May 2022 Current

MAY

2022

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

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MEET THE ROCKFORD MAYOR PAGES 2

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• MAY 2022

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Loyal Local –

Roecks at home as Rockford mayor

By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

Community roots carry substantial meaning for Carrie Roecks.

Before those roots were planted in Rockford – the place where she would serve as a Town Council member and later mayor – Roecks spent her early years traversing her home state of Montana. Roecks’ dad worked in the mining industry and the family moved frequently.

The stops read like a tourist’s guide of Big Sky Country. A partial list includes Helena, Troy, Thompson Falls, Libby and Nye where Roecks attended class in a one-room schoolhouse.

“We moved around a lot,” Roecks said.

By the time Roecks was in seventh grade, the family had settled in Spokane Valley. While it would be home for the rest of her youth, the value of residential permanence versus transitory life was not lost on Roecks. When she met her future husband, the fact that he was a farmer from generations of farmers held appeal.

“I wanted to make a home so I wouldn’t have to move,” she said.

Roecks’ two daughters started their education in the Freeman School District and graduated from Freeman High School. Both still live in the area. Roecks is also a proud grandmother of four grandkids who all attend Freeman schools.

“I feel like I succeeded in what I was supposed to do,” she said.

Roecks was a good student at University High School and participated in choir. Her love of music would continue in later years as part of the Worship Team at Rockford United Methodist Church.

One of her treasured musical memories is being part of the choir that performed Handel’s “Messiah”

at the venerable Central United Methodist Church in downtown Spokane.

Roecks’ career in government began as a member of the Rockford Town Council when she became the youngest person elected to the governing board at 26. Her reason for putting her name on the ballot was simple: “I care about this town and it’s my home,” she said.

The election was a narrow one with the first tabulation showing Roecks’ losing by one vote. A recount by the Spokane County Auditor’s Office determined Roecks the victor by two votes.

“You hear those clichés about every vote counting, well it’s true,” Roecks said.

While on council, Roecks began helping the city clerk-treasurer with various duties. When the clerk

retired, Roecks applied and got the job. She served for nine years and learned valuable lessons on the funding side, including the logistics of grant applications and working with the entities that distributed the dollars.

“I think that’s when I got more comfortable with who I was,” Roecks said.

She also became more familiar with the composition of her adopted hometown.

“When I was clerk in the 90’s, I knew the names of everyone in town and their dogs,” she said.

Roecks spent five years away from Rockford after moving to Coeur d’Alene to work as a property manager. Despite the address change, she stayed involved in the community she loved, participating in civic staples like the Southeast Spokane County Fair and attending church in Rockford.

Photo by Craig Howard Carrie Roecks has served as mayor of Rockford since June of 2015. The Montana native previously worked as city clerk-treasurer and was a member of the Town Council as well as mayor pro-tem.

When Roecks returned as a fulltime resident in 2012, she began attending council meetings. When a council member resigned the next year, Roecks threw her hat into the ring and was appointed.

When Mayor Steve Meyer resigned in May of 2015 claiming micro-management by the Town Council – Roecks – then mayor protem – took the gavel. Before Meyer’s departure, the city clerk-treasurer and deputy treasurer had also left.

“It was a tenuous time,” Roecks said. “We had some volunteers step up and really help.”

Roecks has run unopposed in the last two elections. She has been part of a major capital project that delivered an improved wastewater treatment plant. In March, the town made the last payment on the project, closing out a 20-year loan in seven years.

“With an amazing staff and elected officials, we’ve been able to budget well and make some permanent infrastructure repairs,” Roecks said.

Roecks juggles mayoral duties with a full-time job as revenue audit manager for the Coeur d’Alene Casino, a role she has held for the past 22 years.

From volunteering for the Freeman PTA to various administrative roles with her church to tenures as president and co-president of the fair, Roecks has made it a priority to stay involved in addition to her government duties.

The investment is all part of a steady routine to nourish cherished local roots.

“I can’t imagine ever leaving Rockford,” Roecks said. “This is my home. These are my people. This is my heart and soul.”

Q: Let's say you were talking with someone from outside the area who had never set foot in Rockford.

How would you describe the town to that person in 150 words or less?

A: Rockford used to be a quiet little farming community that pretty See ROECKS, Page 4

MAY 2022 • 3

The Current

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much stayed to itself. Farming is what made us and it’s still an important part of Rockford, but with fewer family farms and the close proximity to Spokane, more and more commuters started moving here. Rockford residents strive to maintain the small- town, farming atmosphere and that is desirable to many families that want to get “out of the city.” It's a fact that most everyone knows what their neighbor is doing and the residents watch out for each other. The community is friendly and a place that can be called home.

Q: How did your work as a council member and city clerk/ treasurer prepare you for your current role as mayor of Rockford?

A: When I was a council member, and then clerk-treasurer, I served with some terrific mayors. These mayors had the best interests of the community at heart. I was quite young when I got involved in the business of running the town and they were great role models. The fact that I had been clerk/treasurer in the 90’s was extremely helpful when I took over as mayor pro-tem in 2015. We found ourselves with no leadership and no clerk-treasurer.

Obviously, many things had changed since I was clerk, but I had a sense of what needed to be done and how to get there. It was a difficult period, but we came through it better than I could have imagined.

In my opinion, the “business” of the town is better than it’s ever been.

Q: What are some of the most significant changes you've seen in Rockford in the time you've lived there?

A: So many changes is all these years! I think a few that come to mind are – the addition of a new well and water storage tower, upgraded wastewater treatment plant that puts us within compliance and was paid for in full last month, planning and building regulations enacted, the towns ordinances and resolutions codified, a sound and responsible budget, openness and transparency, some newer maintenance equipment and perhaps most important, the next generation is becoming involved in the care of our town.

As I think about all these things, I realize there are so many more big changes and improvements that I

The Current

can’t name them all. I truly believe we would not have gotten where we are today without an awesome staff and council members. It really is a priority to every one of us involved to work together to make our town the greatest it can be.

Q: How do you feel Rockford is positioned in the larger regional context when it comes to areas like funding, representation by county commissioners, participation on boards and committees, etc.?

A: Being on council in Rockford is almost a voluntary position. It is really hard to find anyone who can additionally volunteer on boards and committees. We do however have one council member, Micki Harnois who sits on numerous regional and state boards, even holding a position with the Association of Washington Cities, representing the small towns.

Micki knows a lot of people and is an advocate for our town. We are also in regular communication with Spokane County Commissioner Mary Kuney and a few key county staff. We were able to catch the ear of the state legislators when we had a major problem and we needed some help. So, I think the assistance and availability is there, so long as we use it wisely and have a solid plan.

Q: You've been very involved on the organization side of the Southeast Spokane County Fair over the years. What does this event mean to the community?

A: The fair is one thing that hasn’t changed much over the years, and that is by design! Of course there are different displays, new entertainment, new organizers, but the feeling behind fair weekend has been the same for 78 years. It’s for family and friends to come together, supporting each other and local organizations. The nonprofit groups work with the fair board and many volunteers to make this three-day event something to look forward to every year. I think it gives the town a sense of community and pride.

It was heartbreaking for many of us when the decision had to be made to cancel the fair in 2020 and 2021. It had been run continuously since 1943, never missing a year.

I expect this year to be a great restart and invite everyone to come and help us celebrate Sept 23-25. (sespokanecountyfair.com) Q: Your family moved around

The Current

MAY 2022 • 5

NEWS

quite a bit when were growing up.

How do you think that experience translated into your priority of planting serious roots in Rockford and remaining there?

A: I never had a real hometown until I moved here. The fact that my daughters and their families have chosen to remain in the area makes it just that much better. I love going to a community or school event and seeing many of my girls’ friends who are now adults with their families that have also moved back to the area.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being mayor?

A: I love being mayor! I am so proud of what we have accomplished and I hope I am a good leader. I want the next mayor to say they learned something from me and will continue on with the passion and caring that I have for Rockford. My goal is when I leave the position I can move on, knowing it is better than it was before me.

Q: Applications for building permits were way up in Rockford last year. How do you see that growth playing out in 2022 and beyond?

A: As we all know, growth is necessary for survival. We are fortunate to be a community that people want to live it but we also need to understand there is a limit to what a small town can handle, and we need to protect the reasons we all live here. Managed growth will be paramount. But we can do that and we will. I think there will be more building permits in 2022, and then I think they will level off. I have no basis for that statement, just my gut feeling.

Q: Finally, where would you like to see Rockford a decade from now?

A: Well, I hope it hasn’t changed too much. My dream would be for a couple of businesses to find us and bring in a few more jobs and of course more tax money. A handful of new homes will also help with the property tax base to keep the town moving forward with improvements. Hopefully the infrastructure will all be replaced by then, presuming we can find some major funding. Another one or two key staff people are going to be necessary, as will a younger, but experienced mayor!

SVFD Report – March 2022 Current news sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1838 emergency calls from March 15 – April 15, 2022.

By the numbers: Emergency Medical Services 1491 Fires 106 Vehicle Collisions 87 Building Alarms 56 Dispatched and Cancelled en route 41 Service Calls 20 Hazardous Materials 19 Technical Rescue 8 Vehicle Fires 5 Auto vs Pedestrian 3 Other 2 • Total calls for service increased from 1669 last month to 1838 this month.

• Calls for EMS increased from 1359 to 1491.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions increased from 77 to 87.

• Vehicle Fires decreased from 11 last month to 5 this month.

• Fires saw an increase from 77 last month to 106 this month.

Of Significance: • We continue to emphasize Driving Safely and according to road conditions and temperatures.

• Be careful with portable heaters.

Keep flammable items away from them and turn them off when not in the room.

• If you have chicken coops, please make sure to use a fire safe heating pad inside the coop.

Heating lamps can catch straw and other flammable items inside the coop on fire.

Media Releases: March 20 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) - Residents in a single wide trailer home in Spokane Valley called 911 reporting they had awoken to a snapping and popping sound in the walls. The nearest Spokane Valley Fire was presently on another severe medical call and therefore through automatic aid agreements the first arriving Engine was Spokane Fire Department Engine 14.

The initial dispatch information for Engine 14 was an electrical See SVFD REPORT, Page 6

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• MAY 2022

The Current

SVFD REPORT

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Published Date: 4/12/2022 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

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Continued from page 5 issue with no active smoke or fire reported and single engine response was requested for investigation of the electrical issue. Spokane Engine reported on arrival that they could see active smoke, sparks and arcing coming from the reported structure and increased the fire response to an active fire.

Fire crews reported all occupants had exited structure and there were no injuries. Red Cross was called to aid the three occupants and their dog in housing placement as their home was deemed uninhabitable following the fire. Fire was in back hallway of structure where the electrical power enters from supply lines at the electrical panel. Crew quickly extinguished fire and shut off power to structure while other crews broke open windows for ventilation to allow smoke to exit structure to increase visibility and aid in locating any other potentially hidden fire or structural damage.

March 21 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a report by a passerby of smoke ! ( coming from a known vacant structure at N. Adams. Spokane Valley Fire responded with a full fire response and first arriving apparatus reported light smoke showing from all roof vents on the structure with no visible fire from outside structure.

Valley Fire crews quickly located the origin and cause of the fire as electrical wires in the attic that had started insulation and wood on fire, but was still in the smoldering stage causing large amounts of smoke to be produced filling the structure. Crews were able to catch the fire at its beginning stages and keep structural damage and loss to a minimum while ventilating the structure to clear out the smoke. No injuries reports and structure was confirmed vacant.

March 27 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded this afternoon to an active working structure fire at E. 3rd Ave in Spokane Valley. Crews arrived to find a fully involved double wide structure with flames visible from the front deck and front door of the house. All four residents were reported out of the structure uninjured and Red Cross was contacted to aid in finding housing for them as the structure is a total

2022 March Malicious Mischief Hotspots

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MAY 2022 • 7

The Current

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel 2022 March Vehicle Theft Hotspots Spokane Valley Districts

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.

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Published Date: 4/12/2022 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

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Motorcycle Awareness Month May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This annual campaign is held each spring by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) to promote safe driving and riding practices to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the roadways.

In 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes.

In fact, motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in traffic crashes than automobile passengers.

1) Avoid distractions while driving.

2) Obey all traffic signs and laws.

3) Drive defensively 4) Do not drive under the influence of drug or alcohol.

5) Always wear a helmet on a motorcycle, regardless of whether it is the law.

6) Look twice before changing lanes to make sure there is no one in your blind spot.

8

• MAY 2022

The Current

NEWS

Discussion on Parks and ARPA funding changes course

By Lincoln DoWright Current contributor

Balfour Park Phase 1 Update In conjunction with the Spokane County Library District, the City of Spokane Valley had set aside $3.1 million to begin the development of the adjoining park property surrounding the new library along Sprague Ave across from City Hall.

The first phase of development for the park was to install all hardscaping including the sidewalks additional parking, lighting, landscaping with irrigation, and the new restroom building. This would have enabled the city to apply for grant funding to further develop the signature elements of the park such as the veterans memorial, playground, sports courts, and amphitheater.

Unfortunately, the responses to the city’s request for proposals on the phase 1 construction came back with a low bid at $5 million, well over the budgeted $3.1.

The City Council rejected the bids and discussed rebidding the project in either the late fall or early next year to hopefully get better pricing.

It was noted the even with delaying the construction to next year that the phase 1 of the park could still be accomplished before the library building is completed.

Park Grant Opportunity While originally planning to request funding for one or more amenities in the Balfour Park, with the delay in the phase 1 construction city staff felt that that project wouldn’t compete well for the Washington State Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) grant program which is held every two years. Instead Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director John Bottelli proposed that the city pivot to applying for phase 2 of the Greenacres park.

The City Council unanimously agreed to apply for funding to

complete the elements from the Greenacres Park Master Plan which will also include some additional public input to verify that the elements previously identified by the plan in 2010 are still the priority of the community.

The elements highlighted in the masterplan for phase 2 included a baseball field, a basketball court, and three pickleball courts.

Sewer Extension Project In an effort to extend Sewer services along Buckeye Ave from just east of McMillan to the city limits, the city had allocated $500,000 of the

ARPA funding. Unfortunately with the increase in construction cots the lowest bidder came back at $636,824 putting the total project over budget by nearly $250,000. The City Council allocated another $250,000 from the ARPA funding towards the project and awarded the project to Inland Infrastructure LLC Sidewalk Project In July 2020, the City unsuccessfully applied to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, requesting funding for a new

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sidewalk on the east side of S. Bowdish Rd. between 12th Ave. and 16th Ave. In spring 2022, the Washington state legislature provided an additional $10 million of funding for the SRTS program and directed WSDOT to award it to projects from the 2020 application list as soon as possible. Given this increased funding, the S. Bowdish Rd. sidewalk project is now eligible for award. Staff has coordinated with WSDOT and updated the proposed project schedule and budget. The schedule allows for design in 2022 and 2023 while construction would occur in 2024.

Despite the fact that current construction cost estimates are currently projecting a 20% increase in costs for this project the City Council unanimously agreed with continuing the move it forward.

Third Party Publications in Public Areas of City Buildings Based upon a request from Deputy Mayor Rod Higgins, the City Council considered and ultimately adopted a resolution that prohibits the display of all third party publications in the lobby areas of city owned facilities such as City Hall and the Police Precinct Building (such as this publication), but not CenterPlace.

The discussion from the council surrounded the fact that these publications contain election materials through advertising or other information on ballot issues and the city council does not want to allow any campaigning on city property. The resolution was amended to remove CenterPlace recognizing the use of that facility is different than City Hall or the Police Precinct.

The resolution passed Councilmember Peetz Hattenburg opposed.

with and

Class Action Lawsuit Numerous cities and counties throughout the nation and state of Washington have filed lawsuits against various companies and individuals associated with the prescription opioid supply chain, which includes the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of

NEWS

opioid prescriptions, based on welldocumented harm to individuals and communities resulting from their use. The communities who did not actively participate in these legal actions are still able to participate in the settlement of the claims and receive a damage award to partially off-set the public expenses from dealing with these issues. While a settlement has not been reached to date, Keller Rohrback, the law firm representing the majority of the local governments circulated a Memo of Understanding to determine all possible jurisdictions that would be included in the settlement negotiations. The last day to optin to this MOU was April 30th, 2022. The City Council amended its agenda to include this item and unanimously approved it at their April 26th meeting.

American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding Discussion

Act

Back in early February City Council established as subcommittee comprised of Mayor Pam Haley, Deputy Mayor Rod Higgins, and Councilmember Tim Hattenburg to review and help identify potential allocation and distribution options for the estimated $16 million in funding coming to the city.

The subcommittee had taken input from the other city councilmembers which ranged from ideas such as helping transition homeless to home ownership by Councilmember Laura Padden, offsetting the rise in costs for the Fair and Expo Expansion Project the city had been proposing earlier by Councilmember Ben Wick, grants to help students become counselors or mental health providers by Councilmember Brandi Peetz, to purchasing or constructing a new building in order to move the senior center from Centerplace to somewhere close to University and Sprague.

In the report back from the committee they proposed a $3 million request for proposals process to help create some affordable housing projects mentioning nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity or the Spokane Housing Authority, a $1 million allocation towards mental health assistance, a

$1 million allocation towards Law Enforcement Assistance, a $750,000 grant program to help the smaller water districts within the city make some infrastructure improvements, $2,256,492 additional allocation towards sewer infrastructure improvements (above the $750,000 already allocated by the city council), $500,000 towards the Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center Capital Campaign, $500,000 towards Innovia’s LaunchNW efforts, and $6 million for a land acquisition fund that would acquire properties for either affordable housing projects or possibly land for Spokane Valley Partners to locate a new facility on.

While the theme of wanting to stick to one time uses or projects seemed to be prevalent, no allocations had unanimous support from the entire council so the discussion will continue through May. Advanced Agenda On May 3rd the city council is expected to consider awarding a consulting services contract for updating the cities stormwater plan and rate study, and hearing reports on the City Hall Building Update, a 2022 Budget Amendment, potential grant opportunities for Safe Routes to School and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, Parking on Private Property, the 2021 Land Use Zoning Changes, the Law Enforcement Interlocal Agreement, CenterPlace Operations, and the 2021 Accomplishments Report.

On May 10th the city council is expected to consider the first reading on the 2021 land use zoning changes and grant opportunities for Safe Routes to School and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, and have discussions on the Pavement Preservation Program and the Senior Center Agreement.

The May 17th meeting was canceled as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be traveling to Washington DC to lobby on behalf of the city.

On May 24th, the city council is expecting to have a public hearing on the proposed 2022 budget amendment and possibly the final reading on the 2021 land use changes.

MAY 2022 • 9

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10

• MAY 2022

COVER STORY

Rebranded Spokane Valley Business Awards

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Businesses big and small were recognized last month during the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet, where Dave and Susan Thompson were honored as the Harry E. Nelson Citizens of the Year and Greg Repetti, president of MultiCare Inland Northwest Hospitals, was given a Legacy of Leadership award.

Central Valley School District Superintendent Ben Small presented Repetti with his award, which was given in recognition of the leadership he provided during a time when the Chamber was working to rebrand itself in the midst of financial difficulties. “I know of no one more deserving of this award,” Small said.

“He asked tough questions when others didn’t. He became a doer when it seemed that others were sitting on the sidelines.”

Under Repetti’s leadership, Small said, MultiCare has adopted Broadway Elementary and North Pines Middle School with the goal of providing students whatever they

need to excel in their education.

Repetti said he was glad to be able to adopt the schools after he learned about student issues with homelessness. “I heard the statistics of the number of students who couch surf in the Central Valley district,” he said.

He said he has enjoyed his time in the Spokane Valley community since he arrived eight years ago to be the CEO of MultiCare Valley Hospital. “Thank you for honoring me tonight,” he said. “I’m just proud to still be here and still be a part of the Valley community.”

The annual awards event underwent a few changes this year.

Previously, the three finalists in each category would be announced and the winner, chosen by votes cast by the public, would be announced during the event. But this year judging panels were used to evaluate each application and select the winners, which were announced ahead of time.

“There were grading rubrics and they had to justify the scoring,” said Chamber CEO Lance Back.

He said he felt the process

was less subjective and less like a popularity contest. Having the winners announced in advance also meant that small businesses didn’t have to worry about the expense of purchasing a table at the event because they were a finalist and might win, Beck said.

The Chamber Foundation fundraising was also removed from the evening in order to make it shorter. “What we wanted to do was streamline it,” he said. “We tried to focus the event.”

Beck said he wanted to make the business gathering aspect of the event the focus and let people visit and build relationships. “I wanted to make it more of a celebration,” he said. “We eliminated the guessing game.”

He also wanted to get away from the event requiring formal attire. The name was changed to emphasize the business aspect. “This is a business, professional meeting,” he said. “It’s not a new event, but it is a new event.”

Also new this year is the ability to consider non-profit organizations for each category instead of having a separate category of their own.

“It really allows you to play to your strengths as an entity,” he said.

This year awards were given

Contributed photo Spokane Valley Chamber CEO, Lance Beck (left) and Central Valley School District Superintendant, Ben Small (right), award MultiCare Valley Hospital CEO, Greg Repetti with Legacy of Leadership award.

The Current

out in three categories: business innovation, inspiring workplace and community stewardship.

The Business Innovation Award is intended to recognize businesses who have innovated through technology, product development, business processes or other specialized techniques. Tru

by Hilton, a new hotel in Spokane Valley, was given the small business award in this category because of their use of connected technology in each guest room. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho received the large business award due to their innovation in running successful cookie sales and other programs during the pandemic. Honorable mentions were given to the Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center and ActionCOACH Northwest.

The Inspiring Workplace Award is for companies who provide a welcoming environment and recognize leaders in the workforce.

The small business winner in this category was TransBlue and the large business winner was Numerica Credit Union, which has a peer-topeer recognition program that saw 1,250 nominations for recognition in 2021. Honorable mentions were given to Quinn Advertising and Community-Minded Enterprises.

The Community Stewardship Award is for business who have had a significant impact on the community through volunteerism and philanthropy. The small business winner in this category was the HUB Sports Center and the large business winner was Horizon Credit Union, which dramatically increased its donations to organizations helping the community through the pandemic, particularly food banks.

Honorable mentions were given to BECU and Spokane Valley Summer Theatre.

Awards were also given to Educators of the Year from the Central Valley, East Valley, West Valley and Freeman school districts.

Each district is in charge of selecting a teacher for the annual honor.

In the Central Valley School District, the award went to Janelle Stolp, a first-grade teacher at Adams Elementary. She has been an educator for 41 years and has taught in Central Valley for 38 years and plans to retire at the end of the school year. She has been at Adams for most of that time, said Small, and her name is synonymous with the school. “Her influence goes

The Current

generations deep,” Small said.

Her love of learning is evident, Small said. “Janelle is a living example of a lifelong learner,” he said. “Janelle doesn’t just teach curriculum. She teaches students to love learning.”

Stolp said she was grateful for the award. “I just want to say that Central Valley has been such a family for me for all these years,” she said.

The East Valley School District educator recognized was Craig Hanson of East Valley High School.

Assistant principal Alec Vermaire said Hanson has been coaching wrestling and teaching special education for nearly 40 years and has been inducted into the Washington Wrestling Hall of Fame.

He described Hanson as dedicated to youth. “He uses his voice to influence the work around him,” he said.

Hanson said he was shocked to receive the award since there are so many others who are deserving of it.

“I am grateful,” he said. “It’s been an honor working for this district.”

The Freeman School District honored Mindy Poindexter, a science teacher at Freeman Middle School. Freeman Superintendent Randy Russell said that Poindexter has taught in the district for 22 years and students love her so much that they fight to get into her class. “Every day, Mindy brought her A game,” he said. “Mindy’s love of science is only topped by her love of kids.”

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be there,” Poindexter said. “Freeman is an awesome place to work. We’re in it together.”

The West Valley School District Educator of the Year was Kyle Bosch, who teaches band and choir at Centennial Middle School. He’s been with the district since 1987 and taught at the high school and other schools until moving to Centennial in 1998. Superintendent Kyle Rydell said Bosch has produced a Grammy award winner during his career.

“Kayle has taught thousands of students,” he said. “Those thousands of kids remember him. Kyle gives his all.”

Bosch said he was grateful for the award, even if he did feel a little uncomfortable. “It’s not just the students who are awkward in middle school,” he joked.

Bosch plans to retire in June. “I’m gonna miss the kids, I’ll tell you that,” he said.

COVER STORY

First CoCitizens of the Year Announced

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

For the first time, a couple has received the Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year Award. The award is different in that it is awarded by a committee made up only of former Citizen of the Year recipients.

Dave and Susan Thompson have been longtime residents of Spokane Valley, both born and raised in the community. Dave Thompson owned Dave’s Bar and Grill for more than 30 years and Susan Thompson, who currently works for Banner Bank, has worked in banking for 40 years.

Dave Thompson has served on the Modern Electric board of directors for many years and both have served on a variety of other boards as well.

But what sets them apart is their quiet generosity in the community. They don’t give because they want accolades, said Chamber CEO Lance Beck. “He and Susan never game for the sake of getting credit for their giving,” he said. “They focus on youth and the community.”

Central Valley Superintendent Ben Small, a previous award recipient, was part of the committee that chose the Thompsons. “The discussion is around someone who has worked very quietly to better the Valley.”

Dave’s Bar and Grill was a staple of the Valley, a place where the community gathered. “As a couple they just exude what it means to be a citizen of the community without wanting recognition,” he said. “I can’t think of a better couple than Dave and Susan.”

Valleyfest CEO Peggy Doering, a previous award recipient and member of the selection committee, said she first heard of the Thompson decades ago when she first moved to Spokane Valley and her young children played school sports. “When our children were going to school, they were always sponsored by Dave’s Bar

and Grill,” she said. “Dave always helped everybody – every auction, every fundraiser.”

She said Dave Thompson has also done what he can to help the community as a member of Modern Electric’s board. About 15 years ago she was contacted by Modern Electric about being a Valleyfest sponsor. Doering said she believes she has Thompson to thank for that.

“He prodded the board,” she said.

“They have been a major sponsor for the last 15 years.”

Doering said she was impressed that all the Dave’s Bar and Grill employees were kept on during the pandemic, even when Dave Thompson had to give away food to local food banks when he couldn’t use it fast enough.

The award was given out by Barry Baker of Baker Construction, the most recent previous recipient of the award. He described the couple as unassuming, humble and generous. Dave Thompson bought the former Sigs Tavern decades ago

MAY 2022 • 11

and turned it into a community gathering place, Baker said. The restaurant was recently sold and Dave Thompson plans to retire.

“Dave and Susan are so generous in giving without asking for anything in return,” he said.

Susan Thompson said she thought of Dave’s Bar and Grill, purchased in 1989, as an icon, while her husband said it was a well-known establishment. “It is a valley icon, Dave’s is,” she said.

“How many restaurants do you know have lasted that long? He started from scratch. It was just a tavern, but look what he’s built.”

She credited the restaurant's “great” long-term employees for contributing toward that success.

Dave Thompson didn’t speak long, joking that his wife and Baker had “stolen his thunder.” But he did thank the board of Modern Electric for their support. “There isn’t much I could do in this Valley without them,” he said.

12

• MAY 2022

COMMUNITY EVENTS May 1 | Bloomsday – Bloomsday 2022 will return to the streets of Spokane as an in-person race!

Additionally, a virtual race option is available for participants. Register online www.bloomsdayrun.org May 6-7 | Huge Books & More Sale – 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N Pines Road-Spokane Valley. Shop for Spring, gift-giving or your own reading enjoyment (Games, puzzles, CDs, DVDs etc.).

May 14 | 10th Family Fun Fair & 2nd ANHPI Heritage Day – 1p.m.

- 8:00p.m., Riverfront Park. Swag bags and free lunch for the first 500 attendees. For updates check NWFamilyFunFair Facebook page.

May 14 | Spokane Garden Expo – 9 a.m. – 5:00p.m. Spokane Community College, 1810 N Greene St. Free admission and parking.

Exotic specialty plants for sale, lecture series, door prizes, children’s activities, unique gifts! Website: www.tieg.org/garden-expo-attend May 14-15 | Skyfest Airshow – Fairchild AFB, WA, gates open at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. performances begin. Skyfest 2022 promises to be a fun-filled weekend packed with heart-pounding air performances and family-friendly activities.

You don’t want to miss the USAF Thunderbirds and so much more.

Admission is free! Premium box seats and flight line club seating available for purchase. Buy tickets online, www.fairchildskyfest.com

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

COMMUNITY

locations throughout the area. For more, search for “Act 2” at scc. spokane.edu.

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.

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.

Liberty Lake Library | 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club, and more. More at www.libertylakewa. gov/library 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.

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.

MUSIC & THE ARTS Mar 27 – Sept 1 | Dreamworks Animation: Journey from Sketch to Screen Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane. From the makers of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Trolls, comes an extraordinary exhibition celebrating over 25 years of DreamWorks Animation.

Featuring over 350 items including rare and never-seen-before concept drawings, original artifacts, interactives, film clips, and more!

Tickets are $20.00 For more, visit northwestmuseum.org.

May 7-8 | Spokane Symphony Special: Star Wars, A New Hope in Concert. Various times. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane. Watch the first-ever Star Wars film with John Williams’ Academy Awardwinning score played live by the Spokane Symphony. This is Star Wars as you’ve never seen (or heard) it! Tickets start at $45 available at foxtheaterspokane.org.

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.

RECURRING

Toastmasters, Liberty Lakers #399 | 5:45 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays at the Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

This is a speaking and leadership development club.

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.

Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at

Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining

The Current

this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 866-6354.

Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers— are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops.

More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc.org Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings at 6:30 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.

HEALTH & RECREATION

RECURRING Al-Anon Meetings | Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. No meetings on holiday Mondays. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon family groups can help. For more, call 425344-9280.

Al-Anon Family Meetings | Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m.,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.

Decreasing Anger Group | 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: combat veteran from all eras, military sexual

The Current

COMMUNITY

trauma survivors. For more, call Steve at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

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.

Family and Friends of Addicts| 6 p.m. Wednesdays, The ONE Church, 15601 E. 24th Ave., Spokane Valley. Support group utilizing tools and principles to help navigate relationships with addicts and finding peace, strength and hope.

For more, call 590-2422.

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 (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.

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; 9:30am to 11:30am Tuesday and Thursday; 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. $3/seniors, $5/nonseniors.

• Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Fit for YOUR Life.

See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.

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.

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. CIVIC &

BUSINESS May 5 | Business Showcase – 2:00 – 6:00 p.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center, 1100 N Sullivan, Spokane Valley. The Business Showcase is the Greater Spokane Valley’s largest B2B trade show, featuring exhibitors, representing nearly every aspect of business -marketing, financial services, business products and services, healthcare, employee benefits, higher education, transportation/storage, janitorial and more! Admission is Free. For more info/registration, 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 9262753 or visit fairmountmemorial. com/south-pines-cemetery.

Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays via Zoom, For more information contact: President Mike Frucci, 509-927-2342, frucci101@ comcast.net. More at Spokanevalley.kiwanisone.org 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 15th of the previous month by emailing editor@valleycurrent. com. Priority is given to noncommercial local events open to the public.

MAY 2022 • 13

SVFD REPORT Continued from page 6

loss.

Valley Fire crews were confronted interiorly with a complete fire involved structure which required crews to work more thoroughly to get complete control of the fire. No fire crews were injured during or after firefighting operations. The fire was contained to the original structure due to quick actions by the fire crews.

The fire remains under investigation at the time of this press release.

March 30 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to an early morning fire in an occupied 14ft x 40ft outside structure being used as a “Tiny Home” in the back of the property on N. Elton in Spokane Valley. Occupants called 911 when they awoke to smoke and flames burning up the wall next to the electrical panel in the structure.

The occupants were able to exit the structure safely but were exposed to some smoke while attempting to put the fire out themselves. One occupant was evaluated by AMR on scene after being exposed to smoke.

The type of structure even though still structurally standing is currently uninhabitable due to smoke and fire damage. No firefighter injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire was improper use of multiple extension cords running from the primary residence to the outside structure acting as a permanent power source. The structure did not have any smoke detectors installed, fire extinguishers and proper electrical wiring.

Significant Incidents: Extrication – March 15, 10:54 a.m.

– Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a high speed two vehicle MVA on Trent just East of Argonne. Valley Engine 2 (VE2) was the first arriving crew and upon arrival, asked for the next available unit for manpower based on the nature of the incident and possibility of multiple victims. VE2 observed three vehicles involved in the incident, a minivan, a trailer, and a transport bus.

State Patrol was also on scene.

VE2 blocked both east bound lanes of Trent and took command of the incident, assessed the scene and number of patients, and confirmed there was one green patient in the minivan who would

need extrication. There was also one green patient in the bus who said they were not injured. VE2 then upgraded the incident to an extrication response.

Upon arrival crews positioned their apparatus just west on Trent.

Valley Engine 2 (VE2), Valley Engine 6 (VE6) and Valley Ladder 8 (VL8) crews were assigned to extrication.

The technique used was a peel and peek.

Possible Illegal Burn – March 16, 7:28 p.m. - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Valley Engine 9 (VE9) crews arrived on scene of a reported illegal burn. A caller reported that their neighbor may be burning yard waste near a shed and utility trailer. Crews contacted the homeowner and found that they were burning pine needles and pinecones. The owner was informed that this type of material could not be burned. The owner agreed to transition to clean dry firewood and crews returned in service.

Alarm System – March 28, 2:15 p.m. – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Valley Engine 1 (VE1) responded to the report of a fire alarm activation. Upon arrival VE1 observed a large, single story care facility with nothing showing.

Crews began investigating in the offensive strategy and assumed mission command. VE1 contacted the reporting party. They said there was no fire and that they had a low air alarm sounding. VE1 proceeded to the alarm panel and verified the same findings. Crews then went to the riser room where the water gong was active, and water was flowing out of the drain. They found a copper drain line that had disconnected.

VE1 performed a makeshift repair to the drain line to discharge the water into the funnel and to help avoid property damage.

HazMat Investigation – April 4, 3:15 p.m. – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Valley Engine 6 (VE6) crews arrived on scene to find a resident out front of her house after a large 80-to-90-foot spruce tree fell on her roof. The back half of the resident’s house was uninhabitable and not safe. The power line to the house was also knocked down onto the ground across part of the driveway. Natural gas had not been damaged by the tree and the conduit carrying the power was the only thing damaged. Dispatch was informed that Avista was needed, and that the owner would need Red Cross for a place to stay.

14

• MAY 2022

The Current

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Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Makayla Kvasnicka has soared to great heights in four years at University High School. The senior maintains a 3.97 grade point average and has been part of the National Honor Society since her freshman year. She has participated in marching band for two years, pep band for three years, orchestra all four years and indoor percussion this year. She plays the violin, marimba and xylophone. Kvasnicka has also competed as a member of the U-Hi Knowledge Bowl team. She participates in Crimson Crew, mentoring freshmen and has taken seven AP classes. She recently earned the PACE Award for Diligence at U-Hi. Kvasnicka also plays competitive billiards and competes in tournaments with her family. She would like to pursue studies in physics or astrophysics and a career with NASA or Space X. She is leaning toward attending Montana State in the fall.

Jeremiah Sibley has made his point as one of the top basketball players in the Greater Spokane League over the past several years. The University High senior averaged 20 points, four assists, seven rebounds and two steals a game for the Titans this season, earning his second straight All GSL first team recognition as a point guard. The team captain had 31 points in a win over Cheney. In a holiday tournament in Phoenix, Sibley was named MVP after scoring 25 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists in the final game, guiding U-Hi to the championship. He maintains a 3.65 grade point average and has been part of the Honor Roll all four years. Sibley is also part of Advanced ASB Leadership and Crimson Crew as a mentor. He has also participated in track and soccer.

This month, Joe Dumlao will celebrate 10 years of making a difference as a Veterans Outreach Program specialist at the Vet Center in Spokane Valley. The Hawaii native is an Air Force veteran having served as a Mission Critical Aircraft Parts Support supervisor in Italy and with the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. He is part of the Spokane County Veterans Advisory Board and has his master’s in Social Work with a focus on Trauma Counseling from Eastern Washington University. As an EMDR therapist, he specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. “I just want to get veterans genuine help,” Dumlao said. “When I retired from the military, I remembered how lost I was.”

With the Mobile Vet Center, Dumlao visits sites all over the region, guiding vets to resources and support. He also has a background as a martial arts teacher.

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Thanks you for all you do in our community

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• MAY 2022

The Current

MAY 2022 • 17

The Current

S P O K A N E

CO U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

ABCmouse FROM THE LIBRARY Now free to use at home with your in-district library card!

Learning paths engage kids with games, activities, books & songs.

And you can track your child’s progress. www.scld.org/abcmouse

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• MAY 2022

The Current

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The Current

LIBRARY

ABCmouse is now available from the library for home, ABCmouse is still free for on-the-go use everyone to use in all Spokane

By Rachel Edmondson, librarian Spokane County Library District

When my kids were young, I added some kids’ apps to my phone that I used on occasion to keep them occupied—while in the doctor’s office waiting room, while making dinner, or when I just needed a few minutes of calm. Those short spans of screen time sometimes bought a little extra sanity for everyone.

And even though there are now more websites and apps targeting kids than ever, it can be hard to find online content that is truly safe and appropriate for young kids.

When my kids were preschool and elementary-school age, they enjoyed playing ABCmouse at the library, and back then, it was only available to use while you were in the library. Not anymore!

County Library District locations.

And now all in-district library cardholders can access it from home or while traveling, anywhere with internet access.

The ABCmouse curriculum is designed for kids ages 2–8 and includes reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music. Experts in early childhood education have designed the curriculum, so you can be assured that content and activities are developmentally appropriate.

Parents can also feel confident letting their child explore ABCmouse on their own because it contains zero advertisements and no external links.

While using ABCmouse, kids learn through play, using a stepby-step learning path. When they play games, complete puzzles, sing

MAY 2022 • 19

songs, color, and listen to books, they are engaged in activities that are both fun and educational.

Getting started is easy. Once you log in with your library card number, you are prompted to create an account. With your account, you can customize your child’s experience and track their progress.

If you have more than one child, each can have their own username so you can keep track of progress individually.

Current Guest Contributor

Following the success of the Fillthe-Bag Book Sale in December of last year, Spokane County Library District is holding a similar book sale this spring.

On Saturday, May 21, SCLD is having a $5 Fill-the-Bag Book Sale at all of their libraries.

Locations include those in and around Spokane Valley – Spokane Valley Library, Argonne Library, Otis Orchards Library, and The BookEnd inside the Spokane Valley Mall – as well as the seven other SCLD libraries around the county.

This one-day sale will include gently used books, CDs, and DVDs. You can stock up for summer reading, listening, and watching with titles in all genres and formats.

Some examples of what you could find at the May book sale include nonfiction, self-help, memoirs, and autobiographies; contemporary fiction, westerns, romance, fantasy, and science fiction; children’s picture books, easy readers, and young adult fiction and nonfiction titles; DVDs of movies and TV shows and music CDs. Here’s how the sale works: Stop by a library on Saturday, May 21.

Purchase a reusable SCLD tote bag for $5, cash or check. Then, fill the bag with used items from the Fillthe-Bag selections, while supplies last.

$5 Fill-the-Bag Book Sale

Navigation is easy. Along with the learning path, there are other fun places to explore, such as the zoo or pet park. Kids can even earn tickets to customize their virtual world by decorating their own virtual room or by adopting virtual pets.

Now that ABCmouse is available to use when you are away from the library, you can feel confident that your kids are playing on a safe and fun learning app no matter where you are. May you too find a little bit of extra sanity while your child gets some educational screen time!

Local libraries holding spring $5 Fill-theBag Book Sale

By Erin Dodge

ONE DAY ONLY!

shelves and circulation to make room for new books and other materials that SCLD purchases each month.

Discards are usually items that have cycled through their period of demand and are no longer being checked out by library customers as newer titles arrive on the shelves. In some cases, the library just has too many copies of what was once an extremely popular title. So, while some copies of the books are still available for check out, the demand isn’t high enough to keep all copies on the shelves.

All items available in the Fillthe-Bag section at each library are eligible for this sale – hardcovers, paperbacks, CDs, and DVDs.

This means you can find books on niche topics alongside popular mass paperbacks alongside audiobooks, music, and movies.

Who knows what you may discover at this sale!?

All of the materials for this sale are what the libraries call discards, which are items removed from the

All purchases during this oneday sale directly support SCLD libraries.

ALL LIBRARIES Saturday, May 21 During open hours Buy a reusable SCLD tote for $5.

Fill the tote with gently used books, DVDs & CDs, while supplies last.

Great for summer reading, listening & movie-night watching!

www.scld.org

20

• MAY 2022

The Crest

Millwood Farmer’s Market set to open

By Ashley Humbird Current contributor

The sun is shining. Dandelions are blooming. And honeybees are collecting pollen for honey, which will be just one of the many locally produced items at this year’s Millwood Farmers Market.

This will make for the third year that the Millwood City Park has been home to the Millwood Farmers Market, with many new activities planned for the enjoyment of visitors. Jessica Virgil is starting her second season as coordinator for the market and she is excited for this summer’s events.

The Millwood Farmers Market will start their season on May 25th and continue until fall. The market is held every Wednesday from 3-7pm with live music playing for the duration of the event. There is plenty of parking at the Millwood City Park. If you’re worried about navigating the traffic on Argonne, don’t be. Go to Trent and take a side road like Stout Road to the park.

You’ll avoid the traffic and be able to see parts of historic Millwood.

This year there will be cooking demonstrations with the chef/ presenter sourcing ‘Market Fresh Produce’ from the market directly.

The events will kick off on June 15th with the demonstration happening twice during the event. The kickoff event will be a flank steak dinner with a radish cucumber salad, just in time for Father’s Day. This will be the only meat demonstration with the remaining events being vegetarian.

July 13th will see a Kohlrabi Slaw.

August 17th will be a fresh corn salsa. September will have two events, one on the 7th cooking up a speedy ratatouille with eggplant and on the 28th a winter squash soup.

The cooking demonstrations are new to the Millwood Farmers Market this year and will be a great addition.

July 20th will host All things

Millwood Day with local business coming out to the market. And a possible ‘chopped-style’ cookoff with local chefs. “It was awesome!” says Shirene, a member of the Millwood Community Association, “The creativity! It was all made with items from the market. One made a hash that was just amazing.” The Argonne library brings books done as well. Other events in the past have been a yoga class with a local yogi, and the Millwood historical group handing out maps of the neighborhood.

August 17th will be Kids and Family Day at the Market. There will be games for the kids to play, crafts to create and other activities. This year the Millwood City Park wading pool will be open after their COVID hiatus, making for a complete and fun outing for families on a hot summer day.

The Snap Market Match will be happening again this year. If using your EBT at the market, you’ll receive double your amount.

Example, if you use $40 dollars from the EBT, you’ll get a coupon for $40 to use as well.

Millwood will have a weekly

Kernals event as well each week for kids to complete and then receive a $2 coupon to be able to pick out their own fresh produce!

At the time of this article, there are 17 vendors that will be at the Millwood Farmers Market on a weekly basis and 3 additional vendors that will be a making regular appearance, just not weekly.

Here are the vendors you’ll be able to find at this years Millwood Farmers Market: Tate’s Honey Farm, Eisenman Farms, Twin Calves Ranch, HOPE Neighborhood Roasters, Neilson Family Farm, U-Harvest Microgreens, Sunset Orchard on Greenbluff, Little Flower Nursery, Fire Dancer Farm, Cheney Marketplace-Hutterite Farm, Stronghold Farm, The Corner Door, The Scone Ranger, Rooted Modern Apothecary, Mad Fire Kitchen and Catering, Enchanted Espresso, Forbidden Fries, Mama M’s Baked Goods, CYR Jewelry, HWY 206 Vegetable Stand.

The above vendors will be offering a variety of items including but not limited to vegetable, fruits, herbs, honey, eggs, beef, microgreens, coffee beans, cookies, breads, scones,

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muffins, flowers, soap, herbs, hot food and espresso.

Markets can trace their history back 1,000’s of years. With the first market known to have taken place in the United States in Boston in 1634. The reasoning for markets is simple: take your goods directly to the consumer. But there is more to it than that. As Jessica explains, “it’s feeding yourself local food, which is more nutritious. And it’s your chance to hand your money to ‘mom and pop’ farmers who need it the most.”

The Millwood Farmers Market also provides a community hub. Neighbors getting to know neighbors, though Jessica and Shirene welcome anyone to come and visit the unique market that sits under trees providing shade during the hot months of July and August.

“This is our whole community that is working to make us better,” Shirene, who lives right in the middle of the 1 square mile city of Millwood says.

For more information visit the Millwood Farmers Market website for dates, events, and the optional roads to get to the park. https:// farmersmarket.millwoodnow.org/

File Photo Millwood Farmer’s Market is set to open Wednesday May 25th, and will be open every Wednesday into September.

MAY 2022 • 21

The Current

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• MAY 2022

The Current

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Gonzaga baseball set to welcome U-Hi, CV standouts

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

This spring, Parker Smith and Ricco Longo are adversaries on the diamond in a long-standing rivalry between Central Valley and University.

In a matter of months, they will be teammates on one of the best college baseball teams in the country.

The two seniors are set to join Gonzaga University’s 2022 incoming class on scholarship, additions that continue the Bulldogs’ tradition of drawing some of the best in-state talent to an elite NCAA Division-1 program, currently ranked No. 12 in the nation.

Smith is a hard-throwing righthander for CV who features a 90 mph along with a slider and changeup.

“I’ll be close to home, get a great education and be part of a great baseball program.”

Smith broke onto the GSL scene as a freshman, emerging as a reliable starter for a Bears’ squad that finished 21-4 and qualified for state. He is currently ranked as the No. 24 prospect in the region

by Baseball Northwest. The senior joins a list of upper echelon CV pitchers from the past including Rusty Shellhorn, Trevor Shull and Scott Simon who went on to success in the NCAA and/or the professional ranks.

“Parker has the ability to be an elite collegiate and potentially professional arm,” said CV head coach Beau Kerns. “He brings energy and effort to the field with him every day which impacts others positively around him.”

Longo started for the Titans as a freshman, tackling outfield duties and hitting .360.

“It definitely was a challenge but it was a lot of fun,” said Longo of his premiere season. “I just went out there and competed.”

Going into his sophomore year, Longo had a breakout effort at a summer tournament as a member of the Expos, a select team. The

games took place at Washington Trust Field/Patterson Baseball Complex, Gonzaga’s home diamond. Last summer, Longo was named MVP of the Palouse Summer Series. He is currently listed at the No. 30 prospect by Baseball Northwest.

Longo transitioned to shortstop after his freshman year. He will join Titans from the past like Tyler Olson and Billy Moon who went on to stellar careers at GU. Longo bats third for U-Hi and has cemented his legacy as a clutch player in the field and at the plate this season. On March 31, in an 8-4 against Mt. Spokane, he was 3-for3 with a double and two RBIs. “Ricco is always the first to practice,” said U-Hi head coach Kevin May. “He’s just got a sense and a presence about him. He’s polite and respectful and doesn’t make excuses. He’s set the bar high for our younger players and has helped us get this program to where we want it to be.”

May pointed to the example of a two-game set against league leader Mead in which the Titans dropped the first game 15-3 but came back to win the second 6-4.

Longo came on to pitch in relief,

“Parker has a great three-pitch mix and we feel he has a chance to make an early impact,” GU head coach Mark Machtolf told gozags. com.

“One thing I know about Ricco, he’s always ready for any challenge,” May said. “He’s got the right mindset.”

Both Smith and Longo have battled through the cancellation of their sophomore seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the typical cold-weather challenges that accompany spring sports in the Inland Northwest.

The hurdles have only added to their motivation.

“When you’re throwing outside in 30-degree weather or throwing into a net, you just find a way to get it done,” said Smith.

Longo said his dad – Ricco Sr. – has set high standards for he and his two younger brothers to follow.

“My dad is probably the biggest reason I am where I am,” Longo said. “I learned to be humble and work hard.”

Longo will head off to Nebraska in June to compete in a summer league with other college players.

Smith is slated to pitch for a team out of Corvallis, Oregon in the West Coast League.

As for the history between the two future Zags, Smith describes it as “a friendly rivalry.”

Longo said he has appreciated the opportunity to face a twirler like Smith.

“It’s just a lot of fun competing against him,” Longo said. “He’s a great pitcher.”

CV hosts U-Hi on April 29 while the Bears will visit Titan Country on May 3. Both games are at 4 p.m.

“We think his skill set is a great match for our program,” said Machtolf of the senior co-captain.

“For me, it was just really about the coaches in picking GU over Oregon and OSU,” Smith said.

securing the victory.

“We just compete,” he said.

“We’re both successful in what we do.”

Longo covers shortstop for U-Hi, pitches occasionally and carries a .412 batting average for a Titans’ squad in the race for a Greater Spokane League championship.

Smith was recruited by Oregon and Oregon state but decided on GU due to the proximity to home and a top-flight coaching staff.

May 21

Contributed photos Ricco Longo (right) of University High and Parker Smith (left) from Central Valley are both headed to Gonzaga University on baseball scholarships. The future Zags teammates will face off against each other in the U-Hi/CV rivalry on April 29 and May 3.

Longo doesn’t hesitate when asked what he hopes to accomplish as part of Gonzaga’s distinguished program.

“I want to win the College World Series,” he said.

MAY 2022 • 23

The Current

Celebra ng our Students!

Next month, with the help of our sponsors, Partners Advancing Character Educa on will honor over 50 students, one from each of the PACE schools in Spokane Valley, Freeman and Tekoa, for demonstra ng outstanding character throughout the school year. While we could not gather as a group this year to celebrate these outstanding students, we are deeply grateful to our sponsors that helped make this celebra on possible. Watch for PACE “A Student of Character Lives Here” yard signs in your neighborhood!

Launched in 2010, PACE promotes good character through partnerships with schools, businesses, public agencies, faith-based organiza ons and community service groups. PACE has nearly 200 partners and over 50 schools working together with families to promote good character across the greater Spokane Valley.

2022 PACE Awards Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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#PACEAWARDS2022 Be sure to check out our Facebook page for videos and photos of our PACE Presentations

24

• MAY 2022

The Current

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The Current

Community Gardens are waiting for you to bloom

By Ashley Humbird Current contributor

It’s that time of the year to start getting your hands in the dirt and plant some seeds. But for those that live in an apartment, just chooses to have a ready-to-go garden bed, a community garden is a great choice for being to grow your own produce.

Pumpkin Patch Community Garden In Millwood, The Pumpkin Patch on the corner of Argonne and Maringo Drive is one such place you can get your hands in dirt and grow your own produce.

The Pumpkin Patch is in its 13th year of being a community garden for the city of Millwood.

Shirene Young, with the Millwood Community Association, helps organize and run the Pumpkin Patch. The Millwood Community Association is a non-profit that organizes events and programs for the city. With the city being

NEWS

about the size of just one square mile, many of the surrounding area consider themselves and their home to be part of Millwood. The Pumpkin Patch lies just out of city bounds across the river.

The land the Pumpkin Patch sits on is owned by the Inland Paper Company and leased to the city for use as a community garden. If you grew up in the area you might remember a time when it was a pumpkin patch where a local farmer grew competition sized giants. Many pumpkins would be displayed at the Spokane County Fair in the fall.

Now, the area is home to 48 raised garden bed plots that are four feet by ten feet. The cost is just $20 per season per plot. The donation cost includes the use of water beginning in the spring, until in either October or November, weather permitting.

A vast assortment of plants and vegetables are grown in the beds.

There are cold weather crops like onions and garlic that have been in the ground since last fall. Others, like Chamomile, which is grown for tea, are perennials that come back each spring.

There are a few exceptions to what can be grown in the garden.

Mint and Oregano, which for those of the readers that have ever grown

Photo by Ashley Humbird Pumpkin Patch contributor planting garlic.

MAY 2022 • 25

File photo Fresh start community garden has plots available so you can put your gardening skills to work. them know, it spreads like crazy and can be considered an invasive plant.

Seeds need to be organic to help stop the mutation during pollination. But other than that, each plot gardener is free to grow what they’d like. Hoses are provided to keep the plants happy and healthy.

At the back of the garden, you’ll see a fence in portion of garden. That area is used to grow produce for the local communities by volunteers.

“People might think that it’s only for the local residents,” shares Shirene “But it’s not. It’s great for the people who live up on the hill in the apartments that don’t have space.”

If you’re interested in more information, visit the official Pumpkin Patch website at pumpkinpatchcommunitygarden. net. There you will find information on how to rent a plot.

Fresh Start Community Garden For those residents of Spokane Valley who live closer to Splash down, Fresh Start community garden on Mission would be a great choice, conveniently located across the street from Splash Down. The community garden sits on 2.4 acres of land provided by Modern Water and Electric.

Lenore Brereton, the garden manager, has been overseeing the garden for the past five years. The garden began 10 years ago with a variety of garden bed sizes and shapes.

There is a rectangle bed with 32 square feet that has a seasonal donation of $25. An ‘L’ shaped bed with 62 square feet is a donation of

$35. And the largest unique shape is a ‘U’ bed with 75 square feet of growing space for just $48 dollars.

All the beds come with dirt already filled in and water with sprinklers.

If corn or vegetables like it are what is desired to grow, direct in ground sowing is available in rows for just $10.

With the different shapes of the beds, they provide a unique feature. Twelve of the beds are ADA-accessible, giving those who might not normally have a chance to experience growing their own produce a chance to create their own garden-to-table food.

Restrictions are simple: no mint or oregano and not plants over three feet high. Those delicious, but spreading herbs are considered invasive. Gardeners are open to growing any other non-invasive plant to their liking. The grass between the beds is upkept by volunteers to keep the area tidy and looking nice.

In addition to the rented beds, there will be a few beds that are solely for flowers and other plants to encourage pollinators to visit the garden.

“I’m in an apartment, where am I going to garden.” Explains Lenore.

Sharing how she began with Fresh Start. “This was a good choice for me. Being in the garden is very therapeutic.”

If you are interested in renting a bed, contact Lenore at norie_58@ msn.com. A simple application will have you on the path to growing your own delicious and fresh produce.

26

• MAY 2022

The Current

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Nina Culver, Craig Howard, Ashley Humbird 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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A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE Amaculate Housekeeping

22

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry

5

Banner Fuel

24

Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market

22

BECU

14

OrchardCrest

Central Valley Theatre

24

PACE

Friends of Mary Kuney

5

Correction policy

Spokane County Library District 17,19

mes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls & Coeur d’Alene.

Spokane Roofing

18

18, 19

Spokane Valley Summer Theatre greenstonehomes.com Pentagon

Greenstone

3

Ridgeline High School Theatre

Hennessey

8

Simonds Dental Group

21

Tate Law Office

4 24

3 3 24

HUB Sports Center

22

Spokane Valley Church of Christ

Inland Empire Utility CC

26

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum 18

8

Valley OBGYN Washington State Quilters

18 13

Service Directory

26

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The Current

ON THAT NOTE

Congratulations on your retirement Colonel Gardner

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Colonel Larry Gardner, commander of the 141st Air Refueling Wing of the Washington Air National Guard at Fairchild Air Force Base, has accumulated a long list of assignments, achievements and awards during his 30-year career. Born and raised in Montana, Gardner is preparing to retire from the military and move on to the next phase of his life.

He’s been leading the 141st Air Refueling Wing for the last three years. “It’s been an absolute Godsend to be here,” he said.

Though Gardner grew up in a military family, he never planned to make it his career. His father was a chief master sergeant in the Montana Air Guard. “As a child, I grew up with it,” he said.

After high school he went to Carroll College to study civil engineering, where he would meet his future wife, Kelli. He played football and she played basketball.

During his sophomore year, he found himself contemplating joining the National Guard like his father. “I needed the job experience as well as a little extra scratch to help pay for school,” he said. “Little did I know how those two things would be the least of the next 30 years. That was the start of a fun career.”

He went to basic training and was a civil engineering apprentice with the 120th Civil Engineering Squadron based in Great Falls, Montana, for five years. After he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Montana State University in Bozeman he was the deputy base civil engineer for the 120th and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He worked fulltime being in charge of the military installation, including design, construction and maintenance.

Like many young men, Gardner dreamed of being a fighter pilot. It’s a dream that many have, but few achieve. When Gardner applied for flight school, his was one of 200 applications received. In a typical year, only one or two will be accepted. Gardner made the cut and spent the early 2000’s in flight school learning to fly F-16’s and F-14’s.

“It was kind of the childhood dream,” he said. “I can’t even put

into words how cool it was.”

After his training was complete, he came back to Montana and was stationed with the 120th Operations Group in Great Falls and the 186th Fighter Squadron, also in Great Falls. Almost his entire career was spent in Great Falls, except for a short stint in California from 20062008 and a few months here and there for training. His last position in Montana before coming to Spokane was as commander of the 120th Maintenance Group in Great Falls.

Gardner, whose call sign is “Joker,” is rated as a command pilot and has more than 2,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft, including C-130 transport planes and KC-135 refueling tankers.

Gardner’s last combat tour was in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in 2017 as a C-130H aircraft commander and director of operations for the 386th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. He was also an air interdiction federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection from 2007 to 2013.

There was a national recruitment effort for the wing commander position in Spokane in 2019 and Gardner quickly applied and was selected. “I was ecstatic,” he said.

“I’d been trying to get into this unit since 2012. We love the area and my wife is from here. It was a neat opportunity.”

He’s spent his entire career in the Air National Guard and Gardner said he’s proud of the impact he and his airmen have had. They’ve been deployed to fight fires and help communities dealing with floods and other natural disasters. In the last two years they’ve run vaccine clinics and done other COVID relief work, including helping food banks struggling to deal with a surge in need. All this was done in addition to overseas deployments when needed.

He has appreciated his time in the close-knit Guard community.

“It’s just incredible the family that we are in the Air National Guard community,” he said.

Despite being very happy with his command in Spokane, recently Gardner started to think that it might be time to retire. His life began to get busier. He and his wife, who have

MAY 2022 • 27

been married since 1996, have four children. One is graduating high school, one is graduating college and getting married, another is in college and the youngest is still in high school. Gardner also recently accepted a job flying for Delta Airlines.

“It just kind of took a path of its own,” he said of all the changes. “I

thought maybe it was time.”

After he retires, Gardner plans to stay in Spokane so his youngest can finish high school. He will be on leave for a few months before his official retirement date on August 1 so he can have some time to relax before putting on his Delta Airline pilot wings and setting his sights back into the sky.

Contributed photo Colonel Larry Gardner is set to retire from his command of the 141st Air Refueling Wing of the Washington Air National Gaurd.

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Much Ado

About Nothing May

by William Shakespeare

18, 19, 20 23, 24, 25, 26 Tickets $10-$14 | 7:30 pm Curtain Central Valley Performing Arts Center | 821 S Sullivan Rd, Spokane Valley Underwritten in part by:

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