The Slice Best Welcome Gift Doesn’t Cost A Penny
Coeur d’Alene’s Colleen Cameron knows what one thing should be given to every Inland Northwest newcomer.
“A smile,” she wrote. “It’s free, welcoming, warming and contagious - they’ll pass it on to a new newcomer.”
We’re sending her a coffee mug.
Not everyone responding to that recent Slice question agreed with her, however. The mail brought a lot of grumpy variations on “A return ticket.”
(Right. OK, everybody living here who isn’t an American Indian, pack your bags.) And tips on driving in the Spokane area was another popular theme.
But newcomer Dayle Spahr would have settled for a map explaining what is meant by “Opportunity,” “Otis Orchards,” et cetera.
Rathdrum’s M.J. Roberge recommended “A video of the newcomer’s old hometown to remind him why he thought this would be a much better place to live.”
Ivy Randel of Pinehurst, Idaho, suggested “Instructions on how to pronounce Spokane.”
Other ideas included:
“A survival kit which contains a Bible, a bulletproof vest and protective head gear.” - Barbara Karnitz
“Left-over Expo souvenirs.” - Debi Smith, Colville
“A sack of lentil soup mix.” - Betty Smith, Medical Lake
“A voucher for an Entertainment Book so they can get acquainted with everything we have to offer.” - Claudia Thornton, Bonners Ferry
“A list of available rentals with the suggestion of renting rather than buying until they’ve spent their first winter here.” - Joan Hull
“A copy of all The Slice columns from the past year.” - Anne Long, Grangeville, Idaho
Other suggestions included the phone number of Newcomers Service (624-1661 in Spokane), a bucket of sand large enough to stick your head in, a coffee mug, and an ice-scraper.
And Tami Cooper would like to see people pick up a positive attitude about their new home upon arrival. “I am sick and tired of people dogging Spokane,” she wrote.
Today’s Slice question: Ticket prices for premier local entertainment and sports events effectively put these happenings out of reach for what percentage of Spokane area families?
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing
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