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January 27, 2012 News
Sentinel Standout - January 2012 - Trudy Reese
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:  
January 27, 2012 — "And they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint."
-- Isaiah 40:31
Perhaps someday there will be an event that combines the challenge of a cross country ultra-marathon with the unique rigors of volunteer work. Participants would stride down forest trails and check in at designated stations, gathering supplies and rallying support for nonprofit causes along the way. Winning would be based on a calculation of time and overall community impact.
If that event ever does take place, chances are that Trudy Reese will be on the medal stand.
From visiting prisoners at the Eleanor Chase Halfway House to organizing clothing drives for homeless shelters, Reese sets an inspiring pace on the pathway of service.
Trudy Reese has lived in the Spokane Valley area for 35 years. She currently serves as the Humanitarian leader in the Evergreen Ward of the Spokane East Stake.
Contributed Photo.
"We will sleep better at night if we serve," Reese said. "We will suffer less with our shortcomings and hardships if we look around and ask 'How I can help?' rather than 'What's in it for me?'"
At Eleanor Chase, a Washington State Department of Corrections facility, Reese and other volunteers have delivered messages of hope and encouragement to those transitioning from prison back into the real world. Conversations deal with topics such as developing positive self-esteem to effectively managing stress.
"These are wellness classes," Reese said. "We're talking about individual worth, choice and accountability, good works and integrity. When we work on strengthening the home and family, their problems diminish."
Appropriately, Reese's first organized run was connected to an effort that generates funds and awareness for a gallant cause - the fight against cancer. Running as part of a Relay for Life team in 2006, Reese completed an eight-mile segment and shortly thereafter signed up for a half-marathon. Full marathons and ultra-marathons (races over 26.2 miles) followed, in places like Lake Chelan, Seattle and Cle Elum. Often members of her family will run with her.
"I am not a fast or gifted runner but I can endure," Reese said "Running provides many object lessons for me. I run outside in all conditions. When I am sad, I run, when I am overwhelmed and feeling sorry for myself I run. I have talked to myself out loud when running, I pray when running, I have laughed and cried while running, I have solved all of the world's problems while running, I have come up with some of my worst and best ideas while running."
Reese is the first one to admit that record-fast times are not her objective when lining up at the start of a race. Instead, she has learned that running has become a metaphor for many aspects of her life, from fulfilling potential to overcoming a range of obstacles.
"It's in your head," she said. "It's a mindset. The idea is to keep pressing forward."
Reese began participating in organized runs in 2006. She has competed in half-marathons, marathons and ultra-marathons.
Contributed Photo.
For Reese, running has also become a source of reflection, reinforcement and cleansing.
"I remember running in the middle of a blizzard very early one morning in January over 20 years ago after my grandma, Alice, died. I cried and cried." Reese said. "I spoke out loud to her - my eyebrows and eyelashes were caked with snow and I am sure icicles were forming underneath my nose - but it was therapeutic. I have had many such moments since then. Yes, we need to say our prayers, read our scriptures and render Christlike service and we need to help ourselves."
After 11 years of teaching early-morning seminary, Reese currently serves as Humanitarian leader in the Evergreen Ward of the Spokane East Stake. She is also a Temple worker. Her latest ward project consists of collecting personal care items for Eleanor Chase and Hope House, a shelter for women facilitated by Volunteers of America (see this week's issue of Health and Help for more information).
"The gospel requires that we try to envision the 'big picture' and look well beyond this moment in time, this life and ourselves," Reese said. "It gives us a reason to get up or back up and keep trying. My favorite scripture blocks are the many on charity and the phrase 'here am I, send me.' I believe it is a simple thing to live the gospel. Yet, it is vital to understand that simple and easy are not the same thing. It requires daily commitment to stay focused on eternal principles."
Trudy and Dale Reese have been married for over 33 years.
Contributed Photo.
Trudy and her husband Dale have been married for over 33 years and are parents of five children. They have five grandchildren.
"I met Dale just after he returned from a mission to New Mexico at Institute here in the Valley," Trudy said. "He is my hero."
Over the years, Reese has donated time to a variety of causes, including parent groups in the Central Valley School District, the Volunteers of America Crosswalk Shelter and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Reese said her spiritual foundation has always been a springboard for service.
"Active membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers everyone opportunities to participate in and grow from countless volunteer efforts and service projects," Reese said. "When all is said and done, I hope to have done something. I also know that whenever I seek to give, I always am reminded how much I owe and end up owing more. I think I do better when I think less about how I am doing and more about 'how are you doing?'"
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News
Health and Help Bulletin - Jan. 27-Feb.9
By Sentinel News SourcesShare:
January 27, 2012 — A guide to educational presentations, community programs, health and wellness events and volunteer opportunities throughout the Inland Northwest. For ongoing Health and Help listings, visit the Sentinel's "Community Cupboard" section.
Food bank support
Food banks throughout the Inland Northwest are looking for volunteers to stock items, take inventory and donate food this winter. Representatives of the Belle Terre Ward in the Spokane East Stake (above) have been one of many LDS groups to lend time at the Spokane Valley Food Bank, 10814 E. Broadway. The Second Harvest Food Bank Warehouse, 1234 E. Front St. in Spokane, hosts a "Warehouse Sort Night" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each weeknight. Volunteers sort and box food that is distributed to a variety of emergency food outlets. To learn more, call 509-252-6242. The Spokane Valley Food Bank can be reached at 509-927-1153. To contact the Coeur d'Alene Food Bank, 4942 Industrial Ave. E, call 208-664-8757.
LDS Employment
The local LDS Employment Office in Spokane offers career workshops, resume support and professional networking for those looking for work or to change careers. LDS Employment Resource Services is located at 200 N. Mullan, Suite 220, in Spokane Valley. Similar offices are located in Yakima, Kennewick, Moses Lake and Missoula. To learn more, call 509-928-2534 or visit www.ldsjobs.org.
Evergreen Ward Service project
The Evergreen Ward in the Spokane East Stake is preparing for the Stake Relief Society Humanitarian Day of Service by collecting hygiene products for the Hope House and Eleanor Chase House. Hotel/travel sized toiletries are ideal. The Dollar Tree also sells hygiene products for a very reasonable price. The list of items includes shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, deodorant, chapstick, lotion, feminine hygiene products and laundry detergent. The ward's work project will involve creating bed sets for Hope House. Taking a twin sized sheet set, an additional twin sized flat sheet and batting, the Relief Society will make comforters. A fitted sheet and pillow case will then be added to the comforter to make a simple bedding set. Relief Society sisters will complete the machine sewing prior to the event and tie the blankets at the Relief Society activity. The ward could use donations of new or gently used twin bed sheet sets, twin sized flat sheets, batting and yarn. To help, call Trudy Reese at 509-922-0344.
Volunteer at Daybreak
Daybreak Youth Services is a Spokane-based rehabilitation center for teenagers recovering from substance abuse. The agency is looking for volunteers to help in a variety of areas including mentoring, clerical support and distributing meals. Volunteers can also assist with an independent living skills class which involves cooking, budgeting and resume writing. Donating time at Daybreak can make a difference in helping adolescents establish direction, gain stability and learn skills that last a lifetime. To learn more, call Allison Metzler at 509-444-7033, ext. 105.
Care Cars seeks volunteers
Care Cars, a nonprofit program sponsored by Elder Services, is seeking volunteer drivers to help transport senior and disabled residents in the Spokane area to medical appointments and other essential destinations. Volunteers must have a valid driver's license and insurance. Elder Services provides reimbursement for mileage. For more information, call Pam Sloan with Elder Services at 509 458-7450.
Thriving Before, During and After Breast Cancer
Community Health Education and Resources will host a special presentation on "Thriving Before, During and After Breast Cancer" from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. The program will discuss a wide variety of topics including treatment, diet and lifestyle issues. Cost is $20 although scholarships are available. To learn more this and other wellness programs, visit www.cherspokane.org or call 509-232-8138. Future CHER events include "Healthy Nutrition for Families" at the Mobius Kids Museum in Riverpark Square from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4.
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News
Wholesome Recreation Guide - Jan. 27-Feb. 2
By Sentinel News SourcesShare:
January 27, 2012 — Organic Gardening 101
Local gardening celebrity Pat Munts will be the featured speaker at an informative workshop on Organic Veggie Gardening 101 this Saturday, Jan. 28 at Sun People Dry Goods, 32 W. Second Ave. in Spokane. The presentation will include advice on how to garden without using chemicals, recommendations on driving away bugs and instructions on soil improvement. Cost is $15. For more information, call 368-9378 or visit www.sunpeopledrygoods.com.
Irish fiddling at The Bing
Self-taught musician Randal Bays may have been born in the U.S., but he has emerged as one of the preeminent purveyors of Irish music. On Saturday, Feb. 4, Bays and guitarist Davey Mathias will bring their song stylings to the Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. in downtown Spokane. Fiddler magazine called Bays "among the best Irish style fiddlers of his generation." Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert range from $18 to $24. For more information, call 509-325-7328.
Campbell House at MAC
Take a trip back in time to the early 20th century when the height of technology included radios, toasters and the quartz clock. The Campbell House - on the grounds of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane - features a perfectly preserved mansion from 1910 with guided tours Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and students. To learn more, call 509-456-3931.
Palouse Discovery Science Center
The Palouse Discovery Science Center in Pullman promotes science, math, and technology literacy through educational programs, exhibits, teaching collections, and activities emphasizing practical learning. The center provides special programs for different age groups and has available space for birthday parties as well as a calendar full of special events. The PDSC is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.palousescience.org for more information.
The Art Coop
If you are a "crafty" person, it would behoove you check out the Art Coop in Spokane. This historic little building was actually once used as a chicken coop but has now been converted into a totally creative space providing fun and enriching art classes. Workshops include a "Quilted Heart Pin," "Fused Glass Pendants and Earrings," "Hand Carved Stamps" and "Mosaics." For more information visit theartcoop.net.
Rock climbing at REI
Looking to scale new obstacles in the New Year? REI-Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe, presents climbing on an indoor rock wall each Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Equipment is provided and routes range from simple to moderate. Cost is $5; free for REI members. Call 509-328-9900 to learn more.Basketball clinic at HUB
Night skiing at Mt. Spokane
Skiing under the lights runs through mid-March at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. Times are 4 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $19 with a schedule running Wednesdays through Saturdays until mid-March. Tickets go on sale at 3:30 p.m. To learn more, call 509-238-2220. The park is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Spokane.
Riverfront Park Ice Palace
The Ice Palace at Riverfront Park in Spokane has begun the winter recreation season with a full slate of lessons, discount specials, drop-in hockey and general ice skating fun. The Ice Palace is open each day other than Monday, through Feb. 26. The venue includes a covered rink and seating as well as daytime and evening sessions. For more information, visit www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com.
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IOTW
Image of the Week
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
January 27, 2012 — 
After a mostly mild winter, the Inland Northwest was transformed into a forest of snow and ice last week.
Photo by Craig Howard.
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