Treva Lind

An idea to link up a photo booth with social media gave birth to Photoboxx, a Spokane Valley business that sets up at events to give away prints of photos snapped by Instagram users. Just over a year ago, Michael Fisk and Devon Lind worked to build the technology behind a photo-printing station that Photoboxx now installs at public events, where people gathered for fun activities are prone to take photos with their cellphones. When Instagram users post their snapshots with a designated event hashtag, they get a free Polaroid-style photo that prints from the company’s booth.

Big Table, a Spokane nonprofit focused on helping restaurant and hotel employees, recently launched a new program that director Kevin Finch acknowledged probably raises a few eyebrows for its name, BS in a Bar, short for Bible Study in a Bar. However, the name often opens up conversations among people who want to talk about faith, Finch said.

As Green Bluff farms open for the U-pick season, a newer destination on the route mixes garden-fresh herbs with handcrafted pottery. After a short debut last year, Willowpond Pottery & Herbs opened Saturday at 16230 N. Day-Mt. Spokane Road in Mead.

At a recent practice, Evergreen Gymnastics owner Tiara Racicot gently coaxed a young gymnast who stood hesitant on the balance beam. “We had a little oops last night, what’d we do?” Racicot said, as she coached a handful of advanced gymnasts ages 9 to 10. “We slowed down, yes? OK, are you going?”

Spokane Valley physician assistant Kevin Bichler prefers spending an hour getting to know a patient, a model he says is getting lost. Six months ago, he and his wife opened Optimal Healthcare, a family medicine practice they say is aimed at slowing down the appointment pace. At 12418 E. Saltese Road near Pines Road and 16th Avenue, the practice now has 250 patients and is growing by 10 to 15 new clients each week.

Chanoa Marx describes her middle-school mindset as uncaring, even horrible. She struggled socially, sat in the back of class, didn’t listen as teachers taught. Change came after her decision to attend Barker High School because of its small size.

While Kyle Hansen excels in academics and music, his writing captures attention. His prose has won acclaim nationally. West Valley High School English teacher Kamiel Youseph said Hansen is a writer who strives to refine already well-written pieces. Hansen’s award-winning essay about a first turkey hunt showcases that ability.