Recent stories by Jill

• A burden lightened by many hands

  May 4, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 Brahms plays softly on the stereo as I sit in a German hospital watching my daughter sleep. The lullaby takes me back 17 years. I remember watching her tiny face, …

• Cat provided some tax assistance

  April 13, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 I finished my taxes this week, after starting them in February. As soon as I discovered I owed – the fluctuating income of a freelance writer often brings tax time … 1

• Perfect bed is eye-opening experience

  March 9, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 I’m not a morning person. Although I get up early to exercise, I only leave the cozy covers because my running partner will be waiting. During our Northwest winters, when …

• Couple turns family passion for sport into new profession

  March 2, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 For Heather and Greg Moore, soccer is more than a sport. It’s a way of life. When their oldest child, now 13, began playing soccer almost a decade ago, the …

• Playing down the bills

  February 23, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 Last summer, Spokane Valley native and national grand champion fiddler Tony Ludiker watched his life go up in smoke. After decades of playing and teaching in the Spokane area, he’d … 1

• Ignite! obtains new venue in Spokane Valley

  February 16, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 For theater lovers who want options, Ignite! Community Theatre is hoping to fuel the flame at its home in the Spokane Valley Partners building, where it settled in September. “We …

• Runner’s tragedy had silver lining

  February 9, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 Today, like many Saturdays, I’ll lace up my running shoes and hit the Centennial Trail for a long run. But unlike other Saturday runs, when I’m finished I’ll stack some … 2

• At Spokane Artworks, any surface a canvas

  February 2, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 For Artworks Spokane owner Nancy Jones, staring at a blank wall isn’t a mindless task. It’s the beginning of an artistic endeavor. But that’s true for almost any surface she …

• The Roadhouse a hit right out of the chute

  January 19, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 There’s a new place in town for the cowboy crowd to kick up its heels, toss back a few and take a spin on Yo Mama. That’s the mechanical bull …

• I hate the game but love the player

  January 12, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page V1 Some people love playing games. I’m not one of them. Whether I’m asked to play poker, pinochle, Bingo, Sorry, Uno, dominoes, Go Fish or any other game, I can think …

• Bureau backers put fund over top

  January 1, 2013 in City on Page A1 The Christmas cleanup is complete, with gifts opened and holiday treats a delicious memory. Last week, as the fundraising for the Christmas Bureau closed and organizers set their sights on … 1

• 32,060 ‘thank you’s,’ all thanks to you

  December 25, 2012 in City on Page A1 Today, like Christmas bells, children’s voices ring. Their “thank you’s” echo from house to house, resonating in the hearts of thousands of parents who had a simple wish: to give …

• When family’s gifts were stolen, officer informed them of bureau

  December 24, 2012 in City on Page A1 Last Monday, when Michelle Whisman and her husband ran into the house for a few minutes, they didn’t expect to return to their vehicle and find all their Christmas presents … 3

• Christmas Bureau: Receiver prefers to be giver

  December 23, 2012 in City on Page A1 In 2009, when Helen Dobbins’ grandson Peyton was 2 years old, he came to live with her. After a death in the family, Dobbins said, the boy’s mom had problems … 4

• Holiday brighter for 32,060 people

  December 22, 2012 in City on Page A1 On Friday, the Christmas Bureau wrapped up its last day at the fairgrounds, completing its quest to make Christmas happier for families in need. This year it served 32,060 people, … 1

• Christmas Bureau: Nine day run ends today

  December 21, 2012 in City on Page A1 Whether or not the weather outside is frightful, the coffee at the Christmas Bureau is delightful, warm and served with a smile. For the nine-day run of the bureau, which …

• Volunteer entertainers give needy a voice

  December 20, 2012 in City on Page A1 As Stephanie Graham waited in the ID verification line at the Christmas Bureau on Wednesday, she swayed and tapped her fingers in time to the music, an arrangement of “I’ve …

• Rogers High students help out at Christmas Bureau

  December 19, 2012 in City on Page A1 There’s nothing like the delight and surprise on a child’s face when opening a gift on Christmas morning. That’s why the Christmas Bureau offers a place to drop children while …

• Dinosaurs mix with classics in book stacks

  December 18, 2012 in City on Page A1 Leaning across a table stacked with children’s books, retired first-grade teacher Joy Painter held a book out for a parent to examine. For her it was upside-down, a reading skill …

• Big donors boost Christmas Fund

  December 17, 2012 in City on Page A1 With eight days until Christmas, the Christmas Fund passed the halfway point in its seasonal fundraising efforts. The fund, which enables the Christmas Bureau to distribute toys, books and food …

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Recent photos by Jill