The July 2012 Current

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Get Your Just Desserts Indulge that summer sweet tooth with this guide to some of the tastier corners of Spokane Valley Frozen yogurt PAGES 30-32 Cupcakes PAGE 33 Doughnuts PAGE 33 & 39

Monica Sanders shines as the face behind Love @ First Bite’s one-woman cupcake operation in Spokane Valley.

STARING DOWN PROPERTY CRIME PAGE 4

GUESS WHAT'S TURNING 100?

PAGE 20

GIORGIO'S SELF-MADE SUCCESS STORY PAGE 28

NEWS

2 • July 2012

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The Current

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Current Photo by Craig Howard

Kaye Turner has served as executive director of Friends of the Centennial Trail since December 1999. The community-based nonprofit organization has been integral in promoting the maintenance and development of the region’s most popular pathway for more than two decades.

Premier trail guide Turner keeps Centennial Trail on track

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Most of the people who walk, jog or cycle along the Centennial Trail have probably never heard of Kaye Turner.

As facilitator of a group that supports the area’s most recognizable green space gem, Turner has never striven for recognition. Since 1999, she has served as executive director of Friends of the Centennial Trail, a nonprofit effort that advocates for 37 miles of scenic pathway from the Idaho stateline to Nine Mile Falls.

In 2010, when the U.S. Department of the Interior awarded the Centennial Trail with the prestigious title of “National Recreational Trail” along with fellow Washington landmarks like the Quinalt Loop and Yakima Greenway Path, Turner deferred credit from her office in typical fashion, instead applauding “the entire community that rallied to get this designation.”

Yet those in tune with the challenges of maintaining a route that winds through Spokane County like a riverside superhighway will tell you that Turner has been a catalyst in generating support and awareness for the trail over the years.

With a yearly budget that skims under

A Cup of Joe $100,000, Turner has learned to be “very, very thrifty” as the only full-time employee of an agency that functions with a volunteer board of directors and one other part-time assistant.

The idea for setting aside land along the Spokane River goes back to 1907 and a local grid for green space developed by the Olmsted brothers — John and Frederick, founders of the American Society of Landscape Architects. In 1979, the Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department recommended the development of a bike and pedestrian path parallel to the river, a notion that was picked up in the mid-1980s by a parks and recreation committee launched by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

By 1986, the committee, led by community pillars like the late Denny Ashlock, proposed the construction of a 10.5-mile trail through Spokane Valley that would be completed in time for the 100-year celebration of Washington statehood in 1989 — hence, the Centennial Trail.

See TRAIL, page 6

The Current

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The Current

4 • July 2012

news

Local police work to corral property crime First quarter incidents up in the county, down in the city of Spokane Valley

The Spokane Valley Police Department dedicates half-a-dozen detectives and a supervisor to cases involving property crime. In the first three months of 2012, incidents such as burglaries and car prowlings were down 22 percent citywide.

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

When Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich called a press conference in early April of this year, his talking points illuminated the plague of property crime.

A concentrated team effort, Knezovich said, would be the key to curtailing burglaries, car prowlings, credit card theft and other incidents throughout the area. As an illustration, the Sheriff pointed to the success of the Spokane Valley Police Department in prioritizing the threat.

“I think we need to have a united message and say, ‘We are going to change this,’” Knezovich said on April 9.

Anyone aware of the numbers in unincorporated Spokane County through the first quarter of 2012 could understand Knezovich’s concern. Property crime was up 54 percent in January, February and March as compared to the same time last year.

Meanwhile, similar cases in the city of Spokane Valley were down 22 percent in the first part of 2012.

Spokane Valley Police Chief Rick VanLeuven said City Hall’s dedication to law enforcement and effective collaboration within the department have been keys to the improvement.

“It’s the communication between our patrol officers and investigators,” VanLeuven said. “And the fact that we have a city that sees the importance of continued funding.”

Spokane Valley City Council Member Chuck Hafner called the emphasis on property crime “an extremely important component of law enforcement.”

“If you don’t have a safe city, you don’t have a city,” Hafner said.

Sgt. John Nowels leads a crew of half-adozen Spokane Valley detectives in investigating property crimes. Utilizing an approach called “intelligence-led policing,” the team works to identify patterns, groups and linked crimes to proactively guard against potential incidents.

“It’s about attention to detail,” Nowels said. “You’re taking all the information from the cases you’re working on as well as analytical information.”

Part of Knezovich’s initiative in April included the formation of a burglary task force that has shifted personnel from other departments within county and Spokane Valley forces to focus on property crime.

Since May alone, Valley police have compiled 284 charges — including 228 felony counts.

Current photo by Craig Howard

Area pawn shops have been part of the solution, along with other businesses that recycle metal or buy coins, gold or other valuables. Retailers are required to take down serial numbers as well as a description of the person selling the item. Police also monitor sites like Craig’s List.

VanLeuven said the department continues to emphasize customer service in its mission of maintaining public safety. He pointed to the example of one patrol officer who stopped by a home on a recent evening after noticing a garage door ajar.

“He just wanted to make sure everything was alright — and the resident appreciated that,” VanLeuven said. “It’s part of caring about providing the best possible protection we can for the city of Spokane Valley.”

Nowels emphasized that citizens can do their part by removing purses, wallets, cell phones and other valuables from their vehicles and making sure doors and windows are secured. He also recommended establishing a Neighborhood Watch program through the Sheriff ’s Community Oriented Policing Effort as an effective way to improve safety in residential areas.

“Neighbors know who belongs and who doesn’t,” Nowels said. “If they see a suspicious person or vehicle, they’re going to call.”

In Liberty Lake, residential garage break-ins and vehicle prowling in apartment complexes have been a recent cause of concern, according to Police Chief Brian Asmus. The department has responded by continuing with proactive patrols and urging residents to be more aware. Officers have also presented information on Neighborhood Watch at various apartment buildings.

“Apartment managers are taking an active part in getting the word out,” Asmus

Citizen’s guide to protecting against property crime

Deputy Travis Pendell of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office works as a crime prevention specialist, providing community presentations on public safety. Pendell’s advice on protecting against property crime includes the following counsel: • Make sure your property is illuminated.

It doesn’t have to be a sports stadium, but good lighting is going to be a deterrent.

• Environmental design can protect your home from burglary. Keep your shrubs and landscaping low.

• If possible, put your vehicle in the garage.

Have a garage sale if you need to create space.

• Organize a Neighborhood Watch program said. “It’s about everyone being alert and reporting any kind of suspicious activity.”

Suspected crimes in progress should be reported by calling 9-1-1. Information regarding other incidents should be relayed to Crime Check at 456-0446.

“Sheriff Knezovich always talks about citizens being the ‘eyes and ears of law enforcement,’” Asmus said.

In his work as information systems coordinator for the Spokane County Sheriff ’s Office, Doug Silver compiles data on property crime. He said community efforts to support law enforcement succeed when residents are prompt and precise when

in your neighborhood. (Call 477-3376 to learn more.)

• Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Put them in the trunk, out of sight.

• Have two locking devices on each door and window.

• Don’t write checks to people you don’t know.

• Don’t respond to unsolicited emails or phone messages from banks or financial institutions and stay away from online investment opportunities or award notices.

There is no such thing as a Canadian lottery.

• Shred documents that have information like your name, address, social security number or account information, even credit card applications. (Washington State Employees Credit Union will sponsor a community shred day on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 12209 E. Mission Ave. in Spokane Valley.) passing along information that could help solve a case.

“Getting identification like a license number or a halfway decent description is key,” Silver said.

Silver told the story of one criminal who was apprehended after a resident dropped by a neighbor’s home while he was on vacation. The suspect’s story of why he was at the house seemed questionable, and police were called.

“It was one of those situations where things just didn’t add up,” Silver said. “If we all step up and take responsibility, it’s going to make a difference.”

The Current

July 2012 • 5

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The Current

6 • July 2012

news

TRAIL

“(Spokane Valley) stepped up to the plate and addressed the maintenance on their portion even though they don’t own any part of the trail. That’s how community-oriented the city of Spokane Valley is.”

Continued from page 2

While the project took a bit longer, the 37-mile thoroughfare was completed by 1992. A 24-mile adjoining trail in North Idaho would follow.

Branching off the original committee established by the Valley Chamber, the Friends of the Centennial Trail formed in 1991 and has been going strong ever since.

As the Centennial Trail celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, The Current caught up with Turner to chat about a variety of trail-related topics, including green space funding, the diversity of a 37-mile walkway and the strides made by local nonprofit agencies.

— Kaye Turner, Friends of the Centennial Trail

Q.

You are a native Washingtonian, but you didn’t arrive in Spokane until your family moved from Seattle when you were in high school.

What were some of your first impressions of the Inland Northwest?

A.

The No. 1 thing that impressed me was the outdoor quality of life, just walking down the road and seeing the tree-lined streets is something we didn’t necessarily have in the Seattle area, at least not in the urban area where we lived. The second thing I noticed was the community spirit and how people worked together to move the community forward.

Q: You took over as executive director of Friends of the Centennial Trail on Dec. 9, 1999. How did you wind up at a nonprofit after working for companies like U.S. West and Avista?

A: I wanted to do something in the community. I also loved being outside. This work was something that was close to my heart. I felt I could bring the Friends of the Centennial Trail to the forefront of the community.

Q: What are some of the things you remember about your first year as executive director?

A: It was an entirely new career for me.

It was a huge learning experience that first year to learn the history of the trail and get my feet on the ground. I found it invaluable to work with a board of directors — they were such a big help. All along, I felt I could market the organization. We doubled membership in the first year.

Q: The trail is actually owned by a few different entities, including the state of Washington, the city of Spokane and Spokane County. What are some other aspects of the trail that are not as well known?

A: There’s a lot that goes into it … weed control, cleaning, fixing the pavement.

Our group also doesn’t receive any funds

Current file photo

A biker pedals his way along a stretch of the Centennial Trail in Spokane Valley. Kaye Turner, executive director of Friends of the Centennial Trail, said one of her favorite portions of the trail is between the Mirabeau and Harvard trailheads. from governmental agencies. Our funding is all through donations, memberships, the Adopt-a-Mile program, small grants and events. Another aspect is the city of Spokane Valley; they’ve stepped up to the plate and addressed the maintenance on their portion even though they don’t own any part of the trail. That’s how community-oriented the city of Spokane Valley is.

Q: One of your group’s central missions is to communicate a vision to the jurisdictions responsible for preserving the trail. How do you go about this?

A: One of the conversations we’ve had is working to establish a line item in each of the parks and recreations budgets for

maintenance of the Centennial Trail.

What’s happening in each of these jurisdictions is they have a lump-sum budget — they have to decide where their money is going. It’s my job to make them realize the importance of the trail … and that’s rather challenging.

Q: Speaking of capital improvements, there was a groundbreaking June 6 for the Centennial Trail connection through Greenstone’s Kendall Yards project. What do you think this development will add to the trail as a whole?

A: It’s one of most awesome things I’ve seen since I’ve been here. It will not only connect downtown to the West Central area, it will get you to Riverside State

Park. It’s really been a missing piece up to this point. It’s going to change the entire look of the trail, improve safety and overall cohesiveness.

Q: Safety along the trail has been an issue from time to time. There are patrols that monitor the route, but what are some recommendations you have for people?

A: I always recommend taking a cell phone, buddying up and just using common sense.

Q: What can the average citizen do to support the Centennial Trail?

A: Volunteering is wonderful, but also, if you see a problem on the trail … whether it’s a maintenance issue or something you feel is a safety issue, contact the entity that takes care of that portion of the trail and let them know. Let them know the community wants a safe trail and also thank them for what they do. Another thing they can do is join the Friends of the Centennial Trail.

Q: There are quite a few nonprofit groups in the area that host events on the Centennial Trail. Why do you think it’s become such a popular site for the traditional fundraising walk?

A: The trail is a gathering place. In this economy, many nonprofits are struggling, and the opportunity to have a venue to gather the community to support their local cause is pretty amazing. I don’t think a lot of areas in the nation have this kind of resource for nonprofits to raise money to put back into heart disease, cancer, diabetes or the Humane Society. It’s very inexpensive to run an event on the trail, especially when compared to renting a site for it.

Q: As the trail passes 20 years of existence, a lot of people are reflecting on its value to the community. What do you like most about it?

A: My favorite thing about the trail is the peace it gives me. You go from rural to urban back into kind of suburban. … You have all kind of landscapes from greenery to desert. I enjoy biking on a weekday when it’s quiet. From Mirabeau to Barker/ Harvard and back is one of my favorite portions of the trail. … It’s by the river, and it just centers you and brings you down to earth.

The Current

July 2012 • 7

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The Current

8 • July 2012

3UP

The Millwood City Council instructed staff to revisit elements of the water rate increases that were recently passed and scheduled to take effect July 1 after testimony from residents attending the June 12 meeting deemed pieces of the rate hikes unfair or burdensome to some segments of the population.

3DOWN

The Spokane Valley City Council spent eight hours at CenterPlace June 12 for a retreat that was dialed into a continuing question: how to fund the ongoing need for street preservation. With a projected shortfall of $10 million per year in updates to streets, Council members continued to toss out ideas for coming up with the funding despite a budget that doesn’t reflect economic growth. Proposals included freezing employee wages and benefits.

The reconstruction of Sprague Avenue between Sullivan and Evergreen roads in Spokane Valley will last a little longer than originally anticipated — and go in a different order than first thought — after crews discovered a natural gas line that was too shallowly buried. The work originally planned to be finished in mid-August will be pushed to late August.

The delay means the eastern portion of the project (Sullivan side) won’t be wrapped up until the first and second week of July, at which point the stretch toward Evergreen will start, beginning with the south side of the road.

Following the May 21 vandalism and graffiti that struck Rockford City Park, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Ron Nye, a school resource deputy for the Freeman and Liberty school districts, issued charges May 31 to four juvenile males for criminal trespass and three of the four with malicious mischief. That same day, a seven-inmate work crew from Geiger Corrections Center spent 6.5 hours cleaning up the park.

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The Current

July 2012 • 9

East, West and Central Valley school districts are all holding free, federally reimbursed summer nutrition programs at schools in their districts. The programs include breakfast and lunch and are free to kids through age 18.

The programs are held at various locations. For more information, visit your individual district’s website at evsd. org, wvsd.org or cvsd.org.

With the Liberty Lake City Council approving a memorandum of understanding with the Washington State Department of Transportation at its June 19 meeting, the wheels are in motion for work to begin right away on plans for a roundabout at the intersection of Harvard and Mission roads with the Interstate 90 westbound off-ramp. With traffic backups and fender benders a common problem, the agreement calls for the city and WSDOT to split responsibilities for building a roundabout at the site. Design and environmental work will begin, the project will go to bid and construction is targeted for 2013.

Three Up, Three Down features at-a-glance news of what’s coming UP in July or went DOWN in June. Check out these six on this rendering of the Valley by homegrown artist Casey Lynch, and then turn the page for a breakdown of items by jurisdiction.

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

What scenic place is the most beautiful in Liberty Lake? What events or activities best represent the spirit of the community?

What sums up the essence of what it means to enjoy life in Liberty Lake?

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

Use your photography skills to capture the best images around Liberty Lake for our 3rd annual photography contest. Selected photos will be considered for publication on the cover and inside the 2013 Liberty Lake Community Directory.

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

Peridot Publishing, distributor of The Splash, The Current and Liberty Lake Community Directory, is sponsoring this contest. 509-242-7752

• You don’t need to be a Liberty Lake resident to enter, but photos must be of the Liberty Lake area to be considered.

• Deadline is September 14. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.

10 • July 2012

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

Compiled by Josh Johnson Current Staff Writer

Spokane County The annual Spokane County Interstate Fair isn’t until Sept. 7-16, but there are more than 200 temporary jobs that must be filled to make the event happen. A pair of job fairs will be held at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, corner of Havana and Broadway in Spokane Valley), Bay 3. For more on the job fairs, which will be held 4 to 7 p.m. July 18 and 8:30 to 11 a.m. July 21, call 4771766 or 477-5750.

The Spokane County Target Zero Task Force is leading a special DUI patrol emphasis among local law enforcement bodies. Extra summertime patrols are in effect through July 8 and include a special emphasis around Hoopfest weekend. The patrols are funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, and the goal of this “Target Zero” effort is to have a “fatalityfree summer.”

The Spokane County Elections Office will begin mailing ballots to registered voters July 18 for the Aug. 7 primary. Depending on the precinct, Spokane Valley voters can expect to narrow down the field in the District 2 County Commissioner race as well as a number of statewide races under Washington’s top-two primary system. Voters served by the Spokane Valley Fire Department will also be asked to renew a maintenance and operations levy.

Charges filed and inmates help clean up Rockford park after vandalism.

See this entry on the artistic map, pages 8-9.

A steady rain couldn’t stamp out 102 years of tradition, as Fairfield held Flag Day festivities June 7, just as it has every year for more than a century. The south Spokane County town of about 600 residents held a breakfast, fun run and parade followed by all-day festivities that included food and music.

Spokane County had animals on the mind in June, from the SCRAPS

news shelter being overcrowded with cats and kittens — leading to a week of fee-waived adoptions — to leash emphasis patrols throughout the county’s abundant recreation space. Among the areas county officials made sure dogs were kept on leashes were Liberty Lake County Park, Antoine Peak Conservation Area, the Liberty Lake/Saltese Conservation Area and the Dishman Hills Natural Area.

City of Millwood The wading pool at Millwood City Park, its future in doubt not long ago before the community rallied to save it, is scheduled to open for the season July 1.

Hours will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

A “Shop Vintage Americana” theme will be featured at the First Friday event at the Millwood Gallery July 6 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Live music, appetizers and wine will be part of the festivities from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event includes a fundraiser for Inland Northwest Community Services, which serves and supports local veterans.

The Millwood Planning Commission has in its hands for review the proposed updates to the city’s Shoreline Master Program. It will be discussing it for the next few months at its last-Monday-of-the-month meetings in anticipation of a public hearing in October.

The City Council paved the way for Millwood Presbyterian Church to move forward with a $1 million expansion. As part of the expansion, the city agreed to vacate an alleyway at a cost of $1,000 to make room for the planned renovations.

Council receives pushback on planned water rates, asks staff to revisit.

See this entry on the artistic map, pages 8-9.

Millwood enjoyed an annual tradition, West Valley Days and its accompanying community parade, on June 2.

City of Spokane Valley The City Council is expected to appoint a new planning commissioner at its July 3 meeting to replace Marcia Sands, who resigned after serving in the role since 2006. Applications were being sought by June 29 to fill a term that ends Dec. 31.

The reconstruction of Sprague Avenue is being reshuffled and delayed by a natural gas line that was too shallowly buried. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 8-9.

A resurfacing project on a major north-south thoroughfare began in late June and will continue for two months.

A new waterline is also being constructed by Vera Water and Power underneath South Evergreen Road, where

traffic delays impacted many roads and intersections between 16th and 32nd will continue throughout the summer.

The City Council spends bulk of a retreat trying to fund the ongoing need for street preservation. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 8-9.

Greenacres Park made it official June 2 with grand opening festivities that shook off some early rain for a grand weekend of use. The park has remained steadily busy since its opening, including the city’s first and only disc golf course.

The city continued to study the concept of entering into an interlocal agreement with the Spokane County Library District to develop 8 acres of property at Herald Road and Sprague Avenue. The library district affirmed last month its desire to continue with the agreement, which would split the property between building a new library and expanding the city’s Balfour Park. The Spokane Valley Fire Department weighed in with a word of caution, however, as increased traffic near its fire station located nearby could further delay its response times — which it says is already complicated when responding to calls originating from the east by the one-way westbound Sprague.

City of Liberty Lake Always big in Liberty Lake, the Fourth of July kicks off a series of summer recreation with a parade, concert

by Big Hair Revolution and Men in the Making and community fireworks show. With movies and a fun run the following weekend, a full slate of summer activities — many centered around Pavillion Park — gets into swing this month.

The City Council will hear another read of an ordinance to amend the current city budget that will add $24,000 to the Liberty Lake Municipal Library’s funding. Should it pass, the library plans to increase staffing and open on Mondays.

City Council approves agreement with WSDOT to work jointly on a roundabout at dangerous interstate intersection. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 8-9.

Lori Olander was selected from six applicants to fill a vacancy left by Susan Schuler on the Liberty Lake City Council. Olander is a nurse anesthetist and volunteer whose husband, Neal, previously served on the Council.

Ballots returned by the June 14 deadline regarding the establishment of a union for city employees came back in an 8-8 split. Five other ballots that went out were not returned. A major-

The Current

ity was required for the union to be formed, so employees must wait a year before another attempt to organize can be made.

The Liberty Lake Municipal Library announced it will be joining a new library system — the Cooperative Information Network — in August. The system allows the library to join with 25 nearby libraries (most in north Idaho) to expand the selection from about 30,000 to 500,000 while maintaining its autonomy.

Valley school districts The consortium of districts behind the new Spokane Valley Tech hope to finalize plans being worked on by Architects West in July so they can go out to bid for construction as soon as possible.

Spokane Valley Tech will begin operating some of its programs this fall at other Valley locations, with plans to open some programs at the freshly renovated site, located at the corner of University and Sprague, in January 2013. Further expansion is targeted for the 2013-2014 school year.

East, West and Central Valley school districts offering free summer meals to kids. See this entry on the artistic map, pages 8-9.

Students are being sought for an aerospace manufacturing class that will eventually be housed at the new Spokane Valley Tech, but will begin this fall at West Valley High School and be operated by Spokane Valley Tech. A grant that will strengthen the aerospace program required it to be operational for the full school year, so instead of beginning in January 2013, classes will launch in the fall. There is space for 20 students.

Interested students, including those from home schools or private schools, should contact a local school district for more information.

School released for the summer at all local districts June 15. Classes will resume in early September.

The West Valley School District hired Dr. Jean Marczynski as its new assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. Marczynski replaces Dr. Gene Sementi on July 1, when he assumes his new duties as superintendent. Marczynski didn’t have to travel far to find a place at WVSD. She was most recently executive director of learning and teaching for the Central Valley School District.

North Pines Middle School in the Central Valley School District received a $5,000 grant from the Laura Bush Foundation to update the nonfiction section of its library. A majority of the books in the collection are from the original library collection with an average copyright date of 1960.

The Current

July 2012 • 11

news

Different Soups Daily, Delicious Sandwiches & Salads

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

Region’s law enforcement community involved after officers shot The region’s big story in June was the June 19 shooting of two Spokane County Sheriff ’s deputies in North Spokane.

Law enforcement officers from throughout the region joined the pursuit of the shooter (who later took his own life) as well as any accomplices.

“LLPD has two officers assisting in the apprehension of the suspects,” Liberty Lake Police Sergeant Clint Gibson posted on Facebook that evening. “They were not involved in the initial shooting and are OK. We officers know no boundaries when one of our own is shot. Prayers with the two deputies who were shot, their families and the Sheriff ’s Office.”

Another Valley tie to the story: The gun used by Charles Wallace to strike the deputies as well as fire at pursuing officers had been stolen from a Liberty Lake home.

Primary shaping up as critical election in commissioners’ race Spokane County’s District 2 overlaps heavily with the state of Washington’s Fourth Legislative District, which is to say it tends to vote Republican. Before voters countywide decide this race in November, District 2 voters must whittle the candidates from three to two in the Aug. 7 primary.

Republicans Shelly chase O’Quinn and Rob Chase face Democrat Daryl Romeyn for the seat. O’Quinn works for Greater Spokane Inc., Chase is Spokane County Treasurer and Romeyn is a former TV weatherman turned organic farmer. o’quinn In this traditionally conservative district, is it possible two Republicans could emerge through Washington’s top-two primary system to face off against each other in November? It’s posromeyn sible, but that may be a stretch. However, Republicans remain confident that their party’s winner will ultimately be the vic-

Daily Special

tor this fall, as the county commissioner from District 2 has long come from the GOP. Incumbent Mark Richard is a Republican who has served the past eight years, and Republican Kate McCaslin represented the district the eight years prior to that.

Given that fact, it’s seen that the Republican who emerges Aug. 7 will be in the driver’s seat come November. Chase and O’Quinn represent two sides of the party that have battled for control locally over the past few years. Chase, a Liberty Lake resident who once ran for U.S. Congress as a Libertarian, is seen to carry the Ron Paul mantle of the party. He has supported and campaigned for candidates like Paul, state Rep. Matt Shea and former state Sen. Jeff Baxter, all considered to be Libertarian leaning. O’Quinn, a Central Valley High School and Whitworth University graduate, has the endorsement of all three current commissioners — Richard, Todd Mielke and Al French — as well as McCaslin and mayors Steve Peterson of Liberty Lake and -Micki Harnois of Rockford. Call it a Mitt Romney side to the party and you would be overgeneralizing, but O’Quinn does seem to gain her support from the party’s more mainstream aisle.

As of press deadline, Romeyn was the remaining holdout in establishing a campaign website. He was the Democratic Congressional candidate against Cathy McMorris-Rodgers in 2010.

Ballots for the primary will be mailed to registered voters on July 18, the same day all three candidates have been invited to participate in a forum at the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast at the Mirabeau Park Hotel. The August issue of The Current will include coverage of this race as well as a levy from the Spokane Valley Fire Department that will also be on the ballot. That issue hits newsstands beginning July 25.

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A mother and her teenage daughter thought a Spokane River swim just downstream from Plante’s Ferry Park on June 23 sounded like a good idea. When they got to a rock in the middle of the river, they realized they were too cold and the current too strong to risk a swim back to shore. After flagging down a Centennial Trail passerby to call authorities, they were rescued by a team from the Spokane Valley Fire Department with no injuries.

While late June has been considered a safe time in some year’s past for swimming in the river, the water remains too fast and cold in 2012.

“The currents in the river can fool even the most experienced swimmers,” an SVFD press release warned. “… Please don’t swim in the river until it slows down and warms up.”

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Kevin Ellison is not only no longer with the Spokane Shock, he is no longer with the Arena Football League after he was suspended for allegedly setting fire to his third-story apartment at Liberty Lake’s Big Trout Lodge June 14.

In a news bulletin that traveled around the world with syndicates, Ellison reportedly told authorities that God told him to set his bed on fire with a marijuana blunt.

The defensive starter was a former USC college star who had spent brief time in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks.

A letter writer to the Spokesman-Review shared the following sentiment in the days following the incident: “I saw where an individual had received a message from God to commit his act. It stretched my imagination a bit, but hold on, folks. I in-

Submitted photo

The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a fire at Big Trout Lodge at 5:30 a.m. June 14. The incident, determined to be the result of arson, caused a reported $50,000 in damage. tercepted another message, a message telling the judge to give this guy 10 years or so. Time enough to make sure he got the original message right.”

Coming in safely at No. 6 The New York Times researched a story assessing the risk of weather disasters or earthquakes in 379 American metro areas.

While the research has been out for more than a year, it still commonly circulates the Twitter-sphere, showing up June 20 in a post from Greater Spokane Inc. Why did it land on GSI’s radar? The Spokane area checked in as the sixth safest overall, losing only to Corvallis, Ore.; Mt. Vernon-Anacortes; Bellingham; Wenatchee; and Grand Junction, Colo.

With Seattle checking in at No. 8, the study placed five of the eight safest communities in America in Washington state (and two others in Oregon — Salem was No. 7).

A study that was good for the Pacific Northwest was bad for the south. Five of the bottom eight metro areas landed in the state of Texas, including last-place Dallas.

The Current

July 2012 • 13

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The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY June 29 | Bubbillusionist 2 p.m., Argonne

Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley.

Kids are invited to a bubble show packed with science performed by Jarom Watts, a Guinness World record holder for multiple records including the world’s largest bubble. For more: www.scld.org

July 4 | Fourth of July parade at Liberty Lake The 24th annual parade will be staged by

a group of local volunteers in the Alpine Shores neighborhood. Games, music and other festivities continue afterward at Alpine Shores Park. Parade time will be announced closer to the event. For more: 255-6839

July 4 | Fourth of July parade at Greenacres Park Noon, 1311 N. Long Road,

Spokane Valley. Line-up is at 11:30 a.m. for kids to be involved in the parade around the Valley’s newest park. Immediately following is free ice cream for kids, games, prizes and a program honoring the Armed Forces. A neighborhood potluck will occur at 5 p.m. along with music and a movie. For more: 926-8899

July 4 | Fourth of July Fireworks at Liberty Lake At dusk (usually about 10:10

p.m.), the community-funded fireworks show launches from a floating dock on Liberty Lake.

Pavillion Park is a good place to take in the holiday-capping show. Contributions to the Liberty Lake Fireworks Fund can be mailed to P.O. Box 430, Liberty Lake, WA 99019.

July 9-13 | VBS: Adventures on Promise Island 8:45 to 11:15 a.m., Spokane Valley Baptist Church, 1222 S. McDonald Road, Spokane Valley. Children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited for a free week of games, songs and stories. For more: www. spokanevalleybaptist.com

July 9-13 | VBS: Jump Week 9 a.m. to

noon, Valley Real Life, 1831 S. Barker Road, Greenacres. Kids entering kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to attend this free week of fun, food, games and worship. For more: www. myvrl.org

July 9-14 | VBS: Creation Day Camp 9 a.m. to noon, Otis Orchards Adventist Church, 4308 N. Harvard Road, Otis Orchards. Kids ages 5-12, festivities include live animals. For more: jongriffith155@msn.com July 13 | Second Harvest food distribution Noon to 2 p.m., Millwood

Presbyterian Church parking lot, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. For more: www. millwoodpc.org

July 16-20 | VBS: Bug Zone 9 a.m. to

noon, Valley Bible Church, 3021 S. Sullivan Road, Veradale. Students in Pre-K through fifth grade are invited for this free week. For more: spokanevbc.org

July 20-21 | Relay For Life 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday, Meadowwood Technology Campus, Liberty Lake. The event to benefit the American Cancer Society will feature games, entertainment and food vendors. It kicks off with a survivors lap and parade of teams. A luminaria ceremony will be held at dusk to honor those who have fought cancer. Admission is free. For more: www.relayforlife.org/libertylakewa

July 21 | Showing of “The Muppets” 9:05 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows Park, Spokane Valley.

Sponsored by the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department, there will be activities in the park an hour before the movie starts. For more: www.spokanevalley.org

$35 non-members. For more or to register: www. spokanevalleychamber.org

July 21-22 | Spokane Gun Show 9 a.m. to

more: 293-6204 or www.beatcancerboot.com

June 30-July 1 | Hoopfest Downtown Spokane The 23rd rendition of the world’s

6 p.m. (4 p.m. on July 22), Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. Admission is $7 per day. For more info: 208-746-5555

12:30 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian, 202 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. Children three years old through fifth grade will join with others to recreate a camp experience full of faith, fun and adventure. For more: www. opportunitypresbyterian.org

largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament is expected to feature more than 7,000 teams on over 450 courts. For more: www. spokanehoopfest.net

July 25 | LaunchPad networking event

July 4 | Spokane Indians 4th of July Pennant Run 10 a.m., Avista Stadium, 602

July 27 | Liberty Lake Days: Friday Night Car Cruise and Street Dance 6 to 9 p.m.,

MUSIC & THE ARTS

July 23-27 | VBS: Sonrise 9:30 a.m. to

"downtown" Liberty Lake. The free event is open to all class or collectible vehicles, and spectators are encouraged to line Liberty Lake Road between Albertsons and Safeway for the event or take part in the street dance located in the front area near Safeway. Car registration begins at 5 p.m. in the Albertsons parking lot. For more: www.libertylakewa.gov

July 28 | Italian Festival 9 a.m. to 1

p.m., Liberty Lake Farmers Market, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake.

July 28 | Hot Wheels in the Park 10 a.m.

to 3 p.m., Millwood City Park, East Frederick Avenue, Millwood. The 12th annual car show invites the public to “kick back” in the park.

Hosted by the Inland Empire Mustang Club, there is a $15 entry fee for cars. For more: www. inlandempiremustangclub.com

July 28 | Liberty Lake Days 11 a.m. to

4 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. This city event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pavillion Park. Resembling the All-Valley Picnics held in Liberty Lake starting in 1922, the event is free of charge and features carnival games, contests, a car show and vendor booths. For more: www. libertylakewa.gov

CIVIC & BUSINESS July 2 | INWLCC networking meeting

7 a.m. doors open, 7:30 a.m. meeting, Best Western PepperTree Liberty Lake Inn, 1816 N Pepper Lane, Liberty Lake. Monthly meeting of the Inland Northwest Latino Chamber of Commerce. For more: www.inwlcc.com

July 13-15 | Early Ford V-8 Show Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. Admission times and fees vary.

For more: 994-4924

July 17 | Meet the Chamber Member Reception 5 to 7 p.m., Air Control Heating &

Electric, 7203 E. Nora Ave., Spokane Valley. For more: www.spokanevalleychamber.org

July 18 | Spokane County election ballots mailed Registered voters have until

Aug. 7 to cast their ballots for the primary. For more: www.spokanecounty.org/elections

July 20 | “Meet the County Commissioner Candidates” breakfast

6:30 a.m. doors open, 7 a.m. breakfast and program, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Monthly networking breakfast of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce will feature a panel discussion of invited candidates. $25 members,

5 to 8 p.m. George Gee Automotive’s GMC Showroom, 21502 East George Gee Ave., Liberty Lake. Quarterly networking event. For more: www.launchpadinw.com

June 29 | Chin Up Rocky and Truth Under Attack 6 p.m., The Kave, 4904 N.

Harvard Road, Otis Orchards. Tickets: $8 at the door.

July 4 | Big Hair Revolution and Men in the Making 5 to 9:30 p.m., Pavillion Park, 727

N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. This free concert kicks off the Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Concert Series. For more: www.pavillionpark.org

July 6 | First Friday fundraiser 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Milwood Gallery, 9009 E. Euclid Ave., Millwood. Shop vintage Americana antiques, unusual collectibles, jewelry, vintage art and more during this fundraiser for Inland NW Community Services. Live music, appetizers and wine will be offered from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The public is also invited to stop by on July 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for coffee, tea and treats. For more: 927-222 July 6-8 | “Lab Rat’s Lament” and “The Nice Guy” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2

p.m. Sunday, The Kave, 4904 N. Harvard Road, Otis Orchards. Pair of one-act comedies (PG-13 rated) performed by Liberty Lake Community Theatre and written by local playwright Matt Harget. Tickets: $8 at the door.

July 19 | Manga with Makayla 4 p.m.,

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley. The anime club will host local award-winning artist Makayla Miracle who will provide drawing tips on manga, a form of Japanese comics. The teen event is for students in grades 6 and above. For more: www.scld.org

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

and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (July 29), 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

July 28 | Buffalo Jones concert 7 p.m.,

Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. All ages are welcome to hear this outdoor concert. For more: www.scld.org

HEALTH & RECREATION June 30 | Spokane River Adventure

10 a.m. This three-hour, family-friendly trip down the Spokane River includes a meal. Net proceeds from $89 per person cost benefit Liberty Lake Relay for Life fundraising efforts. For

N. Havana, Spokane Valley. Featuring a 5K Pennant Run, 1K Mini Murph Kids Run and a Little Sluggers Dash, the event benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. For more: www. spokaneindianspennantrun.com

July 4-7 | 4th of July Wood Bat Classic

Annual tournament sponsored by Spokane American Legion Baseball drawing 80 teams played at multiple sites throughout the Inland Northwest. For more: 928-1694

July 5-7 | Camp Classics Basketball Tournaments HUB Sports Center, 19619 E.

Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Teams from all over will compete in this 12th annual tournament that also occurs July 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28. For more: campclassictournaments.blogspot.com

July 7 | Liberty Lake Loop 8 a.m., starts and ends at Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. This fourmile fun run follows a scenic (and sometimes hilly) course of paved roads. A kids' race follows at 9:30 a.m. Race-day registration will be available for $15. For more: www.pavillionpark. org

July 7 | Health screening van 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Liberty Lake Farmers Market, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake. The van will provide free screenings for hearing, vision and diabetes. Donations accepted. For more: 927-2193 July 7-8 | Liberty Lake Jr. Classic 2

p.m., MeadowWood Golf Course and Liberty Lake Golf Course, Liberty Lake. This two-day tournament is part of the Junior Golf Northwest Tour and is open to junior golfers of all abilities.

Registration closes July 2 and includes range balls, awards dinner and tee prizes. For more: www.juniorgolftournorthwest.com

July 8 | Valley Girl Triathlon 7:45 a.m., starts near Molter Road and Inlet Drive, Liberty Lake. The sold out sprint-distance triathlon for women features a 1/3-mile swim, 12-mile bike and 3-mile run in Liberty Lake. For more: www. valleygirltri.com July 14 | Poker Ride and Run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gonzaga University, 721 N. Cincinnati St., Spokane. There is no entry fee for this event that winds its way along the Centennial Trail into the Valley. The third annual ride/run includes a raffle, on-site food sales and silent auction for Cool Water Bikes. For more: www. coolwaterbikes.org July 14 | The Current promotional night for Spokane Indians 6:30 p.m., Avista

Stadium, 602 N. Havana, Spokane Valley. Enjoy a game at the ballpark followed by fireworks.

For more: spokaneindians.com

July 15 | Newman Lake 25K Run 6:30

a.m., Public fishing/boat launch area, Newman

See CALENDAR, page 38

The Current

July 2012 • 15

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Community

The Current

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

February Dishman

March Chester April Opportunity May Vera June Greenacres

July Saltese August Spokane Bridge September East Farms/Otis Orchards October Trentwood November Orchard Avenue December Millwood Photos courtesy of Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

In this 1906 photo, farmers on the Morrison Ranch harvest hay grown on the fertile bed of what once was Saltese Lake. Peter Morrison drained the lake more than a decade earlier.

The Saltese community and a ‘purty’ lake that was

By Jayne Singleton Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Before the influx of miners, fur trappers and settlers, the Spokane Valley was part of the ancestral homelands of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Chief Andrew Seltice, Sub-Chief Quinnmo-see and Peter Wildshoe all lived in the areas around Saltese and Liberty lakes.

With a growing number of miners and settlers stopping at the two Lakes, Chief Seltice decided to seek protection for his family at the mission in DeSmet, Idaho. He lived out his life there and is buried in the Mission Cemetery. Quinn-mo-see remained with his family at Saltese Lake until about 1891.

His name, like Chief Seltice, is spelled and pronounced various ways.

Saltese Lake was approximately 1,400 acres — slightly bigger than Liberty Lake. It was a beautiful sight to behold, according to James Glover. Glover entered the Spokane Valley by way of the Mullan and Kentuck trails. He was headed to Spokane Bridge with the intent of purchasing the bridge and store from Charlie Kendall. After departing from the California Ranch in May 1870, Glover arrived at the top of the ridge south of the Saltese area, and he described the pristine beauty of Saltese Lake: “A mighty purty lake it was.”

The bridge and store had already been purchased by M.M. Cowley, so Glover headed toward the falls to develop Spokane.

Sometime between 1866-1878, Daniel Courchaine, a native of Canada, came to the area and, after buying land from the

Indians, built his home that is still standing today. He married one of Joseph Barnaby’s daughters, Mary. Barnaby had settled at Rathdrum and had three daughters with an Indian wife.

Daniel and Mary’s property included a large barn and milk house. The milk house was built next to a spring, and Daniel used the spring water to keep the milk cool. Daniel and Mary owned a large amount of land in the Saltese area.

With the arrival of more settlers such as the Linkes, Morrisons, Coxs, Saltzs, Simms, Pughs and others, a school was needed and built on land donated by the Courchaines.

Constructed in 1894 and called the Saltese School, the building is still on 32nd, just west of Barker Road. Two other schools were built around the same time in the Saltese area: the Quinnemossa School and the Lone Fir School. The Lone Fir was moved to Progress and Sprague in the late 1940s to be used as a kindergarten for the Central Valley School District.

The Quinnemossa School burned down in the 1940s. Residents of the area formed the Saltese Literary Society and met regularly in the Saltese School to discuss issues of the day.

By 1892, Peter Morrison owned thousands of acres. Using horses to dredge canals, Morrison drained Saltese Lake by channeling most of the water to Sink Lake (now known as Shelley Lake). The channel is still visible as you head south on Barker Road just past the Turtle Creek development. Morrison succeeded in growing the

finest Timothy Hay and shipped it all over the northwest by box car. The Morrison homestead is still standing, and the ranch is operated by Peter’s grandson, Bud Morrison.

The growing Saltese community recognized the need for a cemetery and formed the Saltese Cemetery Association in 1892.

According to the records held at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, the first offices of the association are listed as: Menelious Chapman, president; Daniel Courchaine, vice president; Marcus Cox, treasurer; John Watkins, secretary; and Joseph Cox, sextant. The cemetery was established on land that was previously used for Indian burials.

To date, there is no evidence of a general store or church in the Saltese community. Religious needs were most likely met

by Catholic missionaries who travelled by horse or walked to minister to the needs of the faithful. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Otis Orchards was completed in 1892 and perhaps some Saltese residents made the journey across the Valley to attend church.

Supplies and provisions were readily available at Spokane Bridge. A store and bridge were established by 1865. Supplies could also be traded for with the miners, military, fur traders and settlers following the Kentuck Trail to Spokane Bridge, which led through the Saltese area.

Development has gotten a foothold in the Saltese Flats and the Saltese Meadows.

Large homes are replacing most of the old homesteads, but the Morrison, Linke

The name of Chief Andrew Seltice is spelled many ways, including “Saltese,” which continues to this day to be the name of the area he and fellow members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe called home for many years. and Courchaine places are a reminder of the early pioneers who lived beneath the soft whisper of the wind among the pines.

Mica Peak stands like a sentinel above the lake that was. Saltese is one of the most beautiful, historic places in the Spokane region.

Today, the lake bed is still visible, and as you drive around it, just imagine the determination of Peter Morrison as he undertakes a rare venture: draining a lake! How surprised he might be to learn that Spokane County is restoring a portion of Saltese Lake.

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 Saltese 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

July 2012 • 17

Community

Nonprofit spotlight

Blessings Under the Bridge Description

The Spokane-based outreach founded and operated by Liberty Lake residents Jessica and Mike Kovac provides food, clothing, hygiene items and friendship to homeless members of the community.

Founded on Christian ideals, the operation’s mission also includes “bridging the gap” between all walks of life.

Submitted photos

At left: Volunteers man the serving lines at the organization’s Christmas event last December. The annual barbecue will be held July 14.

Founding Blessings Under the Bridge was founded on a Saturday morning in the fall of 2007. Jessica Kovac, a mother and grandmother of two, worked as a server at an upscale restaurant. After years of struggle in her own life and 17-year marriage, she said her own spirit was awakened, and she felt God stirring her to help the sad and hungry on the downtown streets.

She gathered 40 sack lunches, a case of water and stepped out on faith delivering food to anyone she thought might want it.

When the first eager recipient devoured his sack lunch, she said her heart melted into complete devotion to the poor.

Her husband, Mike Kovac, soon joined forces, and they began making friendships with many homeless and less fortunate.

What they do The Kovacs still continue a weekly delivery of “blessed brown bags” throughout downtown areas with high homeless populations. Community sponsors keep the bags stuffed, and volunteers are encouraged to make connections with recipients during deliveries.

On Dec. 22, 2007, they decided to bring Christmas to the “living rooms” of the homeless, and the first annual Blessings Under The Bridge event was born.

A high quality, hot brunch was served on the pavement under the Interstate 90 freeway of downtown Spokane. An annual summer barbecue was started last year at the same location.

Who benefits A story they say epitomizes their mission started when the Kovacs’ lives intersected with a 58-year-old homeless man named Homer Hill, who was living under the freeway bridge. Over three years, Hill and Mike Kovac developed a close relationship, and the Kovacs labored to set

Above: Jessica and Mike Kovac, a husband-and-wife team, founded Blessings Under the Bridge in 2007.

IF YOU GO Barbecue Under the Bridge, an outreach led by Blessings Under the Bridge When: Noon to 3 p.m. July 14 Where: Under the I-90 bridge off 3rd street and Division/Browne.

What: All are welcome to join in serving the less fortunate while making friends with a day of free food, drinks, clothing, haircuts, live music and more.

Hill on a road of recovery. In September 2010, they reunited him with his daughter and son, whom he hadn’t seen for 28 years, believing him to be dead. Hill lives a happy, sober life today in Jacksonville, Fla., with his family.

Combined with weekly feeds and annual events, the ministry claims to have helped feed and clothe close to 15,000 hungry and homeless people in Spokane since 2007. A steady stream of volunteers and donors further the “bridging the gap” mission.

How you can help The Kovacs see the blessed brown bag as a symbol of how Blessings Under the Bridge started. Filled with the freshest food available and delivered weekly, they see it as the bread-and-butter of what they do. To continue the outreach,

donors can make a $12 contribution to provide 10 bags.

Non-monetary donations can be dropped off at the organization’s location at 919 E. Trent Ave. in Spokane or at partner drop-off locations at the Liberty Lake Police Department, 23127 E. Mission Ave.; Aveda in the second level of the River Park Square Mall; John L. Scott Real Estate, 1338 N. Liberty Lake Road; and Ben and Jerry’s in the River Park Square Mall food court.

Volunteers are also continually accepted to help deliver bags and man stations at annual events. Businesses can keep involved by sponsoring events.

To learn more For more information, visit www.butb. net.

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

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The Current

18 • July 2012

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Liberty Lake Elementary student Ansel LaPier, 8, won first place in the country in a Reflections contest for a short movie he made and acted in.

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Community

Brought to you by

Lights, camera, action

Submitted photo

By Kelly Moore Current Staff Writer

Whether he’s out taking photos, practicing his cello or concocting science experiments in the kitchen, 8-year-old Ansel LaPier is a busy kid. One of his recent creations — a short film titled, “The Quest” — earned him an Outstanding Interpretation Award from the National PTA’s Reflections Program.

Keeping with the assigned diversity theme, the Liberty Lake Elementary student said he learned a thing or two about accepting others.

“It doesn’t matter who you are and what you look like,” Ansel said. “Everyone is OK being different.”

In his movie, he acts as a king in a faraway land. He orders his faithful servant, played by his older brother, Jonas, to fetch him “the fairest in the land.” His servant returns with a handful of claymation creatures, and King Ansel eventually decides that each one is the “fairest” in its own special way.

Ansel said he came up with the idea for a movie because his brother, who has also won awards through the Reflections Program, is good at making movies. He said his family’s cabin in the forest also sparked his creativity.

He said his favorite part of the movie is at the end where he uses special effects to

Words to know:

Claymation: a kind of animation in which clay models are used and filmed to make lifelike movement. dance with the claymation creatures.

The recent award-winning movie isn’t his first try at making movies. Last year, he entered a video into the contest called, “Together We Can Raise a Puppy,” which starred one of his dogs, Harley.

The latest movie took three weeks to make. The hardest part was piecing together multiple shots of his clay creatures to make it look like they were moving on their own.

Still, he said all the hard work was worth it and would encourage other kids to try making movies, too.

“It’s not very hard,” Ansel said. “(To start) you just have to know what your movie is going to be about.”

The movie award from the National PTA earned him a certificate, a medal and $800.

His local PTA will also get $200. His family also got to travel to San Jose, Calif., where he was given his award.

Winners were chosen from hundreds of thousands of submissions from students across the nation and in European schools serving military families. Other students were honored for work in categories like dance choreography, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts.

Ansel said he doesn’t know if he’ll keep making movies. When he’s not filming, he said he likes to play basketball and work on his school’s robotics team.

What if you had your own country?

Well, you would probably be really busy, but one thing you would need to make time for is a flag.

In July, The Wave is holding a flag design contest for elementary-age kids in the greater Spokane Valley area. If the judges like your flag the best, we will send you a $15 gift card to Froyo Earth in Spokane Valley — enough to get yourself a whole bucket of delicious frozen yogurt (after all, you have your own country).

Of course, you could be nice and bring your family and friends with you. That way, you don’t get a stomachache from eating it all yourself.

Second- and third-place frozen yogurt prizes will also be given out, so get to work on that flag right away.

The rules are simple: Make a flag and

send it to us! That’s it. You can draw it, knit it, dig it into the sand at the beach — it doesn’t matter. We just need a picture of your flag sent to wave@valleycurrent.com. If you’d like to submit your original work, you can also drop it off or mail it to our office, 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305, Liberty Lake, WA 99019.

In order to win, we need your flag by July 12. Please include your name, age, city of residence, phone number and the name of a parent or guardian with your entry. Feel free to share anything you think the judges should know about your flag when you send it in.

The winners’ names and flags will be printed in the August issue of The Wave.

Congratulations on having your own country — now show us those flags!

Answers to flag matching game on page 19: Australia (flag 7); Cuba (flag 1); France (flag 3); Norway (flag 4); South Korea (flag 8); Taiwan (flag 6); United Kingdom (flag 2); United States of America (flag 5)

8-year-old’s film wins national contest

Make your own flag for a chance to win a delicious treat

The Current

July 2012 • 19

Community

Match each country with its flag A lot of American flags will be flying for the Fourth of July, a day where we are used to seeing a lot of red, white and blue in the USA. There are many countries around the world that use these colors in their flags, as well. Many of these will be on display when the Summer Olympics begins July 27.

Draw a line between the countries listed and their corresponding flags. Try not to peek at the answers. If you need help, ask a parent or friend to help you find these on the Internet or in a reference book that shows flags.

Answers are at the bottom of page 18.

Australia Cuba France Norway South Korea Taiwan United Kingdom

Going to the dentist Wave Challenge: Be generous can be fun and easy!

In July, the Spokane Valley community is focusing on being generous. It’s part of a cool program called PACE that reminds all of us — kids and adults alike — how we should treat one another, build meaningful lives and make our home and neighborhood an even better place. 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.

United States of America

generosity

[jen-uh-ros-i-tee]: Unselfish giving and sharing of resources, time and talents with others.

Three ideas for how you can be generous this month: 1. Make a card and deliver it to a grandparent or a local nursing home.

Kids Tell It Like It Is

2. Ask a parent to help you find a way to give some of your money, clothes, toys or food away. There are many local organizations and churches that collect donations to help people who don’t have them.

3. Help someone in your family with a chore or project they are working on — without being asked.

Compiled by Tammy Kimberley at Pavillion Park during the 5th grade celebration for Liberty Lake Elementary School students

What is the most important thing you learned in elementary school?

“You have to be open to meeting new people and making friends.”

Reece Bumgarner, 11 “That recess is the most important part of the day.”

Marshall Amaya, 10

“Practice makes perfect, and perfect takes practice.”

Phoebe Barr, 11

“If you’re in a situation that involves drugs, either walk away or just say no.”

Maddie Greer, 11

“If you think really hard and work really hard, you can achieve anything.”

Gabby Christiansen, 11 “How to do a conclusion in science.”

Miles Chambers, 11

“Try new stuff and take the chance to help people.”

Nate Fitzgerald, 12

“About the government — how it works and how it’s run.”

Caitlyn Brennan, 10

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Check out our Facebook page for contests and events.

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www.GrowUpSmiling.com

The Current

20 • July 2012

A century of stucco

Community

Opportunity Township Hall celebrates 100 years

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Jayne Singleton has no worries when out-of-towners call the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum looking for directions.

If the well-placed signs along surrounding roadways fail to channel visitors to the storehouse of Valley history, the distinctive look of the museum’s home is an unfailing guide.

“I tell them, ‘You can’t miss it — just look for the Alamo building,’” Singleton said. “People don’t drive by it.”

The unique stucco structure at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. joins cultural icons like the Titanic and Boston’s Fenway Park in celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Appropriately, the museum currently features an exhibit chronicling the tragic story of the famous luxury liner alongside several displays of local history.

Singleton, the museum’s director since it originated in 2002, said questions about the building are as common as the artifacts housed inside.

“Most people ask, ‘What was this building?’” she said. “There are a lot of comments on the architecture.”

Spokane architect Charles Harvey Smith incorporated a Spanish Colonial Revival style in his plans for the one-story structure, which was bid for construction in April 1912. Smith’s friend and architectural colleague, Kirtland Cutter, designed a similar structure in Fairfield about the same time.

From its dedication in 1912 until 1970, the building served as the municipal base of Opportunity Township, a form of government included in the original Washington constitution of 1889. In the November 1908 general election, Spokane County voters approved the organization of townships. By March of the following year, the county had been divided into 46 such entities, with Opportunity joining areas like East Spokane and Greenacres as greater Spokane Valley townships.

Tom Smith was part of the township administration in Opportunity from 1947 to 1950, serving as Justice of the Peace. The hierarchy also included a board of three township supervisors — similar to today’s board of county commissioners — a clerk, treasurer, constable, assessor, road supervisor and even a manager of the local animal pound.

Now 87, Smith recalls the township as

Photo courtesy of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

One of the oldest structures in Spokane Valley, Opportunity Township Hall was constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style by Spokane architect Charles Harvey Smith. This photo is from the year of its construction — 1912. an effective form of government with the building on East Sprague functioning as a community gathering place. His home and real estate office were right across the street.

“They would have supervisors’ meetings there once a month,” Smith said. “I remember square dances and political debates there.”

Silent movies — and later, “talkies” — were screened at the building, and during World War II, the hall was the site of a small library. Over the years, the venue hosted bingo games, wedding receptions, holiday dinners and meetings of groups like the Valley Orchardists and the Opportunity Presbyterian Church. In the 1970s and 1980s, discussions on Spokane Valley incorporation were conducted here by the Spokane County Boundary Review Board.

“The building was a real central hub for the community,” Singleton said.

Smith, a past president of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, has been disappointed with the recent dearth of commercial development in the area surrounding the museum, but applauded Singleton and her crew for “their excellent work on behalf of Valley history.”

“I’m glad the museum is there,” Smith said. “It’s part of our history and a great symbol of the Valley.”

After the state legislature voted to dissolve townships, the building was turned over to a Superior Court-appointed Spokane County commissioner chair. In 1990, the county officially took over the title, and in 1996, the venue was added to the capital facilities roster of the county Parks and Recreation department.

The city of Spokane Valley became the new landlord after incorporation in 2003.

By that time, Singleton had organized a considerable collection of Valley antiq-

uity and was looking for a home. Originally, the Spokane Valley Mall had been considered as a possibility, but the stucco haven made the most sense.

After a unanimous vote, the Spokane Valley City Council sold Opportunity Township Hall to the museum on Feb. 27, 2004, for a symbolic $1. At the time, Mayor Mike DeVleming said it would be important for the new city “to have a sense of history.”

“The city was very supportive,” Singleton said. “There was a real enthusiasm to get something established as a repository for Valley history.”

Museum volunteers had their work cut out for them when they took over the hall that March. The 3,600-square-foot space had last housed a frame shop in 2000 and needed patching, painting and other repairs.

“It was a mess,” Singleton said.

Chuck King, one of the original volunteers, said there was some talk about changing the trademark exterior, but khaki won out after a few discussions.

“We didn’t want to paint it purple,” King said. “We brightened it up a little bit and tried to get as close to the original color as we could.”

The museum officially opened in August 2005 with displays on civic staples like Felts Field, local orchards and the story of Valley irrigation.

In addition to honors like housing a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute, the hall is now listed on the Spokane Register of Historic Places, the Washington Heritage Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.

Singleton said there are plans to host an official 100-year celebration later this year, most likely in late September. The

Photo by Craig Howard

Dedicated in 1912, the Opportunity Township Hall is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The historic building on East Sprague Avenue near Pines Road has housed the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum since 2004. festivities will include local luminaries and a ribbon cutting in honor of the first dedication a century ago.

Singleton is also hoping the anniversary year will include the restoration of the museum’s original frontage sign. A $5,000 fundraising goal is still around $1,200 short. Donations can be made by calling the museum at 922-4570 or by emailing spokanevalleymuseum@gmail. com.

Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey, who was born and raised in the Valley, remembers driving by Township Hall when the area still featured an abundance of apple orchards and cantaloupe fields.

Towey said the building is widely acknowledged as one of the city’s signature structures, even if many residents have never heard of a township.

“It’s definitely a landmark that most of the old-timers recognize,” Towey said.

“It’s a unique part of the Valley’s history.”

The Current

July 2012 • 21

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Join the fight to find a cure for a disease that will be diagnosed in approximately 35,360 men, women and youngsters in Washington this year. Contact your friends, family members, coworkers or classmates and form a team to participate in this year’s 15-hour American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Liberty Lake.

To form a team contact

Liberty Lake reLay For LiFe 2012 Meadowwood Technology Campus 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 20th to 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21st

Deb Long at 509-255-9488 or deb.long62@gmail.com

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For other questions contact Jennifer Kronvall at 509-242-8303 or jennifer.kronvall@cancer.org

22 • July 2012

local lens

High-flying adventures

The Current

Hot rods on a cold day

Submitted photos

Submitted photos

Car enthusiasts young and old braved the rain June 9 to check out the Classic Chevy Open Car Show held at Millwood City Park with dozens of classic cars, trucks and vans. The Spokane Area Classic Chevy Club organized the event, serving up burgers and awarding cars for best in show.

The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 79, along with Spokane Airports staff and board of directors, helped coordinate the Felts Field Neighbor day air show June 2. Organizers estimate 15,000 people came out for the event.

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 79 secretary Marian Heale gets ready to take off in the Boeing 40 with Burt Rutan, an aerospace engineer known most for his design of the Voyager — the first plane to fly around the world without stopping or refueling.

The newly completed EAA Train Bar and Chapter Lounge stayed busy during the event.

Freeman student awarded scholarship

Going green The $500 Sam Campbell Memorial Scholaraship Award was presented to Freeman High School senior Lindsey Ann Norby May 20. She is pictured with Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Eldonna Shaw and Campbell’s daughters Kym and Kyleen.

Submitted photo

The Spokane Valley-based Pioneer School was awarded a $1,000 grant last May to start a campus greenhouse.

Submitted photo

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

July 2012 • 23

Highlights from your Chamber Chamber launches entrepreneurial training opportunities for veterans

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2nd Annual

Mutt Strut In memory of Chris Anderlik

Saturday, August 18th 8:00 am Liberty Lake

Camp Director Lauri Clark-Strait

“ IT’S

THE LAW ”

“We see this as a unique opportunity to fill a need in our community,” President and CEO Eldonna Shaw said. “We look forward to giving veterans a head start on business success as entrepreneurs.”

The GSVCC is seeking qualified veterans for the Fall 2012 NxLeveL course which is scheduled to begin Sept. 19 and run through Dec. 19. For information on NxLeveL and VETS enrollment, contact John Pederson at john@spokanevalleychamber.org or 216-3791.

July 11, 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Focused Fitness open house, ribbon cutting at 6 p.m., 2426 S. Dishman Mica Road, Spokane Valley

www.pawpularcompanions.com

In WASHINGTON Click or Call Two Business Days Before You Plan To Dig

www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

Photo: Gary Roberto Photography In conjunction with its 91st anniversary celebration, the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized the official grand opening of the organization’s Liberty Lake headquarters last month.

Business Center sees new growth First Security, Inc. (formerly Puget Sound Security) and BWS Accounting are new tenants in the Valley Chamber Business Center at Liberty Lake. First Security has located their office in Suite 60, and BWS will be occupying Suite 70. They join Translation Technologies and Westerberg & Associates as companies based in our business incubator.

The Valley Chamber Business Center at Liberty Lake offers office space and service packages to meet the needs of small businesses moving to or getting started in the Greater Spokane Valley. Occupancy is available from three to 18 months, with monthly rent starting at $275 per month. Two suites are still available, and small business owners are invited to stop in for a tour at their location in the lower level of the Liberty Square Building, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane in Liberty Lake.

The Spokane Valley Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is soliciting financial support for VETS in order to assist veterans who are participating in NxLeveL. For information on individual or corporate VETS donations, please contact Phil Kiver at 999-8645.

July 10, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Direct POS open house, ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., 12926 E. Indiana, Suite 5, Spokane Valley

Please register yourself and your companion(s) at

All pledge monies raised go to benefit SCRAPS

As a result of perceived need, the Chamber has begun an endeavor known as Veteran Entrepreneur Training for Success (VETS).

This effort is designed to fund scholarships for veterans who want to go into business for themselves. The Chamber has been successfully conducting the NxLeveL entrepreneur training programs since 2008.

Chamber events in July

The “Strut” will begin at Pawpular Companions Boutique and consist of a 2.5 mile route around the Liberty Lake business/residential walking path.

In addition to the pledge walk event, we will end at Pawpular Companions parking lot for an ICE CREAM SOCIAL (people AND doggie ice cream!), store vendors with FREE GIVEAWAYS and RAFFLE PRIZES! Please join us to celebrate and contribute to Chris’ dream to “Go an extra mile to practice true compassion for animals!”

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce recently announced a unique, veterans-specific business planning program.

This program, known nationally as NxLeveL, is designed for veterans who are interested in going into business for themselves. The program teaches participants to build or update an existing business plan.

July 12, 11:30 a.m.: Picnic in the Park for Ambassadors, Valley Mission Park, 11123 E. Mission, Spokane Valley July 17, 5 to 7 p.m.: Meet the Chamber/ Member Reception, Air Control Heating & Electric, 7203 E Nora Ave, Spokane Valley July 20, 6:30 a.m. (networking), 7 to 8:30 a.m. (breakfast and program): Business Connections Breakfast, “Meet the County Commissioner Candidates – A Panel Discussion,”

Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley July 26, noon: Transportation Committee meeting, Longhorn BBQ, 2315 N. Argonne, Spokane Valley Please note: There will be no Government Action meeting in July.

New members

Please join us in welcoming the following members who have recently joined the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce: Chapala Mexican Restaurant Focused Fitness HomeStreet Bank Kim Shiplet, D.C. NBS Promos Red Cup Coffee Co. The Black Pearl

1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Check our Facebook page for updates or call 509-927-8890 21950 E. Country Vista Dr. Suite 100 • Liberty Lake

Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org

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

24 • July 2012

Community

The Current

Relay For Life attendees line up at the start of the Survivor Lap at the Spokane Valley Relay For Life held June 22-23 at University High School.

Stormy weather fails to dampen spirit at Valley Relay For Life Story and photos by Craig Howard Current Contributor

Sheets of rain had begun pelting the University High School track when Adam Gillam and other cancer survivors retreated under a canopy at the Spokane Valley Relay For Life on June 22.

After the rigors of surgery and radiation, a summer thunderstorm can seem a bit trivial.

Over a dinner of pasta and salad, Gillam reflected on his own experience with a life-threatening disease, a road that began when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 27.

“All the way around, it was a tough situation,” said Gillam, a Deer Park resident who works as an electrician and general contractor. “I’d known people who’d had cancer, but once you’re dealing with it, everything changes. It’s a big reality check.”

Between operations and radiation treatments, Gillam clung to elements of normalcy, like when his pals would take him snowmobiling. Dark clouds gathered often, but Gillam summoned strength from faith, family and friends.

“There were definitely times when my hope was dimmed, but it got better,” Gillam said. “Looking back, I can see the good that came from it. It opens your eyes. You learn to appreciate things a lot more.”

Gillam will celebrate his 40th birthday

this summer with his wife and four kids.

He’s been cancer-free for four years.

At his first Relay For Life, Gillam lined up for the Survivor Lap with the reservations of a “tough guy who didn’t want the attention.” When his wife joined him halfway around the track, he broke down.

“It’s a humbling experience,” said Gillam, who lost a grandmother to cancer. “It’s tough for me to put on the ‘Survivor’ shirt because I don’t think of it as being that big of deal, but it’s neat to walk around and see all those other survivors.”

Inspiring accounts like Gillam’s are the main reason Jill Nellenbach has donated time as the Spokane Valley Relay For Life chairperson for the past three years. She oversees a cadre of volunteers who meet throughout the year to prepare for one 17hour event. After being held at East Valley High School since 1990, the festivities were moved to University this year.

“It’s nice to be able to contribute in some way,” Nellenbach said. “I read these people’s stories, and it makes me cry.”

While the weather started out sunny and warm early Friday evening, squally conditions led to the closure of this year’s Relay early Saturday morning. Still, Nellenbach said she was encouraged by the turnout.

A total of 24 teams generated more than $33,000 for cancer research and patient services.

“We had some safety concerns, espe-

cially with the lightning,” Nellenbach said.

“But I think we still had a great event. We were able to have a closing ceremony and thank everyone for their support.”

Spokane Valley is one of more than 5,000 communities in the U.S. that host a Relay For Life each year. The event takes place in 23 countries throughout the world.

The state of Washington hosted the first Relay For Life in 1985 when Tacoma surgeon Gordy Klatt walked 83 miles around the track at the University of Puget Sound to generate funds and awareness for the local branch of the American Cancer Society.

A year later, 19 teams joined in support of the cause.

ACS continues to get the word out about cancer treatment and prevention through Relay and other programs. The agency notes that 85 percent of cancer deaths could be prevented by regular screenings, staying tobacco free and following a routine that includes exercise and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Brandy Stanaway of Spokane Valley attended her inaugural Relay with family and friends. She overcame her second bout with cancer last year and says attitude is a vital ally in the battle.

“You can be all doom and gloom, but it doesn’t change anything,” Stanaway said.

Stanaway said reflecting on her road back during the Survivor Lap was “very emotional.”

“I felt kind of proud when I was out there walking,” she said.

Despite the soggy conditions, the event’s signature luminaria — paper bags anchored with sand and a small candle — brightened the Spokane Valley sky on Friday night. Each bag is decorated with a salute to a cancer survivor or a loved one who has passed on.

“It’s a time to set aside,” said Kelli Hornbaker, the ACS representative who helped coordinate the Spokane Valley Relay. “You get to celebrate those who are here and honor those you’ve lost. Relay is something that does give people hope.”

June Rouleau has lived in Spokane Valley for the past 51 years, 22 of those as a cancer survivor. In 2007, she walked the Survivor Lap with her daughter, Paula Rabey, who was observing one year of being cancer-free. At University, the two circled the track with a support crew of more than 50.

“I think it means even more now,” said Paula, who served as co-chair for this year’s Relay and was the top individual fundraiser with $6,300. “You don’t take a day for granted.”

Mary Charbonneau and her teammates from Edward Jones walked in celebration of their friend, Lynette Allred, who was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer in 2010 but is now in remission. Allred was in

See RELAY, page 25

The Current

July 2012 • 25

Community

Second annual Liberty Lake Relay set for July 20-21

Last year, Liberty Lake joined a growing list of communities in hosting its inaugural Relay For Life event. In 2012, the objectives and community interest have both escalated.

The second annual Liberty Lake Relay For Life will be held July 2021 at the Meadowwood Technology Campus, 2100 N. Molter Road in Liberty Lake. The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday with the traditional Survivor Lap and conclude on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the closing ceremony.

Jennifer Kronvall, who coordinates the event for the American Cancer Society, said last year’s numbers — 10 teams, around 100 attendees and more than $11,000 raised — were cause for encouragement.

“It takes time and community involvement,” Kronvall said. “I’m optimistic.”

To this point, 13 teams have signed up. Kronvall said the goal this year is 15 teams and $12,000.

Last August, Liberty Lake resident Shane Brickner generated more than $1,000 by walking the entire 17 hours on his own. Brickner, Team Splash (Liberty Lake’s community newspaper) and Team Steph (Spokane Dermatology Clinic) each won Relay Spirit awards in recognition of their goals, values and accomplishments.

RELAY Continued from page 24

Seattle on the night of the Relay, but chatted with the team by phone.

“No matter how strong of a disease cancer is, it’s never stronger than the human spirit,” Charbonneau said.

Now cancer-free for 12 years, Charbonneau said her experience helped her “ slow down and make time for the birthday parties, weddings and baptisms.”

“Those are the important things,” she said. “No one’s going to remember if you were at the office at 7 a.m. Having cancer gave me perspective on what is really important and how truly blessed I am. You learn that life is not about how much we have, but how much we give back.”

Relay For Life participant Rae Bowman (above) enjoys a dry moment during the Spokane Valley event. Cancer survivor Mary Charbonneau (right) views the luminaria that were decorated in honor of survivors or in memory of those who have passed on. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, members of 24 teams turned out to generate more than $33,000 for cancer research.

The Current

26 • July 2012

Community Lynette Romney has coordinated the Farm to School program in the East Valley School District since 2009. The 3.5-acre parcel includes a wheat crop and half-a-dozen community plots.

A civic harvest

Community gardens flourish in greater Spokane Valley Story and photos by Craig Howard Current Contributor

Residents of the early Spokane Valley would have laughed at the trend of “local food.”

With farms and orchards around every corner, the area was the epitome of a rural commonwealth, with agriculture at the very center. Produce stands outnumbered grocery stores while groups like the Valley Orchardists represented the sort of influence wielded by most governments.

As suburban development came to define the region, the pastoral qualities of the Valley were replaced by fast food restaurants, convenience stores and business parks. Soon, apartment complexes were more common than barns and homesteads.

Despite the transition, there are still vestiges of the past that exist beyond the asphalt.

Along with the arrival of successful farmers markets in Millwood and Liberty Lake, the emergence of community gardens has represented a revival of the Valley’s rural roots. Throughout Spokane

County, there are now 28 community gardens, with most cropping up since 2008.

While half of the sites are in the city of Spokane, the greater Spokane Valley is doing its part to generate produce in plots that range from a few rows to several acres. The Current took some time recently to take a leafy stroll through a quartet of community gardens in Millwood, Veradale, East Valley and Liberty Lake — what follows is our findings on the road back to a time when snack food came from the soil, not vending machines.

Millwood Return of the Pumpkin Patch For more than two decades, pumpkins grew on an acre of land at the corner of Argonne and Maringo, just north of the Spokane River in the Millwood area.

While the autumn crop ceased to sprout in 2004, a group of enterprising citizens brought the concept back in 2010 with the Pumpkin Patch Community Garden.

Today, close to 60 plots dot the slope in the northern portion of town. Brass

plaques display the numbers on most of the wooden boxes spanning 4 feet by 10 feet. Teresa Sadler, who helps coordinate the project with her husband, Doug, said the site has become a civic hub in the same category as the Millwood Farmers Market.

“People in the area will just stop by to talk,” Teresa said. “It’s been nice getting to know people who are local.”

Beans, tomatoes, squash, lettuce, spinach and other crops are popular here, along with the signature pumpkins. Corn has been sidelined after a problem with grazing moose last year, while a picnic bench should be added to the landscape later this summer.

Millwood’s namesake, the Inland Empire Paper mill, sits just down the hill from the garden. The company played a key role in the launch of the project, donating the land and water. Other local companies stepped up with in-kind contributions, including plant seeds, soil, lumber and a sprinkler system. Plot rental is a bargain at $20.

“This is more about community than it is about gardening,” Millwood resident

Dan Hansen said when the venue began to materialize over two years ago.

A section of the garden is dedicated to produce that is donated to Second Harvest of the Inland Northwest. Other food from the site finds its way to the free monthly distribution managed by the Millwood Presbyterian Church, main sponsor of the Pumpkin Patch.

“It’s great to see farming and gardening on this land again,” said Craig Goodwin, the church’s pastor. “I think it’s a place that has brought the community together.”

Veradale Delivering the produce For Becky Knapp, a community garden is one way to promote better nutrition in a world of processed and artificial food.

On just over a half acre near the parking lot at Veradale United Church of Christ on Progress Road in Spokane Valley, perennials flourish amidst rows of sprouting vegetables. The church garden was started five

See GARDENS, page 27

The Current

July 2012 • 27

Community

GARDENS Continued from page 26

years ago and, this year, four plots were set aside for community horticulture.

In 2011, the garden generated around 3,000 pounds of vegetables for the food bank at Spokane Valley Partners. Produce from the site is also distributed to many of those who attend the church.

“This meets our mission of community service,” Knapp said.

Gardeners pay a $25 rental fee for the year, although $15 of that is returned when the season is over and the space has been cleaned. Knapp said there is room for another two to three plots next year.

Initial work on the garden involved clearing a rugged parcel that, according to Becky’s husband, Dave, typifies the surrounding acreage.

“It’s like a lot of the Valley — a little bit of dirt and a lot of rocks,” he said.

Carrots and potatoes struggle in the gravelly soil, but already lettuce, zucchini, radishes and squash have emerged this season.

Knapp, a master gardener, said the venue is home to a variety of people and gardening backgrounds, while teamwork has become a trademark on the grounds.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie among those who work here,” Knapp said. “It’s been amazing.”

Located just east of the bustling traffic north of where Argonne Road crosses the Spokane River, The Pumpkin Patch Community Garden includes nearly 60 plots on a sloped acre donated by Inland Empire Paper Co.

East Valley Creative Agriculture 101 A frog statue and a ceramic squirrel greet Ken and Sharon Alldritt when they arrive at their garden space in the East Valley neighborhood at the corner of Wellesley and Sullivan.

The elevated plot is one of 15 at the 3.5acre site known as “Farm to School” just west of East Valley High School. After soil was tested for heavy metals and tilled, the project got its start in the spring of 2010 and has been providing produce to the district and Second Harvest ever since.

Sharon, who works at EVHS, says time in the garden represents “an opportunity to be outside in the quiet.”

“I’ve missed gardening before this,” said Alldritt, who commutes from an apartment in Liberty Lake.

The East Valley parcel includes an acre of wheat as well as another section set aside for the district program and halfa-dozen family plots. During the school year, botany and horticulture students set up shop in the spacious field.

“Even if we didn’t get any produce from this project, the learning that happens here would make it worthwhile,” said Lynette Romney, who coordinates Farm to School.

Lessons include the science of soil man-

The community garden on the grounds of the Veradale United Church of Christ generated 3,000 pounds of produce for the Spokane Valley Partners food bank last year. agement and comparing the nutritional value of a pound of beans with a Big Mac. Romney said the site could one day host a full-time vocational program devoted to agriculture.

For gardeners like the Alldritts, the chance to cultivate broccoli, beans, tomatoes and other vegetables has meant a reduction in the grocery bill and an increase in healthy food at home.

“We’ve noticed that it’s made a big difference in the last couple of years,” Ken Alldritt said.

Liberty Lake Green space and gardens Forget about tennis, basketball and soccer at Rocky Hill Park — the sport of

The community garden in Rocky Hill Park hedges against a ruddy hillside and is one of two sites facilitated by the city of Liberty Lake.

gardening has taken over at this 14.5-acre green space in Liberty Lake.

A fenced area in the eastern corner of the park is the site of 11 well-maintained organic plots that feature everything from tomatoes to oregano. Launched last year, the setting was joined this spring by eight spaces at the Liberty Lake Arboretum, a venue that opened last September.

The city of Liberty Lake provides the water and garden implements at both locations, while instruction is provided free-of-charge by the Washington State University Master Gardeners program.

“It’s been a huge success,” said Liberty Lake Recreation Coordinator Michelle Griffin. “It’s really brought a sense of community.”

Local resident Marilyn Steen, who

moved to the area from Florida in 2010, was one of the first to reserve a space at the Rocky Hill venue. She now gardens at the arboretum, located within walking distance of her residence.

“When I learned it was going to be built, I got on the bandwagon right away,” said Steen, who grows everything from onions to snow peas. “I passed along word to everyone I knew who is interested in gardening.”

Griffin says there is room to add three or four more plots on the arboretum grounds. The news is encouraging, especially considering that there are now waiting lists at both sites.

“I’ve always enjoyed having some sort of vegetable garden,” said Steen. “I’m glad it’s part of our community.”

business

28 • July 2012

The Current

Current photo by Tom Putnam

Giorgio Usai and son Giorgio Jr. stand outside the original Giorgio’s Gym before it opened in 1981 (left). The father-son duo now partner in the business as well as a world-renowned weight equipment company called Forza Strength Systems. Thirty-one years later, the location has changed to Sprague and Herald, but the gym remains strong with more than 1,000 members.

Submitted photo

Giorgio powered through How an immigrant who couldn’t speak English turned into a world-class entrepreneur and weightlifter

By Valerie Putnam Current Contributor

Envisioning your dream to make it a reality sounds like a cliché — until you hear about a success story close to home.

Founder and co-owner Giorgio Usai Sr. of Giorgio’s Fitness in the Spokane Valley turned his vision of owning a gym into reality 31 years ago — with little money or English vocabulary to his name.

“You just got to want it,” Usai said. “For me, I wanted the gym so bad I could taste it.”

Born and raised on the small island of Sardinia, Italy, he found his way to Spokane in 1977 after meeting his now exwife, who was a Gonzaga University student studying abroad.

It was a tough transition for the then 22-year-old who didn’t speak any English.

“It was a wake-up call,” said Usai, 57. “I was a grown man who couldn’t speak the language and had to find a job.”

Usai approached prospective employers with a letter written by his wife. The letter introduced him, explained the language barrier and requested the chance for Usai to prove himself.

“It wasn’t easy,” Usai said. “There were times where I went to the interview not

knowing how to speak the language with a letter saying you don’t have to pay me for two weeks, and I’ll show you I’m worth it.”

The first job he found was picking pumpkins for $2 an hour. In 1978, after working other odd jobs, Usai got hired at Kaiser Aluminum.

“That type of work or mentality wasn’t me,” said Usai, who didn’t see a long-term future working at the plant. “I can’t relate to people doing the same thing over and over for 30 years. I had to do my own thing.”

During slow periods on his shift, Usai read motivational books such as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “The Education of a Body Builder” and “Think and Grow Rich”

by Napoleon Hill.

“That is where the idea of opening a gym was born, reading motivational books like that,” Usai said. “What really interested me was the fact if you make up your mind, you can do anything you want. It’s such a simple thing.”

Usai would drive to a vacant building on North Pines after his shift to imagine opening the gym inside.

“I had to charge myself up,” he said about going to the building. “It was a shot in the dark to want something, and the

only thing you have is an inner belief.”

In 1981, Usai was laid off from Kaiser.

For the next three months, he tried to get his dream off the ground.

“It was a major recession, houses not selling, the worst time to open a business,” said Usai, who had no money or savings at the time. “I worked very intentionally trying to come up with some financial means to do it, but nothing happened.”

At that time, a friend from Italy who was living in Boston invited Usai to move and run a pizza parlor with him. Usai put his dream on hold, borrowed money for an airline ticket and flew to Boston. His wife and 3-year-old son, Giorgio Jr., stayed behind to sell their home.

“We had no money for a realtor, so the house goes up for sale with a sandwich sign we made,” Usai laughs.

After working at the pizza place in Boston for a short time, Usai realized he was once again out of his element.

“I hated every minute of it,” Usai said.

“Boston was too busy.”

The day after his wife called to say their house sold, Usai told his friend “ciao” and flew back to Spokane to start his business.

With $10,000 from their house sale, Usai developed a plan to open the gym.

He signed a five-year lease, paying first and last month’s rent for the 5,000 square foot building he had been scouting. The owner of the building built the cost of remodeling the building into the lease.

He had roughly $6,000 remaining to buy the equipment, which according to Usai would have cost at least $50,000 to equip with new equipment.

“That didn’t deter me,” Usai said. “I was so confident. The dream was so strong nothing was going to bother me.”

The determination exhibited by Usai sticks out to his son to this day.

“He’s the true entrepreneur where he says ‘I’m going to go do that. I don’t care how hard it’s going to be. I don’t care what anybody tells me,’” Usai Jr. said. “He’s just got a pure instinct as an entrepreneur to do that.”

While the remodel was taking place, a former co-worker at Kaiser offered his shop and welding services.

“That was the sign,” Usai remembers.

“I told my wife I think I have someone to build some equipment for me.”

Without any schooling or formal training, Usai drafted design plans for simple work-out equipment. He paid the welder

See GIORGIO, page 29

The Current

July 2012 • 29

business

RegiSteR nOW Liberty Lake Church

VaCatiOn BiBLe SChOOL at

interstate 90 ★ exit 299

auguSt 13-16 9 a.m. - nOOn

For Kids Entering 1st Grade-5th Grade

Age-specific Sessions: 1st-2nd & 3rd-5th Grades

Current photo by Tom Putnam

Giorgio Usai works out at the gym he founded 31 years ago. He typically works out at 5 a.m. four days a week.

GIORGIO Continued from page 28

$5 an hour and rented his shop for another $5 per hour.

Usai cut and drilled the steel, while his friend welded the pieces together.

“In my mind, I knew how to design stuff,” Usai said. “I don’t have a degree but know how the body works.”

Forty-five days later, the gym was filled with basic workout equipment.

According to Usai, the gym was one of the first hard-core workout facilities in the area. As body-building was gaining popularity at the time, membership grew steadily.

In 1982, Usai and 11 members from his gym began competing as power lifters. As he earned numerous awards and trophies for power lifting, he also gained recognition for the gym.

“Got on the map right away because we were the first gym in area,” Usai said. “It wasn’t crazy successful financially, but it was nice. We had this huge Giorgio family of lifters and members.”

Usai won the Washington State championship and beat records for dead lift and squat in his weight class, lifting 600 pounds while weighing 170 pounds.

“I loved it,” Usai said about competing.

“I was hooked big time.”

Growing restless working long hours at the gym, Usai ventured into developing gym equipment while managing the gym.

“One day, I decided it wasn’t hard to build that equipment,” Usai said about the equipment he built to open the gym. That decision led to starting his gym equipment company.

Usai began by designing a Giorgio’s Gym Equipment sticker that — prior to forming the company — he put on all the equipment in the gym. In 1985, two months after placing the stickers on the equipment,

Usai earned a $30,000 contract to build gym equipment for a small gym opening up in Coeur d’Alene.

With the money, he rented a small facility and purchased the tools necessary to manufacture the equipment.

As he operated the gym and manufactured gym equipment, Usai continued to compete.

“I started looking at the equipment they were using for competitions,” Usai said. “I thought I could do better. The equipment they used was almost an afterthought.”

Usai began to develop replacements for what he believed to be unsafe equipment used at the lifting events. Teaching himself to weld, Usai would journal ideas about different equipment designs.

In 1998, Usai changed the name of his equipment business to Forza Strength Systems; “forza” means strength in Italian. His Forza super bench gained national and international acclaim. Usai attributes the acclaim to the fact the bench was built to be unbreakable.

Supporting some of the top weightlifters in the world, his bench has been featured on the cover of 42 magazines.

Usai further designed the Power Center and Power Tools, fitness units consisting of the super bench, squat stands and a bar lift.

For 20 years, Usai and four employees manufactured between 80-100 different designs of equipment and handled the sales and marketing.

In 2003, Usai Jr. joined the business, leaving a stable job as a pharmaceutical sales rep in the Seattle area.

“It took me a year to realize corporate life wasn’t for me,” Usai Jr. said. “I needed adventure.”

Now a co-owner in the business, Usai Jr. had grown up working summers during high school at the business either sweeping or welding. Later — a national cham-

pion weight lifter himself — he worked as a personal trainer.

“My dad as my coach for lifting weights taught me as much as anything I learned in school or in business,” Usai Jr. said. “His coaching for lifting weight was one of the most important things for me.”

Today, the Usais contract with a Wisconsin-based company to produce the Forza Strength Training equipment under a private label, though the super bench is manufactured by Spokane-based Hydrafab Northwest.

Giorgio’s Gym changed its name to Giorgio’s Fitness in 1998. The business has been at five different locations throughout the Valley. In 2011, the gym moved to 7 N. Herald Road, where it currently has more than 1,000 members.

Usai and his son operate three separate companies together as equal partners: Giorgio’s Fitness, Forza Strength Systems and Usai Properties — a commercial rental business.

“We don’t like to sit still, so we’ll be doing other things,” Usai Jr. said about their future plans. “As long as we’re taking care of our customers and creating a nice environment for our employees and whoever we’re involved with, that makes us happy.”

the mr J Band Returns With

Tales from the Gold Mine tells the story of Gold Mine City, an old west town that was looking for treasure in all the wrong places. Eventually the wicked Big Bad Joe buys up the whole town, including the church, and turns it all into a string of stores to sell stuff! Big Bad Joe advertises that “Stuff is what happiness is made of!” Well, Deputy J isn’t going to let this takeover continue.

He rallies the town folk to dig down into the ‘pure gold’ of the Bible. The conflict ends in a showdown as Big Bad Joe comes face to face with truth of God’s Word. This classic cowboy tale helps young and old alike look carefully at where they find real treasure … Pure Gold!

Online registration:

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509-922-8833

www.giorgiosfitness.com

The Current

30 • July 2012

The scoop on Valley froyo

business

shy of stepping into a Disney Channel cartoon. The colorful interior included a bright mosaic-ed wall of yogurt dispensers, modern red couches created a conversation area and bright orange chairs accompanied high-top tables.

As the kids raced to the back of the shop to get started on their yogurt selections, I heard one yell, “Wow! Is that the smalls?”

To which Chad responded, “whoa, whoa, whoa.”

In fact, the smallest yogurt cups here were almost twice the size as the smallest cups available at our previous stop, which made it noticeably difficult for our experts to pace themselves. The total also reflected the super-sized portions, as it rang up as our second-highest bill.

The kids voiced approval of the selection and made quick work of their orders. They also bounced from the couches to a tall table for a better view of one of the TVs. When asking about everyone’s fullness level, we got a unanimous four, but we were starting to see the first hints of those crazed, sugar-induced, teeth-gritting smiles. Bri reevaluated a couple of minutes later and upgraded to a level six, while the other three experts fit in a quick calisthenics routine complete with jumping jacks and running in place.

Chad and I got lost in conversation until the sound of one of those coin-operated toy dispensers being rocked and pounded against the wall snapped us back to our present task. Time to go.

Total bill: $11.52

Young team of frozen yogurt experts tour local shops in search of perfect sugar rush Story and photos by Kelly Moore Current Staff Writer

With summer beckoning to draw us out into the sunshine — and crank up the air conditioner — we thought it a perfect time for a tour of the local self-serve frozen yogurt shops.

In the past year or two, these shops have popped up all over the region, with four that we know of landing in the Valley. The routine in these places allows frozen yogurt-lovers to fill bowls with soft serve and then top them with assortments of candies, sauces and fruit. At the register, each cup is weighed and priced per ounce.

To get the scoop on our Valley froyo shops, we recruited four local experts of all-things-sugary: Bri Kimberley, 11; Ethan Bryeans, 11; Rachel Kimberley, 8; and Noah Bryeans, 7. Our quartet of critics and chaperone Chad Kimberley met up with me just after the bell rang on the last day of school, starting off our tour on a celebratory note.

Clockwise from top: Rachel Kimberley, Noah Bryeans, Ethan Bryeans and Bri Kimberley are all smiles at the first stop on the froyo tour; the tall tables at Go FroYo earned a nod from the young judges; Bri and Ethan scope out the toppings at Go FroYo; and Rachel goes for cookie dough at Ben’s Yogurt-n-Deli.

Froyo Earth

Ben’s Yogurt-n-Deli Ben’s was the perfect warm-up for our adventure. Inside the shop is equal parts selfserve yogurt place and sandwich shop. The store was also quiet enough to explain our mission — and a three-topping limit — to “the experts.”

The place advertises six yogurt flavors, which made the decision-making part of the process run much quicker than other places. Bins of toppings are weaved throughout the store, offering a nice spread, and the kids went straight to a high-top table/bar area to begin the taste test.

Ben, the store’s namesake, rang up our ticket and told us he slices the deli meat and vegetables every day — everything is fresh and nothing comes from a bag. With choices outside of frozen yogurt and toppings seriously limited at most places on our stop, the deli selection makes this place a win for families or groups looking to find something for everyone.

All in all, the store’s simple atmosphere and owner-at-the-register vibe gave this place a great homegrown, neighborhood feel. We saw a good mix of families, adults and friends, and I felt comfortable being able to relax, sit back and linger for a while.

Also unique about Ben’s: There are two

locations. We went to the one on Broadway at Argonne. Ben’s runs a second Valley location at 1014 N. Pines.

Before leaving, we asked the kids to rank their fullness level on a scale from one to 10, and everyone hovered somewhere between zero and two, and at this point the only noticeable sign of a sugar rush was voice levels increasing by a couple decibels. Rachel was seen scraping the bottom of her yogurt dish

with her spoon long after what most people would consider empty.

When Noah started taking straight shots of salt from one of the shakers on the table, we decided it was time to head on to our next stop.

Total bill: $8.27

Go FroYo Walking into Go FroYo was a few steps

As we entered Froyo Earth, by far the busiest stop on our tour, Bri held both hands to the side of her face to exclaim, “They have cookies and cream!”

With flavors like red velvet cake, strawberry lemonade and pomegranate-raspberry, this stop earned a nod from our experts for most creative selection. The soothing and muted earth tones throughout the location’s motif might have also softened the blow of the impending sugar-coma meltdown.

The only downside to Froyo Earth was that we seemed to have showed up at the tail end of a major rush of customers, and the place was still in a bit of disarray. The staff was just beginning to clean up, but Chad ended up sitting in a puddle of chocolate on one of the couches and our table was smeared with someone’s crusted leftovers.

After slurping the last of their yogurts, our experts alternated between running in place, giving each other piggyback rides and laying on the floor moaning. Bri quietly asked Chad to help her finish hers, and everyone else seemed to be having trouble sitting up, so I figured that was my cue: “OK, everyone tell me your fullness level.”

See FROYO, page 32

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July 2012 • 31

business

Meet the experts:

“The Purist”: Bri Kimberley, 11

“The Mixmaster”: Ethan Bryeans, 11

“The Choco-holic”: Rachel Kimberley, 8

“The wildcard”: Noah Bryeans, 7

Bri’s orders are typically simple and inoffensive to the average palette. She was also the best at sticking to our three-topping limit. Despite her innate practicality, she was also the first to reach her eating limit.

Ethan isn’t afraid to break flavor barriers with mixes like peach and peanut butter. Almost every one of his orders had at least two yogurt flavors and a particularly shocking combination of sweet, sour, rich and fruity toppings.

If it’s chocolate-based, Rachel will do her best to fit it into the constraints of a size small frozen yogurt cup. The darker and richer, the better.

Even Noah had a hard time keeping up with his selections, often forcing him to dig through his yogurt cup with his hand to fish out a mystery-gummy.

As an aside, he also prefers his shirt to napkins.

Ben’s Yogurt-n-Deli

Go Froyo

Froyo Earth

Just Chillin’

9119 E. Broadway Ave., Suite B

15735 E. Broadway Ave., Suite B

325 S. Sullivan Road, Suite A

1322 N. Liberty Lake Road

Bri

Order: Alpine vanilla with chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles and cookie dough Comments: likes the sprinkles a lot, wished there were more flavors Rating: 5

Order: Peanut butter with chocolate chips, sprinkles, brownie bites and sour gummy worms Comments: good choice of toppings and fun seating Rating: 3

Order: cookies and cream with gummy bears, waffle cone pieces and York peppermint patty pieces Comments: first stop to have her favorite flavor, cookies and cream Rating: 4

Order: Cookies and cream with Andes mints, rainbow sprinkles and Reese’s pieces Comments: likes the toppings (this was the only place that had Andes mints) Rating: 4

Ethan

Order: Peanut butter and chocolate mix with marshmallow syrup, chocolate syrup, “gator balls*,” and Sour Patch Kids Comments: likes his personal concoction of sweet and sour Rating: 4

Order: Peanut butter and peach mix with “gator balls,” gummy worms, whipped cream and warm peanut butter sauce Comments: likes the TVs, modern décor and flavor selection Rating: 4.5

Order: Strawberry-banana and cookies and cream mix with “gator balls,” sour gummy worms, hot fudge and whipped cream Comments: softer seats and more interesting flavors Rating: 4.5

Order: mango tango sorbet with “gator balls,” chocolate rocks, Swedish fish and whipped cream Comments: the chocolate rocks are a good idea; creative flavors Rating: 5

Order: Chocolate with cookie dough, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate chips and chocolate syrup Comments: the cookie dough balls are particularly good Rating: 4

Order: Cable car chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, Reese’s syrup, Reese’s chips, white chocolate chips, chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles Comments: “The chocolate is SO chocolate-y.”

Rating: 5-

Order: Cookies and cream with chocolate syrup, butterscotch chips, Reese’s cereal and chocolate chips Comments: Seats are bouncy, and the cookies and cream flavor is excellent Rating: 5+

Order: Cake batter with chocolate rocks, brownie bits and rainbow sprinkles Comments: “Probably my favorite place I’ve ever been.”

Rating: 1,000

Order: Peanut butter with Reese’s syrup, Sour Patch Kids, “gator balls,” Oreos Comments: extremely excited to see “gator balls” — his favorite topping Rating: 4

Order: Cake batter with whipped cream, chocolate chips, sprinkles, Reese’s syrup, and “gator balls” Comments: lots of flavor options; appreciates seeing the Disney Channel on TVs Rating: 3

Order: Cake batter and Reese’s peanut butter with hot caramel syrup, gummy bears, candy corn, peach rings and cookie dough Comments: “They have several good kinds.”

Rating: barely 5

Order: Cake batter with chocolate rocks, brownie bits and rainbow sprinkles Comments: likes sitting at the high-top counter Rating: 5

Rachel

Noah

*Gator balls are yellow-orange gummy toppings filled with juice. They were called something different at every place, but our experts consistently referred to them by the aforementioned moniker.

32 • July 2012

business

The Current

Chambers of Commerce: Historic, yet relevant

The experts start to come down from the initial sugar rush by the third stop — Froyo Earth. Here, chaperone Chad Kimberley helps finish off Rachel’s order while the rest power through.

FROYO Continued from page 30

Noah almost cut me off with was seemed to be a perfectly timed burp. Interestingly, his fullness level now ranked a zero. The rest of the group averaged somewhere around a level seven. And Bri’s half-open eyes prompted me to start incessantly asking if she felt OK. Rachel informed me of a “surprise” she and Noah had planned for the next location, and I nervously scraped everyone up to head to our last stop.

Total bill: $11.65

Just Chillin’ In full disclosure, most of our experts considered Just Chillin’ in Liberty Lake to be part of their stomping grounds, and the excitement of a home turf was enough to perk them up long enough to eat through one more dish of frozen yogurt.

Turns out Rachel’s and Noah’s “surprise” was getting identical orders (phew!).

In addition to creative flavors, the kids also noted the fun selection of toppings.

Bri pointed out that this was the only place to carry her favorite: Andes mints.

Chocolate rocks — candy coated chocolates shaped like rocks — also made it into almost every order.

The white and blue interior and light-up countertop created a “cool” feeling to contrast the heat outside. The shop also serves hot dogs and soup for those interested in something other than sweets.

When it came time to check on fullness levels, Bri faintly answered with a nine.

Noah conceded to a 10, and Rachel just flashed ten fingers at me over and over.

Ethan Bryeans contemplates his yogurt selection at the wall of dispensers in Just Chillin.’ Below: Bri Kimberley scopes out the bins of toppings at Just Chillin.’

Ethan ranked himself a six and said he could go for more. However, by this time the group was asking most for a nap.

The kids headed home, and I don’t know if anyone made it through other end-ofschool celebrations, but I can confirm that our judges successfully held down their dinners without any serious episodes.

Mission accomplished.

Total bill: $8.96

Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Chamber was born. Now there are more than 5,000 local and state Chambers of Commerce. To give you some perspective, our Greater Spokane

By Eldonna Shaw Valley Chamber of Commerce is the sevCurrent guest column enth largest of 194 Chambers in the state of Washington.

The tradition of sharing information Have you ever wondered, “What is a continues among today’s Chambers of Chamber of Commerce?” Sometimes I am Commerce. There is no top-down authorasked this question after I introduce myself ity structure from the national Chamber and add that I am the CEO for our local through the states to the local Chambers.

Chamber of Commerce. I have to chuckle We are all freestanding, focusing on the because that question usually comes before members we serve. In Washington, the state or after, “Is that a real job?” I answer, “It cer- chamber is the Association of Washington tainly is and one of the most interesting in Business (AWB). We find it important to be the entire community.” a member of that group because they track legislation in The question, although not “Our Greater Olympia and provide us with frequent, raises the issue that Spokane Valley valuable information. many people may have a lack of understanding about the As to our history, we got Chamber of purpose of the organization our start in the area east of Commerce is the the City of Spokane along the and the value it adds to the community. It could also be Spokane River, and our major seventh largest that because Chambers have trade route was Highway 10 of 194 Chambers — later to become Interstate been around so long, they are taken for granted. With that 90. We were based in Greenain the state of in mind, it does not hurt to cres in 1921, helping to grow Washington.” reflect on some history. business as well as supporting the apple industry which was As nearly as anyone can tell, Chambers were a European invention. the growth industry of the times. Now we There were likely groups of merchants and are 764 member businesses and organizatradesmen who joined together to have a tions strong, still serving the same general greater voice or trading power as far back as area which is now a major retail and service the days of ancient Rome. However, the ear- hub of the Inland Northwest. We are a voice liest documented use of the name “Chamber for local business as well as an organization of Commerce” can be traced back to Mar- that helps grow small business through our seilles, France, in 1599. At first, I thought highly acclaimed entrepreneur training and the word “chamber” might mean a building business development program. or marketplace as a gathering spot to trade, Chambers of Commerce have a long hisbut it appears that it was more dependent tory that continues today. We are still busion the group of people who gathered to- ness and tradespeople who gather together gether. Many times these groups of business to do business and share ideas as did our people were brought together because they predecessors of centuries ago. Our regular shared a specific geographic area, common gathering time and place in the Valley is natural resources or trade routes. the third Friday morning of each month In fact, a “chamber” can also be defined at the Mirabeau Park Hotel, but we gather as a “representative body,” so it seems rea- throughout the community to celebrate sonable they organized to better serve their member’s grand openings or other imporcommon interests. These early groups came tant occasions. together to not only show off their wares Gatherings are not the only way we but to discuss issues of the time and to learn meet. Our Facebook page is consistently from each other. The idea of Chambers one of the best “Liked” Chamber pages in of Commerce caught on as a way to build the northwest. Technology has changed the stronger communities, so it spread to Ger- way we connect and communicate, but the many and the rest of Europe as well as the need for an organized group with a strong British Isles. voice continues as an effective way to grow In colonial America, the first Chamber a community and build economic prosperof Commerce was founded in New York in ity. Check out our Valley Chamber of Com1768. By 1870, there were 40 Chambers of merce because if you live, work or do busiCommerce in this country. In 1912, Presi- ness in the Valley, we can help you. dent William Howard Taft suggested the Eldonna Shaw is president and CEO of importance of forming a national Cham- the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of ber of Commerce to serve to help connect Commerce. Write to her at eldonna@spokabusiness communities across the country. nevalleychamber.org.

The Current

July 2012 • 33

business

Cupcake stop tastes true to its name Editor’s note: We brought in a few Love @ First Bite cupcakes to help pass the time at a recent Current staff meeting. Best decision we made that day, as it turns out. Anyway, it reminded us of a blog post Spokane Valley Scoop’s Craig Swanson served up in January, a revised version of which he allowed us to reprint below.

Love @ First Bite Desserts 11305 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley 891-2501 across America in recent years. And on a final hand (if one is allowed to have more than two), I learned that the Spokane Valley has a very crafty and talented soldier fighting to keep up with our demands, helping us to win the cupcake war but perhaps not so much with our battle of the bulge.

By Craig Swanson Spokane Valley Scoop

Monica Sanders and her Love @ First Bite Desserts cupcake bakery (11305 E. Sprague Ave.) is going like a batter out of you-know-where, cooking up as many as 20 dozen each day. Elaine and I stopped in on a Saturday around 2 p.m. and found her display case nearly empty as she appeared from the back with a batch of freshly baked red velvet reinforcements, which another waiting customer and I snatched two of before they could take their place on the front lines.

It has been an ongoing battle each day to keep enough of her sweet ammo stocked up to meet the onslaught of daily dessert-ers who come in seeking her little nummy-nummer bellybombs. She told us that since this was her first year, she did not know what to expect and was told not to expect much in January. But it turns out she is doing way better than she or anyone else guessed that she would and has been caught on more than one occasion with her apron down.

IF YOU GO

Current photo by Kelly Moore

The cupcakes at Love @ First Bite attract several local sweet tooths, including Spokane Valley Scoop’s Craig Swanson.

I guess I have been in La La Land these past few years and was not aware that cupcakes have been making a run on doughnuts for the top pastry snack. Saturday’s outing brought me up to speed fast. On the one hand, I was flabbergasted that this one-woman shop tucked away

in an easily overlooked strip-mall location could sell so many cupcakes by 2 in the afternoon.

On the other hand, as I devoured this small but heavenly gourmet-level snack that only cost $2.50, I could see why cupcake shops like Monica’s have sprinkled

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.

Mike’s Donuts: The hole story sell. The doughnuts are just sweet enough for most people, but not so sweet that customers end up with the standard splitting headaches that come free with every visit

By Kyle Hansen to Krispy Kreme.

Critics on Bikes Sometimes what makes a good meal even better is friendly company. If you come to Mike's Donuts regularly, he will Tired of the same old Hostess treats? know your name. Even those who don't Salvation is not as far off as you may think. work in his shop are usually cheerful. Very Mike's Old Fashioned Donuts will fill that few people there are under the age of 60, void in your life. and most of them are prepared with interI was first introduced to Mike's in 2006, esting stories. and since then, I haven't been able to stop On your next lazy Saturday mornmyself from visiting religiously. Mike's ing, you can count on Mike's Donuts cake doughnuts are so filling for a fresh-baked, worldthey could be a satisfactory class meal that just can't be breakfast. Though other flaturned away.

IF YOU GO vors may not be as filling, Critics on Bikes is a monthMike’s Old they each make up for that in ly column written by Kyle Fashioned Donuts their own way, be it a thick, Hansen, a lifelong Millwood creamy and rich center or a 11413 E. Sprague resident and junior at West Ave. glazed, sugary coating. PerValley High School. Local sonal favorites include the 315-3175 businesses are reviewed on a chocolate bismarks and the four-point rating system: 1/4 Critics on Bikes old-fashioned.

Rating: (road rash), 2/4 (flat tire), Mike's has the perfect 3/4 (bike lane) and 4/4 (Tour +4/4 Tour de France de France). recipe for everything they

Current photo by Kelly Moore

Mike’s Old Fashioned Donuts provides a fill of breakfast treats and flavored conversations.

sports University grad pitches to prominence at Gonzaga

The Current

34 • July 2012

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Tyler Olson was on a baseball diamond in Hawaii when his arm caved in after three pitches.

The then-sophomore lefthander from Gonzaga University via University High School would leave the field with a collapsed throwing shoulder and plenty of question marks. The good news was that a subsequent scan revealed no tear and with rest and rehabilitation, the cartilage around the socket would eventually heal.

So much for the Spokane native’s first visit to the tropics.

“It pretty much put a damper on the trip,” Olson recalls.

Beyond the spoiled island excursion, Olson’s baseball career had taken an unexpected turn.

The injury would eventually result in a medical redshirt for the remainder of the 2010 campaign while his return to the hill would prove more of a challenge than first imagined.

“Initially, I was discouraged,” Olson said. “I had to take a step back and realize I could be done with baseball.”

It wasn’t until later that summer that Olson began throwing at a decent pace. By the time autumn arrived on the Gonzaga campus, the southpaw was ready for practice but understood that his place in the rotation was far from a lock.

“That entire fall was a tryout,” he said.

While the preseason drills and scrimmages went well, Olson knew that the regular season schedule remained the true test. In his first game against Oregon State on Feb. 20, 2011, he threw as if the plate resembled a postage stamp.

He had six walks in three innings and watched the rest of the game from the dugout.

“I knew I was a better pitcher than that,” OIson said.

In the next series against Texas A&M, Olson remained on the bench. It was unclear at the time when, or if, he would get another chance to start.

Finally, on March 6, the redshirt junior was penciled in against the University of Pacific.

Pitching with the sort of resolve that would make Nolan Ryan tip his cap, Olson tossed a one-hit, complete game shutout. He was

Current photo by Craig Howard

A 2008 graduate of University High School in Spokane Valley, Tyler Olson led Gonzaga University in starts and innings pitched this year while posting an earned run average of 2.77. The lefthander was picked in the 17th round of the Major League Baseball first-year draft on June 6 by the Oakland Athletics. team in innings pitched (110.1) and finishing second in strikeouts with 90. He walked only 29 batters all year while allowing an average of 2.77 runs per nine innings.

officially back.

“That was kind of the turning point,” Olson said. “I knew there were some questions, but I had confidence in myself.”

Olson went on to establish himself as one of Gonzaga’s leading pitchers that year, finishing with a 6-5 record and a 3.97 earned run average. In 79.1 innings, he threw 63 strikeouts.

This past season, Olson was even better, earning honorable mention All-West Coast Conference recognition after leading the

“We always thought he had a chance to be really good,” said Gonzaga pitching coach Steve Bennett. “But the way he’s developed over the last two years, in terms of his strike-throwing ability and command of his pitches, has been great.”

The Oakland Athletics front office appears to agree. The A’s

selected Olson in the 17th round of the Major League Baseball firstyear draft on June 6.

As a senior at U-Hi in 2008, it appeared Olson might be more of a hitting prospect than a future pitching ace. He batted .486 for a Titans team that won its first Greater Spokane League regular season title since 1995 with an 18-2 record. The All-GSL first team selection played first base and pitched, compiling solid, though unspectacular, numbers of 34 strikeouts in 35 innings with a 3-1 record and 4.64 ERA.

BY THE NUMBERS

A glance at Tyler Olson’s pitching career Wins/Losses

Innings Pitched

Strikeouts

Earned Run Avg.

2008 — University High School

3-1

34.2

34

4.64

2009 — Gonzaga University

1-1

17.2

19

5.09

2010 — Gonzaga University*

1-0

16

16

6.19

2011 — Gonzaga University

6-5

79.1

63

3.97

2012 — Gonzaga University**

5-4

110.1

90

2.77

* Injured, medical redshirt ** Honorable Mention, All West Coast Conference

“Tyler’s tough to outwork,” said University head coach Scott Sutherland. “He’s a guy who led by example. His teammates really respected his approach to the game.”

While the Titans were ranked among the top three in Washington most of the year, the season ended on a sour note with a firstround state loss to Redmond that May. Still, Olson has fond memories of the campaign, including a rain-soaked victory at Titans Field against Ferris and University of Washington-bound pitcher Andrew Kittredge. A total of seven players on the U-Hi roster would go on to play college baseball on some level.

“The GSL was pretty strong that year, so to win it was great,” Olson said. “We had some really good leadership on that team.”

Olson has added roughly 10 miles per hour to his fastball since high school and now throws in the low 90s with a slider acknowledged as one of the best in the WCC. While he lost the bulk of his sophomore year mending his shoulder, Olson said the hiatus gave him new perspective on the science of throwing strikes.

“In high school, I was just a thrower,” Olson said. “In college, I’ve developed more pitches and better focus.”

Olson was zoned in throughout the 2012 season, including a start against the University of TexasSan Antonio on March 3 when he pitched a complete-game threehitter. On May 18, he allowed only five hits over eight innings against the University of Portland. Both wins earned him WCC Rawlings Pitcher of the Week honors.

“You see where his work ethic has paid off,” Bennett said. “It’s the process of a lot of bullpen practice and someone who is just very competitive.”

With one remaining year of college eligibility, Olson has yet to decide if he will sign a pro contract and begin his quest to throw in the Major Leagues. Whatever happens, this former Titan is sure to approach any challenge with the same determination he incorporates to bewilder opposing batters.

“It was pretty cool to be drafted,” Olson said. “I definitely want to be a starter at the next level. What I’m striving for is just to improve and keep working.”

The Current

An open letter to the IOC

By Chad Kimberley Current guest column

July 1, 2012 Dear Members of the International Olympic Committee, First off, let me say how excited I am for the London Games, which begin this month. There are all kinds of great story lines with Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte battling in the pool for gold medal

Valley’s ‘Ultimate Fighter’ wins FX show Nick Merchant

Current Contributor

Spokane Valley resident and Shadle Park wrestling coach Mike Chiesa was recently crowned the winner of FX’s “The Ultimate Fighter.”

The reality show gathers 16 Mixed Martial Arts fighters and places them in a house

July 2012 • 35

sports supremacy, the 20th anniversary of the one and only Dream Team, and Usain Bolt attempting to blister the track much like he did four years ago in Beijing.

Yet, I believe there are a few small or possibly major changes that could be made to make the Olympics experience even greater for the average fan sitting at home and watching the countless hours of coverage that NBC and its affiliates will provide. The key is to make a few tweaks to the Olympic roster of events.

As a baseball fan, I was greatly disappointed by the choice of the IOC to cut for 2012 both America’s pastime as well as softball, which Americans had dominated at the Olympic level. I understand the IOC has a heavy European influence but to drop a sport with bats and balls yet keep one with rackets and shuttlecocks seems a bit crazy to me.

Now I fully understand that these changes will not be able to be made immediately, and I certainly do not want to rob the athletes who have been practicing ping pong for the past four years their chance at Olympic glory, so my simple request is that by the 2016 games in Rio you will have made the following changes.

Shall we start first with the sports (and I say that word loosely) that need to go: • Synchronized Swimming. I admit, I don’t get it. Maybe I am an uncultured swine; maybe I don’t appreciate the work and effort that goes into having eight ladies stay in perfect form together. But when I look up the keys to success (according to the official London Olympic Games website, www.london2012.com) I find the sport “requires tremendous breath control.” I rest my case.

• Trampoline. Somewhere along the line, I missed that this was an event.

That alone should say it all, yet I will still argue the validity of an event that requires me to bounce really high and do some flips before landing. I do not doubt the athleticism of the competitors is legitimate, but I can also find three kids down at Sky High that will do a few flips through the air before landing in the foam pit. So, trampoline must go, although an interesting fact is it was invented at the University of Iowa in the 1930s — go Hawkeyes!

• Sailing. I remember as a kid watching countless hours of the America’s

Cup racing on ESPN and being bored out of my mind. Why did I watch it?

Simply because ESPN didn’t have the rights to any other sporting events.

Now they do, and the America’s Cup race has gone away. My point is simple; sailing is boring, and there are plenty other events that are more exciting to watch. Olympic organizers would have you believe that “mastery over everchanging conditions on open water requires skill and nerve,” but I tend to think if Captain Jack Sparrow was in the midst of these open waters it might require more nerve and skill and be more enjoyable to watch.

• Ping Pong or Badminton. This is a tough one, I would like to remove both events from the Olympic games, but that might cause angst with the racket and net community, so I will just get rid of one — the one I can play in my basement. While I admit that watching the lightning-fast paced ping pong competition at times can be exciting, I think I will cut the event and go watch Forrest Gump.

Now it is time to add some sports to

to compete for a UFC contract. Think “Big Brother” meets HBO’s “24/7” series.

The 24-year-old Chiesa was an underdog from the start. In the quarterfinals, Chiesa knocked out Justin Lawrence, an early favorite to win the show, before besting James Vick, who was also favored over Chiesa.

In the finale, Chiesa’s opponent, Al Iaquinta, was again expected to win. Iaquinta controlled the match early, forcing Chiesa into the corner with a fury of punches.

Chiesa used his height advantage and wrestling background to take Iaquinta to

the mat and choke him out for a quick first round knockout.

UFC president Dana White described Chiesa’s victory as a “storybook ending.”

Just days after making the first cut to live in the house, Chiesa’s father passed away from a battle with leukemia.

Chiesa left to attend the funeral but returned to the house just days later. The fighter racked up three quick victories and dedicated the wins to his father.

Valley golfer takes Idaho tourney

See LETTER, page 37

"I'm definitely happy I won the show," Chiesa said in a press conference after the finale. "It's the culmination of a lot of hard work. But I've got my next line of goals set up. I'm ready to go to the UFC." Chiesa has expressed interest in joining the card for the UFC’s return to England in September, but his next bout in the octagon has yet to be scheduled.

HUB hosts Hoopfirst The HUB hosted the 3-on-3 Hoopfirst tournament June 9 and 10 in Liberty Lake.

The event was held for boys and girls in 4th through 12th grades.

Submitted photos

Submitted photo

Spokane Valley resident Jake Dringle (back row, second from right) took top honors in his division in the Junior Golf Northwest tournament at Avondale Golf Club in Hayden Lake, Idaho.

Local Lens Share your snapshots for The Current’s photo page.

Email photos@valleycurrent.com with game shots and team photos.

Teams Southside Swish (left) and Survival (right) each took first place in their age divisions.

36 • July 2012

opinion

The Current

Generosity, character have deep roots at West Valley

By Jim Williams current Guest Column

Letter to the Editor Columnist inspires with take on courage I was so impressed by Jesse Sheldon (“Courage drives us to reach beyond ourselves,” May Current), the young man who dreamed and founded Inland Northwest Baby. He is wise and mature beyond his years. Not only that, but he knows of Maya

Angelou — a favorite poet of mine — and quoted her in his column.

Blessings to you in all you aspire, Jesse, as you are on the cusp of your adulthood, and the future seems very bright for you.

What an inspiring young man.

Carla Carnegie Otis Orchards

Current Editorial

School not out for summer As Spokane Valley-area students sign up for summer reading programs or take an extra class online, it’s time also for area adults to take the cue and engage the brain in civic duties this summer.

Whether it’s a citizen monitoring a busy election year or elected officials prepping for budget season, how we spend the

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

summer will pay dividends this fall.

It’s an election year: Informed voters don’t start studying the issues when the ballot arrives in the mail. Neither do responsible elected officials put off the public conversation about finalizing a budget until late in the fall. Responsible decisions are made with careful thought.

There’s no substitute for taking the time to feel confident and comfortable in the best possible decision.

Kudos to the Spokane Valley City Council for spending several hours already this year in retreats and meetings trying to get their heads around a difficult question: finding millions in the budget to keep up with future street preservation needs.

There are similarly many opportunities for voters to hear from candidates and study issues this summer — long before mudslinging political ads take over the commercial cycles in October.

Let’s not be a people who procrastinate.

A lazy summer day is still a great time to study up and plan ahead.

Where do good ideas come from? In West Valley, they come from many people. Good ideas flow when you are surrounded with dedicated and innovative professionals and community. Each person diligently looks for ways to make our schools better, and the kids benefit from those efforts. I have been privileged to serve on the West Valley School Board for many years now, and I can speak from experience that generosity is common in West Valley.

One example would be our recognized character education program. Several years ago, board members and administrators attended a national conference for the National School Boards Association.

Board Member Bill Zimmer (now retired) sat in a presentation on character education along with then Assistant Superintendent Sharon Mowry. The subject was how some innovative schools adopted a program to feature certain character traits each month to inspire their students.

These efforts took place in every school from kindergarten through high school.

The potential benefits were obvious.

They got excited!

Through their efforts, others also got excited and soon, it was incorporated in our district. Since then, each month, a character trait is highlighted, and our students study the trait and apply it in their daily activities. Good idea? You bet.

This month, the trait is “generosity.” I have listed our monthly character traits as they are all important: January: Fairness; February: Honesty; March: Diligence; April: Trustworthiness; May: Courage; June: Integrity; July: Generosity; August: Gratitude; September: Respect; October: Responsibility; November: Citizenship; December: Caring All these traits are significant, but this month let’s explore generosity as a character trait.

Certainly, from a personal standpoint, this is a great way to be. Being generous with your personal time, your resources and your willingness to help others is important and each person -- students and adults -- should adopt this goal in their lives. We each get so caught up in our activities and needs and forget sometimes that we are part of a larger group. Generosity is not a once-in-a-while thing, but it

should be a constant trait that we exhibit each and every day.

Certainly, in West Valley, we see generosity displayed in the personal efforts of our students, staff and parents. Their time and efforts are exhibited through events and volunteerism in each of our schools in more ways than we can list here. We simply could not operate at the high levels we need without their help and support.

They continue to give their time and caring, and we appreciate it more than I can say.

But there is more. There is also the generous support that our community historically gives to their schools. Our maintenance and operation and our technology levies comprise a large percentage of the financial support that is necessary to deliver a quality education experience.

In some districts, this can be problematical, but the partnership that we enjoy with our community is outstanding. They are more than generous in this way, and we constantly strive to be diligent in delivering a high standard of excellence in our operations.

One way we try to be generous as well is the event we call the West Valley Block Party. We invite all of our patrons to West Valley High School each year for the party. The school board and administrators enjoy serving a free spaghetti dinner with all the trimmings. Each school has exhibits highlighting what it is doing.

Schools work hard to make this a fun and informative time. This year on June 6, we served more than 800 visitors, and the costs were paid for and donated by our generous community businesses and the generosity of staff donating their time by working the event.

So, generosity is certainly evident in West Valley.

Character education for us and for everybody is a good idea. Generosity as a personal trait is a good idea. It is part of our culture and only one of the ways we strive to be the best we can be.

Jim Williams has been a West Valley School Board member for nearly 30 years.

He is a member of the nationwide organization “100 Civic Leaders.” He has been instrumental in a Civic Thinkers partnership between West Valley School District and Eastern Washington University. Jim’s five daughters are West Valley alumni, and his daughter, Debra Stephens, is a current Washington State Supreme Court Justice. This column was written as part of a monthly series highlighting the PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) character trait of the month that runs in PACE partner publications like The Current.

The Current

July 2012 • 37

sports

LETTER Continued from page 35

replace what has been removed. The key, I believe, is not to just add in sports that America can do well in, but sports that have both international interest and commercial appeal.

• Match Play Golf. First off, golf is very international with tournaments and world-class players found on every continent (except Antarctica, of course), and the Match Play format is one of the more exciting ways to watch golf. Imagine the concept of 64 golfers placed into four 16-golfer brackets playing 18 holes, head to head. Winners advance until there is the Final Four. Winners of the semifinals play in the gold/silver medal match while the losers face off for bronze. Can you imagine the commercial appeal of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson going for the gold?

• Mixed Martial Arts. Hand-to-hand combat is not a new concept at the Olympic Games with boxing, wrestling, taekwondo and judo already on the docket, but cage fighting would bring a brand-new excitement and interest.

Much like UFC has begun eclipsing boxing as far as commercial appeal and fan interest, having cage fighting at the 2016 Games could give a much-needed infusion to the other fighting events.

• Bowling. International appeal?

Check. Commercial Appeal? Not Really.

Wii Bowling in the Olympics? Hmmm, commercial and international appeal.

OK, maybe that is a stretch, but bowling is in essence the curling of the Summer Olympics. It is the event that we all can sit on our couches and believe that someday we could march in the opening ceremonies as an Olympic athlete.

• Home Run Derby. OK, OK, I know this is not going to happen and it is not a sport as much as an exhibition event, but I want baseball back in the games.

Since one of the goals was all about international appeal, what if we match up cricket players vs. baseball players?

Maybe the Cubs will never win a World Series, but maybe a Cub can win a gold medal.

So there you go, IOC, just some simple suggestions. I trust they will be considered for the next round of games, and, of course, if you are looking for any additional members of the committee, feel free to give me a call.

Sincerely,

Chad Kimberley

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

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The Current

38 • July 2012

community Volume 1, Issue 6 Editor/publisher

Josh Johnson

General Manager

Tammy Kimberley

josh@valleycurrent.com tammy@libertylakesplash.com

staff writer

Kelly Moore

kmoore@libertylakesplash.com

Intern Nick Merchant 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

Kyle Hansen Craig Howard Chad Kimberley Valerie Putnam

Eldonna Shaw Jayne Singleton Craig Swanson Mike Vlahovich

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 CALENDAR can find The Current? Continued from page 14 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 Family Dentistry, 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, Valley Young Peoples Clinic, Walgreens, Washington Trust Bank

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

Millwood Albertsons, Anytime Fitness, Argonne Library, City Hall, Dairy Queen, 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

Spokane Valley Off or near Barker Road Central Valley School District, Cozy Coffee, Lone Wolf Harley Davidson, Hico Village, HUB Sports Center, 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.

Ace Hardware, The Brickhouse Massage and Coffee Bar, Carl’s Jr., Dairy Queen, 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), Subway (N. Sullivan), Walgreens, Zip’s, Zelia’s

July 15 | Zumbathon 10:30 a.m. to 12:30

p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Event benefits American Heart Association. For more: www.hubsportscenter. com

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

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.

Affordable Optics 15 Ambrosia Bistro 6 Avista 13 Barlows Restaurant 21 Beauty Secrets Salon 23 Berean Bible Church - Upward Sports 13 The Bike Hub 6 The Black Diamond 3 Black Jack Limousine 15 Callahan & Associates Chtd.

11 Casey’s Place 11 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Giorgio’s Fitness 29

Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 23 Kathrine Olson DDS 6 KiDDS Dental 19 Legacy Animal Medical Center 15 Liberty Lake Church 29 Liberty Lake Golf Course 15 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 15 The Mat 17 On Sacred Grounds 2 Opportunity Medical 12 Pet Savers 21 Peter’s Hardware Insert Post Falls Family Dental 12

Relay For Life of Liberty Lake Rockwood Health System SCRAPS & Pawpular Companions SDS Realty Inc. Sealwize Select Simonds Dental Group Sleep City Sole Solutions Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Spokane Indians Valley Christian School Valley Hospital Zephyr Lodge & Conference Grounds

The Current, a monthly publication for the Valley, offers the same visual storytelling, eye-catching ads and community coverage Splash readers have come to depend on.

This free newspaper is available at more than 150 high-traffic locations around the Valley. Purchasing a subscription allows the convenience of having each copy mailed directly to your home.

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

Stay connected with The Current.

Off or near Pines and University Roads

Subscribe now.

Advertising Integrity

Off or near Argonne and Havana Roads

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.

Ben’s Yogurt and Deli, Caruso’s, Chan Bistro, Chester Store, 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, Rite Aid, Savageland Pizza, Skyway Cafe, Subway, Valley Bowl, Yoke’s Fresh Market, Zip’s

Copyright © 2012

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.

21 40 23 11 17 3 6 3 23 13 21 5 23

Interested in having The Current delivered to your mailbox?

Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for 12 issues (or $24 for 12 issues to addresses outside of Spokane or Kootenai counties).

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.

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

Lake. Promoted as one of the oldest races in the Pacific Northwest, the scenic route winds itself around the lake and concludes with a pancake breakfast. Registration due by July 13. For more: www.brrc.net

Spokane Valley Mall area

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

Correction policy

July 21 | PurpleRide Spoke-d’Alene

7 a.m., Centennial Trail. This 57-mile bike ride starts in Spokane and follows the Centennial Trail to finish at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene. Other options include a 36-, 14- and 4-mile ride as well as a 5K walk to support the fight against pancreatic cancer. For more: www. pancan.org/purpleride

SUBSCRIPTION FORM First and last name Address Phone number Email *All information is for internal use only and will not be shared with third parties. Checks can be made out to Peridot Publishing. Mail subscription form to Peridot Publishing, PO Box 363, Liberty Lake WA 99019.

“Informing , connecting and inspiring communities”

509-242-7752 | www.libertylakesplash.com

The Current

Taste test results: He’s a great dad

PARTING SHOTS

Taste test results

The four adults at the table each ranked the four maple bar varieties.

Four points were given for a first place vote on down to 1 point for a fourth place vote.

First place

By Josh Johnson Current staff column

What do you get for the man who has everything? How about something he can never have enough of?

For my dad, that's maple bars, so for Father's Day, I invited him to a maple bar taste test. Kim, the girls and I would provide four varieties of maple bars that he would have to independently sample and grade, I told him. And bring Mom. He was immediately in, but he had reservations on the whole concept of differentiating between the sweet treats.

"There's no such thing as a bad maple bar," he emphasized. "The difference is in that first bite — how far do your eyes roll back in your head?"

In the interest of full disclosure, my mission was to use a "blind" taste test — the bars were identified by colored flags, not by brand — to covertly wean Dad off of his long-time favorite: maple bars from the Albertsons bakery. I'd recently taken a liking to the maple bars from ScrumDiddilyUmptious, and I thought it high time Dad developed a more sophisticated (read: less "big-box") taste.

On Saturday morning of Father's Day weekend, I made an early run to pick up maple bars from four Spokane Valley locations: Albertsons, ScrumDiddilyUmptious, Krispy Kreme and Mike's. I carefully

Maple bars and the northwest While it’s difficult to independently verify, several self-proclaimed experts in cyberspace refer to the maple bar as distinct or native to the Pacific Northwest.

While maple bars can be found all over the world, they certainly have a rabid following — if not roots — in our corner of the world. After all, where else: • Can a doughnut shop soar in popularity with something called the “bacon maple bar”? This unique concoction is one of the more peculiar pastries that has put Voodoo Doughnuts of Portland, Ore., on the map. It’s a maple bar. With crispy bacon on top. And people eat it.

• Can an NFL rookie make headlines over a maple bar heist? That would be

July 2012 • 39

Current photo by Josh Johnson

A row of maple bars after they were readied for a “blind” taste test June 16. removed all the packaging and buried it in the garage garbage can to remove any evidence of the bars' origins.

When he arrived, we presented him with fruit, a drink of choice, and rows of maple bars halved and pinned with one of four colored flags. Dad immediately got his game face on, filled his plate and started making notes.

He explained he would be ranking each maple bar in four categories: texture, flavor, weight/heaviness and "eye roll." His recipe for "cleansing the palette" between maple bar brands was equally scientific: one bite watermelon, two grapes and a slurp of water.

I watched him for signs of breaking his Albertsons habit, but he kept his poker face. Finally, it was time for the results.

I surprised myself by voting for the orange flag — Mike's — in the top spot, with Mom concurring and Kim giving it a close second. Dad liked Mike's as well, but "yellow" remained his long-shot victor.

Oh brother. Of course, he chose Albertsons. And, of course, he knew he was choosing Albertsons.

Midwest import Golden Tate, now a third-year wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. Before his first regular season snap in the summer of 2010, however, Tate got into some trouble with the law when he and a friend noticed the back door ajar at 3 a.m. at Top Pot Doughnuts in Bellevue. The duo helped themselves to some fresh maple bars, because, as he was quoted in the Seattle P-I: “When I got here, that was one of the first things I had. They’re irresistible. It was a foolish mistake that won’t happen again, but if you ever want some maple bars, that’s the place to go.” The police warned him not to do it again, as did Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll, before adding: “I do understand the lure of the maple bars, though.”

• Can a man not only identify the

"Even though it was the third one I tried, I still had the eye roll," he said, before admitting "it might be a Pavlov's dog thing."

He continued: "It's beyond a 10. The whites of the eyes were all that were showing."

Mike's, it would turn out, ranked a respectable 8.57 on the eye roll, earning a distant second despite no other ballot reflecting such an injustice.

For a moment, I was disappointed by Dad's taste buds. But then I thought of all that I love about him, and how his propensity toward stubborn loyalty is actually near the top of that list. Whether he's driving past "lesser" gas stations with the tank on empty just so he could get to a Mobil or loving Mom and his kids with a giddy endurance that — in the case of his eldest son — defies the natural laws of patience, I'm a big fan.

So he's going to stick with Albertsons maple bars; that's no vice. Just another of his sweet virtues. And more Mike’s for me.

Josh Johnson is editor and publisher of The Current. Write to him at josh@valleycurrent.com. brand of a maple bar, but at which of that brand’s dozens of locations the bar originated? That would be my father, the inspiration behind the accompanying article on this page. Dad is such a longtime consumer of the maple bar recipe used

by Albertsons bakeries, he easily picked it out in a blind taste test as his favorite. But he didn’t stop there. He knew it wasn’t purchased from the Liberty Lake Albertsons closest to his house, because it was more “doughy” then that bakery makes them. (He was right, I bought it at Pines and 32nd.) He admitted he doesn’t buy his maple bars in Liberty Lake either, however. Apparently, the Albertsons bakery department in Coeur d’Alene is the one that has the recipe best dialed in.

— Josh Johnson

Mike’s Old Fashioned Donuts (14 points) Address: 11413 E. Sprague Ave. The skinny: With two first-place and two second-place votes, this was the hands-down consensus. Everyone commented on the craftsmanship of the doughnut as well as the taste, noting the crispy perfection of its outer layer combined with the smooth and soft goodness of its middle.

Cost: 85 cents

Second place

Albertsons bakery (11 points) Address: Multiple locations The skinny: On the strength of Dad’s first place vote, Albertsons landed the taste test’s No. 2 slot by a nose. Testers seemed to favor its “mapley” taste, though two commented on a less-than-desirable aftertaste. “Well, if you eat it fast enough, you won’t have that problem,” Dad interjected.

Cost: 50 cents (on sale; regularly 79 cents)

Third place

ScrumDiddilyUmptious Donuts (10 points) Address: 1201 N. Barker Road, Suite 3 The skinny: The doughnut no one could agree on, this received a first, second, third and fourth place vote.

Dad didn’t think it belonged in the contest. Kim and I loved the creamy lightness of the frosting, while Mom was originally turned off by the appearance before her first bite left her thinking it just might “win it all.” Alas, it didn’t, though three of us would devour another in a heartbeat.

Cost: $1

Fourth place

Krispy Kreme (5 points) Address: 15401 E. Indiana Ave. The skinny: Let’s just say the success of this popular North American chain was not built on the back of its maple bar. We couldn’t pinpoint what it was about the maple frosting that we didn’t love — too heavy? too sweet? too strong? too artificial? — but we didn’t love. We will certainly be returning to Krispy Kreme, but it will be for doughnuts of a more glazed variety.

Cost: $1.29

40 • July 2012

The Current