January 2020 Current by The Current

JANUARY

2020

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A spotlight on local non-profits, page 8

EAST VALLEY SEEKS LEVY REPLACEMENTS PAGE 22

A NEW YEAR FOR BRADEN PAGE 27

NEW MEALS ON WHEELS DIRECTOR PAGE 2

• JANUARY 2020

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Moving Forward – Edwards in driver’s seat and every day and has already at Meals on Wheels implemented changes that are By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

Jeff Edwards grew familiar with the unique mission of Meals on Wheels as director of the Corbin Senior Activity Center. Volunteer drivers stopped by the center in Spokane’s EmersonGarfield neighborhood each weekday to pick up warm food and deliver it to residents. Corbin also featured a congregate meal site where lunch goers would gather for nourishment and conversation with friends. “I saw it from afar and was always impressed with what Meals on Wheels did,” Edwards said. “When they say, ‘It’s more than a meal,’ it really is.” Edwards took the helm at the center – consisting of around 1,000 members – in October 2016 at the age of 37 and worked there nearly three years. “It opened my eyes to the needs of seniors,” he said. The experience would serve Edwards well as he transitioned to his next career stop as executive director of Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels. He began on Sept. 9, 2019, leading an organization that provides over 20,000 meals a month through home delivery and meal sites known at “Silver Cafes” that now number a dozen throughout the county. The agency has its administrative home in Spokane Valley near Pines and Sprague. Edwards took over an agency that found itself in the shadow of controversy over the past year. In February, the organization’s former bookkeeper Michelle Ferrell pled guilty to wire fraud and in September, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for embezzling close to $100,000 from Meals on Wheels. “I had a lot of questions like the public did,” Edwards said. “I was aware of it but I also understood that they had a need and I felt I could contribute.” As part of the decision, Ferrell

was required to pay restitution of $99,871 and will be under three years of court supervision after incarceration. Edwards said it was clear that “the mission went forward” despite the turbulence with a committed board, staff and volunteers leading the way. “It’s been important to tackle those questions head on and restore that confidence,” he said. “Now, in terms of accounting practices, we’ve got everything you’d ever want in place.” Board Member Alan Curryer, CEO of Rockwood Retirement Communities, said Edwards is the right leader at the right time. “Jeff joins Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels at a time when the organization will need to step up to meet a growing need in the community driven by the baby boomers and the age wave,” Curryer said. “Jeff is an experienced nonprofit executive and has a track record of success in dealing with growth and organizational change. He brings energy to this work each

benefitting us and the seniors we serve.” A native of Tennessee, Edwards grew up near Memphis and enlisted in the Marines at 17. After graduating from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee with a degree in political science, Edwards began working for Youth Villages, a nonprofit that helps at-risk adolescents and has branches in a dozen states. In addition to his nonprofit and military experience, Edwards worked as an English instructor in China and found success as a freelance writer and blogger. With a budget split almost evenly between public and private funds, Edwards understands the need to rally and sustain donor support. He is quick to point out the agency’s low overhead with 91 cents of every contributed dollar going directly to the mission. “We want to make people aware of the need and the impact,” Edwards said. Jeff and his wife Jennifer – a graduate of East Valley High School and Eastern Washington University

Photo by Craig Howard Jeff Edwards took over as executive director of Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels in September. The native of Tennessee previously worked as the director of the Corbin Senior Activity Center in north Spokane.

– are proud parents of three kids – 10, 7 and 5. Q: Some people might be reticent to take over an organization that has faced the challenges that Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels has gone through recently. Why didn’t this deter you? A: When I interviewed for the position of executive director, I was aware of the challenges over the past two years in regards to the fraud that was perpetrated on the organization. However, what sold me on this organization was the fact that during that turbulent season, the mission never suffered. Seniors continued to receive their muchneeded nutrition and socialization as volunteers and staff never wavered in their commitment to ensure that everyone eats. It was also clear to me that the board of directors was aggressive in shoring up and implementing toptier accounting practices when the problem was discovered. As a result, I walked into the job on day one with every accounting practice a nonprofit organization would ever want already in place. Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels is a resilient organization and I was truly excited to steward this organization into the future. Q: How did your leadership role at the Corbin Senior Center prepare you for this job? A: My service at the Corbin Senior Center really introduced me to the needs of our senior community and just how many difficult decisions that our seniors have to make. Unfortunately, far too many wait until a moment of crisis to make those decisions. It also reinforced to me that the pursuit of joy is timeless. Regardless of age or circumstances, every senior deserves to know a little joy in each day and that joy can come in the form of a meal. Since we were children, we all get excited when lunch time arrives that doesn’t change for our seniors. It truly is our joy to serve them and for every senior that participates in our program, we thank them for letting us be a part of their story. It is true that our seniors will need help from time to time but we can’t forget that is only after a generation and a lifetime of them helping everyone

The Current

JANUARY 2020 • 3

NEWS

else. They deserve the support and the joy that Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels can deliver. Q: Meals on Wheels has such a recognizable brand but with this brand may come some unfair stigmas, including the quality of the food. What are some other stereotypes you’d like to dispel? A: Most people do not realize that with Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, our food is made fresh every morning in our local kitchen. We have a dedicated group of staff who begin in the early hours of the morning to ensure that whatever meal our seniors enjoy that day is fresh. I’d also like for seniors to know that our meal delivery is not income based. Regardless of income, if you find yourself a senior with limited mobility and you are struggling with any of your daily living activities such as meal preparation, we can be there for you. We do not have a waiting list here and if someone calls us on Monday, there is a good chance they can be receiving meals on Tuesday. For a senior to participate in our program does not mean that they are taking the food from someone else. Thanks to our public/private partnership with Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW), we have the resources to support our seniors today. ALTCEW seeds our organization with a public dollar and then we reach out to raise exponential private dollars that allows us to serve seniors in every capacity. As a result, 91 cents of every donor dollar is able to go straight to the mission as opposed to overhead. It truly is an innovative approach of which Spokane should be proud. Q: In what ways is Meals on Wheels more than just about dropping off food? A: The social component is a huge piece of what we do. Whether that is encouraging seniors to dine at one of our 12 congregate locations or simply offering a warm smile and conversation when we deliver to a home, that human contact is priceless. For many of our seniors, not only will the meal we deliver be the only meal they eat that day but our volunteers are their only human faces they may see that day. With this in mind, we actually deliver dog and cat food one day a week to participants. To our seniors who are isolated, their pets are their family and we have found that our seniors will sacrifice their own nutrition to feed their pets. So, we deliver pet

food to ensure the whole “family” is taken care of. Perhaps most importantly, our home delivery service serves as a daily check-in to a vulnerable population. We knock on the door everyday and if no one answers, we call the client as well as their emergency contact. This daily check-in serves as a safety net for the seniors and offers reassurance to the children of our clients as they know someone is looking out for mom and dad. Q: You have an amazing collection of volunteers that keeps your operation running on all cylinders. What makes this group so special? A: I have been in the nonprofit management world for about 20 years now and I am absolutely blown away by the commitment and resiliency of our volunteers. We have people who have been delivering meals to seniors for decades and they show up every week eager to serve again. The entire Meals on Wheels model simply doesn’t work without volunteers and they are an essential piece to the program. On the average, it takes about one hour once a week to deliver meals, but it is the backbone of what we do. I cannot say enough about our volunteers and I don’t think I have seen anything quite like it in all my years of nonprofit management experience. Q: As a native of the South, what are some of the major differences between the Inland Northwest and where you grew up? A: Well, there is certainly a little more snow than I’m used to in Memphis. That’s taken some getting used to, but the summers here are worth it. The lack of humidity makes summer enjoyable and the Inland Northwest boasts just about every outdoor adventure you could ever want. I’d also have to brag on Spokane’s public park system. If you have not lived in another city, you may not truly appreciate what a gem the public park system is here in our region. I have to settle for a few less options of my favorite fried southern foods or a good glass of sweet ice tea, but I think the tradeoff is worth it and I’ll perhaps be healthier as a result! As for the local nonprofit community, I’ll also say that Spokane is a very generous community. I’ve been impressed by how willing the community is to support local causes and nonprofits like Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels thrives as a result. See EDWARDS, Page 25

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• JANUARY 2020

Lodging tax grants awarded Bill Gothmann

Current Contributor

Centerplace Roof to be Replaced Following a consultant’s study of the numerous leaks in the Centerplace roof, staff recommended that it be replaced with a standing seam metal roof at a total project cost of $607,000. Centerplace opened in September of 2005. Leaks in the roof became significant in 2014 and repairs were made in 2015 and 2016. However, they continued to occur, so in 2019, Architects West was consulted. The problem is under the roof tiles. The original roof type was popular at the time, but it did not stand up to the area’s freeze-thaw cycles and is no longer used for new installations. The new roof would have long life, excellent weather tightness and require virtually no maintenance. Plans are to start construction in mid-April and to be completed by the end of May. Council consented for staff to replace the roof. Split Decision Approval for Northwest Winterfest Grant As discussed in last month’s The Current, the City has a 2% hotel/motel tax to generate funds for tourism. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) makes recommendations for grants to agencies for this purpose and sends these recommendations to Council. Council has the option of either approving or disapproving each recommendation or sending the entire package back to LTAC for reconsideration. The committee recommended setting aside $450,000 of the $795,000 budget for a “large sports venue or venues for tourism facilities that generate overnight guests.” The Committee decided the remainder would go for grants to Hub Sports Center ($55,020), JAKT – Crave NW ($18,600), JAKT – Farmers Market ($8,000), JAKT – Oktoberfest ($8,400), Northwest Winterfest ($48,000), Spokane Fair and Expo Center ($66,000), Spokane Sports Commission ($45,000), Valleyfest ($18,600), Valleyfest Cycle Celebration ($1,380), and Visit Spokane ($50,000). However, on Dec. 12, when Deputy Mayor Pam Haley made the motion for final approval of these recommendations,

NEWS she assigned Winterfest zero funds, indicating “They cannot do what they said they were going to do with this amount of money. … They have promised it in the past and not delivered.” Council Member Ben Wick attended the Winterfest kickoff event, stating “I believe they have come on with some pretty large sponsorships. I know Avista has come on as the presenting sponsor.” Council Member Arne Woodard stated, “I’m going to vote for the zero for a lot of reasons. Initially they said they did not need money. They needed our park. Now they want lots of money in addition to that.” He called this a bait and switch. Council Member Brandi Peetz, who also attended the Winterfest kickoff event, noted they have sought other forms of support in addition to Avista. Additionally, the City of Spokane just awarded them a grant. Council member Wood, noting he chaired LTAC where it received a unanimous vote, supported the Committee’s recommendation. A motion by Wick to include the Winterfest grant passed by a 4:3 vote with Mayor Higgins, Deputy Mayor Haley, and Council member Woodard dissenting. Council Opposes Local Income Tax Seattle passed an income tax on high income citizens. However, on appeal, the court ruled that it was not constitutional because it did not apply equally to all citizens. Thus, a flat income tax might be acceptable. The State Supreme Court has yet to rule on the issue. The City of Spokane placed a proposition on the ballot prohibiting any local income tax and voters in every precinct approved the measure. Given the uncertainty of the issue in the courts and in the legislature, the Spokane Valley City Council unanimously passed a resolution voicing opposition to a City levied income tax. It should be noted that a future Council could weigh in with a different resolution. Spokane Valley Arts Council (SVAC) to Donate Sculpture In March, Council approved an agreement that reduced to writing the method by which SVAC can donate art to the City. In November, Staff brought forward a motion to accept a bronze sculpture, “The Assent” by Gary Lee Price from SVAC. This sculpture has been at the home of Dr. James Harken for some time and was appraised at $64,650. Recently, Dr. Harken decided to present it to SVAC so they could present it to the City and the City

accepted the gift. It is expected to be placed in Balfour Park as part of the park’s development. In the meantime, it will be stored. Homelessness Action Taken Staff has been meeting with various agencies to learn more about homelessness, identify resources, and plan for City action. They met with 13 different agencies, both public and private, and have identified seven resources. The Frontier Behavioral and SNAP Outreach Team has requested additional funding through a $1.5M County Housing and Community Development Request for Proposal, allocating Homeless Housing Assistance Act (HHAA) dollars (of which Spokane Valley contributes approximately $550,000 per year), beginning January 1, 2020. The Sheriff’s Office and Frontier Behavioral received additional funding through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and now have two mental health co-response teams that can be utilized to interact and manage homeless individuals struggling with mental illness. The City of Spokane Valley has budgeted $100,000 in 2020 to support this effort or similar services. Jewel’s Helping Hands has continued to provide relocation, transportation, laundry and shower services through private funding. Avista is utilizing dollars from their philanthropy program to fund programs for the homeless, such as the new warming shelter. The City will participate in community talks to make sure Spokane Valley is considered in how these funds are being utilized. The City could consider utilizing outside agency funding to support agencies that support City’s homelessness plan. The City could take advantage of affordable housing sales tax credit and consider other incentives to increase the stock of affordable housing. Currently, there are $1.1 million of Homeless Housing Assistance Act money being expended on programs within the County and 16 applications for $3.3 million in additional funds. There are 709 beds available throughout the County; 359 for adult men, 158 for adult women, 171 for families, and 21 for youth. The largest provider is Union Gospel Mission with 328 beds. The County just approved taking $750,000 out of the funds built up from recording fees (including those

The Current

Photo by Ben Wick Councilman Sam Wood addresses the crowd at his farewell party Dec. 17, 2019. Mr. Wood held position 6 from 2015-2019. from Spokane Valley) and using these to fund 18 months operation of a warming center, the location of which is yet undecided. The Center would not just provide warmth, but include addressing issues of the homeless individuals. Before passing the resolution to do this, Commissioners questioned Spokane Valley representatives to determine the City’s needs and concerns and addressed these issues. The City has a goal to remove high-conflict homeless camps from City property such as Balfour Park by gaining the confidence of the homeless and providing the necessary services to move individuals out of these areas. The City is also planning to provide a summary of who the homeless actually are and discuss various options including cost benefit analysis and funding sources to address the problem. Fees Increase for City Services Council approved the following changes to fees the City charges: Planning Department: Add a small cell permit application with fees of $500 for up to five small cell sites, and an additional $100 for each site beyond five. Parks and Recreation: Increase swimming lessons from $35 to $40 and swim team fees from $45 to $60. Centerplace: add a rental fee for the Executive Conference Room of $156 for four hours or $416 per day; add a fee for west lawn Weddings of $1000 for two hours (Centerplace Reception); add a cleanup fee for groups bringing their own food on Sundays of $52 for groups under 30

The Current

NEWS

in a small meeting room, $210 for groups under 150 in a large meeting room or lounge, $500 for groups over 150 in the Great Room; add a picnic shelter fee at Browns Park of $84 for five hours; add an undeveloped Balfour park rental/use fee of $500 per day; delete the horse arena fee; revise some damage deposits. 2019 Multifaceted Marketing Effort The City has three key strategies within its five-year marketing plan: promote business recruitment, retention, and expansion; increase events and promote tourism; and build brand identity and engage the community. In 2019, the City used video, digital marketing, social media, point-of-service, website content, email marketing, and traditional media as part of implementing those strategies. Videos reached 80% of the Spokane TV market and 24% of the Seattle/ Tacoma TV market. Social media channels included Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Scope Changed for Grant to Spokane Valley Summer Theater (SVST) SVST received a grant of $5000 to conduct a performing arts playin-a-week camp. However, Central Valley School District notified SVST that Central Valley High School’s theater is unavailable due to repairs. Thus, SVST is unable to conduct the camp. However, University High School is available and SVST wishes to offer three productions there. They applied to the City to permit them to use the funds for these productions and for programming expenses, since the change in venue will require considerable effort. Council approved. State Legislative Lobbyist Selected The City went out for bids on state lobbying services. Only one response was received, that from the City’s present lobbyist since 2007, Gordon Thomas Honeywell. Since staff and Council were pleased with their service, Council approved authorizing the City Manager to finalize a proposed agreement, costing $60,000 per year, an increase of 3% over last year’s contract. The initial contract was set at $90,900 for 18 months in order to move the expiration date to June 30, which better meets the needs of the City to prepare for the legislative session that occurs in the first quarter of the year. The contract would include up to four yearly renewals.

Vactoring Services Extended In 2018, the City went out for bids for storm drain cleaning services. The $207,587.50 bid was awarded to AAA Sweeping and included up to four extensions if mutually agreed by both parties. Council agreed to renew the contract for 2020 and include a 1.8% increase in hourly rates. However, labor and materials costs are limited to the same as 2019. Thus, AAA Sweeping will be working less by 1.8% but receive the same pay as in 2019. Procurement Code Changes Approved Council approved an ordinance modifying the City’s procurement code to coincide with recent changes at the State level. Generally, State law requires the City to use formal competitive bidding for large public works projects, but allows use of bidders off a “small works roster” for small public works projects. Finally, the State Legislature has set limits for very small public works projects and does not require competitive bidding below those limits. The ordinance redefines the “lowest responsible bidder” as the lowest bidder or the second lowest bidder within 5% of the lowest bidder when determined that past performance of the lowest bidder has not been up to specifications on past projects. Contracts must be competitively bid if they are in excess of $350,000, up $50,000 from the previous limit. Under $350,000, the small works roster may be used. The lower threshold under which competitive bidding is encouraged but not required was raised from $65,000 to $116,155 where two or more crafts or trades are involved, and from $40,000 to $75,000 where only one craft or trade is involved. The ordinance also allows the City to contract with the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) to maintain its small works roster. The City Manager’s contract authority for “contracts, contract modifications, or change orders without city council” in aggregate is changed from $200,000 to $350,000. Interlocal for Barker Road Homes Sewer Project Approved Council approved an interlocal agreement with the County for the Barker Road Homes Sewer Project, relinquishing the City’s 2020 and 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) set-aside so it can be used to assist eligible low and very- low-income homeowners with assessment and connection charges.

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Current Contributor

The board of the Central Valley School District has also approved a resolution to put a levy on the ballot in February. That levy would be for the 2021 school year and has a value of $11,750,000 according to Central Valley School District Superintendent Ben Small. A little over 14,000 students attend 27 different schools in the Central Valley School District, including two comprehensive high schools, two special schools and a virtual learning school. “Our levy also pays for safety and security personnel,” Small said. “As a growing school district we need to sustain the safety level we currently have.” Small said the levy has nothing to do with the flurry of school construction that’s been going on in Central Valley. That construction was funded by a bond that was approved by voters some years ago. “The levy pays for 30 additional teaching positions in our district,” Small said. “We only get funding for 3.5 nurse positions for our district but we have 16 nursing staff. This levy pays for that difference.” Small emphasized that the 2021 levy is to fund existing programs and staff. “We are not asking for anything extra,” Small said. “This is to maintain the quality programs we already offer.”

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By Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner The maps provided below depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Thefts from a Vehicle (also known as vehicle prowling), Burglaries and Thefts. As you view the map each circle will contain a number indicating how many instances of a particular crime were reported at that location. Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. I encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in progress, to report a crime. Bi g G

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Safety Awareness Channel

2019 November Vehicle Theft IBR Offenses Hotspots

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Prepared By: Spokane County IT in conjunction with Spokane County Sheriffs Office on 12/4/2019

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Prepared By: Spokane County IT in conjunction with Spokane County Sheriffs Office on 12/4/2019

SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH

Winter safety tips 1. Leave out your handswalking with your hands not in your pockets increases your risk of falling. 2. Wear mittens- having your fingers touching inside your gloves generates more body heat. 3. Warm up before shoveling - do some stretching to avoid or march in place to avoid injury while removing snow. 4. Rock salt and kitty litter sprinkle on your walkways to help melt ice and add traction. 5. Warm up before driving - let your vehicle warm up to reduce the condensation build up on the inside of your windows. 6. Report damage - if a winter storm occurs immediately report any down or damaged power or gas lines. 7. Check your furnace - every year 400 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Common symptoms invlude “flu-like” persistent headache, vomiting, chest pain, ect.

• JANUARY 2020

The season of giving leads to a new year of hope By Ben Wick

Current Publisher

As we reflect on all that we have accomplished in 2019 and look forward to a new year, and a new

Projectid

Started in November of 2013 by the parents of a daughter who has special needs, Projectid is a non-profit organization with the goal to provide opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy the same pleasures, responsibilities, and growth opportunities as every young adult. The activities are catered to meet the individual’s unique needs. In its second phase of the

COVER STORY decade, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead” This year we at The Current would like to challenge each of our readers to give the most valuable gift, your time, to a local nonprofit or community organization that matches your interests. Or go one step further, get your friends

together and create your own. Anything that helps our neighbors and strengthens our community. Then tell us about it! Send us a photo of you and/or your crew to us with a brief description of how you are helping the community with the names of the non-profit and we will print it in upcoming editions throughout 2020! Here, and throughout this edition we have given some examples of organizations that may

The Current

interest you to take up as your community service project this year. We hope each of you have a wonderful 2020!

Send your photos of community involvement/ volunteering to: TheSound@valleycurrent.com or text it to 509-701-7126

six phase master plan, Projectid operates a recreation center called “The Wolf Den” which helps with skill development; a friendship church; organizes “The Wolfpack” which is one of the largest special Olympics teams in the state, and is currently working to provide classes for transitional living skills, resource management, and healthy living. Want to get involved? Projectid is always looking for volunteers! Whether you want to spend evenings playing basketball or doing crafts with members, lead or help with girls’ night, or help plan a special event, we welcome your willingness to help and your talents! In particularly they are looking for general volunteers for Wednesday through Saturday nights, and a yoga instructor to teach a weekly or every-other week yoga classes. For more information contact ProjectId at projectidspokane. org or by calling 509-475-7185 (Wed through Sat 6pm to 9pm)

ParaSport

With integrity, ParaSport Spokane will provide training and competitive athletic opportunities for youth and adults with physical disabilities that promote success, self-worth and independence. ParaSport Spokane is a big believer in character building through sports and uses adaptive sports as a catalyst for life. So much so that they have partnered with another Spokane Valley based organization called Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) to promote their mission of “Bringing Character to Light!” Guided by the PACE Character Trait of the Month, they promote and integrate each trait into the activities of the organization and have been recognized as an organization of the month.

The core sports that ParaSport Spokane offers are wheelchair basketball and track & field, and are contested at the Paralympic Games (which is different than the Special Olympics as athletes who compete within Paralympic sports have physical disabilities while Special Olympics athletes have intellectual disabilities) Want to Get Involved? It takes thousands of volunteer hours to organize all of the activities at ParaSport Spokane offers and they are always looking for people interested in coaching. ParaSport Spokane is also having a their 4th annual celebration and storytelling silent auction to help support their mission on Feb 1st at The Hangar Event Center at Felts Field, tickets are $60 per person. More information on how you can volunteer with or attend their event can be found at parasportspokane.org or by emailing Teresa Skinner at tskinner@ parasportsspokane.org

The Current

Teen and Kid Closet

Teen and Kid Closet is all about dignity for an often-overlooked population, children in need. They give new or gently used clothing to children who need it, focusing on youth in foster care or in poverty. Teen and Kid Closet has a brick and mortar shop in Spokane, serving all of eastern WA and North ID. Every shopper, from babies to young adults are welcome to our free shop. Each child has to be

Feed Spokane

Supported by the Spokane Regional Health District, Feed Spokane is a non-profit organization that brings local restaurants, grocery providers, and community members in the greater Spokane area together to safely preserve prepared foods from restaurants and grocery stores, which then go to non-profit organizations who serve free meals to those in need. How It Works -- commercial kitchens package excess food in provided containers rather than disposing of it, and freeze it. Feed Spokane rescues frozen food from commercial kitchens or warehouses regularly, or as needed and distributes it to coalition member

COVER STORY referred by someone of authority: social worker, school counselor, etc. Most of the youth they serve have no other access to nice clothes. They site that 11,000 children in WA State are in foster care and 3,000 homeless kids are listed in Spokane County. The organization and its boutique are run solely by volunteers and is open for church groups or other organizations to get involved. Want to Get Involved? In addition to looking for volunteers to help operate the boutique clothing donations are also very appreciated. They are particularly looking for very gently used: pants, tops, dresses, skirts, coats, jackets, PJs and accessories like belts, sunglasses, hats, ball caps, etc (in any size from newborn to very large adult). More information can be found at teenkidcloset.org or by calling 509-534-1151

meal sites across Spokane Valley / Spokane. Rescued food is then safely served to those who need it in our area. Donors are eligible for a tax write off and save on disposal costs while non-profit coalition meal sites save on food costs. Win-win! For those concerned with the liability of donating prepared food, Feed Spokane cites the federal “Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act” protections which states that donors “shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of apparently wholesome food or an apparently fit grocery product that the person or gleaner donates in good faith to a nonprofit organization for ultimate distribution to needy individuals.” Want to Get Involved? Feed Spokane is always looking for volunteers. More information can be found at feedspokane. org/get-involved

Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank & Family Services

When local families, vulnerable youth, and impoverished elderly face significant obstacles Spokane Valley Partners is there to provide a safety net for those in need. With roots of compassion dating back over 60 years, Spokane Valley Partners has grown to meet the needs of the community as the largest social services agency in Spokane Valley. With service lines and programs now including the Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank, Spokane Valley

JANUARY 2020 • 9

Partners Clothing Bank, Inland Northwest Diaper Bank, Food for Thought, Emergency Services, and Payee Services. Quick facts on Spokane Valley Partners service from 2018: 10,251 families were served through the food bank receiving 1.4 million pounds of food, 500 students each week served in the food for thought program (sending backpacks of food home so they would be able to have food over the weekend), just under 20,000 hours were volunteered to help the community. Want to Get Involved? Weather you are interested in hosting a food or diaper drive, donating money, or able to share some of your time volunteering. Spokane Valley Partners couldn’t do all that they do without your help. More information can be found at www. svpart.org/volunteer or by calling 509927-1153

• JANUARY 2020

COMMUNITY

The Current

Calendar of Events

COMMUNITY EVENTS Until to Jan. 2 | Winter Glow Spectacular – Various times, Orchard Park, 20298 E Indiana Ave Orchard Park will be lit up with Holiday lighting and displays, including animation and music. It’s all FREE, walkable or drivable around the perimeter. Jan. 4 - 5 | Boy Scout Christmas Tree Recycling – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Central Valley High School, University High School Parking Lots or home pickup. Minimum suggested donation is $5 for drop off or $10 for pickups. All proceeds go to support Scout Troop 400, an active troop with over 75 boys from across the Spokane Valley. Jan. 9 | Tailhead Master Plan Public Meeting – 7 p.m., Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E Country Vista Dr., Liberty Lake. Jan. 18 | Bingo, Auction, and Chili Feed – 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Veradale

United Church of Christ, 611 N. Progress Road, Spokane Valley. We will have Bingo with Prizes a Silent Auction and a night of FUN! Cost is $10.00 at the door for Chile, cornbread, beverage, dessert & 2 Bingo Cards. For more, 509-926-7173 or veradaleucc@gmail.com. Jan. 18 | Free IT Assistance – 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Downtown Public Library, 12004 E Main Ave, Spokane Valley. Drop by with any of your general technology or computer-related questions during our Open Office Hours, as IT professionals help assist the public. This service is free, and is offered on a first come first serve basis. For more, FutureAda.org Jan. 25 | Friends of the Library Book Sale – 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E Main Ave, Spokane Valley. Proceeds from book sales support various library programs, activities, and services. Presale access is also available starting at 8:30 a.m. for a $10 admission. For more, 509-9945633 or scld.org/friends-of-thelibrary/

Jan. 25 | Fairfield’s Service Club Chili Feed – 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Fairfield Community Center, 304 E Main St, Fairfield. Contribute your own chili dish and eat for free! Or $5 to enjoy all you can eat chili, cornbread, and cinnamon rolls. All profits go towards fixing up “The Baseball Pit” in Fairfield.

RECURRING ACT 2 Senior Classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. For more, search for “Act 2” at scc. spokane.edu. Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursday of the month, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. For more, call 599-2411. Café Card Club | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford. Play pinochle, cribbage, or hearts. For more, call 951-7039 or email onsacredgrounsrising@gmail.com. Catholic Singles Mingle | Meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www.meetup. com/Catholic-Singles-Mingle.

Experience the Difference of Pentecost

Come and Pray with Us! Services: Sunday @ 11am & Tuesday @ 7:30pm Prayer: Monday-Saturday 6am-9am www.spokanecornerstonechurch.org 21326 E Mission Ave, Liberty Lake WA

Free Last Sunday Lunch | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley - 12:30 p.m. on the final Sunday of every month in the church’s Fellowship Hall, Room 115 Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this community-based service organization. For more, call 2262202. Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www.

milwoodpc.org. Rockford Crochet Class | 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. Free classes. We have crocheters, knitters, embroidery, quilting and needlepoint. Come and share what you are doing. For more, call 2913722. Rockford Historical Society | 11:30 a.m. second Friday of the month (February to November), The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. For more, call 291-3193. Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at scld.org. Spokane Valley Eagles | 16801 E. Sprague Ave. Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch served Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by bingo from 1 to 3:30 p.m. More at www.foe3433. com. Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank | Weekly distribution takes place Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10814 E. Broadway Ave. by appointment. Appointments are available during the following days/times: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (reserved for age 60 and over and physically-handicapped people with limited mobility). Address verification required. To make an appointment, call 927-1153, ext. 10, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants can access a comprehensive library, engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at svqgspokane.com. Spokane Valley Senior Citizens Association | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Activities

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COMMUNITY

include bridge, billiards, book club, Red Hat Ladies, Mahjongg, ACT II classes, foot care, Medicare assistance, monthly excursions to Northern Quest Casino, Meals on Wheels location and more. Annual dues are $25/single or $45/couple. For more, call 926-1937 or visit spokanevalleyseniorcenter.org.

MUSIC & THE ARTS Jan. 5 - 6 | Gulliver’s Travels Auditions – 6pm, TAC at the Lake, 22910 E. Appleway Ave., Liberty Lake. The play takes audiences on all four famous voyages, from Lilliput to Brobdingnag to outer space and to the land of the noble Houyhnhnms and the comic Yahoos. Gulliver’s Travels is a joy for actors and audiences everywhere. For more, visit tacatthelake.com. Jan. 17 - 19 | “The Importance of Being Earnest” Various times. Ignite! Community Theatre,10814 E Broadway Avenue, Spokane Valley. A Booklight (readers theatre) production of Oscar Wilde’s classic that pokes fun at Victorian society. $5 at the door only. More at igniteonbroadway.org. Jan. 18 | Play in a Day – Lost at Sea Various times. TAC at the Lake, 22910 E. Appleway Ave., Liberty Lake. Play in a Day is an exciting, challenging, and fun workshop where participants devise, direct and act in a 15 minute play that they perform for family and friends. In just one afternoon, we work together to create and perform a unique play! More at tacatthelake.com. Jan. 18 - 19 | Masterworks 5: Beethoven’s 250th Birthday. Various times. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane. The Spokane Symphony celebrates the 250th year of Beethoven’s birth with guest violinist Augustin Hadelich playing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Tickets start at $21 available at spokanesymphony.org or at 509624-1200 RECURRING Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. Four-part, a cappella harmony, men’s barbershop chorus. More at pagesofharmony.org. Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines

Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 218-4799.

HEALTH & RECREATION Jan. 5 | Frost Fest! Volleyball Scrimmage – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Presented by Evergreen Regional Volleyball Association. For more, contact Lindsay at lindsay@ evergreenregion.org Jan. 13 - 24 | Two-week Yoga for Osteoporosis Workshop – M, W, F 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Focused Fitness, 2426 S Dishman Mica Rd. Learn 12 poses which have been shown to stimulate new bone growth and reverse osteoporosis. This workshop is designed to teach the poses and their proper execution so that they can be practiced at home, a 12 minute per day practice. Prior yoga experience in not required. Registration $35 per person. For more, indigoyoga.press or elenemjohnston@gmail.com RECURRING Al-Anon Family Meetings | Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Opportunity Christian Church, 708 N. Pines, Spokane Valley. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon/ Alateen family groups can help. For more, call 456-2125. DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location. Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com. Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11:30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. For more, call Steve at 893-4746. GriefShare Support Group (Mondays)| 6:15 to 8 p.m. Mondays, The ONE Church, east entrance, 15601 E. 24th Ave., Spokane Valley. Most recent program began Feb. 20, but join at any time. Designed to help cope with loss, whether recent or years ago. For more, call Sue at 294-1664 or Jere at 710-3354. GriefShare Support Group See CALENDAR, Page 12

JANUARY 2020 • 11

Valley Chamber

HIGHLIGHTS

CONNECT.

EMPOWER.

INNOVATE.

SAVE THE DATE After 5 Networking at Mountain West Bank January 24, 2020 Gem of the Valley Awards 5:30 - 8:30 P.M. Mirabeau Park Hotel Join the celebration of excellence at the 17th annual Gem of the Valley Awards Gala. This premiere event features raffle items, a live auction, an elegant dinner and awards program honoring the following: • Chamber Volunteer of the Year • Chamber Ambassador of the Year • Non-profit of the Year • Heart of the Community Award • Small Business of the Year • Large Business of the Year • Entrepreneur of the Year • Educators of the Year (East Valley, West Valley, Central Valley and Freeman School Districts) • Citizen of the Year Sponsor a VIP Table and highlight your business. For more information, visit: spokanevalleychamber.org

Wed. January, 29th 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Join us for our January After 5 Networking at Mountain West Bank! Free to members $10 for future members New Members: November

Boardwalk Association Management Cinder Heartland Hilson Gallery & Design Innovia Foundation Ipsa Optio LLC LisaMichelle Eigler Independent Beauty Consultant Path of Hope Rescue SNAP Fitness Spokane Valley The Greatest Travel App The Salvation Army Treasue Alley TT’s Brewery & BBQ

1421 N. Meadowwood Ln. Liberty Lake, WA 99019 | 509-924-4994 | spokanevalleychamber.org

• JANUARY 2020

CALENDAR

Continued from page 11 (Thursdays) | 10 a.m. Thursdays, Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, 15515 E. 20th Ave. Most recent program began Jan. 17 and runs 13 weeks, but join at any time. If you have lost a loved one and are dealing with grief, stop by to share or just listen. For more, call 926-1545. Yoga in Rockford | 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Rockford Park, 20 W. Emma St., Rockford. In case of inclement weather, classes will be held at Dave’s Autobody, 8 W. Emma St. Mindful Music & Movement | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102, Otis Orchards. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as Parkinson’s, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by board-certified music therapist, Carla Carnegie. For more, visit willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592-7875. Decreasing Anger Group | 3 to

The Current

4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors. For more, call Steve at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment. HUB Sports Center | 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday; 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. $3/seniors, $5/non-seniors. • Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Fit for YOUR Life. See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.

CIVIC & BUSINESS Jan. 15 | Liberty Lake Coworking Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening! – 3 to 6 p.m., Liberty Lake Coworking, 23505 E Appleway Ave, Suite 200. Ribbon cutting, networking and refreshments

organized by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. For more or to register, visit spokanevalleychamber.org. Jan. 24 | Gem of the Valley Gala – 5:30 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center, 1100 N Sullivan, Spokane Valley. Join the celebration of excellence at the 17th annual Gem of the Valley Awards Gala. This premiere event features raffle items, a live auction, an elegant dinner and awards program honoring citizens, non-profits, and businesses of the year. Tickets: $75 per person. For more or to register, visit spokanevalleychamber.org. Jan. 29 | After 5 Networking – 4:30 to 6 p.m., Mountain West Bank, 12321 E Mission, Spokane Valley. Business connection event organized by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Free to members, $10 non-members. For more or to register, visit spokanevalleychamber.org RECURRING Spokane Valley City Council | Regular meetings held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707

E. Sprague Ave., Ste. 101. Council study sessions are held the first, third and sometimes fifth Tuesdays at 6 p.m., also in Council Chambers. Millwood City Council | Regular meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Millwood City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave. Spokane Flag Museum | Sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairmount Memorial Association, details the rich history of the American flag, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. For more, call 926-2753 or visit fairmountmemorial.com/southpines-cemetery. Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave. More at spokanevalleykiwanis. net. Greater Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at svrotary.org. Submit items for The Current Community Calendar by the 10th of the previous month by emailing editor@valleycurrent.com. Priority is given to noncommercial local events open to the public.

brought to you by

Student of the Month Ellie Dickinson has set some high standards at U-Hi. The senior maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. She serves as sergeant at arms for University’s senior class and has been a catalyst in organizing events like prom and the Stinky Sneaker halftime show, coordinating the choreography. Dickinson has taken 10 AP classes and is currently enrolled in Capstone Research, computer science and calculus. She is a captain for the cheerleading squad and has been part of the cast for nearly a dozen drama productions. For the last two summers, she has been a volunteer counselor at YMCA’s Camp Reed. Dickinson is U-Hi’s Spokane Scholar honoree in the social studies category. “I couldn’t have achieved anything without the support and opportunities the teachers and administration have given me here,” she said.

Athlete of the Month Jason Franklin has started the 201920 wrestling season with titan success. The University senior is undefeated in eight matches with seven pins. He won the Inland Empire Tournament last month at 113 pounds, including a 7-0 win in the final match. Franklin has lettered since his freshman year. As a sophomore, he advanced to regionals and won the Freeman Winter Classic. Last year, he placed eighth at state and seventh at the Rocky Mountain Classic. “I think there’s a real chance to win state this year,” Franklin said. “To me, that’s always an achievable goal. I know it’s going to take a lot of work to get there.” Franklin maintains a 3.6 grade point average. He is part of the Running Start program at Spokane Falls Community College where he is studying mechanical engineering and has a GPA of 3.5.

Citizen of the Month Ron Schmidt began his tenure as a commissioner with the Spokane Valley Fire Department in 1990 and served through 2019. “Ron has been an instrumental part of our board for so many years,” said SVFD Chief Bryan Collins. “He’s been so supportive, positive and encouraging. With Ron, he’s always asking ‘How are you doing?’” A graduate of North Central High, Schmidt went onto earn his Associate in Arts degree from Spokane Falls Community College and a teaching degree from Eastern Washington in Industrial Safety. He worked as a steam pipefitter for 21 years and later ran a program at the union to recruit minorities and women to trade careers. He also served as the dean of Trade Industry and Apprenticeships at Spokane Community College. A cancer survivor, Schmidt is the proud dad of six kids. He also has 10 grandchildren.

Come visit your Spokane Valley Neighborhood Financial Center located at

615 N Sullivan Road

800-233-2328

Thanks you for all you do in our community

The Current

LIBRARY

FAFSA important for your educational future By Stacey Goddard, Librarian Spokane County Library District

I have a confession to make. I never filled out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) when I was in high school. When I graduated during the mid80s, students typically completed their FAFSA applications midway through their senior year. For me, the FAFSA deadline also coincided with my realization that I was burned out. I had taken too many AP classes and considered taking a year off before college. Two years later, my parents and my brother got organized and filled out his FAFSA application. This was great because he had a postgraduation plan. He was accepted to an out-of-state private college, was awarded a scholarship, and still needed additional aid to pay for things like food and books. At that time, the FAFSA application was only available in paper (no internet yet) and had to be sent via snail mail. The whole process

seemed a bit complicated and time consuming, but it was worth the effort because my brother found the rest of the funding he needed. When I finally had the chance to submit my own FAFSA for graduate school, the internet existed and I could apply online. And even better, for each subsequent year I applied for aid, I could update my original application rather than starting from scratch. I didn’t qualify for any grants or scholarships. But the loan I was offered in my aid package made it possible to complete my degree. Plus knowing the repayment terms were going to be much more manageable than a bank loan or a credit card made the process of taking a student loan the smart decision for me. That’s also what is great about submitting your FAFSA: You don’t have to take the aid that’s offered. But if you don’t apply, then you won’t know what you qualify for. When researching, I was shocked to discover that only 53 percent

In-demand library books lead to Instant Pot Cooking class By Gwendolyn Haley, Librarian Spokane County Library District

My sister gave me an Instant Pot for Christmas several years ago. I didn’t know what it was and had never used a pressure cooker before. But I’m always game to try a new kitchen gadget, so I gave it a whirl. To say it changed everything would be a slight exaggeration, but I did rehome (aka donate) my crockpot. And here’s why. The same meals I could make in the crockpot— provided I remembered to assemble the ingredients and actually start it in the morning before work—I could make when I got home in an hour or less. A friend who used to teach high school home economics classes told me that the pressure cooker was “the microwave for her generation.” Suddenly, I was making everything in my new kitchen gadget (grown up toy?)—hardboiled eggs, green and red chili, pulled pork, pot roast, and every kind of soup imaginable. I cook frozen chicken breasts in minutes

and then shred them for use in other recipes. I found that cooking was fun again. And I still have settings to try out! I know I’m not the only one obsessed with my Instant Pot. There are Facebook groups and Pinterest boards dedicated to sharing recipes and advice. I’ve recommended it and even loaned it out to friends so they can try it. Many people are interested in these handy kitchen helpers. Out of the 83 books about Instant Pot cooking in our collection (at the

JANUARY 2020 • 13

of Washington state high school seniors and college-bound students submitted their FAFSA for the 2018– 19 academic year (statistics from the U.S. Department of Education). If you or a family member is thinking about attending college next year, don’t be part of the 47 percent that left free or low-interest tuition money on the table last year. The Federal Student Aid website (https://studentaid.ed.gov/) has a wealth of information and tools to help answer questions, such as explanation of the different types of aid, eligibility criteria, and checklists for every age of applicant and stage of application. There’s also a helpful section on how to repay loans when the time comes. If I could tell the high-schoolsenior me one thing, it would be to complete the FAFSA. It takes a bit of time and effort, but ultimately you’ll know your options and be better informed for your educational future. I encourage you not to be like me! And if you need help filling out your FAFSA, you can Book a Librarian for assistance at www.scld.org/book-alibrarian. time of writing), all copies of over 50 titles are completely checked out to customers. Knowing the interest of Instant Pot cooking in our community, we are very excited to be offering a series of Instant Pot Cooking programs in January. After the programs, we will be adding an Instant Pot to our Library of Things, so you can try your hand at cooking with it. In this class for adults, Instant Pot maven Meegan Ware shares basic tips for pressure cooking, shows you how to create at least two recipes, and passes along additional recipes that can be prepared and cooked quickly. There is no registration needed for this class. “Instant Pot Cooking” is happening at Argonne Library on Tuesday, January 7, at 6:30pm; at Fairfield Library on Tuesday, January 14, at 6pm; at Spokane Valley Library on Thursday, January 23, at 7pm; and at Otis Orchards Library on Wednesday, January 29, at 6pm. Once you see how quickly it cooks and taste how delicious the recipes are, you may just find yourself with a new kitchen toy. . . I mean gadget!

Winter warm-up at the library Get out of the cold & into the library for creative coding! PROGRAMMING WITH MICRO:BIT Learn to code, customize, & control this microcomputer. It’s easy & fun! For kids ages 10 & older

OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY Wednesday, January 8, 3:30–5pm SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY Thursday, January 16, 1–2:30pm Tuesday, January 28, 4–5pm FAIRFIELD LIBRARY Thursday, January 23, 4–5:30pm

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About and for Valley seniors

Making a joyful noise By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Project Joy, a group of volunteers dedicated to performing music for local senior citizens, is still going strong as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022. “We are planning a gala celebration for that,” said Jim Brink, who is on the group’s advisory council and is chair on the public relations committee. Project Joy was founded by Marian Herzer in 1972. Herzer was the co-director of the Sinto Senior Center when she started a women’s chorus that would expand and become Project Joy. “She had some pull in the community and saw the need,” Brink said. “She pulled together a lot of people to perform.” A lot of retirees live in Spokane and they need musical performances, he said. Project Joy includes soloists, duets and small groups that regularly visit local assisted living and retirement centers to perform. “We have 30 different performing groups,” he said. “We are called Project Joy for a reason. Our goal is to bring joy.” Even after all these years of performing, Brink said the group isn’t as well known as it should be.

“We’re not known and to that extent we’re not as well used as we could be,” he said. Brink is a singer and either performs as a soloist or as part of the Minstrels, one of the larger performing groups. When he sings by himself, he likes to perform songs that were popular in the 40s, 50s and 60s. “There’s a lot of sing along opportunities there,” he said. He joined Project Joy in 2010 after he moved to the area. “I was a performer before I moved to Spokane,” he said. “I was looking for an opportunity to perform.” He spotted a Project Joy information booth at the Spokane County Interstate Fair and was immediately interested. “It appealed to me,” he said. Brink said it’s important to him that he’s able to perform for people. “There’s a certain joy to using the unique skills we seem to have,” he said. “There’s a satisfaction, personally, in be able to produce something.” But Project Joy does not just include singers and musicians. Over the years there have been dancers, magicians, puppeteers, jugglers and storytellers. “One of the misconceptions is that we’re a performance music association and we’re not,” Brink said. “We’re a senior entertainment group.” Barbara Thomas is also a member of the Minstrels. She said the mixed

choir that is the main part of the group recently added a couple new men to its ranks. “We were very excited,” she said. “They add a lot.” The Minstrels also includes a published poet, who usually reads poetry as part of each performance. “It’s a great group,” she said. Thomas said she never had much of a singing background before she joined Project Joy. “I only sang in junior high and high school,” she said. “I pulled out of choir to be in the band.” Despite that fact singing always had a special place in her heart. “I have always just loved music,” she said. She got involved in Project Joy because of her husband, Wayne Thomas, who joined in 1997. “He was very talented,” she said. “He had one of those male voices you don’t hear very often. It was wonderful.” At first Thomas would just drop her husband off at rehearsals and then pick him up. Then she started sticking around. She joined officially about 10 years ago. Her husband died in 2011 and Thomas said at first she wasn’t sure if she would continue with the group. “People were so nice and kind in that group that I decided to stay,” she said. “Everyone is just so friendly and caring. Besides, I like the music. We do songs from way back – 30s, 40s.”

Contributed photos Project Joy has 30 different performing groups, some pictured here. Go to their website http://projectjoy.org/ to see more.

She goes to rehearsals every week and the group typically meets for breakfast afterwards. Thomas also organizes monthly breakfasts during the summer when Project Joy performances are on hiatus. “We’ve really became a little family,” she said. The group’s mission is to perform for seniors and the volunteers themselves must be over the age of 50. Brink said volunteering with the group helps keep people active and involved, which he calls a “recipe for a better life and better health.” Last year the volunteers of Project Joy presented 340 performances. “We’re expecting to double in the next three years,” Brink said. The group’s funding, however, has not kept pace. Project Joy is still supported in part by the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, as it has been from the beginning, Brink said. “They fund probably half the costs of Project Joy through a yearly grant,” he said. The group also requests a small donation for each performance. “It’s absolutely not required,” he said. The group has been dipping into its reserves lately to keep everything running, Brink said. They’re looking into new funding sources, including finding sponsors. Anyone interested in joining Project Joy can call (509) 535-0584 or send an email to music@projectjoy. org.

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JANUARY 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ 17

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• JANUARY 2020

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Leading the Titan wrestling team By Steve Christilaw Current contributor

Ryan Montang was practicing a method of teaching that he especially likes. Ironically, it’s the Socratic Method – a system of questions and answers designed to bring about understanding. The subject matter, however, would be more in line with something another Greek philosopher preferred: Aristocles, who is known to history by the nickname he was given by his wrestling coach: Plato. A social studies teacher and now head wrestling coach, Montang loves how teaching the sport is a pure form of the occupation. “This is what it’s all about,” he said. “You demonstrate, the kids ask questions. It’s as pure as it gets.” Would it help to be able to put a few of his social studies students in a headlock? Montang just grins. Fired with enthusiasm and armed with the encyclopedic knowledge of the sport he learned from his predecessor, he’s off to a good start. Montang is in his first season as the new wrestling coach at University High, his alma mater. He was endorsed for the job by Don Owen, who retired at the end of the 2018-19 season, his 26th at the school. Montang spent the previous five seasons as one of Owen’s assistant coaches. Wrestling rooms are visually, and aromatically, different from a classroom to be sure. But it is all about learning none the less. At a recent session Montang spent a good time instructing is charges on the way to get a proper grip on an opponent’s elbow. While his assistant coaches worked with different weight classes, the head coach dove into the lightweights

to offer hands-on demonstrations to throw who needed a little extra instruction. For anyone who ever observed Owen teaching the minutia of each phase of a wrestling hold, it was like watching a chip off the old block. Or perhaps another bricklayer building onto the program’s Wall of Fame. Montang is one of dozens of former U-Hi wrestlers who later became coaches in the sport, an accomplishment of which Owen is especially proud. “I think that’s the part I’m most proud of in my career,” Owen said after Montang was announced as the new coach. “To have that many former wrestlers want to give back to the sport and carry it forward, that means a lot.” In 2002, the new head coach as a 125 pounder for the Titans, and he finished his senior season on the awards platform at Mat Classic, bringing home a fifth-place medal. It was even more of an impressive run at state than the medal indicates. Montang lost to eventual state champion Burke Barnes, the son of long-time Lake Stevens coach Brent Barnes, by a major decision. Barnes, who won his other three matches at state via pin in a minute or less, stormed off the mat after his arm was raised. “Let me tell you something about that match,” Owen said. “You don’t always remember every match, but that one I can still see like it just happened. Burke is one of the best wrestlers this state has ever produced, and he was probably less than a sportsman after that match. “Ryan went toe-to-toe with him and let him know he was in the fight of his life. He never gave an inch. I was so proud of him.” It was Barnes fourth consecutive state title. After a successful run as the coach at Timberlake, Montang left to teach at U-Hi and coach under Owen, who was always available for advice and counsel during his tenure. The new coach brings the same attitude he displayed as a senior

File photo Head coach Ryan Montang (Left) and Don Owen (right) celebrate their team while at a wrestling match. at state to his new job leading the Titans. His first move as the new coach was to make sure the entire coaching staff would be back – a staff made up mostly of former U-Hi wrestlers. The only new assistant coach this season is a familiar face: Don Owen. As Montang shifted into another technique, this one called the “Russian Tie,” he demonstrated how to capture an opponent’s arm and steer them into the proper positon to throw them to the mat and even move them into a pinning combination. “There, did you see that?” Owen asked from his spot along the wall. “Coach strung together three different moves there. That’s what you want to be able to do.” There are fine points to managing

a wrestling program that aren’t readily apparent. Issues involving weight management, for example, can create major problems for teams and wrestlers if not managed properly. At U-Hi the coaching staff handle them with nary a hitch – a testament to both its knowledge base and its experience. Still, for a new head coach charged with enthusiasm, it can be more to handle than originally planned for. “I have a 55-minute prep period and I plan to spend 20 or 25 minutes working on my plan on what I want to concentrate on in that day’s practice,” he explained. “But then I look up at the clock and that’s gone and it’s almost time to start practice.”

JANUARY 2020 • 19

The Current

Current Notebook By Steve Christilaw

Current Correspondent

U-Hi boasts D-1 recruits It comes as no surprise that University is drawing plenty of girls’ basketball attention. The Titans are led by four seniors: Ellie Boni, Carol Ann Edwards and twins Tyler and Jasksen McClimentCall. All four already have signed national letters of intent to play Division I college basketball next season. Boni is committed to play at Colorado State. The twins are will join the roster at the University of Portland and Edwards is set to play at Willamette. U-Hi coach Jay Kennedy told KXLY-TV that it can be a doubleedged sword having four players all with college scholarships together on one team.

Final Point By Mike Vlahovich Current Contributor

When first I met John Tuft, his features reminded me of Dudley Do-Right, a strong-jawed Canadian mounted policeman and foil of Snidely Whiplash in a children’s television cartoon series some 50 years ago. He was chiseled, stood upright with shoulders thrown back as if perpetually at attention and wore his hair in a flat-top befitting the career military man he was. Tuft was a foil, but things always worked out in the end. Tuft was no foil, but the resemblance to Do-Right sticks in my head to this day. Tuft and I became good friends through his role as Spokane County Parks and Recreation director and mine as a rookie sportswriter at The Spokane Valley Herald.

The quartet, however, has made it easy for the coach by deciding amongst themselves that they want to share the ball and win as a team. U-Hi is 3-3 early in the year with a tough overtime loss to Mt. Spokane on Dec. 17. The Titans are part of a holiday tournament in Portland over the Christmas break. Knights seek traction East Valley had a rough first season under new boys’ basketball coach Jeremy Knee. The Knights won just two of 21 games a year ago. Both wins came last month against teams from Idaho, the most recent against Timberlake on Dec. 8. The program’s improvement was apparent to opposing coaches, although for EV most nights, the scoreboard reflected little change. This season featured a rugged start as well, opening with a loss to Freeman, 63-47, the first of five consecutive losses that included a 61-35 defeat to Pullman in the Great Northern League opener. And then the Knights pulled off something the program hasn’t

seen in recent memory: they won two straight games, including a 4127 victory over rival West Valley. EV went into Christmas with a 2-5 record. Tyrell Brown scored 18 points and Taylor Hofstee chipped in 11 as the Knights won their first game on the road, topping Timberlake 70-57. Against the rival Eagles, Henry Stevens scored 12 points as the Knights held WV to just 27 points – 11 in the first half – in a 41-27 victory. Freeman rolls on If Freeman were playing boys’ basketball in the Great Northern League the Scotties would boast a commendable 4-2 record through its first seven games of the new season. Freeman opened the season with back-to-back wins over East Valley and Cheney before dropping a 5543 decision to Clarkston. Then the Scotties knocked off Pullman and West Valley while dropping a 67-55 tilt to Deer Park. Gabe Tippet hit the game-winning shot with under 30 seconds to play to beat WV.

Freeman opens Northeast A League play on Jan. 3. WV girls begin with net gain The West Valley girls’ basketball squad got off to a strong start going into the holiday break. The Eagles rolled off five wins in six games, picking up victories over Shadle Park, Lakeland, Lakeside-Nine Mile Falls, East Valley and Freeman. Hailey Marlow scored 19 points and Alyssa Amann added another 12 as the Eagles beat East Valley despite a season-high 33-point game by the Knights’ Brie Holecek. EV girls start strong The EV girls are off to a solid start as well. Despite falling to Freeman in the season opener, the Knights ran off five-straight wins before a loss to rival West Valley. Ellie Syverson hit a 3-pointer in the final minute to give EV a 53-52 win over Timberlake for the Knights’ fifth straight win. Holecek has scored in double figures in every game and averages just over 21 points per outing.

Long overdue, in November his name was added to the Inland Northwest Sport’s Hall of Fame Scroll of Honor. I got to know him a half century ago as the longtime parks and recreation director for Spokane County, and an innovator who sated the area’s appetite for recreational sports. That first meeting half a century ago, if my feeble mind remembers correctly when he came into the Herald on another errand. He was also coach of a county swimming team and brought results to our society editor, Pat (Smith) Goetter. We were introduced and he offered me a proposal. Why not run standings of the county basketball and softball leagues? Why not? There was plenty of space to fill in the sports pages of the family newspaer and I had to justify my existence. The sports were to be recreational. Everyone on a team was to play

equally. Though standings were published by yours truly, they really didn’t count. Fat chance. The human psyche isn’t built that way on the field of battle. The games were serious, the technical fouls were real. Blood occasionally flowed. But Tuft’s way offered a caveat. At the end of the year, the serious would get their Jones in the form of end-of-season single elimination tournaments, trophies and a team photo plaque (still have a few of those hanging around the house. We didn’t care about the outcome of the regular season. “Training Table” at the Jackson Hole Tavern, owned by our sponsor and player, the late Ron Jackson, was more important). Turns out you can have a good time and still be competitive. When we moved on to The Spokesman-Review, John would still send me long letters to remind me of all that he had accomplished.

I’m not sure if he was lobbying for his place in the Hall of Fame. They recorded his accomplishments that went back as far has his years growing up in Yakima. He was a career colonel in the Army Reserve reaching the rank of colonel; historian at his alma mater, North Central High; a manager at Albi Stadium, all his swim coaching successes and his innovative recreational programs. He also lobbied for several peers he thought belonged in the Inland Northwest Hall of Fame. John wasn’t able to witness his induction. He’s in failing health in hospice. As a member of the Hall of Fame committee I regret I didn’t lobby for him much sooner, a man I’ve known and worked with half a century. A man who put his own stamp on and embodied Spokane County adult recreational sports as much as, maybe more than anyone else.

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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You Can Read The Greater Spokane Valley Current Online!

• JANUARY 2020

Emphasizing flavor, coffee – oh, and great beards

BUSINESS

The Current

By Josh Johnson

Current Contributor

Jake Miller was looking for a day job. After 15 years in the restaurant industry, including a decade bartending most days till 3 or 4 a.m., it was time for less night, more light. Instead of updating his resume, Jake did what Jake does: He created his own day job. “Basically, I quit my own business to start this business,” he said of Sams and Coffee, the Spokane Valley sandwich and coffee shop located in the Pinecroft Business Park on Mirabeau Parkway. Jake still owns Crave, a downtown Spokane sports bar, but his daily presence is now focused on a dream he’s held half his life. As a teenager, he and a friend were already brainstorming possible business concepts after his buddy’s dad told them he would invest in a great entrepreneurial idea. They landed on a coffee shop, but as high school students, there were too many hurdles, so Jake was forced to file the idea away. “This was before all of the coffee shops opened,” Jake recalled. “Since I was 15, 16 years old, I’ve been trying to figure out how to start a coffee shop.” A year and a half ago, the dream became reality. Sams and Coffee

Photos by Josh Johnson Jake Miller opened Sams and Coffee in 2018 in the Pinecroft Business Park on Mirabeau Parkway. opened with a focus on breakfast and lunch sandwiches — “sammies” — and coffee. Jake refers to selections featured on the flavor-packed, fresh-made menu like he’s referring to old friends: the flavor combination he first experienced while backpacking through Europe; his homemade recipe that regularly converts

The branding of Sams and Coffee greets visitors as they walk in. Most days, the logo’s likeness, owner Jake Miller, is behind the counter taking orders.

skeptics into tuna fish disciples; the sandwich he discovered during his self-described “bachelor gourmet” days, when he turned whatever happened to be in the fridge and cupboards into a masterpiece fit for guests. This has given the menu a flair that is atypical of chain sandwich establishments. Sure, you can order turkey, but there’s also options like BBQ brisket, chorizo or fresh avocado sliced in front of you. A similar approach is taken to coffee selections, where Jake and his baristas experiment with flavors that rotate through the daily specials. A final element of the Sams and Coffee business model is catering. Located as they are in a business district, Jake’s team is adept at supplying spreads of sandwiches — as well as a slew of additional options — for meetings and events. THE NAME Jacob Samuel Miller thought about naming the business “Jake’s,” but he’s reserving that name for a future dream (think even more food options and space enough for a 9-hole mini golf course). For this establishment, “Sams”

doubles as his middle name, but there is no apostrophe because it is also a plural form of sandwiches — sammies … sams … get it? THE VIBE Whether it’s a sports bar or a coffee shop, Jake emphasizes a clean, consistent and friendly environment. With ample tables, the space revolves around the kitchen, and customers can sit at a bar and watch their breakfast or lunch be prepared from scratch. “Honestly, if I could have everyone sit up there while they are waiting for their sandwich and get to talk and hear their story … I just want people to feel like they’re part of the community,” Jake said. Taking advantage of the daytime environment, Sams and Coffee is blessed with a flood of natural light through huge windows as well as a patio for outdoor seating. When the weather is right, customers can play cornhole outside. Inside, a pinball machine lights up a corner of the room. THE TOP PICK The Sun Burst, a Red Bull infusion featuring raspberry, peach and orange juice, has become a best seller.

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The daily special is also a common order, typically featuring a specialty drink from the espresso menu with options as varied as the Payday (caramel sauce, salted caramel, peanut butter) and the White Angel (white chocolate, white coffee, vanilla, coconut). On the sandwich front, the Smashed BBQ and Old Fashioned Tuna both have regular followings. THE CULT FAVORITE Big Jake’s Avocado Sam features smoked turkey, avocado, tomato, Caesar dressing and Jake’s special seasoning on honey wheat bread. “Most people can eat it for lunch and dinner,” Jake joked of the impressive portion offered for $10.50. THE TEAM A vital part of the success of Sams and Coffee is Jake’s girlfriend, Molly Rainer, a mortgage loan officer who is a steady presence amidst other friends, family members and employees who make the business happen. Jake credits Cravens Coffee for not only producing a loyal stream of coffee-loving customers but for assisting with his training when he transitioned from bartender to coffee bar-tender. Not that coffee wasn’t already running through his veins. His father always kept an espresso machine around the house, and he likes to stop by and pull a couple shots in the morning on the way to a work site for his landscaping company. Add in Jake’s mom, who spent nearly four decades as a midwife delivering babies at Deaconess, and the family’s deep community ties add to the support of his business. THE TIME WHEN … Perhaps the most common conversation piece when customers walk in for the first time: Jake’s beard. The Sams and Coffee branding makes for a great conversation starter as people walk in the door and see the guy on the sign is also the guy at the counter. He likes how it immediately connects people to his identity as a hands-on, local small business owner. “They say, ‘You’re actually that guy, aren’t you?’” Jake said. Always the joker, he often likes to play with people: “Nah, the owner just likes to hire guys with beards.” It is a joke – or is it? “It’s not a requirement to have a great beard – a recommendation, but not a requirement,” Jake laughed.

HISTORY SVHM Memory of the Month

Photo courtesy of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum Pictured here in the snow, Spokane University was a fouryear liberal arts college located at 9th and Herald in the Spokane Valley. The “school among the pines” was in operation from 1913 to 1933. Classes were very small, with an average size of six students. The location – just west of modern-day University Road – would remain a prominent spot for education in the community, later serving as home to University High School and now Valley Christian School.

JANUARY 2020 • 21

• JANUARY 2020

East Valley is asking voters for two replacement levies this February By Pia Hallenberg Current contributor

East Valley School District is asking voters to approve two levies to replace the District’s expiring Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) and capital project levies at the special election on Feb. 11. Superintendent Kelly Shea said the EP&O levy funds programs and staff that state and federal education funding doesn’t cover. “That levy pays for sports and clubs, band and music, all those things,” Shea said. “Another big piece the levy pays for is additional staff above what what state and federal government funding pays for.” For instance, East Valley School District receives state funding for 1.2 full-time nurse positions for the 4,000 students who attend eight schools in the district, but the district fills five nurse positions. “The levy pays for the difference in cost,” Shea said, adding that having a school nurse is incredibly important for student learning. According to the National Association of School Nurses, the role of a school nurse has become increasingly demanding as more students need medication administered during the school day.

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“We want to be able to continue to employ a nurse for each school,” Shea said. The levy also contributes to the salary of a full-time counselor employed at each of the District’s five elementary schools. “The state funding formula only pays for a half-time counselor at each school,” Shea said. “We need the levy to make up for the difference.” Custodial services are also partly funded by this levy. School Resource Officer funding The state does not fund any security staff in the East Valley School District, Shea said. Currently, one resource officer works together with a district staff person to form the only security team in the district. “We have a great partnership with the Sheriff’s Department in which they pay part of the resource officer’s salary and we pay part,” Shea said. “If the levies pass we could pay the full salary for a new security person and form a second security team.” Shea added that the East Valley School District Resource Officer and the district staff person spends most of their time at the high school. “If we are able to double our security staff, then each team would have four schools instead of one team taking care of eight schools,” Shea said. Cost Shea said the district is very aware that residents are worried about anything that may look like taxes could be going up, but wants to reassure voters that these levies will not bring tax hikes. “What we are trying to do is keep the tax rate flat and consistent, while continue the funding,” Shea said. “If these replacement levies pass we

EARLY SAVERS GET 6.17% APY* ON THE FIRST $500 LEARN MORE AT BECU.ORG

EVSD has estimated the next four years of taxes and chosen levy amounts that will keep the rates as close to previous years as possible for those that reside within their district while providing essential services for students and school infrastructure.

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

EP&O

$3.85

$1.50

$2.50

Capital

$0.00

$2.20

$1.87

$0.90

State

$2.80

$2.52

$2.85

$2.82

Total

$6.65

$6.22

will be able to continue the district for the most part the way we are today.” The four-year levy that would replace the expiring EP&O levy would add $9,945,273 in 2021, $10,939,800 in 2022, $12,033,780 in 2023 and finally $12,237,159 in 2024 of funding to East Valley School District. The Capital Projects Replacement Levy would run for two years and bring in $3,372,941 in 2020 and $3,566,885 in 2021. That money wold be used to replace and upgrade infrastructure such as plumbing and heating, and redesign the elementary school parking lots to better accommodate increased traffic. If the levies don’t pass, some district staff would lose their jobs. “There would be about 60 school staff we wouldn’t be able to keep,” Shea said.

:TISHA V., MEMBER-OWNER

THEY GROW UP FAST. THEIR SAVINGS SHOULD TOO.

EVSD Tax Chart

East Valley School District is hosting three community forums about the replacement levies. Forums will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 6, Jan. 13 and Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. The forums will be held at the East Valley School District Administration Office (Walker Center) located at 3830 N. Sullivan Road. Call the district at 509-241-5032 or visit www.evsd.org for more information

*Annual Percentage Yield for balances up to $500. Balances $500.01+ earn 0.10% APY effective 1/1/2020 and may change without notice. Federally insured by NCUA

JANUARY 2020 • 23

The Current

SVFD Report Current news sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1,359 emergency calls from Nov. 15 – Dec. 15, 2019. By the numbers • Emergency Medical Services 1091 • Motor Vehicle Accidents 80 • Building Alarms 66 • Fires 46 • Dispatched and cancelled enroute 36 • Service Calls 15 • Hazardous Materials 10 • Vehicle Fires 9 • Auto vs Pedestrian 3 • Technical Rescue 2 • 39-L RTF Low 1 Highlights and the news include: Calls for EMS were significantly lower this time period, moving down from 1218 the month prior to 1091. Building Alarm calls were up from 54 to 66. Structure Fire, Nov. 18 Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded at 7:02 p.m. to a report of a commercial fire in building N-14 in the Spokane Industrial Park off of Sullivan Road. An employee of Powder Tech was inside the building and smelled smoke prompting him to call in the fire. Firefighters could see smoke coming from the roof upon their arrival. After the initial inspection, the response was upgraded to a working fire. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the area. Two ovens were located near each other. The larger of the two ovens had a pallet on top of it with some metal containers on it. The metal and pallet is where the smoke and fire originated. The sprinklers worked well, activating properly, keeping the fire contained to the area of onset. A lot of smoke resulted. Avista arrived on scene to shut off power and gas to the oven. Crews were able to put out the fire using 350 to 400 gallons of water. The building was vented with natural ventilation. SVFD investigated the roof to ensure its integrity. “The fire went well and the sprinklers did what they were supposed to which had a very

positive outcome for this building,” said SVFD Battalion Chief, Jeff Bordwell. “I anticipate Powder Tech will be able to be back in business tomorrow.” The exact fire cause is under investigation. There were no reports of injuries to firefighters. Structure Fire, Nov. 20 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) and Spokane County Fire District 8 (SCFD8) units responded at 6:24p.m. to a report of a residential structure fire on the 11200 block of East 33rd Ave. Residents of the home called 911 when they witnessed fire on the upper floor of their home, they were advised to evacuate the home. SVFD could see smoke and fire coming from a window on the back side of the home as they approached the residence. SVFD quickly upgraded the response to a working fire, which added additional resources responding to the incident. Firefighters were met in the front yard by a resident of the home, who verified no one was inside. Firefighteres quickly deployed a fire hose “attack line” to the rear of the residence and were able to put out the bulk of the fire before actually entering the home. As this was happening a 2nd fire hose “attack line” was sent to the front door of the home, so it was ready for the next arriving apparatus. Spokane County Fire District 8 arrived and was able to quickly enter the structure with the pre-positioned hose line and put out the remainder of the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. There were no injuries reported during the evacuation of the home, or during firefighting activities. Moving Violation, Nov. 24, 10:00 p.m. Spokane Valley Fire responded to a moving violation of a single automobile hitting the barrier. The caller had driven by and noticed the white van in the barrier. A second vehicle was identified as a blue Ford Explorer near the same location near Broadway. SVFD found weather and road conditions initially showing dense fog with less than 300ft. visibility, slick roads, and several cars spinning ahead of the engine on the freeway. There were no reportable injuries, and SVFD was able to alert drivers, slow traffic and protect crews out inspecting the multiple vehicle incident on foot. Crews helped slow all traffic on both sides of I90 with rolling

slowdown due to the icy road conditions. De-icer trucks were 30 minutes out. The rolling slowdown helped keep accidents down and the investigation safe until WA State Patrol was able to get enough units there to take over. Structure Fire, Dec. 2 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded at 4:06 p.m. to a report of a house fire in the 700 block of N Steen. Bystanders across the street called 911 to report a fire in the home, after seeing what they described as a fully involved house. This initially placed the call on E Broadway, and crews were directed to the Steen address on arrival. Upon arrival at the scene firefighters discovered a small duplex with heavy smoke and flames showing from the front door. A resident had used two fire extinguishers and was spraying a garden hose. Crews requested an upgraded assignment to a working fire. Firefighters quickly deployed fire hoses to knockdown the body of the fire in the alcove. A quick search of the residence confirmed everyone was safely outside.

Over 80

Firefighters had the fire extinguished in under 5 minutes, and damage was limited to the exterior of the house, excepting some ‘inspection holes’ that are cut to ensure the fire isn’t hiding in covered and closed spaces like an attic. Repair estimates are unavailable at this time; and, the property was turned over to the homeowner for insurance estimates. The exact fire cause is under investigation. There were no reports of injuries to firefighters or civilians. About SVFD -Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the City of Spokane Valley, City of Liberty Lake, City of Millwood and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Spokane County with a combined population of 125,000 across 75 square miles. SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 17,280 emergency calls in 2017. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, one of only a handful in Washington State. For more information about Spokane Valley Fire Department, visit www. spokanevalleyfire.com. Follow us @ spokanevalleyfire on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.

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The Current

Community connections By Michelle Valkov

Current Correspondent

“When your heart is engaged, the rest follows,” CV High School Principal Kerri Ames, said at the school’s Community Connections and Breakfast Event on Nov. 14th, 2019 held in the school library from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Central Valley High School has been bringing the staff, students, and community together for a Community Connections event every year for two main purposes. “We want to connect with the community and highlight our kids, and we have a superintendent that shares our district report card for the year,” Ames said. The report card talks about how they are doing as a school district, where they are with testing and assessments, as well as strategic plans and goals for the school. The 4 main goals are: high quality learning and teaching, supporting the whole child, which entails Family engagement centers and off-site transition programs, high

Photo by Michelle Valkov Pictured (Left to right) CVSD Director of Communications Marla Nunberg, CVHS Principal Kerri Ames, and CVSD Superintendant Ben Small. performance school cultures, and lastly, high reliability district systems. Ames also explained CV’s motto which is the acronym; ‘EPIC’, which stands for Excellence, Purpose,

Impact, and Community. The event featured school programs like DECA, project Lead the Way, library innovation, community service, tech theater, cheerleading,

orchestra, and more. “My favorite part is watching the kids shine,” Ames said. Ames explained that a lot of the events put together make our community so strong. The kids, parents, and staff members want to be here. “Today’s event was a way of inviting the community into the schools,” Marla Nunberg, the Director of Communications for CV’s school district, who has been in this position for 5 years, said. Nunberg mentioned that there are over 14,000 kids in the district but what’s nice about the event is that it show cases what the students are doing. “Seeing the innovation and the kids’ ideas and seeing them come to life is the best part,” Nunberg, said. Essentially, Nunberg explained, that the inspiration behind working with the students and the community is a great mission and really, how can you go wrong with kids that are becoming the better part of our community? “They are our future and so any part you can play in that is an important part,” Nunberg said.

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JANUARY 2020 • 25

The Current GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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Linda Ball, Steve Christilaw, Nina Culver, Bill Gothmann, Pia Hallenberg, Craig Howard, Josh Johnson, Michelle Valkov, Mike Vlahovich The Valley Current P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com The Current is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Spokane Valley area. Copies are located at drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and the surrounding area.

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Continued from page 3 Q: No one likes to see people go hungry or be lonely. How can people help support the mission of Meals on Wheels? A: I’d simply ask everyone to be a part of this movement where you are at. If that means you have the time and resources to volunteer, we certainly have a continued need for volunteer drivers. I mentioned the public/private partnership earlier and if you find yourself in a position to donate financial resources, we pledge to steward those resources well. We do indeed have some public support but we need the private support to ensure no senior goes hungry. There are often two ways to look at charitable giving and that is through “need” or “social impact.” The truth of the matter is that every nonprofit has need, but we are about making a measurable social impact on our community. We want our donors and volunteers to sleep at night knowing they have made a genuine and measurable impact on senior hunger and isolation. Finally, we encourage everyone to simply spread the word about what we do. We serve over 1,000 meals each day but you could not convince me that this is the sum of the need in all of Spokane County. At our organization, we serve the city of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Mead, Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Cheney and beyond. Help us find those seniors that need us and help us be a part of their story. Q: Finally, how would you rate the barbecue in your adopted community? Anything approach the options that can be found in Memphis? A: I do love my barbeque and, as much as I love Spokane, we could use a few more options in this part of the country. In Memphis, you could find a good mom and pop barbecue shop on nearly every corner and the best food was always off the beaten path as opposed to the more famous tourist destinations. Not to plug any particular vendor, but as for this Memphis native’s taste, the men at Nordic Smoke BBQ have taken the crown so far here in Spokane. They graciously served several of our veterans’ events when I was at the Corbin Senior Center and I’ve not found anything to compare to them just yet here in Spokane. If any local vendors would like to feed me some barbecue and prove otherwise, I’ve never been one to turn down a meal!

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• JANUARY 2020

The Current

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The Current

Turning point for Braden and family By Linda Ball

Current Contributor

It’s a new year at the home of Ryan and Cherne Haskell, which hopefully won’t be anything like 2019. The Valley couple that have been together since 1999 and have two sons, said their youngest son, Braden, then 14, had complained of stomach pain for the past year in March 2019 but they thought it was his diet. They took him to Sacred Heart’s ER, and the diagnosis they were given was abdominal migraines. Ryan and Cherne weren’t convinced of the diagnosis, so they took Braden to a pediatric GI doctor. The doctor noticed that Braden’s growth had stalled, in fact going backward, so he ordered a colonoscopy. It’s very rare for a child to have colon cancer, but Braden had a 9 centimeter tumor in his colon. Not only that, the cancer had metastasized to his liver, where a 15 centimeter tumor was found in the portal to his liver. The diagnosis was stage four colon cancer which had metastasized to the liver. Ryan and Cherne said it was the worst day of their lives as they were told he had less than a five percent chance of living. Cherne said when a pediatric oncologist was brought on to the team it hit her just how serious the situation was. None of them had any idea just how sick Braden was because he just went about his day as an eighth grader at Evergreen Middle School with a 3.8 GPA. In fact, Braden had just finished up with his basketball season two weeks prior to the diagnosis. The colonoscopy was performed and he was hospitalized on March 5. A central line was initiated for chemotherapy infusions and no time was wasted. After three infusions the colon tumor was shrinking, but not so for the tumor on the liver. The large size of the colon tumor was what was causing Braden to be sick, nauseous and in pain. The doctors also discovered that Braden had Lynch Syndrome, or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. Associated with a high risk of colon cancer as well as other cancers, the increased risk is due to inherited

ON THAT NOTE mutations that impair DNA mismatch repair. Basically, a person is supposed to have dual genes that mimic each other, but Braden only has one. The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is 52 to 58 percent for people with Lynch Syndrome. But the mean age of diagnosis is 44 to 61, much older than Braden. But because he did have Lynch Syndrome, he was able to receive two rounds of immunotherapy after three rounds of chemo. And, as it turns out, the Lynch Syndrome was passed to Braden from his father. Consequently Ryan went in for a colonoscopy and it turned out he had some polyps. So, Braden may have saved his father’s life. Braden will continue to receive immunotherapy every two weeks for two years. Of course immunotherapy has its drawbacks, just like chemo. Approved only last year, it unleashes t-cells which attach the cancer cells, but it can also wreak havoc on the good cells similar to chemo. By Mother’s Day weekend, the colon tumor had caused an obstruction, so emergency surgery was performed and the tumor was successfully removed. Once that tumor was removed he started feeling much better. Cherne said that up until the tumor was removed, there was no good news. Presently there are no signs of active cancer cells, which is absolutely amazing, in fact, it’s a miracle. The imaging supported it his parents said. But the Lynch Syndrome means he is susceptible to colon cancer, so he had to have his entire colon removed, and is recovering from the surgery. His small intestine will do the job for him, but until he is completely off of all treatment the doctors will not declare him cancer free. He’s going back to school after the holiday break, but it was definitely a step back because he was doing so well after the surgery to remove the tumor in his colon. As a family, they are incredibly strong. In fact, Braden Strong is well known in the Central Valley School District where he is now a freshman. Cherne said the district has been very supportive and that Braden has not fallen behind in his studies. Neither parent worked for three months after the initial diagnosis as they dealt with the whirlwind of information thrown at them. They traveled to Seattle for a second

opinion, and even had appointments lined up with the Mayo Clinic and UCLA. During it all they said they never had to cook, as meals were brought over to their home almost every day from March until June. The family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received from the community. Friends who have coffee stands have done fundraisers, Deer Lake Resort held a fundraiser, members of their church, One*, created a system to track Braden’s many meds on a daily basis, and supporters from the Braden Strong Facebook page made discreet black covers for the ileostomy bag Braden had to endure before his colon was removed. Additionally a photographer donated money from a shoot to Braden. The Haskell’s said they have had to use very little money of their own for co-pays and deductibles thanks to the generosity of the community. Braden even got to meet all of the Seahawks including Russell Wilson. How cool is that? Ryan said that at the end of July, after Braden’s tumor was removed, they felt they’d reached a turning point. This latest surgery to remove the colon was a setback, but he will regain his strength. Braden weighed only 86 pounds when he was diagnosed, and is now up to 105 pounds and growing taller.

Contributed photo Braden meets Russell Wilson.

JANUARY 2020 • 27

Cherne said her biggest fear was that she didn’t want someone on Braden’s medical team that viewed him as a “shiny object,” trying to make a name for themselves in the medical world by dealing with a such a unique case. But that didn’t happen, and they are grateful for the first-rate team they had in Spokane. She said the entire process was intimidating and overwhelming, but their focus was doing everything they could on their part to keep him healthy. It helped that she is in sales at Valley Hospital so she was able to bounce things off the doctors she knew. They are both back at their jobs now - Ryan is a district sales manager - but they remain vigilant. “This diagnosis was one in a million,” Cherne said. But, she added, there is 15-year-old boy in Houston, a 17-year-old and an 11-year-old in California and a 13-year-old boy who all have been diagnosed with stage three or four colon cancer within six or seven months of each other, recently. The Haskell’s are now part of a colorectal cancer support group called Blue Hope Nation. Cherne said right now Braden probably doesn’t realize how near death he was, but she said when he gets older, he will no doubt realize how fortunate he is.

• JANUARY 2020

The Current

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January 2020 Current

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