Cindy Hval

Cindy Hval is a freelance columnist for the Voices neighborhood sections. Her Front Porch column appears twice a month in the Thursday Voice.

Contact Cindy

Email: dchval@juno.com
Fax: 509-927-2175

Recent stories by Cindy

Genealogy buffs to gather

September 3, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page W2 Friday through Sept. 13, the Davenport Hotel will be awash in even more history than usual. That’s because the hotel will be the site of the 2009 Washington State Genealogical …
Sister city program sends Spokane high-schoolers to Japan

September 3, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page N13 When Jordan Rogers turned 16 on July 2, he had to wake up and go to school. He didn’t mind, however, because school was in Nishinomiya, Japan. Japanese schools run …
Computer losses inspire new mantra: back up

September 3, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page V1 I never thought I’d be grateful that my husband shocked himself and simultaneously fried the hard drive on my computer last August – but I am. After Derek’s home improvement …
The right partner

August 29, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page V1 After the death of her first husband in 1964, Suzanne Bollman said, “I spent many years looking for Mr. Right.” Five years ago, she found him on a dance floor …
SpokAnimal program offers training for young pet lovers

August 20, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page W2 To say that 10-year-old Emily Najar likes animals might be an understatement. “I’ve got 16 pets,” the Stevens Elementary student said. “Eight kittens, two cats, a rat, two fish and …
Yellow brick road to wind through Garland

August 13, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page N1 On Saturday, visitors to the Garland neighborhood in northwest Spokane may definitely feel like they’re not in Kansas anymore – or Spokane, either. That’s because for one day only, the …
Showing off Hillyard history

August 6, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page S1 This weekend, Hillyard will celebrate its unique heritage during the Hillyard Festival. The theme for the oldest neighborhood event in Spokane is “Under Construction” – a tribute to the $16 …
Eating not the same as experiencing

August 6, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page V1 It can be eaten by itself, or hidden within cakes and cookies. It can be served melted or frozen. It functions as a main ingredient or an incidental topping. It … 1
Keeping an eye on the prize

July 30, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page W1 On a sizzling summer evening, Kaiti Reeves demonstrated the form that made her a champion. She wrinkled her sunburned nose, drew her arm back, leaned to the right, and sent …
Remembered kiss brings pair together decades later

July 30, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page W5 It’s been reported that the average person will spend an estimated 20,160 minutes kissing in a lifetime. But sometimes all it takes is one kiss to set destiny in motion. …
Scottish festival serves up fun and tradition

July 30, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page V1 Buttery shortbread. Colorful tartans. Stirring bagpipes. And the distinctive scent of haggis. All this and more awaits visitors to the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center this Saturday, as the … 1
Volunteer honored

July 23, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page S4 Some volunteers work on the front lines, visible to the community. Everyone knows their names and positions. But another kind of volunteer spends hours behind the scenes, serving quietly without …
Yarn business reveals softer side of success

July 23, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page W1 Pluckyfluff. Possum fiber. Baby camel down. Banana silk. Fiber arts enthusiasts scour the Internet looking for such items. Their searches often lead them to Paradise – Paradise Fibers, to be …
I understand the misery of Monday

July 23, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page V1 Something has gone terribly wrong with my favorite day of the week. Magical Monday has turned its back on me, and I’ve discovered why the Mamas and the Papas sang, …
Hillyard Rotary club reaches 50 years

July 9, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page S1 Long before “global community” became a catchphrase, Rotary International exemplified the ideal. Formed 105 years ago, the world’s first service club now boasts 1.2 million members around the globe. Recently, …
Free summer fun includes cycling, concerts, comics

July 2, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page V1 At some point each summer, most parents are sure to hear their children utter the dreaded refrain, “I’m bored!” Unfortunately, economic woes have many families watching their budgets closely this …
Shopping center update almost complete

July 2, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page S1 A longtime North Side fixture is receiving a contemporary face-lift. Aaron Lake of Stejer Development said the makeover of the Town and Country Shopping Center on west Francis Avenue is …
Mead educators report to boot camp

June 25, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page S1 Mead High School teacher Kathy Carman reached a milestone in February. At 62, she completed Marine Corps basic training. Well, a portion of it anyway. In her high school classroom, … 1
Quick courtship, long love affair

June 18, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page S3 Thirty years ago, Guy Perham went to Ichabod’s North to shoot pool with friends and ended up meeting the love of his life. A beautiful barmaid with a warm smile … 1
Haylah Alkumeidy spreads her wings

June 4, 2009 in Washington Voices on Page N8 Not all teens learn best while sitting at desks during a traditional six-hour school day. Haylah Alkumeidy is one of them. When she transferred to M.E.A.D. (Mead Education Alternative Division) …