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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

Huckleberries Gone Wireless2 w/ John Chamness

Q -- Have you seen "Guys and Dolls"?
A -- Yes. But only on TV. Mebbe we'll sponsor a live performance at the new Kroc Center chapel.

Q -- What do you do for fun?
A -- Boating. I grew up on boats. I did a lot of racing around the Pacific NW. I own a powerboat. I enjoy boating with my family on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Q -- Is the Kroc Center directorship a dream job?
A -- I grew up in Marysville, Wash., on a gentleman's farm. I had no idea I'd be part of building an incredible community center like this.

Q -- How much are other communities raising for their Kroc Centers?
A -- Detroit is raising $48M for a $50M grant. Salem is similar to ours. They're raising $8M for $50M. Phoenix: $15M (but can't remember size of grant). Honolulu ($22M).

Q -- What's the strangest thing you had to do as a SA person?
A -- In Micronesi (primitive, developing nation), our church resided in Mosquitotown. There were lots of sickness and injuries. People would come to me b/c they didn't want to go to hospital. You only went to hospital to die. We were often bandaging people up. I haven't had to deliver a baby yet.

Q -- Why VW bug on sign near Kroc Center?
A -- When I was in Seattle the VW dealership gave us a bug and we had it decaled as SA faces and program names. It was a PR tool. We had it in parades. We'd love a local dealer to donate a vehicle to it. A Hummer would be more in style with the NW, don't you think?

Q -- How do you get to be a major in the SA?
A -- By growing old.



Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.