37th Year of Publication Stories inside Human rights advocates say to persist - p. 3 Education does have impact on air quality - p. 5 Symphony director records five concerts - p. 9 April 2021 Micah 4:4 [email protected] (509) 535-1813 • 535-4112 Teen says Stop the Hate Volume 38 Number 4 of Asians - p. 10 Calendar on page 11 Monthly newspaper and website covering faith in action throughout the Inland Northwest features 40 events online at www.thefigtree.org • check The Fig Tree Facebook page daily for news and links Bookstore uplifts literacy, diversity By Mary Stamp happy to help people find a trea- A few months after Janelle sure,” she said. Smith opened Wishing Tree She wants children to be moti- Books in the South Perry Dis- vated to read books to themselves trict in November 2019, COVID or have their parents read to them led her to temporarily close the over and over. purple, 100-year-old house she Janelle likes to spend time with remodeled as a bookstore. customers to learn about their sto- Running a bookstore was her ries, their lives and their children’s childhood dream, so she wouldn’t eccentricities. That helps her let COVID stop her from selling guide them to books that connect books to children and adults. to their children’s interests. At first, she was able to run “We are here for the commu- the store temporarily out of her nity. I love asking questions and own home, because she had set learning about customers. Talking up a website before COVID, but with customers is the fun part,” then she missed doing sales with she said. a personal connection that allows Because Janelle also wants to her to match people to books, as create a community of readers she is again able to do. through story times, book clubs Now the store is able to allow and other groups, she renovated browsing customers, limiting the garage in the back yard to be the number of mask-wearing an event space. She was hold- customers. She also offers porch ing a few events—weekly yoga pickups. and mindfulness classes, family Janelle’s mission is to encour- games and crafts, and even a cre- age literacy for children, to have ative monster writing workshop families read together, to facilitate for kids—when COVID closed community cohesion and to pro- those events. She plans pop-up mote diversity. shops in the garage and backyard Matching people to books family game nights and craft days facilitates literacy and family in the summer (COVID-willing). involvement. “I keep reviewing my inven- “Customers value our knowl- tory to be sure it represents the edge of the books. I’m always Janelle Smith’s joy is the magic of connecting children with a book they will treasure. Continued on page 4

Virtual event brings together people Benefit nears 2021 goal, impacted by U.S. nuclear legacy For the virtual Washington- told their stories to encourage On Monday, an intergen- Directory is under way Marshall Islands Nuclear Re- healing, remember victims, erational panel from Spokane’s From a month of benefit appeals, The Fig Tree now focuses membrance Week March 15 to honor survivors and protect Marshallese community in- on inviting support of advertisers and community partners for 20, organizers gathered many future generations. cluded two elders who survived the Resource Directory. groups affected by U.S. nuclear People joined on Zoom or nuclear testing, Bubu Erine “We raised more than $30,000 as of March 26 plus $1565 testing in the Marshall Islands on the Facebook page of the Jitiam and Sam Levai, and two in pledges. We will continue appeals until we reach our goal from 1946 to 1958, and survivors nonprofit Compact of Free As- youth, Laura Daniel and Cath- of $34,000 for the virtual benefits,” said Mary Stamp, editor. of other bombings and test sites, sociation (COFA) Alliance Na- erine Loeak. “We are pleased with the response and with the many com- people impacted by mining, tional Network (CANN) of The elders told how U.S. ments of support and solidarity coming with the donations.” transport, processing and clean- Washington. nuclear tests vaporized several The promotional video and Zoom recordings of the up, and young people. COFA is the international islands and atolls, and radiative speakers with the full comments of those in the video, plus Each day focused on different agreement establishing relation- contamination left some islands the full Zoom recordings of the two events are online at the- aspects of the history under the ships between the United States unfit for habitation. The tests figtree.org/Benefit2021videos.html. The videos, prepared overall theme of “We Are Not and the sovereign states of the dislocated people, destroyed by Nathan Slabaugh Media, may be viewed any time for Alone” to remind participants Federated States of Micronesia, their culture, damaged the land, inspiration or shared with friends, groups and congregations that their many voices together the Republic of the Marshall Is- sea and marine life, but few in to inspire discussion and donations, fulfilling the benefit’s can have power. Participants lands and the Republic of Palau. the U.S. knew what took place. goals of educating and raising support. Although they were in their Costs for printing the directory will be higher this year, 20s then and it is now 64 years and the printer notified us of a new page size,” said Malcolm since the testing, their fear and Haworth, directory editor. “It will be published in color, so pain continue. advertisers may pay a little more to run their ads in color and “People and animals kept dy- build the quality appearance of the overall publication. ing,” said Bubu, who gave birth “We are updating listings, as well as contacting advertis- to three babies who died soon ers and community partners to help underwrite the 2021-22 after birth with birth defects. Resource Directory,” he said. “Businesses and nonprofits Catherine found only brief wishing to place ads may contact us now.” mention of the Bikini bomb in The Fig Tree began distributing on 10 grocery store racks

through the Inlander in February. In April, it will print 2,000 Permit No. 1044 No. Permit a history class. Through high

WA SPOKANE copies to distribute at 15 stores, increasing circulation.

Spokane, WA 99202-3571 WA Spokane, school and college, she wrote

PAID For information, call 535-1813 or 535-4112, or email

1323 S. Perry St. Perry S. 1323 about it and now uses social U.S. POSTAGE U.S.

Organization [email protected] or [email protected].

The Fig Tree Fig The media to amplify messages. Non-Profit Continued on page 7 Page 2 - The Fig Tree - April 2021 Religion News Briefs Regional Ecumenical & Interfaith News Around the World World Council of Churches News, PO Box 2100 FAN will join in Lands Council tree planting CH - 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland Tel: +41-22 791 6111 The Lands Council is offering ecosystem, said Kat Hall, con- will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 Fax: +41-22 788 7244 www.oikoumene.org opportunities for community servation and education director p.m., Saturday, April 24, at the groups and individuals—wearing with the Lands Council. Marshall Creek site. WCC, faith leaders issue 10 points on climate masks—to help plant trees from The Faith Action Network The Lands Council provides The World Council of Churches (WCC) joined grassroots re- 3 to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays, April (FAN) of Washington is partner- seedlings and shovels for these ligious activists and high-level faith leaders to issue 10 demands 8, 15, 22 or 29, at its Marshall ing with The Lands Council on COVID-safe, family-friendly and condemn inadequate progress on climate action by govern- Creek site at 17607 S. Short Rd., Thursday, April 15, to plant trees. events. ments and financial institutions. In more than 400 grassroots between Cheney and Spokane. The Lands Council is partner- For information, email religious actions in 43 countries, thousands of people of faith That site is undergoing a res- ing with One Tree Planted for an [email protected], or visit called on political and financial leaders to meet ambitious climate toration to revitalize the wetland Earth Day Tree Planting, which landscouncil.org. demands at COP26. On March 11, more than 120 religious groups co-sponsored a multi-faith climate day of action. Alarmed by the massive gap between what is required to limit global temperature rise and actual climate change commitments Whitworth President Beck Taylor is leaving by governments and financial institutions, religious activists re- Beck Taylor, Whitworth Uni- president starting June 1. minors in math and religion, leased demands to address the injustice and impacts the climate versity president since 2010, Under Beck, Whitworth added earned a master’s in health crisis is inflicting. They call governments and banks immediately has resigned effective May 31. graduate and doctoral programs, sciences at Whitworth and a to end support for new fossil fuel infrastructure and tropical On July 1, he begins as presi- campus capital projects and pro- doctorate in exercise and sport deforestation; commit to universal access to clean, affordable dent of Samford University, a grams such as a student ambas- science from Pennsylvania State energy; enact policies creating green jobs with a just transition 6,000-student Christian institu- sador program. University. He has served Whit- for impacted workers and communities; secure policies and fund- tion in Homewood, Ala., where Beck headed Whitworth’s 10- worth in faculty, coaching and ing supporting those forced to migrate due to climate impacts. he was dean of the Brock School year strategic plan, “Whitworth administrative roles. Currently The Greenfaith International Network said as the COVID-19 of Business from 2005 to 2010. 2021: Courage at the Cross- he is responsible for fundraising, pandemic cost millions of people their jobs and health, the fossil Whitworth has selected Scott roads,” to elevate Whitworth marketing and communications. fuel industry secured billions of dollars of emergency bailout funds McQuilkin, its vice president among Christian universities. For information, call 777- while lobbying to weaken climate and environmental protections. for institutional advancement Scott, a 1984 Whitworth grad- 4703 or email tcoder@whit- In Brazil, Congo and Indonesia, home to the largest tropical since 2009, to serve as interim uate in physical education with worth.edu. rainforests, governments made it easier for agribusinesses to log. The demands are 1) achieve 100 percent renewable, clean energy for all; 2) realign global finance with compassionate values; 3) assure jobs and health care for all; 4) respect indigenous rights; 5) welcome CMTV14 offers new programs, training migrants; 6) end climate pollution; 7) end the planet’s desecration On May 4, Community-Mind- sessions with classes for youth down several months in 2020. As of bio-diversity; 8) eliminate immoral investment; 9) grant climate ed Television (CMTV14), which ages 13 to 17 and adults on guidelines allowed, it re-opened, reparations, and 10) have bold faith community leadership. has provided video training in camera, audio, editing, lighting provided 60 members access to Spokane since 2007, begins and script writing. CMTV14 $300,000 of professional TV Media Monitoring shows exclusion of voices CMTV Academy, a five-week staff and local professionals equipment and helped five non- Preliminary findings of the World Association for Christian course on video production, said will teach it. For information, profits to do virtual fundraising. Communication’s Global Media Monitoring Project show prog- Lee Williams, CEO of Commu- visit cmtvspokane.org/academy. Later in 2021, it will launch a ress in gender balance in some news but show media overall nity-Minded Enterprises, the Information on a teen summer CMTV14 app. are far short of being an inclusive space for women, vulnerable nonprofit home of CMTV14. camp series is at cmtvspokane. CMTV14 has added two staff: women and historically marginalized groups. The academy will take stu- org/camp. production associate Michael While women’s role as TV reporters is more prominent—with 48 dents through the full video CMTV14’s website, devel- Bethely and administrative as- percent of TV news reported by women—as subjects and sources, production process to produce oped by Darrien Mack, the sociate Maddie Cattle. women are sharply underrepresented. In Latin America, indigenous original videos, said DaShawn graphic designer, shows videos For information, call 960- people are only one percent of subjects and sources—persons seen, Bedford, production manager. the station produces. 7452 or email CMTV@commu- heard or spoken about—in TV news despite being eight percent of It includes two-hour in-studio In COVID, the station shut nity-minded.org. the population, and only three of 10 are women. In European TV news, people aged 80 and over are less than one percent of subjects and sources and just under 28 percent of them are women. COVID-19 was a chance to investigate gender dimensions of Nonprofit conference challenges thinking news in a pandemic. On TV, women were subjects and sources in The 2021 Washington State thinking about place, space and hear innovative and adaptive just 30 percent of COVID news—despite a meteoric rise in TV Nonprofit Conference on the time in personal and professional stories from the field in a week of viewership in many countries. On radio, the gender gap in subjects theme, “Rethinking Place, Space spheres, as well as across com- virtual experiences and learning and sources in COVID news is narrower than before 2015. and Time,” will examine how munities nonprofits serve. opportunities. Pandemic reporting on the internet increased space for women’s theCOID-19 pandemic has chal- In the virtual conference from For information, visit voices as eyewitnesses and spokespersons. The gender gap for lenged the dominant ways of May 17 to 21, participants will wastatenonprofitconference.org. spokespersons is 10 points narrower in stories compared to pre- COVID. The gender gap in reporters on pandemic news is nar- rower than in non-pandemic news. Latin America outperforms Gonzaga opens academic climate center the world, with an over-representation of women as reporters in In response to the threat of and the region by advancing in- first lecture, “Universities in COVID online news. global warming and its Catholic, novative, interdisciplinary schol- the Ecozoic Era,” outlining his The Global Media Monitoring Project’s final report will Jesuit, humanistic mission, the arship, teaching and consulting. vision for the center, at 5 p.m., present a gender analysis of the 25-year change in the presence, Gonzaga University is launching Panelists for the opening are Monday, April 26, on Zoom. representation and voice of subjects, sources in mainstream print the Gonzaga Center for Climate, Jay Inslee, Washington State Brian, the center’s founder, newspapers, radio and television newscasts, news websites and Society and the Environment Governor; Bill McKibben, found- came to Gonzaga in 2008 as news media tweets in 120 countries. in a Zoom event at 3:30 p.m., er of the global climate action professor of philosophy and “Women are still shockingly absent from news, even as we Thursday, April 22. group 350.org, and Keya Chat- environmental studies. are more aware of gender injustice,” said Isabel Apawo Phiri, The center will serve students terjee, executive director of the For information, visit https:// WCC deputy general secretary. “Churches and ecumenical or- U.S. Climate Action Network. www.gonzaga.edu/center-for- ganizations have a role to play by promoting and supporting Brian Henning, the center’s climate-society-environment/ women’s leadership and calling on media to stop perpetuating The Fig Tree is published 10 months director, will give the center’s events. gender stereotypes and the marginalization of women especially each year, September through June. in vulnerable populations.” Deadlines: COPY - 3rd Fridays ADS - 4th Tuesdays It is published by The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99202, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Fig Tree is Editorial Team Editor/Publisher/Photos - Mary Stamp reader supported Directory Editor - Malcolm Haworth Website Developer - Lorna Kropp Volunteer Coordinator - Kaye Hult BECOME A SPONSOR! Development Assoc-Marijke Fakasiieiki Editing - Erin Endres, ❑ $20-50 Sponsor ❑ $56-108 Friend Catherine Ferguson SNJM, Inga Jablonsky, Mary Mackay, Dru Powers, ❑ $300-$1,200 Underwriter Nancy Roth ❑ $42 for bulk order of 10 Fig Tree Board Nick Beamer, Barb Borgens, ❑ $300/year pledge for five years Lauri Clark-Strait, Tom Fallquist, Catherine Ferguson SNJM, SEND YOUR DONATION TO Malcolm Haworth, Kaye Hult, The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99202 Fred Jessett, Gary Jewell, Walter Kendricks, Lynda Maraby, NAME ______Wade Schwartz, Mary Stamp, Tracey Waring, ADDRESS ______James Watkins, Anastasia Wendlinder CITY/STATE/ZIP ______Copyright © 2021 PHONE ______(509) 535-1813 or 535-4112 Email: [email protected] April 2021 - The Fig Tree - Page 3 Long-time human rights advocates say current times show need to persist By Kaye Hult indicted or goes away, much of Three human rights and civil the populace will go through rights activists involved for a grief process, like when a many years with the Kootenai dearly loved person dies,” Norm County Task Force on Human continued. Relations (KCTFHR) recently “What comes out will be a commented on a new “dis-ease” new America,” he said. “Into in the country and the need for that space, we must bring the ongoing efforts to challenge it. conversation to moral judgments. That “dis-ease” is that people We have to refuse to ask questions have trouble conversing, because except about those.” their views of reality are so Tony summed up by quoting at odds with each other. The the late Fr. Bill Wassmuth, a divergence is now so wide it former leader of the task force: causes rifts within families, Marshall Mend Tony Stewart Norm Gissel “It takes time. Life is a process. they said. It takes day-by-day persistence.” Norm Gissel, retired attorney “They eat what’s in front with people who disagree, but set the agenda. He would not let When Tony once joked about and former member of the task of them,” he said. “They’re we are realistic. If someone has those who opposed him change being tired from work with the force board, likened it to a rapid living with existential dread and lost touch with reality, there’s the conversation. task force at one point, Fr. Bill move from stage 1 to stage 4 anxiety,” he said. nowhere to go with dialogue.” Tony then reflected on the replied, “Stewart, you’ve signed cancer. “Power, moral judgment and Tony saw the insurrection at years they were countering the up for life. Get with it!” Now Commenting in separate policy drive political parties,” he the Capital as an attempted coup. work of the Aryan Nations. Tony says, “That holds for all interviews since the Jan. 6 said. “At this point, they are not Some who participated have said “We would never attend Butler who would heal the brokenness insurrection at the Capital and interested in moral judgment or they now realize it was wrong. events. We had our own events,” between us these days: It’s the Feb. 8 spraying of graffiti policy. They’re interested only “I’m encouraged by those who he said. “People yelling at each important to not walk away.” on Temple Beth Shalom, the in power.” said, ‘I can’t believe I did that.’” other is never productive. The task force’s board three discussed the breakdown The first government ruling in he said. “We were never going to be has continued to meet each in relationships and offered ideas 1869 that “for-profit companies In seeking to heal the confrontive with Butler. The month since 1981, gathering on how to repair the brokenness. are people” led to companies brokenness, Marshall said that horrible treatment by the racists representatives of Hispanic/ The others interviewed were choosing only to consider the the truth needs to be told to of Dr. King actually grew his Latinx, Asian American, Jewish, Marshall Mend, a local realtor, bottom line—making money— counter the lies. He also spoke moral movement. He never African American, religious, and Tony Stewart, a former not moral judgment, Norm said. of the challenge of speaking out yelled back,” Tony added. law enforcement, LGBTQ, educator. He used the example of because silence gives consent. “When working in human student, veteran and education Through the task force, the dumping dioxins into the “If we don’t tell people the rights, it’s a mistake to remain communities, as well as the three were instrumental in Spokane River. truth, they will believe the lies,” silent, but we certainly must Coeur d’Alene Tribe, local overcoming divisiveness caused To a corporation behaving he said. “We all need to speak decide our own agenda,” he said. governments and the Coeur by the Aryan Nations and its amorally, “it’s ‘good’ if it makes up and speak out. Sometimes Tony gave as an example the d’Alene Chamber of Commerce. leader, Richard Butler, between a profit,” Norm said. “That’s it’s difficult, but we need to do it Aryan Nations’ first march down Their goal is to promote human 1980 and 2000 in North Idaho. immoral. Our country is losing anyway. In Nazi Germany, they Sherman Ave. in Coeur d’Alene rights in the region. The task force, which is the battle to immorality.” didn’t speak out. The United in 1998. It played a major role in founded on principles of the Tony took a different tack. States is not Nazi Germany, but “At the same time as their passing laws in Idaho to combat Declaration of Independence, the “I don’t think we’ve ever been it could become that. That’s march, we held a huge rally hate crimes and promote human U.S. Constitution and the Idaho in this situation before,” he said. why we need to speak up and themed “Lemons to Lemonade.” rights and in many efforts to State Constitution, promotes the Democrats and Republicans could speak out.” We raised $34,000 for teaching challenge white supremacy and dignity and worth of each human communicate once. Both sides Tony believes it’s important diversity. After giving $10,000 hate, including a legal case that being. used rational thinking. Not now. to work with people who are to other human rights groups, shut down the Aryan Nations Marshall said the people who “My father told me: When open to conversation. we gave a third of the remaining compound and turned it into a participated in the insurrection in you’re dealing with someone “I want to spend my time where $24,000 away three different peace park. Washington, D.C., “need to be whose perception of reality is so I can help,” he said. “Why should times to area teachers for diversity They continue efforts to held accountable. They need to opposite from yours, there is no I spend my time where I can’t programs, receiving positive educate the community and be responsible for their actions, starting point,” he said. make a difference? I’ve seen too publicity each time,” he said. school children on hate and just like everyone else. We’re Tony reflected on the time that much. I can see where one can be Norm believes in the on the legacy of Dr. King and all accountable for what we do.” Butler and the Aryan Nations had productive and where one can’t. importance of forcing political to challenge discrimination in Tony had a similar thought: a small following in North Idaho. Many need encouragement and and corporate entities to think housing, employment and public “The insurrection needs to have “A sociology professor from help building confidence, so they about moral judgments by asking accommodations. an aggressive investigation and Eastern Idaho thought the task can make a difference.” moral-based questions. For information, visit prosecution needs to happen.” force should sit down with He referred to practices of “Every time a discussion idahohumanrights.org. Norm likened politicians on Butler and dialogue,” he said. Martin Luther King, Jr. He said swerves away, we need to both sides of the aisle to sharks. “We couldn’t. One has to work that Dr. King was in charge and reiterate, ‘What are the moral underpinnings of your argument? Watch Where do they come from?’” he said. our live Faith Leaders seek image in art contest At this point, Norm said, “We stream Out of grieving about the heart of our communities,” she Wednesday, May 12, and a vir- can’t find agreed-upon objective violence against Temple Beth said the group developed an tual awards ceremony is planned facts. We can return to this by Sunday Service Shalom, the murders of Asian art contest, to be followed by a for Thursday, June 10. asking about the moral basis on 11 a.m. online at women and coworkers in Geor- short-story contest and later a The poster/graphic needs to which our political and corporate www.uuspokane.org gia, and shoppers in Colorado, photojournalistic contest. communicate that all people— leaders make their votes and We are an LGBTQ welcoming the Faith Leaders and Leaders of For they art contest, they seek religious and non-religious, decisions. Everyone has to ask liberal religious congregation Conscience (FLLC) of Eastern a color graphic image to put who are indigenous or new here, these philosophical questions. All are welcome Washington and North Idaho has in windows of businesses and all genders, skin tones, sexual “If our former president is 4340 W Whistalks Way been seeking ways “to lift up our homes, on social media, signs, identities and differing abili- common humanity, while break- merchandise and other media to ties—are connected and are to be ing through apathy and helpless- share the message that people of respected, supported and valued. ness,” said Gen Heywood, FLLC Eastern Washington and North For information, email fll- convener. Idaho “Celebrate Curiosity” [email protected] or find Looking for something in ad- through solidarity, inclusion, ad- Faith Leaders and Leaders of dition to vigils, statements and vocacy, accountability and truth. Conscience Eastern Washington legislation to reach into “the Entries must be received by and North Idaho on Facebook. Beyond Words: Doing Justice PLEASE CONTINUE TO GIVE SHARE BENEFIT VIDEOS at thefigtree.org Resource Directory PLEASE CONSIDER ADVERTISING BE A COMMUNITY PARTNER UPDATE YOUR LISTING CALL 535-1813 email [email protected] Page 4 - The Fig Tree - April 2021 Book store owner matches books with interests of readers, customers continued from page 1 Ivan, a graphic artist. After their through life,” she said. her staff safe. partnership with the Northwest mission, especially diversity. I son was born in 2007, she cared Aware that some children do While there are only a hand- Passages to do a book group strive to offer books where chil- for him and then returned to not have books at home, and ful of books on COVID, such as aimed at a younger audience— dren can see themselves, be it the Auntie’s for three years, respon- some parents do not make it a LeUyen Pham’s Outside, Inside middle school through young color of their skin, their gender, sible for events and children’s priority to read to their children, picture book for children, she adult. They have had two events. their religion, their culture or books. Janelle wants to provide books expects more books will come The next is at 7 p.m., Monday, their dreams. Just as important, Three years ago, with Ivan’s even for people who cannot af- to help people make sense of April 19 with Sabina Khan, au- is having these books available support, she began her effort ford them. these times. thor of a new young adult novel, to the community in hopes of to start a children’s bookstore. So she hopes in five years to Another book with writings on Zara Hossain Is Here. It will be creating tolerance for others,” They began looking for a place start a nonprofit to bring authors COVID, for adults, is by various online through NW Passages and Janelle said. to rent in the Perry District, to schools and books into the authors and is called Alone To- the store’s website. Growing up in a loving, sup- where people came for the park, lives of the less fortunate. With gether: Love, Grief and Comfort For information, call 315- portive family in Kennewick, pubs, and great restaurants, and a nonprofit, she can apply for in the Time of COVID-19. 9815 or email books@wishing- Janelle spent time in her closet where there’s a school—Grant grants to pay authors to speak Wishing Tree Books has a new treebookstore.com. reading, and at 14 had lists of Elementary. The single-family to children attending schools in books she wanted to include in house they liked was not avail- low-income neighborhoods, and her future bookstore. able at first, but two weeks later, buy books for those who cannot ORGANIC METHODS While studying at Eastern it was for sale and was zoned for afford them. Washington University earning commercial use. She has numerous outreach her first degree, she was given “As luck would have it, a projects on her list, however the assignment to interview fellow bookseller from Seattle’s COVID has made it difficult someone doing a job she wanted Queen Anne Book Company to move forward with many of to do. This led her to the Chil- stepped forward and offered them. They did continue their Protecting the Wild dren’s Corner Bookstore. She to invest in my dream,” said annual Wishing Tree Project this is now Heart of Spokane bugged owners Judy Hamel and Janelle. “Tegan Tigani and her Christmas. FARM STAND Susan Durrie until they hired husband Jordan are avid sup- “It was successful in getting in Vinegar Flats her. There she learned about cus- porters of both the importance books to children in our com- 2121Vinegar S. Cherry St. tomer service and the children’s of independent bookstores and munity,” Janelle said. 9 to noon book industry. That bookstore, a sense of community. Wishing Tree Books is cur- Flats Farm Now signing up for which opened in 1972, has since “They purchased the house rently open for browsing from Saturdays closed, but Janelle keeps in touch and shared the cost of renovat- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays and lettuceweekly mix, C.S.A. arugula, shares nettles, with Judy and Susan. ing it into a viable business,” she from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays chives,of fresh rhubarb, vegetables mizuna and water cress, plant starts In 1999, Janelle studied for a said. “It is a gorgeous neighbor- to Saturdays. They are closed on for the 2021 season. For information, maps, nature second degree, elementary edu- hood store now with a pretty Mondays. VinegarFlatsFarm.comUrbanEdenFarm.com walks go to DishmanHills.org cation with a major in reading. stained glass window designed In May, it will be open from While going to school, she also by a local high school student, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays, from managed the children’s section who also painted the murals on 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and of Auntie’s Bookstore. the outdoor windows. It stands Wednesdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 After student teaching, Janelle out.” p.m., Thursdays to Saturdays, worked for three years with at- On Nov. 2, 2019, Janelle and closed Mondays. risk fourth to sixth graders in opened Wishing Tree Bookstore People may also shop online an after-school program funded at 1410 E. 11th Ave. at the website, www.wishing- by a school district grant. She What values drive her to sell treebookstore.com taught kindergarten two years, children’s books? The store also offers porch but raising a son on her own, Believing literacy is impor- pickups for no-contact purchases needed a consistent position, tant, she wants children to be and are able to ship to family and and the district was not offer- able to read and be read to, to friends elsewhere. ing continuing contracts at that read books that excite them, and Masks and hand sanitizer time, so she started teaching in to read books with stories that are required and only a limited preschools, and then worked help them figure out life. number of customers can enter again at Auntie’s. “A child’s connection with at a time. Janelle is making an Janelle then met and married a favorite book can carry on effort to keep her community and

Vigil organizers seek to stop hate of Asians Ping Ping, one of the organiz- “We stand for anti-racism and At that moment, I saw myself as ers of Spokane’s March 20 Stop unite Asian and Pacific Islanders, an Asian American. As a mother the Hate rally, is a commissioner and all people in Spokane,” said I need to fight. I have a voice, for Asian and Pacific American Ping, who spoke at the vigil as a I want to stand up for people (API) Affairs of Washington and daughter, mother and immigrant. who can’t speak for themselves on the Spokane Falls Commu- “When I saw a video of out of fear, feelings of subservi- nity College sociology faculty. 84-year-old Richa Ratanapak- ence or simply due to a language Spokane’s United We Stand dee slammed on the ground, my barrier,” Ping said. “His death members who organized the heart froze. I imagined that could and his mother Lily Chin’s fight event were Charity Bagatsing, be my father. I haven’t slept well makes me a warrior for equity Tia Moua, Rosie Zhou, Pascal since Feb. 8,” she said. and justice. Bostic and Ping. “As an immigrant, I speak Eng- “We are perceived and ex- Spokane’s United We Stand is lish with a heavy accent, giving pected to be ‘model minority,’ a Facebook group formed after me an inferiority complex even overly achieving academically a young Vietnamese American, though I have a PhD in sociology. but not stir the pot when facing to Spokane Public Schools Vina Cathcart, was called “Chi- I tend to be quiet,” Ping said. discrimination. It is a trap for all nese virus” in a grocery store, When she was showing SFCC of us,” she said. said Ping. Charity (Filipino), students the film, “Who Killed Her full speech will be pub- We’re incredibly grateful for the Vina (Vietnamese), Cisco Aguon Vincent Chin?” she realized Vin- lished at thefigreee.org along ongoing support of the Spokane (Palao) and Ping (Chinese) estab- cent was a victim of hate crime. with Jasmine Meredith’s. Rosie community! We invite you to stay lished the group. “Tears rushed out of my eyes! Zhou’s speech is on page 11. connected to SPS news & updates by Visiting spokaneschools.org Attending a school board meeting: Taizé prayer service via Zoom spokaneschools.org/BoardMeetings Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:00 PM Following us on social media

This month, please participate in our ThoughtExchange Celebrating community conversation about the new stadium proposal at spokaneschools.org/stadiumTE. This online survey allows new life! everyone in our community to voice their opinion. Learn more at spokaneschools.org/stadium. For more information, contact Shonna Bartlett at [email protected].

We invite you to join us for reflection, prayer and spiritual renewal. April 2021 - The Fig Tree - Page 5 Educating children and adults has a positive impact on air quality hrough her multifaceted students, especially those doing with the agency having replaced Twork with the Spokane senior projects. The agency has 161 wood stoves, Stephanie said, Regional Clean Air Agency, an AirBeam personal air monitor reducing small particles in the air Stephanie May believes she and it shares with groups at schools to by 6.45 tons. the agency have a direct, positive map the air quality in their homes The agency’s commitment to impact on Spokane’s air quality. and schools. It’s a hand held sen- share the message about clean air Her roles as the public in- sor that connects to a smart phone. includes community outreach to formation specialist, the youth A laser tabulates the air quality give presentations for faith com- and education specialist and to help students see if areas they munities. the communications and social monitor are clean or polluted. With more working from media specialist allow her to Five students at Pride Prep home during COVID, the agency use her skills and interests in are using it now, and a few at saw impact in what they were communication and advocacy Central Valley High School able to monitor with fewer cars to help individuals and the com- have contacted the agency for on the road equating to better munity understand the impact Stephanie May worked with child in 2017 pre-COVID. information. air quality. Photo courtesy of Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency they can have when they make Stephanie has also promoted While not downplaying detri- good choices. Stephanie is working through worked with the Spokane Joint and run the “No-Idle Zone” Pro- mental effects of the pandemic, it Stephanie’s work intersects contacts at Spokane Pub- Aquifer Board to offer a Vir- gram for middle and elementary “forced us to make many behav- with many other agencies to lic Schools and Mead Public tual Science Fair Extravaganza schools, setting up street signs ioral changes that can have a posi- inform people of air quality Schools. She sends a newsletter with agency partners offering designating areas where parents tive impact on the environment, concerns, resources and actions. to educators and it is also in the “booths” with activities. come to pick up students, as no- many of which we might have “I’m interested in having a agency newsletter, “On the Air.” Participants could go to dif- idle zones, to encourage them to thought were impossible or un- clean environment so my child The Clean Air Agency also ferent booths and do different turn off their vehicles. About 35 reasonable—combining errands and other children can play partners with Spokane Envi- activities. schools are signed up. into fewer car trips, tele-working outside safely,” Stephanie said. roKids, a cooperative program “It filled a gap left when it was “We provide the materials at and using less disposable prod- “With the Clean Air Agency, I of Spokane County’s Regional no longer possible to offer sci- no cost. They send information ucts,” Stephanie said. “These are have seen how much change can Solid Waste Agency, Stormwater ence fairs in elementary school home, telling why idling is not behaviors we hope will continue happen if we advocate,” she said. Utility and Water Resources, the gyms, where students would visit good for respiratory health. once the pandemic is over.” Stephanie, who was an intern Regional Clean Air Agency, the different tables and do activi- “We have seen changes as She urges people to reflect on with the Spokane Regional Spokane Conservation District, ties,” she said. fewer drivers idle their vehicles,” behavioral changes to decide Clean Air Agency during her Spokane Aquifer Joint Board, “It’s a way to continue to reach she said. which ones are worth continuing journalism and communication the City of Spokane Solid Waste out to do environmental educa- “Before recent summer forest and then do them. studies at Eastern Washing- Department and Water Depart- tion,” Stephanie said. fires, people didn’t always think For information, call 477-4727 ton University, returned to the ment, the National Weather The Virtual Science Fair about air quality,” she said. “See- or visit spokanecleanair.org. agency in 2016. Service, the Library District and Extravaganza continues as a ing smoke in the air, they realized After graduating in 2007, she more to explore the many aspects resource at https://sajblearning. air quality can quickly degrade. worked with Girl Scouts of Or- of the environment—air, water, org with “booths” on Aqua Duck, Many began to check the air CAMP SANDERS egon and Southwest Washington weather, garbage, recycling, building an aquifer at home, in- quality index regularly. Education Camps while living in the Portland, Ore., plants and animals. spiring artists, meeting scientists helps the community understand Retreats area for five years, and then in “We have scheduled events on KSPS-PBS, master compost- air quality concerns better.” Weddings community outreach with a soc- and had to continually push ing, recycling, weather, conserva- People understand that what Reunions cer club in Vancouver, B.C., while them back because of COVID. tion, water, EnviroKids, clean air, they do can have a positive ef- Special Events her husband completed a master’s Normally we do programs at the solid waste, being water wise, the fect on air quality—not idling or degree. Back in Spokane, they public libraries with different aquifer, science and food sense. biking to work one day a week. Just 55 miles started a family, and she pursued agencies doing different activi- She said the Clean Air Agency “Small changes can impact air south of CDA her interest in environmental ties,” she said. also envisions activities children quality,” she said. Visit our Website: advocacyCan't with the Spokane get Re- Forout example, for the Regional can do on their own through the Each year from November to campsanders.net gional Clean Air Agency. Solid Waste System did a project school year, uploading activities March, wood heating has a major groceriesStephanie’s focus is on edu or- on recycledtake-out? paper, and the Con- as the agency creates them. impact on air quality. The agen- For further details or a cational outreach for children servation District led a project There were no plans for a 2021 cy runs a wood stove change-out tour of the campground and youth. The agency itself on painting with soil. Earth Day as of mid-March. program to help people replace Contact Christy at has been involved in air quality “We had children make Stephanie said the Clean Air old wood stoves for something 208-892-4842 or educationFeeling with schools since a particlefinancial catchers they could take Agency also reaches out to of- more efficient. The 2020-21 [email protected] they began their work more than home to see the air quality in fer direct help to high school grant cycle ran out in February pinch50 years ago. that hinderstheir homes,” Stephanie your said. During May, the agency is “We made them by cutting circles launching a “Cleanfood Air Month” access? out of paper and covering those Poster Contest for children in holes with double-sided tape to K-6. The theme is: “Healthy Air catch things floating in the air Is Important to Everyone.” that they might not otherwise see. KnowShe sent information someone to educa- “It’s a good waywho’s for kids to tors to invite participation. The grasp the concept of dust, pet hair agency didfood not do the poster insecure? con- and other things bigger than mi- test last year because of COVID, croscopic air particles,” she said. but previously held the contest in “The kids observe themselves.” Spokane2018 and 2019.Food Fighters deliversIn October in 2020, Spokane EnviroKids City! Order now for FREE next day residential meal delivery at our web site spokanefoodfighters.orgApril . FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITYIS Spokane AND SUPPORTING THE ECONOMY. LEARN MORE ATGives SPOKANEFOODFIGHTERS.ORGmonth!

Pick your passion andMany getthanks involvedto our growing community at volunteerspokane.orgof food partners, donors and volunteers! Page 6 - The Fig Tree - April 2021 The Black Lens and Terrain collaborate to do health education through the arts The Black Lens independent Just Trade newspaper and Terrain, a non- profit building community and fairly-traded opportunity for artists, collabo- crafts from rated from January to March to around commission artists for “Create Health,” a project to raise aware- the world ness about the impact of CO- inside VID-19 on the Black community and other communities of color. Brused Books The Department of Health 235 E. Main provided a grant to The Black Pullman, WA Lens, said editor Sandy Wil- 509-334-7898 liams, to develop new ways to reach the Black community and Weds.-Mon. 11-5 communities of color with health Closed Tuesdays messages related to COVID. Artists created poetry, graph- ics and visual op-eds published Small crowd watch projections on Black Lives Matter mural. in The Black Lens, images that Photo courtesy of The Black Lens were projected on buildings by COVID-19. Spokane, the Carl Maxey Center, around town and a “COVID Ginger said Terrain and The the Martin Luther King Jr Center Crusaders” comic book. Black Lens commissioned a digi- and the Emmanuel Family Life The culmination of the project tal artist who was in Spokane as Center. on March 15 was an event that an artist-in-residence with Labo- “It targeted people of color drew 100 masked people to the ratory Spokane. Sarah Turner and drew about 600 people,” parking lot at 244 W. Main. There from Portland, Ore., used her skill said Sandy, adding that the MLK they viewed the Black Lives Mat- in “projection mapping and cod- Center is offering vaccine clinics ter mural that was painted during ing,” taking large-scale imagery twice a month. a few weeks in June and July on and projecting it on buildings. For information, email san- a downtown building. “We gave her imagery from [email protected] or visit The program included pro- the 16 artists who created the createhealthspokane.com to see jections of visual art onto that mural and from 10 other artists the project components. building, including the published in the Create Health project. art and a review of the mural’s Sarah embedded the images in development, mixed with health the mural,” Ginger said. messages. The March 15 event used art to “The art contained COVID- share the message in a new way. friendly messages targeting the Other participating organiza- Black community,” said Ginger tions were the NAACP Spokane, Ewing, executive director of providing refreshments, and Terrain, which is both an art and Spokane Community Against events organization. Racism, which projected images “We began with art in the Janu- on another building to draw at- ary Black Lens, including a vi- tention to “Our Stolen Sisters.” sual op-ed and a poem,” she said. “It gave me hope to feel there The February issue in Black is momentum and that we can History Month included more all work together to create the art and poetry, information on change we need,” said Ginger. the website on resources and art The comic books not only events related to COVID, along went to The Black Lens mail with a “rack card,” created for the subscribers, but also to busi- Black community by the Depart- nesses and were handed out ment of Health and distributed to at a vaccine clinic held March Black businesses who partnered 13 by The NATIVE Project in with Create Health to provide collaboration with the NAACP information to their customers. Stay away from debt They also developed a web- site, createhealthspokane.com, Latrice that presents health informa- Williams tion, artists’ background, future Realtor events, and data underscor- Get started with us ing how disproportionately the 509-431-0773 Black community was affected Bernadette Pillar real estate and save money! Spring Compost Fair Our graduates have proven that Goes Virtual! your career doesn't have to mean more debt.

April 17-24, 2021 $ $ $ Attend Community Colleges of $ $ $ Learn virtually from home Spokane for your first two years and still earn a free compost bin! and keep your costs low. Spokane County residents can enroll in a virtual classroom, learn about home composting, then download a coupon redeemable for a free compost bin. Limit one per household. Create an account and enroll now, but check back on April 17th as that LEARN about Transfer is when the Compost Fair begins. It runs through the 24th. Sign up at: Degrees and SAVE! www.spokanecity.org/wastereductionclasses Learn more at Spokane.edu For more information call 625-6580 or go to www.spokanecountysolidwaste.org Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation or age in its programs, activities or employment. Marketing and Public Relations. Partial funding provided by WA State Dept of Ecology. April 2021 - The Fig Tree - Page 7 Week-long event provides overview of impact of nuclear weapons, waste Continued from page 1 hoji Temple Buddhist Order on Pacific. “It led me to seek a more On Tuesday, three speak- Bainbridge Island has been en- just, peaceful, and safer world ers—Twa-le Abrahamson-Swan gaged in the anti-nuclear, peace, free of nuclear weapons. of the SHAWL (Sovereignty non-violence, social justice and “We need to increase support Health Air Water Land) Soci- environmental movement world- for disarmament and build a ety, Samantha Redheart of the wide for many years. He has or- movement of people committed Environmental Restoration and ganized and participated in many to eliminate nuclear weapons,” Waste Management program of peace walks, connecting with she said. “COVID has shone the Yakama Nation, and Trisha nuclear frontline communities. light on the need to reassess Pritkin of Consequences of He joined peace marches at U.S. national security policy that Radiation Exposure—told how the Nevada Test Site and at the spends hundreds of billions each U.S. nuclear programs affected Bremerton Nuclear Base with year in defense.” the Spokane and Yakama tribes, people of all races and religions. Ploughshares Fund seeks to and people living near Hanford. “Human beings need to walk redefine national security to In addition, the Rev. Senji David Anitok, co-founder and director of COFA Alliance and pray together to stop nuclear focus human needs not weapons. Kaneada, a Buddhist monk, and National Network, and Telenja David, pastor of the Spokane weapons,” said Senji, who was Wednesday’s session included Emma Belcher, president of the Marshallese United Church of Christ. born in 1963 on Kyushu Island speakers from the National As- Ploughshares Fund, connected where Nagasaki is. His parents, sociation of Atomic Veterans, the concerns to the peace movement. contaminated soil, treating mil- said. “We are more powerful who were teachers and peace ac- Navajo Nation, Pacific Associa- Francine Anmontha Malie- lions of gallons of ground water, when we raise our voices in tivists, took him in August 1989 tion for Radiation survivors, the ituua of the Marshall Islands cocooning six reactors, demol- solidarity. This is the first time to visit the museum in Nagasaki. Tularosa Basin Downwinders National Nuclear Commission ishing hundreds of buildings and I have ever been to an event that Scared and shocked by what he and Children of Atomic Veterans. connected the speakers. removing two old test reactors, brings so many groups together. saw, he joined an annual peace On Thursday, filmmaker The session opened with a but said there is more to do. This event is visionary.” conference with people from Brian Cowden shared his video, video of Deb Abrahamson, who A video, “A Future Worth Trisha is glad that Medicaid Africa, Europe and America, “Voices: Our Water World on died Jan. 1, speaking at Indig- Fighting For,” suggested options and children’s health insurance people of more skin colors than Fire.” Speakers included Giff enous People’s Day, telling of for action at Columbiariver- have been reinstated by the COFA he had ever seen in his village. Johnson, editor of the Marshall her life as a warrior for justice keeper.org. for Marshallese in the U.S., but “Now, I live in Washington Islands Journal, Marshallese against the Midnite Mine’s ura- Transitioning to the next people in the islands have no State where the bomb dropped people in Arkansas, and descen- nium contamination that caused speaker, Francine affirmed: “We cancer care specialist to treat on Nagasaki was produced,” he dants of Enewetak and Bikini. the cancer that took her life at 66. stand with all who are affected them there. said, adding that he hopes to co- Friday’s session focused on Uranium from the mine was by nuclear wastes.” “I stand in solidarity with ordinate peace marches with the Enewetak cleanup veterans. processed at Hanford for the Trisha, an attorney, has Marshallese to achieve nuclear Spokane Tribe and downwind- Saturday celebrated the bombs tested in the Marshall worked for more than 30 years justice that includes: 1) paying ers, because “people of diverse COFA Medicaid restoration and Islands. People in those sites suf- for justice for those who, like claims from the Nuclear Claims backgrounds should walk, pray included statements by Oregon fer similar cancers and illnesses. her family, lived downwind from Tribunal, 2) providing quality and act together.” Senator Ron Wyden, Washington Deb’s daughter Twa-le, Sa- Hanford—and other Manhattan health care for the Marshallese, Emma, former advisor in Rep. Rick Larsen, and Washing- mantha and Trisha continue to projects and Cold War nuclear 3) reducing exposure to radiation Australia’s National Security ton State Rep. Marcus Ricelli. tell their stories and educate weapons production and testing in the environment, 4) building Department and International They also honored journalists about the effects of nuclear pro- sites. Many suffer with or have national capacity to understand Affairs and former staff with the who have helped Marshallese tell duction from people exposed to died from radiogenic cancers and the impacts, and 5) educating Australian embassy in Washing- their stories in media and videos. radiation and toxins from mining illnesses from exposure. people on the nuclear legacy. ton, D.C., added perspectives Students Leimama Wase and uranium through nuclear waste Her 2020 book, The Hanford “The theme, ‘We Are Not from work with Ploughshares. Lilly Adams led a discussion on that contaminates the lands and Plaintiffs: Voices from the Fight Alone,’ is important. We are “Pacific communities, indig- priorities: 1) health care access, waters of the Yakama Nation and for Atomic Justice, introduces all fallout-exposed civilians— enous people and people of color 2) cleanup and environmental affect people living downwind the stories of 24 personal injury downwinders, Marshallese, oth- are most impacted by nuclear remediation/climate change of Hanford. That facility also plaintiffs in litigations filed by er Pacific Islanders and Ameri- weapons but policy debate is solutions, and 3) compensation. produced the bombs dropped on people injured because of Han- cans, including uranium miners, dominated by abstract, technical They discussed the need to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. ford’s decades of secret offsite millers and transporters, military ideas on strategy and systems,” 1) have medical facilities in the Twa-le, former air quality radiation releases. The stories veterans who observed the tests she said. “It’s easy to overlook the islands, 2) train Marshallese specialist with the Spokane Tribe provide real-life illustration of or came to the cleanup, test site human toll, especially on those doctors, 3) care for veterans of Indians and is a River Warrior, the devastation to health and workers and family members of disproportionately affected. silenced for years and now suf- is committed to “share our stories life from exposure to the fallout all those groups. “Ploughshares values equity fering health issues, 4) clean up and connect our communities.” from production, testing and use “We have been disrespected, and justice as we address hu- radiation so people can grow “When we started organizing of nuclear weapons. disregarded and mistreated by manitarian consequences and food and eat the fish, and 5) curb it was important to travel with In 2005, Trisha formed a the U.S. government that ex- real world impact of nuclear rising sea levels to protect the our elders, so I went to meetings nonprofit, Consequences of posed us without regard for our weapons. Voices of Pacific Is- Runit Dome over nuclear waste with my mother,” she said. “We Radiation Exposure, as a voice welfare or notifying us of the landers and other communities on the Bikini Atoll. knew the issues would last gen- for populations around the world dangers we faced,” she said. are essential in the debate to For information, visit https:// erations. It’s important to have exposed to ionizing radiation. Trisha called those affected to craft better, saner policies, said www.facebook.com/CAN- young people involved in orga- Born and raised in Richland, stay informed of their intercon- Emma, who grew up in Australia NWashington to see all the nizing because even as progress the community closest to Han- nection, be aware their exposure and was outraged as a teen about programs and to follow future is made, it will take time. ford, she said that “in utero, in is the legacy of the U.S. nuclear French atmospheric testing in the actions. “In the last few years we saw infancy and in childhood, I was weapons program, seek com- some deregulation. The impact exposed to the airborne radioac- pensation and form a Frontline will be ongoing, so we need to tive byproducts of plutonium Community Advisory Group stay in touch with each other,” production.” She ingested it with to unify all exposed groups for she said. milk products in her vulnerable nuclear justice. She also called Samantha, who has been years, but did not learn about for creating a unified online ar- on the technical staff of the exposure until 1988, after be- chive of stories telling the impact Confederated Yakama Nation’s ing sick for years. She suffers of fallout on people. environmental program since from autoimmune thyroiditis Francine reaffirmed, “We need 2009, not only keeps people (hashimotos), hypothyroidism to stand together and share our informed on cleanup at Hanford and hypo-parathyrodism. stories.” but also educates Yakama youth “We are not alone,” Trisha Senji of the Nipponzan Myo- in science, law and STEM. “Hanford is a multigenerational challenge,” she agreed. “Because we are impacted, the Yakama na- tion has strict cleanup guidelines. June 11, 2021 | 6pm The Columbia River must be pro- tected. Our homeland cannot be a sacrifice zone to nuclear waste. Outdoor Event at The Yakama Nation Treaty of Arbor Crest Winery 1855 cannot be abrogated by the Department of Energy (DOE). Local communities can partici- pate virtually in public meetings, Rockwood South Hill: Socially Distanced Smaller Tables as work continues to protect 2903 E. 25th Ave. Masks Required Yakama cultural sites. 509-536-6650 The DOE recently tried to Restaurant Protocols for Dining reclassify 66 million gallons of Rockwood at Whitworth Limited Seating to Ensure Safety 10331 N. Mayberry Dr. high-level waste at Hanford as 21 and Over Only low-level. That would contami- 509-466-0411 nate the Columbia River. She www.rockwoodretirement.org summarized decades of progress independent • assisted • skilled nursing • memory care Visit www.cceasternwa.org/gala to learn more. removing millions of tons of Page 8 - The Fig Tree - April 2021 Local farm renamed Vinegar Flats Farm YWCA names new CEO Local farm changes its name Department of Licensing and It is also working on its or- The YWCA Spokane’s board of directors announced in from Urban Eden to Vinegar claimed the website Vinegar- ganic certification. March that Jeanette Hauck, interim CEO since August 2020, Flats Farm to clearly state they FlatsFarm.com, before then, “While we’ve been using or- would begin serving as the agency’s new chief executive of- are in the Spokane city limits. anticipating a name change. ganic methods for years, we ficer immediately. The farm was named “Urban Jim and the farm manager, haven’t been certified,” he said. Jeanette has 10 years of experience as part of the agency’s Eden Farm” 15 years ago by a Tarawyn Waters, decided to “We haven’t used herbicides, pes- executive team, starting in 2011 as director of finance and woman who lived on the farm finalize the name change before ticides or other ‘cides,’” he said. serving since 2014 as chief financial officer. In that role, she to say it was an “urban eden.” the 2021 growing season. This year they will start a led the organization from a staff of 60 to a team of more than “In conversation with our “We have some big things transition to a “no till” philoso- 90 employees. customers at farmers’ markets, going on this year and wanted phy and practice which he and She is dedicated to advocating for women, youth and children. we were always explaining that to cement that name before the Tarawyn believe will improve Her 30 years of nonprofit work include serving as director of the farm is located in the Vinegar transition,” Jim said. “We’re dou- the health of the soil so they can finance for the Institute for Drug Development and the Cancer Flats neighborhood of South- bling the size of our CSA this year grow even better vegetables on Therapy and Research Center in San Antonio. west Spokane,” said owner, from last year’s record number.” the historic farmland. A native of Colorado, Jeanette earned a bachelor’s degree Jim Schrock. “It only makes CSA is shorthand for Commu- Jim invites people to become in accounting from the University of Denver and is a certified sense that we make the unique nity Supported Agriculture, which part of the farm’s community public accountant. neighborhood name part of the is typically a weekly or bi-weekly by visiting the farm, eating the She has started a roundtable discussion series, “Pathways farm’s name.” share of vegetables in season. food they grow and coming to Forward,” discussing topics related to the YWCA Spokane’s In 2015, he registered the For the third year, the farm volunteer. work and mission. trade name, Vinegar Flats Farm, will have its Saturday morning For information, visit Vin- For information, visit ywcaspokane.org. with the State of Washington’s farmstand. egarFlatsFarm.com. April 2021 - The Fig Tree - Page 9 James Lowe returns from Scotland to conduct spring concert series Rather than traveling around moment, while classical music landscape. In COVID, music was the world to conduct concerts— seeks to produce a good repro- the first to shut down and last to from Osaka to Trondheim, Mos- duction of the same music,” he open, so musicians have suffered. cow to Indianapolis—Spokane said. “Folk music tells a story.” Many symphony members were Symphony’s music director and James said the first of the five furloughed. We have a skeleton conductor James Lowe spent concerts, which will be available office staff on reduced hours and the pandemic year in Scotland on-demand, starting Friday, April the orchestra is back at a limited living near the parents of his 2, will examine folk roots of percentage of work,” James said. wife, Charlotte, in the hamlet of classical music. Themes of other “Orchestras have relied on Bedrule in Southeast Scotland, concerts are “Classical Perfec- patronage of donors since before where she has lived 40 years. tion,” “Individualism,” “Light,” Bach. Most rely 60 to 70 percent The year included their wed- and “Heaven and Earth.” on donors, but because the Spo- ding between lockdowns during James said the concerts are a kane Symphony owns The Fox, August in a small garden gather- mix of music and ideas as he chats it relies 60 to 70 percent on earn- ing there. with orchestra musicians and lo- ing income by hiring out the Fox, James Lowe will also return later in 2021. “In Scotland, lockdowns Photo courtesy of Spokane Symphony cal experts from other disciplines booking other artists and people were early, strict and long,” on how the themes relate to their paying to attend symphonies,” James said, noting that kept the choir at the village’s Anglican “At least we are making mu- field and the music selections. he explained. them in one place, reconnecting Church, that dated from 1154. sic in the same place, following For example, for the first epi- “It has been a blow. We lost $4 with nature and relating with her During lockdown, James sang many protocols. It’s great having sode, Spokane’s Poet Laureate million, but took the first round parents in the isolated village with the virtual choir of the the musicians back in the Fox and and orchestra trumpeter Chris of the PPP loan/grants and are looking over green hillsides, an Episcopal Church of Scotland in great to see our colleagues and Cook will read a Czech folk tale looking at the second round,” ancient church and castle ruins Melrose 15 miles from his home. friends on the stage,” James said. to set the scene for Dvořák’s James pointed out. “Donors have near the border with England. “I would record to a pre-re- While some have been vac- “Serenade for Winds,” and an been phenomenal in sticking “I spent a year in one place for corded click track, and someone cinated, which will eventually Emily Dickinson poem that sets by us. People love the Spokane the first time since I was 18,” he would edit the singers’ record- change what is possible, it didn’t the atmosphere for the fourth Symphony and want to keep the said. “It was a good place to be in ings together. It’s different from change things for the six weeks episode on the theme of “Light.” institution alive and thriving into the pandemic, because it’s in the music making,” he said. of recording, because some are Anya Rasmussen of the Wash- the future. Donations are not far least populated part of Scotland In a recent conversation with not vaccinated. ington State University physics behind a normal year.” with no neighbors and country- him, Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpa- “COVID is unpredictable,” and astronomy department in At the start of the pandemic, side right outside.” nah, the Symphony Chorale’s di- James said. “Usually an or- Pullman, will also talk in that epi- the Spokane Symphony started The first strawberry last spring rector, commented that “singing chestra plans a year or two in sode about the science of light. the Musicians Emergency Relief was picked and cut in quarters to a metronomic click track rather advance. Now we have to build In the second program, Mu- Fund, raising $100,000 in two for his in-laws, wife and him to than being in a room and sensing flexibility into what we do and seum of Arts and Culture ex- weeks. While some musicians share and relish. how people are breathing is not be ready for curve balls. It’s hard ecutive director Wes Jessup will play in other orchestras or teach, James grew up in Lowdhan the same as music-making.” to plan how soon people will feel discuss how the meaning “classi- many have faced financial stress, outside Nottingham in central “Digital is better than nothing, comfortable coming back to a cal” is different in art and music. James said. England. Since graduating from but it does not replace live,” concert hall. Spokane Falls Community For information, email infor- the University of Edinburgh, he said James, appreciating now “Musicians rely on two things College’s chair of the philoso- [email protected] has traveled and lived all over working with the live, smaller, that we haven’t been able to do: phy department Britni Weaver or visit spokanesymphony.org. the world, including Boston and distanced, masked Spokane be in the same place and be in Forsman will talk with James on Berlin. He started with the Spo- Symphony to film music “audi- proximity. At least now we can individualism. kane Symphony in 2019 after ences” can watch on their TV do music together masked and Full lists of the music in each serving Vaasa City Orchestra in screens at home. distanced,” he said. episode and how to listen are at Finland. The 75-year-old Spo- After flying to Seattle and James said that while viola is the Spokane Symphony website. kane Symphony is his focus now. spending two weeks quarantin- his first and primary instrument, James returns to Scotland in In 2020, he virtually con- ing there, he is in Spokane on a he has taken time in lockdown May, and will return to Spokane ducted the Spokane Sympho- National Interest Exemption that to learn the Scottish folk fiddle, later in 2021 to work with the is proud ny’s New Year’s Eve Concert allowed his entry for eight weeks which uses a bow in a different symphony as state COVID phas- to support from Scotland—still available to record five digital concerts way than is ingrained in him es advance to allow the orchestra online—and guest conducted with five themes for a series of from classical music. to perform live in the Martin the local the Royal Scottish National Spring Concerts. “Folk music involves more Woldson Theater at the Fox. journalism of Orchestra, with which he was “We are on the stage in small improvisation, even changing “I love Spokane. Pre-pandemic The Fig Tree previously associate conductor, groups following strict COVID notes and composing in the it was a rich, diverse musical for an online concert. regulations related to the number His interest in classical music on stage, six feet apart for strings came at the age of eight in a vil- and percussion and nine feet lage primary school assembly, apart for woodwinds and brass when he heard a recording of the players, who remove masks only William Tell Overture by Ros- to play. All others are masked all sini—the “Lone Ranger” theme. the time,” James said. “We also He bought a record and played have testing twice a week.” Need a Job? it until it wore out, not realizing it The orchestra rehearses 45 was part of a whole genre of mu- minutes and then takes a half hour sic—classical. He also sang in break—keeping social distance. RIDES FOR SENIORS Get a new job in 9 months Socially-distanced travel to work, grocery stores, medical appointments, and all your destinations. 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Editorial Reflections 2021 Benefit speakers invite support for Fig Tree turning words to action Comments of seven of 14 speakers at I have lived in Spokane 35 years. When I Toby Hallowitz - naturopath so more people could live better. I was the Fig Tree Benefits are quoted below. go places, The Fig Tree is there. In Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, I operate grateful to work for that cause for justice. Others will be in May. Share videos at When I worked for the School District, an integrative health care clinic, emphasiz- The Fig Tree continues to work for thefigtree.org/Benefit2021videos.html. tutoring high school kids, I took the ing a return to nature and holistic healing justice in many ways. Recently it did an Gretchen Rehberg, bishop of the resource directory. If someone wanted looking at ways to bring article on my work with the League of Episcopal Diocese of Spokane something more than homework help, balance to the body. The Women Voters to translate the 2020 bal- When I served a congregation in the I looked in the Resource Directory and Fig Tree did an article on lots into guides refugees and immigrants Lewis and Clark Valley, I thought The found what they needed—many places I working with the commu- could use as they filled out their ballots. Fig Tree and Resource did not know existed. nity to help people restore Directory were about It doesn’t matter who you are, what balance. We all go through Kurtis Robinson - NAACP Spokane Spokane, but I realized ethnicity you are or what changes you, emotional turmoil with first vice president they helped us make con- we need to have faith, go to The Fig Tree. politics. Many live in fear. The Fig Tree is a vital nections with what faith It’s hard to find the will and what reserves partner to reach the com- communities are doing Carla Peperzak - Holocaust survivor to pull on. We lean on the community in munity. The newspaper, together to transform the I was 16 when Ger- times of need and lean on nature for us to resource guide and leg- world to justice. many invaded the Neth- heal from divisiveness. islative conference are Making connections is vital. Going Be- erlands in 1940. I had an I see people in the community on the left vital. It is a consistent, yond Words Doing Justice is not possible ID without a J for Jew- and right. People care. Patients have divi- willing partner, providing without connections. Alone, I believe my ish, so I worked with the sive views but I seek to increase both com- meaningful interaction on way is the right way and people should Dutch underground and munity and love of outdoors and nature. race and personal relationships. listen to me. We need connections to helped 40 people find hid- The Fig Tree is more than words on It is the best cross-class, cross-racial build community so every voice is heard. ing places. After the war, pages, helping people connect and share, partner. We all need to hear all voices, connect I met my husband, came to the U.S. and to see the interconnection of the world, people of faith, justice and action to live never talked about the Holocaust. It was family, communities and nature. It gives Dale Soden, professor of history at into justice. painful, but difficult to forget. a holistic look at what is out of balance Whitworth University I am grateful that the Fig Tree, Legisla- I moved to Spokane in 2004 and was and tries to balance it. It’s a different newspaper with a range tive Conference and Resource Directory invited to talk in schools. It was very and depth. Stories reveal fighting for jus- help us do the justice we need in the world. difficult. I still do that on Zoom because Susan Hales - community activist tice for people on the margins, individuals there is need in middle, high schools and I have long recognized active in faith to make the world a better Peggie Troutt, Calvary Soup Kitchen universities. It is important to learn about The Fig Tree’s role in place. It records the history of religious founder and educator the Holocaust. bringing people together activism in the North- I attribute the success I am grateful to talk about it so it will not to create a community west. Although we live we have had at Calvary happen again. People can easily get brain- of diversity with respect. in the least churched area Baptist’s feeding pro- washed as they have been now. Germany It makes the community of the U.S., with The Fig gram to connections was the most educated culturally advanced better, moving people be- Tree we realize so many people have from read- society, so it was amazing that it could yond words to act on are shaping the region. ing The Fig Tree. People happen. Some people want easy solutions. social justice. In these times, it’s easy came to the Soup Kitchen Mary interviewed me several times When I worked with Refugee Connec- to feel overwhelmed and to donate and volunteer and wrote good articles in The Fig Tree. tions, we partnered with the Resource lose sight of how important it is to main- because of The Fig Tree. The Fig Tree shares stories effectively Directory to translate portions in five tain a sense of hope. The Fig Tree helps us I also volunteer to deliver The Fig Tree. and affirms the credibility of experiences. languages to make resources accessible maintain a sense of hope. People matter.

Stop Hate Vigil Photo by Ping Ping Sounding Board Asian-American high school teen speaks out at Stop the Hate Vigil Rosie Zhou, a senior at Ferris High A bad day for him? For him? What and she loved to dance. She was full of School and a local Asian-American about the eight people who lost their lives? energy and joy, described by her son as a activist and leader, helped to organize Does him having a bad day mean he can “big kid.” Eleven days ago, Randy and his the Stop Asian Hate Vigil March 20 in take the lives of eight innocent people? mother had danced around together and Spokane. She is involved in incorporating Does him having a bad day mean he can laughed to music. It would be the last time more Asian-American history into school target Asian women because of his sup- they would. Asked what he would say to curriculum. posed “sexual addiction, ”which, by the his mom today, Park said, “You did a good In addition, Rosie is active in Sunrise way, in and of itself reflects on the history job. You’ve done enough and finally get Spokane, a youth-led organization work- of U.S. imperialism in Asian countries, the some sleep and rest.” ing on climate change and environmental dehumanization of Asian women, and the Now, I would like for us to say the justice issues. At Ferris, she is part of the fetishization of Asian women. names of the eight victims together, to Black Student Union and in the community, It is saddening that in America, a remember them and honor them. I would she is a student ambassador for the League white man went out and intentionally took also like for us to say the names of two of Women Voters of the Spokane Area. the lives of Asian women, then had his ac- Asian American elders, Vichy Ratanapk- tions justified and attributed to him having Rosie Zhou speaks at vigil. dee and Pak Ho, who were killed in recent When I first learned about the shooting a bad day, and was not even said to have Photo courtesy of Rosie Zhou months due to anti-Asian sentiments. on Tuesday night in Atlanta, I felt numb. committed a hate crime. Why? Because her daughter couldn’t come to the phone. I’d also like for us to say the names Like I couldn’t process what I was seeing he didn’t explicitly tell the police that he Xiaojie was an immigrant from Nan- of two Asian American men who were on my phone screen, I couldn’t believe, or was targeting Asians?? Well, his murders ning, China. She opened her spa in Amer- killed by police. Christian Hall and An- maybe didn’t want to believe, what I was speak louder than his words. ica and was described as the sweetest per- gelo Quinto. seeing. I had trouble sleeping that night, I When I started learning the stories son, she housed her own workers and had Soon Chung Park couldn’t stop picturing horrific images in of the victims, I think that’s when the a cake ready for her customers on their Hyun Jung Grant my head and thinking about the fact that numbness finally started to wear off, birthdays. She and her daughter, Jami, Sooncha Kim this happened, that eight people were now replaced with pure grief. These women were best friends. They soon planned on Young Ae Yue dead, eight lives lost—six of them being had families, they had desires and dreams celebrating her 50th birthday with a slice Xiaojie Tan Asian American women. For what? For for the future, they were kind and loving of fresh strawberry cream cake. Daoyou Feng simply going to work that day? For work- and beautiful and resilient. They, like so Jami said, “She did everything for me Delaina Ashley Yaun ing and striving to create better lives for many other Asian immigrants, came to and for the family. She provided every- Paul Andre Michels their families, for being Asian American? America, filled with hope and a desire to thing. She worked every day, 12 hours a Vicha Ratanapakdee The next morning, when I woke up I create better lives for their children. day, so that me and our family would have Pak Ho immediately checked the news, only to be Now I’d like to share the stories of a better life.” She had dreams of traveling Christian Hall disappointed and angered. Here were all Xiaojie Tan and Hyung Jung Grant, who the world. Angelo Quinto of these articles, showing the murderer’s were both killed in Atlanta on Tuesday. When I read about Xiaojie, I immedi- To these 12 kind, beautiful souls, may face, describing his life—his hobbies, his We do not need to humanize the murderer, ately thought of my own family: my mom you forever rest in peace and power. passions, his strong ties to his church, we need to humanize these women and and I here in America, and my aunt and You will never be forgotten, your Asian even his grandparents’ descriptions remember them forever. grandma in China. My grandma messaged American brothers and sisters from all about him. So this murderer was being That day was the day before Xiaojie us a few days ago telling us to be extra around the country will carry you in our humanized—suggesting that we needed Tan’s 50th birthday. Her family in China cautious, she didn’t want us to get hurt. hearts forever and carry on your spirits. to empathize with him. were gathering to celebrate her birthday. Hyung Jung Grant was a 51 year old We will speak up for you, we will stand Then came the part that really made Her mother kept on asking if she could Korean American. She was a single mom, up together, united, against anti-Asian my blood boil—the video of the Cherokee talk to her daughter on the phone but raising two sons. Her son Randy said that racism and violence, we will NOT let your police officer talking about the shooter— her family didn’t want to tell her that her she lived a life of work and not much else deaths be in vain. saying “He was pretty much fed up, at the daughter had been killed, because they to support their small family. He said that Rosie’s speech will be published online end of his rope and this was a very bad day were worried it would make her sick. So they were best friends and he could talk to at thefigtree.org with speeches of Ping for him, and this is what he did.” they cut a slice of cake and told her that her about anything. She loved disco music Ping and Jasmine Meredith. April 2021 - The Fig Tree - Page 11

Calendar of Events C & H Foreign Auto Repair E. 620 North Foothills Dr. Spokane, WA 99207 Mar 31 • Build Back Fossil Free: Chase Bank, events/2021-04/? SCOTT M. CUSHMAN 487-9683 OR 484-5221 350 Spokane and Sunrise, 601 W Main Apr 14 • “Resilience, Resistance and Renewal,” Ave. Ste 100, [email protected], 3 to Open Mic Poetry gathering, Peace 4 p.m., https://actionnetwork.org/events/ and Justice Action League of Spokane build-back-fossil-free-chase-bank-2 (PJALS), 7 p.m., pjals.org Mar 31 • Build Back Fossil Free: Oil Trains, 350 Apr 15 • “The Future Is Now: Creative Spokane and Sunrise, University District Expressions of Church,” Ignite the Gateway Bridge, [email protected], 3 Church Conference 2021, online 11 a.m., to 4 p.m., actionnetwork.org/events/build- ignitethechurch.net back-fossil-free-oil-trains-2 • “Tangled: Why Your Hair Matters to Apr 1 • Build Back Fossil Free: Wells Society,” University of Washington Fargo, 601 W. 1st Ave., 3 to 4 p.m., professor Anu Taranath, noon, humanities. actionnetwork.org/events/build-back- org/events/2021-04/? • Household fossil-free-oil-trains-2 • Peace and Justice Action Committee, Dan the Moving Apr 2 • Spokane Symphony on-demand Spring Zoom, 7 p.m., [email protected] • Piano Tuning Concerts start, spokanesymphony.org Apr 17-24 • Virtual Spring Compost Fair, sign up at Piano Man & Repair Apr 3 • Build Back Fossil Free: Bank of spokanecity.org/wastereduction classes, • Piano Moving America, 601 W. 1st Ave., 3 to 4 p.m., 625-6580 is now... & Storage actionnetwork.org/events/build-back- Apr 19 • Clean Air Month Poster Contest fossil-free-bank-of-america-2/ deadline, spokanecleanair.org Licensed & 509.922.1085 Free in-home Apr 5 • “Sometimes Heroes: America’s • Symposium on Sino-Christian Insured www.DanTheMovingManWA.com estimates Changing Relationship with Its Veterans,” Architecture, Whitworth, Zoom, 8 a.m. Jeb Wyman, faculty at Seattle Central • “Heating Up: The Ethics of Climate College examines America’s relationship Change,” Brian Henning, professor of to wars and veterans in the last century, philosophy and environmental studies Humanities Washington, 7 p.m., at Gonzaga University, 11:15 a.m., humanities.org/events/2021-04/? humanities.org/events/2021-04/? Apr 6 • “Taking a Seat at the Table: Bridging Apr 19-22 • Chertok Lecture Series, Eastern the Network Gap,” Unity Multicultural Washington University, Kathleen Belew, Education Center, online event, gonzaga. University of Chicago historian, “The campuslabs.com, 4:30 to 6 p.m., panel White Power Movement,” lectures 1 to on bridging BIPOC/underrepresented 2:30 p.m. on zoom, [email protected], students and the professional world on https://www.ewu.edu/campus-events/ career options Apr 21 • “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Apr 6, 7, 28 • “From Crime to the Classroom: How Together in the Principal’s Office?” Daudi Education Changes Lives,” Omari Amili, Abe, professor and historian, 1 p.m., author and community leader, on the humanities.org/events/2021-04/? benefits of college education for formerly Apr 22 • “Contemporary Issues of Feminist incarcerated people, 1 p.m. Tuesday Research: From Classroom to or 2 p.m. Wednesday, humanities.org/ Community,” Mujeres in Action, noon, events/2021-04/? Zoom, [email protected] Apr 7 • Morning Prayer, “Easter Reflections on • Earth Day Launch of Gonzaga’s Center Bishop Daly’s Pastoral Letter, The Most for Climate, Society and the Environment, Holy Eucharist,” St. Mary’s Parish, 9 a.m. Live Stream, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., gonzaga. to noon, 448-1224 ext 100, ihrc.net edu/climatecenter • Transitions Education Renovation • Earth Day Virtual Vigil for the Reveal, on Zoom, 4:30 p.m., EduCare’s Healing of the Earth,” 6 to 7:30 p.m., program director is doing virtual walk- [email protected] for Zoom link through of the EduCare remodeled facility, • “Higher Power: The History of help4women.org Evangelicals in American Politics,” Apr 7, 13 • “Civil Conversation in an Angry Matthew Sutton, professor of history at Age,” David Smith, religious studies at Washington State University, 6:30 p.m., University of Washington, 2:30 p.m. on humanities.org/events/2021-04/? 7th and 1 p.m., 13th, humanities.org/ Apr 22, 28 • “Let It Not Happen Again: Lessons Earth Day, April 22, 2021 events/2021-04/? of the Japanese American Exclusion,” Apr 7, 27 • “What’s Age Got to Do with It?” Dori Clarence Moriwaki, president of 6 to 7:30 p.m Gillam, Northwest Center for Creative Bainbridge Island Japanese American Aging, 6 p.m. on 7th, 10:30 a.m. on 27th, Community,” Thursday, 6:30 p.m., ‘A Virtual Vigil for the Healing of the Earth’ humanities.org/events/2021-04/? Wednesday, 1 p.m., humanities.org/ Listen to those affected by ecological devastation Apr 8, 22 • Showing up for Racial Justice, events/2021-04/? Learn ways to be a force for change! videoconference, 5:30 to 7 p.m., slichty@ Apr 24 • 2021 Northwest Intermountain Synod Sponsored by: pjals.org Assembly for the Evangelical Lutheran Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience of Eastern Washington and North Idaho Apr 8, 15, 22, 29 • The Lands Council tree planting on Church in America, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Faith Action Network, The Fig Tree, Sisters of the Holy Names Marshall Creek site from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Zoom, nwimsynod.org/2021assembly- Dishman Hills Conservancy, The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane Faith Action Network will be planting April about Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, One Peace Many Paths 15 at 1 p.m., landscouncil.org. • Spokane Walk to Defeat ALS, Riverfront 350 Spokane, Silver Valley Community Resource Center Apr 12-18 • “Get Lit! Literary Arts Festival,” Park, 11 a.m., http://webwa.alsa.org Solar Acres Farm, Responsible Growth NE Washington Temple Beth Shalom and Congregation Emmanu-El Downtown Spokane, 10 S. Howard, Apr 28 • GrassRoots Organizing Workshop Friends of Turnbull, Spokane Riverkeeper Virtual Festival on YouTube, with week of (GROW), PJALS, 7 p.m., pjals.org Sustainability Action Plan Spokane readings, lectures, interviews, workshops, Apr 29 • Habitat for Humanity-Spokane Hope Veradale United Church of Christ panels, poetry slams, writing contests, Builders Virtual Lunch-In, noon, habitat- River Warrior Society book signings and visits by authors to spokane.org schools, links and details at https://inside. Apr 30-May2 • “Rooted in Love,” Pacific Northwest Email [email protected] for Zoom Link ewu.edu/getlit/festival/ Conference of the United Church of Apr 13, 14 • “Is Truth Really Dead in America?’ Christ Annual Meeting, online, https://bit. Steven Stehr, professor in civic education ly/2MHi5VW at Washington State University, 1:30 Apr 30-May 9 • Bloomsday Worldwide 2021: A Virtual p.m., Tuesday, 1 p.m., Wednesday, Race, https://www.bloomsdayrun.org humanities.org/events/2021-04/? May 5 • Fig Tree Mailing and Distribution, Apr 14 • “From Mexican to Mexican-American: Emmanuel Family Life Center, 631 S. A Family Immigration Story,” Carlos Gil, Richard Allen Ct professor, 10:30 and 6:30 p.m., Spokane May 6 • The Fig Tree Development, noon, and Community College, humanities.org/ Board, 1 p.m., Zoom, 535-1813

Fair Trade, Local Earth Friendly Curbside pickup, delivery and shipping available 35 W. Main, Spokane 509-464-7677 www.kizurispokane.com Page 12 - The Fig Tree - April 2021 Habitat Lunch-In raises support for rising number of future homeowners Building on their 2020 effort the video links to those who nity with a strong philanthropic to pivot quickly to a virtual, safe pre-register. Those videos in- spirit,” she said. “They know annual Hope Builders fundrais- clude family testimony, a tour problems exist, and they want ing event, Habitat for Humanity of a Habitat home and a ride in to be part of the solution. Habitat Spokane is applying what they a Habitat truck to pick up dona- is a beacon of hope and will be learned to their 2021 event to keep tions for the store. needed more when we emerge people’s attention and inform The Lunch-In itself will last from the pandemic.” them of the unique needs in the under an hour. Last year’s event Looking ahead, she said that COVID pandemic housing crisis. drew nearly 500 and Michelle in the current phases for vaccine Michelle Girardot, executive expects more in 2021 because it access, construction workers are director of Habitat-Spokane, is accessible. not listed, even though they are said they appreciate the energy “Those attending do not need essential. of gathering friends, but online to find parking or shift sched- “Before we deploy volunteers, is the safest way for now. ules. They can watch at noon we want to be sure it is safe to do The Hope Builders Virtual or at their convenience,” she so,” Michelle said. Lunch-In will be at noon, Thurs- said. “We have seen more give For information, call 534- day, April 29, accessible online in advance when they register. 2552 or visit habitat-spokane. at habitat-spokane.org. “Spokane is a caring commu- org to register. Michelle outlined today’s crisis in affordable housing and Soon-to-be homeowners: Rachel and Ike, and their two homeownership. Pre-pandemic, children, have been in Habitat’s Homeownership Program for Habitat-Spokane had 12 quali- a little over a year. They hope to sign their mortgage papers fied families. Now there are 48, and purchase their affordable Habitat home in the fall. with three or four new families Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Spokane entering the homeownership program each month. as individual donors. more communities opportuni- “A 400 percent increase of Habitat-Spokane raises nearly ties through home ownership, applications by families for 70 percent of its support from especially communities of color. homeownership makes it clear individual donors at the Hope Vange Ocasio Hochheimer, as- why dollars are so important Builders Virtual Lunch-In and sociate professor of economics now,” she said. “We hope to giving throughout the year, Mi- at Whitworth University, will talk accommodate them.” chelle said. about upward mobility for low “There was a housing shortage “We rely on the Lunch-In as and moderate income families. and crisis before the pandemic, we launch a heavy construction Before the shutdown, Habitat but the pandemic has added chal- season,” she said. built 17 to 22 houses a year, but lenges with the volatility of the While it may be more im- under lockdown, it built only housing market, decrease in the pressive to see family testimoni- seven. number of houses available and als in person, she said families “We rely on volunteer labor. the increase in costs of building will share what success for It was difficult to keep up con- in terms of both labor and mate- them looks like living in Habitat struction under shutdown with- rials, making it hard to provide homes during COVID. out the hearts and hammers of affordable mortgages,” she said. “Many Habitat homeowners volunteers,” Michelle said. “We The Lunch-In seeks to raise have said that while life has been are busy trying to build God’s $150,000 from individuals. hard, it’s been their best year be- kingdom on earth.” While that won’t build one cause they live in a safe, decent, While she hopes this may be home, it will leverage funds to affordable home, which is a safe the last virtual fundraiser, she provide down payments for 15 place to teach their children,” said Lydia Duffy, chief develop- families, Michelle said. Michelle said. ment officer, and her team have It will also leverage funds from “Affordable housing and developed the technical skills to partners like the City of Spokane home ownership are not simple,” produce the event. Community Block Grant Funds, she pointed out. “There are sig- They have also produced the Federal Home Loan Bank nificant barriers to achieve them.” several pre-event, behind-the- of Des Moines through Ban- Three leaders will speak at the scenes videos. ner Bank locally, the Self-Help Lunch-In. Ezra Eckhart, CEO of Habitat-Spokane will email Home Ownership Opportunity STCU, will speak on affordable Program Housing and Urban home ownership. City Coun- Development (HUD) funds, and cil Member Betsy Wilkerson private foundation grants, as well will share her desire to provide Need a Job?

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Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation or age in its programs, activities or employment. Marketing and Public Relations.