The Communicator Issue 46.1

Vol. 46 Issue 1Oct. 16 - Nov. 5

The Orientation Issue !

The Elections Pg. 3Why Student voters should have attention toward coming local state elections

The

Spokane Falls Community CollegeCommunicator

Austrailia Pg. 4Aborigines & Spokane Indians participate in a cross continential ex-change of knowledge

CONTENTS Editor: Gage A. Lewis [email protected]

The Communicator 10.16.2014 2

Pg. 4Pg. 3 Pg. 5 Pg. 6

Pg. 7 Pg. 8

Sleep deprivationAborigine culture

Irish running

Simple as silk & more

Excused from class

To create a club

Peer tutoring

Student voices

SFCC workshops Managing stress Tech help

Veterans resources

Look for the compass symbol for stories on our orientation theme

NEWSEditor: Jeremy [email protected]


Mikayla NuehsThe Communicator

Briana Chavez| The CommunicatorIssaiah Day gathers signatures from students who are ready to vote in the upcoming elections

A groundbreaking law went into effect July 1st, 2014, which will affect the attendance of all students and facul-ty. Act SSB 5173, was passed March 11, 2014, which gives students two un-penalized absences from school for faith or conscience related reasons or to observe an activity associated with an organized religion per academic year. According to SSB 5173, “Institu-tions of higher education must develop policies to accommodate student ab-sences for up to two days per academic year, to allow students to take holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization, so that students’ grades are not adversely impacted by the absences.”

The amended law allows stu-dents two un-penalized absences but there are stipulations and limits. The student must fi ll out a form two weeks in advance, get it approved by Jim Minkler, the VP of Learning at SFCC, and have his or her assignments and tests pre-ar-ranged before the absence. “We have some students attend-ing Spokane Falls Community College that are members of religious organi-zations that have special holidays or retreats and the members of that religion are expected or required to attend,” Min-kler said. “In order to be a good student -- a conscientious student -- but also a good conscientious follower of their re-ligion or faith puts them in confl ict, and what the Washington legislature did is allow two days so people don’t have to be punished for following their religious beliefs.” “I think the law is fair. I at least cannot see how it could be discriminat-ing,” Virginia Hodges, the president of the secular club, said. “It allows people of faiths to practice their religions with-out worrying about work or school. It makes it easy for employers to fi gure out when and why their employees will be absent so they can plan accordingly. It seems like a win-win to me.”

Midterm elections are coming up, and registration for voting is hap-pening now. The ability to vote in a dem-ocratic society allows individuals to choose a candidate that refl ects their own beliefs. College students can have their voices heard by registering to vote. Some students may share the same thoughts as SFCC student Sophi Zuyev in “thinking it’s a huge process but I do want to contribute. I think it can make a difference.” When someone registers to vote, they receive a ballot in the mail where they will fi nd more informa-tion about what they are voting on. The ballot will include information about the candidates they can vote for. This is so people can make an in-formed vote. “Some think it can be over-whelming, or think that they have to vote for everything,” said Isaiah Day, worker for Eastern Washington Vot-ers. Included on the voter’s pam-phlet will be initiative measures con-cerning fi rearms, background checks for fi rearms sales and transfers, and

New law excuses students from class

k-12 education. Mid-term general elections for federal candidates and the ini-tiatives will be held November 4th. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Joseph Pakootas are the running candidates. Rodgers is currently serving her fi fth term as a U.S. representative from congressional district 5. According to Rodgers’s statement on the voter’s guide, she has, “voted against increased federal borrowing and is fi ghting for a constitutional amendment to balance the budget.” She adds, “I am working across the aisle to expand Fairchild Air Force Base, build a medical school in Spo-kane, complete the North-South free-way, and protect rural health care.” In her past term, her legislation enacted to promote clean, renew-able hydropower. Rodgers says she is against NSA spying. She also voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Her opponent, Pakootas has worked for 16 years on the Colville Indian Tribal Council. According to Pakootas’ state-ment on the voters’ guide, Pakootas is “running because this Congress has forgotten about the middle class.” The guide states that he “will fi ght for clean air and water in Congress.” He has a lot of experience

with businesses, and in 2013 he was awarded the Bradford Award as the top minority business in Washing-ton. Pakootas voter’s guide state-ment also mentions that he “will work for a government that serves the interests of eastern Washington.”

Students can make their voices heardBriana Chavez

The Communicator

If you would like to register, the easiest way to do so is by visiting the website:

� www.my.vote.wa.gov

For more information about the ini-tiative measures and the candidates:

https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/spo-

kane/en/Pages/Online-Voters-Guide.

aspx

Important dates: � October 21, ballot and pam-

phlet will arrive.� October 27, last day for in

person registering.


Jeremy LoganThe Communicator

With their land occupied and their culture pushed aside throughout the years, a group of Aborigines believe there is plenty they and native Ameri-cans can learn from each other. On Oct. 28th, a group of eight Ab-origines will be at the Spokane Falls campus to give two presentations in sub lounges A-B -- one at 8:30 am and one at 9:30 am -- to teach SFCC students about their native culture. The presentation is just a small part of a 10 day cultural learning exchange. The Australian students -- whose ages range from 36 to 67 -- will be here to learn ev-erything they can from our native Ameri-cans and in exchange will trade informa-tion about their own culture.

The Red Nations Club at SFCC will be doing their part to aid in welcoming the Aborigines while they are here on cam-pus. Ashley Brown is a member of the Red Nations. “If I could swing it I would like to hang out with them all day,” Brown said. “We will be there to help them fi nd re-sources and to learn about the history.” The Aborigines believe there is something that both cultures can learn from each other, due to paralleled experiences.

“They went through a lot of similar things as our Native Americans,” said Darlene Rickett, an intercultural com-munications instructor at SFCC. “When the British came down and started claim-ing the land that they were already living on, they felt like they were being pushed aside and struggling to keep their cul-ture.” The students coming to give the pre-sentation are mostly elders from different tribes throughout Australia. “A few have not traveled out of Aus-

tralia before and some have not travelled in a long time,” said Estee Ch’ng, the groups coordinator. “Most of the partici-pants are ‘elders.’” The group of students will be traveling all over Washington while they are here, visiting different sweat lodges, tribes, schools -- including the Salish School and SFCC -- even casinos and dams. “They are going to learn about what the Coulee dam has done as far as serv-ing the area with electric power and irrigation,” Rickett said. “Then they are going to the Colville tribe to learn about how it affected them, and how it kind of destroyed the salmon runs which was their basic -- whole way of life.” Rickett helped coordinate the event believing that this experience will bene-fi t both parties and the students at SFCC. “Two things I want to emphasize is our advantage to learn fi rst hand about the aboriginals culture and maybe trying to strengthen our knowledge in connec-tion with the natives culture in our area, and how much they are part of all of us here,” Rickett said. “Certainly it has be-come more evident to me since I started working on this.”

photo contributed by Darlene RickettGroup of Aboriginal students will be giving a cultural presentation at SFCC

Aborigines to give cultural presentation at [email protected]

Editor: Jeremy Logan

Students at SFCC can attend work-shops to help them succeed. The SFCC Student Services Divi-sion provides students with work-shops that provide them with the nec-essary tools to succeed. The workshops coming up this month will focus on test taking and understanding the AA degree and planning next quarter’s schedule. These workshops are open to any-one, and no one has to register. They just go to building 24, room 103, at noon on Oct. 22 and 29. Each work-shop is different, so there are a differ-ent instructors each session and they all want students to succeed in both school and life. “It helps students because we evaluate the workshops and ask for student feedback,” Denise Osei, coordinator of the Student Success Workshops, said. On Oct. 1, Cynde DeLauder -- an English instructor -- held a workshop about note-taking; she is committed

to student success and hopes that she made a difference for at least one stu-dent. “This is the kind of campus where we are committed to student success… if it made a difference in somebody’s life today then fabulous,” DeLauder said. Feedback is essential for improv-ing a program that is designed to help students succeed. So is ensuring at-tendance. The workshop on October 8 only had fi ve students in atten-dance, and was about understanding Canvas, which is still relatively new. “I think (the instructors) should make sure they’re completely or-ganized before they come into the workshops,” said Kimberly Mor-tamer, a student who attended the workshop on October 8. “I think that they should try to advertise about (the workshops) more so that new students are aware of them because I think some of them are re-ally important for new students to go to.

Falls workshops key to successMikayla Nuehs

The Communicator

A group of Aborigene students compare ideas with local native Americans on cultural preservation and teach local students a few things along the way

NEWS

HEALTHEditor:[email protected]

The Communicator 10.16.2014 5Margaret Myhre

Being a college student can be fun, but hard at the same time.

Students may fi nd it diffi cult to

Shelby SteeleThe Communicator

handle the stress of having multiple responsibilities such as classes, jobs, sports, and bills.

“To manage stress I construct my weekly schedule to have guaran-teed outlets for relief,” Jackie O’Hara,

a Gonzaga Law student, said, “Teach-ing dance is a way for me to take my mind off of reading and studying for class. Having set hours at the studio ensures that during that time each week I won’t be able to think about anything stressful.”

Signing up for some type of stress reliever like yoga can help re-duce stress. Not procrastinating as much and knowing how to manage time will also reduce stress.

“I sign up for yoga and group exercise classes at the gym,” O’Ha-ra said. “Again, having a specifi c amount of time each week set aside to zone out and not think about work and school is helpful. It is important that these activities are scheduled, otherwise I would be tempted to skip them and use my time in other ways, which would not allow me to have relief from stress.”

Taking on more than they can handle can often stresses students out, so learning how to say no is an-other good thing to do.

“I had to quit being a church council secretary because of a full time job and kids,” Sandra Harke, a high school secretary, said. “I also had to refuse chairmanship of a cou-ple fundraisers when I was younger because of my work and family and I had to give up being a cheerleading coach so I could have more time to go visit my kids and grandkids.”

Students that hang out with people who stress them out can limit that stress by limiting the time they spend with those people. If needed, students might have to cut them out of their lives entirely.

“When I was in high school I had to remove myself from an orga-nization I was in because the coach of the group did nothing but stress me out,” Emma Couch, a SFCC stu-dent, said, “I couldn’t handle staying up late doing homework then getting up early to go to practice and deal-ing with the coach everyday, so when tryouts came around again I did not try out because I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it anymore.”

College sleep deprivation

There is just not enough time in the day for a college student to sleep.

According to a 2001 Browne

University study, only 11 percent of college students get a good night’s sleep, and 73 percent of college students have occasional sleep problems. Even though 13 years have passed, the workload of a college

Emilee RosenauThe Comunicator

Effects of not enough sleep:• Weakens immune system • Creates tension• May become irritable • May result in depression• May result in confusion • Can generally decrease your positive outlook on life.

Tips to get a good night’s sleep:• Reduce your activities in the evening• Avoid or limit caffeine and nicotine • Exercise for 30 minutes a day• Avoid long naps longer than 30 minutes

student is still the same and the sleep habits have not changed.

“I like my sleep, so I go to bed early. I feel more awake and alert every day because of my sleep schedule,” Megan Percival, an SFCC student, said. She gets eight to nine hours of sleep each night.

On the other hand there are many college students who do not sleep as much. That greatly affects their day at college.

“I put off my homework till around 10 so I end up sleeping fi ve to six hours a night, and I feel tired for a lot of the day,” Brandon Knight, another SFCC student said.

Janet Skaife, a teacher in the athletics department at SFCC believes sleep is very important.

“I had a softball player who would have trouble sleeping at night, then would take a sleeping pill, and then would be tired in the morning so she would drink caffeine to keep

Managing stress vs. students stressing out

Mikayla Davis | � e CommunicatorDavid Brown says 8 hours of sleep is not enough. He takes naps in between classes.

For more information, go to:• www.selfchec.org/main/preven-

tion/learn-to-relax/• www.helpguide.org/articles/

stress/stress-management.htm• www.health.com/health/gal-

lery/0,,20765943,00.html

letts go to the MOVIESS

$7-$8

Regal, AMC & Village

Centre Cinema

Movie Ticketswith college ID-some restrictions apply

herself awake throughout the day. When it was time to go to bed, she would be wired.”

This situation can be true for many college students who drink caffeine all day and then need to take something to force themselves to sleep. This cycle can have damaging effects on your body.

FEATURES Editor: Briana [email protected]


To create club, students must know process

At SFCC students have the chance to take their passion and turn it into something bigger.

Many are unaware that there are clubs around campus for people to join, but even more people are unaware that someone can create a club themselves. Any passion can be turned into a club at SFCC, and it only takes a few steps to get there.

“Creating a club means you’ll have your interests met, and you’ll meet people with the same passions that you have,” Barb Hahto, advisor of the Gamer’s Club, said. “It keeps you much more connected with student life.”

Creating a club may seem like a big deal and a lot of commitment, but there is also a huge benefi t from doing so. Having a group with sim-ilar interests is a great way to fi t in and fi nd a place yourself.

“I like having a group of friends that I can relate to,” Cameron Talley said, referring to his group of friends in the Gamer’s club. “It keeps me involved.”

However, once you start a club you have to keep it going. This can be diffi cult or easy depending on the interest level for the club you have created.

“It takes member participa-tion,” Kyle Mullin, president of Gamer’s Club, said. “Otherwise it dies out. As people graduate, you

need a continuous fl ow of new peo-ple coming in.”

To create a club students have to know where to start. “What needs to happen is you need to get a form from ASG and get enough signatures on it for funding,” Mul-lin said. Heather McKenzie or the Student Funded Programs offi ce can

help get you one of these. Students should start by gath-

ering signatures from those people who have similar wants or interests.

After that, students need to fi nd an advisor who will help with the club. If an advisor cannot be found, students can talk to the Student Funded Programs offi ce or Heather Mckenzie to get help with fi nding a suitable advisor.

“After all that is done, a great way to advertise is to make business cards, and just spread the word to get people talking,” Kyle Mullin said.

Kristina Johanson|The Communicator SFCC students learn about the clubs during club day.

For more information: Director of Student Programs Heather Mckenzie: (509) 533-4197Email: [email protected] 17, Room 136.

Student Funded Programs Offi ce:Main Offi ce Number: (509) 533-3338Building 17, Room 117.Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Technological help for students

For those students who desire help with tools on campus for their computers, there are supplies and free programs along with the means to fi x them for students.

“We sell refurbished computers and have them for rent for the quar-ter,” Shaquille Worthy, a member of The Applied Technology Club, said. The A.T. Club is located in building 18, room 127.

The A.T. Club can also help fi x many software problems your com-puter might have and can offer “help with fi nding free programs for your computer to help with schooling at their Linux Fest,” Worthy said.

To use a laptop just for the day, students can talk to Crystal Bell ood or anyone at the library check out desk to rent a computer. They have PCs along with Mac computers. All that is required to rent them is a student ID along with a signed safety

form. Laptops are limited though. It’s fi rst come, fi rst serve.

“The best time to rent a laptop would roughly be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m,” Bellood said.

Students who are having trou-ble with logging onto Canvas or the Wi-Fi at school can talked to Techni-cal Support. They can also help with other troubles students might be having with the school’s equipment.

“We take care of all computers on campus,” Jo Sherman, a representative of the Tech. Support offi ce said. They “help students get connected.”

For Tech help: Call: (509) 533-H-E-L-P (4357)Email: [email protected]

Ashlynn SchwartzenbergerThe Communicator

Kyle WatermanThe Communicator

Mikayla Davis | The Communicator

Lauren Gilmore reads a memorized poem she wrote in front of other students and faculty. On Thursday, October 9, The Wire Harp met for its fi rst 3-Minute Open Mic Night, which is hosted every fi rst Thursday of the month. At 1:00 PM in SUB Lounge C, authors take to the stage to read their creative works, some of which are poetry while some are short stories, songs, and comedy pieces.

FOCUSEditor: Caroline [email protected]


Students can fi nd an assortment of help with peer services on cam-pus.

The fear of asking a teacher for help is a real social anxiety. At some point everybody feels that pressure and embarrassment from having to ask a teacher for help.

Peer tutoring on SFCC’s cam-

Students fi nd success at peer tutoring center

Sierra BatesThe Communicator

pus is a free service designed to help any college student in need.

“Your fi rst way to be successful in college is to communicate with your instructors,” Connie Pittman, the Student Achievement Manager said. “The peer tutors are here to support students in understanding their assignments, and helping an-swer questions about specifi c prob-lems or struggles they are having.”

Students must bring in the spe-cifi c assignment with them so that the peer tutors know where to start.

“The teachers sometimes don’t really answer your questions, be-cause they don't understand from a student's perspective,” said Sara Bae, a Chinese tutor. “But we went through it so we know exactly what your question is and can explain it in an understanding point of view.”

The peer services staff are college students, themselves, with experience and an understanding of what the course contains. In order to be a tutor, a 3.5 GPA or higher is required, a recommendation from the instructor on the course that is being tutored, and an interview with the Student Achievement Manager.

“SFCC has great resources and an amazing tutoring program that Gonzaga doesn’t offer. I come here everyday to tutor through state work study,” Alice Hastings, a student from Gonzaga University said.

“I don’t think people should be afraid of coming in to see us,” Bae said. “It’s not like we’re going to bite or judge, we are here to help.”

The peer tutoring program is not just for course-based questions,

either. A stu-dent developed project known as “Ask A Stu-dent” has come to the rescue for student’s confu-sion on campus to fi nd them fi nd other available re-sources.

According to Pittman from an-swering questions like “Where is the bathroom?” to “Where can I receive mental health counseling?”, their mission is to mentor and connect cur-rent, future, and even past students to resources. A question never goes un-answered at the Ask A Student kiosks.

Whether you need tutoring or help fi nding a resource, the Peer Ser-vices Center and the Ask A Student kiosk can be found in Building 30, room 115. Pittman said she is ded-icated to get students the help they need.

“We have tutors for everything we can have tutors for, and if you’re in a subject and struggling in a class, and you need somebody to tutor you, come and see me,” Pittman said. “I will try to fi nd someone to tutor you, even if it’s not listed on the schedule.”

New staff in the Veterans Re-source Center are committed to creat-ing a safe environment for veterans to receive social support and guidance as they transfer from military life to college.

Although there were problems last year that prevented veterans from receiving aid on time, the new staff is committed to making a welcoming environment and helping students succeed with their academic goals.

“I had to argue with Financial Aid almost monthly to get things done,” Richard Craven said. But after Connie Herrera was hired things have been running much more smooth-ly. “If you have any questions about paperwork she’s there to help answer them.”

Richard Craven is the fi gurehead

of the Armed Forces Veterans Associ-ation (AFVA), a club for veterans to get together and hangout as well as getting involved with campus activ-ities.

One of the things they are cur-rently working on is a workshop to educate students on domestic vio-lence.

“We want to educate the stu-dents so they know how to protect themselves, how to recognize the behavior and what resources they have,“ Craven said.

He also wants students to be able to recognize when their own actions are inadvertently hurting someone else.

“Sometimes you’re exhibiting abusive behaviour and may not even realize that it’s coming across that way,” he said.

The AFVA is located in the Vet-erans Resource Center and serves as a point of contact for veterans who

need help fi guring out which papers they need and direction to local re-sources such as housing or health care.

The Veterans Resource Center also offers a safe and quiet place to study and be with other veterans who understand what it is like to go from military to civilian life.

“This whole area is theirs,” Chase Hosea, the Vetcorp Navi-gator, said. The offi ce leads into a large room with tables to work at and computers lined up along the wall. “I want people to know they can come down here and study and hang out.”

According to Craven, it is also a safe place for veterans who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to go when they be-come triggered during school.

“This room was originally de-signed to be a quiet room,” Craven said. “A lot of times vets with PTSD

need a place where they can dim the lights and feel really safe and secure.”

According to the U.S. Depart-ment of Veterans ffairs, between 7-8 percent of the general population “will have PTSD at some point in their lives,” but that number rises to a range of 11-20 percent for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and 30% for veterans of Vietnam.

Craven wants veterans to know that it is a good idea for students to let their instructors know if they have been in combat or have PTSD so that special considerations can be made if the need to leave the room or if cer-tain activities might be uncomfortable for them.

The Veterans Resource Center is located on the bottom fl oor of the library (building 2) in Room 001.

Caroline RhoadsThe Communicator

Veterans Resource Center safe space on campus

Mikayla Davis |The CommunicatorSFCC tutor Haruka helps Brandon Munsen with Japanese in the tutoring center.

SIDELINES Editor: Ashlynn [email protected]


Elegant exercise, simple as silk

Running away to join the circus isn’t practical if you don’t know any skills to perform.

Three and a half years ago, Sher-rie Martin made it possible for people in Spokane to learn some circus arts when she opened her gym, Spokane Aerial Performing Arts. Classes in-clude an acrobatic art performed on long silk cloths suspended from the ceiling called Aerial.

Most people who learn do not aspire to be circus performers. Prior skill and strength are also unnecessary.

“You get really strong, compared to a gym,” Martin said. “It’s a wonder-ful way to get upper body strength.”

‘”It’s open to everyone, you don’t have to have a gymnastic or dance background,” Laura Blum, the Aerial

coach, said.Alexandra Talbott has only tak-

en lessons for a year, but already per-forms.

“I started from the bottom,” Tal-bott said. “When I fi rst started in class I looked at the classes above me, and I thought, ‘I’ll never do that,’ and now I am! It’s awesome!”

Age does not matter either. An Aerial for Women Over 50 class is of-fered, as is a Children’s Aerial for ages 6-11.

“We have a 77 year old lady who’s never done it,” Martin said. “Our youngest performer is 5.”

Men who participate, too, al-though not as many as woman. Seth Popham started two and a half years ago.

“The fi rst time I came in, it felt a little awkward, but the people are so

welcoming,” Popham said. “There’s a strong community base here. As a guy you naturally have some things easier.”

There are risks of injury, as with any sport. That is why all the coach-es know techniques on how to safely spot, as well as fi rst aid and CPR.

“We try very hard to prevent in-jury,” Martin said. “It’s a dangerous sport, so we work very, very hard to prevent it.”

Spokane Aerial Performing Arts has one of the lowest injury rates for Aerial studios.

«Its super fun,» says Popham. “It’s physically challenging and excit-ing. The people who know more pull everybody else up. There’s no putting people down. Everyone’s super sup-portive. The higher level people share their tricks.”

Running club takes to streets of Spokane

Victory in sight for champion runners

SFCC’s cross country team has set its sights on this year’s champion-ship.

The cross country teams for SFCC are looking forward to fi n-ishing this year strong and bringing home a championship. Both men’s and women’s cross country teams refuse to quit.

“We feel really good about the season so far; both teams are solid, hard workers that show great team-work,” Sean McLachlan, head coach for both teams, said. “Besides two key injuries on both teams, who will be running again, we have a healthy team.”

While the teams focus on con-tinuing to better their times, indi-vidual players are also trying to stay healthy.

“In the past I’ve struggled with injuries,” Sara Fristoe, an athlete on the team said. “This season I am focusing on staying healthy, and injury-free.”

There are only two regular sea-son meets left according to the ath-letic schedule. One is on the 18th in Lewiston, Idaho. The last meet is the championships, on November 8th in Battleground, Washington. Come out and support your team.

For more information: Visit http://athletics.spokane.edu

Gavin AndrewThe Communicator

Date Time Opponent 10/17-18 TBA Spokane Dig Pink

Crossover

11/5 6 p.m. Yakima Valley CC

11/12 6 p.m. Wenatchee Valley College

Margaret MyrheThe Communicator

Spokane’s downtown running group, The Flying Irish Running Club, brings together a mix of fun, exercise, giveaways and beer.

For those seeking a club where so-cializing meets sweating, the Flying Irish Running Club has it covered. Runs hap-pen every Thursday at 5:45 PM at Ripples On the River on Division Street with runs starting at 6:00 PM and routes averaging between 3 to 5 miles.

“If you’re an avid runner we’ll wel-come you, but if you’re a walker, we’d love to have you just as much,” Brendan Dowling, the club’s president, said. “It’s all about getting people out the door, ex-ercising, having fun, and meeting with friends and new people is what we’re re-ally about. So if you want to walk a quar-ter-mile and thats all you really can do, thats great.”

The biggest emphasis in the club is placed on socializing and having fun while exercising. Everyone who walks through the door is encouraged to have a beer at the bar or to get up on stage and tell an Irish joke.

“It’s truly the most unique organiza-tion I’ve ever been a part of,” Jim Palm, a runner with the club for 3 years, said. “Once you get hooked you never stray…I

live part-time in Spokane and part-time in San Francisco and I actually plan my trav-el to try and be in Spokane on Thursday nights just for this group.”

The Flying Irish running club is unique to Spokane and offers upwards of 450 runners on any given night. With a variety of personalities, friendships can form.

“Most of the friends that I have now came from the Flying Irish,” Steve Mill-er said. “It’s a great place to meet other people.”

After you fi nish with your run, feel free to participate in any of the club’s many special activities or give-aways.

“Each month a different brew-ery will sponsor us so we’ll have their beer on tap for that month and then

we’ll have something to giveaway,” Brendan Dowling said. “So for the month of October we’re giving away a customized fi re pit from Deschutes Brewery, In July it was a cruiser bike and June it was a home-brew kit.”

Special events and themes are also prevalent throughout the year as the club celebrates holidays and the changing seasons.

“Last week’s run was a zombie run, so we had people dressed up as zombies chase after the people who didn’t dress up,” said Dowling. “We have the Halloween run coming up on the 30th of October, where we get everyone to dress up, we do a spe-cial route, and we usually get a DJ to come in, and we also have a lot of giveaways that night.”

Brittany TollesonThe Communicator

Brittany Tolleson|The CommunicatorFestive Flying Irish club member runs along the Centennial Trail with other members.

VolleyballGames until seasons end

Documents

The Communicator Issue 46.1