November 2021 Current by The Current

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NOVEMBER

2021

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

FREE

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

My War Never ended Documentary featuring Spokane veterans, page 10

LOCAL COUPLE FIXTURES AT SYMPHONY PAGE 2

SPOKANE VALLEY PRODUCE PAGE 18

READERS WRITE IN PAGE 21-23

• NOVEMBER 2021

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Harmonious Duo –

Valley couple seen as symphony staples By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor

It’s been a long time since anyone can remember the Spokane Symphony without Leonard or Helen Byrne. Leonard plays principal tuba and has been part of the orchestra since 1975. Helen joined in 1982 and is assistant principal cello. She also serves as cellist for the Spokane String Quartet and is organist at Manito Presbyterian Church. The couple has called Spokane Valley home since 1987. While the Byrnes’ musical paths may have converged at the Inland Northwest’s epicenter of culture, their respective routes are as different and distinct as the brass and string sections.

in 1981. She and Leonard served together on a committee during union negotiations for the symphony in 1986 and were married the following year.

Leonard was born in Seattle and grew up in the Burien area. His dad worked as an engineer for Boeing and was transferred to Huntsville, Alabama in 1965 to work on the Saturn 5 Booster project. The family planted new roots in the south at the end of Leonard’s sixth grade year. Leonard’s musical journey began in fifth grade with piano lessons. At his elementary school in Burien, he played a Pan American baritone saxophone on loan from the high school. “My mom played some church piano,” he said. “There wasn’t much music in our house. I remember TV – Lawrence Welk and variety shows.” The closest instrument available to the tuba at Leonard’s junior high in Alabama was a brass sousaphone with a large case. “It was really heavy,” Leonard

Helen grew up in the West Central neighborhood of Spokane and started playing piano at the age of 5. One of her earliest musical memories is listening to Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. When it came to pick an instrument, she passed on the violin. “I wanted to spare my parents from listening to my shrieky violin,” she said. In elementary school, Helen was the only student in the string section. She joined the Spokane Junior Symphony in middle school and would travel to the old University High School in the Valley for rehearsals. Helen was the sole cellist for much of her time at North Central High. When it came time for college, she headed halfway across the country to Northwestern University in Chicago where she majored in cello performance. After graduation, she played with the Chicago Civic Orchestra. Helen

returned

Spokane

Photo by Craig Howard

said. “My mom had to help me carry it.”

a successful career in engineering to help as a caregiver for his parents.

Leonard excelled in math and orchestra in high school and was playing with the Huntsville Civic Symphony by his senior year. He returned to the Inland Northwest after graduation, enrolling at the University of Idaho where he majored in electrical engineering. The second semester of his freshman year marked the first time he’d taken private lessons on the tuba.

When asked to name his favorite composers, Leonard deadpans, “Composers who write tuba parts.”

After earning his degree, Leonard latched on with Keytronic in Spokane. He would later return to Idaho for his master’s in electrical engineering. The move to the Lilac City in 1975 proved serendipitous as the tuba player for the Spokane Symphony was about to leave. Leonard drove out to Eastern Washington University (then Eastern Washington College) in Cheney to listen to the audition pieces at the school’s music library. He won the audition that summer and has been part of the orchestra ever since. In 2001, he retired from

Q: Leonard, your path to becoming a professional musician took more of a circuitous route than many might imagine between challenges in finding an actual tuba to play to not taking private music lessons until you were in college. What kept you motivated to stick with it as some of those hurdles kept cropping up? A: Hurdles are not hurdles when you don’t know any better and just think that’s the way it is. The misfires with getting into All-State just plain ticked me off. I was mad, and there was no way I was going to miss out on a technicality my senior year. The first person I knew that owned their own tuba was my professor at college. Finding that my college had a good tuba prof and signing up for lessons was exciting. I am glad the U of I engineering and music schools were so accommodating. I am not sure it would have been possible at a larger university or a school with a serious conservatory. Buying a tuba once I won the audition, that was a hurdle. I knew I needed a horn, I needed it soon, and professional tubas are not sitting on the shelf in Spokane music stores. In those days there were probably only a couple of dealers in the whole country with quality tubas on the shelf ready for purchase. Just finding something was a challenge and of course as a new grad, I had no money for a purchase of about the same size as a new car. If I had not won the audition the bigger hurdle would have been finding a place to play, procrastinating about buying a horn etc. I have always had a serious case of imposter syndrome in the orchestra and wonder how much was that I just got lucky. Motivation is a tricky question. I am risk-averse and afraid of failure. I strongly prefer to keep doing what I’m good at doing. My dad talked me out of being a music major, or math major for that matter, because of a poor

Longtime Spokane Valley residents Leonard and Helen Byrne have been fixtures with the Spokane Symphony for decades. Leonard began with the orchestra in 1975 and is principal tuba. Helen started in 1982 and is assistant principal cello. See SYMPHONY COUPLE, Page 5

NOVEMBER 2021 • 3

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NEWS

• NOVEMBER 2021

SVFD Report – Sept. 2021 Current News sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1873 emergency calls from September 15 – October 15, 2021. By the numbers: Emergency Medical Services 1525 Motor Vehicle Collisions 88 Fires 82 Building Alarms 68 Dispatched and Cancelled en route 53 Service Calls 19 Hazardous Materials 18 Vehicle Fires 8 Auto vs Pedestrian 5 Technical Rescue 5 Rescue Task Force 1 Other 1 Highlights and the news include: Total calls for service decreased from 2144 the month prior to 1873 this month. • Calls for EMS decreased from 1785 to 1525. • Motor Vehicle decreased from 100 to 88.

Collisions

• Vehicle Fires decreased from 10 last month to 8 this month. • Fires saw an decrease from 89 last month to 82 this month. Burn Restrictions have been lifted Visit spokanevalleyfire.com to know what is legal to burn. Media Release September 29 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to the 5900 block of east 11th Avenue around 2 p.m. where work crews were digging a trench. During digging, construction crews hit an Avista gas line. Workers were able to get out and away without harm. Upon arrival SVFD crews found an approximate 11 feet deep unstable trench with gas leaking from the hit line. Crews secured the surrounding area until Avista was able to secure the line and turn off the gas. The unstable trench was of concern because of the depth and the unstable conditions of the soil and exposed rock. Spokane Valley Fire would like to remind you, “call before you dig (811).” Heed the information provided by Avista and the locate company. Stay within the distance provided by the locating agency for utilities underground. It is also

required at certain depths to have shoring in place when digging a trench. Spokane has unique soils that will collapse in certain conditions and can potentially cause an entrapment. Make sure before digging a trench to heed those depth regulations. Media Release September 29 - City of Spokane Valley Mayor, Ben Wick, has proclaimed the week of October 3, 2021, as Fire Prevention Week. The proclamation was read at the September 28, City of Spokane Valley Council meeting. City of Spokane Valley, Mayor Ben Wick said, “I urge Spokane Valley citizens to learn about the importance of in-home Fire Prevention practices such as working smoke and CO alarms. Take advantage of the opportunity to make the City of Spokane Valley safer and smarter this Fire Prevention Week, by understanding the sounds your alarms make.” Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” This year’s focus is on educating children and adults about smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, their necessity, and how the

The Current

sounds they make help save lives. “What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family,” said Lorraine Carli, vicepresident of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “Every day of every week, SVFD responds to a call regarding Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Alarms,” said SVFD Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers. Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) wants to share safety tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” • A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. • A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. • All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years. • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. • Make sure your smoke and See SVFD REPORT, Page 6

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NOVEMBER 2021 • 5

The Current

NEWS SYMPHONY COUPLE Continued from page 2 chance of getting a job. But band and music had been a huge part of my life in high school, I wasn’t going to give it up unless I had to. Q: Helen, what were some of your original motivations to become a musician? A: I don’t really remember deciding to become a musician. I started piano when I was very young, and one thing just led to another. As I started being successful at what I was doing, that fed the desire to look for the next challenge and way to improve. So after maybe 10 years you’ve put in those 10,000 hours required for excellence and working to constantly improve becomes a habit. I know I’m a better cellist today than I was 20 years ago. The thing about being a musician is that it becomes part of your identity. I think it’s why musicians don’t ever really retire. But when your skills or your hearing start slipping, it can be pretty traumatic. Q: Leonard, are there skills and traits from your career as an engineer that translated over into your work as a musician and vice versa? A: Not necessarily in the way you might expect. My math skills and ready access to computers, even in the 70s, were very helpful with symphony contract negotiations. Speaking skills and leadership skills acquired as orchestra chair served me in good stead in my engineering career. Math skills and music are related. The ability to focus is required in both. By the way, when schools make it nearly impossible to take STEM classes and band or choir, they kill the music program. My experience is those are the same kids. Support arts education. Q: Helen, how has the Spokane Symphony changed from the time you joined the orchestra in 1982 to today? A: When I first moved back to Spokane, I had been listening to the Chicago Symphony for five years. They are a great orchestra and were the standard by which I measured other music ensembles. So I was dreading coming home and possibly being embarrassed by the playing of the Spokane Symphony. I was surprised how good they were (and how snobbish I had become). So that was 40 years ago and the

Spokane Symphony Orchestra is even more impressive now. When we have guest artists come to work with the symphony, they are often surprised and delighted at the quality of the orchestra. You can tell they weren’t expecting much from Spokane. We’ve had many different music directors who have all left their mark on the orchestra and our newest conductor, James Lowe, is a consummate musician and has really exciting and refreshing new ways of approaching rehearsing and performing. Q: Leonard, you’ve been a resident of the Valley for quite a while now. How would you characterize the arts scene in this community, not only for musicians but for artists in general? A: This is going to be an unpopular answer. I view the entire corridor from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene as one metropolitan area. To have true excellence in the arts we need to pool our resources. I think we have a vibrant arts scene but everyone is challenged economically. Q: Helen, your musical resume is diverse and goes beyond your long tenure with the symphony as you’ve taken on a variety of work. Do you think there is a perception that life as a musician is easier and perhaps more glamorous than the reality you’ve experienced? A: Well, to start off with, we call it “playing” music. So how hard can it be, to work at a job where you are just playing? The fact is that your playing skills can deteriorate very rapidly if you don’t keep practicing, even if you have nothing specific to be practicing for. So being a musician is an odd combination of having the discipline to put in the routine hours so you can be ready at any time to create something inspired. Even some of the symphony’s board members don’t realize how many hours of individual work goes into staying in shape and preparing our parts for the first rehearsal – long before the glamorous concert part. Another hard part of being a musician in Spokane is that you have to do many different things to make a living. Our lives are a patchwork of jobs and require a lot of scheduling flexibility and the willingness to live with some uncertainty. It’s never boring, but if you need the security of a 9 to 5 job, then being a musician is probably not a good fit.

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• NOVEMBER 2021

The Current

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel 2021 September Malicious Mischief Hotspots

Published Date: 10/12/2021 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

SVFD REPORT

Spokane Valley Districts ! (

Incident counts summarizes the events within 1/4 of a mile of each other. The heat map shows the density of events within the area.

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Simpson

Harvard

Kenney

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2021 September Theft Hotspots

Incidents Within 1/4 Mile =1 ! ( 2-5

Dosser Reservoir

0.5

11-15 >15

2 Miles

Published Date: 10/12/2021 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

Spokane Valley Districts

Incident counts summarizes the events within 1/4 of a mile of each other. The heat map shows the density of events within the area.

Blake

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Molter

Simpson

Harvard

Kenney

Campbell

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Adams

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For more general information about Fire Prevention Week visit www.fpw.org or spokanevalleyfire. com Marine Rescue – September 22, 10:34 a.m. - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to east Wellesley Avenue and north Pierce Road to the report of a car on its side about 20 feet from the shore. Crews arrived to find the vehicle upside down. Upon closer investigation, it was found to be an abandoned car frame dumped in the river. Brush Fire – September 23, 11:00 a.m. - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a call for potential flames in brush and trees near south Idaho Road and south Lakeside Road. Valley Engine 4 crews hit a deer on their way to the fire. DNR crews had 2 engines and a helicopter to assist with the offensive strategy. Kootenai assisted with a Tender Truck and an Engine. Valley Brush 3 had a good hit on the fire initially. A wet line was established and a scratch line. With no winds, the fire was easily contained to between .5 and .75 acres. Scene was turned over to DNR once the fire was contained and extinguished.

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CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Incidents: Liberty Lake

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The maps provided depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Burglaries, Malicious Mischief and Thefts. 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. Citizens who have been a victim of crime are encouraged to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 4562233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

11-15 >15 2 Miles

Structure Fire – October 13, 1:30 p.m. – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Valley Engine 4 crews were dispatched to a fire at the Kaiser facility. Crews from VE4 were assigned to fire control. VE4 crews supplied VE5 crews with water. VE2 crews were assigned to vent group on the roof. VE3 crews arrived to find the fire burning up a wall above some electrical lines approximately 50 feet from the ground. The fire was burning exposed wood and extending to the roof decking above. VL10 crews went up to the roof and found fire in the exterior wall and decking.

NOVEMBER 2021 • 7

The Current

Incident counts summarizes the events within 1/4 of a mile of each other. The heat map shows the density of events within the area.

McKinzie

Molter

Simpson

Harvard

Kenney

Flora

Barker

Marcus

Sullivan

Henry

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Madison

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The vent group used hooks to pry away the metal siding to inspect the framework for further hotspots.

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Crews continued to work until the fire was fully extinguished.

0.5

11-15 >15 2 Miles

Published Date: 10/12/2021 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

Spokane Valley Districts

Incident counts summarizes the events within 1/4 of a mile of each other. The heat map shows the density of events within the area.

Palouse

McKinzie

Simpson

Harvard

Kenney

Campbell

Flora

Molter

Progress

Barker

Sullivan

Liberty Lake Sprague

Liberty Lake

Col o

Henry

nia

Adams

Evergreen

McDonald

Pines

Saltese C reek

24th

Linke

Sal t

Belle Terre

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Legend

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Thorpe

Incidents Within 1/4 Mile =1 ! ( 2-5

Dense

Dosser Reservoir

/ !( ! (

Quin n amose C6-10 ree k

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37th

31st

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Alarm System – October 14, 2:53 a.m. – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) VE4 responded for a smoke alarm sounding. The caller said they could hear a smoke alarm going off. No one was in the home – from observation it appeared the home was being remodeled. Once crews got closer to the home it was apparent that the alarm was not inside the house but inside the construction trailer located at the side of the home that contained housing debris and the smoke alarm that was sounding. VE4 located the alarm and removed the battery. Once the alarm was silenced, crews returned in service. The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) serves a population of 125,000+ over 75-square miles, including the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Millwood, as well as surrounding unincorporated areas. In 2020, our cross-trained Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics responded to more than 18,700 emergency calls. Established in 1940, SVFD is committed to pursuing excellence and is distinguished as an accredited agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), and by SVFD’s Class 2 fire insurance rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com. For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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Fran

Thierman

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Crews wore full PPE because of the likelihood of asbestos in the material being overhauled.

Spokane Valley Districts

VL8 and 10 crews opened the roof and found a small amount of fire in the wall and roof directly above the interior fire.

Published Date: 10/12/2021 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

e Cem

V31 was assigned safety. V31 performed a modified drive around to visualize south side of the fire building. V31 found a small amount of light smoke from middle roof vent and light darker smoke from an area of the roof that was unable to be visualized.

2021 September Burglary Hotspots rk e Fo

Crews stretched the scorpion load and were able to extinguish the interior fire. Kaiser maintenance group was asked to shut down more electrical feeds as there was some arcing with initial spray of water. Crews were able to stop the spread of the interior fire.

0.5

11-15 >15 2 Miles

• NOVEMBER 2021

The Current

NEWS

City sets stage for changes in 2022 By Lincoln DoWright Current Contributor

Tourism Withdrawal

Promotion

Area

In a provision what was added to the Interlocal agreement between Spokane County, the City of Spokane and the City of Spokane Valley earlier in 2021 when the contract was updated to allow the Regional Tourism Promotion Area to increase the amount collect on Hotel Room Stays to go from $2 per night to $5. The Spokane Valley City Council voted to exercise their ability to withdraw from the regional tourism promotion area in favor of having their own local tourism promotion area and assessment. The action came after prior council discussion and outreach where city attorney Cary Driskell and Mayor Ben Wick visited nearly every hotel within the City of Spokane Valley. Mayor Wick added that “this isn’t to stop working with Visit Spokane nor the Spokane Sports Commission but to help us better work with them by having the funds and contracts for use of the funds be directed by the Spokane Valley City Council directly.” The motion passed unanimously and will be effective December 2022. In the mean time staff will return with next steps in creating a City of Spokane Valley specific Tourism Promotion Area. City Manager Recruitment With City Manager Mark Calhoun announcing his retirement at the

end of December 2021. The Spokane Valley City Council has chosen to hire an external firm to lead the recruitment process to fill the City Manager position (Prothman) and appointed Mayor Ben Wick, Deputy Mayor Brandi Peetz, Council member Pam Haley as well as City Manager Mark Calhoun, City Finance Director Chelsey Taylor, City Human Resources Manager John Whitehead, and a city legal representative to help make procedural decisions related to the recruitment. Upcoming Spokane Valley Arts Council Sculpture The Spokane Valley Arts Council unveiled their 2022 project which is titled “The Owl Woman Calls Your Name” and is a bronze statue by Nancy McLaughlin. The piece was selected by the Spokane Valley Arts

no matter where you are on your spiritual journey, all are welcome here

Council and was chosen in part due to the discounted pricing offered by the company willing to do the production of this piece for another city outside the state of Washington. While the exact timeline for raising the necessary funds isn’t known the arts council wanted to update the city council on their upcoming project. City Hall Holiday Closures The City Council authorized the closure of City Hall and CenterPlace Regional Events Center at noon on Wednesday Nov 24th leading into the Thanksgiving holiday as well as at noon on Thursday Dec 23rd leading into the Christmas holiday. It was noted that this closure will only affect normal administrative functions of the city and that all preplanned events at CenterPlace will

take place as scheduled. Outside Agency Grant Awards Since its incorporation, Spokane Valley has provided some funding for local economic development and social service agencies. In the 2022 budget process the city has set aside $244,000 for allocations however $43,000 has been committed for a contract with Greater Spokane Inc and $19,000 to the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, leaving $182,000 available to still be awarded. After receiving applications and presentations from eight-teen agencies seeking the funding the city council provided funding for the following agencies: Elevations Children’s Therapy - $5,837, Embrace Washington - $0, Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels - $18,408,

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NOVEMBER 2021 • 9

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Greater Spokane County Rotary - $0, HUB Sports Center - $5,000, JAKT [the group organizing the Spokane Valley Farmers Market] - $12,051, Jewels Helping Hands - $0, NAOMI $6,179, Northwest Winterfest - $4,571, Project id - $12,714, Spokane Valley Arts Council - $15,500, Spokane Valley Heritage Museum- $11,622, Spokane Valley Partners - $36,945, Spokane Valley Summer Theatre $7,643, Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center - $6,357, Teen & Kid Closet - $9,051, Valleyfest - $17,214, and Widows Might - $12,908. The agencies receiving funds were selected based upon receiving at least 4 individual council member allocations with the total amount being the result of the average awards from all seven council members individual recommendations. Balfour Park Design Update Back in July of 2021, the city council contracted with AHBL, Inc to complete the overall park design for Balfour Park and 30% design specifications for each of the architectural park elements identified in the master plan (including an events plaza, signature playground, splash pad, restroom, picnic shelter, sports courts, veterans’ memorial, amphitheater and a walking/ interpretive trail). City Engineer Bill Helbig updated the council saying, “working with the library [Spokane County Library District] they are moving their project forward faster than expected, with current plans to go to bid for construction in January.” In an effort to achieve cost savings the city council has allocated $3.5 million towards the development which is anticipated to complete the park infrastructure and have it prepared to be bid with the construction of the library building to achieve the best possible pricing on the project and have construction expected to start in the spring of 2022.

Updated designs were presented to the City Council for the park identifying which areas and elements would be included in the first phase. Of note they included excavation and overall grading or the entire site, water, electric, and sewer utilities, some of the pathways and lighting systems, the parking lot on the eastern side, a bulk of the landscaping / irrigation, as well as a new restroom building which will also include a pump room to support the future splash pad, a mechanical and electrical room, storage room, and a workspace for the Spokane

Valley Police Department to encourage a stronger police presence within the park. The City Council appreciated the designs and update with Councilmember Linda Thompson asking to make sure that the Veterans memorial to be labeled on future versions of the plans and while the memorial isn’t included in the initial phase, she requested that at least a flag pole be included in the initial phase. Upcoming Council Discussions The Council meeting on Nov 2nd was canceled due to it being election night with city council positions on the ballot. On Tuesday Nov 9th, the council is expected to consider final adoption for the cities 2022 budget; host a public hearing for the Community Development Block Grant 2022 projects and determine which projects to submit for the funding allocation; receive the official report out from the cities street sustainability committee; as well as an update on the cities Lodging Tax Allocations and the Yellowstone Pipe Line Franchise. On Nov 16th the city is expected to take action on the removal of the planned residential development code provisions, an update to the dedication plaque options, and adopting a 2022 state legislative agenda, up for discussion will be the 2022 Comprehensive Plan docket, an update on the Sullivan and Wellesley intersection project, and a city council salary commission update.

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housing@snapwa.org (509) 319-3040 Please be aware: this program is available only for homes located in Spokane County outside the City of Spokane

• NOVEMBER 2021

Spokane Valley Partners expands to cover need

NEWS

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Spokane Valley Partners has been operating food, clothing and diaper banks for decades, along with providing office space to several other social service agencies. Now they’re expanding, offering services five days a week instead of only two. The non-profit organization at 10814 E. Broadway Avenue started as an effort by several Spokane Valley churches to pool their resources and offer help to those in need. It became a non-profit organization in 1990, said executive director Cal Coblentz. In the beginning, the food bank was open every Wednesday by appointment. After a time, Thursday was added to provide additional access for those with disabilities. The organization had a set routine, Coblentz said. They received shipments of food on Mondays and Tuesdays, which was quickly sorted and prepared for distribution by volunteers. Each Wednesday was a herculean effort that required between 40 and 50 volunteers. “The front end of the week was mostly getting our food in,” Coblentz said. “Our clothing bank also had limited hours. What we did, historically, was force everyone into a tight window. It was easier to manage.” Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Spokane Valley Partners received CARES Act money from the federal government that they used to buy two large trucks to serve as mobile food banks. Then they hit the road, distributing food in parking lots across Spokane Valley. They discovered they could reach a lot more customers that way, Coblentz said, and heard from some people that it was difficult to get to their location or people couldn’t get there on Wednesdays. “We started seeing a whole bunch of new people,” he said. “That’s when the light bulb came on. Just because you’ve been doing it the same way for 20 years doesn’t mean you have to continue that way.” Shifting to a Monday through Friday distribution schedule with no appointments required meant the organization had to completely reinvent its assembly line, which included asking volunteers to come in on different days than they were used

The Current

Documentary to tell story of Spokane area veterans By Nina Culver

Current contributor

to, he said. Coblentz said he approached the Salvation Army for help, telling them his organization needed to learn how to shift to a five day a week schedule. The Salvation Army welcomed them in, gave them a tour and has helped train volunteers, Coblentz said. “We love that partnership,” he said. The food bank at Spokane Valley Partners is no longer limited to residents in the Spokane Valley area. “We have no zip code limitations at this point,” Coblentz said. “If you’re hungry, come to us. We’ll give you food.” Spokane Valley Partners is now offering all services, including the food bank, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. People check in at the front desk, indicate whether they need food, clothing or diapers, and are directed to where they need to go, Coblentz said. The mobile food banks are still out in the community twice a week, with the schedule posted to the organization’s Facebook page, said Angie Kelleher, director of development and communications. Families get a variety of fresh food, meat, produce and shelf stable food. On Thursdays, a truck alternates between Fairfield, Rockford, and various Spokane Valley locations. The Saturday schedule is fixed, with the truck visiting Centennial Middle School (915 N. Ella Road) on the first Saturday of the month, Trent Elementary School (3303 N. Pines Road) on the second Saturday, Mica Peak High School (15111 E. Sprague Ave.) on the third Saturday and Greenacres Middle School (17409 E. Sprague Ave.) on the fourth Saturday. “Ultimately, it’s about reducing barriers,” Kelleher said. Being open more days and keeping the mobile food bank trucks on the road is helping Spokane Valley Partners deal with a huge increase in need, Kelleher said. “We have consistently served over 500 families each month through the new mobile food bank service while also continuing traditional distribution methods,” she said. “The number of

families seeking help for the first time is staggering. New families seeking food assistance doubled over what we see most years.” Since the expanded hours just began in October, there aren’t any firm numbers yet about how much of an increase there has been in the number of families served at the food bank, Coblentz said. But it has been different than expected since the first Monday, when six families were lined up at 9 a.m. Coblentz said he though most people would continue to come on Wednesdays, but they didn’t. “Wednesday was no different than Monday,” he said. Making such big changes to how they operate has required physical changes inside the building. Most notably, the organization stopped leasing out an auditorium to local theater groups and ripped out the seats. “The building is just too small,” Coblentz said. “We had to take over that space to put our inventory.” The former auditorium is now stacked high with metal shelves that hold clothes, diapers and other supplies. In addition, offices that were in the food bank were torn out and the space is now used for the Food for Thought program. As part of that program, the organization prepares bags that contain six meals to send home with students at Central Valley schools each Friday so the students will have food to eat over the weekend. Moving the Food for Thought program created space in the main food bank warehouse that can now be used to store more food, Coblentz said. He hopes to fill those shelves with donations collected by local school districts, who typically run food drives each fall. The organization is also in the midst of its second annual VS. Hunger campaign to collect cash donations. One dollar can provide four meals, Coblentz said. An anonymous donor has agreed to match each donation dollar for dollar up to $37,000 through November 30. Visit www.svpart.org for more details or to donate.

Maurice Smith has been working with the Spokane homeless population for the last 15 years, including time spent as a shelter director. He helped found Feed Spokane, a non-profit organization that works to provide free meals to those in need. He has served on the board of local homeless shelters and is involved with the Spokane Homeless Coalition. What he didn’t expect to become is a documentary filmmaker. Three years ago, Smith decided he wanted to create a documentary about what he was seeing in the homeless community. Rising River Media, a non-profit organization, was created to make the documentary and collect community donations to fund the work. Since then, he’s made six full length documentaries and several shorter ones. He created a short one after filming the 2020 Veteran Stand Down and another filmed at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery for Memorial Day. Smith is currently in the midst of his most recent project, a documentary focused on veterans titled “My War Never Ended.” As he met and filmed homeless people, Smith realized that many of them were veterans, which led to his current project. “That just started bubbling on the back burner,” he said. Smith said he started making documentaries because he wanted to make a difference. “I’m tired of watching train wrecks,” he said. Homeless people all have stories about how they became homeless, some of them harrowing. “These are real people,” he said. “I’m going to change the optic of what people see when they look at the homeless.” It’s important to remember that how we see people is the beginning of how we treat people, Smith said. “They’re not all addicts, not all bums,” he said. “If that’s how we see them, we’re giving ourselves permission to treat them that way. We need a new tone. We troll them, we criticize them, we treat people verbally like they’re trash.”

The Current

Smith has been collecting interviews for his latest documentary for more than a year. Progress was halted in the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the people he interviewed was U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represents Eastern Washington. Her husband, Brian Rogers, is a retired U.S. Navy commander. In her interview, McMorris Rodgers talks about her efforts to support the local VA hospital and increase staffing, including more psychologists. “Veterans have need of mental health support to address some of the challenges they face specifically,” she said. She also discusses veteran benefits, veteran homelessness, the high veteran suicide rate and the distrust that some veterans have toward the Veteran’s Administration. Filming for the documentary also involves meeting the homeless where they are, in a literal sense. “You’re entering into someone else’s world,” Smith said. Smith recalls interviewing one homeless veteran under a bridge one cold winter night. The man had post-traumatic stress disorder and was hallucinating. But he was occasionally lucid and talked about how he got to where he was. In another situation, Smith was attempting to interview a man on another cold winter night. Despite the snow, the man was wearing only a pair of shorts. That’s when Maurice put his camera down and gave the man the shoes off his feet. “Those are the times when you just have to do the right thing,” he said. Smith is also trying to interview veterans who are business and community leaders. Sometimes people who know them aren’t even aware they are veterans, Smith said. “They’ve gone on to have successful lives,” he said. “We have people like this all around us. Yes, some of them struggle with issues, but most of them are just great community members.” Smith said he was reminded recently how a veteran’s experiences can be brought to the surface even decades later. He was at a veteran’s forum during the country’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The veterans were upset, Smith said, and many veterans of the conflict voiced that their efforts in the country had been for nothing. And Vietnam veterans said that the messy withdrawal reminded them of the United States’ withdrawal from

COVER STORY

NOVEMBER 2021 • 11

Maurice Smith filming a segment of the "My War Never Ended"

Saigon. “The pain that they went through 30, 40 years ago is still very real,” he said. “In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.” Smith plans to divide his documentary into seven parts. The first will feature several veterans reading the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. “I think it will be very powerful,” he said. “We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.” The second section will examine the camaraderie among veterans and how when veterans are hurting, they need to be around other veterans, Smith said. “There’s a brotherhood there, among veterans,” he said. Another section examines the visible and invisible wounds of veterans. Not every scar is visible,

Smith said. “I have seen this hidden pain,” he said. The section on homeless veterans is titled “How did you end up here?” Smith said. The answers to that question are varied, but there are key similarities, he said. They’ve all suffered a deep personal trauma and they’ve usually lost their support network – friends, family, church members. Many have struggled with depression and some have been fighting with the Veterans Administration to get the benefits they are due. “That happens over and over again,” he said. “How do we get them out, of course, is the next question.” Smith recalls one instance when he spoke to a veteran who was injured when his vehicle was blown up by a roadside bomb. Inexplicably, the VA said his injuries were not combat related, Smith said. He was able to put the man in touch with people who could help him cut through the red tape and get him the treatment he needed, Smith said. In keeping with that message, the documentary will also include a section on how to access veteran’s benefits. Some people are eligible and don’t realize it, Smith said. He wants his documentary to educate people with what is available and how to access it, he said.

One of the closing sections of the documentary focused on those killed in action is titled “Last full measure of devotion.” It will feature Gold Star mothers and other family members of those who died in war. Smith said he spent some time filming at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery near Medical Lake. He filmed as members of the military placed flags on each grave in advance of Memorial Day. He also filmed a family as they visited the grave of their husband and father, with their permission. “It’s the veteran community, the Gold Star moms who are still grieving,” he said. The final section of the documentary will feature veterans speaking a series of “We believe” statements in regards to veterans, such as “We believe our veterans are entitled to housing,” Smith said. He anticipates working on the documentary for some time, Smith said. “We’ll be doing this for a while,” he said. “This is too deep to do quickly.” Smith’s other documentaries are available at www.myroadleadshome.org. The titles include “The Least of These: Communities of Faith Serving the Homeless,” “My Road Leads Home,” “The Spokane Homeless Connect,” “Give Me Shelter,” “The Hidden Homeless: Families Experiencing Homelessness” and “The Night of the Unsheltered Homeless.”

• NOVEMBER 2021

The Current

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Dedication is a byword for Ethan Scheffler. The East Valley senior maintains a 3.9 grade point average and tackles a schedule featuring AP classes in subjects like statistics, calculus, government and more. He participates in clubs like Future Business Leaders of America and Knowledge Bowl. Scheffler serves as captain of the Knights’ cross country squad and leads the team through workouts. As a freshman, he advanced to varsity for part of the season. He makes it a point to train year-round to improve as a runner, whether it’s on a treadmill or battling the elements. “I’m always training unless there’s a hurricane,” he said. Scheffler also competes in track and has personal bests of 4:53 in the 1600 meters and 10:36 in the 3200 meters. He finds time for a part-time job at Walmart and runs his own yardwork business.

This fall, Logan Hofstee has found her stride as one of the premier cross country runners in the Greater Spokane League. On Oct. 9, the East Valley sophomore placed second at the Richland Invitational, a meet that featured schools like Seattle Prep, Wenatchee and Central Valley. She had a time of 17:42 in the 3-mile race. Earlier in the month, Hofstee ran to a fifth-place finish at The Battle of 509 in Cheney with a personal best of 18:08 on the 5K (3.1-mile) course. She has placed first in all of the Knights’ dual meets this season. Hofstee overcame a knee injury last season that put her on crutches for eight weeks. She returned to participate in track and also played basketball, averaging seven points a game. Hofstee maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is part of National Honor Society.

Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels (GSCMOW) relies on a large fleet of volunteers to deliver over 250,000 meals annually. Yet not all those who donate time to the Spokane Valley-based nonprofit sign on as drivers. Traci Minkler is one of those helpers that has made a difference behind the scenes. “Traci has been a superstar for our team tackling those big, time-consuming projects that keep our organization running,” said Janet Dixon GSCMOW director of Communications and Development. “In the past two years, she has stamped over 100,000 envelopes, helped digitize three decades of volunteer information and been a standout volunteer at our events.” A Spokane native, Minkler spent 21 years as a caregiver before retiring last year. She and her husband Cameron have been married for 33 years and have four kids, one grandchild and another on the way.

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at the shoppers and businesses of the greater Spokane Valley — and as a bonus we will include your gift idea as part of our story listing can’t-miss local gift ideas. (Restaurants, don’t feel left out. You can contribute a tantalizing menu item to be included in our article on dining out.) Either way, submitted photos are encouraged! “Eat, Shop and Be Merry” is a special cover section that will be included in the December issues of both The Current and The Splash. That’s right — be a part of both publications for one price.

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Distribution This guide is strategically scheduled to land November 22 and 23 — the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday.

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for information on sponsoring this section of the publication

A holiday guide for the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake and Rockford areas

1/4 PAGE: $450 1/2 PAGE: $780 1/2 PAGE: $780

It will be distributed in The Splash (11,000 copies delivered to every address in Liberty Lake and available for free at more than 100 newsstands through Christmas) as well as The Current (26,000 copies delivered to 18,000 homes in Spokane Valley and at more than 250 newsstands throughout the greater Spokane Valley).

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The Current

NOVEMBER 2021 • 13

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NOVEMBER 2021 • 15

The Current

S P O K A N E

C O U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

Creative Gingerbread House Competition For families & all ages ONLINE Saturday, Dec 11, 2pm We give you the challenge. You compete to assemble & decorate a festive gingerbread house. Sign up before this event fills up: www.scld.org/gingerbread

www.scld.org

• NOVEMBER 2021

The Crest

Normal Aging vs Dementia What’s the Difference? By Sandy Davidson Guest contributor

Joining Orchard Crest with nearly 30 years Long Term Care experience, Sandy Davidson is the Administrator of our newest Memory Care addition. Sandy spent the past 6 years as the administrator of a 66 unit, all Memory Care community in Spokane, has operated large communities with Memory Care wings and was a Regional Vice President of Operations for communities in Hawaii that included Memory Care. Almost 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss. When there is no underlying medical condition causing this memory loss, it’s known as “age-associated memory impairment”, which is considered a part of the normal aging process. Brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s and other dementias are different. Age-associated memory impairment and dementia can be distinguished in several ways: • Normal aging is not remembering why you came into the kitchen, dementia is not knowing the function of the kitchen. • Normal aging is not being able to remember the name of an acquaintance, dementia is not recognizing or knowing the name of a close family member. • Normal aging is occasionally forgetting things or events, dementia is frequently forgetting things or events. • Normal aging is not being able to remember details of an event from a year ago, dementia is not being able to recall recent events. • Normal aging is occasionally having difficulty in finding words, dementia is frequent pausing in conversation or substituting words of different meanings. • Worrying

about

your

memory but close family and relatives are not, is normal aging, if your family and friends are worried about your memory but you are not, it can be dementia. Dementia progresses as time goes by, sometimes very slowly, other times quickly. What is safe and effective today may not be so later so ongoing assessments are more appropriate. Age-associated memory loss, if other medical

possibilities are ruled out, will not show frequent or quick changes. Do you need support in dealing with memory loss for you or a loved one? We can be of more assistance, understanding what’s happening or supporting the person with dementia or their care partner. Sandy Davidson is on the Board of the Washington Healthcare Association, on the Advisory Board

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at Spokane Falls Community College Gerontology Department and teaches Support and Educational classes for the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether it’s Memory Care Support or Caregiver Support, Ask Sandy! Sandy Davidson is the Memory Care Administrator at Orchard Crest Retirement Community. Contact 509928-2222 for more information.

NOVEMBER 2021 • 17

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BUSINESS

• NOVEMBER 2021

Valley Produce

cooking sauces, spices, noodles and snacks, as well as dried mushrooms and other staples. She enjoys talking to people who ask her how to use certain ingredients, she said. “I used to have a Chinese restaurant,” she said. “That’s my favorite part. I am very happy to show people new stuff.”

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

There was a time when Spokane Valley was full of farms and orchards selling what they grew to local residents. One small piece of that remaining lifestyle is Valley Produce and Supply at 3324 N. Best Road, a small pocket located just down the road from new apartment complexes that have risen on Highway 27 south of 32nd Avenue. The business is owned by Lori Jensen and her husband Chuck Utecht, who have run the store for the last 11 years. They sell produce grown by Utecht, his brother Bill Utecht and a cousin, Greg Utecht, who both have nearby farms. “I raise most of the vegetables here,” Utecht said. Right now he farms 75 acres. At 65, he’s getting too old to handle a lot of field work. “In the earlier days, we were 1,500 acres,” he said. “I would farm a little more land, but there’s none left to farm. It’s all gone to development.” Farming is a family tradition. Utecht’s father, Chet Utecht, farmed in Greenacres for decades before he died in 2005. Chet Utecht was known for his farming acumen and was often turned to for advice. He

The Current

Those products, of course, are not local. Jensen said she buys them either in Seattle or online. But there are some local, homemade options for those who want them. The store stocks homemade pickles, kimchee and tomato juice. The store also has jewelry, Knick knacks and other small items that people like to purchase as Christmas or birthday gifts, Jensen said. “That’s not the main thing,” she said. “The main thing is the produce.” Photo by Nina Culver Lori Jensen and her husband Chuck Utecht are the owners and operators of Valley Produce. Lori enjoys working with people and runs the store while Chuck and his brother / cousin run the farms. mentored neighborhood kids, many of whom worked on his farm. “He was born and raised right down here on Progress Road and 16th,” Utecht said of his father. “He never ventured very far.” Utecht raises corn, cabbage, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. This time of year, he also sells apples and pears.

Customers can also find potatoes, onions and nuts. All the vegetables and fruit sold at the store are locally grown. The honey comes from Valleyford and the eggs come from backyard chickens across Spokane Valley. And each November and December, the store sells fresh-cut Christmas trees. “Everything is local,” he said. “A lot of people, that’s the first thing they ask, is it local.” Utecht said he appreciates being able to sell his produce directly to customers at his store. “It’s been good in that more people come in to buy produce,” he said. Gone are the days when teenagers would pick rows of vegetables during the summer. Utecht does most of the farm work himself, including harvesting his crops, which his wife runs the store. “You’ve got to do it all yourself,” he said. “I’m in charge of the produce and getting it picked and she’s in charge of the store.”

Photo by Nina Culver From cooking sauces and dried mushrooms to jewelry and knick knacks Valley Produce owner Lori Jensen enjoys showing people how to use new stuff and offers a bit more than just produce.

Jensen maintains an eclectic selection of goods on the shelves. You can find basic staples like cream of chicken soup and Van Camp’s pork and beans next to cans of a coconut milk drink. She stocks old fashioned hard candies like anise and horehound. And in the back room is an entire selection of Asian grocery staples. Jensen said she sells mostly

Jensen likes running the store, where she gets to know the regular shoppers. “I’m here almost every day,” she said. “I love it here because that’s my social place. That’s where I meet my friends and my customers. I’m very, very happy here.” The store often offers buy one, get one free deals on end-of-season produce as well as other deals designed to make sure customers leave happy, Jensen said. “We love people here,” she said. “Thaat’s why people love us.” Utecht said he plans to keep the store running as long as he farms, but once he retires from farming, the store will close. He has three children and all have other careers and aren’t interested in farming. It’s a lifestyle choice that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep alive, Utecht said. “I don’t blame them for not wanting to do it,” he said. “We don’t do this to make money. If we did want to, we wouldn’t be doing this.” His brother and cousin are in the same situation, Utecht said. None of their children want to take over the family farm either. So when the three men retire, their farms will cease to exist. “When we’re gone, it’s gone,” he said. But for now, Valley Produce and Supply is going strong, still offering locally grown fruit and vegetables to customers who come from as far away as North Idaho to do their shopping. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. six days a week and is closed on Sundays.

NOVEMBER 2021 • 19

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Spokane County LIBRARY DISTRICT

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Three tips for growing your family tree By Sheri Boggs, Librarian Spokane County Library District

Search for Your Family Tree in our Digital Library

I am not a professional genealogist, but I’ve been dabbling in genealogy for most of my life. When I was 10 years old, I read a haunted doll story that was solved with formidable genealogy skills. That Thanksgiving, I remember pressing my great-grandmother for as many family names and dates as she could remember, hoping for my own family mystery. If you’ve spent any amount of time on Ancestry.com, you know how addictive genealogy can be. When you just meant to research one person, suddenly, three hours later, you have five more names to research, some grainy uploaded photos to save, and a handful of barely legible census records to inspect. If you’re curious about your family history, here are three tips and some handy resources offered by the Spokane County Library District. Tip 1: Learn the basics

Find family & ancestors with billions of digital records: Historical census Immigration Vital data Family books Local history books Get started at www.scld.org/genealogy

www.scld.org

No matter how tempting it is to dive headfirst into your family tree, it’s important to understand the how and why of what you’re doing. These books, online course, and digital tools (available to indistrict library cardholders) will help you when you’re getting started. Say what you will about the “Dummies” book series, they’re a good place to start when a topic is new. “Genealogy for Dummies,” by Matthew L. Helmcan, can help you with building your tree, decoding common genealogy terms, contacting distant relatives, and more. The eBook “The Family Tree Toolkit,” by Kenyatta D. Berry, focuses on population migrations and their role in understanding the historical perspective of your ancestry. I especially like this resource for its sections on Native American, African American, and other non-European genealogies. You can borrow this on OverDrive at www.scld.org/overdrive.

Gale Courses offers a free, six-week online class called “Genealogy Basics.” Each lesson only takes an hour or two to complete, and the techniques and resources you learn can be used again and again as you extend the branches of your family tree. A new course starts each month. You can enroll at www.scld.org/ gale-courses. Ancestry Library Edition is a free library version of Ancestry. com that offers the same census records, vital documents, passenger lists, Polk directories, and more. The printable forms are invaluable, especially when working through possible connections before committing someone digitally to your tree. Best of all, Ancestry Library Edition is available for home use through December 31, 2021. Get started at www.scld.org/ancestry. HeritageQuest Online is a free, digital resource available to use anywhere, anytime. It works a bit differently than Ancestry and includes billions of records from 60 countries and over 28,000 family books. They provide tips on finding information and searching their data sets. If you are struggling to pinpoint a location where your ancestor lived, it has historical census maps to track and visualize the changes to county names and boundaries over the decades, across the U.S. Check it out at www.scld.org/heritage-quest. Tip 2: Develop a method Several websites encourage the use of a research plan. As someone who easily gets off track, I find that this tip really helps me stay focused. To help, many genealogy sites have a save-it-for-later feature (“shoebox” on Ancestry), so I don’t have to worry about losing anything intriguing I come across while I’m focusing on my planned search. Another approach is to think geographically and start locally. If your family has branches in Medical Lake, Moran Prairie, or Rockford, be sure to check out the Washington Rural Heritage links in our Digital Library at www. scld.org/history-rural. For those with roots in the state, check out Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (www.ewgsi.

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org) and Washington State Library Digital Resources and Collections (www.sos.wa.gov/library/ digcolls.aspx), which includes historical maps, photos, and even an obituary index. When looking to research national records, or even international, it’s worth a visit to FamilySearch (www.familysearch. org), a free alternative to Ancestry, operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Boasting “the world’s largest shared family tree,” FamilySearch holds a billion unique records, has an easy-to-use interface, and offers a system of personal ID numbers that can drastically speed up research if your ancestor is already enumerated. The About web page states that FamilySearch is “free of charge to everyone, regardless of tradition, culture, or religious affiliation.” Tip 3: Be prepared for surprises If you’ve signed up with any of the big genealogy companies that offer DNA testing, you’ve probably seen a disclaimer advising customers of potentially “unexpected” results. Sometimes the surprise is immediate, like when you see your ethnic percentages for the first time and realize your genetic heritage is more varied than you thought. And sometimes the surprise comes years later, perhaps when you are contacted by a somewhat close genetic match you’ve never heard of. “The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy,” by Blaine T. Bettinger, is a useful guide to understanding how the three most common methods of DNA testing work, how to navigate conversations when your results are unexpected, and how to upload your results to third parties like GEDMatch (www. gedmatch.com). It’s helped me untangle several genetic mysteries in my own tree and understand the science a little better. You can place a hold for this book in our catalog at www.scld.org/ bettinger-genealogy. I wish you luck with your research and hope you find these resources helpful for growing your family tree.

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OPINION Dear Editor, Recently my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting JJ Johnson and his lovely wife, Sheryl. We were invited to dinner by a common friend. We had never met JJ or knew anything about him other than reading in the SpokesmanReview that he had filed for Spokane Valley City Council. Nevertheless, the dinner invitation turned into 3 hours of one of the most interesting and informative discussions of some of the most important issues confronting our society that we’ve ever had. Although JJ is definitely well-informed and with his own opinions, he spent much of the time listening to the different points of view, occasionally clarifying those viewpoints and relating them to well-established facts. As such, he displayed the qualities of an excellent listener. You don’t spend the first 3 hours you’ve ever met a person discussing such meaty subjects without that person being very approachable, energetic, and eager to discuss in depth the most important issues affecting your life. I would encourage anyone voting for Position 1 of the Spokane Valley City Council who is serious about casting the right vote to seek out JJ for a conversation about your most important concerns. He may not have 3 hours to spend with you individually, but the time you can have with him you’ll find well spent. Of course, you should also take any opportunity to meet with him in larger groups. Norm Luther Dear Editor, I would love to tell you why I am voting for Pam Orebaugh for Position 5 and Writing In Bret Howell for Position 2. Both Pam and Bret are devoted parents that share my interest in having a choice in our children’s education. They are not Anti-mask or Anti-vaccine but Pro-Parent Choice. There are many rumors being said about them that are not true, both candidates are accessible and transparent, they are always willing to speak to the public and clarify their stances. CV is an excellent school district, but the school shutdowns have greatly impacted our children, so we need fresh faces on the school board to help get our children caught up and back on track to excel. If you don’t want the state making your parenting decisions for you then Pam and Bret are the candidates you want fighting for you and your children. Amy Mulhern

NOVEMBER 2021 • 21

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Dear Editor, I’m a concerned parent beyond frustrated with our school this year. I have seen the school and the organizations associated with the school censoring, harassing, and only allowing one-sided conversations violating our rights to free speech. Sadly our school, Ponderosa Elementary, has become nothing more than a political baseball game. If your opinion differs from the district's approved opinion it is shut down and ignored. Earlier this week our Ponderosa Elementary PTSA, an organization that funds activities for our kids, posted on their private Facebook group asking for more parent participation. They are in danger of losing their sponsorship. I don’t agree with the way the school district is running the school and have been vocal about it. I believe you must stand up for the things you believe in. I commented "maybe if schools let parents back into the classroom no matter their vaccine status without jumping through a bunch of nonsense hoops you would have better parent participation.” The PTSA deleted all comments that did not fall in line with the discriminatory district parent volunteer policy. I was also blocked from posting to the PTSA for a month. All comments were respectful and kind and I did not violate any of the group rules as you can see in the attached document. The stifling of free speech in our school community is disturbing. Earlier this year I kept my daughter out of school for 2 days. I chose not to give the school a reason why she was absent, which is my right as a parent. The Dean of Students from Ponderosa elementary harassed me and tried to get me to say she had virus symptoms when he called. I was so upset about his tactics I asked to see the written protocols for absence. I have kids in four schools at CVSD and have never experienced this kind of harassment. I understand the need to keep our children home when sick and follow the COVID protocols, but the treatment from the administrator was unnecessary. Yesterday my 6yr old daughter came home with a bruised nose and a fat lip. She says she ran into another kid at recess and they both had to go to the office for ice packs.. I’m not sure if the masks prevented the school from noticing the injury or if the neglect was intentional. I did not receive a phone call or an email from the school. I feel sick about this. I am not sure my kids are

OPINION

safe at school. I am hearing stories from other parents and kids about hallway fights and an assault in gym class. Yes, I’m talking about an elementary school. I am appalled by this behavior from adults especially when they have a direct influence on my children. I am a concerned parent and was an active participant in the school. Unfortunately, I am now required to either get vaccinated or wait until the school district approves my religious exemption before I can be active again. Last year when the PTSA would not fund individual playground equipment my husband and I donated enough balls, and jump ropes for all the classrooms. We care deeply about our school but the continuing practice of shutting parents up and locking them out of schools is concerning and should concern every parent. What is going on behind closed doors when this is what I am seeing as a relative outsider. Amanda Simmons CVSD school district parent Dear Editor, On October 13th, the Spokesman published a guest opinion by Stan Chalich. I read his article with interest because I knew very little about Stan’s positions on controversial topics burgeoning in public education (sexual health education, critical race theory, vaccine mandate, etc.). Unfortunately, his positions remain unclear because 1) he used this platform as a scare campaign by fallaciously misrepresenting Pam Orebaugh (and Bret Howell) regarding state funding for CVSD, and 2) he refuses to participate in public forums where community members can inquire regarding his ideological views. His website is devoid of answers to these topics, his Facebook page is similarly bereft, and he refuses to respond to emails. Will his interaction be any different as an elected schoolboard member? Instead of sharing his views publicly, Stan chose to create a wildly deceptive straw man argument regarding state funding and a superficial criticism of a potential schoolboard recall. Unfortunately, Stan is not above the rhetorical posturing that is frequently a frustration with recalcitrant politicians. Pam and Bret desire a return to normalcy, transparency, open dialogue with the public, and honest representation of the community. This will be a welcomed change to the current schoolboard. Tim Barker CVSD parent of four

An Open Letter to our CVSD Community To our Greater Central Valley School District Community: We sincerely thank you for your enthusiastic support for Central Valley School District (CVSD) in the past and your continued support today. Together, we have built new schools, remodeled schools and are working hard to create safe learning environments for all our students. Together, we have managed to navigate some very challenging times and today we acknowledge there are difficult challenges ahead. We cannot lose sight of what we accomplish when we work together to improve the quality of education for our children. As a school board of directors, our primary goal is to provide quality education while keeping our children physically and emotionally safe. Over the past 18 months, the COVID-19 global pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for our families, community and world. We applaud our teachers, administrators and support staff who have gone above and beyond to help keep our children safe during this health emergency. We have heard from many in our community regarding the district’s response to the pandemic and there are differing opinions in the community as to how we should move forward in the current school year. Some people are advocating that we take positions which would violate the law, bring increased financial liabilities to our district and jeopardize the safety of our students and staff. As a board, we have a longstanding commitment to hear all the opinions within our community. Over the past several weeks we have received a number of emails, public comments and had personal conversations with many of you. While many are supportive of our actions and decisions, some people are very critical and even threatening to us. As school boards and communities around our nation face the health and safety needs of our children, we are not unique in our divisions. What makes our community unique is what we can accomplish together. Our commitment to our community regarding our responsibilities during this health emergency is to continue to work within the law and with the

The Current

guidance of our state and local health professionals. We take our responsibility to provide a safe learning environment for each and every student very seriously and this will remain our primary focus. What makes our CVSD community special is the strength of the individuals and families who reside here. We have a long history of working together for the greater good of our children. Our school board members bring different perspectives and backgrounds to our work and yet we always have the ultimate priority of placing the needs of our children above any differences we may bring to the discussions. We have confidence that working cohesively will benefit our children far more than adversarial actions. Whether in person or virtual, at our regular school board meetings we continue to welcome and encourage public comments. We continue to expect orderly and respectful public comment. Together, we can continue to build upon the successes of the past to provide a great future for our children. Sincerely, Central Valley School District School Board Directors Debra Long, President Mysti Reneau, Vice President Cynthia McMullen, Legislative Representative Keith Clark, Board Member Tom Dingus, Board Member Dear Editor, My wife and I are residents within the CVSD school district, and we have been attending the school board meetings since July of this year. At the meetings, when they were still in person, we were able to meet and get to know Pam Orebaugh. As we continue through these tough times, we need someone like Pam, with her knowledge as a teacher and a nurse on the CVSD board. While we've had the pleasure of meeting Pam in person at school board meetings, we have not seen nor heard from her challenger at any of the CVSD board meetings. Why not? We need someone like Pam Orebaugh who will be a director who listens to parents and students. We urge all other concerned CVSD parents to vote for Pam Orebaugh for CVSD Position 5. Dennis Reed

The Current

Dear Editor, Pam and Bret Champion Parental Rights and involvement Pam Orebaugh and Bret Howell are currently running for CVSD schoolboard positions. They have been painted by their opponent as “extremists” - this couldn’t be further from the truth, and this language is unnecessarily divisive. Pam and Bret have both been open about their intentions respecting their participation on the school board. They call for more transparency, more parental involvement, and more community input. For an entire year, the current CVSD schoolboard removed parents from the decision-making process, kept an arm’s length distance by implementing Zoom schoolboard meetings, silencing public comment and involvement, and briefly attempted to placate the community with part-time schooling in order to get their levy passed in February. Other neighboring districts were holding full day, in-person learning from the beginning of the 2020 school year. The CVSD schoolboard is again blocking community involvement in board meetings via Zoom, and are anything but transparent to the community they serve. Stan Chalich is supported by the schoolboard because he will maintain the status quo. We need change. We need members of the board that will fight for and communicate with the community, we need members that will stand up and ask hard questions, instead of sitting cowardly behind a camera proclaiming that ‘these are [their] meetings and [that] the audience better shut up.’ Please help CVSD become better by voting for Pam Orebaugh for Pos. 5, and writing in Bret Howell for Pos. 2. Anniece Barker (A Voice for Washington Children), a CVSD parent. Dear Editor, Stan Chalich is the person that taught me about Civics and the importance of responsible citizenship in high school. We need reasonable voices and thoughtful influencers on the Central Valley School Board. I support Stan-theMan Chalich as we called him at CVHS. I grew up, along with my seven siblings, in the CV district. Stan represents the vision of what our school board should be doing. Dan Daines

OPINION

Dear Editor, I have read with interest the letters to the editor, op Ed’s, news articles etc. regarding the Central Valley School of Directors. As a former educator I feel compelled to weigh in on the election. Clearly I have a bias for public education. An education is the best way for children to have successful career and meaningful life. I have worked with many school board directors and have found all members to be well intentioned, educated and committed to children and the process of education. They are dedicated to children, teachers, principals, support staff and community. They are leaders that strive to help their district be the best. They care about the safety and welfare of students and staff. They take their responsibility to provide guidance and leadership very seriously. They are difference makers. They are highly respected and valued by the members of the community they serve. Let’s review what are the primary responsibilities of a school director. The role of a Board of Of Directors of a school district is to: *Developer and approve a strategic plan *Establish and monitor a district improvement plan *Evaluate student achievement *Set data-driven expectations *Monitor for district accountability *Provide fiscal oversight *Establish district policies in compliance with state and federal laws *Advocate for public education *Promote excellence in district schools I can with great confidence tell you the Central Valley school Board is an outstanding group of individuals that strive to achieve success with reference to their defined responsibilities. I am dismayed that a small number of individuals who are extremely critical of CVSD appear to have focused on singles issues that are lightning rods. I have concern that some of our school board candidates have a very narrow vision of what their role encompasses. If what I read and understand has any element of truth it appears their focus and style of communication is driven by anger and they use verbal abuse to communicate their priorities. They cross the line of human

decency. Their actions in leadership are contrary to how quality school boards function and carry out business. In thirty-five of teaching and leading in private and public education I never experienced what educators are experiencing today. Not even close! The name calling, use of expletives, and threats to property and personal safety is beyond disgusting. To even think these individuals could one day provide some form of leadership to our schools is against everything I believe about how local school boards should function and lead. What has recently transpired at our school board meetings is embarrassing and disheartening. Our children deserve better. The topics of Mask/no masks, vaccine/no vaccine, Critical Race Theory, sex education, etc. are lighting rods that escalate into irrational anger. These issues make for great news and have become a cancer of negativity on the process of educating our young people. We are, on a daily basis, witnessing adults that have little self control. They fail to think rationally and lack the use of a moral compass. They are impulsive and their actions are of a bully on a playground. Our children deserve better. Our community, country and the world have gone through “hell” for the past 18 months. It has been a time of fear, frustration, confusion, great sadness but also hope. Leadership, at all levels, have been challenged to find a sense of direction. At every turn a new roadblock turns positive momentum into another cloud of confusion. And it repeats. Unfortunately, I fear we are going to find it necessary to live with this yoke of uncertainty for some time. No matter the challenges before us our role modeling and actions must send the message to our children that we will strive to keep you safe, secure. This must be our priority if children are going to continue to have success in learning . Our children deserve to be cared for. Central Valley School District has a long history of providing high quality education for our youth. Parents and Grandparents enjoy and are thankful for a school community that strives to help children be successful and happy in their learning. The district has benefited from envious citizen and community support. Our business community benefits from well educated young people entering the workplace. We are fortunate to live in a great community to learn, live and work. Our children deserve this.

NOVEMBER 2021 • 23

However, their is a cloud of concern and uncertainty that now has a presence in our community. A frivolous recall effort against three outstanding current board members is unnecessary and uncalled for. They have served well and deserve to continue in their role. The past and present district accomplishments under their leadership is simply enviable. Their focus is on the full range of a school board directors responsibilities. They lead and analyze the district from a macro perspective. They listen and guide from experience. They know how to lead and are successful. They deserve our continued support. Director district #2 and #5 are open positions. Pam Orebaugh and Rob Linebarger are two candidates running for the #5 position. A write in candidate for position #2 is Bret Howell. All three candidates actions appear to have ax to grind against existing board members and the administration. Their rhetoric and recent actions focus on masks, vaccinations and CRT. It appears to be a very narrow focus and yes, that is a criticism . We need board members that listen, analyze and seen the big picture. Orebaugh, Linebarger, and Howell do not meet the criteria for forward thinking and the desire to provide uniting leadership. District #2 candidate Teresa Landa and district #5 write in candidate Stan Chalich are both knowledgeable and highly competent professionals. They have no ax to grind but rather a desire to lead and improve our district.They are guided by a moral compass to serve, support, and educate children. Jay Walter Dear Editor, My wife and I are residents within the CVSD school district, and we have been attending the school board meetings since July of this year. Bret Howell is a write-in candidate for CVSD Position 2. We have gotten to know Bret and his two boys. Bret is running to bring accountability and transparency back to the school board. Bret is a constitutional conservative. Bret believes teachers and students have the right to choose whether to wear a mask or to take shot. We will be writing in Bret Howell, CVSD position 2, and urge you to do the same. Dennis Reed

• NOVEMBER 2021

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