High Five: Laura Nuchols

Customers are friends at Spokane Art Supply

When my husband, Richard, went to Spokane Art Supply in Spokane Valley to purchase a mat-cutter, framer Laura Nuchols didn’t merely explain the difference between two cutters by listing features and benefits. She unboxed both and helped him test-drive each, giving pointers along the way.

While my husband was busy, I discovered that Nuchols remembered me, when I’d only been in a few times to buy a pen. “I remember people by their art projects and their faces,” she explained.

She has worked at Spokane Art Supply in Spokane Valley for more than four years and loves helping customers choose mats and frames for artwork. She treats them like friends.

We returned home with my husband’s mat-cutter, a double mat he’d cut and some pieces of board with which he could practice.

Such time and attention are rare these days. It’s usually up to the consumer to study product packaging to navigate a purchase. That’s fine for buying a screwdriver, but frustrating when it’s a complex product or technology. Nuchols wasn’t about to let Richard buy a mat-cutter until he fully understood it.

Now that’s exceptional customer service.

Deborah Chan

Spokane Valley

Firefighters do impressive job

Have always felt sorry for people when a fire takes their home and belongings. Have always thought it would never happen to us. Well, it did and it was my first witness of our fantastic firemen in action.

They worked far beyond my belief and with the precision of a front-line combat team. In the turmoil I did not get names, but District 8 was most of the crew and Mike Lightfoot was in charge of the volunteer force. Some of the other fire district people were there also, and thanks a million to them, too.

Words cannot describe how impressed I am with the complete process and professionalism of the crews.

Reg and Sandi Hulbert

Ponderosa

Ron Adams, basketball training camps deserve credit

Some of the success of the Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls girls basketball teams at the recent state tournament should be credited to Ron Adams and his Spokane Stars Basketball Training Camps.

This takes nothing away from the hard work that the respective coaching staffs from both schools have put into their programs. Nor does it ignore the individual work ethic among players from these schools.

The Stars training program provides high school coaches with players that are fundamentally sound. This reduces turnovers and makes coaching easier. Through the years, Ron Adams has helped numerous players get college basketball scholarships and higher educations. The Stars Program helps kids develop confidence, become more assertive, and gain successl later in life.

Stars is a credit to both Spokane and the region.

Chris Wellman

Rose Lake, Idaho

Neighbors come to rescue

I was appalled to read about the wheelchaired gentleman who had tipped into the snow bank and had trouble getting anyone to help him get up. They just passed him by, and some even laughed at him.

Not all Spokanites act that way. I found out how good some people are firsthand. Recently I made an unsuccessful trip to the mailbox, slipped on the ice and broke my right leg. No one was outside at the time. So I had to yell the proverbial, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Not really those words, but they did go through my mind.

After a few minutes of yelling, my neighbors came out of the woodwork to help. One nice women and her little girl got to me first and stayed with me the whole time. It was very comforting. Some others went and got my husband. Then the men got me in the car and on my way to the Valley hospital ER, where I was treated very well also.

It’s not the best way to meet your neighbors, but I am thankful to each one for coming to my rescue. Thank you and God bless you all.

Mary E. Shelton

Spokane Valley