. For more: www. hubsportscenter.org

Jan. 22 | Stinky Sneaker games 5 p.m.,

Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon. Central Valley and U-Hi boys and girls varsity basketball teams will play their annual rivalry game. For more: www.cvsd.org

Jan. 24 | Futsal Fest Adult Tournament

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. There are divisions for men, women and coeds, as well as high school, under 30 and over 30 players. Cost is $175 per team if registered by Jan. 4 ($200 after this date). For more: www.hubsportscenter.org

REGISTER NOW TO GET THE BEST BASEBALL EXPERIENCE IN THE VALLEY. REGISTER ONLINE AT:

www.riverviewlittleleague.com to play America's favorite sport.

OPEN REGISTRATION: January 1st to March 8th LATE REGISTRATION: March 9th to March 15th Find us on facebook or at

www.riverviewlittleleague.com

Jan. 27 | Battle of the Bone Wrestling

Deadline: January 15, 2016

Recurring

• Photographers (amateur or professional) age 16 years and older are eligible to enter.

7 p.m., University High School, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. U-Hi will host this rivalry wrestling tournament versus Central Valley High School.

For more: www.cvsd.org

KidFIT Spokane HUB Sports Center, 19619

• Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.

E. Cataldo Ave. This children’s movement and fitness program offers classes in dance, gymnastics and cheerleading for girls and boys ages 3 and older. For more: 953-7501 or www. kidfitspokane.com

• Visit www.libertylakesplash.com for a complete set of rules.

Sports opportunities HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

Badminton, basketball open gym, pickleball, Zumba and other recreational options available. For more: www.hubsportcenter.org Windermere marathon registration open Registration for the June 5 marathon

or half marathon from the Valley area to Spokane is open. Cost is $80 for marathon and $75 for half marathon; prices will increase after Jan. 31. To register or for more: www. windermeremarathon.com

Yoga in Rockford 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays,

Rockford Park. When the weather doesn’t allow, classes will be held in Dave’s Autobody.

All calendar listings were provided to or gathered by Current staff. If you would like your event considered for the community calendar, please submit information by the 15th of the month to calendar@valleycurrent.com.

What makes the Spokane Valley area a picturesque place to live? That’s the question we’re posing for the 2016 Spokane Valley Guide photography contest. Whether it’s a breathtaking outdoor scene or a beautiful shot of residents gathering at a local event, photographers are asked to submit images capturing the essence of the community.

The winner’s photo, along with other selected images, will be featured in the annual community resource. Prizes will be awarded as well, so be sure to share your local photos with the Spokane Valley Guide!

Liberty Lake’s Peridot Publishing is sponsoring this contest. guide@peridot.info

COVER STORY

12 • JANUARY 2016

Better me, better us Valley notables set personal, community resolutions for 2016

By Craig Howard

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

The popular advice columnist Abigail Van Buren of “Dear Abby” fame was once asked about her resolutions for the upcoming year. In a thoughtful but pragmatic reply, characteristic of her counsel to readers, Van Buren responded: “I will gather the courage to do what is right. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path and not speak ill of others.”

Words to live by — in any year.

Before the dawn of each January, approximately 40 percent of Americans get out their scratch pad or iPad and document a range of goals and ambitions for the dozen months ahead. Fitness, finances and family routinely top the list of areas where people hope to improve.

In the greater Spokane Valley area, aspirations on a broader level have helped shape the community we know today.

Over a century ago, early settlers resolved to deliver water to the orchards and farms that formed the economic foundation for the developing region. The irrigation system and eventually, a network of electricity, represented the roots of Modern Electric and Water Co. and Vera Water and Power, a pair of Valley business pillars that continue to thrive to this day.

Other Valley institutions have been built by industrious folks who saw untapped potential and reached exceptional heights to achieve it. Jayne Singleton and a robust crew of volunteers have transformed an abandoned building on Sprague Avenue into the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, a civic landmark that chronicles both local and national history. Peggy Doering and her team of dedicated helpers have turned Valleyfest into a multi-faceted regional celebration that seems to expand every year.

Focus, fortitude, perseverance — all these and more have been recognized as the ingredients that determine whether or not resolutions materialize and help shape our character. Ralph Marston, publisher of “Daily Motivator” and no stranger to the science of setting — and achieving — goals, offered this insight: “Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality.”

Back in late 2011, cognitive science pioneer Stephen Duneier decided to compile an ambitious lineup of resolutions for the coming year. Dividing the list into a “learning” and “giving” objectives, Duneier called his project “12 for 2012” and set about on a path of self-improvement and philanthropy. Before the year was out, he had run a half marathon, read 50 books, learned a new language, picked up the unicycle and researched ways to conquer headaches. On the charitable side, Duneier built homes for those in need of shelter, signed up to be an organ and tissue donor, knitted items for Warm Up America and encouraged others to “pay it forward.”

While we might not all be as motivated or creative as Duneier in mapping out our aspirations for the New Year, the opportunity to make the most of the next 365 days awaits everyone equally. Keeping with the theme of a dozen, the Current asked 12 notable residents from fields like government, education, business and the nonprofit realm to share their personal and community-oriented resolutions for 2016. The “micro” and “macro” objectives that emerged recall the lofty visions and earnest determination that Valley pioneers and resolution virtuosos like Duneier would applaud.

MJ Bolt Co-creator, Greater Valley Support Network; Central Valley School District board member

Micro My personal New Year’s resolution is to work less and play more. My goal this year is to live my life in an attitude of thankfulness. I want to laugh out loud at least once every day. I want to hike part of the Pacific Trail.

Macro For a third of the people that Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels serves, the meal that we provide is their only meal of the day. My goal this coming year for the community is to find a way to provide more than just that single meal per day. No senior should have to go hungry.

achieved this status and the only department in Eastern Washington to do so.

Craig Goodwin Pastor, Millwood Community Presbyterian Church

Micro I’m not great at New Year’s resolutions, but a personal goal would be to find more peace and joy in every situation, no matter what the circumstances, and relish in the gifts that are present in all the little things that life brings.

Macro My community goal is to increase awareness of the reality of people who are struggling in the Valley and increasing those resources to help. I’d especially like to see more individuals committed to stand beside those in crisis, mentoring and assisting them in navigating our systems. Many are just a situation away from economic devastation — we can do more to help.

Micro I'd like to read more books. It would be fun to choose an author and read a selection of their works. I'm thinking about revisiting the best of naturalist John Muir and introducing myself to the books of Marilynne Robinson.

Macro I'd like to see a coordinated effort to celebrate the natural beauty of Spokane Valley and its surrounding area. There is much to celebrate — the Spokane River and the best of the Centennial Trail, Camp Sekani, Dishman Hills, Arbor Crest Winery, Antoine Peak Conservation Area and more.

Dean Grafos

Ken Briggs

Mayor, Spokane Valley

CEO, Spokane Valley Partners

Micro

my interactions.

My personal resolution is to be more reflective, understanding of others’ views and compassionate in

Macro My organizational resolution is to increase Spokane Valley Partners’ emphasis on educational programs that help our service recipients realize their preferred futures.

Bryan Collins Chief, Spokane Valley Fire Department

Pam Almeida Executive director, Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels

The Current

Micro I am an avid college sports fan and try to keep abreast of as many of the different sports and teams as possible. I would like to attend at least one NCAA sporting event at half of the Pac12 schools. If I can successfully do this, I would then be able to finish the remaining half in 2017.

Macro My resolution for Spokane Valley Fire is to lead us through a successful reaccreditation process with the Center for Accreditation International, which would be our second five-year cycle. It is an intensive quality assurance process which measures the entire organization against industry best practices. SVFD is one of only four fire departments in Washington to have

Micro Most of all, my personal goals revolve around time well spent with family and the people I love, including old and new friends, reading more books, learning new ideas, taking longer walks, traveling a little more and enjoying the energy gained from business challenges.

Macro Into my seventh year on the Spokane Valley City Council, having been honored to also serve as mayor, I feel my community goals are also personal. Though there will always be projects and challenges, my goal is to work for the betterment of this very special place called Spokane Valley with its very special people, my friends and neighbors.

Katherine Morgan President/CEO, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

Micro Strengthen my newly acquired swim stroke and compete in my first 1.76-mile Long Bridge Swim in Sandpoint. With every goal, breaking it down into pieces and celebrating the small wins along the way make it more than a process, but a great journey for me! I believe in personal and professional goal-setting that is

See RESOLUTIONS, page 13

The Current

JANUARY 2016 • 13

COVER STORY

RESOLUTIONS Continued from page 12

measurable, from an authentic heart and a stretch toward excellence.

Macro Focus on increased growth and sustainability of our chamber to fuel the “Big 5 for the Greater Spokane Valley” community initiatives.

Shelly O’Quinn Commissioner, Spokane County

Micro My personal goal is to spend more time with family and friends as a local tourist enjoying the "Near Nature, Near Perfect" aspects of our community! It will be a busy year with campaign season upon us, but that's all the more reason to play local!

Macro I'm inspired by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber's “Big 5” initiative, and I've made a commitment to take a leadership role in promoting the Greater Spokane Valley as an emerging leader in hightech manufacturing (greater goods). Our goal is to develop an action plan to recruit, retain and expand our local manufacturing base.

was challenging. My goal for 2016 is to continue the upward path we are on as a town and to promote trust and openness within our community.

Macro Understandably, not everyone is interested in politics, even on the local level.

Yet I encourage citizens to pay attention and know what is happening with your town council, how your money is being spent, who is in charge and how decisions are made. Rockford belongs to its citizens, who should be observant and inquisitive. I resolve to do my best to provide information to my town and urge the residents to be involved.

Ben Small Superintendent, Central Valley School District

Micro Resolve to enjoy my family even more!

I will laugh at their jokes, cheer at their sporting events and be proud of their good grades, good nature and good deeds!

Macro

Linda Thompson Executive Director, Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council (GSSAC)

State Senator, 4th Legislative District

Micro and Macro As a legislator, it is easy to separate personal goals from community goals.

Frankly, I doubt many people will be interested in my weight loss program for the coming year. What I think is more meaningful for the citizens of Spokane Valley and every community in the state will be my renewed effort to pass stricter felony DUI legislation. Currently, it takes five DUI convictions to send a repeat drunk driver to prison. In every other state with similar laws, it takes four or less. In Idaho and Oregon, it takes three. With this legislation, we can reduce the bloodshed and carnage of this most preventable crime.

Micro I’m excited about my personal goals for 2016. I resolve to get outside and enjoy one hour of fresh air every day — snow, rain or shine! To my family, friends and fresh-air-enjoy’ers out there, I welcome all get-out-and-walk’ers, picnic-lunch’ers and yoga-in-the-park’ers!

Macro The Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council’s resolution for 2016 is to award 10 “Random Acts of Prevention” certificates every month in recognition of businesses, organizations, agencies, policymakers, service groups, individuals and others who help promote the health, safety and well-being of our community with an emphasis on youth.

Carrie Roecks Mayor, Rockford

Micro 2015 could easily have been the busiest year of my life. The town of Rockford underwent enormous changes and for those of us in municipal leadership it

SHARE FAVORITES • HONOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS • ENTER TO WIN Our annual publication, the 2016 Spokane Valley Guide, is landing April 2016, and we want to incorporate your favorites into this year’s publication. How can you be involved?

STEP 1: Choose at least 10 of the categories below, and send in your “favorites” (and, as much as you are able, WHY they are your favorites) to favorites@peridot.info by Jan. 15.

You can also mail your entry to PO Box 363, Liberty Lake WA 99019, or fill out the survey at www.libertylakesplash.com/surveys, if you prefer. And yes, you can answer all 20 if you want to, you overachiever!)

STEP 2: Look for your answers to be interspersed throughout the new 2016 Spokane Valley Guide. (Hint: This is a great way to give a public “tip of the cap” to local people and other standouts. We plan to cram as many “favorites” into the publication as possible.)

STEP 3:

Resolve to deliver CVSD school construction projects on time and on budget!

Mike Padden

These are a few of your favorite things …

Find us on Facebook!

Include your name, city of residence, email address and phone number with your entry, as each person who responds by the deadline is entered to win a $100 gift card to a local business of your choice. (That’s a lotta lattes — or whatever you choose to spend the dough on.)

Winner will be contacted by Feb. 1.

We will only use your phone number or email address to contact you if you win the drawing — they will not be shared or reproduced publicly.

My local favorites:

SPOKANE VALLEY The Guid

1. Neighbor 2. Teacher 3. Nonprofit or community organization 4. Community member or volunteer 5. Business person or employee 6. Medical/dental care provider 7. Government official or employee 8. Event 9. Business 10. Place to be pampered Cover desig 11. Coffee shop order n is for sa purposes on mple ly 12. Thing to order at a nearby restaurant 13. Hike 14. Running route (or bicycling route) 15. Natural landmark or scene 16. Place to play (park, recreation area, golf course, etc.)

17. Exercise amenity (a place, partner or thing) 18. Lake activity 19. Item of local trivia or nostalgia 20. Thing about living here By sharing your favorites with us, you acknowledge that your name and favorites may be published in our 2016 Spokane Valley Guide.

e

LIBRARY

14 • JANUARY 2016

The Current

EXHIBIT EXPLORES HUMANITY

By Tammy Kimberley

IF YOU GO ...

CURRENT STAFF WRITER

With edible bugs, skull casts and Stone Age survival skills, the Spokane County Library District has assembled a series of programs to accompany an upcoming exhibit on anthropology.

The Smithsonian’s national traveling exhibit titled “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” will be housed at the North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, from Jan. 5 to Feb. 3.

SCLD librarian Vanessa Strange said the exhibit and accompanying programs are intended to start a discussion on what it means to be human.

“The curators of this exhibit want us to think about not just the scientific aspect, but things like the capacity to develop language, have faith, create art, and all the other things that make up our shared human experience,” she said.

The exhibit includes more than 40 educational panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays, videos, 3-D skull casts and more.

The presentations highlight key milestones in human evolution such as walking upright, creating technology, brain enlargement and development of language and societies.

The Smithsonian is also giving the library a set of skull replicas to keep on hand to lend to local teachers for use in the classroom, Strange said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to be part of history by sharing their thoughts at the exhibit. People can write down on post-its their own interpretation of what it means to be human or the aspect of humanity that is meaningful to them that will then be collected and archived by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.

“Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?”

Jan. 5 to Feb. 2, North Spokane Library

PHOTO: SMITHSONIAN’S HUMAN ORIGINS PROGRAM

A traveling exhibit titled “Exploring Human Origins” will include 3-D skull casts on display at the North Spokane Library Jan. 5 to Feb. 3. The Smithsonian is providing SCLD with a set of skull replicas to keep for use in local classrooms.

The exhibit is accompanied by a series of free programs including ones at the following Valley branches:

“Stone Age Survival: How and Why Humans First Used Tools” Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m., Argonne Library

“Waiter, there’s NO fly in my soup!”

Strange said the district applied for a grant in order to bring the exhibit to the Spokane area. The competitive process included describing the library’s capacity, success with similar projects, programming plans and letters of support from local scholars and experts.

“We are one of only 19 libraries in the country chosen to host,” Strange said.

SCLD is offering a variety of programs— from stone tools to neuropsychology and cave painting—by local and national experts in conjunction with the exhibit.

Most of the programming is geared toward adults, Strange said, but many are suited to teens or children who have a keen interest in the subject.

Valley residents might be interested in the entomophagy presentation being held at the Argonne branch on Jan. 27, Strange said.

The program, led by David George Gordon courtesy of Humanities Washington, describes how cultures around the world use bugs as food. There will even be samples

available for interested participants.

“Our ancient ancestors used bugs as a protein source, and some think that insects are the food of the future,” Strange said. “I think it challenges us to explore our preconceptions about what is and isn’t acceptable to eat.”

Other programs include film presentations dealing with evolution and a hands-on kids program about genes hosted by Mobius Science Center. For more, visit scld.org.

the DNA in our cells. When I was a kid in the 1980s, DNA was still one of the great scientific mysteries waiting to be unlocked.

By the time I was in high school, an international effort to sequence all 3 billion letters in the human genome began. In 2003, the Human Genome Project completed the mapping of human DNA. Flash forward to today, when so much more about our DNA is known than ever before. The Human Genome Project has identified more than 1,800 disease genes to date, and significant scientific discoveries like these are ongoing. The most amazing thing? Your school-aged children (most appropriate for ages 7 and up) have the opportunity to learn about DNA in a hands-on program this winter.

In January and February, our partners at Mobius Science Center will be helping

kids learn about DNA at a class called “Our Genes Aren’t Blue.” Kids will discover more about the building blocks of life and then try an experiment to extract the DNA of an onion cell. Just think, the building blocks of your child’s future career in science may be held in that strand of onion DNA. This is just one of several programs taking place in conjunction with the Smithsonian traveling exhibit on display at the North Spokane Library from Jan. 5 to Feb. 2. If you’re looking for opportunities to further explore science at home, Science In Context and World Book (digital resources available at www.scld.org) offer a myriad of experiments, along with the background information needed to fully understand the scientific principles.

Gwendolyn Haley is a library resources manager at Spokane County Library District.

Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m., Argonne Library

“Evolution Through Film” Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library (Brain Science and Early Learning) Jan. 26 at 6 p.m., Otis Orchards Library (Cave of Forgotten Dreams) Jan. 23 at 11 p.m., Fairfield Library (Your Inner Fish Part 3: Your Inner Monkey)

Resource Review

Kids invited to learn about genes

By Gwendolyn Haley

SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

When we talk about things that makes us human, we might start with our ability to reason, to love, to show compassion, to have faith. At the most fundamental level, the things that make us human start with

LOCAL LENS/BUSINESS

The Current

Lending a helping hand

Taking the oath

JANUARY 2016 • 15

Biz Notes Local bank adds positions

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Above: West Valley Superintendent Gene Sementi administers the Oath of Office to School Board Directors Adam Mortensen and Dan Hansen. Both directors won re-election in November.

Local Lens Share your snapshots for

The Current’s photo page. Email photos@ valleycurrent.com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos.

At left: Members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at West Valley High School volunteered recently to help with yard work at the Spokane Ronald McDonald House.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Nutrition on wheels Jandyl with Second Harvest cooks a fresh batch of lentil chili as part of a cooking demonstration with Doug Bowes, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington, and Jason Clark, President and CEO of Second Harvest. The demonstration took place at the unveiling of the new Mobile Kitchen, funded with a $75,000 grant by UnitedHealthcare at Millwood Community Presbyterian Church.

The new van will serve as a mobile kitchen and nutrition support vehicle at the organization’s food distributions in communities with the greatest need. The van enables Second Harvest to bring cooking demonstrations and nutrition classes along with other health promotion programs to low-income families in their own communities.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREENGABLES PHOTOGRAPHY

Grange brings cheer to children On Dec. 5, the Tri-Community Grange and the Newman Lake Volunteer Fire Auxiliary combined for a brand new event called Breakfast with Santa. Over 100 people attended the pancake breakfast which included photos with Santa and a special gift shop where children could purchase and wrap small gifts for family or friends.

Grange members also recently delivered 380 dictionaries to all East Valley third graders as part of The Dictionary Project, a nonprofit organization that uses civic organizations to distribute dictionaries in school districts.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

State Bank Northwest recently announced the addition of three key staff positions and the promotion of one.

Cindy Willman, who has been with State Bank for over 15 years, has been promoted to Vice President/Executive Office.

With over 15 years in banking, Tina Hammond has been hired as branch manager of the Spokane Valley Branch.

Jay Lunsford brings a wealth of banking knowledge to State Bank as Credit Administrator. He has over 34 years of banking experience with most of his career spent in the Lewiston, Idaho market.

He is a graduate of the University of Idaho and has been active in many community organizations.

Ashley Morales joins the team as commercial relationship manager. She most recently was a commercial lender at RiverBank where she managed a $37 million dollar portfolio and a $6 million dollar deposit base. She is a graduate of the Gonzaga University.

Established in 1902 in Garfield, State Bank Northwest is now headquartered 12902 E. Sprague Ave. with branches in Garfield and Spokane.

Yoke’s expands to LL Yoke’s Foods, Inc., recently announced it acquired the store lease and certain assets from Haggen Holdings, LLC, for the location at 1233 North Liberty Lake Road. The acquisition closed Dec. 8.

A press release said Yoke’s anticipates investing over $1 million over the next three months for improvements to carry the Yoke’s Fresh Market brand throughout the store in décor and signage.

The Liberty Lake location will be the company’s thirteenth store. The independent regional grocery chain is headquartered at 3426 S. University Road and has locations in the Spokane area, Tri-Cities and north Idaho.

“We’re thrilled to become a part of the Liberty Lake community,” Yoke’s Fresh Market CEO John Bole said. “Our commitment starts with offering the quality products and fair prices for which the Yoke’s Fresh Market stores are known.

We are committed to the communities in which we live and work, and we are proud to be 100 percent employee-owned.”

Staffing for the Liberty Lake store will occur in early 2016. Updates will be posted beginning in mid-January on the Yoke’s website, www.yokesfreshmarket. com.

Biz Notes features business items with a connection to the greater Spokane Valley.

Contact The Current with business news at editor@valleycurrent.com.

16 • JANUARY 2016

Money, sports and the fan experience

By Mike Vlahovich THE FINAL POINT

The love of money, so the saying goes, is the root of all evil, and professional sports has become a microcosm of the avarice that pervades the nation and has led political discord.

The business of sport can be likened to greedy Ebenezer Scrooge robbing the last lump of coal from Bob Cratchit’s stove.

Professional and college athletics and

SPORTS their owners are raking in billions of dollars at the expense of we addicted fans.

Owners build palatial stadiums on the taxpayers’ dimes and then charge outrageous ticket and concession prices, not to mention the Taj Mahals popping up all over institutions of higher learning.

Television makes billions of its own and further fills the owners’ kitty from advertisers betting that the public will enrich them, thus further reaching into the public’s wallets. We buy, buy, buy then lament our fate. When monetarily short by the end of the month, we blame these Daddy Warbucks — but not without a bit of envy.

The cycle is ever thus — the rich get richer, the poor get poorer and politicians gleefully leap into the vacuum to stir up the pot.

Say this for sports franchises. Thanks to collective bargaining, the stars are treated well, although I’m not sure that solves the problem. Others simply crop up.

Athletes make money you and I drool over. We say we could live forever on one of their year’s salary, but that’s not necessarily the case. The millions paid bring other problems.

See FINAL POINT, page 18

The Current

U-Hi, CV again among wrestling elite

By Mike Vlahovich

CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR

University’s wrestling hex on Mt. Spokane continued. The Titans are the only team Wildcats’ coach Travis Hughes has never beaten in the Greater Spokane League, and despite winning eight of 14 matches was denied once more.

U-Hi somehow escaped with a two-point decision early in the season.

Five Titans victories came by pin or forfeit (which proved pivotal in the outcome) early in the contest, Naftali Lopez, stateplacing Levi Meinzinger, Clayton Fincher and Tim Westbrook. Braden Gamble’s major decision in the night’s next-to-last match was enough.

It was part of a top-heavy mid-December that pretty much shakes out things among four title contenders until setting up season-ending rivalry matches on Jan. 27.

U-Hi wrestled Mt. Spokane and Mead back-to-back and Central Valley met Mead, all by Dec. 17. The Bears face Mt. Spokane in early January.

The Bears dominated Ferris and Gonzaga Prep and hosted the Inland Empire Classic, placing third. U-Hi finished fourth.

The Bears had individual champions in Bryson Beard and Braeden Orrino, the latter winning his 145-pound weight class by pin in the third round.

Christian Hill at 120 pounds and Wyatt Whickam at 285 finished second.

During two early West Valley matches, Drake and Hunter Ferguson have vied for quick pin bragging rights, wrestling back-to-back at 160 and 170 pounds.

Amazing performance You’d likely have to go back to the infancy of high school girls basketball to read an individual stats line like this.

See NOTEBOOK, page 17

OPINION

Are you playing fair?

By Steve Wilson

CURRENT GUEST COLUMN

As I pulled on my striped shirt and adjusted my hat prior to walking onto CenturyLink Field, I was thinking about two of the players on the Seattle Seahawks football team. As a referee in the National Football League, I am charged with a single assignment: to be fair. I cannot prejudge anyone

About the Opinion Page The Current wants to hear what’s on your mind. Interact with the opinion page with a letter to the editor (350 words or fewer), guest column (700 words or fewer; please send a mug) or via Facebook or Twitter: editor@valleycurrent.com facebook.com/valleycurrent @valleycurrent As with all content, opinion page submissions may be edited for space, style or clarity. This is a community newspaper, so be relevant to the Valley for the best chance at publication.

“In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory or an unjust interest. And endeavor to

or any team. I must be objective on every play, from the beginning of the game until the final gun sounds.

And yet, I simply could not get these two players out of my mind. The media had spoken about them and their on-field issues. So I made a conscious decision to speak with them prior to the game. I caught one of the player’s eyes, and he came over and called his teammate with him. The first thing I did was to encourage each one of them to have their very best game. I expressed how hard I knew they had worked this past week to prepare and that I had done the same thing to prepare myself to be at my best.

I wanted them to know that even though I had read many articles and heard several television stories relating to their actions on the field, that I would not prejudge them whatsoever. I would be looking for them to perform at their very best within the rules of our game. We parted ways with a handshake and a smile.

The Arizona Cardinals kicked off that day ... and play after play I saw these two Seahawks perform much differently than I had witnessed on film or in the media.

They were encouraging and complimenting their opponents on almost every play, and

our game was as smooth as any game I have officiated during my career. Very few flags were thrown, and the teams played inspired football.

Fairness always begins with the right attitude toward others. Don't prejudge anyone until you've had an opportunity to meet them and understand their story. Life will be so much better if you give others the benefit of the doubt.

Steve Wilson, former NFL Official (#29), joined the National Football League in 1999.

Prior to that, Steve refereed for 18 years in major college football, which included the Pac-10 Conference. He graduated from East Valley High School and Whitworth University. He was one of the first members of the PACE leadership team. He wrote this as part of a series on the PACE character traits of the month. The trait for January is “fairness.”

The Current

JANUARY 2016 • 17

SPORTS

Volume 5, Issue 1 EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Josh Johnson

GENERAL MANAGER

Tammy Kimberley

Sarah Burk

josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@valleycurrent.com GRAPHICS EDITOR

sarah@valleycurrent.com

CIRCULATION Dean Byrns Stefanie Byrns Mike Wiykovics

circulation@valleycurrent.com CONTRIBUTORS

Gwendolyn Haley, Craig Howard, Mike Vlahovich

On the cover: Current design concept by Sarah Burk

About

The Current 23403 E. Mission Avenue, Suite 102 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 P: 242-7752; F: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com

The Current is published monthly. It is distributed by or before the first of each month to drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake — just about anywhere that has historically been referred to as part of Spokane’s Valley.

Submitted materials Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to editor@valleycurrent.com or mail them to The Current office. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Current.

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Errors should be reported immediately to 2427752 or by email to editor@valleycurrent.com.

Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery.

NOTEBOOK Continued from page 16

Central Valley sophomore Lexie Hull scored 39 of her team’s 49 points in the Bears 14-point victory over rival University.

Hull was averaging 24 points per game, nearly 40 percent of the team total as CV jumped off to a 4-0 start. That improved to 7-0 heading into Christmas break, including a 49-44 win over another top league contender, Lewis and Clark, on Dec. 19.

University has been led by Kaitlin Pannell and Kendall Collins.

The Burland cousins, Hannah and Elle are double figures scorers for East Valley.

West Valley’s Grace Phan had a 20-point early-season game.

Double figures scorers all, Freeman is led by Isabelle Miller; Pheobe Trigsted and Kaleen Pope have led Valley Christian.

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Basketball ups and downs Central Valley was considered the GSL boys favorite in preseason, but the seniordominated team stumbled early, losing at Gonzaga Prep 68-51. Still, the team has had consistent double figures effort by Cameron Tucker and Josh Thomas and an added lift from Ryan Rehkow through their first four games. The team stood at 5-2 going into the holiday break, including a win over Austin Dill-led University in an early rivalry contest.

Thomas was averaging 15.5 points per game and Tucker 12.0 through four games. Dill was averaging 10.8 points for the Titans.

Both West Valley and East Valley had early season success, the Eagles with a 4-1 start and a Great Northern League win over Cheney as Johnny Sage poured in 24 points. Sage and Brennen Folkins combined are scoring 32 points per game.

Freeman’s Ryan Maine averaged over 14 points per game, while James Segalia and Chase Strunk were double figures scorers for Valley Christian.

Clark’s Tire and Automotive • Family Medicine/Healthy Living Liberty Lake Greenstone • Liberty Lake Family Dentistry • Liberty Lake Orthodontics Liberty Lube • Post Falls Family Dental • Spokane County Library District Thrivent Financial • Weishaar, Sue Weishaar D.D.S.

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

Advertising information Display ad copy and camera-ready ads are due by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. Call 242-7752 for more information.

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Copyright © 2016 All rights reserved. All contents of The Current may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Serving the greater Spokane Valley since 1985 Residential and Office Cleaning Licensed and Insured Hourly Rates

Amaculate Housekeeping Anne’s Nails Avista Utilities Clark’s Tire & Automotive Central Valley Theatre Healthy Living Liberty Lake KiDDS Dental

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Kiwanis of Liberty Lake Liberty Cross Ministries Liberty Lake Family Dentistry Liberty Lake Orthodontics Natural Spine Solutions Otis Orchards Community Church Riverview Little League

9 5 5 20 4 6 11

Simonds Dental Group 20 Spokane County Library District 14 Spokane Health & Fitness Expo 7 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 8 Weishaar, Sue Weishaar D.D.S. 6

Service Directory 18

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The Current

18 • JANUARY 2016

SERVICE DIRECTORY CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING LOCAL & EXPERIENCED Remodeling contractor: Licensed & bonded, PETERC*152RE. 29 yrs. experience, references. Decks, patios, garages, roofing/roof repair, sheetrock repair, minor plumbing (broken pipes, frozen water lines, hot water tanks installed, etc.). All remodeling needs. Small jobs welcome. BBB accredited. Call Bruce, 710-4541.

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Connecting your business in 2016 BE A PART OF OUR ANNUAL GUIDES FOR SPOKANE VALLEY AND LIBERTY LAKE More copies, more places: We’ve increased our total distribution more than 25% New recreation section, reader interaction opportunities New, innovative opportunities for advertisers to connect with consumers

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ADVERTISING DEADLINE: JAN. 29 DISTRIBUTION: APRIL 2016

MEDICARE INSURANCE

509-927-9200

I offer some of the lowest cost Medicare Supplements in the state.

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PAINTING HEINZ PAINTING & HANDYMAN Hardworking, honest, and on time. Free estimates!

This is the year to get your home painted by a true professional. Call today! Dave Heinz, 509-953-8093.

WA Licensed, Bonded, and Insured, HEINZPH924BW. Numerous satisfied Valley customers.

EVENT & MEETING FACILITY HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?

VALLEY PARENT CO-OP PRESCHOOL NOW ENROLLING!

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

Valley Parent Co-op Preschool is a birth to 5 preschool program operated by parents in a cooperative effort with the Community Colleges of Spokane. It is a playbased program that combines parent education with a rich learning experience for you and your child.

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FINAL POINT Continued from page 16

Despite all that money, studies show that many professional athletes wind up filing bankruptcy soon after retirement.

Another byproduct of big contracts for the few is it can mess with team chemistry. A substantial raise for one can result in complacency and diminished production and breed envy among teammates.

Loyalty wanes and players bolt for free agency because of salary caps.

The task of cobbling together a competitive product, keeping fans in the seats and selling merchandise is left to the front office, which the Seattle Seahawks do remarkably well.

Marshawn Lynch deservedly is rewarded with a big contract for the Super Bowls he brought to town even if history says the toll on a running back shortens careers. He’s missed most of this year with injuries. Kam Chancellor holds out for big money and misses the early part of the season messing with continuity.

Trades deplete the offensive line and defensive backfield and the result is a lineup peppered with lower-cost finds — as was Russell Wilson. The team struggles early, but the beat goes on because of the love for money.

We’re all culpable. The poor want what

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the rich has, the rich want more, the government wants its share and the dollar doesn’t buy what it used to.

It almost makes you long for the good old days, when it cost a buck or two to get into the game, concessions were affordable and the game belonged to the fans.

Before free agency, athletes were basically indentured to their teams, but the fan and player then found common ground; they were neighbors. They worked sideby-side at a job in the offseason because money from the game wasn’t enough to make a living.

Old pro athletes used to tell me they’d have played the game for nothing. An exaggeration certainly as they see the money that pervades sports; money all of us would like to get a hand on.

Say this, love of money might be the root of all evil, but there is an upside. Charles Dickens’ ghosts of Past, Present and To Come changed Scrooge’s heart, and he became Bob Cratchit’s benefactor.

Today’s Scrooges have given we Cratchits the TV with which to watch sports to our hearts’ content and root, root, root for the home team in the comfort of our own domiciles — if we pay for cable, that is.

Mike Vlahovich is a longtime Spokane Valley sportswriter and member of the Inland Northwest Hall of Fame Scroll of Honor.

The Current

JANUARY 2016 • 19

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The Current

20 • JANUARY 2016

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