The August 2012 Current

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Roller girls from the Valley’s Spokannibals team talk about getting over bumps and bruises and honing in on success PAGE 24

Chief talks fire levy PAGE 2

City of SV’s rural-urban mix PAGE 8

The five-day hot dog diet PAGE 22

NEWS

2 • August 2012

The Current

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Spokane Valley Fire Department firefighters respond to a blaze earlier this season at a business on East Nora. The department is asking voters to renew a maintenance and operations levy Aug. 7.

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Fire chief shares SVFD’s reliance on the M&O renewal — and what could happen if it doesn’t pass

By Valerie Putnam Current Contributor

On Aug. 7, Valley voters will be asked to approve the renewal of the Spokane Valley Fire Department Maintenance and Operation Levy. If approved, the levy provides the department with $16.4 million for the 2013 through 2015 fiscal budgets.

Spokane Valley Fire Chief Mike Thompson is not taking anything for granted about the upcoming vote. thompson “Were going to get out and let people know what it’s about,” he said. “It’s not an increase. It’s not a new tax.

It’s a renewal.”

A seasoned veteran with more than 40 years of experience, Thompson served as fire chief in Grand Junction, Colo., and Culver City, Calif. In Culver City, he became chief administrative officer. In 2003, Thompson moved to Spokane with the intention of being closer to his father and assist in the operation of the family-owned business, the area Chuck E. Cheese’s franchise.

“I thought I was going to be more involved in the business,” Thompson said.

“He’s got a great management team, and

A Cup of Joe it’s a well-run operation. There wasn’t a lot for me to do.”

When a recruiter approached him in 2005 about the SVFD fire chief position, Thompson responded and assumed the leadership role in March 2005.

During his seven and a half years as chief, Thompson has seen support for the levy steadily decrease.

“Early on, it wasn’t unusual to get 80 percent approval for the levy,” Thompson said. “The first year I was here, we ran the levy and got 73 percent approval. Three years ago, when we ran it, it was 69 percent approval.”

If the levy fails, Thompson said it would have devastating repercussions for the 125,000 residents the Department serves in the Spokane Valley, Millwood, Liberty Lake and parts of unincorporated Spokane County. The Current sat down with Thompson to hear what he wants the voters to know about the levy.

Q. A.

Please give a brief history of the M&O levy.

When voters voted for the formation of the Department in March 1940, it was — from day

See LEVY, page 27

The Current

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The Current

4 • August 2012

3UP

Voters will narrow down the field in the District 2 Spokane County Commissioners race when primary ballots are turned in Aug. 7. Under the state’s top-two primary, the top-two vote-getters out of Republicans Rob Chase and Shelly O’Quinn and Democrat Daryl Romeyn will face each other in the November general election.

3DOWN

The Spokane Valley Fire Department was involved in two Spokane River searches in July that resulted in deaths. On July 16, a man fell off an inner tube downriver from the Sullivan Road bridge and failed to resurface. On July 21, SVFD assisted the Spokane Fire Department when a rafter in downtown Spokane was pinned underwater by a log for an hour before rescuers were able to extricate him. In both cases, officials noted the absence of life jackets in tricky river currents as contributing factors to the deaths.

The Spokane Valley City Council is expected to consider animal control proposals in August after it requested bids to be submitted in July. The city currently contracts with SCRAPS, but Spokane County’s agency faces competition from SpokAnimal. Hanging in the balance is a Spokane County proposal to bring both the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley under a regional partnership with SCRAPS, a move that would allow the agency to move out of cramped, inconvenient quarters into a better location.

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About 10,000 free copies are distributed monthly to over 150 high-traffic locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake and Rockford.

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The Current

August 2012 • 5

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, a Pullman manufacturer of energy protection devices and systems, plans to open a 7,100-square-foot Spokane Valley office this fall in the Spokane Business and Industrial Park. As many as 48 employees could be based at the location, out of more than 2,500 employed company-wide.

Three Up, Three Down features at-aglance news of what’s coming UP in August or went DOWN in July. 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.

In a 4-3 vote July 10, the Liberty Lake City Council voted to amend the 2012 budget to allow for an additional $24,000 to flow into the library’s budget for the remainder of the year. The bump will allow the city to expand staffing and hours and enable it to open its doors on Mondays.

(The placement of news items on this artistic map do not necessarily denote the actual location of the item described.)

The Spokane Valley Fire Department will learn Aug. 7 if a replacement levy on primary election ballots will receive the required 60 percent supermajority from voters. The maintenance and operations levy has been a staple of the SVFD for a half century and represents 53 percent of the department’s budget.

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6 • August 2012

3UP 3DOWN Three Up, Three Down features at-aglance news from the Spokane Valley area: — what’s coming up in August — what went down in July Six of these items are represented on the artistic rendering of the Valley by local artist Casey Lynch on pages 4-5.

Compiled by Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

SPOKANE COUNTY On Aug. 7, voters will select two Spokane County commissioner candidates to advance to November’s general election. are turned in Aug. 7. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 4-5.

Spokane County will join with Whitman and Pend Oreille county law enforcement officials for an impaired driving enforcement campaign Aug. 17 through Sept. 3. The high-visibility effort is planned to coincide with the last summer travel season through the end of Labor Day weekend.

While the Southeast Spokane County Community Fair in Rockford is Sept.

21-23, preparations ramp up in August for both organizers, exhibitors and participants. The 2012 Fair Royalty, named earlier this year, include Queen Kailyn Gady of Rockford and princesses Brooke Williams of Rockford and Morgan DeRuyter of Valleyford.

The dawn of hot weather found SCRAPS officers out in full force issuing citations in July to people who leave pets trapped in hot cars. Three pet owners were targeted on July 12 alone, including two in Spokane Valley.

In a more direct incident of animal cruelty, SCRAPS officers investigated circumstances surrounding a cat found screaming in a dumpster July 2, wrapped in a blanket inside a garbage bag at Viewpoint Villa Apartments in Spokane Valley.

The cat had also been shot in the head and sustained other traumatic injuries. An officer rushed the cat to a veterinarian, where it had to be euthanized.

Spokane County Commissioner Todd Mielke continued to push for the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley to enter into a new animal control program run by SCRAPS that would allow the organization to move out of its current headquarters on Flora Road and renovate a former HarleyDavidson dealership at 6815 E. Trent Ave. Mielke is asking the cities to commit as soon as possible, as Spokane County has secured a purchase offer for the site that is good through the end of August.

news city of millwood Millwood Daze is scheduled for Aug. 25. The event includes a fun run, dog walk, wagon parade, car show, concert and much more. This year, proceeds raised at the event will benefit Mid-City Concerns, which operates a senior center and a Meals on Wheels program.

While new water rates for Millwood residents took effect July 1, including a 15 percent increase in the base rate and a lower usage tier for when the city starts charging for above-and-beyond water usage, the actual impact on customer pocketbooks won’t be felt until Aug. 11, when the first bills go out under the new structure.

The Northwest British Classics Car Show will be held in Millwood City Park Aug. 12.

A hit-and-run accident just north of Millwood seriously injured a 2-yearold girl and led Spokane County Sheriff ’s Deputies to arrest a 22-year-old Spokane man on July 21. In a release, the Sheriff ’s Office said the girl was riding in a bicycle trailer along Maringo Drive when she was run over by a suspected drunk driver. The girl, who was wearing a helmet, suffered a skull and wrist fracture, but was expected to recover. Meanwhile, a witness followed the suspect to an apartment and blocked in his vehicle before police arrived and arrested the suspect, identified as Timmy N. Nguyen.

While discussion of the newly instituted water rates continued to dominate discussion at the Millwood City Council meeting July 10, Council members decided to let the new structure stand for the remainder of the summer season before evaluating it. At that time, members may decide to make adjustments if they feel it is necessary.

At its July meeting, the Millwood City Council decided to close Millwood City Park from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Vandalism at the park was the reason for the change.

city of SPOKANE VALLEY Perhaps the Valley’s most visible construction project of the summer, the reconstruction of Sprague Avenue between Sullivan and Evergreen, is still targeting a late August completion. The focus of the work in August will be the western portion of the project.

The Spokane Valley City Council is expected to weigh animal control proposals as it considers Spokane County’s request for a regional partnership. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 4-5.

A pair of major north-south arterials will continue to see construction in August. Evergreen traffic will be impacted between 16th and 32nd for the balance of the month, with local traffic the only type recommended in the area. The news is a

little better for University, which will see a section between 4th and 16th reduced to one lane in each direction Aug. 6-13.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories announced plans to open a 7,100-squarefoot Spokane Valley office this fall. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 4-5.

The Spokane Valley City Council selected former Planning Commissioner Fred Beaulac to return to the commission and fill a seat vacated by Marcia Sands recently. Beaulac was selected over two other candidates. He is an operations manager with Hatfield Enterprises and previously served on the planning commission between 2003 and 2008.

While Spokane Valley Fire Department Chief Mike Thompson made presentations in Millwood and Liberty Lake last month about the department’s upcoming replacement levy, the city of Spokane Valley received attention after denying SVFD’s request to present to its City Council, asking instead for information in written form. A media backlash caused the city to add a link on its website, “About the Fire Department’s request for a presentation to Council,” outlining the city’s rationale as intending not to use public facilities in a manner that could promote or oppose a ballot proposition. In the document, the city affirmed its “excellent relationship” with the SVFD.

city of liberty lake Peter Rivera, the original lead singer and drummer for the 1970s band Rare Earth, will play a free concert at Pavillion Park on Aug. 4. Oli Brown, a British blues guitarist, will open the show at 5 p.m.

Telect, a communications networks company that has spent most of its history headquartered in Liberty Lake, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in unique style this month. CEO Wayne Williams and CFO Stan Hilbert leave July 31 on a 50day business tour that will take the men 11,000 miles visiting 30 cities across the United States to connect with customers, show off new products and build relationships. And they will tally every mile in the saddles of their Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The Liberty Lake Municipal Library will transfer patrons this month to a new library system it is joining – the Cooperative Information Network. The system allows the library to join with 25 nearby libraries (most in north Idaho), which will expand its selection from 30,000 to 500,000 while maintaining the library’s autonomy.

After a narrow vote added funding to its 2012 budget, the Liberty Lake Municipal Library is making plans to open on Mondays. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 4-5.

The Current

Mollie Thola, the former professional in charge of running the city-owned Trailhead Golf Course, filed a lawsuit against the city of Liberty Lake and two supervisors alleging the wrongful termination of her employment last year. The city responded by asking that the case be heard in federal court instead of Spokane County Superior Court. A court date is pending.

The second annual Liberty Lake Relay for Life was held July 20-21, and it nearly doubled the fundraising totals of last year’s event. About $20,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society through the event.

spokane valley fire dept.

The department will learn Aug. 7 if a replacement levy on primary election ballots will receive the required 60 percent supermajority from voters. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 4-5.

SVFD will host an open house Aug. 11 at its training center, 2411 N. Pioneer Lane. The purpose of the public event is to provide informational demonstrations in a fun and accessible environment.

The fire department recently learned that a delay in getting a special-order panel for the roof of Station 6, which is under construction at 6306 E. Sprague Ave., means it won’t be ready for movein by October as was once hoped. The department will be making adjustments to prepare for a mid-November opening instead.

July was a month for arson fires, with four teenagers arrested July 10 and 11 in connection with 20 arson fires between June 26 and July 8 near the area of Sprague and Sullivan. Shortly thereafter, more arson fires were set in the East Farms area, which authorities don’t believe were connected.

The careers of two longtime Spokane Valley Fire Department employees were honored by fire commissioners at a July 9 meeting. Both Captain Mark Normington (26 years with SVFD) and Firefighter Jim Melena (23 years) recently retired as a result of line-of-duty disabilities. Both plan to continue living in Spokane Valley.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department was involved in two Spokane River searches in July that resulted in deaths. On July 16, a man fell off an inner tube downriver from the Sullivan Road bridge and failed to resurface. On July 21, SVFD assisted the Spokane Fire Department when a rafter in downtown Spokane was pinned underwater by a log for an hour before rescuers were able to extricate him. In both cases, officials noted the absence of life jackets in tricky river currents as contributing factors to the deaths. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 4-5.

The Current

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8 • August 2012

The city farm

news

The Current

Rural elements abound in Spokane Valley suburbia — and many hope to keep it that way Story and photos by Craig Howard Current Contributor

Dave Gilbert talks in energetic tones about farming cabbage, eggplants and other crops on a leafy patch of land along Progress Road in Spokane Valley.

Yet when it comes to the topic of progress in the city he calls home, Gilbert transitions into a mode as cantankerous as the crows perched on the branches above his field.

“I’m just glad people can look out and see something other than a McDonald’s or a mini-mall,” said Gilbert, who was born and raised in Spokane Valley and graduated from Central Valley High School. “They also see someone working. … What I’m doing here is helping to feed people.”

Surrounded by the signature traits of modern-day suburbia, the two-acre field includes a gravelly driveway where tractors, not SUVs, take up most of the space. A sturdy rock wall dating back to 1901 serves as the boundary between the Gilbert farm and the whisk of traffic on Progress. Two dozen homes, painted in generic grays and blues, emerge from the fence line to the north.

Once surrounded by pear trees, fields of squash and rustic barns, the Gilbert tract is among the remaining vestiges of rural life in the city of Spokane Valley. Growing up, Dave would spend summers picking cantaloupe in the meadows near his home. For years, a dairy on the north side of Fourth Avenue represented the center of local commerce.

“I can remember when none of these roads were paved,” said Gilbert. “There wasn’t a heck of a lot around.”

Dave’s parents, Vic and Onita, purchased this land back in 1949 and dealt with a steady flow of realtors over the years. Despite numerous offers to buy the property and add it to the growing inventory of duplexes, apartments and single-family homes, the acreage remained intact.

Each year, Gilbert sells his produce onsite at prices that he says are “compatible” with nearby grocery stores. His marketing plan consists of a homemade placard on the side of road.

“Anyone who’s spent time farming knows there has to be a God,” Gilbert said. “There’s something very peaceful about it.”

A native of Spokane Valley, Dave Gilbert grows produce on a parcel along Progress Road in Spokane Valley. Gilbert’s family has owned the land since 1949.

Last March, the Spokane Valley City Council passed an ordinance that changed the standards for chicken keeping to one chicken per 2,000 square feet.

A few blocks down Progress from the Gilbert place, Wade and Stacie DeGeest and their two kids live on shady plot that is also home to two horses and a pair of llamas.

The property sits on two acres and includes a stylish home and handy barn painted in mayflower blue. Grandiose maples — planted in the early 1940s — line the driveway.

The DeGeests have been here for 16 years. They first considered buying land and a home in the southeast section of Spokane County, but Stacie said the blend of rural and urban elements sold them on the property. A block from the DeGeest lot, a car dealership, restaurant and bank offer reminders of the surrounding commercial hub. When someone in the family walks to the nearby post office on Sprague Avenue, “Emma,” a 21-year-old horse with impeccable manners, will often trot along.

“You have the farm life, but the city’s also close by,” Stacie DeGeest said. “It’s great.”

The DeGeests say the horses and llamas have become part of the family as well as a popular feature in the neighborhood. There are also no worries about mowing the front lawn — the livestock graze on turf throughout the day, giving it the appearance of a

well-maintained putting green.

“We don’t get complaints from our neighbors,” Stacie said. “One woman said she moved here because of the llamas.”

After the city of Spokane Valley incorporated in 2003, code enforcement officers began addressing issues involving animals on suburban farms. Before the city passed its own comprehensive plan in 2006, the

standards deferred to those established by Spokane County. Scott Kuhta, Spokane Valley planning manager, said there was an impression in the early days of the city that incorporation had brought more stringent regulations, when in fact, it was merely a matter of implementing rules already in place.

See FARM, page 9

The Current

August 2012 • 9

news

The farm as it was Landmarks of Spokane Valley rural history 1875 — Herman and Henrietta Linke began homesteading on 320 acres in the area of Saltese Hill. By 1900, the family was farming 1,200 acres, mostly consisting of wheat crop.

1889 — Land was selling for $10 an acre east of Dishman near Opportunity. Cattle grazed in the fields, and dairy farms owned by the Daschbauchs and Millers flourished.

1895 — Apple trees lined the roadway from Dishman to the Corbin Addition, resulting in the corridor being named the “Apple Way.” 1904 — A.A. Kelly and A.M. Sommer organized the first Spokane Valley Farmers Club.

Llamas and horses inhabit a suburban farm on Progress Road near Sprague Avenue owned

by Wade and Stacie DeGeest.

1907 — The shift from cattle farms to orchards was well under way, with Henry Van Marter, one of the Valley’s first produce farmers, settling in the area now known as Valleyway and University.

Barns like the one at left in the area of Fourth Avenue and Adams Road recall a time when most of Spokane Valley consisted of farms and orchards. These days, it’s not uncommon to have rural and urban elements inhabiting the same city of Spokane Valley block.

1909 — A carload of Wagner apples from East Farms won first prize at the Chicago Land Show.

1911 — Apples sold for $2.50 a carton in Greenacres.

1922 — A horticultural census reported a total of 1,164,686 apple trees in Spokane Valley and some 12,000 acres set aside for the crop.

Source: “The Spokane Valley: A History of the Early Years,” by Florence Boutwell

FARM Continued from page 8

“If someone complained, we would go out and enforce it,” Kuhta said. “We wanted a more responsive code enforcement program.”

Kuhta described the city’s current zoning code “as more flexible” than the county’s previous benchmarks. A minimum lot requirement of 40,000 square feet has been established to keep livestock in residential zones, while up to three horses, donkeys, mules, alpacas, llamas or bovines are per-

mitted per gross acre.

Structures housing livestock must be located at least 75 feet away from any habitation. Pens, yards, barns and pastures must “be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.”

Last March, the Spokane Valley City Council passed an ordinance that adjusted the ground rules for chickens on residential property. Previously, residents were required to have a minimum of 40,000 square feet, or just under an acre, to keep chickens, while the new rules outline a ratio of one chicken per 2,000 square feet. Coops must be kept at least 25 feet from the nearest residence.

Todd and Eleanor Folsom keep 17 chickens on a lot just over 39,000 square feet in the area of Sixth Avenue and St. Charles Road, a few blocks to the west of Central

Valley High School. Eleanor said the project has taught their kids” lessons in entrepreneurship and responsibility.”

“It’s been a good experience for the most part,” she said. “It’s definitely a topic of conversation when people visit.”

While movements like local food and urban farming have meant adding a chicken dwelling to match the color and fashion of a two-car garage, there is a lingering architectural style in Spokane Valley that harkens back to a time when the barn was king.

Jayne Singleton, director of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, estimates that around 50 such structures are still standing, with most located in outlying areas like Saltese, Newman Lake and Otis Orchards.

The museum is in the process of organizing an historical registry of area barns, while

plans are underway for a display in the near future. As part of the project, Singleton said she and museum volunteers will advocate for the restoration of dilapidated farms.

“These barns speak to the character of the Valley,” Singleton said. “They are windows into the past.”

Contemporary barns — and plenty of horse trailers — are trademarks of a bucolic area east of Sullivan Road and 16th Avenue known as Rotchford Acres. Don and Nora Watson moved here in 1995 from the South Hill, drawn by the spacious lots and what Don called “the country life.”

“On the South Hill, your home took up most of the property,” Don said.

The Watsons once kept chickens on their one-acre parcel, but now simply maintain a large garden. Their neighbors to the east are one of many households in Rotchford Acres to keep horses.

“It’s neat to see them take the horses out for a walk,” Nora said.

Not long after Spokane Valley incorporated, Rotchford Acres and Ponderosa, another rural section to the west, were embroiled in a controversy that spanned back to the days when Spokane County was attempting to address the nebulous topic of urban growth areas. Ultimately, “estate zoning,” or one unit per 40,000 square feet, won out, though one undeveloped pocket in the western part of Ponderosa was designated “low-density residential,” or six residences per (just under) one acre.

Looking back, Kuhta said the decision on larger lots was based on “preserving the character of the neighborhood.”

Former Spokane Valley City Council Member Bill Gothmann remembers the tumult over zoning in the days after incorporation as the central reason he became involved in municipal government. He and his wife, Myrna, have lived in the Ponderosa area for nearly 40 years.

“To me, the city did what’s right — they listened to folks and their concerns,” Gothmann said. “Things change — it’s part of the progression of a city, but I think there is a place for these suburban farms.”

In the office of community development, the struggle between rural and urban forces continues to be a fundamental subject for Kuhta and his cohorts. While convenience stores and tire shops — not cantaloupe fields — may now define the area around City Hall, it’s clear that residents like Dave Gilbert will continue to place pastures ahead of pavement on their civic priority lists.

“For this city, it’s a huge topic,” Kuhta said. “We’re not a community of orchards anymore, but if you look around, there is still a lot of open land in the Valley. A lot of it is about being able to deliver efficient services to the people who live here. We’re really talking about what Spokane Valley is going to become — that’s the main question.”

The Current

10 • August 2012

news

In case you missed it Candidates share conservative perspectives at Chamber forum

to address issues experienced by soldiers who had served in the Vietnam War. “We learned a lot from Vietnam vets,” Baird said. “We realized there were things that we could have done differently.”

In addition to counseling that addresses issues like PTSD, military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injuries, the center is a clearinghouse for resources in areas like employment, housing, medical care and disability compensation. Employees here also make sure veterans are aware of obscure benefits such as the Aid and Attendance program that helps cover medical

A significant portion of Spokane County’s District 2 is populated by Spokane Valley and its surrounding communities — areas known to be among the most conservative in the state.

On Aug. 7, these District 2 voters will select two of three Spokane County Commissioner candidates to forward to the entire county come general election season in November. chase So it was interesting to see not only Republicans Rob Chase and Shelly O’Quinn, but Democrat Daryl Romeyn as well, lay claim to a conservative mantle at a July 20 forum organized by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber o’quinn of Commerce.

Romeyn, who was consistently the most vocal about criticizing decisions made by the three current county commissioners (all Republicans), nonetheless aimed most of his ire at their alleged overspending romeyn and failure to plan ahead for lean economic times.

“I don’t come from within the Republican party or the Democratic party,” said Romeyn, a former TV weatherman turned organic farmer. “I’ve been an outsider, and I think that’s what we need right now, someone who doesn’t have IOUs to give out. I would be there to objectively evaluate what’s going on as far as how we’re spending our money.”

O’Quinn emphasized the many positive relationships she has with leaders throughout the county, many of them forged through public policy discussions through her job with Greater Spokane Inc. She said this “broad community support” would benefit her as commissioner as she focuses on what she said is the most important priority at the county: creating jobs.

“We do need to look at how we can increase revenues through economic growth, but we need to also be looking at how we run county government,” she said.

“We need to be operating efficiently and effectively. We do need to look at implementing lean standards within county government.”

See VETERANS, page 29

See MISSED, page 27

Current photo by Craig Howard

The new 8,800-square-foot site of the Vet Center, nestled near Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley, opened on May 21.

New home, same healing mission for Veterans Outreach Center

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

When Joe Dumlao returned home after his last tour of duty in Iraq, the idea of being around people made him wince. Loud noises found him seeking refuge.

Like thousands of former soldiers, the U.S. Air Force veteran struggled to reassimilate into everyday society after dealing with the trauma of war. While he was finally back on American soil, he felt more like a foreigner in an uncertain land.

Eventually, Dumlao found a vital ally in a military readjustment counselor, someone who could relate to the turbulence of a vet in crisis. Dumlao’s emergence from the psychological trenches was expedited by the local branch of the Veterans Outreach Center in Spokane Valley, a haven for vets known for its lifeline of resources and support.

“You have to redefine yourself,” said Dumlao, who spent 17 years in the Air Force. “When you’re dealing with something like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), counseling helps tremendously with the transition back. I believe it promotes healing. I realized later that it took strength for me to seek help, not just for me, but for my family.”

These days, Dumlao is one of seven fulltime counselors stationed at the new home of the Vet Center, near Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley. The 8,800-squarefoot venue opened in May and represents a significant upgrade from the center’s former home on Mullan Road, near Sprague Avenue. Like the counselor who helped him on the road back to himself, Dumlao said the team at the center is devoted to helping every veteran who steps through

the door.

“Everyone here cares about veterans,” he said. “We understand what they’re going through.”

Dumlao said the setting — featuring well-furnished rooms in calming colors and nourishing views of the surrounding landscape — promotes a welcoming atmosphere for all who arrive at the Vet Center, even those with stigmas about counseling.

“It’s a much homier place than we had before,” he said. “It’s conducive to healing.

People feel comfortable here.”

Dave Baird, Vet Center team leader, said the idea for the new location emerged from the increased number of veterans returning from the Middle East.

“We think our veterans deserve the very best,” said Baird, who served 21 years in the Navy and was deployed four times. “As we expanded our mission, we outgrew the old space. This building was designed with vet input. We wanted to have a place more like a drop-in center where vets would feel welcome.”

A designated “quiet room” off the main lobby offers a secluded space for visitors to wait for appointments or simply sit and relax. Many counseling sessions includes tranquil walks along the Centennial Trail or near the Spokane River.

“There are some nontraditional approaches here,” Baird said. “This site is ideal for that. On the first half of a session, you might just go for a walk. People say they feel centered here.”

Spokane was one of the first cities in the U.S. to offer readjustment support to veterans, launching an office in 1981. The original Vet Center opened in 1979, specifically

Resource Reinforcement ★ The

Spokane Veterans Outreach Center is located at 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway in Spokane Valley and can be contacted at 444-8387. More information is available at www. vetcenter.va.gov.

★ The Vet

Center Combat Call Center for veterans and their families can be reached by calling 1-877-927-8387.

The 24/7, toll-free line is outfitted by veterans.

★ The

toll-free, 24/7 National Suicide Prevention line can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.

★ Further

information can be found at www.mentalhealth.va.gov and www. va.gov.

The Current

August 2012 • 11

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12 • August 2012

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY July 28 | ACCOIN Picnic in the Park 11

a.m. to 4 p.m., Browne’s Park, 3019 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. The American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest (ACCOIN) is having its annual summer party for kids with cancer and their families. Activities include face painting, art projects, motorcycle rides, a scavenger hunt, water balloon toss and lots more. Lunch is donated by Texas Roadhouse. For more: 443-4162 or mruddis@ accoinlandnw.org

Aug. 1 | Web Basics 2 p.m., Spokane

Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Learn what a browser is and how to use it, three ways to access a website and how to tell if a website is secure. For more: 893-8400

Aug. 2 | Batunia’s Nocturnal Wonderland 2 p.m., Otis Orchards Library,

22324 E. Wellesley Ave. Children are invited to join Batunia the Bat on a musical tour of the creatures that come alive under the night sky, courtesy of Penny’s Puppets. For more: 893-8390

Aug. 2 | T.W.I.N.E. 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. T.W.I.N.E. (Teen Writers of the Inland Empire) is a writing club for Spokane County students in grades 6 through 12. Participants write fiction and poetry and share work in an encouraging and positive environment. For more: teenwritersoftheinlandempire.blogspot.com Aug. 2 | Summer Reading Carnival 5

to 7 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. This Liberty Lake Municipal Library celebration of its summer reading program includes games and activities. For more: 232-2510

Aug. 3 | Mobius Science Center 2 p.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley. Mobius Science Center opens in the fall, but students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to check out this preview. For more: 893-8260 Aug. 3 | Late Night at your Library 7

p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Students in grades 3-5 are invited after hours to create, play games, eat snacks, sing, tell stories and have lots of fun. Wear old clothes since it could get messy. Preregistration and signed permission slip required. For more: 893-8400

Aug. 4 | Spokane Highland Games 2012

9 a.m. to 8 p.m., south lawn of Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. Enjoy the traditional features of Scottish Highland Games, such as massed bands, pipe band exhibitions, individual piping, heavy athletics, highland dancing and children’s games. Tickets range from $5-$10, parking $1.

For more: www.spokanehighlandgames.org

Aug. 8 | Nature Crafts 2 p.m., Spokane

Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Grades 4-6 are invited to “rock out,” break open some geodes and get crafty with a variety of natural materials. For more: 893-8400

Aug. 9 | Pajama Story Time 6:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. For more: 232-2510 Aug. 10 | Beads and Bracelets 2 p.m.,

Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley. Grades 4 and up are invited to make hemp bracelets and beaded picture frames. For more: 893-8260

Aug. 10 | Outdoor cinema: Remember the Titans Dusk, Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake.

Free movie is part of the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series.

Aug. 11 | Spokane Valley Fire Department Open House 10 a.m., Spokane Valley Fire Department Training Center, 2411 N. Pioneer Lane, Spokane Valley. Various demonstrations, food and a combat course challenge. For more: 981-7995

Aug. 11 | Outdoor cinema: O Brother Where Art Thou? Dusk, Pavillion Park,

Liberty Lake. Free movie is part of the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series.

Aug. 11 | Hot Rockford Nights fourth annual car show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rockford City Park. Pre-register for $15 on Aug. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Harvest Moon and stay for drive-in movie at dusk or register for $20 between 9 to 11 a.m. on day of the show.

Aug. 12 | Northwest British Classics Car Show 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Millwood City Park. For more: 891-7850

Aug. 12 | Fat Quarter Exchange 1 p.m.,

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Quilters invited to bring in fat quarters to share with others and take home some new ones.

For more: 893-8400

Aug. 14 | Scratch 101 1 p.m., Spokane

Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Students in grades 4-6 interested in game programming or computer animation learn to make animations, interactive stories and games using Scratch, a free visual programming language from MIT. Space limited, registration required. For more: 893-8400

Aug. 15 | Spokane Valley Library Book Club 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004

Aug. 18 | Mutt Strut 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

beginning at Pawpular Companions, 21950 E. Country Vista Drive, Liberty Lake. Community walk/run for dogs and their owners consists of 1.5- to 2.5-mile routes that end at Pawpular Companions parking lot with an ice cream social, free giveaways and raffle prizes.

Proceeds benefit SCRAPS Hope Foundation.

For more: www.pawpularcompanions.com

Aug. 21| Tween Book Club 4:30 p.m.,

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Games, snacks and discussion of “A Long Way from Chicago,” by Richard Peck, for grades 4-6.

For more: 893-8400

Aug. 24 | Outdoor cinema: How to Train Your Dragon Dusk, Pavillion Park, Liberty

Lake. Free movie is part of the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series.

Aug. 25 | The Black Diamond 1st Annual Beer Dog Festival 9614 E. Sprague Ave.,

Spokane Valley. Fundraiser for SCRAPS, $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For more: 891-8357.

Aug. 25 | Lego Mindstorm Robot Class

10:30 a.m. to noon, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Class for ages 9-14, registration required. For more: 232-2510

Aug. 25 | Pie Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

Liberty Lake Farmers Market, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane

Aug. 25 | Millwood Daze 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

Dalton Street, Millwood. Events include fun run, pet walk, breakfast, games, booths, prizes, music, bounce castle and the World’s Largest Wagon Parade at 1:30 p.m. Free outdoor film at 8 p.m. outside Rocket Bakery. For more: www. mowspokane.org or 232-0864

Aug. 26 | Reds, Whites and Brews 3 to 6 p.m., Meadowwood Technology Center, Liberty Lake. The Liberty Lake Kiwanis present the sixth annual wine and beer tasting event.

Admission is $35, and proceeds benefit the club's various service projects and programs.

For more: www.libertylakekiwanis.org

E. Main Ave. Discussion of Georgina Howell’s "Gertrude Bell: Queen of the Desert." For more: 893-8400

Recurring

Aug. 16 | Spokane Valley Library Anime Club 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004

p.m. Saturdays, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane.

For more: www.llfarmersmarket.com

Liberty Lake Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1

Aug. 4 | Pavillion Park Summer Concert Series: Oli Brown & Peter Rivera 5 p.m.,

Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. Free concert is part of the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series.

Aug. 9 | Eddie Money in concert 5 p.m.,

Daley’s Cheap Shots, 6412 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For more: 535-9309

Aug. 25 | Shakespeare in the Park "Twelfth Night" 5 p.m., Pavillion Park,

Liberty Lake. Free performance is part of the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series.

Aug. 29-Sept. 3 | Pig Out in the Park 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, Riverfront Park, Spokane.

More than 50 food vendors and 100 free concerts. For more: www.spokanepigout.com Sept. 1 | Pavillion Park Summer Concert Series: Spokane Symphony 6 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. Free performance is part of the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series.

CIVIC & BUSINESS Aug. 7 | Spokane County primary election ballots due Must be postmarked or

placed in collection containers at local libraries.

Aug. 7 | Government Action Committee meeting 11:30 a.m., Valley Hospital Education

Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Spokane Valley Fire Department Chief Mike Thompson is scheduled to speak to this Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce audience. $20 registration includes lunch.

For more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994

Aug. 17 | Spokane Valley Chamber Business Connections Breakfast

6:30 to 8:30 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan. This month’s topic is the Washington Insurance Exchange. $25 members, $35 non-members. For more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994

Aug. 28 | Meet the Chamber Member/ Member Reception 4 to 6 p.m., Prestige

E. Main Ave. Monthly club meeting for anime fans grades 6-12. For more: www.scld.org/ anime.asp

Millwood Farmers Market 3 to 7 p.m.

Impressions, 1917 S. Union Road, Spokane Valley. Networking event. For more: www. spokanevalleychamber.org or 924-4994

Aug. 17 | Outdoor cinema: Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire Dusk, Pavillion Park,

Saturdays, 200 S. 1st St.

Rockford Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

HEALTH & RECREATION

Rockford Movies in the Park 8 p.m.

Aug. 4-5 | Hot August Pickleball Tournament HUB Sports Center, 19619 E

Liberty Lake. Free movie is part of the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival Series.

Aug. 17-19 | 11th Great Northwest Nationals Spokane County Fair & Expo

Center, 404 N. Havana St. Features 1,500 rods, customs, muscle cars and street machines through model year 1972. Tickets $15 or $6 kids 7-12 (6 and under free). Free parking. For more: 925-838-9876

Aug. 18 | Summer Outdoor Movie at Mirabeau Meadows: Puss in Boots

About 8:20 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows Park, 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway. Activities begin an hour before movie starts. For more: jpapich@ spokanevalley.org or 720-5408

Wednesdays, 3223 N. Marguerite Road

Thursdays in August, 200 S. 1st St. Free events; popcorn and pop provided.

Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Tourney for adults 18-88.

For more: www.hubsportscenter.com

MUSIC & THE ARTS

Aug. 9 | 16th Annual Valley Chamber Golf Scramble 1 p.m. shotgun start,

July 28-29 | Loose on the Palouse Artists Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, On Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy, Valleyford. This sixth annual event will feature Avenue West artists and crafters, roaming costumes, cooperative painting activities and Valleyford Museum tours. A parade on Palouse Highway will happen at noon Sunday followed by a classic car and tractor show at Valleyford Community Church. For more: 747-9294

MeadowWood Golf Course, Liberty Lake. $100 entry fee includes steak dinner, drink, raffle ticket and goodie bag. For more: 924-4994 or info@spokanevalleychamber.org

Aug. 11 | Spokannibals Flat Track Roller Derby Bout 6:30 p.m., Roller Valley Skate Center, 9415 E. 4th St., Spokane Valley. Spokane Valley team hosts the Cherry City Derby Girls from Salem, Ore.

See CALENDAR, page 30

The Current

August 2012 • 13

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The Current

14 • August 2012

Community

Many area ‘firsts’ transpired at Spokane Bridge 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.

Photos courtesy of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

The Cranston Box Factory of Spokane Bridge is shown in this circa 1916 photograph.

By Jayne Singleton Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Long before James Glover established Spokane, history was in the making at the area near Stateline. The first store, house and post office in the region were located at Spokane Bridge. The first post office in what is now Spokane County was located at Spokane Bridge, with Timothy Lee as the postmaster.

The first of several bridges was built by Joe Herrin and Timothy Lee. It was called Pioneer Bridge. High water in the spring washed out several early bridges. Lee advertised in the Walla Walla Statesman April 5, 1867. His announcement told of crossing, “Stock, Teams & Etc. cheaper than any other bridge or ferry on the river.”

By 1864, A.C. Kendall (Charlie) was the owner of the bridge. Charlie also had a store with provisions for the miners, military, Coeur d’Alenes, Spokanes, Catholic priests and others traveling to the Kootenai mines, Pend Oreille Lake, the missions and forts beyond.

The Mullan Road and the Kentuck Road led to Spokane Bridge. There were also Indian trails leading to Spokane Bridge.

Sub-Chief Quinnemossa of the Coeur d’Alenes traded at the store, having lived at nearby Saltese Lake.

By late 1869 or so, Charlie’s health began to fail. He endeavored to sell the bridge and store. Two men were interested, M.M. Cowley and James Glover. Cowley arrived first and made purchase. Glover arrived the day of Charlie’s funeral, found out that Cowley purchased it and then moved on to the Falls and began to develop Spokane.

Cowley operated the store and built his house between 1880-1884.

The Gaffney family is seen at the Hi Power Service Station, which was located on the north side of the river at Spokane Bridge, in this circa 1930s photo.

This circa 1950 photo was shot west toward Spokane Valley from the Appleway Bridge at Stateline. In the background, historic Spokane Bridge can be seen.

Early development was all on the north side of the Spokane River. The Cowley house is still standing and is the second oldest house in the Spokane Valley, the Daniel Courchaine house having been built in 1878. To the east of Cowley’s house was the Louis Lee place. The stage coach

stopped there, and it is said that there was room for travelers to stop overnight.

Catholic missionary priests visited Spokane Bridge. The first recorded baptism took place Sept. 28, 1884, by Father Joset.

He baptized the daughter of Leon and Julia Gastemns. William Pringle was baptized

February Dishman

March Chester April Opportunity May Vera June Greenacres

July Saltese August Spokane Bridge September East Farms/Otis Orchards October Trentwood November Orchard Avenue December Millwood

by Father Jacquet in 1885. The priests traveled between the mission at DeSmet, Idaho, and St. Paul’s Mission in Kettle Falls and St Mary’s in Colville. Sometimes, the trip was made on horseback. Other times, James Monaghan gave the priests passage on his stagecoach.

In 1912, a new steel and concrete bridge was built. Spokane Bridge had grown.

There were stores and a blacksmith. The post office was still operating. The Chicago Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad ran tracks on the south side of the river. The Humphries, Suksdorfs, Cranstons, Dicksons, Mays and Brick families all lived at the Town of Spokane Bridge at the time.

By the early 1920s, the Appleway was paved and met up with Spokane Bridge.

There were many travelers by then, and around 1924, Highway 10 was the name of the road that crossed the bridge. The post office was still operating into the late 1960s in the store, and Mrs. Finch was the postmistress.

Plans for an interstate sealed the fate of Spokane Bridge. Today, I-90 runs over most of the historic town of Spokane Bridge. The Humphries house, the Cowley house and a historic monument are all that is left of the legacy of Spokane Bridge.

The newest Appleway Bridge opened several months ago bridging the cultures of Washington and Idaho. Might there be another bridge in a future unforeseen?

Jayne Singleton is director of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, located at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. Additional items about the history and culture of the Spokane Bridge area — or any of the communities in the Valley of the Sun series — are available in the museum archives. For more information, call 922-4570 or visit www.valleyheritagecenter.org.

The Current

August 2012 • 15

Community

Nonprofit spotlight

Baskets For Babies Description Baskets for Babies is an emergency agency for low-income families with babies. The organization supplies new mothers in need with necessary items when their babies are born. Operations for the 501c3 are 100 percent donation and volunteer driven.

Founding

Submitted photo

Baskets for Babies was founded in 2010 as an emergency organization providing necessities to growing families in need of assistance.

VCS Personalizing Education

cribs, bassinets, diapers, clothing, strollers and other newborn necessities. Moms, dads and families that meet income guidelines are eligible for services.

McKay encourages all families to apply for services. Regardless of eligibility status, she said Baskets for Babies would do its best to find help for families who need it.

• Small class size • Community-minded • Caring school environment • Education with God at the core

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The first family helped by Founder and Executive Director Tamara McKay was her own. While finishing study for her degree in February 2010, her oldest daughter found out she was pregnant and couldn’t afford anything for her new baby. McKay said she told her daughter to focus on finishing school; she would take care of everything the baby needed.

How you can help “Eventually, my daughter had to tell me Interested supporters can make monto stop because she was running out of etary donations and download volunteer space to put stuff in her apartment,” McKapplications from the ay said. “She told me organization’s website.

I should keep doing Baby items can also be what I was doing, but IF YOU GO ... donated at drop-off lohelp other people who cations throughout the Motherboards for Moms needed it.” area: An e-cycling fundraiser to McKay operated • Baskets for Bathe organization from benefit Baskets for Babies bies − 9410 E. Sprague her Greenacres home When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Aug. 11 Ave., Spokane Valley for six months before moving operations to Where: ABC Mini Storage, 11506 • Bugaboos − 14109 a nearby storage unit.

E. Sprague Ave., SpoE. Indiana Road, Spokane Valley In May, Baskets for Bakane Valley What: Donate old, non-working bies earned its 501c3 • Bundle Bean Boucomputers and electrical status and moved into tique − 606A N. Sulappliances for recycling a donated space at livan Road, Spokane 9410 E. Sprague Ave. For more: basketsforbabies.org/ Valley eventspage.htm What they do • Mommy and Me Children's Boutique − The organization 1314 S. Grand Blvd., provides new parents with baby clothing, diapers, hygiene items Spokane and equipment from a bank of donations • Spokane Community Warehouse − at its Sprague location. Since relocating, 919 E. Trent Ave., Spokane McKay said the organization has been • Mother's Haven − 2112 N Governable to throw baby showers for expectant ment Way, Coeur d'Alene moms needing services.

The greatest needs are for bassinettes, Equipment is also loaned to families cribs, pack-n-plays, car seats and swings. on a first-come basis. (Baskets For Babies Strollers and double strollers are especially loans it to a family until the family is able to get its own, or until the baby no longer appreciated. To arrange for a volunteer to needs it. Then volunteers pick items up, pick up a local donation, call 214-2634. clean, repair and re-distribute equipment To learn more to another family in need.)

For more information, visit www.basFamilies can also earn trips to the clothketsforbabies.org or call 214-2634. ing bank through volunteering and returning outgrown items.

Do you know of an organization in the Who benefits greater Spokane Valley area that should Since its founding, Baskets for Babies be featured as a Nonprofit Spotlight? Tell has helped more than 500 families with us at editor@valleycurrent.com.

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The Current

16 • August 2012

tio

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Community

Brought to you by

Submitted photo

Local actress Lauren Turner, 12, most recently played Anne in “Anne of Green Gables.”

‘A super fun thing to do’ A: When I was little I would go to dances and shows and would sing and dance for my mom and dad, and I would even line up my dolls sometimes. I guess I started when I was really little. I really realized I liked to do it during the second grade play.

Q: You mentioned singing and dancing. Do you prefer singing or dancing or acting or the three combined?

A: I have a little bit of theater experience and a lot of dancing experience and when I started doing musicals with CYT it brought all that together.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being involved in theater?

A: I’ve really enjoyed it because I’ve

Q: Do you have plans for what you will be involved in next through theater?

A: I’m not sure yet. I think there’s a play this fall with the Liberty Lake Community

By Kimberly Cauvel Q: Are the kids you know through Theatre, a Christmas play, and the director Wave Contributor said there’s a part I could play. But there’s theater friends you knew from school? also a play with the Christian Youth TheLauren Turner loves theater and thinks A: Most of them were just kids I didn’t ater. It’s undecided. you might, too. The 12-year-old perknow very well, but they were in my grade. formed in the Liberty Lake Community Q: What’s it like to be on stage? … I got to know them better through the Theatre’s “I’m Not Ebeneezer Scrooge” last A: It’s just really exciting. Sometimes theater.

December and most recently played Anne before it you get nervous, but you get on in “Anne of Green Gables.”

Q: Do you have a favorite activity or stage and all of it goes away and turns into show?

In her most recent roles, Lauren has actexcitement. ed alongside kids and adults, including her A: My favorite was with the Liberty Q: What’s it like to rehearse with your 26-year-old aunt, Angie Waugh.

Lake Community Theatre. It was the play cast?

The Wave asked Lauren some questions “Anne of Green Gables.” It was my first A: When you’re just practicing, it deabout how she got started in acting, and main role — I got to play Anne. pends on if it’s a dress rewhat it’s like to be in a play. hearsal and it’s serious. If it’s practice you can have How long have more fun and crack jokes. and workshops.

Following are some you been involved Want to be in a play?

You’re still working, you’re in theater?

There are many ways to get a of the local groups that put on plays not just goofing off, but it’s taste of the magic of theater, from and trainings. Ask a parent to help not boring like just work — on-stage or behind-the-scenes roles you explore a website or give them a I started kind of in you’re still having fun. in a production to summer camps call for ways you can play a part. second grade. We Q: Would you recomhad a mini play mend acting to other kids? we put on during school.

Spokane Civic Theatre A: Yes, definitely. I feel Q: When did you get inwww.SpokaneCivicTheatre.com like when you’re a kid, it’s a Theater Arts volved in theater outside Christian Youth 325-2507 super fun thing to do, and for Children of school?

Theater Spokane even if you’re a tiny little www.theaterartsforchildren.org www.cytspokane.com Spokane A: I started at CYT chorus part, it’s still fun 995-6718 487-6540 Children’s Theatre (Christian Youth Theater) and you can feel what it’s www.spokanechildrenstheatre.org Spokane. I started in the like to be on stage and in Liberty Lake Coeur d’Alene 328-4886 fall of 2010. We did Seusfront of an audience. That Community Theatre Summer Theatre sical the Musical — you way when you’re older, you www.libertylaketheatre.com www.cdasummertheatre.com Lake City Playhouse know, Dr. Seuss. have a little more experi342-2055 208-769-7780 www.lakecityplayhouse.org ence and will probably not Q: How did you become 208-667-1323 get so nervous. interested in theater?

Lauren Turner likes plays and thinks you might, too

Q. A.

been able to do it with some of my friends and also my aunt. It’s been a chance to get involved in the community, and it’s been super fun.

The Current

August 2012 • 17

Community

Brother-sister duo win Wave contest From Staff Reports

“I love froyo,” Aaron Cook, 8, of Spokane Valley wrote when he sent in an entry for The Wave’s monthly contest. (The winner receives a gift card to Froyo Earth on Sullivan Road.)

Well, Aaron, you’re in luck. You won! But it was a tie. Your sister also won. Ellie Cook, 10, also sent in a flag that the judges found equally deserving, so both Aaron and Ellie received a $15 gift card to Froyo Earth. We hope they share with their parents!

Aaron and Ellie’s flags were chosen because they were not only cool-looking flags, but they were meaningful. The flags were drawn to represent the things the Cook siblings like. Read the descriptions under their photos for more, and stay tuned for the next Wave contest in the September issue.

Ellie Cook, 10, chose her favorite color, purple, as the background color for her flag. “I like a lot of things that are crafty,” she explained about her flag. The pencil and paper represent that she likes to draw and write poems. The stitches are because she likes sewing and embroidering, and the paintbrush is because she likes to add color to a drawing or sculpture.

Where did you brush your Wave Challenge: Be grateful teeth this summer?

In August, the Spokane Valley community is focusing on gratitude. It’s the PACE character trait of the month.

PACE is a program that reminds kids and adults of ways we should treat one another, build meaningful lives and make our homes and neighborhoods even better.

Listed to the right is the definition of this month’s character trait and three ideas for how you can act it out in your own life.

Here are three ideas for how you can

Submitted photos

Aaron Cook, 8, shows off the flag he created for The Wave’s July contest. “My flag has a car and a Lego guy because I like racing cars and building,” he wrote.

that could help you send a care package to troops currently deployed.

gratitude

[grat-i-tood]: Feeling and expressing thankful appreciation for benefits received.

show gratitude this month:

2. Write a thank you note to a teacher, family member or friend who is special to you. Tell them why you are grateful to have them in your life. You can remember to say “thanks.”

1. Thank a man or woman in uniform who currently serves our country in the military or a veteran who has served in the past. You can tell them “thanks for serving” when you see them, or ask a parent to help you find an organization

3. Make a list of 20 people or things you are grateful for. Writing them all down helps you realize how much you have to be thankful for. When our heart feels grateful, it is much easier to live life with an attitude of gratitude.

Kids Tell It Like It Is

Compiled by Kelly Moore at Spokane Valley Bible Church’s Vacation Bible School

If you could be any character from any movie or play that you’ve seen, who would you want to be?

“I would want to be Annie because I really like that movie.”

Ella Kipp, 5

“A girl like a princess because they have beautiful dresses.”

Grace Arthur, 5

“Barbie, because she goes to places a lot.”

Katie Smith, 7

“I’d want to be Jackie Chan (from the movie “The Spy Next Door”) because he knows Karate.”

Silas Hayek, 7

“I’d be Bolt the dog (from the movie “Bolt”) because he’s really brave, and I could smell so many things.”

“I would be the dog on ‘Lady and the Tramp,’ because my dog is a schnauzer and he inspires me.”

John Snook, 9

Jasmine Dokken, 9

“I think I’d be Buzz Lightyear because that’s what my dad is.”

“I would be one of the girls on (the TV cartoon) Johnny Test because I think they’re funny, and their dog gets in trouble a lot.”

Zeke Hayek, 6

Kiera Smith, 10

We hope you are enjoying your summer ... but please don’t take a vacation from good oral health!

Take your toothbrush with you wherever you go and snap a picture. Then, visit our Facebook page to find out how to enter our latest contest.

Winner will receive a one night stay at Silver Mountain’s Morning Star Lodge and tickets to Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark for up to four people.

Call to schedule an appointment today!

509.891.7070 New patients welcome

Check out our Facebook page for more contests and events.

1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite B Liberty Lake, WA

www.GrowUpSmiling.com

local lens

18 • August 2012

Liberty Lake relays for life

The Current

SCRAPS to the rescue The second annual Liberty Lake Relay For Life raised more than $19,000 for the American Cancer Society. Members of the community walked alongside a full entertainment lineup during the overnight event.

At dusk, luminara bags were lit to remember and honor loved ones who’ve fought the disease.

SCRAPS animal protection officers responded to Liberty Lake July 18 to help rescue Coco, a German shepherd who chased a porcupine into a rocky hillside where he got stuck.

He was returned to his owners and taken to the family veterinarian.

Submitted photo

Current photo by Josh Johnson

Honoring vets

A joyful noise Lightning strikes in tourney

Submitted photo by Catherine Schaefer

Students and volunteers lead motions and music at “Jump Week,” a Vacation Bible School held at Valley Real Life Church. More than 300 students and 100 volunteers attended the event July 9-13.

Breakfast with candidates

Submitted photo

The 12-U Lightning Softball team brought home a trophy from the championship game of the Moses Lake Rattler Rumble July 14-15.

Submitted photo

World War II veteran and Greenacres resident Lee Wynne, 90, pushes a fellow veteran through the Spokane airport. Wynne was among a group of veterans honored with a trip to Washington D.C. in June through Inland Northwest Honor Flight. The group visited war memorials erected in their honor. Other Valley veterans on the trip included Leo Benoit, Alfred Bevacqua, David Hamm, George Rhoades and Richard Russell.

Current photo by Josh Johnson

Republican Rob Chase shares his qualifications to become Spokane County Commissioner while his opponents, Democrat Daryl Romeyn and Republican Shelly O’Quinn, wait their turn. The three candidates for the District 2 spot on the Board of County Commissioners addressed the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast crowd July 20 at Mirabeau Park Hotel. The field will be narrowed to two candidates after the Aug. 7 primary election.

Pictured from left: (back row) pitching coach Nettie Harder, assistant coach Greg Pieroni, assistant coach Chris Gumm, head coach Doug Pecha; (second row) Paige Wollan, Kelsey Gumm, Hannah Conant, Macie Reynolds, Lexi Horton, Michaela Laabs, Asst. Coach Joslynn Watkins; (third row) Cali Carlson, Hannah Wampler, Anna Pecha, Erica Pecha, Preslee Pieroni; (front row) Kassidy Keller, Brooklynn Pieroni

Local Lens Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page. Email photos@valleycurrent.com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos.

The Current

August 2012 • 19

“ IT’S

Linda R. Sandberg

THE LAW ”

$15 fOR a 30-minute SeSSiOn Call to sign up!

Highlights from your Chamber

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12212 E Palouse Hwy Valleyford, WA 99036

509-842-4295 or 509-928-3319

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Discover your smile with Dr. Ralph.

Your family orthodontist, specializing in all forms of braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen and more.

Photo: Gary Roberto Photography Golfers from last year’s event enjoyed great weather, food and networking opportunities on Liberty Lake’s beautiful MeadowWood Golf Course.

Be a part of our annual golf tournament

The 16th annual golf tournament of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held Aug. 9 at MeadowWood Golf Course in Liberty Lake — and you can be a part of it whether you golf or not.

The tournament committee is rounding up sponsors and donations for this popular event, attended by Chamber business leaders and friends.

For participants, check in begins at 11:30 a.m., and the shotgun start will be at 1 p.m. The $100 cost, which supports the Chamber, includes a raffle

Chamber events in August

August 7, 11:30 a.m.: Government Action Committee meeting, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley August 9, 11:30 a.m. (check-in), 1 p.m. (shotgun start): 16th Annual Golf Tournament, MeadowWood Golf Course, 24501 E. Valleyway, Liberty Lake August 17, 6:30 a.m. (networking), 7 to 8:30 a.m. (breakfast and program): Business Connection Breakfast, “Washington Insurance Exchange” August 23, noon, Transportation Committee meeting, Longhorn BBQ, 2315 N. Argonne, Spokane Valley August 28, 4 to 6 p.m.: Meet the

ticket, goodie bag and a fabulous steak dinner catered by Outback Steakhouse, a major sponsor of the event along with Banner Bank, Modern Electric Water Co. and Numerica Credit Union. Registrants will be placed on a team randomly or can organize a foursome of their own.

Sponsorship opportunities include tee and greens, bonus cards and awards.

Among the event’s promotions is a chance to win a car from Gus Johnson.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 924-4994.

Chamber Member/Member Reception, Prestige Impressions, 1917 S. Union Road, Spokane Valley Be sure to check our website at spokanevalleychamber.org for more details and updates.

New members

Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce: K Salon Lithograph Reproductions Inc. Pita Pit Washington LLC (Spokane Valley Mall) Schlotzsky’s Deli/Cinnabon Talon Hills Senior Apartments Wiser Xpress dba Cricket

Actual Patient

Make Your Appointment Today

509.892.9284

www.DrScottRalph.com LIBERTY LAKE ORTHODONTICS E. 23505 Appleway Ave. Ste. #204

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1421 N. Meadowwood Lane • Liberty Lake, WA 99019 • Phone: 509 924-4994 www.spokanevalleychamber.org

The Current

20 • August 2012

Community

The Northern Palouse: Its forgotten past and powerful potential

By Elaine Rising and Rod Christian Current Guest Column

Before modern highways, railways crisscrossed the Inland Northwest. As a dominant force powering the 19th century economic engine, trains carried ore, produce and lumber back east.

These iron horses also brought eager immigrants westward searching for the American dream. A 1905 edition of the Fairfield Standard cites the arrival of a 300-car train containing families staking out newly opened land.

In addition to carrying out raw materials and disgorging new arrivals, the Spokane & Inland Empire Railroad Company, consisting of two interurban railway lines, linked city people with rural and leisure destinations. J.P. Graves, mining entrepreneur, and F.A. Blackwell, Idaho lumber man, funded this enterprise in 1903. The Palouse line connected people to potential homesteads in Fairfield, Colfax and Moscow, Idaho. The Spokane/ Coeur d’Alene connected people to leisure destinations such as Liberty, Hayden and Coeur d’Alene lakes with recreational parks or resorts. Gene Allen, a Valleyford resident, remembers his parents taking him to swim at Liberty Lake.

In the 1920s, passenger trains, called “doodle bugs,” carried Spokane families on day trips that could include eating lunch at Valleyford’s hotels or dining and dancing at the Cashup Hotel on Steptoe Butte. Today, people motor down the improved, windy Palouse Highway from Moran Prairie to State Highway 27 still seeking respite in the countryside.

North Palouse Communities • Fairfield. Incorporated in 1905, the town annually celebrates Flag Day in a big way.

With a population of approximately 600 people, agriculture (wheat, barley, lentils, dry peas and grass seed) has long been the foundation of its local economy. Fairfield contains a hardware and grocery store, convenience store, café, medical and dental facility, drug store, bank, farm-related equipment/supplies, car/truck mechanic, tire/ vehicle supply store, post office, churches and retirement apartments. Public facilities include park space, a museum, library and community center.

• Latah. The first settlers came to this area in the early 1870s. By 1890, the town had

Festival

Submitted photo by Richard Slover

Elaine Rising of On Sacred Grounds leads the Sunday parade at last year’s Loose on the Palouse festival. She is followed by Warren Saucele with his classic car and the Rockford Lions Club fire engine. This year’s parade begins at noon July 29 along the Palouse Highway in Valleyford.

Over the decades, most Spokanites have forgotten the intricate history that made the Northern Palouse a powerful economic force. Why not rediscover the obscure origins of the Tin Mine at Silver Hill; the shooting of Mr. McMonagle, Kiesling’s postmaster, and Ernest Schlenker’s subsequent murder trial; or the illustrious reputation of the Sharon Post Office that Mr. and Mrs. Keller operated as former Alaskan vaudevillian performers? Who remembers Valleyford’s cigar factory or Kiesling’s sweet cider and vin-

four general stores, a drug store and two blacksmith shops. Today about 150 people inhabit this peaceful hamlet with a flower shop, grain elevator, a non-denominational evangelical church, a gift-antique-home décor shop, wedding/special event venue, an insurance company, a post office and the city hall in the community center/fire station.

Three prehistoric bones were unearthed at a site just west of Latah in 1880. Careful excavation produced one of the most complete skeletons of a wooly mammoth, now on exhibit in The Field Museum in Chicago.

• Mica. The first community one finds when headed south from Spokane Valley on Highway 27 is located at the base of Mica Peak. Its brick plant was first established in 1867 near a stop for the Kentuck Trail stage coach line. A group called Mica In Motion has organized to take advantage of Mica’s

egar plant? Who recalls the community hall of Duncan or the Methodist church on Valley Chapel Road?

The communities of the Northern Palouse (like Duncan, Kielsing and Sharon) remain today merely as street names commemorating a proud and glorious past. As more people relocate in the Northern Palouse, they are rediscovering themselves as a community.

This new economic force is spreading south and eastward. Check the web

natural beauty as a walking and running area. For more: www.micainmotion.com • Rockford. The next big town on Highway 27, Rockford is home to the Southeast Spokane County Fair. With a population of approximately 900 people, it boasts several civic groups, museum, restaurants and a retail emporium (Hurd’s Mercantile) housed in a historic building dating to the late 1800s.

• Spangle. Founded in 1872, it is located 12 miles south of Spokane on Highway 195.

Spangle has a ready labor force and is an ideal location for light industry or service companies. Spangle has a small-town quality of life and excellent highway access to Spokane and the Inland Empire.

• Valleyford. Established in 1907, this town boasts a post office, newly expanded community church, fire station and lovely

Loose on the Palouse will be held July 28-29 at On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Highway in Valleyford. It will feature more than a dozen Avenue West Gallery members with works ranging from fine art, embroidery and quilts to oils, acrylics, watercolor and collage. A demonstration table will be set up. Be on the lookout for a very tall, upright animal roaming the grounds. The event culminates in a parade that closes down the Palouse Highway at noon Sunday and features people, animals and classic cars and trucks. site for the Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce, which includes the towns of Mica, Valleyford, Rockford, Fairfield, Latah, Waverly and Spangle at www.hangmancreekchamber.com.

Elaine Rising owns and operates On Sacred Grounds, a coffee shop in Valleyford that houses the Valleyford Historical Museum. Rod Christian is a longtime resident of the greater Spokane Valley region. He is a regular contributor to the Valleyford Clarion, the newsletter produced by On Sacred Grounds.

park. As its name suggests, it is located in a valley where a wagon road forded California Creek. A portion of the original road remains parallel to the Palouse Highway between Valleyford Park and Madison Road. One of this community’s newest symbols is On Sacred Grounds, opened in 2006 by Elaine Rising (one of the writers of this article). On Sacred Grounds sells coffee, fresh milk and produce from local farms and houses the Valleyford Historical Museum. It also includes art.

• Waverly. Named for Waverly, Iowa, this town is located southwest of Fairfield. It has a rich history, including a sugar beet factory that once thrived on Hangman Creek. With an estimated population of 121, it has a small post office and a nice park in the town’s center.

— Elaine Rising and Rod Christian

The Current

August 2012 • 21

Community

Millwood Daze looks to grow event, wagon parade Aug. 25

By Kimberly Cauvel Current Contributor

If you attend the fourth annual Millwood Daze, you could come in running gear, pull a wagon, bring Fluffy and let him pull you — or take on all three.

Millwood is hosting the all-day array of family fun Aug. 25, and proceeds from the event will benefit the Spokane nonprofit Mid-City Concerns, which runs the Spokane Meals on Wheels Program and Mid-City Concerns Senior Center.

The tagline for the event this year is “Run, walk, march to end senior hunger.”

In previous years, the 5K run through Millwood has been central to the event and the primary source of fundraising for the chosen charity. The race remains this year, but with the involvement of Mid-City Concerns, the celebration has expanded to include a walk and march, as well as a wide variety of other attractions and entertainment.

The event will also be centrally located for the first time, rather than spread around town. Tree-lined, shady Dalton Avenue will be bustling with vendors, food, art displays, a jumping castle, dunk tank, pony rides and more. Additional entertainment will include an air show during the race, a car show along the street, and musical and dance performances.

In support of Mid-City Concern’s senior nutrition programs that serve primarily low-income seniors in the city of Spokane, the registration fees for the 5K race and wagon parade, as well as donations requested for the walk, will go directly to the nonprofit.

Mollie Dalpae, executive director of the Meals on Wheels program and MidCity Concerns Senior Center, said because Mid-City Concerns does not receive state or federal funding, donations and fundraisers such as Millwood Daze are imperative to the organization. The organization also relies on volunteers, more than 750 of whom currently aid in the distribution of more than 500 hot lunches each day. Some of these meals are served to seniors visiting the Senior Center in downtown Spokane, but about 220 of them are delivered to immobile, home-bound seniors through the Meals on Wheels program between 11 a.m. and noon.

The idea for the Millwood Daze wagon parade stemmed from the big red wagon in Riverfront Park, which is the logo for the Spokane Meals on Wheels program.

The organizers hope the wagon-decorat-

Millwood Daze Schedule All Day: Car show, Artfest 8 to 11 a.m.: Breakfast 9 a.m.: 5K run ($20 per person/$30 per family, sign up by Aug. 10 at www. millwood5k.com) 9:10 a.m.: Biplane flyover 10 a.m.: Mobius Science Show 11 a.m.: Pet walk (donation of pet food requested) Noon: Mobius Science Show

amount to broadcast and get the word out about the event,” said Young.

In addition to inspiring the wagon parade, Mid-City Concerns initiated the pet walk to support the organization’s extended charity effort, We All Love Our Pets (WALOP). The participation “fee” for the walk is a donation of pet food that will go to a senior whose pet is also in need.

For Mid-City Concerns, Millwood Daze is a new addition to the list of private donations and fundraising events that keep the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels afloat, such as its annual golf

See MILLWOOD DAZE, page 30

Submitted photo

Dan Wolfley, pictured here with Shirley Jamison, has been volunteering nearly five years for Meals on Wheels in Spokane, which will benefit from Millwood Daze fundraising.

1:30 p.m.: Wagon parade ($4 donation per wagon) 5:30 p.m.: Lazy Boy Band concert behind Millwood Gallery 8 p.m.: Outdoor film

Summer move-in specials

*Registration forms and more info can be found at www.mowspokane.org/ events.html ing competition, which Millwood Mayor Dan Mork will judge, will earn a Guinness World Record distinction for the largest wagon parade.

The first Millwood Daze was initiated by local businesses that were negatively impacted by construction on Argonne that summer. The Millwood Better for Business group was created as a forum for small businesses, and the event was a chance for them to say, “We’re back, we’re still here, let’s celebrate,” said Shirene Young, business manager of Millwood’s Inland Empire Paper Company. “Millwood is a wonderful place, and we love sharing it with people.”

Lon Page, owner of the Millwood Anytime Fitness, helped organize the original Millwood Daze and is now co-chair of the committee.

“Every year, it’s gotten bigger and better,” he said, adding that Millwood Daze participants have come from as far as Seattle and parts of Montana.

With the expansion of advertising and planning this year, Page said he hopes to see up to 1,000 attendees, compared to last year’s turnout of 250. He credited Young and Mid-City Concern’s Dalpae with the anticipated increase.

“Meals on Wheels has just really stepped up and done a tremendous

Come join us for music, food and entertainment

Saturday, August 11th 11 to 3 Western Hee Haw •

a.m.

p.m.

Live Country Band, Line Dancing, BBQ & Community Tours!

• Independent Living • Light Assisted Living • Walking Trail • Wellness & Fitness Center • Gourmet Chef • Cottage Homes • Swimming Pool & Spa • Assisted Living • Bistro

business

22 • August 2012

The Current

THE (HOT) DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Story, photos and diet plan by Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

I posted to Facebook in a weak moment. Never a good idea. Like the guy who complains about his boss online and forgets he “friended” him last March, I’ve seen far too many “wish I could take that one back” moments in the Land of the Social Network.

In my case, the only thing I was about to offend was my waistline — and a handful of vegetarian friends.

MONDAY

Destination

Frank’s Franks, a mobile hot dog stand on the corner of University and Sprague

Recommended by

Friends Garry LaPlante and Jay Rivera. “Hot dogs out of a van, what could be better?” Jay said.

What I ate

The “Big Frank,” a New York Sabrett, all-beef dog with Sabrett’s spicy mustard and Sabrett’s onion sauce, which is like onions in a delicious tomato sauce. Cost with tax: $4.50

Dog details

Frank, the proprietor, is a hot dog virtuoso. I have never met anyone more passionate about hot dogs, to the point he demonstrated how I should open the package (I took it “to go”). I got the feeling he was telling me this not so much so I wouldn’t make a mess of myself, but so I wouldn’t make a mess of his artwork — this delectable dog. I loved Frank’s passion, and I loved his hot dog. I would definitely repeat the onion sauce order. While Frank recommended sauerkraut, I had to draw the line. Sauerkraut is to hot dogs what anchovies are to pizza: a hostile takeover. I’m convinced sauerkraut is a masking agent for people who don’t truly appreciate hot dogs. That’s not me.

The skinny

One of the pricier dogs I purchased, but this wasn’t an assembly line creation, either. Head to Frank’s Franks to feed the free-spirited, meat-loving artist in you.

“Spokane Valley area friends who enjoy consuming mysterious meat: What are some of the best nearby places to get a hot dog?” I posted July 11.

The responses had me salivating to the point I decided to justify my hankering by turning it into a story. Then and there, I knew I would spend one full work week — five days — sampling the best in “tube steaks” the Valley had to offer. Based on the recommendations of friends, what follows is my five-day diet of this all-American meal.

But first, for the kids, I feel compelled to share a “don’t

TUESDAY

Destination

Costco, 5601 E. Sprague Ave.

Recommended by

Friends Suzi Walden and Brandie Evans. “You can add a coke for the total price of $1.50,” Suzi said.

What I ate

Hot dogs are a poor man’s steak, so Suzi’s comment about the price of a Costco dog seemed to keep with the spirit of the meal.

Despite the low price, this was a quarter-pound, all-beef dog. I had to add my own condiments from dispensers (60-40 mustardto-ketchup ratio is my rule of thumb), but what do you expect for the value? Cost with tax: $1.63 (and, indeed, it comes with a 20 oz. soda, with refill!)

Dog details

Apparently, Suzi has a lot of friends she shared this deal with, because despite my midafternoon arrival, there was a significant line. Was it worth the wait? I would say “yes,” and not only on the value front. This was a tasty and juicy — if not standout — dog. What did stand out was the bun. It was the best I had all week. While all the buns were soft and fresh, Costco’s added a corn meal-like texture that at first had me skeptical, but I came to consider as an upgrade. And yes, I received a drink and a hot dog for the price of a drink at most of the other places. For a tightwad like me, “value” joins ketchup and mustard as a coveted third condiment. In this case, a buck-fifty tasted really, really good.

The skinny

This hot dog will feed the frugal you without tasting like a cheapskate meal.

WEDNESDAY

Destination

Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 10 N. Sullivan Road

Recommended by

My brother, Zak Johnson, who is just rebellious enough to order hot dogs at a place clearly titled, “Burgers and Fries.”

What I ate

The “Bacon Cheese Dog,” a pile of burger-like goodness that includes bacon, cheese, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup and mustard. Cost with tax: $5.54

Dog details

So who goes into this place and orders a hot dog, anyway? As most hot dog lovers are, I am also a fan of the cheeseburger, so it was difficult to walk into Five Guys with anything else on my mind. This is probably why I landed on the “Bacon Cheese Dog,” and I had them basically dress it up like a burger in hot dog clothing. In hindsight, this was a mistake, because it left me wishing it was one of Five Guys trademark burgers. If I could force myself to set those sentiments aside, however, this thing packed a punch of flavorful goodness into every bite. Would I order it again? At many places, yes. At Five Guys, though, I would probably only get it if the guy at the counter told me they were fresh out of hamburger.

The skinny

This was my spendiest dog by more than a dollar. If you are in a hot dog-only mood, this is definitely a workable option. At Five Guys, however, it didn’t replace my go-to order.

try this at home” word of caution. Would I recommend eating a 100 percent beef, typically quarter-pound hot dog each day for five consecutive days? (After all, as I posted later on Facebook: “For my next request, I’m looking for recommendations of a local cardiologist.”) The answer is “no.” I’m a hot dog lover, but there is truth to the saying that variety is the spice of life. However, would I recommend one hot dog per week from any of the following establishments? Without consulting my doctor, I’m going to have to give a resounding “yes.”

THURSDAY

Destination

7-Eleven, 2122 N. Pines Road

Recommended by

FRIDAY

Destination

Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St.

I asked my friend Craig Swanson with the Spokane Valley Scoop where he met his hot dog cravings, and I was initially surprised by his answer. “7-Eleven is my favorite by far,” he said. “I have been messing up the cabs of my work rigs trying to eat their dogs covered with chili and cheese and ketchup and onions and relish out of their little carton for more than 25 years.”

Recommended by

What I ate

When I was younger, I was truly a chili and cheese dog type of guy, so when I stood in the ballpark concession stand line, I realized my article would be incomplete without sampling a truly messy dog. Cost with tax: $4

Despite Craig’s list of abundant toppings (and there is no extra charge for chili, cheese or relish), after my Five Guys experience I was yearning for a taste of the traditional ketchup-and-mustard, so I ordered a “Quarter Pound Big Bite” for $1.99 and then bit when the lady at the register said I could add a Big Gulp drink and bag of chips for a dollar more.

Cost with tax: $3.17 (includes the 32 oz. drink plus chips)

Dog details

I admit I was skeptical to get my hot dog off of a heated convenience store roller, but to my surprise this all-beef dog delivered. While I wouldn’t rank it in the caliber of a Frank’s Franks, it pleasantly knocked the socks off of the convenience store fare I thought I had left behind.

The skinny

Like Costco, this is another value option that shrugs off the anticipated letdown. For the price and in-and-out ease of a convenience store, this one’s a winner.

Several people talked of the connection between a hot dog and a ballpark. One person I bumped into who specifically recommended pairing my hot dog habit with a Spokane Indians game was longtime Valley-ite Chuck Stocker, who knows a thing or two about attending baseball games.

What I ate

Dog details

What is it about sitting in the bleachers noshing on a hot dog while root, root, rooting for the home team? I’m not sure, but the world sure feels right with a hot dog in your hand and the Spokane Indians battling on the field. The only drawback is that after eating so many hot dogs, I think I realized that the chili and cheese staple I once coveted is no longer on my taste buds’ crush list. The hot dog itself was delicious, and I will have no qualms eating another at my next trip to Avista Stadium. I think it’s just time for me to hang up the chili and cheese.

The skinny

A hot dog at the ballpark is tough to beat for the lover of all things sports and meat. As president of that club, I’ll take two.

The Current

August 2012 • 23

business

Joey Shalloe has an ear for Money Mike’s

By Craig Swanson

Spokane Valley Scoop

I met Joey Shalloe when Elaine and I opened our night club, The Rock Inn. He ran our karaoke, kept our sound system dialed in and the blues band that he sang lead vocals for, Cool Stack, played at our place. Later, when we closed the nightclub and went back into construction, Joey worked with us doing carpentry work.

Over the course of 20 years in business with more than 400 employees coming and going, none were more interesting and versatile than Joey.

His versatility evolved over the years, as he did what he had to do to make ends meet while building a solid career as a sound technician for the likes of Kenny Chesney, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company and his current employer, Eddie Money (with whom he returns to Spokane Valley for an Aug. 9 performance). Joey no longer has much time for the likes of me as he serves as sound tech and road manager, organizing a myriad of details for the 150 shows a year put on by the guy they call "the hardest-working man in rock and roll.”

It was a long road for Joey to reach the point of being qualified to be road manager for Money.

"I started out as a roadie when a friend of mine inherited some money and started an AC/DC tribute band in 1982 when I was 21," Joey told me once as we chatted in my garage office. "They hired me to run their light show, and the six of us rode in their crew cab pick-up pulling an equipment trailer."

The band, Dog Face, traveled as far as Texas and throughout Canada working 50 weeks a year.

"It was brutal," he said. "It's something that not just anyone would like to do."

The band's entourage dwindled to 5 when the sound tech left, forcing Joey to take over at the sound mixing board, where he discovered he had a natural talent. After a few years of perfecting his new craft, Joey came back to Spokane and set up a company which ran the sound at small concert venues like the Met, Silver Mountain and the downtown night club, Gatsby's. It was during this time that Joey met Kenny Chesney while running sound for the concert he performed at the Spokane County Fair in 1994.

“They called me about six months later and wanted to hire me to be their sound man,” he said, adding that he took the job and for the next year, and Chesney flew him to his concerts from Spokane. When Chesney eventually asked him to relocate to Nashville , Joey turn him down for family reasons.

“This was back before he got big, and he

Eddie Money

IF YOU GO ...

Eddie Money in concert 5 p.m. Aug. 9 at Daley’s Cheap Shots, 6412 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley.

Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

For more: 535-9309

DID YOU KNOW? Tour Manager Joey Shalloe is not the only member of Eddie Money’s entourage with Spokane Valley connections. Money’s longtime drummer, Glenn Symmonds, graduated from West Valley High School, but connected to the music scene of the Bay Area of California through Tower of Power concerts that came to the Stateline. He promptly moved to San Francisco upon graduation at age 17 to dive into music. was just the opening act for George Jones and Tammy Wynette, so I kind of missed out on that one,” he said.

His phone rang again in 2002, and he was called back onto the road by Paul Rodgers, who has a long list of hits fronting such bands as Bad Company, Free and The Firm with Jimmie Page. It was during this period that I came to know Joey. He would be helping me at remodeling and would have to take time off to fly to London for a three-week concert tour or go on a corporate-sponsored Caribbean cruise that hired Paul Rodgers for entertainment.

How weird was it to have my help riding with Rodgers and his wife in a limo over the weekend and talking about it on the jobsite the next week as we put the decking on a patio. It made for interesting conversation.

Then in early 2008, Joey got the call from another rock icon who needed a sound

man — Eddie Money. While Paul Rodgers only did 40 gigs a year, Eddie Money does 150 and so that combined with the added workload of serving as road manager meant that Joey would no longer have to work for me to make ends meet.

“Eddie Money has a big, beautiful house in California and one in Florida, and he has five kids to support,” Joey said. “He wants to work all the time.”

As road manager, Joey schedules the limos, the “meet-and-greets” before each concert and the “phoners” where he sets Eddie up to talk by phone with the local radio DJs. He also meets the promoter’s people at the bus to stock it with the $500 worth of groceries they bought from the list he provided earlier as agreed to in each contract so that Eddie Money’s 10-person entourage is well fed after each show.

As long as Eddie stays healthy and wants to work, Joey has all the work he needs.

“The casinos have revived the oldies rock and roll bands, and every town has a Pig Out in the Park,” Joey said, explaining the band has several venues it plays once every eight months.

But Paul Rodgers, who did a stadium tour throughout Europe a couple summers ago fronting Queen, could tempt Joey away.

“I told Eddie that Paul was going out on tour (that) year and that I might go back with him, and Eddie looked at me and said, ‘you ain’t going anywhere,’” Joey said. “I’ll probably stay with Eddie; the guy works all the time. He’s where the money’s at.”

And I knew that if Paul Rodgers could not get Joey, what chance did I have to get my fascinating former employee to come back to work? Though he did call a couple winters ago to see if I had any snow removal work to keep him busy between his Money gigs.

Craig Swanson and his wife, Elaine, operate a blog and newsletter called The Spokane Valley Scoop, where a 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.

Burger Royal: A repeat destination

By Kyle Hansen Critics on Bikes

Last summer, in my daily bicycle tour of Millwood, I came across something that from then on would be ranked higher than any others of its kind.

Looking down the sidewalk, a billboard was barely visible reading, "Mike's Burger Royal." I had finally done it. I had finally discovered what is still (to the best of my knowledge) the only local hamburger stand in my general bikeriding area.

The first thing IF YOU I thought to orGO ... der was a bacon c h e e s e b u r g e r, Mike’s which is why this Burger Royal article may seem biased. I have al6115 E. ways considered Trent Ave. the inventor of 534-3113 the bacon burger a true genius.

Critics on Thanks to him, Bikes Rating: bacon may now +4/4 Tour be included in de France breakfast, lunch and dinner. But I certainly do mean every good thing I say about Burger Royal, and it is not just my opinion of all bacon burgers.

Upon the first bite, my mouth watered as if it were my first meal in a week. The bacon was crisp and perfectly cooked.

The patty must have been prepared by a former chef from the Davenport Hotel.

Most of all, unlike chain fast-food places, there were no unwanted surprises in the burger.

The service at Burger Royal was just as great. I was greeted nicely and could tell that these people valued their customers. I rode back to the house, too happy to care about a pounding rainstorm and too full to ride straight.

I’ve been back many times.

Critics on Bikes is a monthly column written by Kyle Hansen, a lifelong Millwood resident and junior at West Valley High School. Local businesses are reviewed on a four-point rating system: 1/4 (road rash), 2/4 (flat tire), 3/4 (bike lane) and 4/4 (Tour de France).

24 • August 2012

sports

The Current

Members of the Spokane Valley Spokannibals run drills during a recent practice. The roller derby team practices three times a week and bouts once a month.

Spokane Valley roller derby team shares insight about life on the flat track Story and photos by Kelly Moore Splash Staff Writer

What does a bank teller, bowling alley mechanic, stay-at-home mom and real estate agent have in common? Roller derby.

The roster for the Spokannibals, a Valley-based women’s flat-track roller derby team, is filled with nicknames like Harlot O’Scara, Machete Yeti and Tomb Raider, and many on the team have tattoos and attitudes to match. Still, head coach Naomi Weitz said many of the teammates are pretty tame behind the façade.

“We have a lot of people with fairly responsible day-lives,” Weitz said. “No one gets arrested or anything like that. We’re pretty good girls.”

The team, founded in December 2010, currently ranges in age from 19 to 41 with a diverse socio-economic background and career pool. But they all share a determination to win with an even temper and level head. Of course, “badass athleticism” is part of the team’s mission statement, too.

The sport admittedly isn’t for everyone, but those who get hooked — and survive the early days as fresh meat — are all part of a tightly knit sisterhood.

Razor-sharp skills “We have girls that come in all the time

and stay for a couple weeks then disappear,” Weitz said. “I don’t chase them down because they have to want to be here. So we don’t recruit. They come to us, and they stay or they don’t.”

She said the sport generally sees a high turnover rate, as many women may learn more about the sport and decide it’s not for them. Others may show up with unrealistic expectations.

“We try to focus on the skating and the athleticism,” Weitz said. “Girls that come in thinking it’s going to be a party won’t stick around. It’s actually a lot of hard work.”

Nakiah Paul, 19, said she’d been skating for a few years and said she sticks with it because it’s fun, but also a healthy outlet for aggression when life gets stressful.

The Spokannibals practice three times a week and typically bout once a month while training year-round. Practices are usually fast-paced, with back-to-back drills and hundreds of laps around the track.

“It is such an intensely physical sport, if you take more than two weeks off, you’ll notice when you come back,” Weitz said.

“We try to keep it focused on being fun, but also we’re very competitive. We like doing well. We like constantly improving our skills and seeing progress, and we like winning.”

Bottom line, she said determination is the most necessary trait in fresh meat.

While learning a new sport is challenging

enough, she said roller derby comes with the added challenge of doing everything on skates.

“We can provide the coaching and the practice time, but they have to have that thing inside them that’s willing to push through being hurt, doing really hard stuff and the time commitment,” Weitz said.

“Some of our best skaters couldn’t skate at all when they came in. They just stuck with it, and now they’re out there leading the team.”

Thick as thieves Team Captain Heidi Muat said she keeps active playing a number of sports but still manages to find a sisterhood with the Spokannibals unlike any other team she’s played with.

“There really isn’t any cattiness,” Muat said. “Everyone is very supportive of each other, and that’s something I’ve not seen on an all-female team before.”

Getting along is an added bonus for the teammates. With a packed practice schedule, frequent fundraisers and numerous away-games every year, the team spends a lot of time together — sometimes in awfully close quarters.

“When we go out of town for away games, it’s always about how many roller girls you can fit into a hotel room,” Weitz said. “We took 15 people to Canada in four cars and three hotel rooms. That was crazy.”

Since getting started with the sport, Weitz said her social network has grown vastly.

IF YOU GO ...

Spokannibals VS. Cherry City Derby Girls

The home-court match-up for the Spokannibals features an all-female flat track roller derby bout against a team from Salem, Ore. When: 7 p.m. Aug. 11 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

Where: Roller Valley Skate Center, 9415 E. 4th St. in Spokane Valley Tickets: $6 adults and $5 students and seniors when purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com, or $8/$7 at the door.

For more: www.spokannibals.com

“Before, it would be once in a while I’d have someone ask me to go do something,” she explained. “Now there’s so much, I constantly have to tell people ‘no,’ just so I can be home every once in a while.”

Speaking of the party scene, Weitz said she’s seen the world of roller derby bring out the wild side in people she plays with.

Though for the most part, the Spokannibals — with about half the roster under 21 — keep things pretty tame.

See DERBY, page 25

The Current

August 2012 • 25

sports

Playing the game

Anatomy of a roller girl

Each bout has two 30-minute periods with a 15-minute halftime. The periods are split into jams that last up to two minutes, with five girls from each team out on the track. When a jam ends, teams have 30 seconds to set up and sub in new players for the next one.

A team's full lineup for a jam consists of a pivot, three blockers and a jammer: • Jammer — The jammer wears a helmet cover with a star on it. She lines

Eye of the tiger Elbow pads

up at the second starting line and begins play at the second start whistle.

The jammer's goal is to pass opposing blockers and emerge from the pack as quickly as possible. If she is the first of the two jammers to escape the pack without committing any penalties, she gains the strategic advantage of being able to stop the jam at any time by placing her hands on her hips. Once a jammer laps the pack, she begins scoring one point for every opposing blocker she passes legally. She can continue to lap the pack for additional scoring

Mouth guard

passes for the duration of the jam.

• Pivot — The pivot wears a helmet cover with a stripe on it. She generally starts at the first starting line and serves as the leader of her teammates playing in that jam. As most teams play the pivot position at the front of the pack, she is also often the last line of defense to stop the opposing jammer from escaping the pack.

• Blocker — The other three blockers do not wear helmet covers. Blockers may play offense and defense at any given time and frequently switch be-

tween offensive and defensive tasks. The rules do not differentiate the remaining three blocking positions from one another. However most roller derby teams choose to assign names and focus areas to the blocking positions for strategic purposes.

Skaters may be penalized for committing a foul. Teams skate short while they have one or more players serving a penalty.

Source: Women’s Flat Track Derby Association

Helmet

Wrist guards

Super cool tattoos Sweet socks

DERBY Continued from page 24

Bone-crunching confidence These days, whenever Weitz goes out, she sizes up the crowd in a club the same way she’d size up an opponent — confident in her ability to knock anyone around.

She’s toughened up and learned to tell the difference between pain and injuries.

“Serious injuries are not the norm, but we probably all have bumps and bruises or pulled muscles,” Weitz said. “I learned a long time ago that a gnarly bruise really isn’t a big deal. Your co-workers have to learn not to worry about you.”

However, and not surprisingly, breaking into the rough-and-tumble world of roller derby is admittedly intimidating.

“It was really nerve-wracking,” Sterling

Kneepads Players show extra personality with things like quirky socks and decorated helmets.

Sassy animal print Baker said. “I was so nervous and intimidated, but then I got to know the team and everybody is really, really nice.”

Baker, 23, graduated from Spokane Falls Community College and works as a chemical dependency counselor. She’s skated with the team for about a year and a half and, although she’s still considered fresh meat, she’s started to blend in.

Last month, she got her first tattoo — a picture of her first pair of skates with the words, “never surrender.”

“Roller derby has really changed me as a person,” Baker said. “My family notices a difference. It’s confidence. I would never let myself quit. I love it through and through.”

Much of the transformation, she said, came after accomplishing things she never thought possible. She said she’s fallen countless times and gotten over the em-

Roller skates barrassment. Now she’s ready to start bouting.

In the team’s defense, Muat said the intimidation factor is usually based on stereotypes.

“I don’t know, people always assume they’re going to show up and we’re going to be waiting to punch them or something,” she said. “Everyone is actually very patient and encouraging. It just takes a lot of drive from new players to stick with it.”

Hard work aside, Weitz said many of the lessons from the sport translate into a tough-love message applicable in real life.

“We learn to deal with a lot of pain, and you have to learn to play through being uncomfortable sometimes,” Weitz said. “I know that plays out in life too. I can play through pain. I can get knocked down super hard, and I’m OK. I just keep getting back up.”

Below, a player hugs the inside line of the flat track at Roller Valley Skate Center.

The Current

26 • August 2012

sports

SVFD battalion chief scales ladder of baseball success

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Move aside Satchel Paige, Hoyt Wilhelm and Julio Franco — there’s a new grayhaired guru of the diamond in town.

A 32-year veteran of the Spokane Valley Fire Department, Randy Olson has made a name for himself in the world of seniorleague baseball, winning four national titles with teams from Washington and California. The 1968 graduate of University High School in Spokane Valley will be 63 years old later this year, a number that is quickly approaching the speed of his fastball.

Last autumn, Olson was in Phoenix, competing with a team from Philo, Calif., in the Men’s Senior Baseball League World Series. As a pitcher, he went 2-0 with a 3.00 earned run average in 12 innings. At the plate, he batted .467 with five runs batted in.

His team went 7-1 in the tournament, defeating a club from Sacramento in the final game. In a bracket featuring some of the best 60-and-over rosters in the nation, Olson and his teammates emerged at the top of the mountain, not over the hill.

“I know what this team is capable of doing, and for 60-plus year guys, they’re darn good,” said Olson, who generally roams left field when not pitching. “You’re competing against teams from all over the United States, so it’s neat to win. For me, it’s just an honor that they ask me, a guy from Spokane, Wash., to be part of their team.”

Just over four decades ago, Olson was part of the starting nine at University High School in Spokane Valley. He played centerfield, first base and pitched while maintaining a grade point average that kept him on the honor roll. As a senior, he was named the league’s most valuable player.

“I was an accurate pitcher in high school,” Olson said. “I didn’t walk many people.”

Olson stowed his cleats and glove on the shelf when he enrolled at Washington State University in the fall of 1968. After two years in Pullman, he moved on to Gonzaga University and eventually graduated from Eastern Washington University. At the time, Olson’s only connection to baseball was rooting on the Spokane Indians as the home team battled for the Pacific Coast League title each summer.

Over the years, Olson did play with several Spokane-area softball teams. Then, finally, at the age of 47, he heard about a 40-and-over baseball league.

“Softball is really about the hitter,” Olson said. “That’s what I like about baseball — as a pitcher, you can have a tremendous influence on the game.”

For the past 12 years, Olson has been part of the Spokane Rangers’ roster, one of the top clubs in a 35-and-over league

Current photos by Craig Howard

Randy Olson has spent the past 32 years with the Spokane Valley Fire Department. He currently serves as Emergency Medical Services battalion chief.

Right: A 1968 graduate of University High School in Spokane Valley, Randy Olson pitches and plays left field for the Spokane Rangers, one of four teams in a local 35-and-over baseball league.

Contributed photo

Olson (back row, third from left) has won four Senior Baseball League national titles, including one last year with a team from Northern California. Olson batted .467 in the Phoenix tournament while going 2-0 as a pitcher. that includes teams from Idaho and Eastern Washington. Rangers’ Manager Mike Gilden said the club’s oldest representative is “a very valuable part of the team.”

“Randy plays a key role on our team as pitcher and an outfielder,” Gilden said.

“Guys look to him as a leader. He’s someone who always has a positive attitude and

is well-respected throughout the league.”

With a fastball in the low-70’s, Olson may not strike out the side every inning, but a keen curveball, elusive slider and the occasional knuckleball are more than enough to keep opposing batters off balance. He also rarely allows a walk.

“I know I’m not going to strike out a lot of batters,” Olson said. “For me, it’s not about personal stats, it’s about getting out there and winning games.”

In addition to his array of pitches, Olson is known for his reliability in clutch situations. In the 2007 Senior League World Series, he led all pitchers with a total of 23 innings thrown, including one 17-inning stretch in consecutive games against teams from Alabama and Illinois.

While Olson’s post-high school path never led to the major leagues, he has competed against a slew of players who made names for themselves in professional baseball. The list includes Bill Lee and Gary Allenson (Boston Red Sox), Ed Figueroa (New York Yankees) and Steve Brye (Minnesota Twins). When he won a World Series with a team from Washington in 2008, the roster included John Olerud Sr., father of former WSU and Mariner great John Olerud.

As for current pro players, Olson said he admires another former Mariner, Jamie Moyer, still pitching in the Toronto Blue Jays system at the age of 49.

“Moyer is a student of the game, and I appreciate that,” Olson said. “He’s a smart pitcher.”

As far as a training regimen goes, Olson is an avid walker and stays away from junk food. Fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats comprise most of his meals, while a healthy container of trail mix is usually somewhere nearby. Olson also avoids alcohol and tobacco.

“I try and take care of myself,” he said.

“It’s like anything in life, every decision you make is going to have a consequence.”

Spokane Valley Fire Chief Mike Thompson said Olson continues to be an integral part of the SVFD team, setting a high standard for fellow firefighters.

“Whether it’s baseball or EMS, Randy wants to be the best,” Thompson said.

“You couldn’t ask for a more dedicated and hard-working employee.”

Looking ahead, Olson plans to be in Phoenix this October, defending the Senior League World Series crown with his teammates from California. Equipped with his weather-worn equipment bag, this former Titan remains humble about the game he loves.

“I’ll continue to go out there as long as I’m competitive and don’t have any catastrophic injuries,” he said. “Right now, I’m still working on the knuckleball.”

The Current

LEVY Continued from page 2

one — a full-pay department. As people started wanting more services and as the area continued to grow, the regular tax levy that’s allowed by special district just wasn’t enough to provide those services. It was a decision the commissioners made to go out and ask the voters to support a maintenance and operation levy in the mid-’60s.

Every three years, we go to voters and ask for their approval. It takes a super majority to get approved.

Q: What do you mean by super majority?

A: Sixty percent or better of voters have to approve it.

Q: You call it a replacement, not a new tax. Explain that.

A: It’s the M&O levy that we’ve had since the ’60s, and it does require renewal. It’s not perpetuity. We have to ask the voters. It can typically go four years, but we’ve always kept it on a three-year cycle.

Every three years, we go and have to ask the voters to continue that support and get that 60 percent or higher approval to maintain that M&O levy.

Q: What is the levy amount? Is it an increase from last time?

A: It’s a flat dollar amount. That’s what people have a difficult time understanding. We’re setting the levy at $16.4 million, and depending on your assessed value, that determines the levy rate.

What we try to explain to people is what we collected in 2012 is the same amount we’re asking for in 2013, 2014 and 2015 for that three-year levy. So if their assessed value goes down it may look like there’s an increase because the levy rate per thousand has to go up to maintain that same dollar amount.

If assessed value goes up, their levy rate goes down. It’s always the same dollar amount. The $16.4 million for those three years won’t change. It won’t go up

MISSED Continued from page 10

O’Quinn listed long-term budget forecasting and regional partnerships as keys to tightening the ship.

Chase, the current county treasurer and a former Libertarian candidate for Congress, emphasized small government, including a “strict separation between business and government,” which he said would help free up businesses to create jobs.

“Government is a parasite in a way, a necessary parasite,” Chase said. “But you don’t want to kill your host. You suck so much blood out, and the taxpayers die a

August 2012 • 27

news Open house Closely on the heels of the Aug. 7 vote on its maintenance and operations levy, the Spokane Valley Fire Department will be holding an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 11 at its training center, 2411 N. Pioneer Lane. The event will feature live fire and vehicle extrication training, a demonstration

by Mako, SVFD’s arson dog, and food and beverages. For more information, contact firefighter Scott Whitaker at 981-7995. or down with the economy. If things all of a sudden turned around and the economy was booming and the assessed value went up significantly, we would still only get $16.4 million.

Q: What would happen if the levy failed?

A: It would be pretty devastating to this department. It is 53 percent of our budget. Out of our 10 stations we currently have, it would have to drop to four stations. Our number of employees, currently 180 employees which includes sworn and non-sworn support positions, would go down to 75 personnel.

Right now, we provide paramedic service out of seven stations. We would not be able to maintain that paramedic level of service without that funding amount.

We ran 11,242 calls in 2011 out of 10 stations. Our calls for service are up almost 6 percent. Those will probably continue to increase. Now four stations respond to that same number of calls that ten stations used to. The response times are going to suffer.

If we have one working structure fire, all four of those units will be tied up on that fire. We won’t have anything available for the next EMS call.

We’ve also talked to the Washington State Rating Board (WSRB). They come death of a thousand cuts.”

— Josh Johnson

Swords and guns in the Valley A variety of weapons used in separate incidents July 15 and 17 shook up normally quiet neighborhoods.

On July 15, Spokane Valley Sheriff ’s deputies responded to a shooting call at the 15000 block of East Mission Ave. and later arrested a 24-year-old man for allgedly firing a semi-automatic firearm. No one was hurt in the gunfire, which followed a fight that had broken out at a party.

On July 17, a fight between two men, ages 58 and 40, ended when one stabbed the other with a sword, citing self-de-

in and evaluate the department and give it a rating. Our rating right now is a three — one being the best, 10 being the worst.

That is looked at by the insurance industry setting rates for both business and home owners.

We asked them what our rating would be if we dropped six out of our 10 stations. They couldn’t give us a specific answer, but said we would most likely go to a five or six. If we go to a five or six rating from the WSRB, homeowner and business insurance is going to increase.

Q: If you had to eliminate paramedic service entirely, where would that service come from?

A: Our people are still EMTs. They would be able to respond and give basic skills, but they wouldn’t be able to administer medications. They wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the pre-hospital care that they provide now to stabilize that patient in preparation for transport to the emergency room. Private ALS (advance life support) companies don’t have enough units. They’re paramedics but they don’t have enough units to provide that same coverage and response time that we do.

Q: What would that mean for an average resident?

A: There would be a delay getting paramedic level service there. Private ALS companies would be the only ones to provide paramedic service because we wouldn’t have it available.

Q: What six stations would be closed?

A: We’ve taken a preliminary look at it.

If you look at our calls for service, most are around the center core of our district. Station 4 in Otis Orchards might be closed, Millwood Station, Station 7 on South Evergreen, Station 9 on East 32nd, Station 10 in Greenacres and Station 8 on North Wilbur.

Q: What do you tell the voter who says SVFD has enough money?

A: Tell voters that we do right now, but if we lose the M&O levy there would be no way we could sustain programs and

services we currently are providing.

Again, it is fortunate for us the commissioners have been very fiscally responsible, not taking any long-term debt.

If we want to maintain those programs and services, we need that M&O levy to be able to do that.

Plus, the department has responded to the current economic conditions by reducing our 2012 budget by 5 percent.

There were no increases in pay for personnel this year.

Q: What do you mean fiscally responsible?

A: If you talk to other government agencies, one of the things they typically do especially when it comes to facilities is they’ll do bond indebtedness, so a portion of that levy they receive, a portion of those revenues have to be dedicated to paying off those bonds. This department has never taken on any bonds or any long-term debt.

It has been a pay-as-you-go basis. If we can’t afford it, we’re not going to buy it.

The other thing in talking to the commissioners is they don’t think that it’s right to take on long-term debt and have the voters pay taxes on it.

It’s been a general philosophy of the department since the day it was formed in 1940.

Q: What are the challenges the department is facing right now?

A: The biggest challenge is our increasing calls for service. They are continuing to go up. There are a couple things driving that. Aging population, the baby boomers typically use more of our services. If you look at Spokane County and the median age in the last 20 years, it has gone up 27 percent.

Health insurance is a big issue now.

That may change with Obamacare and the new insurance. We’ll have to wait and see. A lot of people use the emergency department as their health care. That is the system they use because they don’t have health insurance.

fense. The claim was that the sword was retaliation for an attack with a metal coat hook and a white pipe. The stab victim, who was expected to recover, countered that he made no such attack and was trying to leave the residence when he was attacked.

of birth and phone number as well as the nominated grandparent’s full name. Mail

by Aug. 24 to Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, Attn: Essay Contest, P.O. Box 14278, Spokane Valley, WA 99214.

Winners of the contest will be announced at the third annual Grandparents Day Celebration, planned from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sept. 9 at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Park, 2426 N. Discovery Place. The winners will be selected by a panel of community judges.

Tickets of $15 (kids 10 and under are free) can be purchased by calling 9246976 and include entertainment, a silent auction, kids activities and a lunch catered

by Silver Cafe.

Grandparent contest returns For the third consecutive year, Greater Spokane Meals on Wheels is asking youth to enter a contest describing in 250 words or fewer, “Why My Grandparent Should Be Grandparent of the Year.”

A $100 prize will be awarded to both the writer and grandparent in three age divisions: 7-10, 11-13 and 14-17. Entries must include the writer’s full name, date

opinion

28 • August 2012

The Current

Letters to the Editor HONOR FLIGHT LEAVES IMPRESSION The following people are Spokane Valley-area World War II veterans who were honored with a trip to Washington D.C. in June through Inland Northwest Honor Flight: • Leo Benoit • Alfred Bevacqua • David Hamm • George Rhoades • Richard Russell • Lee Wynne.

Guardsman, who volunteer and assist on the trip, included Susan Bippes of Spokane Valley and Deni Wiggins of Otis Orchards.

— Information courtesy of Lee Wynne

Trip for WWII veterans was truly ‘once in a lifetime’ An experience June 8-10 will be long remembered by 37 World War II veterans.

This trip was made possible by contributions given by individuals, businesses, corporations, etc.

I was one of these veterans but was less deserving than many others. I was privileged to push our union veteran down the ramp into a multitude of friends, relatives and many others there to welcome us home.

What a thrill to have been part of this.

Many delays were experienced, but that was to be expected.

A number of memorials were visited, but that will forever remain in our memories will be the World War II monument.

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

Many of the veterans were in wheelchairs, but that didn’t deter them from being involved in all the activities.

Twenty-two guardsman were with us to take care of everyone, especially those in wheelchairs. What a wonderful “crew.”

There are many veterans who are waiting for a future trip to the memorials — the only way that they can join other veterans is by your contribution.

Some on the past trip said that they would contribute so that others may make the trip. Whatever your contribution may be, it will surely help to provide others the opportunity to take this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Our thanks to all who have helped.

Lee Wynne

Greenacres Retired, U.S. Navy

Chase is the clear choice of freedom in commissioner race I am writing to voters who are interested in preserving and reclaiming our freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Rob Chase is a candidate for Spokane County Commissioner, district 2. I have known Rob for many years now, and my association with him has been within the political spectrum by trying to maintain freedoms which were granted to us by God. Rob is a champion in this area. He has spent endless hours volunteering to educate many in regards to how all levels of government have been corrupted and are stripping away freedoms and rights by overregulation and heavy taxation, resulting in placing the burden of unlawful government on the citizenry. He offers sound, practical, grassroots solutions of cutting spending and removing regulations that are unconstitutional and harmful to businesses, private property and individuals.

I recommend you compare the candidates on their skills, involvement and desire to turn this country around, starting right in our own backyards.

A vote for Rob Chase is a vote for Spokane County that will lead us back toward those rights and freedoms we take for granted.

Check out www.webelievewevote.com and click on “voter recommendation” to see how Rob Chase, along with other candidates, rated in a survey on sound morals, constitutional principles and economic issues.

Cindy Marshall Otis Orchards

People make the heart grateful What “gratitude” means to me is everything I have received in my life and all of the people I have met or been involved with over the 43 years of my life. I have gained so much knowledge (good and not so good) from so many situations in my life. The value of these people and lessons is very humbling. Having the opportunity to have met so many professionals and people, gives a perspective of what a person can gain in life.

I am very appreciative of having been able to travel to different parts of the world to see how so many others live. Visiting Washington D.C. with my family gave us a chance to see some of the history and sacrifices that so many others gave for this country.

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has,” said Epictetus.

Having grown up my entire life in and around Spokane, I have the deepest appreciation for those who have paved the way for me and the future generations of this city and country. Having a positive outlook on life can be challenging and downright frustrating at times. I can attribute so many awesome things that have happened in my life to experiences that have taught me so much. I respect so many people who have given me a chance or an opportunity to do things I have never dreamed of doing.

I have the utmost respect for the positives and the negatives! Every day, I meet so many different personality types and people. I admire the individuals who have taken and continue taking risks to make this city and world better. Everything does come at a cost. Hard work and dedication take the ability to know you will fall on

Christopher M. Patterson

current guest column

your face — and to get back up again to do it over.

Knowing that at anytime you could lose something you love dearly — like a nephew, brother, dad or anyone you cared for — makes life so much more valuable than expected. Gratitude is very simple when you think about what you might not have.

I am very appreciative of the friends, acquaintances and family members I have learned from over the years. In the end, what I truly care about is providing a stronger community, city and world for all generations.

Most of all, I have the deepest love and heart for my children, family and friends.

I have found that without that simple motivation and drive to provide and lead by example, I did not do my job as a father, husband, grandfather or even simpler, just a good man.

Christopher M. Patterson works for BreakThrough Inc., a specialized youth treatment program he created after spending time growing up in the foster system.

This column was written as a part of a monthly series highlighting the PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) trait of the month. The columns run in partner publications like The Current. PACE is a grassroots Spokane Valley initiative. For more, visit www.pacecommunity.org.

The Current

August 2012 • 29

opinion/news

Many hands — and years — went into building Greenacres Park

By Mary Pollard Current Guest Column

The North Greenacres Neighborhood began the effort to create a park starting Dec. 29, 2004, and we were greatly encouraged

by Jim Frank of Greenstone Homes to not wait for the government but to begin. We were blessed with the help of Mike Terrell MTLA, a landscape architect and consultant that helped us understand the steps we needed to take to create a neighborhood vision and work with Spokane Valley. We had a fabulous collaboration with the Spokane Valley Park Department under Mike Jackson and then the actual build out of the park with Mike Stone, the present park director.

Mike Terrell, who had worked closely with the neighborhood since 2005, designed and oversaw the build out of this park, so every detail, including a shelter by the play area for parents and small children, was included. The disc golf was an idea one of the newer residents added for inclusion that is a welcome feature that might have been overlooked if we hadn’t made vast invitations to our neighborhood for input from beginning to end.

The North Greenacres Neighborhood had weekly meetings the first couple years, with areawide neighborhood meetings over the years. The fact this was initiated as a neighborhood effort

VETERANS Continued from page 10

expenses, in-home care and assisted living costs for veterans or their surviving spouses.

There are no fees at the Vet Center, though Baird is quick to point out that the advocacy does include an intangible cost.

“It’s not free; these vets have earned it,” he said. “They’ve paid, and their families have paid.”

Family counseling is also a vital component of the mission here, as clinicians like Brenda Thurman address concerns faced by the wives and children of veterans.

“I do believe that families of veterans are receiving more support than they once did,” said

rather than the city’s put us high up on the list of grants, making this a reality in a relatively short eight years.

This park has everything and more that we hoped for. It opened June 2, and our goal was to continue the great family friendly neighborhood North Greenacres has always been.

The kickoff neighborhood event this year was our Fourth of July parade. It was an entirely free event thanks to contributions from individuals in the neighborhood and a few corporate sponsors. Our program included a tribute to our Armed Forces with a musical salute featuring original music by Brenda Gross and her Break Out Choir. We were also blessed to have Pages of Harmony’s “Veteran’s Medley” performed by the barbershop group in recognition of the sacrifices of our Armed Forces and the freedoms we enjoy due to their vigilance on our behalf.

This year’s theme, “On the Farm,” was selected for our area’s small farm roots. It was seen in the costumes children wore in the parade and the games that followed. Children of all ages had fun milking our “Liberty Cow” and playing the Ferdinand the Bull beanbag toss and the Cow Poke Molly Hit the Bull’s Eye. Old Time favorites such as the three-legged race, potato sack race and of course the rascally

Duck Pond for our small ones delighted many children.

Thanks to Hansen Corporation, we were able to buy the rights to show “Babe the Gallant Pig” as our outdoor movie that night, with Greenstone Homes loaning us a blow-up outdoor screen and projector. The band “Face to Face” provided music from 6 to 8 p.m.

We intend to make this an annual event and are looking forward to parents joining in the planning of next summer’s gettogethers.

A special thanks goes to Gail and Alden Sherrodd for the hard work of helping with the organizing of all the events so our fabulous volunteers could show up for the event and pick up their packets for the day’s activities.

Our judges picked three winning parade entries: Skyler and Jakob Faughenden, ages 3 and 11, and Joshua Papini, 11; Cina McElroy, 8, and Rylie Mckern, 19 months; and Victoria Weingarz, 7. Two YMCA family day passes and four Mobius Kids Museum passes were awarded among the winners.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time to make this a great event. We had more than 80 entries in the parade. All the children received a free American flag contributed

by Mike Terrell, and we handed

Thurman, an Army veteran who has worked as a Vet Center counselor since 2007.

Thurman echoed the sentiments of other employees when talking about the therapeutic effects of the center’s new home.

“We did a lot of good work at the old location, but this has the added feature of being near the outdoors,” she said. “It’s more about wellness.”

The emphasis on outreach is keyed by a custom-built RV known as the “Mobile Vet Center” that delivers advocacy to outlying areas like Sandpoint, Moses Lake, Tonasket and Coeur d’Alene. When not on the road, the motorhome is housed in a well-appointed garage in a corner of the Vet Center. The rig and its

crew have been honored as the top program of their kind in the nation.

The recuperative process at the Vet Center also involves retreats to places like Deer Lake through programs like “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.” The outings include an array of recreational activities from fishing to hiking in a supportive environment that emphasizes team-building. The center also works with groups like Wounded Warrior, Work Source and the Spokane VA Hospital — all with the goal of providing what Baird calls “a roadmap for vets.”

“Just having someone to listen is so important,” said Baird. “Our main thing is just saying ‘Welcome home, this is a safe place for veterans.’”

Submitted photos by Jan Wold

Mary Pollard, speaking above, has worked for the past eight years to bring a park to Greenacres. The dream became a reality June 2, and the community followed up with a Fourth of July celebration that included a parade (left) and several activities, including a chance to milk the “Liberty Cow” (below).

out 300 frozen treats to the children and were able to keep them cold thanks to Behm’s Creamery, which loaned us a freezer for the day.

This park is a testimony to what can happen if people continue to care, refuse to be apathetic and retain a small-town

neighborliness no matter how much we grow.

Mary Pollard is chairwoman of the North Greenacres Neighborhood group that worked for eight years to bring a park to the community. For more information, visit www.northgreenacres.org.

Current photo by Craig Howard

The team at the Veterans Outreach Center in Spokane Valley includes (back row, from left to right): Brenda Thurman, Dave Baird, Amanda Adams, Jeff Jensen, Andrew Rowley, Josh Anderson, Kristin Lewis, Joe Dumlao and Stu Sturtevant (seated).

The Current

30 • August 2012

community Volume 1, Issue 7 Editor/publisher

Josh Johnson

General Manager

Tammy Kimberley

josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@libertylakesplash.com

staff writer

Kelly Moore

kmoore@libertylakesplash.com

Senior account Janet Pier executive janet@libertylakesplash.com

account Cindy Esch executive cindy@valleycurrent.com graphics editor

Sarah Burk

Office manager

Kelli Dexter

sarah@libertylakesplash.com kelli@libertylakesplash.com Circulation Mike Johnson manager mike@valleycurrent.com Contributors

Kimberly Cauvel Kyle Hansen Craig Howard Chad Kimberley

Valerie Putnam Jayne Singleton Craig Swanson

On the cover: Current photo by Kelly Moore

About

The Current 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.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.

Wondering where you MILLWOOD DAZE can find The Current? Continued from page 21 Around 10,000 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.

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

Liberty Lake 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., Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greenstone, John L. Scott, Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt, KiDDS Dental, Liberty Lake Athletic Club, Liberty Lake Golf Course, Liberty Lake Library, McDonald’s, MeadowWood Golf Course, Palenque Mexican Restaurant, Papa Murphy’s, Pawpular Companions, Quiznos, Rockwood Liberty Lake Clinic, Rockwood Urgent Care Center, Safeway, San Francisco Sourdough, Seasons Cafe, Supercuts, Trailhead Golf Course, True Legends Grill, Twisp Cafe and Coffee House, Walgreens, Washington Trust Bank

Mica, Rockford and Valleyford Fairfield Library, 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, The Corner Door Fountain and Books, Dairy Queen, Great Clips, Rocket Bakery, Rockwood Urgent Care Center, Papa Murphy’s, Walgreens, West Valley School District

Newman Lake and Otis Orchards Exxon Gas Station, Jack and the Bean Shop, KH Grocery Market, Otis Grill, Otis Orchards Library, River City Pizza, Sweet Tooth Bakery and Espresso

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

Off or near Sullivan and Evergreen Roads Deadlines: The deadlines for submitting story ideas or placing advertising vary slightly with each issue.

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.

Subscriptions Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for 12 issues, or $24 for 12 issues to addresses outside of Spokane or Kootenai counties. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 or call 242-7752 for more information.

Correction policy The Current strives for accuracy in all content.

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.

Advertising Integrity Inaccurate or deceptive advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints about advertisers should be made in writing to the Better Business Bureau and to advertise@ valleycurrent.com. The Current is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads.

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

Ace Hardware, The Brickhouse Massage and Coffee Bar, Carl’s Jr., Dairy Queen, Donna’s Diner, Fitness Center Valley, Forza Coffee Co., Froyo Earth, Great Clips (Broadway), Harvest Foods, Hastings, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s (Broadway), McDonald’s (N. Sullivan), Mirabeau Park Hotel, Mongolian BBQ, Oz Fitness, Panda Express, Rockwood Valley Clinic, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Round Table Pizza, Safeway, Schlotzsky’s, Sport Clips, Subway (Broadway), Walgreens, Zip’s, Zelia’s

Spokane Valley Mall area Arby’s, Barnes and Noble, Bean Positive, Krispy Kreme, Outback Steakhouse, Oxford Suites, River View Corporate Center, Thomas Hammer Coffee, Twigs, YMCA

Off or near Pines and University Roads Arby’s, Albertsons, Ben’s Yogurt and Deli, Buck’s Pizza, Burger King, Centerplace, Cuppa Joe’s Cafe, Dairy Queen, East Valley School District office, Flamin’ Joe’s, Giorgio’s Fitness Center, Halpin’s, HuHot Mongolian Grill, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists, O’Doherty’s Irish Pub and Grill, Qdoba, Quiznos, Ringo’s Casino, Ron’s, Senor Froggy’s, Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, Spokane Valley Library, Spokane Valley Partners, Starbucks, Subway, Thrifty Scotsman, Valley Hospital ER, Value Village, Walgreens, White Elephant

tournament.

Meals on Wheels Spokane currently has more than 600 volunteers who complete delivery routes on a spectrum from daily to once a year, depending on their schedules and level of interest, Dalpae said. Volunteers include individuals, church groups and businesses with people from all walks of life.

CALENDAR

According to the national Meals on Wheels Association of America website, the Meals on Wheels program is a network of 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs in all 50 states.

Collectively, these programs serve more than a million meals daily. Mid-City Concerns, 1222 W. 2nd Ave. in Spokane, is not to be confused with Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, 12101 E. Sprague in Spokane Valley. Both organizations work to help provide meals for seniors in Spokane County. promotion. For more: www.spokaneindians.com

Aug. 25 | 4th annual Millwood Daze 5K Dash 9 a.m., intersection of Dalton and

Continued from page 12 Tickets $8 for adults, $7 for students and seniors (or $2 discount in advance at www. brownpapertickets.com). For more: www. spokannibals.com

Aug. 12 | Spokane Indians Ride the Bases Event Begins at the Lone Wolf

Harley-Davidson dealership in Spokane Valley and finishes at Avista Stadium as participants ride motorcycles onto the field for the national anthem. Proceeds benefit the Rypien Foundation. Cost is $30 and includes a commemorative t-shirt, donation to the Rypien Foundation, a ticket to the Aug. 12 game against the Everett Aquasox, a Harley-Davidson poker chip, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a live concert before the game. For more: www.

SpokaneIndiansRideTheBases.com

Aug. 14 | The Current promotional night for Spokane Indians 6:30 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana, Spokane Valley.

Game vs. Everett Aquasox sponsored in part

by The Current features “Dollars in Your Dog”

Marguerite, Millwood. $20 individuals, $30 families by Aug. 10; $30/$45 after. For more or to register: www.millwood5k.com

Aug. 31-Sept. 2 | Labor Day Last Call CoEd Softball Tournament Plantes Ferry Sports

Stadium, Spokane Valley. Beer gardens, food vendors, prizes, music and more. $350 per team, 21 and older. For more: Click “events” at www. spokanesports.org

Sept. 16 | RIM Ride Various times depending upon distance starting from the Meadowwood Technology Campus, 2100 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. Distances include 5, 15, 25, 50 and 100 mile routes. Online registration deadline is Sept. 1, cost is $15-$45 depending on distance.

For more: www.rotaryinmotion.com All calendar listings were provided to or gathered

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

Correction An incorrect phone number for Crime Check was printed in, “Local police work to corral property crime” in the July issue of The Current. The correct number for

the service to report suspected non-emergency incidents in Spokane County is 4562233, and reports can also be filed online at www.spokanecounty.org/CrimeCheck.

ADVERTISING SPECIAL OF THE MONTH

40% OFF 3/4-PAGE ADS IN AUGUST

Price: $417.60 ($696 regular) Design services included. Some restrictions may apply. Call for details.

Call to schedule your ad today! 242-7752

Off or near Argonne and Havana Roads Ben’s Yogurt and Deli, The Black Diamond, Broadway Diner, Caruso’s, Casa De Oro, Chan Bistro, Chester Store, Cottage Cafe, Curves, Global Fitness, Goodtymes Bar and Grill, Hico Village, Jack in the Box, Jenny’s Café, Longhorn BBQ, McDonald’s (Argonne), McDonald’s (Havana), Panda Express, Papa Murphy’s, Puerto Vallarta, Rite Aid, Safeway, Savageland Pizza, Skyway Cafe, Smacky’s on Broadway, Spokane Club, Subway, Terry’s Breakfast & Lunch, Valley Bowl, Yoke’s Fresh Market, Zip’s (Broadway), Zip’s (Trent)

We’re always on the lookout for business and community partners willing to be drop-off points!

If you are interested in carrying this monthly publication in your place of business, please contact our circulation manager at mike@valleycurrent.com.

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.

Barlows Restaurant 11 The Black Diamond 3 Black Jack Limousine 11 Bulldog Contractors, Inc. 2 Casey’s Place 7 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 21 Evergreen Fountains Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 19 Kathrine Olson DDS 15 KiDDS Dental 17

KidFit Spokane Kiwanis of Liberty Lake Lakeside Vision PLLC Legacy Animal Medical Center Liberty Lake Orthodontics Linda Sandberg Reflexology Numerica Credit Union Post Falls Family Dental Rockwood Health System Simonds Dental Group

7 7 11 15 19 19 2 13 32 3

Sleep City 7 Sole Solutions 3 Spokane Indians 13 Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 19 Spokane Valley Fire Dept 11 Sport Clips Haircuts 13 Valley Christian School 15 Valleyfest 11

PARTING SHOTS

The Current

August 2012 • 31

cycle Man and Balloon Otto — odd and something only seen at a Minor League ballgame. Inning ends with the Indians up 1-0 as Brandon Garcia unloads a home run into the night.

6th Inning This inning was all about the treats. Elephant ears, cotton candy and mint chocolate chip ice cream in a Seattle Mariners helmet (sadly, a Chicago Cubs version was not available) kept the kids quiet and content throughout the inning. Oops, the no-no is broken up. My bad.

Chad Kimberley tosses the ceremonial first pitch at a Spokane Indians game July 14 at Avista Stadium.

7th Inning

Current photo by Josh Johnson

Brush backs, fireworks and nachos:

A great day at the ballpark The pregame

By Chad Kimberley current guest column

I love baseball. I know they say soccer is the “beautiful game,” but I have to put a vote in for the nation’s pastime for the beautiful designation.

Some say the game is too slow or boring, but the thrill of watching a dugout full of guys pour onto the field to high-five the batter who hit a slow-moving groundout to advance a teammate 90 feet from second to third — that is the definition of a beautiful game.

So it was with great excitement that I headed out to Avista Stadium for my first Spokane Indians game of the season shortly after a rainfall of biblical proportions caused everyone from the grounds crew to an Indians VP to put a great deal of elbow grease into having the field ready to go.

Before the first pitch could even be thrown, something even more important occurred just 60 feet and six inches from home plate; I fulfilled a bucket-list dream by throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

Actually, three of us had the opportunity, as The Current was one of the night’s sponsors at the ballpark.

So please indulge me for a moment as I reflect on this day at the ballpark, beginning with the all-important pregame festivities …

I was a bit nervous. As an avid ESPN viewer, I had seen numerous lowlights as celebrities made embarrassingly horrible first pitches. Balls being essentially spiked three feet in front of the mound, throws that sail into the front row of the crowd and mascots that get beaned, so my goal was to make it on the fly without hurting anyone.

As stadium host Jamie Patrick introduced me to the thunderous applause of my family, who came primarily with hopes of ridiculing me after the throw, I wound up and let it fly toward my catcher — Indians outfielder Hirotoshi Onaka.

Had there been a batter, I would have safely beaned him somewhere near his head, as I was quickly reminded why my Little League coaches thought it was better to have me at second base versus the pitching mound.

1st Inning The first batter of the game for the Eugene Emeralds was hit by a pitch, and my first thought was, “Hey, I could do that.” The second batter was dispatched by a swinging strike three, and I thought, “Hey, there is no way I could do that.” There is a reason these are professional baseball players.

2nd Inning My younger two children head off to the Kids Zone with my nieces to enjoy the alternative entertainment options presented at Avista. Excitement ensues as a foul ball is lofted toward the section below us and lands with a crash amongst the spectators; immediately, five blue-shirted ushers and Doris the Spokanasaurus rush over to see

if everyone is OK. Response time is impressive, and no one is injured, but I question how helpful a Spokanasaurus would have been had medical treatment been necessary.

3rd Inning My oldest and I decide to head down to the Kids Zone to catch up with the rest of the family. The younger kids love jumping in the bounce house and flopping down the slide time after time. The oldest takes a few cuts in the batting cage before we decide to head over to the speed pitch to see how slow I really throw the ball. Missed the whole inning, but it didn’t matter as the score is 0-0.

4th Inning On the way out of the zone, I ran into a friend who promptly mocked me for my first pitch. I try to play it up by saying I was aiming to throw out a brush-back pitch; he is not impressed. We arrive at the speed pitch. After my daughter throws a few strikes, I settle in to unload a few throws.

My final pitch is a strike at … 57. Really, only 57? As I walked away, I imagined I was in a scene like the one from “The Rookie,” where a few slow-to-fire lights on the radar gun fill out the display to reveal the pitch’s true speed. Surely, it read 87 and I should be expecting a call from the Indians front office.

5th Inning Top half of the inning ends with the Spokane hurler throwing a no-no. By even planning on writing about this while at the game, I probably jinxed him — curse those baseball traditions. Between the innings, there seems to be a dance-off between Re-

Eugene ties it up 1-1 in the top half while my two youngest kids exit the stadium with family during the 7th inning stretch. Maybe I should have clarified that we only stretch our legs, not leave. Oh well, I will tell them when I get home.

8th Inning No offense for either team but excellent nachos — a good inning.

9th Inning Drama in the bottom half of the ninth as Eugene fails to catch a two-out foul ball to force extra innings. Bad things happen in baseball when you give a team an extra out. BAM, a shot down the left field line … hooking … hooking … FOUL. Home run distance but wrong direction, which seems to be par for this Indians season. Eugene escapes, and we go to extra innings.

Extra Innings After Spokane misses an opportunity to win the game in the 10th, Eugene puts two runs on the board in the top of the 11th while a Spokane coach goes all Lou Piniella on the field and starts kicking dirt all over home plate, attempting to share with the home plate umpire his disillusionment with the strike zone. The umpire, I imagine very politely, asked him to spend the rest of the evening in the clubhouse. The rest of the Indians followed him shortly thereafter, as they failed to score in the bottom half of the inning. My personal choice for game MVP was Indians catcher Patrick Cantwell, who went 4-5 at the plate and had a uniform coated shoulder to stirrups with dirt — my kind of player.

Post-Game Despite the lack of offensive explosions on the field, the night sky was filled with them as the fireworks show elicited plenty of cheers, helping offset a night which saw the Indians lose their ninth consecutive game. A loss is never fun, but from this fan’s perspective my night at Avista was a win.

Unfortunately, the Indians now have a record of 0-1 when I throw out the first pitch. I am guessing that might be my last first pitch.

Current contributor and sports aficionado Chad Kimberley teaches at Valley Christian School.

The Current

32 • August 2012

VALLEY & LIBERTY LAKE

We’re in your neighborhood.

Rockwood Breast Health Center 12410 E. Sinto Ave., Ste. 105 / (509) 755-5801

Rockwood Radiation Therapy & PET/CT Services 12410 E. Sinto, Ste. B / (509) 755-5783

Rockwood Cancer Treatment Center 12410 E. Sinto Ave., Ste. 101 / (509) 755-5850

Rockwood Urgent Care Center 14408 E. Sprague Ave. / (509) 755-5710 1431 N. Liberty Lake Rd., Ste. B / (509) 342-3990

Rockwood Digestive Health Center 12409 E. Mission Ave., Ste. 102 / (509) 755-5684 Rockwood Heart & Vascular Center 12606 E. Mission Ave., Ste. 800 / (509) 755-5500

Rockwood Valley Clinic (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Anticoagulation Management, Urgent Care)

14408 E. Sprague Ave. / (509) 755-5710 Rockwood Valley Specialty Center

Rockwood Liberty Lake Clinic (Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Physical Therapy)

1326 N. Stanford Lane / (509) 755-6760 Rockwood Pediatrics 14408 E. Sprague Ave. / (509) 755-5710 Rockwood Physical Therapy & Medical Fitness Center 15412 E. Sprague Ave., Ste. 8 / (509) 755-5595 Rockwood Pulmonary Critical Care 1512 N. Vercler, Ste. 103 / (509) 342-3070

For a complete list of Rockwood’s locations, please visit www.rockwoodclinic.com.

(Anticoagulation Management, Dermatology, Endocrinology/Diabetes, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Podiatry)

1415 N. Houk, Ste. D / (509) 755-5560 Rockwood Valley Surgery Center 1414 N. Houk Rd., Ste. 200 / (509) 755-5700 Rockwood Vein Care Center 1414 N. Houk Rd., Ste. 200 / (509) 755-5700 Rockwood Vercler Clinic (General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Optometry)

1512 N. Vercler, Ste. 103 / (509) 755-5551