The April 2012 Current

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‘I’m a street fighter’ 

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Only one mouth-watering masterpiece could be crowned tourney champ in The Current’s tour of Valley appetizers. Page 24



JUD THE EAGLE

Basketball coaching legend Jud Heathcote talks with a longtime sportswriter — and former student — about his West Valley coaching roots. Page 31

Poverty is up.

Resources are down.

So how is Spokane Valley Partners meeting more needs than ever? A conversation with CEO Ken Briggs on victories, challenges and an invitation to the front lines. PAGE 2



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2 • April 2012

The Current

Doing more with less Spokane Valley Partners CEO Ken Briggs on the challenge of meeting growing needs with shrinking resources — and recruiting more partners for the effort

By Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

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SPOKANE VALLEY — There is a new crop of textbooks neatly stacked on Ken Briggs’ desk. As he talks, he commonly flips to a familiar page to reference the latest research and statistics. These are books he uses to teach his students at Whitworth University in Spokane.

But that’s a night job. By day, Briggs is CEO of Spokane Valley Partners and carries with him the challenge to help those in need in eastern Spokane County. While he loves his nights, he said he is most energized by his daytime responsibilities.

“The reason I left the academic world originally is it’s terribly frustrating,” Briggs said. “There’s not enough action involved. I’m a street fighter. I always have been. It’s fun to keep up with the most recent A backpack theories and partnership inspire other With the help of people to go out Spokane Valley and do things, Partners, Food for but man, that’s not where the Thought program is action is. I’ve bridging a gap for got to get out students in need. on the front Nonprofit spotlight, lines.”

Page 19 Those front lines have born increasing challenges in the past five years, a time frame that has seen the national economy dive.

For instance, in 2011, Spokane Valley Partners provided food bank services at a level about 40 percent higher than it did in 2007 (see breakout graphic, “Rising to meet the need”), but with one fewer staff member because of a necessary reorganization prompted by budget cuts early in 2010.

The Current sat down with Briggs on a day his bookkeeper was out because she recently had a baby, and the food bank director was also off work. During the visit, Briggs received a call from the food bank asking if he could pitch in to move something with the forklift since no other certified volunteer was available. In between it all, Briggs addressed the question of how Spokane Valley Partners continues to meet local needs despite depleted resources.

Q.

A Cup of Joe

The numbers show that more people have needed the services of Spokane Valley Partners in the past year than ever before. What does this increased need say about our economy?

A.

We are definitely a gauge for the general economic condition.

There are a variety of community indicators … but for us it’s real obvious. It’s pounds. Pounds served to numbers of people.

Q: And that indicator translates as well to the resources you have to be able to meet that need?

A: When times are tough, we have to work, too. We’re down one full-time position that we don’t have because we’ve had to eliminate some expenses. Any small business, and especially a nonprofit, has very few controllable variable expenses.

It almost always comes down to personnel as the one thing you have control over. … Luckily, we have a large base of volunteers. We had close to 28,000 hours last year. We couldn’t operate for a day without those people.

Q: You’ve had to trim back on some of those variable expenses. What are some of the other expenses looming out there?

A: This building is expensive to maintain and has a lot of issues associated with it. We still probably have about $250,000 in capital projects out there. Our theater group has left, and we have the whole sanctuary left to do something with.

We’re talking about building a commons in there with a commercial kitchen. …

So we would expand our clothing bank slightly into that space and create a common area for meetings and maybe a small meal program with a commercial kitchen, expanding our cooking classes and demonstrations to do even more.

We also have a community garden initiative. Modern Electric has given us 2.5 acres of property south of Valley Mission Park for 10 years. … There again, we expect that kids who might think food materializes in a supermarket will learn the process of growing food and understanding how it comes to be while taking some pride in growing their own tomatoes and corn.

Q: That sounds like a “teach them how to fish” type of a program.

See BRIGGS, page 32

The Current

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The Current

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Students in Vicky Jensen’s University High School art class will tell you she’s an effective teacher because she pushes them to do better and validates their talents. They’ll say Jensen is a great teacher because she can explain why art matters in the real world.

Jensen will tell you the fact she is twice certified through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, or NBPTS, may also have something to do with it.

An intense professional development program achieved outside of regular college requirements, certification is not required for teachers, but those who embark upon the project must be passionate about learning because the process is rigorous and costly.

Board certification, as it’s often called, is a two-part process including a portfolio and a test.

“There’s about 360 hours just in the portfolio process,” Jensen said.

The portfolio includes a video critique of

the instructor delivering a class; a collection/assessment of photos of student work; a survey of various professional development activities the teacher has engaged in and an evaluation of parent communication.

The final assessment center component is a timed, written exam of six prompts at a computer, which tests the instructor’s knowledge of the subjects taught and the delivery system that is most effective for teaching it.

“The growth is amazing,” Jensen said. “It’s all about evaluating how you, as a teacher, are impacting the student, and it’s really intense because it’s like using a magnifying glass on your own work.”

But it’s not a process without rewards.

“It really does test your professionalism, but it’s such a gift to yourself to look at how you dole out knowledge,” Jensen said.

The cost to teachers to obtain certification is usually around $2,500, in addition to the $65 testing fee. Candidates are given a three-year window to complete, but most do so in a year. The success rate for completion of the program is around 40 percent.

While many school districts offer support in the way of time and money for teachers to pursue certification, the ever-present threat of funding cuts looms over the opportunity. Melanie Rose, the public information officer for the Central Valley School District, said supporting teacher education and certification is written into the district’s Strategic Plan through 2014, but other

Photo by Jocelyn Stott

University High School teacher Vicky Jensen works with a student in her drawing class last month.

Jensen is a longtime National Board Certified teacher.

The impact “In 48 comparisons … students of NBCTs surpassed students of non-NBCTs in almost three-quarters of the comparisons. The learning gains were equivalent (on average) to spending about an extra month in school.”

— L. Vandevoort, Arizona State University, as quoted on nbpts.org districts may not do the same. Rose said CVSD strives for a 3 percent yearly increase in teachers seeking certifications.

Districts also are facing challenges in regard to paying the bonus certified teachers are qualified to get. The Washington State Legislature has identified bonus pay for certified teachers as a possible cut as it works to close the state’s budget shortfall.

Thus far, the current bonus pay is still in place, so once teachers complete the program, most are eligible for an increase in pay of up to $5,090 per year. First-year recipients receive 60 percent of the bonus in the initial year and the full bonus in subsequent years. Teachers working at schools with significant free or reduced lunch populations receive an additional

See TEACHERS, page 34

The Current

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6 • April 2012

news

The Current

SVFD prepares to move to new headquarters Change among flurry of recent Valley Fire building and programs

By Kelly Moore Current Staff Writer

The Spokane Valley Fire Department is one of the Valley’s go-to entities for public safety. Established in 1940, the department serves Liberty Lake as well as Spokane Valley, Millwood and unincorporated areas of Spokane County.

Last year, the department responded to 11,242 emergency calls from its 10 stations throughout the Valley. But emergency responses are just the tip of the iceberg for the department.

Building for the future After about a year of construction, SVFD will be moving into its new administrative building April 12 and 13.

Currently, crews are putting the finishing touches and prepping landscaping.

A highlight of the new facility is a beam from the World Trade Center installed in the entryway last fall.

“We’ll have the state flag and the American flag hanging behind it, and there will be a light shining on it 24-7,” said Bill Clifford, assistant fire marshal and public information officer for SVFD. “We definitely encourage people to come by and check it out. If they can wait till we have our open house, we’ll be able to give them tours of the whole building, too.”

Administrative services are currently located in Station 1 at 10319 E. Sprague.

Clifford said the new facility would better accommodate programs and services with dedicated offices and conference rooms.

The open house is yet to be scheduled, but Clifford said it should be in the coming months.

SVFD construction isn’t stopping with the new admin building: Station 6, 6306 E. Sprague Ave., was demolished in late March to make way for an updated facility planned for the same site.

“With the standards of what fire stations are today, that facility is really too small to handle modern equipment and the bigger trucks that we’ve been ordering,” Clifford said. “It’s due. It’s served its purpose.”

Construction on the new facility, taking place in the same location, will last about seven months. During that time the crew from Station 6 has moved into Station 1. To ensure response time won’t be affected during the shuffle, the department partnered with two other stations in Spokane to keep the area covered.

Submitted illustration

The 51-year-old Station 6 was demolished in late March to make way for an updated facility planned for the same site. The new 7,200-square-foot station (above) will take about seven months to build at about $1.5 million.

Out in the community The department has been hosting open house events for individual stations all year. The community events are meant to be educational, while introducing crews and programs to residents. Also, at each event, residents are encouraged to vote for each station’s name.

Instead of identifying stations by numbers, SVFD is trying to better identify and connect the stations with the neighborhood communities the stations reside in, Clifford explained. At each open house, residents are encouraged to write down the name thought to fit best. The Board of Fire Commissioners will select the station name.

Most of the station names have stayed pretty basic (Greenacres Fire Station, Sullivan Fire Station, Otis Orchards Fire Station, Millwood Fire Station, Liberty Lake Fire Station), but commissioners have yet to make the final call on Stations 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

The open house for Station 8 was held in March, but citing a poor turnout due to heavy snow, the department will reschedule the open house for later this year. The open house for Station 1 will be 1 to 4 p.m. April 21.

Clifford said the department also helps promote National Night Out in local neighborhoods. In the four communities served by the department — Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, unincorporated Spokane County and Millwood — he said they make a special point to reach beyond the stations.

“We try to get with each of those entities and participate with events they have,” Clifford said.

As an example, he said the department makes a point to show up at the 4th or July Parade in Liberty Lake. He said ensuring that presence helps keep roads open and traffic flowing, making sure cars aren’t parked in fire lanes or blocking roadways.

Before emergencies happen The department takes a multifaceted approach to fire prevention. From educational programs for schools, to free smoke detectors, to timely fire safety tips, the SVFD provides a full range of public education programs geared toward residents, businesses and organizations within the community.

“We’re out there with the public, and we want the public to know that it’s not just emergencies we respond to,” Clif-

ford said. “There’s all the other stuff we do with public education and fire prevention.”

He explained a relatively new program in middle schools teaching fire forensics. This program is in addition to those targeted at second- and third-graders, teaching fire safety and awareness in 28 area elementary schools.

“Now with this middle school program, we’re getting to get in there and talking with these kids in the age range that causes fires often by accident or out of curiosity,” Clifford said.

The department also provides fire extinguisher training for businesses and citizens as requested. Clifford said a close working relationship with the city planning departments also helps when it comes to enforcing fire codes in new developments or building improvements.

The department closed March with a booth at the Senior Empowerment Expo in Spokane Valley. There, representatives shared information on a program that assists seniors with fire and safety precautions that can be made in the home.

“We’re out there as much as we can be,” Clifford said. “Our mission is to provide the best services to the community as possible, and this is all part of that.”

The Current

April 2012 • 7

news

In case you missed it Compiled by Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

No-brainer eyewear, hearing aids bill passes Legislature State Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, helped push legislation through the Senate and House this session to shield charitable organizations working to provide much-needed eyewear and hearing aids to poor, homeless and uninsured people from civic lawsuits.

The House voted 98-0 March 5 to approve House Bill 2261, that chamber’s version of Senate Bill 6216, which was sponsored by Padden and passed unanimously in the Senate before stalling in the House.

“Organizations such as the Union Gospel Mission and Lions Club International are working to improve the vision of thousands of poor and uninsured people in eastern Washington by distributing donated eyeglasses to those who otherwise would go without,” Padden said. “By protecting these organizations against civil lawsuits, legislators in the House and Senate have freed those organizations to continue their support for the state’s most needy citizens.”

Special election to consider funding for convention space On April 17, Spokane County voters will decide Measure No. 1, a ballot issue to provide funds for developing the east campus of the Spokane Convention Center. If approved, the measure will extend by 10 years an existing one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax and a 2 percent lodging tax passed in 2002.

Supporters estimate the Spokane region could benefit with an additional $71 million per year through events that otherwise bypass Spokane due to a lack of convention space. About 91,000 square feet would be added to the existing site if voters approve the measure.

Suspects arrested after game store suffers $14,500 burglary On March 20, Spokane Valley Police investigated a burglary at Game On, 11811 E. 1st, in which more than $14,500 in video game merchandise was stolen in a break-in.

The business reported that eight Microsoft 250 GB X-Box gaming systems, 150 X-Box video games, 100 Blueray DVD movies, a laptop and $200 cash were just part of what the burglar made off with.

As of The Current’s press deadline, two suspects had been arrested separately in relation to the crime. One man unsuspectingly rode up on his bicycle when a Spokane County SWAT team was searching an apartment, and a second was suspected after he was caught while burglarizing a Spokane Valley garage two days later.

8 • April 2012

3UP

3DOWN

Following an open house held March 21 at 6815 E. Trent Ave. to show the public a building that is being considered as a future site for a new SCRAPS Regional Animal Control Facility, Spokane County officials are continuing in April to make the case to local jurisdictions and residents to partner in the efforts to further regionalize and enhance the service under the new location. The City Councils of Spokane and Spokane Valley will meet April 19 to discuss the issue.

The Spokane Valley City Council reached consensus to move forward with the purchase of 8 acres of property at Sprague Avenue and Herald Road. The site is envisioned to be split between the Spokane County Library District (for a new library) and the city (for expansion of Balfour Park). The Council made the decision despite taking heat from The Spokesman-Review editorial board which suggested safeguards be put in place to take any bias out of the purchase decision. Six of the seven Council members received campaign donations from Jack Pring, who owns the land in question, but the Council asserted it could remain unbiased about the decision and that the purchase was in the best interest of the community.

The Current

The City of Millwood heard a presentation about balancing its water department budget at its monthly meeting. Among the ideas presented was upping the city’s monthly base charge from $17.35 to $20.18, as well as lowering the base amount of water that charge represents from 4,000 cubic feet to 2,000 cubic feet.

Spokane Valley was represented historically well in the annual WIAA state basketball tournaments held March 1-3 with teams from Central Valley School District, Freeman School District and Valley Christian School. Four local teams finished in second place in the state (Central Valley’s boys and girls, Valley Christian’s boys and Freeman’s girls) while University High School teams placed third (boys) and fifth (girls).

The Current

April 2012 • 9

Three Up, Three Down features at-a-glance news of what’s coming UP in April or went DOWN in March. Check out these six on this rendering of the Valley by homegrown artist Casey Lynch, and then turn the page for a breakdown of items by jurisdiction. (The placement of news items on this artistic map do not necessarily denote the actual location of the item described.)

City of Liberty Lake employees filed paperwork to form a union in late February, but disagreement on which employees may be eligible is delaying the process. A hearing will be held to sort that out in April, at which point ballots will be sent to eligible employees, who will have two weeks to determine whether to vote in favor of unionizing. A favorable vote would result in immediate certification of the union.

Communities in the Greenacres area will be getting accustomed to construction again this spring as Spokane County’s multi-year sewer line project continues.

County engineers announced recently that a section of Barker Road just south of Interstate 90 between Broadway and Appleway will be closed from April 9 to April 15 for sewer work.

10 • April 2012

3UP 3DOWN Three Up, Three Down features at-aglance news from the Spokane Valley area: — what’s coming up in April — what went down in March Note: Six of these items are represented on the artistic rendering of the Valley by local artist Casey Lynch on the previous spread.

Compiled by Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

Cities of Spokane Valley and millwood The city of Spokane Valley is accepting applications to serve on a newly created ad hoc economic development committee. The committee will consist of two Council members, two business representatives, two tourism representatives, a citizen at large and a youth ages 16-19. The committee is tasked with identifying projects and improvements to boost Spokane Valley economic development and giving periodic written or oral reports and a final report to the Council within four months. Mayor Tom Towey is scheduled to appoint the committee April 24.

For the first time in years, the city of Millwood plans to change its monthly City Council meeting structure. Beginning in May, the governing body will meet on the second Tuesday of the month instead of the first Monday of the month.

The final month of the two-month Alan Shawn Feinstein Challenge is April, and Spokane Valley Partners is collecting cash, checks and food donations to help determine how much of Feinstein’s annual $1 million grant comes to the area to support low-income families. In 2011, this critical annual drive accounted for $33,169 of SVP’s annual budget. For more information or to make an online donation, visit www.svpart.org.

In a 5-2 vote, the Spokane Valley City Council decided to opt out of a state liquor signage law that limits taverns and bars to four outdoor signs referring to alcoholic beverages, brand names or manufacturers. The state law took effect in March 2010, but the majority of the Council believed there wasn’t a problem with the establishments operating under the less stringent city sign code that is already on the books. Mayor Tom Towey and Council Member Chuck Hafner dissented.

The City of Millwood heard a presentation about balancing its water department budget at its monthly meeting.

news Among the ideas presented was upping the city’s monthly base charge from $17.35 to $20.18, as well as lowering the base amount of water that charge represents from 4,000 cubic feet to 2,000 cubic feet.

The Spokane Valley City Council reached consensus to move forward with the purchase of 8 acres of property at Sprague Avenue and Herald Road. The site is envisioned to be split between the Spokane County Library District (for a new library) and the city (for expansion of Balfour Park). The Council made the decision despite taking heat from The Spokesman-Review editorial board which suggested safeguards be put in place to take any bias out of the purchase decision. Six of the seven Council members received campaign donations from Jack Pring, who owns the land in question, but the Council asserted it could remain unbiased about the decision and that the purchase was in the best interest of the community.

quest from the Liberty Lake Municipal Library board March 20 to consider staff additions that would add an additional $36,000 to what was allotted in the library’s 2012 budget. While some Council members voiced concern with the budget amendment request, no official action was taken on the matter.

Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus reported to the City Council March 20 about his department’s new policy allowing all officers to take home patrol cars. The decision came after a budget amendment passed in February allowing the department to increase its vehicle fleet by three cars. Asmus said the takehome policy’s “benefits far outweigh the costs.”

Spokane County

City of Liberty Lake employees filed paperwork to form a union in late February, but disagreement on which employees may be eligible is delaying the process. A hearing will be held to sort that out in April, at which point ballots will be sent to eligible employees, who will have two weeks to determine whether to vote in favor of unionizing. A favorable vote would result in immediate certification of the union.

A marquee annual event, the community’s Easter Egg Hunt at Pavillion Park, is planned for April 7 at 11 a.m.

Pre-registration is required. The always busy day begins with the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Liberty Lake Elementary School from 8 to 11 a.m. One item not being held Saturday as normal is the annual All Fools Egg Hunt for youth, which will be held the following week this year.

A final interviewing process to hire a city administrator for Liberty Lake is planned for April 13 and 14, when finalists will be invited to the community to interview with local officials and groups.

The city hopes to make a hire shortly thereafter, according to Interim City Administrator Mike Cecka, who has been handling the role as a consultant on a contract basis.

Following an open house held March 21 at 6815 E. Trent Ave. to show the public a building that is being considered as a future site for a new SCRAPS Regional Animal Control Facility, County officials are continuing in April to make the case to local jurisdictions and residents to partner in the efforts to further regionalize and enhance the service under the new location. The City Councils of Spokane and Spokane Valley will meet April 19 to discuss the issue.

Communities in the Greenacres area will be getting accustomed to construction again this spring as Spokane County’s multi-year sewer line project continues. County engineers announced recently that a section of Barker Road just south of Interstate 90 between Broadway and Appleway will be closed from April 9 to April 15 for sewer work.

The largest single hotel room night generating event in Spokane County will wrap up April 1, and that’s no April Fools! By the timing, you know it’s not Hoopfest or Bloomsday, but actually the 15th year of the Pacific Northwest Qualifier volleyball tournament for girls ages 12-18. More than 453 teams are attending the event over two weekends, and organizers expect that to fill nearly 10,000 hotel rooms and generate more than $5 million into the local economy.

Matches are held at Eastern Washington University, the Spokane Convention Center and the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake.

In the wake of a better than expected financial condition, Liberty Lake Finance Director RJ Stevenson made a presentation to the City Council March 6 comparing how past financial forecasts have compared to actual revenues and expenditures. The Council requested the presentation as it discusses financial priorities for the city moving forward.

The City Council reviewed a re-

Spokane County’s Target Zero Task Force announced success with it St. Patrick’s DUI emphasis campaign this year. DUI arrests during the campaign numbered 26 this year compared to 74 arrested during the 2011 event. Officials attribute increased public awareness as a reason for the declining numbers.

Spokane County Commission Board Chair Todd Mielke presented the

City of Liberty Lake

The Current

2011-2012 State of the County address March 9 at an event at Spokane Valley’s Mirabeau Park Hotel. Mielke called for a focus on crafting a regional legacy of collaboration and also spoke about infrastructure and quality of life issues at the event.

Local golfers benefited from an exceptionally mild winter, as the three golf courses owned and operated by Spokane County all opened early this year.

Hangman Golf Course (March 16), MeadowWood Golf Course (March 15) and Liberty Lake Golf Course (March 9) are already fully into swing for the season.

Valley school districts Valley districts will emphasize the PACE character trait of the month for April: trustworthiness. The local character education program defines the word as “inspiring complete reliability and confidence in his/her truthfulness, integrity and discretion.”

More than 46 high school teams, including those in the Valley, and 1,000 students will take part in a regional robotics competition at Eastern Washington University April 6-7. EWU partnered with Greater Spokane Inc. to bring the national competition to the Spokane area. Winning teams will advance to a national competition held April 25-28 in St. Louis.

Spring break for most Spokane Valley area schools lands April 2-6 this year.

Spokane Valley was represented historically well in the annual WIAA state basketball tournaments held March 1-3. Four local teams finished in second place in the state (Central Valley’s boys and girls, Valley Christian’s boys and Freeman’s girls) while University High School teams placed third (boys) and fifth (girls).

Opportunity Elementary School physical education teacher PJ Jarvis was named the National Physical Education Teacher of the Year March 16 for elementary school teachers by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Jarvis, who has taught in the Central Valley School District more than 10 years, has previously been honored with a similar award on the state level.

Mary Collins, assessment coordinator at Spokane Valley High School in the West Valley School District, was named the 2012 Classified School Employee of the Year for the NEWESD 101 region. She is one of nine regional winners in the state. Collins has been a para-educator with WVSD for 28 years.

The Current

April 2012 • 11

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12 • April 2012

community

The Current

Taking a step in the right direction Valley Striders work out for health, overall well being

By Kelly Moore Current Staff Writer

About twice a week, members of the Valley Striders program get together to visit, share news and update friends on each other’s lives. A pleasant bonus: they’re getting fit too.

“The best thing is the camaraderie,” program member and longtime walker Bonnie Ackerman said. “The exercise comes next.”

The Striders program is brought to area seniors through Prevention, Education and Development (PED), a nonprofit established to promote physical activity, intellectual challenge and emotional fulfillment along the road to successful aging.

At its core, Striders is a community walking and exercise program offered to area seniors at a nominal cost.

Members are encouraged to walk regularly and record mileage in a provided booklet. That exercise is supplemented with strength and balance classes every Monday and Wednesday morning.

Once a quarter, they meet for an awards ceremony, usually held over breakfast, to hear who clocked the most miles. Many walkers earn coupons for goods and services from area sponsors at award meetings, and guest speakers address important health issues.

At the most recent awards ceremony March 19, 38 striders turned in mileage, and Co-Coordinator Carol Stobie said the average walker clocked 250 miles since the previous awards in September.

The Valley Striders is a branch of an identical program started by PED in Coeur d’Alene almost 18 years ago, and mem-

Current photos by Kelly Moore

Members of the Valley Striders meet twice a week for strength and balance training classes taught at the Spokane Valley YMCA. The classes, coupled with regular walks, are part of a program established to help seniors age successfully.

bers of the group “In our later often intermingle.

Morene Jobb said years, it’s so her favorite part of important that the program is just getting together we take care of with friends. She each other, and joined the group in 1999 after retiring we do.” because she missed the social interac- — Carol Stobie, tion she was used Valley Striders Co-Coordinator to.

“It was good to get back to people,” Jobb said. “Everybody’s pretty friendly, and they talk to you. … Everyone in this room is a friend I’ve made through the Striders — nice friends.”

While new members are often welcome with open arms, many of the Striders have been walking together since before the organization’s inception.

“About 10 of us started walking at the mall, and Valley Striders came to us,” Ina Grunwald said. “We’ve been walking for 25 years together. … It’s definitely a social thing. After we walk the mall, we always stay for at least 45 minutes just talking and laughing.”

Some may say laughter is the best medicine, but the volunteers at PED mean it when they say social interaction and emotional support are key factors in successful aging.

“In our later years, it’s so important that we take care of each other, and we do,” Stobie said. “Everyone here is invested in everyone else. We keep up-to-date with what’s happening in each other’s lives, but we motivate each other too. We’re really proud of our little group.”

After an annual $15 fee to cover newsletter, facility and instructor expenses, members are asked to pay $1 for each class. For more information, contact Stobie at carolstobie@comcast.net.

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The Current

April 2012 • 13

community

Opportunity a fitting name for historic Valley community

Valley of the sun A monthly series of historical chronicles providing a window into the past — and a connection to the heritage — of the communities that make up the Spokane Valley.

February Dishman

March Chester

April Opportunity May Vera June Greenacres July Liberty Lake/Saltese August Spokane Bridge September East Farms/Otis Orchards October Trentwood November Orchard Avenue December Millwood

Photos courtesy of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

The Opportunity business district looking west is shown in this circa 1915 photo. For a comparable contemporary view, one could look west down Sprague Avenue from its intersection with Pines.

By Jayne Singleton Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

The heart of the Spokane Valley that became Opportunity got its name through a 1910 contest inviting folks to submit a name for the community developing around the Pines and Appleway (Sprague Avenue) area.

Laura Kelsey’s submission of the name “Opportunity” was chosen, and she received a $10 prize. Laura was the young daughter of orchard owner W.S. Kelsey. She couldn’t have chosen a better name!

In the early 1900s, D.K. McDonald, A.K. Jamieson and R.A. Hutchinson purchased 3,000 acres in the area now known as Opportunity. The three developers knew without water, the land had no value to potential buyers. The three formed Modern Irrigation and Land Co. in 1905. Still in operation today, it is now known as Modern Electric Water Co. With water for crops and power now available, Opportunity began to grow.

In 1909, the Washington State Legislature enacted a law establishing townships as a form of local government. Opportunity Township was established by a vote of the residents, and in 1912, the Township Hall was built. Designed by C. Harvey Smith in the Spanish Colonial Mission Style, the Hall served the community as the seat of government. The Hall also became a center of community activity and housed a movie theater and a meeting place for fraternal organizations. The first library in the Valley was also in the Opportunity Township

Opportunity Presbyterian Church, shown here circa 1920, originally met in Opportunity Township Hall until the building was completed.

The church has been located at 202 N. Pines Road since 1919. Its current building was dedicated in 2004.

Hall. In the 1970s through the 1980s, the Hall hosted political debates, the Boundary Review Board, incorporation meetings and myriad classes offered by the Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the distinct landmark building still stands and is now home to the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum.

Early transportation needs were met by the Inland Empire Electric Railroad. The tracks ran along the north side of Appleway (with the Opportunity Depot located near the corner of Pines and Appleway) to Sullivan Road, where the line veered to the northeast and stopped in Vera and Greenacres.

By 1920, apple orchards covered most of

Opportunity. A co-op was founded to assist growers with production and the produceto-market process. Formed as Spokane Valley Growers Union, the co-op erected a warehouse alongside the railroad tracks near 4th and Union. Edward Pierce, Garry King, Harry Nelson the Janoskys and many others were proud of their apple crops, and the apple became King of the Valley through the 1930s. Apple festivals were held in the Spokane Valley in the early days.

After the decline of the orchard industry, truck farming was the choice of the growing population of rural Spokane Valley.

Hearts of Gold cantaloupe, beans, tomatoes and berries were sold at fruit stands along Appleway and Trent. The Spokane Valley Growers Union warehouse sat idle until it was used to store World War II ordnance.

With the growth of Opportunity came the need for schools and churches. The first school in Opportunity was held in a house on the Appleway. In 1905, the three-story Opportunity School was constructed on the southeast corner of Bowdish and the Appleway. The bell from this school is now housed inside Opportunity Elementary School. The original school was torn down in 1969.

Recreation could be enjoyed watching a movie or roller skating in Opportunity Township Hall. In the summer, swimming in the irrigation ditches was a special way to cool off. Visits to Buelow’s Five and Dime, Marty’s Toyland or just riding a bike around the Valley were the way kids spent leisure time.

One of the first churches in the Opportunity area was Opportunity Christian Church, located just down the block from the Town Hall. Opportunity Presbyterian Church met in the Town Hall before building a separate facility.

The Opportunity business block west of Pines Road developed on the south side of Appleway (again, today’s Sprague Avenue).

Some early-day businesses were Myers & Farr General Store, Groves Garage (now Peters Hardware), Opportunity Plumbing and Opportunity Hardware. A fire in 1921 destroyed many of the buildings.

Some were rebuilt with brick buildings.

The Odd Fellows Hall, constructed in 1909, was added on to in 1926. Those buildings were all demolished in 2009.

Opportunity was, and is, a special name for an area so rich with history.

Jayne Singleton is director of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, housed in the original Opportunity Township Hall at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. Additional items about the history and culture of the Opportunity area — or any of the communities in the Valley of the Sun series — are available in the museum archives. For more information, call 9224570 or visit www.valleyheritagecenter.org.

The Current

14 • April 2012

or kids u st f j d ea

A speci

Cory Hatten handles Chumana, a Columbian Red Tailed Boa, at the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center. Cory has been caring for snakes and other reptiles at the center for two years.

al s pr

community

Brought to you by

Reza Broten and Rainey McCollum show off Spot and Fluffy, two snakes at the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center. The boys said they volunteer together each Friday to feed the reptiles, clean cages and have fun with the animals.

Wave photos by Tammy Kimberley

A wild way to start the weekend Students care for animals each Friday at Outdoor Learning Center

By Tammy Kimberley Wave Editor

SPOKANE VALLEY — When the bell rings on Friday afternoon to release students for the weekend, three boys meet up for some adventure and volunteerism at the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.

On a recent afternoon visit to the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, Rainey McCollum, 10, is feeding lettuce to turtles while Reza Broten, 12, sprays water in cages to keep the environment moist for the reptiles. Cory Hatten, 11, confidently cares and handles Chumana, a Colombian Red Tailed Boa snake.

While working each week at the center, the trio has learned about teamwork and trust by bonding with the animals and each other. They all have been trained to handle the snakes and are quick to offer

advice to those who may not feel as bold around the reptiles.

“You just have to realize that if you’re nervous with them, then they’re nervous with you,” Reza said.

Cory, who has worked at the center for two years, said the boys are responsible for feeding, watering and caring for the various snakes, frogs, turtles, geckos and cockroaches. Of the three, he is most comfortable with the snakes and hopes to possibly go into falconry as a job someday.

“It’s all hands-on learning experiences,” Cory said.” You get to see, hear and touch the animals.”

The boys help regularly on Friday afternoons at the center as well as assist with open houses and other special events.

Even though they perform not-so-glamorous duties such as scooping poop from cages, the boys take pride in even the little things such as catching grasshoppers in a nearby field to feed to the geckos or showing how the cockroaches hiss when you pet them.

They explained that some of the animals, such as the snakes, geckos and cockroaches, have been donated for educational purposes. But other animals, such as the birds, have been injured and could not survive in the wild.

“The animals need our help,” Reza said.

“If nobody was here, then they would all die.”

Debbie Hatten, Cory’s mom and also

a volunteer at the center, said that working at the center has taught the boys a lot about how to work together and how to overcome their fears.

The center hosts monthly open houses that are open to the public. For more information, go to olc.wvsd.org.

Rainey admitted he was nervous at first because he had watched a lot of stuff about snakes and was fearful of being struck. But in the year he’s been volunteering, he has worked to overcome his fear of snakes and would like to start his own animal shelter someday.

Congrats to contest winners

“Coming to the center is my favorite part of the week,” Rainey said. “I’m excited when Friday comes, and I get to work here.”

Located at 8706 E. Upriver Drive, the center educates students in the West Valley School District about environmental issues such as the water cycle, recycling and the local animal population.

Several kids accepted the challenge to find the St. Patrick’s Day symbols for the Lucky Leprechaun scavenger hunt in the March issue of The Current. The names of participants who completed the hunt were placed in a drawing. The two lucky winners were Christian Lutey, 7, from Otis Orchards and Dannika O’Neil, 5, of Spokane Valley. They each won a $5 gift certificate to Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt in Liberty Lake. Be sure to look for another contest just for kids next month in The Wave!

The Current

April 2012 • 15

Staying close to home for Spring Break?

community

Widen your view of our world

With the arrival of spring and Earth Day coming up on April 22, there’s no better time to learn more about the environment and how to better take care of the planet we live on. Check out these local opportunities to appreciate our world a little more.

Unscramble the letters for some fun family staycation suggestions

By Tammy Kimberley Wave Editor

Spring is here, and that means time for a break from school! If your family is not planning a big trip out of town, don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to have fun while staying close to home. And the good news is that many of these activities cost very little, if anything at all.

Why not convince your family members or friends to have a photo scavenger hunt? You can make up a list of silly things

❶ Take a family ❷

EnviroKids’ Club to do, and then divide into teams to tackle the list. Take along a digital camera to snap shots, then decide on a time for the groups to reassemble to review photos. It’s a good activity for a lot of laughs, and it records some fun family memories.

All it takes is a little effort and some imagination to create a memorable time.

Listed below are five other possibilities for frugal family fun. Simply unscramble the letters to unlock another idea. If you need a clue, see the answers at the bottom of the page. on area trails. Kbei edri you’ve not been to

before. Xrlpeor rpska

➌

in your backyard… or take it indoors if the weather does not cooperate. Pmca tuo

This group provides its 400-plus members with information and activities to explore different parts of the environment, such as air, water, weather, garbage and recycling, plants and animals. The club is open to all Spokane County residents who are in grades K-6. For more information, go to www.spokaneenvirokids.org.

Remember the Lorax In honor of Earth Day, the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center is holding a special event 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21 at the center, 8706 E. Upriver Drive. Create Lorax art with earth-friendly materials, find out how to provide animal homes in your own backyard and recycle by making something out of garbage. There is a suggested donation of $3 per person. For more information, go to olc.wvsd.org.

Arbor Day National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April (the 27th this year), but the state of Washington recognizes it the second Wednesday in April (the 11th this year).

See if your community or school district has any special events planned. If not, ask your parents to go online at www.arborday.org to learn how you can plant and care for trees.

❹

to challenge other family members in board games, Lego building or playing video games.

Ceetar tstsonec

❺

by volunteering to help a neighbor or a charity. Pick up trash in your neighborhood or do something for your community. Vige mtei

Kids Tell It Like It Is

Compiled by Tammy Kimberley at Freeman Elementary School

What is the most unusual place you’ve found an Easter egg hidden?

“My dog’s mouth. It had money in it and it was all slobbery.”

Kelsey Koch, 6, first grade

“On the roof.

My dad held the ladder so I could go up and get it.”

Jessica Totty, 8, third grade

“A thorn bush.

I got a little scraped up getting it out.”

Jeremy Dervaes, 10, fourth grade

“In the garden, right in the middle of a plant.”

Ashton Betzold, 6, first grade

“A pine tree.

We shook the tree until we could get it out.”

Christopher Barron, 9, fourth grade

“My dad hid an egg in a pocket in his shirt.”

Josie Schultes, 11, fifth grade

“It was rainy so we hid them inside. I found one by the toilet.”

Ashley Horstketter, 11, fifth grade

“High in a tree. My grandpa kept telling me to look up.”

Drew Crowley, 6, first grade

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Answers to the Spring Break Stacation Scramble: 1) bike ride; 2) Explore parks; 3) Camp out; 4) Create contests; 5) Give time

The Current

16 • April 2012

community

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY March 31 | Benefit for Jayden Bennett 4 p.m., Bayou Bar & Grill, 4511 N. Barker Road, Otis Orchards. Proceeds from a live and silent auction as well as a lasagna dinner will go toward the family of Jayden, a 10-year-old boy going through cancer treatments. For more: 892-3750 or kimmieas@comcast.net

April 7 | Community Easter Egg Hunt 1 to 3 p.m., Valley Real Life, 1831 S. Barker, Spokane Valley. This free family event includes an egg hunt, carnival games, jumping castle and slide, petting zoo and prizes. For more: 232-0840 or bcondos@myvrl.org

April 7 | Liberty Lake Community Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. Children ages 0 through fourth grade may participate by bringing six plastic eggs filled with wrapped candy or $5 per participant to a registration time. Registration is required and will be held at Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive, during three different time periods: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31, 4 to 7 p.m. April 2 and 4 to 8 p.m. April 5. For more: 921-6746

APRIL 7 | 11th annual Liberty Lake Kiwanis Pancake Feed 8 to 11 a.m. at Liberty Lake Elementary School, 23606 E. Boone.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for children 5-11 (under 5 free) and may be purchased at the door or in advance online at www.libertylakekiwanis. org. For more: 926-3198 or 475-7098

April 14 | Bountiful Bowls 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Center Pointe, 1408 N. Washington, Spokane. At this fundraiser for Center Pointe, a program that provides social and recreational activities for people with special needs, attendees purchase a hand-crafted bowl and then enjoy a soup dinner for a $15 donation.

There will also be a rummage sale at the event.

For more: www.centerpointeactivities.com or 325-5451

April 14 | Frog Regatta Festival 1 p.m.,

April 28 | Mommy & Me Princess Tea Party Class 11 a.m., Center Place Regional Event Center, 2416 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Mothers and their daughters (ages 3 through 6) are invited to dress up for this event practicing etiquette and respect. Local authors Monica Brandner and Lorene Keen will have signed copies of their book, “Sarah Elizabeth Plans a Tea Party,” available for purchase. Cost is $26 for two people. For more: etiquetteprincess.com

MUSIC & THE ARTS March 31 | “Behold Jesus!” Easter drama 1 and 6:30 p.m., INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane. Free admission. For more: www. spokanedreamcenter.org

April 6 & 7 | Reflections of Calvary 7:30 p.m., New Hope Christian Center, 1445 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley. The public is invited to this dramatic performance of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For more: 487-1017

April 15 | “Spirit of Serendipity” art reception 3 to 5 p.m., On Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford.

Watercolorist Randi Evans will offer a miniworkshop and a free water color demonstration during the mixed-media art show and sale.

Children and young adults are welcome. For more: 747-6294

April 20 | “Letlive” concert 7 p.m., The Kave, 4909 N. Harvard Road, Otis Orchards.

Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. For more: www.monumentalshows.com

April 28 | DanceFest 2012 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., West Valley High School auditorium, 8301 E. Buckeye, Spokane Valley. This eighth annual event is free and sponsored by Inland Northwest Dance Association, showcasing all forms of dance through booths, vendors, workshops and performances. For more: www.indaspokane.com, 927-0975 or isabelle@isabellesdancetime.com

Rockford City Park, Rockford. The festival includes children’s games, free hot dogs and a Frog Regatta race down Rock Creek.

CIVIC & BUSINESS

APRIL 18 | “Hawaii Moves In” senior dance 1:15 to 3:15 p.m., the fireside lounge of

Preview at noon, auction at 1 p.m., Sons of Norway, 6710 N. Country Homes Blvd., Spokane. More than $100,000 in horse-related merchandise already consigned, with additional consignment available at 11 a.m. For more: (406)205-1655

the Spokane Valley Senior Center at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Event continues monthly program of theme dances for seniors age 50 and older. Suggested donation: $4. For more: 926-1937

April 20 | SCRAPS annual Chocolate Festival and Auction 6 to 9:30 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. For more: 477-2532 or www. scrapshopefoundation.org

April 21 | Remember the Lorax 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, 8706 E. Upriver Drive, Spokane Valley. Create Lorax art and find out how to provide animal homes in your own backyard. Suggested donation is $3. For more: olc.wvsd.org

April 24 | Valleyford Historical Club meeting 1 p.m., On Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford.

APRIL 1 | Tack & Saddle Farm Auction

April 5 | 2012 State of the City Address 6:30 to 8 p.m., Valley Fourth Memorial Church, 2302 S. Bowdish Road, Spokane Valley. Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey will present Spokane Valley’s accomplishments and goals. If you can’t make this presentation, there are others: 6:30 p.m. April 11 at Hope Lutheran Church; 6:30 p.m., April 18 at Seth Woodard Elementary; and 12:30 p.m. April 25 at Spokane Valley Mall. For more: 720-5411 or cbranch@spokanevalley.org

April 5 | Citizen’s Academy 6 to 9 p.m., SCSO Training Center, 10319 E. Appleway, Spokane Valley. Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Spokane Valley Police Department is holding this training on Thursday evenings through May 28. Applicants must be at least 21

A boy loads up his basket during the Liberty Lake Community Easter Egg Hunt held last year at Pavillion Park. This year’s hunt will be April 7 at 11 a.m., and kids must preregister in order to participate.

Current file photo

years old, pass a background check and agree to attend seven out of the eight sessions. For more: 477-6044 or tpendell@spokanesheriff.org

April 6, 7 & 8 | Spokane Gun Show & Flea Market Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. For sale times and more: 208-746-5555

April 11 | Spokane Community College Information Night 6 p.m. Student Services Building 15, 1810 N. Greene St. Free event covering everything from financial aid to choosing a program student. For more: 535-8020

April 13, 14 & 15 | Spokane Home Builders Premier Show Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. For sale times and more: 532-4990

APRIL 14 | “Autism and ADHD Biomedical Treatment” workshop 11 a.m. at Family Medicine Liberty Lake, 2207 N. Molter Road, Suite 203. Workshop presented by Dr. Susan Ashley discusses improvements and cures for autism and ADHD possible through bio-medical treatment. For more: www. familymedicinelibertylake.com or 928-6700

APRIL 17 | Meet the Chamber/Member Reception 5 to 7 p.m. at Sullivan Park Campus of Care, 14820 E. 4th Ave., Spokane Valley.

This monthly Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce event features networking and prizes, honoring new members and a chance to learn more about the Chamber. For more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994

APRIL 20 | “Let Freedom Ring, Focus on Citizens Soldiers” breakfast 6:30 a.m. coffee and 7 a.m. breakfast and program at the Washington Army National Guard Armory/ Readiness Center, 1626 N. Rebecca, Spokane.

The monthly Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce will meet in a special venue to hear a panel of local military leaders discuss plans and programs for returning forces. Cost: $25 members, $35 non-members. For more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994

April 20, 21 & 22 | Custer’s Spring Antique & Collector’s Sale Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. The largest indoor antique and

See CALENDAR, page 34

The Current

April 2012 • 17

It’s the perfect time to buy! ◆ Reduced home prices

◆ Great selection of inventory

◆ Historically low interest rates ◆ Low down-payment options

Why pay a landlord?

Get ready for Easter and Spring ...

Presenting the

2012 PACE Awards Bringing Character to Light

One student from each of the 45 schools partnering with PACE in the Spokane Valley will represent their school at the 2012 PACE Awards. Selected for demonstrating outstanding character, each student will be honored during this evening celebration on May 31 at the Mirabeau Park Hotel.

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Attend the PACE Awards

Individual seats may be reserved for $25 each.

Visit www.pacecommunity.org for registration information.

Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) is a grassroots Spokane Valley initiative to promote the importance of good character through partnerships with schools, businesses, public agencies, residents, faith-based organizations and community service groups.

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The Current

18 • April 2012

community

When Rockford gets frog fever, the community wins True to its history, 16th annual Frog Regatta benefits local causes

By Heidi Scott

If you go …

Current Correspondent

On April 14, the small town of Rockford will be taken over by frog fever. Far from the latest health epidemic, the entire town looks forward to catching this fever every year.

Hundreds of people from Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and the northern Palouse are expected to come to the city park to celebrate the 16th annual FredNecks Frog Regatta Festival. They will play games, visit with friends, eat hot dogs and, most importantly, cheer as more than 200 pounds of plastic frogs float down Rock Creek.

The event finds its roots in the breaking of an upstream ice dam on New Year’s Eve, 1996. A band was playing at FredNecks Saloon and Beanery, situated next to Rock Creek. An hour after ringing in the New Year, a patron opened the front door, and a small river of water poured in. The bar closed shortly after, and the band put its instruments on top of the billiards table to be safe. About 4 inches of water filled the building within the hour.

Owner Fred Abbey and his son, Pete, stayed behind with a few others, just to make sure that the place would be OK. Unfortunately, it was not. By the end of the evening, water had half submerged the entire building. Even the billiards table and music equipment was underwater.

This single event could have destroyed the entire establishment, which did not have flood insurance at the time, but Rockford did not stand idly by. Rather than ask for handouts, FredNecks devised a way to earn the money needed to help cover the cost of repairs. The business held a rubber duck race to be held three months later. For $5,

Where does the money go?

The 2011 FredNecks Frog Regatta Festival raised more than $6,000. The event benefits the Rockford Lions Club for the support of youth and community activities.

While years ago, the club distributed the money through scholarships, organizers have since decided to stretch the fund-

What: 16th annual FredNecks Frog Regatta Festival When: April 14 1 p.m.: Free hot dogs, sponsored by the Rockford Lions Club 2 p.m.: Children’s games 3 p.m.: Frog Regatta race down Rock Creek Where: Rockford City Park, along South 1st Street in downtown Rockford

Current photo by Josh Johnson

Frogs make their presence felt in Rockford year round, here lining the rafters at the Harvest Moon Restaurant. people could buy ducks to be dumped simultaneously off the bridge and float down Rock Creek. The person who sponsored the first duck to cross the finish line would get a cash prize. The event was such a success, it was held again the following year.

In 1999, Pete Abbey had taken over ownership of FredNecks, which was back in business.

“That year, I didn’t see what we would do with the money (we made), so I donated it to the Lions Club,” he said, adding it was around $2,500. “And then the year after that, I challenged them to a frog-selling contest. I said, ‘Look, you can have all the money from the frog race, but you gotta sell some frogs.’” ing to benefit as many students as possible. The Lions Club approached Freeman, Liberty and Plummer/Worley school districts about selling frogs and receiving half of the profits from what they sell.

Students are also invited to help retrieve frogs after the race and run games for younger children on the day of the event.

“Instead of writing a check, we like the students and their families to get involved in the fundraiser,” said Sam Meyle, general chairperson of the regatta and president of the Rockford Lions Club.

Together, the two organizations expanded the races by involving local businesses.

People could buy a duck for the race for $5, and businesses could buy a frog for $15.

The first frog across the line, representing a business, would pay the $100 prize to the person sponsoring the winning duck.

Every year, organizers try to catch as many of the plastic creatures as possible to reuse in the next race, but inevitably a few disappear. That, in combination with growth in demand, means it is necessary to purchase more supplies for each race. One year, the ducks were not available from the distributor. There seemed to be plenty of frogs, though, and thus the Frog Regatta Festival began.

Students in drama, band, FFA, business clubs and other youth groups including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4H have benefitted. Students who cannot otherwise afford to go to state competitions or school trips are able to petition for financial assistance from the Lions Club.

Today, the Rockford Lions Club boasts about 40 members, double what it was a decade ago. Last year, through various fundraisers, the club generated almost $20,000 in donations. In return, it gave to

Cost: Events free, entrance into Frog Regatta is $5 per frog, available at the event or in advance at FredNecks Saloon, Harvest Moon Restaurant, Banner Bank of Rockford, Bank of Fairfield in Rockford and On Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop in Valleyford.

Prizes: First place, $300; second place, $200; third place, $100 For more information: Contact Rockford Lions Club President Sam Meyle at meylesc@gmail.com or (208) 818-4735 or call FredNecks at 509-291-3880.

Last year, more than 1,200 frogs floated in the race, bringing in more than $6,000 to the Rockford Lions Club.

“It’s a great event,” Rockford Mayor Micki Harnois said. “These two (groups) put in such work. It’s a great way to raise money for the community.”

See FROG, page 19 such causes as the Union Gospel Mission, the North Palouse Community Food Bank, a community Easter Egg hunt and financial assistance for cancer treatments, eye exams and a hearing aid audiometer for local residents.

While the profits generated from the Frog Regatta are essentially returned directly to the local community, the Lions Club also donates to international causes like disaster relief in New Zealand.

— Heidi Scott

The Current

April 2012 • 19

community

Nonprofit spotlight

Food for Thought Description

A partnership of organizations looking to provide weekend meals for primarily homeless students who have access to free and reduced meals at school during the week, but may go without on Saturday and Sunday.

Founding Earlier this school year, Pat Dockrey of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis, Connie Nelson of the Spokane Valley Partners food bank, and volunteers from those organizations as well as the Barker High School Key Club and Spokane Valley's Advent Lutheran Church partnered together to address the need for weekend meals among the more than 400 students listed as homeless in the Central Valley School District. Working with CVSD, which confidentially identifies and distributes the food to needy students, the partners package six weekend meals that can be put in a students backpack Friday afternoon. They call the program, "Food for Thought."

Submitted photo

Food for Thought volunteers sort through donations to put together weekend meals on a recent Thursday. The volunteers use mostly single-serve donations to package together two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners for each student served by the program.

Kiwanis Club and Advent Lutheran Church pick it up each Thursday and bring it to Barker High School, where volunteers package the food for distribution and then deliver the food Thursday and Friday to the five CVSD schools being served by the program.

Who benefits So far, a total of about 70 students spread among Barker High School, Broadway Elementary, Progress Elementary, Liberty Lake Elementary and the Central Valley Kindergarten Center are supported by the program. The students are selected by CVSD administrators through HEART, a program that exists to supports the district's homeless student population.

What they do

Future plans

Spokane Valley Partners provides the food for the program. Volunteers from the

"We want to grow it," Dockrey said. "We would like to think that within the next year or so

every child in the Central Valley School District that needs food, gets it."

Dockrey said expanding to the district's two main high schools may be the next step, and North Pines Middle School is also waiting in the wings with about 30 students it hopes to add to the program. Expansion is limited by the resources Spokane Valley Partners has to contribute to it (currently about 400 meals a week), as the organization relies on donations to supply all of its programs.

Eventually, Dockrey said organizers would love to see partners and donations reach the point where no student in any Valley-area school district is forced to spend a weekend without food.

Quotable "It's easy to say, 'Oh, homeless kids. They are in gangs

FROG

How you can help Financial contributions can be made directly to Food for Thought through the Liberty Lake Kiwanis website, www.libertylakekiwanis.org.

All financial contributions and food donated for the program goes directly to the food bank at Spokane Valley Partners, earmarked for the Food for Thought program. Churches, organizations and clubs are also encouraged to hold food drives for the program.

For more Call Dockrey at 926-3198.

Do you know of an organization in the greater Spokane Valley area that should be featured as a Nonprofit Spotlight? Tell us at editor@valleycurrent.com.

A compromise has been made to keep it around the middle of April when flows are high, but the weather is better.

Continued from page 18

The Frog Regatta is the largest fund-raiser that happens in the area.

“The town is packed, and the bridge is just covered with people watching the frogs go down,” Harnois said.

With the Frog Regatta, timing is everything. The Lions Club likes to have it in early April, when winter run-off makes the creek higher. On the other hand, Abbey, who has to walk or kayak in the frigid water, prefers it to be later in the year, when temperatures are warmer.

FredNecks Owner Pete Abbey needs plenty of assistance as he prepares to dump 200 pounds of plastic frogs into Rock Creek.

“Those guys don’t have to wade in it!” he says with a smile.

frogs to cross the finish line.

Also, if the event happens too early, there is still standing water in the city park. The longest race, a year when a breeze blew the frogs back upstream, took 4.5 hours for the

or whatever.' But when you think that we are taking food to the kindergarten center for 5-year-olds who don't get food on the weekend, that's wrong. We are living in the richest country in the world and can't get food to kindergartners on the weekend?

There are a lot of things we can't do anything about, but we can do something about making sure these kids get fed. It isn't hard. It just takes some time and us sitting down and saying, 'We're going to do something about this.'"

— Pat Dockrey, Liberty Lake Kiwanis

Submitted photo

“The kids got a little bored that day, waiting,” said Sam Meyle, general chairperson of the event and president of the Rockford Lions Club.

Locals are proud of this event — some decorate their frogs with paint or jewels — and other Rockford businesses join the annual festivities. Bands play at both restaurants in town, Harvest Moon and FredNecks. Hurd Mercantile holds a special open house. For less than $10, FredNecks even serves two pairs of frog legs with a side of fries for adventurous eaters.

The Lions Club donates the cash prizes for the frog race, along with silver dollar prizes for the children’s races. They also sponsor a free hot dog lunch that happens before the activities. The event serves as a spring opener for the town of Rockford.

Rather than a memorial to that disappointing New Year’s Eve, the Frog Regatta is a blossoming celebration of the spirit of a very special small town.

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20 • April 2012

‘He’s like a whole new kid’ White Logo below

community Spokane Valley resident Zae Hays-Courmier, 11, and Eastern Washington University student D.J. Webster have enjoyed a two-year relationship through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. The pair enjoy spending time together outdoors, and Webster said he tries to attend all of Zae’s sporting events, making it to about 90 percent.

Mentor relationships are just one component of annual Our Kids: Our Business campaign

By Kimberly Cauvel Current Correspondent

Finance, economics, math: fields of study.

Apartment management: full-time job.

Football games, trips to the park, collecting comic books: role as a “big brother.”

Eastern Washington University senior D.J. Webster is a busy man, but he considers his participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program an extremely important part of his life. Growing up with his mother in social work and his father in education, he was encouraged to get involved in his community.

“I just really wanted to help someone,” he said, “and that someone turned out to be Zaeshaun.”

Eleven-year old Zaeshaun (Zae) HaysCourmier is a Spokane Valley resident whose mother, Amber Hays, sought out the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She said her interest in the program was sparked by statistics shared on KHQ during a time that Zae was having some trouble in school. Studies evaluating the Big Brothers Big Sisters program have shown children who spend at least 18 months connected with a mentor are less likely to use drugs or alcohol, skip school or act violently. Hays said she and Zae’s father both have a history of addiction, so the finding that “Littles” of the program are 46 percent less likely to use illegal drugs was of particular importance to her.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, connecting children between 6 and 18 years old with adult mentors.

Heather Osborne, program director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest, said the program targets at-risk children, many of whom come from single-parent households, poverty-level family incomes or troubled parents. Matches are made based on factors including location, personality and interests. Through confidence, relationship and dream-building the mentorship is intended to encourage children to succeed academically and emotionally.

Every match spends a few hours together each month, but each relationship is unique.

For More ...

The Big Brothers Big Sisters movement was initiated more than 100 years ago and today operates in nearly 370 communities in all 50 states, as well as in 11 other countries.

The program reached the Inland Northwest in 1965 and has served more than 10,000 children and volunteers in Spokane and Kootenai counties since. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest is currently enrolling children between 7 and 12 years old who live in Spokane County. Volunteers 18 years and older are needed to serve as “Bigs.”

For more information, visit www. nwbigs.org.

Submitted photo

According to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website, the pairs can choose to engage in structured, site-based mentoring one hour a week during school lunch or flexible community-based mentoring. The focus of the meeting can be on tutoring, talking or playing, depending on the needs of the “Little.”

Zae and Webster spend time together at least once every two weeks and sometimes as often as twice a week. They occasionally hang out at an arcade or see a movie but prefer to spend their time outside. The two have taken up longboarding, and the big toys on Lake Coeur d’Alene are one of Zae’s favorite hang-outs. Webster has also inspired Zae to collect comic books.

“I want Zae to have an interest in reading, whether it’s books or comic books,” Webster said, explaining that his main goal is to have a positive influence on Zae’s future. “If Zae can get into school, into reading, it will push him to want to excel for his education and reach for college.”

Zae and Webster have been meeting for two years now, surpassing the national average of 22-month-long Big Brothers Big Sisters relationships. The relationship doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

“I really value Zae’s friendship,” Webster said. “I hope that we can be brothers for the rest of my life. One of the things he said that made me get kind of mushy: He told me that when I’m at a nursing home, he’ll come pick me up and drive me around and we’ll hang out. He’s thinking about the future and wants me to be a part of his future as well. I know we’ll stay connected.”

Hays also hopes to see the two stay connected and said the program has made a huge difference for Zae in boosting his confidence.

“This year, he’s like a whole new kid,” she said, explaining that Zae has avoided trouble and become much more active and involved in school. The results have far

exceeded her expectations, and she now plans to use the program for her 5-year-old daughter, Taezhanae, down the road.

Hays works a full-time medical billing job, and Zae’s father is often out of town with his work in construction.

“I tend to be a single mom a lot of the time,” Hays said. “Our quality time consists of dinner, showers and getting ready for bed. It’s hard. … It’s just not what kids need.”

Hays said having a role model outside of same-age peers and parents who can devote full attention to one-on-one relationship building is of significant value to any child.

Amy Knapton, Treasurer of the Spo-Can Council and Chair of the Our Kids: Our Business movement, agrees.

“Children only need one encounter with a positive person in their life to really make a difference,” Knapton said.

Our Kids: Our Business was initiated six years ago to raise awareness and encourage prevention of child abuse, neglect and other issues in connection with April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Spokane Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (Spo-Can) Council, which has been at work for more than 20 years, is now the representative agency for the movement.

The idea of the movement is that from conception through high school graduation, each child deserves support for a successful future, and the community shares the responsibility of providing that support.

Knapton describes it as a “call to action to protect and nurture our children.”

The movement has brought together a coalition of more than 30 non-profits, law enforcement agencies, school systems and people working with children and youth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of these supporters and an example of a formal mentoring program. However, there are countless ways to make a difference in a child’s life formally or informally through schools,

The Our Kids: Our Business movement coincides locally during April with National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Some businesses and partners in the Inland Northwest will be displaying the movement’s signature pinwheel.

For more information and a calendar of events, visit www. ourkidsspokane.org. businesses, neighborhoods, community groups and personal relationships.

The Our Kids: Our Business website emphasizes the “Five Promises” of the America’s Promise Alliance to provide all children with: • Caring adults • Safe places and constructive activities • A healthy start • Effective education for marketable skills, and • Opportunities to serve “Those are things kids need in their lives to be successful,” Knapton said. “You can provide one or more of these things for a child in your life. Every one of us can do something in the life of a child to encourage them and help them develop. The idea is to make a difference where you’re at — each person deciding how they can engage.”

The Current

April 2012 • 21 Please Join Us For oUr annUal

Highlights from your Chamber

Wine, Dessert & Silent Auction

All proceeds to benefit animals at SCRAPS Hope Foundation 21 & over suggested

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Caring for you, your family and friends for over 10 years.

Photo: Gary Roberto Photography

Need help to Spring Ahead with exercise and healthy eating?

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Easy access from I-90

lunch & EvEning Appts. AvAilAblE

Breakfast to focus on citizen soldiers The monthly Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce breakfast program will feature a panel of local military leaders speaking on, “Let Freedom Ring, Focus on Citizen Soldiers,” a topic to discuss plans and programs for returning forces.

This special event is being held Friday, April 20, at the Washington Army National Guard Armory/Read-

iness Center, 1626 N. Rebecca next to Spokane Community College. The doors open at 6:30 a.m. for coffee and conversation with the program and breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.

The cost for the breakfast is $25 for members, $35 for non-members. For more information or to register, call 924-4994 or visit www.spokanevalleychamber.org.

Other April events

office for use by Chamber members and the general public. This is intended for those who need to access the internet for a short time or find information that can help them grow or start their business. There is no charge to use the computer, and a time limit will be imposed if another person is waiting to use it. A variety of business-related books are available and can be referenced in our library or checked out. The grand opening was in July 2011, made available by funding from an economic development grant from the City of Spokane Valley.

The events below are already scheduled in April, but check the Chamber’s website regularly for new event and all the latest happenings. Some events also require registration. Call 924-4994 for more information or visit www.spokanevalleychamber.org.

April 2, 6:10 to 7:10 p.m.: Ribbon cutting at Turner Dental, 424 S. Sullivan Road, Suite 400 April 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Government Action Committee meeting, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission

Don’t miss it! Sunday, April 1st What’s being auctioned off:

Over $100,000 in merchandise already consigned from many individuals including a large inventory of custom-made tack and saddles from H bar Saddlery. Just imagine, everything you would find in a tack shop; if it’s used on or around a horse it will be there.

Over 60 western saddles (roping, ranch, barrel, silver show, pleasure, youth, pony); over 100 bridles, headstalls & halters, etc., Plus lots of custom-made tack and one-of-a-kind items. To be sold to the highest bidder, piece by piece!

Terms of Sale: Cash, all major credit cards, ATM & debit. Sorry NO checks!

Consignments Being Accepted and Added Daily

Sarah Hooker and Paul Rodriguez, owners of Forza Coffee Company on Sullivan Road, hosted March’s Meet the Chamber/Member Reception. About 50 members attended, and giveaways included great items from Love @ First Bite Desserts, Flower Patch, Appleway Florist and Greenhouse and Forza.

April 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ambassador meeting, Black Diamond, 9614 E. Sprague April 17, 5 to 7 p.m.: Meet the Chamber/ Member Reception, Sullivan Park Campus of Care, 14820 E. 4th Ave. April 24, 5 to 7 p.m.: Game World, Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting at 6:15pm, 5725 E. Sprague Ave.

Did you know?

• The Chamber provides notary services and certificates of origin free to members and at a nominal fee to non-members weekdays at the Valley location and certificates of origin on Wednesdays at the Liberty Lake location.

• The Chamber Resource Center offers a library of business-related publications and recordings and a computer for public access.

It is available on a drop-in basis in the Valley

New members

Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce: Ambrosia Bistro Architects West Cozy Coffee Daev’s Burgers and Gyros Dave’s Bar & Grill Enhanced Software Products Global Credit Union Inland NW Baby Northern Financial Services Pacific Materials Exchange Paperwork Helpers Senior Retirement Project The Exercise Institute Turner Dental

We are accepting new and used equipment for consignment. If you have stuff that you haven’t used in years, this will be a great opportunity to turn it into cash. If you bring it, we can sell it.

Accepting day of auction consignment at 11:00 A.M. Preview: Day of auction at 12:00 P.M. Starting at 1:00 P.M. at the

Sons of Norway

Call for more info (406) 205-1655 6710 N. Country Homes Blvd., Spokane, WA

9507 East Sprague Avenue • Spokane Valley, WA 99206 • Phone: 509 924 4994 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane • Liberty Lake, WA 99019 • Phone: 509 210-2425 www.spokanevalleychamber.org

22 • April 2012

local lens

Party for pi

The Current

‘City Hall at the Mall’ event

Current photos by Kelly Moore

At left: students at Central Valley High School celebrated “Pi Day” March 14 with calculus teacher Brandon Mack. In a contest to see who could recite the most digits of pi, the winner took top honors (an apple pie) for recalling 151 digits.

Above: a student performs a song he wrote about pi during lunch.

Preschool on patrol

Current photos

by Kelly Moore

Above: Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey (center) met with residents at the Spokane Valley Mall Feb. 29. At the event, residents were able to gather information about city services, report potholes and meet city representatives.

At left: SCOPE volunteer Simone Ramel and McGruff the Crime Dog visit with kids in the food court.

Representing in Olympia At left: Daniele Modderman, a sophomore student at The Oaks Classical Christian Academy in Spokane Valley, recently served as a page fro the state House of Representatives. She was sponsored by Represetative Matt Shea.

Below: Senator Mike Padden honored West Valley School District teacher Ned Fadeley Feb. 27, as a top finalist for the Washington State Legislative Civic Educator of the Year Award.

Submitted photos

Local Lens

Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page.

E-mail photos@ valleycurrent. com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos.

Students from Scribbles preschool in Spokane Valley took a field trip to the Liberty Lake Police Department March 20.

At left: LLPD Chief Brian Asmus helps Henley Porter, 5, try on a bulletproof vest.

Submitted photos

The Current

business

Increased collaboration seen as key to Valley economy Business groups, city seeking united effort in economic development

By R. Dale Thomas Current Correspondent

Opinions and plans for economic development in Spokane Valley have taken several forms since the city incorporated in 2003, but a new effort stressing collaboration is under way to improve the vitality of the area. In the meantime, statistics shared as recently as a February Real Estate Market Forum show the Valley continuing to lead the region in commercial vacancy rates.

"It's hard to determine why business will not locate to the Valley," said Mike Jackson, Spokane Valley’s city manager. "We have an excellent workforce, location, education and support services."

Spokane Valley has an ample inventory of industrial and commercial space, he said.

It’s not to say that the community is absent of success stories. Several recent successful additions to the Valley include American Tire Distributors, which will employ 30 to 35 in a new 110,000-squarefoot building in the Spokane Industrial Park. Pyrotek, which produces high-temperature materials for industrial applications, agreed in December 2011 to relocate to the park from Mexico and will employ 20 to 30 workers. Greater Spokane Inc., the regional chamber of commerce and economic development agency, helped facilitate the additions, and the city offered a good existing infrastructure, Jackson said.

With competitive tax rates (property taxes went unchanged from 2011 to 2012), no business and occupation tax, and only one utility tax — 6 percent on phone bills that goes to the street fund — "this is a very affordable community to do business in," Jackson said.

City management is moving forward with plans to simplify what are sometimes complicated zoning regulations and to streamline permit processes, all with the goal of making the city more attractive for expansion of the commercial base.

John Hohman, community development director for the city of Spokane Valley, said economic development is "one of the things we're identifying now. The city manager and I are meeting with partners, trying to identify who does what."

The city needs better coordination

with GSI and the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, he said.

"The chamber needs to have more of a leadership role with support from GSI," he said.

Various agencies in the region work on recruiting and economic development for Spokane Valley, and the entities are now beginning to focus more on coordinating those efforts.

"Our biggest issue is improved communications with economic development partners," Hohman said. "We are taking a bigger-picture approach, what is the city's approach to make the city more viable?"

Why now?

"It's more timing than anything else,” Hohman said.

That's in part because a long-debated issue is now considered beyond further discussion by many because it is now cast in concrete, asphalt and the will of the voters — the one-way couplet along Sprague and Appleway. A ballot issue to return the couplet to two-way traffic was defeated by voters in November. With the configuration decision established, the hard work begins.

Mike King, a commercial broker with NAI Black, presented a study to the Spokane Valley City Council in 2010 showing the area along the couplet between Argonne Road and University is the worst section in the county for commercial vacancies.

"Since the one-way, we have 200 years of accumulated vacancies," he said. "I am talking to people all the time; nobody wants to go on a one-way. That point has been discussed and debated, and a change voted down, so the answer is to move on and make the most of what there is to work with."

In many respects, the Valley's economy is not that bad, King said.

"Overall, the industrial segment is doing well and moving forward now, and those who are trying to improve the business climate of Spokane Valley are filtering through other issues, including complex and restrictive zoning ordinances,” he said.

“Broadening the range of business activities allowed in office zoning will be part of the process."

Eldonna Shaw, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, says that body's efforts working with GSI and the city on economic development are just beginning to gel. Through April 13, the city is accepting applications for a new economic development committee that will be made up of

two council members, two business representatives, two tourism representatives, a citizen and a youth.

Obstacles that face the Chamber's typical and potential small business member looking for space to start up or expand are mostly economic, Shaw said. It is often difficult for them to get funding for commercial ventures. She said in the past seven months, 58 percent of new business permits were for home-based operations.

"A lot of people are creating their own jobs," Shaw said.

Working with the city, GSI, the Small Business Development Center and the Chamber’s own business incubator, Shaw said small entrepreneurs will be a vital component of growth. The Chamber also runs an entrepreneur training class called NxLevel that has been lauded statewide.

The area should also be attractive to light manufacturing and assembly operations, Shaw said, adding that in the past, the approach to economic development has been largely haphazard.

"There needs to be a specific focus on the Valley,” Shaw said. “Financially, the city is better than most in the state, and we are willing to partner with anybody."

She is often invited to participate in discussions with prospective business, a task that can be daunting.

"We're pecking away at the iceberg,” she said.

Competition for small and large business is intense not only among the different regions of Spokane County, but from outside the state as well.

Idaho was successful in recruiting Cabela's with incentives not available in Washington, including the STAR (sales tax anticipation revenue) bonding to build an interchange from Interstate 90 to the store, along with state-funded training funds.

"We have limited access to that," Shaw said. "What we need is a consistent funding source for economic development."

A port district would be attractive as a concept but would need to be tax-funded, which would be a hard sell. And because Spokane Valley is still a second- or thirdtier city in size, "we are an undiscovered diamond.”

"I hope we can work to grow business and keep our educated workforce here,” Shaw said. “We should brag about ourselves more. We have great schools and community spirit."

Robin Toth, GSI's vice president for business development, agreed that com-

April 2012 • 23

“I hope we can work to grow business and keep our educated workforce here. We should brag about ourselves more. We have great schools and community spirit.”

— Eldonna Shaw, President and CEO, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

munications among the various groups have been lacking, but said the current City Council is now more engaged in economic issues. With help from a $51,000 grant from the city, GSI's fourth-quarter report presented to the Council on March 20 resulted in retention and recruitment of businesses that will net $230,000 per year in increased taxes.

"That's a pretty good return," she said.

There are another half dozen projects in the pipeline for the Valley, and the deal is done for a CarMax dealership on about eight acres along the couplet east of Dishman Dodge with frontage on Sprague and Appleway.

CarMax is in final permitting as it prepares to begin what she expects will be an "aggressive" construction schedule that will take 12 to 15 months to complete.

When open, CarMax will create 150 to 200 jobs, she said.

"It's going to be a great addition to Spokane Valley," Toth said.

There are generally few objections specific to the city when trying to expand the business base, but Toth agreed the city can help four ways: with infrastructure, being business-friendly, code-friendly and in its permitting processes.

Under Hohman, Spokane Valley has become more attractive to business, said King, the realtor.

"Spokane Valley's job is not about policing and enforcing, but about making it business-friendly," he said. "That will provide a broad benefit. The more business we have producing sales, the less dollars will be required from property taxes.

"The rap has been the Valley is not friendly to business. That has to swing the other direction."

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The Current

24 • April 2012

business

Appetizer Madness Two guys on a mission to eat, watch basketball and be merry

At True Legends: “Three is Key” Nothing has impacted college basketball as much as the advent of the 3-point shot. Three-pointers allow the underdogs to hang around and pull huge upsets as well as helping the top seeds put the final nail in the coffin on their way to wins. When heading out to the local sports bar, the “three” is equally important. It is not about shots, but screens, and True Legends does it right. If you are hanging out around the bar and watching games, you can’t help but notice the massive HD screen playing the local favorite (during our visit it was Montana vs. Wisconsin) with two side screens showing other tournament games. It is viewing bliss times three.

— Coach Chad Kimberley

Step 1: Take 2 thirty-something guys who have Step 2: Sprinkle never heard of a diet in 32 second-r ou nd N C A A tournament ga Step 3: Distribut mes e th

em among 4 Va lley sports bars the course of 2 over days Step 4: Add 1 or der of wings pe r sports bar Step 5: Add 1 ad ditional appetiz er (must be re

a “standout” by commended as the server) per sports bar Step 6: Mix, step back and enjoy

(because you pr to get another obably aren’t go “work” assignm ing ent like this for a long time)

Buffalo wings

EAST True Legends Grill

Order comes with eight chicken wings, and we chose buffalo and teriyaki sauces (third option, BBQ, also available): $9.99

Combo appetizer plate

Buffalo wings Wings with sweet chili sauce

1803 N. Harvard Road Liberty Lake

Nachos Ordered with beef, cheeses, jalapenos, tomatoes, olives and onions served with salsa and sour cream: $8.99 (small size)

At The Ref: “Run the Spread” As college players get bigger, stronger and faster you see more and more coaches and teams running variations of a spread offense.

Teams simply slide their players all around the perimeter and allow one of their quickest penetrators to attack the basket and either finish or look to kick it out to an open teammate around the arc. When heading to your local sports bar, many times you feel cramped and somewhat claustrophobic while watching with a few dozen strangers. The Ref, on the other hand, has created an open and spread out establishment with tons of great seats and viewing options. If you need to get up and stretch the legs, you can wander the restaurant and get ready to attack another round of wings.

— Coach Chad Kimberley

Recipe for this story

Wings with sweet chili sauce

Wings with sweet chili sauce

SOUTH The Ref

Ordered as part of “Double Slugger,” which comes with 12 wings split between choice of two sauces among 23 options): $12.99

14208 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley

Pulled pork sliders Ordered as “Hat Trick,” which comes with three pulled pork sliders covered with honey BBQ sauce and apple slaw: $8.49

Bacon wrapped steak skewers Wings with sweet chili sauce

Bacon wrapped steak skewers

The Current

April 2012 • 25

business

My dreaded assignment: Watch hoops, eat food

By Josh Johnson Current Column

So where were you when a 15 seed knocked off a second seed in the NCAA basketball tournament for the first time in 11 years?

I was in a bank parking lot trying to decipher the action on a cell phone screen, wincing at the blips in the buff-

ering — and cursing the irony — as the final horn sounded.

But more on that later.

I need to start with a confession. I assigned myself this story. My favorite sporting event of the year, hands down, is the NCAA tournament. As that first Thursday and Friday features hordes of

At Black Diamond: “Halftime Adjustments”

Chicken wings Order comes tossed in house buffalo sauce (the only sauce option): $9.49

WEST Black Diamond 9614 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley

Combo appetizer plate Order comes with onion rings, chicken strips, jalapeno won ton poppers, taquitos, ravioli, fried zucchini and French fries: $12.99

Bacon wrapped steak skewers Order comes with eight generous bites of baconwrapped flat iron steak, served with bleu cheese cream sauce: $9.99

You see it all the time in tournament games, one team piles up the points in the first half, opens a seemingly comfortable lead and then watches the other team come roaring back in the second half (think BYU vs. Iona in the first-round matchup).

How does it happen? Often times, it is the halftime adjustment the coaching staff makes for the team trailing. The same goes for watching games all day at your favorite sports bar; you might need to mix it up and change your plans. Sitting for 12 hours straight isn’t healthy, and at the Black Diamond you can hop up anytime and head over to the pool hall, shoot a couple of games and prepare to get right back into your viewing seat. The change of pace can be a great adjustment and help you finish your viewing day strong.

— Coach Chad Kimberley

with thou, er, you.

I've got to say, seeing as how I'm finally getting around to the actual work, I'm having a hard time finding how you, the reader, are going to take what I say as anything but several hundred words of "neener neener neener."

So allow me to let you in on something

See ASSIGNMENT, page 26

The starting five

Brackets aside, we decided to seed the best five orders, in order. It took a little discussion and factoring in things like value and portions on close calls, but we were able to come to consensus. What follows is the lineup we would send out on the floor for the National Championship Game.

1. Wings with sweet chili sauce, The Ref Our star order, this arrived as part of the Double Slugger, The Ref ’s taste of 12 wings with choice of two sauces. Chad’s love of “sweet chili” goes way back, and these wings magnified it. Smooth and sweet taste smothered on the largest, meatiest wings we encountered. We were tempted to indulge in another order, but our assignment required us to move to the next sports bar. We left with the slightly-adapted words of “The Princess Bride’s” Man in Black echoing in our brains: “But for now, rest well and dream of large chickens.”

2. Bacon wrapped steak skewers, Boston’s This is our power forward order, hands down. For one thing, Boston’s was our last stop, we were absolutely stuffed … and yet we found a way to power forward. Our secret was in the strategy.

Bacon wrapped steak wraps cost $9.99, but that’s a quality order, not a quantity order. Portion control allows for a more pleasant experience, and Josh in particular was a fan of the accompanying bleu cheese cream sauce. Bacon is the ultimate “spoonful of sugar.” Wrap it around a piece of cat food, and we could get it down. Wrap it around a sizzling chunk of flat-iron steak? That’s appetizer ecstasy.

3. Combo appetizer plate, Black Diamond

At Boston’s: “Working the Refs”

Boston’s Famous Wings Order comes with nine wings, which the server made an exception and split between buffalo and Asian glaze sauces (six sauce selections total): $8.99

games scheduled throughout the span of the west-coast workday, it makes finding focus for the task at hand awfully tricky.

Know thyself, Socrates said. So I told thyself to spend two days sitting on thine heinie watching hoops and sampling vittles. Call it ancient wisdom. The catch: I had to take notes on all this frivolity in order to share my experience

MIDWEST Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar

14004 E. Indiana, Spokane Valley

I love watching coaches work the referees for calls. Now, of course, some are over the top (think Bob Knight, although I love his State Farm commercial that is playing non-stop during the tourney), but many are simply working not to get a current call changed, but to get a future call to go in their favor. In my experience as a high school basketball coach, I have found that respecting the refs goes a long way to getting a call. It is the same at your local sports bar. At Boston’s, we had a great waitress (actually had great waitresses at all stops) that when I tried to split my wings order into two flavors (not typically done on my size order) she said no problem and got it done for me. Now you might think she was just working me for a tip, but I would like to say the kindness got me a call in my favor.

— Coach Chad Kimberley

This order is our do-everything scrapper. Just check out the menu description: “Onion rings, chicken strips, jalapeno won ton poppers, taquitos, ravioli, fried zucchini and French fries, served with sauces.” Unlike the combo appetizers at many places, Black Diamond’s features many items you can’t order separately — this combo plate is the only place to get it. Lots of fried food going on here, so the only drawback was that while it started out tasting amazing, by the end it just felt like we were piling on.

4. Buffalo wings, Black Diamond Honestly, we ate a lot of wings, and maybe we’re partial but all of them made a run for the starting lineup. Black Diamond earned our second choice for being meaty and having a generous kick.

The drawback is that there is only one choice of sauce, so you’re bound to get buffaloed. In this case, though, focusing in on the house specialty has some merit, as this was be the best of the three buffalo flavors we sampled.

5. Buffalo wings, True Legends True Legends’ take at buffalo nearly topped Black Diamond, but the wings were noticeably smaller and didn’t quite pack the same flavor and punch. But honestly, we had to get nitpicky because we would return for this delectable morsel whenever we are in the neighborhood. It’s worth noting that we also tried the buffalo at The Ref. Maybe it was that the sweet chili was just so much better, or maybe it was that there was too many parts fire to too few parts taste, but we’d choose True Legends and Black Diamond when it comes to delivering that tried and true standard of wings, the buffalo.

— Josh Johnson and Chad Kimberley

The Current

26 • April 2012

business

ASSIGNMENT Continued from page 25

right up front: I found a lot of the experience wanting. Nay, not just wanting.

Seriously lacking! And that's all I'm going to write about for this whole column (beginning with the next paragraph). For one quick and fleeting thought before I move on, I would just like to note that since the beginning of time, no two more perfectly amazing days of on-the-clock duties have ever been created. Nor shall there ever be anything like them hence.

Oh, and the food was incredible!

When we got to our first stop, True Legends Grill, it was clear this whole experience was going to be a disaster. It was only 11:30 a.m., and Montana was down by 20. The waitress asked if we were here for the Gonzaga game, which wasn't starting for another five hours, so I looked at her like she might be crazy.

Turns out, most of the rest of the people at True Legends were the ones who were crazy because they were, indeed, there to see the Gonzaga game. What was this, the premier of Hunger Games?

That's when I started realizing that perhaps their job was better than mine, because they got to stay in one place all day while I had to drive to a different sports bar and give up my primo viewing position in order to start at the back of the line. I was feeling pretty depressed, so me and my compadre, Chad Kimberley (whom I would normally enjoy watching games with were it not for the tone of this column), decided it was time to move on. I expected it to be raining outside, but it wasn't. Later that day, though, when I was inside, I'm pretty sure it did rain quite a bit.

So we went to The Ref and got two kinds of wings, one of which was less delicious than the other. We sat down, and one of the TVs I could see pretty well wasn't showing a basketball game at all, just some other sports channel with a ticker, and that really irritated me because there were only like a dozen others that I could see crystal clear. What really made me mad about The Ref, though, is that the sound that was piped in from the speakers was CBS, but I was mostly watching a game on TNT. Also, when CBS' afternoon session ended but games were still on other channels, Dr. Phil suddenly appeared on like 14 TVs, and they all showed him larger than I think CBS ever really intended. What was really creepy was hearing Dr. Phil talk while trying to watch basketball, which I've got to believe is not how James Naismith drew it up, either.

After listening to Dr. Phil a while, I started feeling like I ought to be spending more time with my wife, so I went home and asked her if she wanted to watch the Zags game with me.

She was happy to see me, too. I watched the kids so she could go to Curves for a workout.

They said Friday would be a new day, but it was mostly rainy. Chad and I met again at 11:30 a.m. to slog through another few hours of television. This time, we met at Black Diamond, a place filled with so many pool tables I spent most of the time trying to figure out if someone was playing a trick on me with mirrors.

When we first got there, it was just us and a table of guys who were dressed like actual NASCARs. All of the TVs had NCAA Tournament games on them until suddenly one of them started showing practice laps — practice laps! — of a Nationwide circuit race on something called Speed TV. During the first Friday of The Tournament, mind you! I did not protest, of course, because I am polite and also because we were outnumbered and mostly because I weigh like 160 pounds, most of which is made up of appetizers.

Speaking of which, I ordered this sampler plate that was so incredible for the first few bites that it was hard not to notice how, as we got closer to the the finishing bites, it began tasting incredible in an all-too-familiar way.

On the several remaining TVs that were actually showing basketball, there were no upsets going on — not even close games — so we decided to head out early to our final stop: Boston's by the Valley Mall.

At Boston's there were two close games — possible upsets! One of them didn't end up being an upset, though, and I distinctly remember this because the TV it was on required me to shift in my seat more than usual. I couldn't shake the thought while watching the upset-thatwasn't that my neck very well could end up hurting later on. I eventually concluded it was entirely possible.

The other game was No. 15 seed Norfolk State against No. 2 seed Missouri.

Norfolk was really hanging in there. By halftime, I even heard the guys at the table next to us talking about how the only people who picked Norfolk to win the game both 1) lived in Norfolk, and 2) picked Norfolk by accident nevertheless. Finally, some real bracket-busting buzz! But then the CBS game ended and Dr. Phil was suddenly haunting the joint again.

By this point, Chad and I were about ready to grab every Boston's employee we could find and demand we be brought the channel selection motherboard, but then the strangest thing happened. We realized that with no sound, Dr. Phil is really a gripping show. From what we could gather, Michael cheated on his wife with her best friend, and all three of them were flying through tissues over the whole ordeal. (Sidenote: Have you ever noticed that Dr. Phil's logo is actu-

All-tournament team The following honors are doled out for standout performances by the four sports bars visited as witnessed during the first two days of March Madness.

Best sports décor touch Boston’s. Need to use the restroom?

The bathroom door opens with ease using its full-size baseball bat handle.

Best assist Black Diamond. While we received all-star service at each location, the hospitality and care at Black Diamond won out by a buzzer-beater.

Best nod to local sports

 Best atmosphere The Ref. For basketball viewing, this open setup, scoreboard-like bar and chance to fake like we were dunking a basketball on a real hoop as we walked into the bathroom made for a nothingbut-net experience.

Boston’s. Why is that Applebee’s and Boston’s feature more local sports memorabilia than the locally owned restaurants? Perhaps because they are trying to get us to see past the links to a chain and make it feel like a neighborhood bar. Got us. The Spokane Chiefs and various Valley high school jerseys and pictures are a nice touch no matter where you are headquartered.

Best value True Legends. Specifically, the small plate of nachos we ordered. That’s right, we ordered a small. We had a lot of places to go, so we didn’t want to overindulge on our first stop. We did anyway. At True Legends, they call nachos “small” in the same way some members of the Mafia are affectionately referred to as “Tiny.”

Best wireless password The Ref. Without question. (What, you thought we were going to give it away?)

 Best TV True Legends Grill. By at least 100 inches. True Legends projects the best game happening on its 230-inch HD TV. Wow. It really is a thrilling experience. Now only if Montana would have given Wisconsin a game, we could have really appreciated the view.

Best multiple-game watching True Legends. Any old sports bar can boast a lot of TVs, but with four games happening simultaneously in the opening days of the NCAA tournament, it’s still a challenge to make sure the viewing experience is maximized for the patron. The staff at True Legends was great about making sure the best games were on the right screens, and all four games were visible from multiple viewing angles. It’s a science. ally imprinted on the handkerchiefs used in the show? It was an oversight from the day before.) Anyway, we got to where we were pretty sure that Michael, despite the tears, hadn't really learned his lesson, because there was still 20 minutes of air-

 Best place for commercials Black Diamond. Seeing as how it was the lunch hour on a weekday, there were approximately 97 billiards tables open and beckoning to distract us from another Enterprise Rental Car commercial. Pool cue — “we’ll pick you up!” time to fill.

All of this got me thinking about my wife, and how I promised her to make a deposit at the bank on my way home and

See ASSIGNMENT, page 34

The Current

April 2012 • 27

business

Craig Swanson says the Hong Kong Buffet located at the Spokane Valley Mall combines two of his favorite loves: Oriental food and seafood.

Submitted photos

Take it from Elaine: Hong Kong is king of buffets

By Craig Swanson Spokane Valley Scoop

Buffet restaurants are like vacations for me: Some may be better than others, but I love them all.

My wife, Elaine, on the other hand, is like many other finicky, uppity eaters who refuse to look down their nose through the sneeze glass to scoop and tong and ladle the dishes they desire at the portions they prefer.

This to me is the ultimate egalitarian dining experience, where hungry citizens eat whatever they please whenever they please for as long as they please.

It is never as long as I’d hoped going into the meal and far too long afterwards as the sidewalls of my stomach stretch painfully, suffering from the free-for-all my mind and eyes and mouth and hands had at its expense.

Many of my fellow buffeters do not suffer the same limited storage problem I do, and perhaps that is why places such as Old Country Buffet and virtually every other buffet restaurant I have grown to love have been forced out of business. It might just be that as their popu-

eternal amusement, something larity amongst the heavy hitters amongst the vast array of dishgrows, their profits diminish in If you go … es I consumed for lunch came direct proportion to the expanback to haunt and torment me sion of their clientele’s midsecHong Kong Buffet through the night. Each time, tion.

Next to the Regal Theater as I weakly slipped back to bed, At any rate, Elaine’s tummy at the Spokane Valley Mall Elaine would chuckle as she seldom suffers at a buffet berolled over and say with su14700 E. Indiana Ave. cause she does not suffer buffets. preme satisfaction, “I guess that I remember we got in a bit of an 928-9799 ought to teach you.” argument about where to have a I think she wanted my agony late lunch one Saturday several that night to teach years ago. It centered me that she was right around the unfairabout buffets and ness I felt about livhence pretty much ing in the Valley with right about everytwo buffets beckonthing. The years have ing to me like sirens unfolded to teach her as I drove by at least that I learned neither one nearly every day, lesson on that painful yet I could not enjoy night. In fact, though their bounty because I was a bit suspicious, this crazy lady I marI never thought it ried refused to enter fair to be certain it their doors. was food poisoning.

We ate separately Maybe it was a brief that day, with me and violent flu bug. indulging at the old At any rate, I was Chuck Wagon on willing to be generHavana. As usual, I ous and forgiving, committed the sin of never allowing my gluttony and suffered Chuck Wagon upaccordingly. Unfor- Plate No. 1 from a recent visit, Craig Swanson says, “I have chucking to dampen tunately for me, but to be careful because I can only go two rounds. Each mormy enthusiasm for buffet dining. to Elaine’s seemingly sel on this plate has earned the right to be there.”

After the kids, who all rejected their mother’s snobbery position and embraced my slobbery one, came along, I no longer had to buffet it alone. The Old Country Buffet — where we dined motherless and they ate like little heathens and drank chocolate milk like rock stars — will forever be cherished memories for them as I still cherish the Sunday buffets of my childhood, including Tony’s on Lake Coeur d’Alene and U-City’s Golden Hour (where I had the tastiest job during high school slicing the barren of beef each Sunday at the end of that historic buffet line). Later in my teen years, the Red Lion put forth a Sunday breakfast brunch that still makes my stomach growl and eyes moisten every time I walk through the large passageway going into The Max at Mirabeau, where they set up that incredible repast each Sunday.

Flash forward 35 years to the Hong Kong Buffet at the Spokane Valley Mall, where a lifetime of making a pig of myself at buffet lines meets two of my most favorite foods: Oriental

See BUFFET, page 35

28 • April 2012

sports

The Current

Extreme sports in the backcourt Motocross, wakeboarding competitors teamed to take Valley Christian to cusp of state title

Kolby Blew, left, and Noah McConahy, right, are joined by fellow senior Craver Small in applauding the supportive Valley Christian crowd after receiving the runner-up trophy in the 1B state championship game. “(Losing) was pretty tough,” Blew said.

By Ryan Collingwood Current Correspondent

It wasn’t the memento Valley Christian senior guards Kolby Blew and Noah McConahy particularly coveted at the time.

The Panthers’ starting backcourt tandem found themselves gripping a runner-up trophy — a product of a disappointing second half against Almira/Coulee-Hartline — moments after the Washington State 1B boys basketball title game in the Spokane Arena March 3.

The Panthers’ unforeseen postseason run wasn’t enough to appease Blew and McConahy, though. Getting to the cusp of the program’s first-ever state championship only to have that hope dissolve still isn’t sitting well.

"When you get to the state championship game, you don't really think, ‘What if we lose,’ you know?” Blew said. “(Losing that game) was pretty tough.”

McConahy echoed the sentiment.

“It was hard,” McConahy said. “I just remember Kolby and I talking throughout the game, and I remember thinking we had a good chance to win it when we had a (12-point halftime) lead.”

Current photo by Josh Johnson

In Blew and McConahy’s 13-year friendship — a bond which spawned in preschool — the loss serves as one of the bigger downers the two have collectively experienced.

And it wasn’t even in a sport either consider their primary extracurricular pursuit.

Blew, who averaged 10 points to go with four steals and assists a contest, is a wakeboarding aficionado, and McConahy happens to be one the of more decorated motocross riders in the Inland Northwest.

School and basketball may have been where there friendship originated. It was their preference to extreme sports, however,

that exhibited their kindred spirits.

Blew took home the Wake the Desert championship in Moses Lake last summer and also placed in a slew of other competitions in the last two years. McConahy has five amateur motocross titles to his name and took third at the Mini O's National Winter Olympics last November.

"We've always had the same interests,” Blew said. “If there was something you could get air from, whether it was BMX, wakeboarding or whatever, we liked it.”

But the same interests didn’t mean their personalities were necessarily akin. McCo-

Submitted photo

Kolby Blew, left, and Noah McConahy are friends and were starting guards for the state runner-up Valley Christian boys basketball team. Their chief extracurricular pursuits, shown here, are a little more extreme. nahy is more of the extrovert of the two, typically doling out a few laughs.

The usually-reserved Blew and McConahy’s differing demeanor complement one another.

Or, in some instances, cause a lil’ raucous.

McConahy vividly recalled a time when the two orchestrated a plan in the sixth grade which involved sharpening a pencil and placing it under the seat of an unsuspecting friend. The plan worked to perfection, but the pencil did a little more damage than they would have liked. “(McConahy’s) always been the funny guy, and I'm the tag-along guy,” admitted Blew.

From preschool to junior high, the two fancied themselves best friends. Four years ago, though, the beginning of what the two consider more of a brotherhood began.

The Blews own a cabin in Twin Lakes, Idaho, where the family spent a good portion of their summer months. It just so happened that McConahy’s folks were in the market for a summertime spot, too.

Interestingly, a cabin near the Blews happened to be vacant.

“When we both got cabins near each other, we really grew as friends,” McConahy said. “And our families grew closer.”

See BACKCOURT, page 29

The Current

April 2012 • 29

sports

BACKCOURT

Pick Six — WIAA State Basketball Edition Gaven Deyarmin, Central Valley Boys Basketball

Brett Bailey, University Boys Basketball

Alyssa Maine, Freeman Girls Basketball

Deyarmin, a senior, capped his basketball career at CV averaging 12 points a game during the 4A State Tournament as the Bears lost the state final to Davis High School, 48-42. Deyarmin enjoyed his tournament-high 14 points along with 7 rebounds in the Bears opening round, one-point win over Garfield High School.

Bailey, a junior, averaged nearly 17 points a game for the Titans as they earned a third place finish in the 3A State Tournament with a 63-50 win over Kamiakin High School. Bailey enjoyed his tournament-high 19 points while adding nine rebounds in the Titans firstround win over Lake Washington High School.

Madison Hovren, Central Valley Girls Basketball

Kayleigh Valley, University Girls Basketball

Maine, a senior guard, ended her prep basketball career by averaging just under 12 points a game during the 1A State Tournament, as Freeman lost in the state championship 44-36 to Okanogan. Maine set her tournament high with 15 points against Okanogan.

She also picked up two steals in the loss.

Hovren, a freshman, made a big impact for the Bears during the 4A State Tournament as she averaged 12 points a game as CV lost in the state championship game 46-43 to Skyview High School. Hovren scored her tournamentbest 18 points while also chipping in eight rebounds in the Bears first round win over Eastlake High School.

Valley, a junior, averaged nearly 14 points a game for the Titans during the 3A State Tournament as the team earned a fifth-place trophy after losing its last two games of the tournament.

Valley enjoyed her best game of 18 points along with 15 rebounds during the Titans 45-34 first round win over Seattle Prep.

Craver Small, Valley Christian Boys Basketball Small, a senior, finished off his VCS career averaging 17 points a game during the 1B State Tournament as the Panthers earned a second-place finish. Small had his tournament-high 24 points and six rebounds in the championship game, as VCS lost to Almira/Coulee-Hartline 62-58.

Valley teams shine at state tournament Current photos by Shaun Brown and Josh Johnson

Spokane Valley high school basketball teams left their mark at the state basketball tournaments held March 1-3 at various locations. In Tacoma, the Central Valley Bears boys and girls teams each placed second, while the University Titans boys placed third and girls fifth. In Yakima, the Freeman Scotties girls team placed second, while in Spokane the Valley Christian Panthers boys team also placed second. At right, Valley Christian leading scorer Craver Small, a senior, watches another shot drop in a quarterfinal win over defending champion Sunnyside Christian. At left, CV senior point guard Katie Estey tracks down a ball in the state championship game against Skyview. Below, CV junior Austin Rehkow (20) and sophomore Adam Chamberlain (12) celebrate the team's win over Union.

Continued from page 28

In those summers, the two would try out each other’s respective sport in scenes that would usually end in comical fashion.

“Kolby would get Noah out there on the wakeboard, and he’d usually biff it,” Blew’s mother, Jean, said. “It was pretty funny to watch.”

Whether the two will get out to Twin Lakes this forthcoming summer remains to be seen. After graduation, McConahy will be living and training for motocross in Cairo, Ga., a hotbed for the sport. Blew will be around but will be gearing up for his freshman year at Central Washington University, where he hopes to land a spot on the school’s touted wakeboarding club.

Neither believes the friendship will be affected by the distance.

“They don't have to always do everything together,” Jean Blew said of the boys. “When push comes to shove, they'll always have each other's back."

The Current

30 • April 2012

sports

HUB wrapping best winter season to date Facility looks to turn the page on a past of uncertainty

By Matt Zambito Current Correspondent

LIBERTY LAKE — For one area nonprofit, success is begetting success.

In terms of outreach and financial stability, the HUB Sports Center is having its most successful winter session to date by providing an increasing number of athletic opportunities for youth.

Proponents say The HUB, located on the western edge of Liberty Lake near the Barker exit of Interstate 90, now brings in millions of dollars in revenue for the greater Spokane area through its growing slate of events.

The facility now known as the HUB has been around since 2003, but it’s only had that name since 2007. Sports offerings were made available back then, but use and revenue have improved steadily since.

Phil Champlin, executive director of the HUB since 2009, said when he was hired, the HUB’s board of directors wanted him to make it a full-time facility. After a year, it hoped the venue could pay for its operating expenses on its own. Through support from grants, sponsorships and activity level, the HUB is now at a point where it can cover expenses, including the lease on the building, Champlin said.

When Champlin got the job, it was hard to book events down the road because the HUB couldn’t promise potential participants and organizations it would still exist when the event was to be held.

In the summer of 2010, the HUB got a commitment from the board of directors to fund the complex through May 2011. This assurance from the board made it possible to do some long-term scheduling.

When funds came up short, the board would have to infuse capital to keep things going. “(But) as of October of 2010,” said Champlin, “we have not had an infusion of capital from our board.”

“I’ve been telling people it’s quite a difference today versus what it was,” Champlin added.

Submitted photos

From volleyball and basketball to pickle ball, Zumba and even concerts and special events, the HUB Sports Center houses a variety of functions throughout the year. The 66,000-square-foot HUB is located at 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., just on the Liberty Lake side of its border with Spokane Valley.

“I’m fond of saying that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a train coming to run us over anymore.

We’re actually coming to the end of the tunnel, which is really exciting. We’ve really been able to stabilize what we’re doing here and know that we’re going to be here for the foreseeable future.”

The 66,000-square-foot facility has hosted a surprising variety of activities. The HUB boasts five full basketball courts, allowing it to host large tournaments for organizations that don’t want to have to use multiple venues. But the HUB isn’t just for hoops. It’s multipurpose, multi-dimensional and diversifying.

In the fall of 2009, the HUB started hosting basketball and volleyball events, but now it’s a home for soccer, badminton, pickle ball, baseball, wresting, gymnastics, kung fu classes, dance, lacrosse practices, off-season baseball practices, mixed martial arts competitions and music concerts. The facility was even used by model airplane enthusiasts during the winter months. According to Champlin, the venue is also looking into a variety of charity sport-

ing events.

“We’re just scratching the surface of what we can do,” Champlin said.

Eric Sawyer, president and CEO of the Spokane Regional Sports Commission, said the HUB is an important piece of the assets of the community because there aren’t a lot of sports facilities in the area.

He’s seen the increasing success of the facility.

“The good news is that we’re starting to see some scheduling challenging,” he said. “(The HUB) is what we all knew it could become.”

As part of expanding the events and activities, the HUB has started offering futsal tournaments.

Futsal is similar to indoor soccer, except the ball used is heavier, preventing it from bouncing as high as a soccer ball would on a basketball court. The sport gives soccer players a chance to practice during the winter months when outdoor fields aren’t playable, preventing players from developing bad habits. Champlin said coaches see the benefits of futsal and offering this sport gives the HUB a chance to

help that particular community.

“January and February are our busiest months because we have the convergence of basketball, volleyball and soccer inside, and so you have all three of those sports going,” Champlin said. “Then that’s also the time we host wrestling and a gymnastics event. So in January and February, we’re over 25,000 people through here each month. I could double the size of the place and still book it for January and February.”

The HUB gained nonprofit status in May 2010, but this status was made retroactive back to 2007. This allowed the board to apply for grants and helped the organization gain stability. According to Champlin, this financial stability helped the long-term future of the organization. The HUB could then guarantee outside participants and coaches that events planned six months down the road would still be able to happen at the HUB. But the HUB’s impact goes beyond helping young athletes.

There are also economic benefits for the area because of the activities, tournaments and other events held at the complex. Champlin said that in 2010, the area gained $1.4 million in revenue from outof-town visitors from events hosted at the HUB. In 2011, that num-

ber jumped to approximately $3.6 million. Champlin explained the data is arrived at from formulas used by the Sports Commission to calculate out-of-town investment at area events, activities and tournaments.

“We’re another economic engine for the Valley and for Liberty Lake,” Champlin said. “We will draw people here from out of the area to check (the area) out.”

He added that ideally these people see the greater Spokane area, decide that there are some other things to do and then make a return visit.

Champlin said a future goal for the HUB is to purchase the location to add even greater long-term stability.

“Right now in theory, someone could come in and buy the building and turn it into whatever they wanted,” Champlin said.

By owning the facility, the nonprofit could not only control its own destiny, it could help facilitate other goals of local impact.

“I know we can cover our operating expenses with operating revenue,” Champlin said. “If we own it ourselves, now we’re not paying rent to someone else, so now we can start taking some of that money and reinvesting it into the community.”

The Current

April 2012 • 31

sports

Catching up with Jud Heathcote On his way to another Final Four, the coaching legend reflects on his start at West Valley

The West Valley years “I remember the poor year we had to start with,” Jud recalled. “We won four games, and (Principal Wally Mills) suggested we drop out of the league because it was really a struggle (due to) the size of other schools that had enrollments of 3,000. I said ‘no’ because we were going to win league the next year. He said, ‘You are? How?’” Jud once found players on that first team laughing and singing in the shower following a loss. Ever intense, he told them he’d ruined a sweat-soaked new suit, and they were goofing around.

He yelled, “Hey, we laugh and joke when we win, not when we lose. I think that put a different approach to the kids about what’s important and what isn’t.”

The Eagles not only won league the next year, but the next two to qualify for state.

These images, scanned from the 1953 West Valley High School yearbook, “The Eagle,” show Jud Heathcote (lower right in team photo) early on in his coaching career. Heathcote coached 14 years at West Valley. More than 25 years after these pictures were taken, Heathcote hoisted a national championship trophy as coach at Michigan State University in 1979, leading a team that featured Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

Recollections of WV players

Photos courtesy of West Valley School District

WV added one more in his first six seasons.

His other state appearance was in 1962, my senior year. Following the 1964 season, Jud left to pursue a doctorate degree at WSU. He became assistant coach, moved on to Montana, then Michigan State.

Jud’s coaching philosophy WV teams had a reputation for being well coached and competitive no matter the level of talent. Defense became the building block.

“I always felt defense set up the offense,” Jud said. “Defense takes away something they want to do. I believed offensively you ran set plays and freelanced a bit if plays didn’t develop. That’s what I did my whole coaching career.”

Jud also was revolutionary in his study of the opposition. We met Monday mornings and were handed detailed mimeographed scouting reports. They broke down opponent’s offenses and defenses, strengths and weaknesses plus tendencies of each player, laced with typical humor. (“Mick is the best scorer on their team, but he spends most of his time wiping the sweat off his brow.” “If Jim were as good as

Current Correspondent Mike Vlahovich has covered Valley prep teams — including his alma mater, West Valley High School — as a sportswriter for more than 40 years. But before his professional career, Vlahovich was a student manager for the Eagles boys basketball team, coached by Jud Heathcote. Heathcote was also Vlahovich’s homeroom and math teacher.

Jud recalled. “Squinty (Hunter, LC’s coaching legend) could run things over and over until they got the shot they wanted.”

Central Valley’s Ray Thacker made for a great Valley rivalry between two intense coaches, even when the Bears at first played in a different league.

“The first game we played he just whipped our butt,” Jud said. “Ray comes over and says, ‘You’re just doing a great job, keep up doing what you’re doing.’ I have a fiery personality but never came close to hitting a guy other than Ray (for that condescension). As the years went by, I think I respected Ray, and he respected me. Our games were special.”

By Mike Vlahovich Current sports column

Before he won the 1979 NCAA national basketball championship at Michigan State, Jud Heathcote had made his coaching mark at West Valley High School. He was near the end of his tenure when he took me under his wing. It is a relationship that has endured.

Even in high school you recognized genius in this coach of fiery mien and deft wit.

“How did you become the wrestling writer?” quipped Jud as we discussed by phone our common passion — basketball — and those years as an Eagle. When I retired from The Spokesman-Review, he phoned to call me a “quitter.”

At the age of 68, Jud retired and returned to Spokane, where he still lives some 62 years after his career began at West Valley.

Today, he’s nearing his 85th birthday with a balky heart, two knees and one hip replacement. He walks with a cane, but it won’t deter him from attending his 38th Final Four being played March 31 and April 2 in New Orleans.

Jud had determined to follow in his dad’s footsteps, a teacher and coach who died from diphtheria when he was in third grade. A graduate of Washington State University, he arrived at WV in 1950 and was hired “just for showing up.”

They met as Eagles

he thinks he is, he’d be giving Wilt a run for the scoring title.”)

“I always prided myself that if you put in extra time, do it in preparation,” Jud said. “I did that my entire coaching career.

It was a chess match. Some coaches say to not worry about the opponent, worry about us. It didn’t work for me. Maybe what I’m saying is I had an aptitude for figuring out a game plan.”

Describe your personality As intimidating as he could be during a game — “I got my share of technicals. I remember once I slammed the ball on the floor and it went straight up. The referee said ‘if it comes down, I’ll have to T you.’”

— afterward the light switched off as if that game never happened.

“I always say in basketball the most important game is the next one, not the one you just played,” Jud said. “If you put it behind you and look forward, it’s the best approach to take.”

Who was tough to coach against?

“The hardest team was Lewis and Clark,”

He rattled off the names of several outstanding players throughout his career.

But Larry Winn, class of 1963, stood out.

Winn scored 38 points in a 1962 state game against a player five inches taller. He went on to play at Rice University.

“I think my favorite player of all-time was Larry,” Jud said. “He had a passion for the game, put in hours on Saturdays shooting extra. I think I appreciated his willingness to put in time and make himself better.”

How important was WV? “They were great formative years as far as coaching philosophy,” Jud said. “I like to say I paid my dues. None of it would have happened if I hadn’t had a good background at West Valley.”

In 1962, the starters “wheezed” to state in his car, “The Blue Tortoise.” The rest “whizzed over in the (assistant coach Al) Snyder racing car.”

“The managers,” Jud added, “will have to hitchhike over. I’m not kidding.”

I was one of the managers. We found a ride.

Jud Heathcote helped bring an introverted student in his geometry class out of his shell during my three years as Eagles basketball manager. He was more than a successful basketball coach. He was a mentor who impacted peoples’ lives and made us better for it.

Mike Vlahovich is a longtime Spokane Valley resident and sportswriter. Write to him at mikevlaho@comcast.net.

The Current

32 • April 2012

news

Timeline People with a basic need for food and clothing have, of course, been a part of the greater Spokane Valley community from the beginning.

Below are some key dates in the history of the Spokane Valley community partnering together to care for people in poverty.

Current photo by Josh Johnson

Spokane Valley Partners CEO checks in with warehouse volunteers sorting through boxes of recent food donations. In the foreground are examples of single-serve donations the organization is setting aside for the new Food for Thought program (see nonprofit spotlight, page 19).

BRIGGS Continued from page 2

A: Those are the kinds of things we’re trying to do. We are really trying to emphasize the promotion of self-reliance.

We know we’re pretty good about helping people with emergencies and sustaining them with basic life necessities; we want to do a better job of promoting self reliance. We want to be a factor for changing around the level of poverty — and the level of poverty is staggering in this country and getting worse. It is absolutely coming to a level of crisis. I’m concerned we’re not going to be able to sustain our communities. … This country has become a nation where people can work full-time and still be poor, and Spokane Valley is at

a bad end of that. … The largest growth area we’re seeing of people we are serving are homeless people and those who have exhausted their unemployment.

Q: Talk about how that word in the name of the organization — partners — plays a role in meeting this growing need.

A: Partnerships are becoming more and more important as we come together. I visit with area congregations on a regular basis, probably 20 churches a year. Part of what I preach to them, and pardon the pun, is we got to get coordinated here. There are too many splinter efforts, and this organization was formed by congregations to pool their resources and do their outreach activities as one organization. And now we’re seeing con-

■ 1951: Ten Protestant churches in 1951 joined to start what was then called the United Church Welfare of Spokane Valley. The purpose of the group was to direct “a united church effort to adequately supervise and care for the distressed conditions of the needy.”

■ 1950s: Food and clothing distribution were a priority from the start, but after an attempt to pay rental costs for a warehouse early on proved too expensive, food was stored in someone’s home and doled out upon the recommendation of an investigating committee. To meet clothing needs, an arrangement was worked out with Goodwill that United Church Welfare could buy clothes at a large discount for distribution to the needy.

■ 1960s: The organization opened a clothing bank at Opportunity Presbyterian Church and initially operated it one day per month.

■ 1973: The organization opened its first food bank, called University Food Bank, and located it in the United Methodist Church. The food bank incorporated as a separate organization, and though it continued independent operation for many years, it continued to obtain help from many United Church Welfare volunteers.

■ 1981: United Church Welfare of Spokane Valley changed its name to Valley Shared Ministries.

■ Late 1980s: A series of needs assessments and town hall meetings were

held, and a task force was formed. The conclusion, reached in 1989: Reunite the food bank and clothing banks and join with Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels to form a separate organization to handle all of the functions. This action is considered the most direct forebear of what today is Spokane Valley Partners.

■ 1990: Spokane Valley Center was officially incorporated to handle all three programs, and the board negotiated the purchase and remodel of a facility at 11922 E. First Ave. The building was dedicated in January 1991.

■ 2002: Spokane Valley Center moved to its present-day location at 10814 E. Broadway. This structure, formally a church, allowed the organization to expand further its partnership with separate but related organizations, who to this day occupy office space in the facility. Organizations such as Hearth Homes and SNAP operate independently from Spokane Valley Partners but are housed in the same facility, allowing families with needs to tap into a variety of services without needing to make time-consuming trips all over the county in order to receive them.

■ 2006: The Valley Food Bank, a separate entity which had grown up to serve the community, merges with Spokane Valley Center. The combined entities change the organization’s name to Spokane Valley Partners. Ken Briggs is hired as CEO of the organization.

Sources: “History of the Valley Center” and other Spokane Valley Partners literature gregations struggling because they are taking on some of these programs again themselves and forgotten the lessons of why they formed us in the first place. So I remind them that often. I’d love to see them get the Valley Ministerial Association active again, because that’s a forum for discussing and coordinating efforts.

Q: So backing up to the numbers I started by asking you about. Since 2007, what has changed in the organization to help accommodate the rising need?

A: Our processes and systems are a lot more sophisticated now. We’ve introduced new tracking software and barcoding where everything was done manually before. We’ve modernized things, and obviously we built a new food storage facility.

I think the one big change is we’re using our volunteers more wisely. We haven’t had a proportional increase in volunteer hours that would match the output of service and the reason is that we are using our volunteer hours much more effectively through mechanization and better systems and processes. We were wasting labor before and doing things in terribly inefficient ways. That’s changed.

But our emphasis has never changed on that half of the mission, which is providing basic life necessities.

Q: So talk about the other half of the mission.

A: On the other side of the mission, we’ve always paid lip service in my opinion to promoting self-reliance. … That’s

See BRIGGS, page 33

The Current

BRIGGS Continued from page 32

the hard side. Getting people food and clothing is relatively easy — straightforward, at least. But promoting self reliance is educational programs, is training and overcoming the components of poverty. People think poverty is just a financial component. … There’s all this guilt and blame that goes on about, “if you would just work harder and get a better job, you wouldn’t have these issues.” Well it ignores the other nine components of being low income or in poverty. It’s not simple to climb your way out of.

There’s a whole bunch of complicating factors.

So as an organization, to be effective, we’ve got to address all of these. It’s not just financial needs, there are educational needs, emotional needs — all of those things, and we can’t do it alone. One of our biggest goals here is to get people connected with resources.

Q: How do you go about that?

A: When a person comes here, we have to do triage, re-

April 2012 • 33

news

Rising to meet the need

Top current needs

With a troubling national economy, Spokane Valley Partners has seen the need for the services it offers rise dramatically in the past five years, a need the organization has met despite having to cut back by one staff position because of declining funding. A breakdown:

The Food Bank

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Five-year change

Families served per month

830

934

958

1,033

1,171

Up 41.1%

Total households served

9,976

11,208

11,498

12,407

14,061

Up 40.9%

Pounds of food distributed

973,380

1,108,739

1,163,631

1,235,472

1,375,040

Up 41.3%

The Clothing Bank

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Five-year change

Total households served

7,096

7,627

8,015

8,931

9,862

Up 39.0%

New families served

685

787

834

891

1,066

Up 55.6%

Pounds received

150,185

127,926

118,826

126,392

136,075

Down 9.4%

Volunteers

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Five-year change

Total volunteer hours donated

24,284

24,319

27,119

27,415

27,775

Up 14.4%

ally. We have to figure out: Here is where you are today and what’s your preferred future?

And then: What’s the bridge between where you are today and your preferred future? What

kind of resources are necessary to get you from where you are to where you want to be. That’s the good stuff. Along the way, we’ve got to keep you fed, we’ve got to keep you clothed, and

we’ve got to keep your heat up.

We understand that. Those are basic life necessities, but those are not enough, because then you are just going to come back tomorrow and need more of

Spokane Valley Partners CEO Ken Briggs emphasized that donations of all kinds are appreciated, but he pinpointed the following as particularly in demand.

Food bank: Protein-rich foods like chili, tuna or pork and beans. Peanut butter, in particular, is in short supply.

Clothing bank: Larger men’s sizes and career clothes for job interviews.

Volunteers: People with backgrounds in factory work who understand warehousing, inventory control and management of products — but “any volunteer is a good volunteer.”

Finances: “Far and away, what we need most is financial contributions, of course. This is not a place that operates without bills.” that stuff. How are we going to change that paradigm that’s got you where you are? The most important work of this organization and the people who work here is finding that.

You are The Current Want to see your name in print (for all the right reasons, of course)? Or maybe you just want to help point out great ideas for content worth sharing with your neighbors?

The Current is a community newspaper, so if you are part of the greater Valley community, we want to know what’s important to you. We like to say there are eight of us, and there are more than 100,000 of you. Maybe one of the questions below applies to you? If so, you can help us out.  Do you go on vacation?

Maybe you’re heading somewhere fun (and warm) for spring break. If so, pack a copy of The Current and pull it out to snap your photo in front of your favorite destination or landmark.

When you return to the Valley, drop us a line with the pic, and we’ll share it with readers. Call it “Current Travels.”  Are you part of a club or service organization?

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We want people to know about everything from your new baby, to your upcoming wedding or anniversary, to your incredible office or sporting achievement. Photos, announcements, honors — please send!

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34 • April 2012

news/COMMUNITY/business

TEACHERS Continued from page 4

$5,000 bonus yearly.

Certification lasts for 10 years, at which point a teacher can elect to renew by going through a condensed, but similar process.

Jensen is somewhat rare in that she has been certified long enough that she has renewed the credential. She is a big proponent of the certification process, she said it was just as important as her degrees from the University of Idaho. Jensen has mentored well over a hundred teachers through the certification process. (To be eligible, teachers must have worked in the profession for three years and have a certified mentor.)

So, how is Jensen really impacting students?

“Some art teachers can hang pictures up and talk about them, but Ms. Jensen can actually do it, she’s an artist also,” said Andrew Morgan, 17, a junior in Jensen’s drawing class.

Jensen also is talented at explaining why art matters, Morgan said.

“She gives me the history and the context so I can think critically about any art I look at,” he said.

Taylor Martins, a 17 year-old senior, agreed. “(Jensen is) more than just a teacher,” she said. “She wants you to be successful in all areas of your life. She cares if you get it.”

Martins plans to attend Eastern Washington University next fall, majoring in speech pathology with a minor in art. Martins said she has always loved art and has been drawing since she was a little girl, but the influence of her teacher has given her the confidence she needs to be successful in her career choice.

“Students will see art at home, in architecture, culture, history, maybe they’ll use it for therapy,” Jensen said. “It can be their safe place to go to when they need to. I want art to enhance their lives.”

Jensen expressed concern at the diminishing numbers of those pursuing NBPTS certification in Washington state, from 945 in 2010-11 to 30 this year. She believes the decline is due to the threat to scholarship and bonus monies for teachers combined with increased time constraints on current faculty.

Washington currently ranks fourth nationally in the number of certified teachers.

Jensen and others hope the pay structure and scholarship programs remain in place to motivate teachers to pursue the certification credential. She said it is important for teachers to ensure they are teaching what they think they are teaching, especially for the sake of the students.

“These days, sometimes (teachers) are all (students) have to help them see a future,” Jensen said.

All four Spokane Valley area school districts are represented by National Board Professional Teaching Standards certified teachers. The following lists were provided by the districts and in some cases may represent the 2010-2011 school year, so the listing of current school location (such as East Farms, which is closed) may not be accurate.

East Valley School District (16 teachers)

George Barlow, science, East Valley High School; Nicole Bess, special education, Trent Elementary; Ronni Galeener, sixth Grade, Trent Elementary; Jennifer Irwin, tech, East Valley Middle School; Theresa Kendall, coordinator of special programs, East Valley administration; Valerie Kurtz, math, East Valley High School; Leah Lucero, special education, East Valley High School; Lori Merkel, government, East Valley High School; Kelly Michael, special education, East Valley Middle School; Piper Porter, kindergarten, Trent Elementary; Georgina Redmond, special education, East Valley High School; Ryan Seidel, math, East Valley High School; R. Drew Vanderpool, science, East Valley High School; K. Danielle Wicks, fourth grade, East Farms Elementary; Joanie Wiecks, second grade, East Farms Elementary; and Norma Woodard, second grade, East Farms Elementary.

Freeman School District

(three teachers)

Katherine O’Connor, English, Freeman High School; Barb Gady, preschool special education, Freeman Elementary; and Carol Wichmann, music, band and drama, Freeman School District (4-12).

Central Valley School District (51 teachers)

Newly certified: Taunya Luckey, exceptional needs specialist, Bowdish Middle School; Kacie Hoard, language arts, Central Valley High School; Erika Krumpelman, language arts, Central Valley High School; Adrienne Schoenberg, language arts, Central Valley High School; Cheryl Holm, library media, Greenacres Middle School; Jason Putz, math, Greenacres Middle School; and Mary Hansen, math, University High School.

Currently certified: Rhonda Austing, University High School; Sara Ball-Vadeboncoeur, Greenacres Elementary; Peggy Barker, Bowdish Middle School; Cynthia Bergdahl, McDonald Elementary; Lori Buratto, Central Valley High School; Lisa Cleveland, North Pines Middle School; Michael Conklin, University High School; David Cunningham, Greenacres Middle School; Patricia Dempsey, Greenacres Middle School; Sasha Deyarmin, Central Valley Kindergarten Center; Susan Dolan, Central Valley High School; Leanne Donley, Central Valley High School; Heather Durkin, Greenacres Elementary; Lindsay Ehlers, Greenacres Elementary; Ronda Fosburg, Central Valley High School; Jody Froehle, Sunrise Elementary; Bruce Gallaher, Greenacres Middle School; Maya Heissenbuttel, Bowdish Middle School; Amanda Henneberg, Greenacres Middle School; Bernard Hite, Central Valley High School; Bridget Hocutt, North Pines Middle School; Victoria (Boyd) Jensen, University High School; Karen Kielbon, Horizon Middle School; Camille (Huff ) Krestian, Central Office (teacher on special assignment); Megan McCarry, Broadway Elementary; Sarah McNeice, Sunrise Elementary; Stephanie Morkert, Progress Elementary; Amanda Mortensen, Evergreen Middle School; Kathleen Neal, South Pines Elementary; Penny Neste, Broadway Elementary; Angela Poole, Bowdish Middle School; John Porter, Greenacres Elementary; Sabrina Richardson, Opportunity Elementary; Christina Riddle, Central Valley High School; Eric Roal, Bowdish Middle School; Elizabeth Rose, University High School; Todd Rowell, Greenacres Middle School; Brian Schmidt, University High School; Paul Schneider, University High School; Derek Shimizu, Evergreen Middle School; Amy Smith, Summit School; Jennifer Spear, Liberty Lake Elementary; Linda Stumbough, Sunrise Elementary; Kathryn Teske, Central Valley High; Sara Wagenblast, University High School; Elizabeth Wardsworth, Bowdish Middle School; and Ann Warner, Bowdish Middle School.

West Valley School District (15 teachers)

Tammy Rogers, counselor, Centennial Middle School; Joni Chambers, librarian, Pasadena Park Elementary; Melissa Simpson, fourth grade, Pasadena Park Elementary; Lisa Skay, instructional coach, Pasadena Park Elementary; Stephanie Agnew, fifth and eighth grade, West Valley City School; Kim Cook, special education, Millwood Early Childhood Center; Katie Owens, fifth grade, Orchard Center Elementary; Shelby Rothstrom, kindergarten, Pasadena Park Elementary; Natalie Andres, first grade, Orchard Center Elementary; Pam Craze, third grade, Orchard Center Elementary; Jill Kennedy, special education, Millwood Early Childhood Center; Diane Nations, science, Centennial Middle School; Brian Hickman, health/PE/technology, Centennial Middle School; Lisa Mularski, second grade, Pasadena Park Elementary; Cheryl Perry, professional/ technical, West Valley High School

ASSIGNMENT Continued from page 26

how I really would like to see her and see if maybe she wanted to catch a game on the home court television.

I could tell Chad was thinking about his wife, too, because the next thing I know he is calling her and offering to watch the kids or meet her or somehow make her life easier — anything! In all the years I've known Chad, I'd never seen him blubber like that.

You are one sly dog, Dr. Phil!

It wasn't until I got to the bank that I remembered Norfolk State. I parked the car and casually checked my phone. Whoa, final minute with an upset brewing! I had strategically purchased the NCAA Tournament app for a moment like this, so I asked my last-generation iPhone to utilize all three of its Gs to bring me this longawaited gripping finish.

CALENDAR Continued from page 16 collectors sale of its kind in the Inland Northwest involving over 300 dealers from across the U.S. Admission is $6 for adults and free for children 12 and under. For sale times and more: www. custershows.com

April 21 | Annual Car Show and Spring Kick Off Event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Home Depot, 5617 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley.

The event will include a free kids clinic as well as ideas on gardening and home water conservation. For more: 534-8588

April 21 | “Meet Your Local Subcontractors” home improvement workshop 10 a.m. to noon, On Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford.

Meet local subcontractors for brunch while getting ideas for home repairs and renovation.

For more: 747-6294

April 28 | WSU Master Gardener Plant Sale and Open House 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 222 N. Havana, Spokane Valley. All plants at the sale come from gardens of WSU Master Gardeners.

There will also be gently used home and garden goods as well as activities for kids.

SPORTS April 2-5 | Spring Break Multisport Camp 9 a.m.to noon, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. This camp is open to kids in grades 1-6. Cost is $100 per person. For more: www.hubsportcenter.org

April 5, 12, 19 & 26 | Liberty Lake Running Club 6 p.m. at Palenque Restaurant, 1102 N. Liberty Lake Road in Liberty Lake.

Runners, joggers and walkers are welcome to join others for a 3-mile loop on Thursday nights from March to October. For more: 927-9372 or kathyawhybrew@msn.com

April 14 | 5K Heart Run 9 a.m., University High School track field, 12420 E. 32nd, Spokane Valley. Sponsored by the Central Valley PTA

The Current

It coughed and sputtered. The screen froze. I rebooted the phone, but by the time it resuscitated, the game was over.

First win by a No. 15 seed in 11 years. I remember watching the last one live, but despite spending most of my life in sports bars the past two days, I somehow missed this one.

Some time later, I talked to Chad. He had suffered a similar fate. It was time to take account of our lives. We had spent two days — two days! — eating appetizers and watching basketball. Sure, the food was stellar. Sure, the company was great.

And, I'm not ashamed to admit that our respective marriages have never been more magical.

Other than that, though, I've got to tell you. You probably wouldn't have liked it neener, er, either.

Josh Johnson is editor and publisher of The Current. Write to him at josh@valleycurrent.com.

Council’s Heart in Hand Outreach, the event raises funds to support CVSD students and families in temporary or transitional housing.

Fee is $15 for early registration (until April 2) or $20 late registration at the event. For more: cvptacouncil.org/HeartinHand.aspx

April 14-15 | Inland Northwest Klassic Volleyball Tournament HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. For more: www.hubsportcenter.org

April 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 | Washington State USBC Youth Championship Tournament Valley Bowl, 8005 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. The 30th annual championship tournament will include nearly 500 youth competing for $9,200 in scholarships.

Team events take place at Valley Bowl, while singles and doubles will compete at Lilac Lanes in Spokane. For times and more: wsusbc.net

April 21 | Community 5K Fun Run 9 a.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Sponsored by the Inclusion Network, a volunteer network of The Arc of Spokane, the cost is $14 per person or $50 for a team of up to 10; children under 5 are free. For more: www.arc-spokane.org April 21-22, 28-29 | Evergreen Region Club Volleyball Championships HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. For more: www.hubsportcenter.org

April 29 | Run-2-Place 9 a.m., Mirabeau Park Trailhead, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Proceeds from this 5K and 10K run along the Centennial Trail benefit Parker’s Place, a camp for families who have lost a child to terminal illness or tragedy. Before April 15, entry fees are $25 for adults and $15 for youth for the 5K race and $30 for 10K race (all ages).

After that time, entries are $35 for all. For more: www.race2place.org

All 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.

The Current

April 2012 • 35

business

BUFFET Continued from page 27

and seafood. The Hong Kong Buffet is so good that Elaine looks forward to our second annual Mother’s Day meal there.

Keep in mind it is Mother’s Day, and so it is her call. To be able to say that is one of my life’s richest rewards.

I hold the Hong Kong high as my personal bastion of buffets based upon a lifetime of enthusiastic connoisseurism. I have snorted and stuffed my way through worthy buffet lines offered up by the Coeur d’Alene Resort at a few Thanksgivings and several Sundays. I ate myself silly at Suzy’s seafood smorgasbord on several Friday nights back in the day on Trent before that icon went down in a blaze of glory. I have feasted like a fool along the Vegas strip for breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack. When the Longhorn and Kentucky Fried Chicken went buffet, I went nuts. If buffet eating were a destructive habit, I would not have made it out of my 20s.

And so when I say the Hong Kong Buffet is good, don’t trust me. I have never met a buffet that I did not like. But when I tell you that Elaine likes the Hong Kong Buffet, you must listen. I mean, she is still a snooty little thing and does not like some things about the place like the tacky but typical Oriental decor, but she has finally come to see there is a buffet line here in the Valley with a vast array of delicious dishes that rises above the scenery and meets her incredible standards.

And so it falls on me to use whatever gifts of prose God gave me to draw people into this deserving Valley jewel so that the kids and I can eat like heathens with Mom on every Mother’s Day for as long as we both shall live.

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Craig Swanson and his wife, Elaine, operate a newsletter and blog called the Spokane Valley Scoop, where an expanded version of this article first appeared. A graduate of University High School, Craig is a lifetime resident of Spokane Valley.

The Spokane Valley Scoop can be read online at spokanevalleyscoop.wordpress.com.

 Line a bird cage.  Start a fire (Careful now!)  Practice origami.  Make paper hats.  Protect your breakables.

www.valleycurrent.com

36 • April 2012

opinion

Current Editorial

Power of Partners

The Current

Editorial Cartoon

The Valley’s greatest needs won’t be met from scratch, but by joining efforts already in motion You don’t necessarily name a rock band and a nonprofit organization the same way. Sure, you want both to be catchy, but the desire for there to be a sense of purpose and mission in the name is particularly important when applied to efforts like those carried out by Spokane Valley Partners.

When studying the history of the organization and talking to CEO Ken Briggs, the “Partners” portion of this name makes a lot of sense. Spokane Valley Partners is heir to a history of people and organizations coming together to meet needs.

And the importance and strategy of partnership is built into the core of the organization. Indeed, it is part of its mission statement: “To improve quality of life for those in need by advocating self-reliance through partnerships and education, while providing basic life necessities.”

Back in 1951, 10 churches got together to start what is considered the founding ancestor to Spokane Valley Partners.

They called it United Church Welfare of Spokane Valley — “united,” as in many operating as one. The name didn’t change for 30 years, but when it did, they called it Valley Shared Ministries — “shared,” as in ministries carried out together. A third name change occurred in 1990, when some organizations combined to become Spokane Valley Center — “center,” a place where several different services could be provided and needs could be met under one roof.

As of 2006, that word is “partners.” No matter what name the organization has operated under, it has offered a clear dictate that this would be the efforts of many joined together to allow for the greatest

About the Opinion Page The Current wants to hear what’s on your mind. Interact with the opinion page with a le er to the editor (350 words or fewer), guest column (700 words or fewer; please send a mug) or via Facebook or Twi er: 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 publica on.

“In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory or an unjust interest. And endeavor to gain, rather than to expose, thy antagonist.”

— William Penn

“We believe strongly that working in partnership with our faith community as well as our businesses, service clubs and schools will enable us to have the greatest impact.”

— ken briggs, ceo, spokane valley partners

efficiency and capability of service. The earliest board in the 1950s was made up of the pastor and two lay members from each supporting church. To assume that purpose was for a balance of power would be to shortchange it; at the heart of this arrangements is a balance of shared responsibility.

Today, our community is no different.

We carry a shared responsibility to meet the basic needs of our neighbors. This has always been a true measure of a society, but it is particularly so given the rough economy of the past few years.

One of the dangers of this economy, however, is that the need can become so much more self-evident that there is a temptation to want to “figure out” how to address it without considering whether infrastructure may already be in place.

Starting a new food or clothing bank for scratch is a lot of work; partnering with the efforts of one already in motion in order to enhance its ability to meet a growing need is simply efficiency.

In Spokane Valley Partners recently released 2011 annual report, Briggs writes: “For many years, the Valley had an active Ministerial Association where pastors and lay leaders could meet to discuss common challenges and opportunities as well as to coordinate services and avoid duplication of effort. Civic leaders and nonprofits were also invited to share information about their work. This organization has been dormant in recent years, and this is a loss for the community. It is our hope that this group can be reenergized. We believe strongly that working in partnership with our faith community as well as our businesses, service clubs and schools will enable us to have the greatest impact.”

Whether it’s churches, clubs or the community at large, we can learn much from our community’s own history. Unite.

Share. Center. Partner.

Letter to the Editor Editor’s note: The following letter originally appeared as part of Rod Christian’s “On the Road Again” column in the Valleyford Clarion, a newsletter produced by On Sacred Grounds, a coffee and gift shop at 12212 E. Palouse Highway.

The Current’s Dishman piece stirs memories Having just finished reading Jayne Singleton's "Entertainment, thriving business block marked early Dishman" in the February issue of The Current, I must sit back, relax and replay from the recesses of my mind the good old days.

I attended grade school at Orville C. Pratt in the Edgecliff area of Spokane. No "Spokane Valley" in those days. I was part of the first grade class at the school's opening. Needless to say, Pratt was brand new as we Valley "rats" were multiplying at an enormous rate.

On Saturday mornings, my friends and I would hike the 2 1/2 miles to Dishman.

We meandered east on 8th past an open, weed-filled lot at Park Road and onto the hills just south of the Edgecliff TB Sanitariums dump site. Along the way, we would pass two ponds and ended up in a large trailer park which led us to Sprague Avenue. It was then called US Highway 10 and ran all the way to Seattle and to exotic places further east.

Due to the many 18-wheelers that punched through, we carefully crossed Sprague and headed to our destination, the Valley Bowl. We bowled and often gave the pin boys a hard time when they didn't get our bowling balls back quick enough.

Every now and then one of the pin boys would come limping out.

When we finished tearing up the lane, we would play pinball. This was one of

our favorite pastimes. Sometimes, the machines would suck up our nickels so fast that we would place bottle caps under its front legs. This would slow down our priceless pinballs.

Afterward, we carefully crossed Sprague again and visited the local Dairy Queen.

Those soft ice creams cones were so good on a hot afternoon. We lapped up our ice cream as it melted down the side of our cone as we passed the Boots and Saddle Club on our trek along Sprague. Since this magnificent establishment catered to adults, we very young men continued our journey to Don's Spudnut Shop. It was time to rinse off our sticky hands. Don always greeted us warmly.

We now hurried along since opening time was fast approaching at the Dishman Theater. We couldn't miss Flash Gordon, Tom Mix or any of the other film odysseys that were a part of our lives. Walking in the foyer, the smell of fresh popcorn was overwhelming and the sight of all the candy options was enough to give you a sugar high. All this adventurous entertainment and goodies was available for 25 cents or less.

After our Saturday sojourn, we would check out the new cars at the Chevy and Ford dealerships. This was particularly fun since the salesmen would let us sit behind the steering wheel and get lost in our dreams as we drove to the end of the world.

With the sun's final rays setting on the horizon, we all headed home. This neighborhood was our stomping grounds in our childhood. We never imagined it changing so much. All we have left now are our fond memories.

Rod Christian Spokane Valley

The Current

April 2012 • 37

opinion

Find success, reliability by gaining people’s trust

By Marlene “Marti” Hollenback current guest column

People will be encouraged to trust you if have a reputation of being honest, reliable, honorable, responsible and dependable. My dad, Mark K. Hollenback, was an automobile dealer from the late 1940s until his passing in 2005. He always focused on the characteristics listed above, and it is extremely important to me that I carry on his legacy as I operate Dishman Dodge Chrysler. My personal emphasis on trustworthiness coincides with my belief in following the Golden Rule.

In addition to the characteristics of trustworthiness listed in the paragraph above, there are other synonyms, such as: authentic, certain, real, true, genuine, legitimate, sure, good, solid and steady.

Trusting in someone means you feel the person is honest and will not lie, cheat or steal from you, and the person is reliable and behaves with integrity. Finally, trustworthiness in a person makes you feel he or she can be counted on to do something they’ve said they would do, will not shirk from duties and will take personal pride in what they do.

Dishonesty can easily tarnish a reputation to the point that others consider you untrustworthy. If you are caught lying or deceiving people, they will consider you an untrustworthy person. It is then very easy for that negative reputation to spread.

Once others consider a person as untrustworthy, they will tend to be cautious in dealing with that person or most likely will avoid him or her altogether. A person who is unreliable cannot be trusted to do things. Likewise, an irresponsible person also cannot be trusted because he or she does not seem to care about how things are done.

When we are trustworthy, people can rely on us. We can be counted on to do what we say we will do. If we make commitments, we follow through on them. Being trustworthy also means that our words are aligned with our intentions. We seek to maintain a level of transparency that lets other people feel clear about who we are and what they can expect from us. We treat the trust of others as a sacred gift.

People prefer to deal with those they can trust. They like to shop at a store where they know the owner or sales clerk will deal with them honestly. Supervisors like to have employees they know will be reliable and show up on time each day. They also like employees who they can trust to take responsibility. If people trust you, they will give you more opportunities than others.

Being trustworthy is an admirable character trait. Others will respect you more and want to continue relationships and dealings with you. Being trustwor-

thy doesn’t mean you will never let others down. Rather, it is an attitude and a pattern of behavior that honors the trust placed in you. Being trustworthy provides benefits from the way people deal with you as well as builds your own self-esteem. If you are honest, do as promised and are capable of taking on responsibility, you will feel good about yourself. You’ll feel you have integrity and cannot be influenced by negative, outside forces trying to sabotage your trustworthiness. You’ll feel self-respect knowing that you are worthy of others’ trust.

As Scott Hamilton said, “The high road is always respected. Honesty and integrity are always rewarded.”

Marlene “Marti” Hollenback is co-owner of Dishman Dodge Chrysler in Spokane Valley. She wrote this as part of a special monthly column series highlighting the PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) trait of the month that runs in local partner publications.

Broadway Elementary kids share poems on trust From Staff Reports

The goal of Partners Advancing Character Education (also known as PACE) is to help both students and adults understand the importance of building good character qualities. Businesses, schools and area groups in the Spokane Valley area highlight a different trait each month.

April’s trait is trustworthiness, which is defined as “inspiring complete reliability and confidence in truthfulness, integrity and discretion.”

Thank you to Mrs. Shannon DiGiovanni’s fifth grade class at Broadway Elementary for sharing with The Current some acrostic poems the students wrote on what it means to trust.

To find out more about how PACE is encouraged in the community, visit www.pacecommunity.org.

Think about other people’s feelings.

Respond nicely or don’t respond at all.

Understand your own punishments.

Speak the truth and do not lie.

Take care of your friends and family.

— Camden Trying to tell the truth.

Respecting other people’s words.

Understanding that people are relying on you to tell the truth.

Standing up and saying you can do it.

Take responsibility for your actions.

— Cody Trust your friend through everything.

Really tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Understand that both sides to a fight are right.

So do trust everyone once and for all.

Telling a lie is bad so tell the truth.

— Kobe

Tell the truth.

Respect other’s feelings.

Understanding other people’s words.

Stop lying to others.

Take responsibility for your actions.

— Mackay Trying to tell the truth.

Respecting others for what they say.

Understand your punishments.

Stand up for others.

Take your consequence for your actions.

— Donavyn Telling the truth.

Respecting others.

Useful when needed.

Staying calm without a bad attitude.

To be sharing and just.

— Corban Trust in your heart.

Respect others.

Understand most feelings.

Stand by others and yourself.

Trust others.

— Madison

Submitted illustration

Gabriela from Mrs. DiGiovanni’s fifth grade class at Broadway Elementary submitted this acrostic poem on trust in recognition of the PACE trait of the month. Many of the student submissions had creative art to accompany their poems, but The Current only had space to feature some of the poems (at left).

The Current

38 • April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 3 Editor/publisher

Josh Johnson

josh@valleycurrent.com General Manager

Tammy Kimberley

tammy@libertylakesplash.com staff writer

Kelly Moore

kmoore@libertylakesplash.com staff writer

Chad Kimberley

chad@libertylakesplash.com

Wondering where you can find The Current?

Around 8,000 free copies of The Current are distributed near the end of each month at more than 150 locations from Newman Lake to Rockford, from stateline to Havana. A list of drop-off locations along with corresponding Google maps is available at www. valleycurrent.com.

Janet Pier

The Current can be found at the following locations (organized alphabetically by community and then by street proximity):

account executive

Cindy Esch

Liberty Lake

graphics editor

Sarah Burk

Office manager

Kelli Dexter

Senior account executive

Circulation manager

janet@libertylakesplash.com cindy@valleycurrent.com sarah@libertylakesplash.com kelli@libertylakesplash.com

Mike Johnson

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On the cover: Current design by Sarah Burk

About The Current 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com The Current is published monthly. It is distributed by or before the first of each month to more than 150 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.

Albertsons, Anytime Fitness, Barlows Restaurant, Carl’s Jr., Chevron, City Hall, Curves, Ding How, Dominos, Expect A Lot Visual Images, Great Clips, Great Harvest Bread Co., Greenstone, John L. Scott, Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt, KiDDS Dental, Liberty Lake Athletic Club, Liberty Lake Family Dentistry, Liberty Lake Library, Medco Health, Palenque Mexican Restaurant, Papa Murphy’s, Pawpular Companions, Quiznos, Rockwood Liberty Lake Clinic, Rockwood Urgent Care Center, Safeway, Salon Capello, San Francisco Sourdough, Scanivalve, Supercuts, Trailhead Golf Course, True Legends Grill, Twisp Cafe and Coffee House, Valley Chamber Business Center, Valley Young Peoples Clinic, Walgreens, Washington Trust Bank

Mica, Rockford and Valleyford Freeman School District office, FredNecks, Freeman Store, Hurd Mercantile Gift Mall, Harvest Moon, On Sacred Grounds, Rockford Mini Mart

Millwood Albertsons, Anytime Fitness, Argonne Library, City Hall, Dairy Queen, Rocket Bakery, Rockwood Urgent Care Center, Papa Murphy’s, Walgreens, West Valley School District

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Spokane Valley Off or near Barker Road Indoor Golf, Central Valley School District, Cozy Coffee, Lone Wolf Harley Davidson, Hico Village, HUB Sports Center, ScrumDiddilyUmptious Donuts, Subway, Ziggy’s

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Delivered free to 150+ businesses in the greater Spokane Valley area and by subscription to residential homes. The Current is possible because of its advertisers.

Following are the local advertisers in this month’s Current. Please consider them when offering your patronage.

Appleway Florist & Greenhouse 17 Avista 7 The Black Diamond 3 Callahan & Associates Chtd.

3 Casey’s Place 5 Central Valley School District - PACE 17 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Damon Orthodontics 5 Ellingsen Paxton Johnson Orthodontics 2 Family Medicine Liberty Lake 5 Flex Ability Fitness, Tracy Carter 4

Good Samaritan Society Spokane Valley 17 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 21 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 4 Mitch Johnson, CPA 5 KiDDS Dental 15 Lakeside Vision PLLC 5 Legacy Animal Medical Center 5 Liberty Lake Family & Sports Medicine 21 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 11 Max at Mirabeau 7 Rockwood Health System 40

SCRAPS 21 Scribbles Preschool 4 Simonds Dental Group 3 Sleep City 11 St John Vianney School 11 Tack & Saddle Farm Auction 21 Take Shape for Life 17 Tree Specialists 12 Valley Christian School K-12 12 Windermere - Thomas McLaughlin 17

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To be safe rather than sorry, consider the 15th of each month the cutoff point to be considered for inclusion in the following month’s Current.

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Barnes and Noble, Bean Positive, Boston’s, Krispy Kreme, Oxford Suites, Thomas Hammer Coffee, Twigs

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Errors should be reported immediately to 2427752 or by e-mail to editor@valleycurrent.com.

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

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Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved. All contents of The Current may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

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PARTING SHOTS

The Current

April 2012 • 39

current Photo by Josh johnson

“We’ve got spirit, how about you?” Valley Christian fans erupt with support during the second half of the Panthers’ 62-58 state championship game loss to Almira/Coulee-Hartline March 3.

Experiencing joy in the journey Encounters with community on the road to the 1B state championship game Losing stinks.

That was the first thought that ran through my head as my players scrambled for a loose ball on the floor, and the final horn sounded.

That was it. We just lost the WIAA state championship game, 62-58.

I was momentarily stunned and speechless as I watched my guys slump over in defeat while the boys from Almira/Coulee-Hartline jumped for joy. Just like that, the season was over.

Yet out of the pain of the moment and chaos on the court there was one very clear, concise idea that became my second thought after losing: This last week was a blast.

Let me rewind slightly for perspective on why this championship run was so rewarding. I accepted the position of head coach at Valley Christian High School four seasons ago after moving to the Pacific Northwest from the Midwest.

To say the first couple of years were tough was an understatement; we went 4-35. After that second year, we dropped down to 1B (due to lower enrollment) and made it to districts before losing our first two games and going home. This year, we took the final step; we won our district championship and qualified for a regional game that set us off on the journey to the Arena.

Eight days before the championship

By Chad Kimberley Current staff column

game loss that ended our season, we were flying high as one of my senior co-captains had a career-high 31 points to propel us into the State Championship tournament.

As we celebrated in the locker room after the game, the message for the guys was simple: Stay humble, stay hungry and most importantly, let’s enjoy the journey.

Then the fun started.

My coaches gathered for Selection Sunday (WIAA does a web broadcast to announce the pairings for the first-round games), and we spent a couple of hours chomping down pizza, discovering that we had the defending state champs in the first round and game planning on how we could knock them off.

Monday and Tuesday was all about putting the game plan into place and has always been my favorite part of coaching: the teaching. The same time we were teaching, the staff at school was realizing how it was tough to get a lot of teaching done. There was an excitement building in the air, and it took another turn when we had an opportunity to put a cheerleading

team together in a day.

Yep, we started a cheerleading team in the span of one day. Our school traditionally has had some great cheerleading squads, but this year we didn’t have enough kids interested so we didn’t have a team, at least until we were invited to bring our cheerleading squad down to the arena to appear on KHQ for the station’s morning show. The call went out to a former coach and a senior who had cheered the previous three years for us, and lo and behold, we recruited a team and they headed down to the Arena at 4:30 in the morning — they did great!

Finally, it was game day. We had the first game of the day on Thursday morning, so we met at our school at 6 a.m. for a shoot around, light breakfast and the short van ride downtown. There was a nervous energy in the locker room but also a belief we were ready to go. We were.

We jumped out to a double-digit lead, gave all but one point back in the second half and finally closed out the defending state champs to move onto the semifinals.

The next day, we had a repeat performance with a twist. We played the defending state runner-ups, got a double-digit halftime lead, gave it all back in the third quarter, and even got down six points late in the fourth. Then we rallied and earned a chance to cut down the nets.

The nets didn’t get cut down, but it

wasn’t from a lack of crowd support. It was one of my favorite aspects of the State “B” Tournament, and not just from the Valley Christian supporters. All of these smaller towns and teams have rabid and loud crowds following them to Spokane to cheer them along.

I will never forget our crowds. Faces painted, signs held high, alumni coming out to cheer us on and most importantly for me, my family and friends cheering my boys on. I hate that during the coaching season I am gone from home so much, yet this run to the Arena gave my whole family a chance to celebrate together.

The beauty of the tournament is how the action on the court bleeds over to the hallways of the school as the students of VCS watched highlights together, read headlines to each other and posted Facebook updates regularly. While it was happening at VCS, it also was occurring at CV, UHigh and Freeman, as those teams made successful state runs as well.

It is what makes the tournament so great; it creates community.

Don’t get me wrong, it still stinks to lose, but the story these boys will have and the community they experienced will stay with them. I know it will stay with me.

Chad Kimberley writes part-time for The Current, but his “day job” is at Valley Christian School. Write to him at chad@ valleycurrent.com.

40 • April 2012

The Current