Episode #2001

World Mid-Summer Bonspiel

It's a sport played on ice with a stone and a few brooms - a sport where the term 'sweep' takes on a whole different meaning. We're talking, of course, about curling; and we're going to Nelson, B.C. to check out one of Canada's oldest premier curling events: the World Mid-Summer Bonspiel.

World Mid-Summer Bonspiel >>

Moose Mamas

Meet artist, Lori Moore and visit Moose Mommas (LINK: ), Lori’s art retreat center for women. Located in the forested hills near Sandpoint, Idaho, Moose Mommas welcomes women of all skill levels, from beginners on up, to spend a week in the woods and learn new artistic skills while enjoying the company of other women.

Moose Mamas online >>

Knotted Up!

Creating western art and teaching the intricacies of horse hair hitching are Ron and Shoni Maulding’s gift. The two self described, displaced Montanan’s living in Kettle Falls Washington, create western art that molds the complex patterns of hitching with the stable background and highlights of leather and silver.

Horse Hair Hitching online >>

Donut Parade

We'll give you a dozen delightful reasons why the Donut Parade has been a Spokane favorite for almost forty years.

Episode #1906

Thursday, June 22 at 7pm/8Mtn

This month's Northwest Profiles, revisit the "glory days" and magical memories of Spokane's historic Fox Theatre. Built in 1931 as a movie palace, the Fox is now in the midst of a $15 million restoration that will convert the venue into the new home of the Spokane Symphony. We'll also take you to north of Spokane to visit Greg Riddle's Model Farm. For ten years, Riddle has opened his farm to urban school children so that they can experience what life is like on a working farm.

Episode #1905

Thursday, May 25 at 7pm/8Mtn

• Meet Coach Teresa Skinner and the student athletes of Team St. Luke’s. see how this groundbreaking Spokane youth sports program is helping kids with disabilities become active, contributing members in their community.
  
• A north Idaho couple has turned their back yard into BOBVILLE. Meet this couple who have designed and built Bobville. Tour this quaint old west “town” which boasts several storefront facades plus three actual buildings where invited guests can enjoy a pleasant afternoon and even spend the night.

• The sleepy little town of Republic Washington, sets a background of mountains and forests, an ideal spot for a man who values the intrinsic values of wood, so much so he has latched onto an artistic craft that many people don’t associate with art until they have a chance to see his work. Kevin Green, a woodworker by trade, creates beautiful hand crafted coffins and urns in his basement. Works of art that transcend form and function.

• Whether it’s painting Russell Crowe in Gladiator or Obi-Wan Kenobi from Starwars Spokane Valley artist Betsty Mott has found her niche. Find out what makes this award winning sci-fi artist tick as we take you inside the Mott family business, the Corner Door in Millwood. Part bookstore and part café the Corner Door is not only an historic landmark but also serves as Betsy Mott’s personal art gallery.

Episode #1904

Thursday, April 27 at 7pm/8Mtn

• At one time in early North America the birch bark canoe was the automobile of its day. These days birch bark canoes are rare but thanks to a few woodworkers like Spokane’s John Lindman the ancient craft lives on. Meet John and learn what prompted him to dedicate his working career to the restoration and preservation of the ancient craft of birch bark canoes.
• Two-step into the world of competitive dance with Spokane’s Linda Bruseth. In January 2006 Linda won the Pro-Am (Professional-Amateur) Female Diamond World Title in Country Dancing in Sweden. To win her world title, Linda has overcome challenges including injuries and having to practice without a regular partner.

• People travel far and wide for a famous “huddy burger” served only at Hudson's Hamburgers in Coeur d'Alene Idaho.Established by great grandfather Harley Hudson in 1907, brothers Todd and Steve do their best to keep serving up burgers that would make their father and grandfather's proud.

• See how Frankenstein, Dracula and the Woflman shaped the career of filmmaker Ron Ford. Go backstage with this talented director, writer, producer and actor from the "Monster Boomer" generation.

Episode #1903

Sun., Feb. 26 at 3:30pm/4:30pm

• One of the more highly visible landmarks of Spokane that people tend to forget about is the beautiful Mt. Spokane. Over the past century Mt. Spokane, once known as Old Mt. Baldy, has become one of the area’s most valued natural treasures. Discover Mt. Spokane’s amazing story from untamed wilderness to State Park to one of the Spokane’s favorite playgrounds for winter fun.
• He sings, dances and plays a collection of instruments all at the same time. He’s a one man band named Greg Youmans. A professional musician who plays in jazz ensembles as well as the Spokane Symphony, Greg struts his stuff with his renditions of old time folk tunes and oldies rock and roll.
• The Devonian Wildlife Conservation Center is a 320 acre site owned and operated by the Calgary Zoo. It provides a safe haven for some of the world’s rarest animals including whooping cranes, Vancouver Island marmots and wild Mongolian horses.
• Comedian Dan Cummins lives in a world of anecdotes, laughs and chuckles. As a stand-up comedian that calls Spokane home, he is constantly honing his jokes trying to find an angle on “obscure things that most people wouldn’t think of”. Northwest Profiles met up with him to find out what makes a person decide to take up a profession where words really do take on a special meaning

Episode #1902

Aired January 12, 06

• Travel to the “Heart of the Arts” Moscow, Idaho and meet Ben Walden; a talented young musician. This child prodigy has performed at the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival and on the nationally broadcast radio program, A Prairie Home Companion with Garisson Keillor.

• Patrick Carman of Walla Walla is the author of popular children’s book series “The Land of Elyon.” In our profile, Patrick explains his unlikely move from entrepreneur to children’s author, and how he turned his promotional book tour into a family event. Also, learn a little about Patrick’s next project.

• The Spokane Thunder Drum and Bugle Corps strives to promote Leadership, Personal Growth, Achievement, and Community Involvement for Young Adults in the Inland Northwest. Formed in 2004, the Corps endeavors to help in the development of musical skills and entertaining programs in a healthy, safe atmosphere for young people.
  Meet Spokane Artist Nance Hall and discover what she calls, “Collage Art.” See how, using her accomplished drawing skills, Nance is able to recreate vintage family photos in charcoal. The result is a valuable keepsake that weaves together a family’s story on canvass.

Episode #1901

Aired November 17, 05

• Antique Combines return to the wheat fields near Davenport, Washington for a Vintage Harvest. History comes alive in an old-fashioned farming demonstration that pays tribute to past generations.

• Discover the paintings and larger-than-life sculptures of prolific Spokane artist Sister Paula Turnbull Sister Paula, of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, uses her studio at the Holy Names Convent to produce art work that ranges from religious to whimsical. Perhaps her best known sculpture is the garbage eating goat at Spokane’s Riverfront Park, and her latest work is the “Anna and Alta” mother-daughter sculpture at Browne’s Addition.

• Visit mountain fresh Creston, British Columbia the official home of Sas the Kokanee packing sasquatch and the Columbia Brewery, makers of one the best selling beverages in all of Canada. There you will discover how this small town brewery has made it big through product quality, homespun promotion and remaining true to it’s community.

• The Masonic Temple in downtown Spokane has a varied history, serving as a community treasure since the turn of the century.Housed inside the halls are a myriad of treasures that date back to the turn of the 20th century. History plays a vital role in the viability of this sturdy structure that has served the people of Spokane for over 100 years.

Episode #1805

Thursday, May 26 at 7pm/8Mtn

• Critically ill and disabled children from the community spend a day as guests of honor at Fairchild Air Force Base.
• The KuUmba Drummers are an elite drumming group from Spokane, Washington. Seven energetic students learn about life through the playing of West African rhythms.
• With the 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championships coming to Spokane, excitement is building throughout the region. Go behind the scenes at the Lilac City Figure Skating Club at Spokane’s Eagles Ice-A-Rena to see some young athletes train for shows and for competition. Parents, coaches, choreographers and big-name skaters all come together help these aspiring young skaters reach for their dreams. Meet Kim Ryan, who tours internationally portraying “Mulan” in Disney On Ice. Also meet three siblings who are training to compete in the 2007 championships.

Episode #1804

Thursday, April 21 at 7pm/8Mtn

• Spokane photographer, Charley Gurche likes to shoot “images that ask questions, that don’t answer everything right away”. With images in many prestigious books and magazines, Charley makes his living capturing astounding photographs that often elicit a thought provoking moment. Thanks to a great photographic “eye” Charley’s work is imprinted onto 4 by 5 transparency film, work that captures a moment in time.
• The Hospice of Spokane pet therapy program PAWS FOR COMFORT is featured in this inspirational story of the animal-human connection.
• Experience the art work of the visually impaired through the ART OF THE EYE 2 national exhibition, plus conversations with two area artists who produce wonderful pieces despite their visual impairments. Colville’s Marjorie Wilson and Spokane’s Tim Burns each took up oil painting while they still had normal vision. Even though they’ve both experienced visual decline, Marjorie continues to create vividly colored acrylic paintings, and Tim produces inspiring works in watercolor.

Episode #1803

Thursday, February 24 at 7pm/8Mtn

• Experience the fun of Comedysportz a unique blend of improvisational comedy and sport. Currently Spokane is one of 19 cities in the US and two in Europe that features comedysportz as a part of the World Comedy League. From performing hilarious audience interactive comedy competitions each week to providing Improv 101 classes you’ll find out that there’s more to Comedysportz than meets the funny bone.

• Merlyn Anderberg a retired educator from Spokane Washington, has in his possession over 150 reel to reel recordings his father made in the late 40’s and early 50’s and has a wealth of knowledge in the Spokane music scene of that era. Now in his early 70’s he thought it was time to do something with these early recordings that he has had in storage for 45 years. His solution? Copy them to CD’s and share them with others who are interested in the entertainment scene of a bygone era in Spokane.

• Discover why CenterStage dinner theater is receiving rave reviews for its unique style of entertainment. Go behind the scenes and meet a cast of characters breathing life into a historical old building in downtown Spokane’s art district.

Episode #1802

Tuesday, January 25 at 8pm/9pm

• They call him the "Dean" of Pedal Steel Guitar. For more than 50 years Dean Simmons has been performing as well as giving instruction on the pedal steel guitar. Learn more about the "Legend" and find out what it takes to play one of the most challenging instruments on the planet.

• Experience the art work of Cory Cannon from Creston B.C.; a custom painter with a passion for airbrushing.

• Meet two Spokane area belly dancers; one who started dancing three years ago and one who began thirty years ago. Discover some of the history of belly dancing, and see what's going on now in the Inland Northwest.

Episode #1801

• Daniel Staley, with his wife and children, came west from North Carolina in the late 1800’s. They settled in Whitman County, Washington, and established the town of Staley. Back then, neither Pullman nor Moscow existed, and the only other town in the county was Colfax. Though the town of Staley no longer exists, the original family home is still standing, and now houses the Staley Museum which features artifacts from the family’s trek west, plus fine furniture, clothing and other items. The museum is run by Molly Staley Benscoter (a direct descendant of Daniel), and her husband, Jack. They offer personal tours of the museum, and can be reached by phone or email.

• Soap Lake Washington, a small community with a vibrant history struggles to revitalize itself for its future. Nestled next to a mineral lake, resident Kathy Kiefer a local historian and film maker provides insight into Soap Lake’s past along with semi-retired architect Brent Blake who came up with what he calls an epiphany. His Idea? The construction of a Giant Lava Lamp! designed to draw attention to the area.

• For nearly 30 years Spokane has been home to Merck Family’s Old World Christmas one of the leading sources for exquisite mouth blown glass ornaments in the world. Meet owners Tim & Beth Merck and discover the story behind their company’s success and its ability to manufacture and distribute an estimated 5 million glass ornaments each year.

Episode 1705

premiered June 2, 2004

• O'Keefe Ranch Travel north to Vernon BC and tour one the British Columbia's best historical attractions, the O'Keefe Ranch. The O'Keefe Ranch is an authentic 137 year old cattle ranch where the history of the North American west is told through a variety of well preserved historical buildings, live demonstrations, special events and more.
  
• Karl Bodmer's America Accompanied by his patron, Prince Maximilian of Wied, Swiss artist Karl Bodmer journeyed to the upper Missouri country in 1832 through 1834. His paintings and sketches provide present day historians a unique view of the American west. In an exhibition on loan from the Joslyn Art Museum, Spokane's Museum of Arts and Culture displays some of these finely detailed images of American History that have brought a renewed sense of discovery of the life of early to mid 19th century America.
  
• Spirit of the Collector: Stan Reynolds Meet Stan Reynolds of Wetaskiwin and discover his amazing collection of antique vehicles. His collection has become the basis of the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, south of Edmonton, Alberta.

April 2004

• Hiawatha Rail Trail Looking for something to quench your thirst for outdoor adventure? How about exploring the Historic route of the Hiawatha? Sound intriguing? Well, pack your adventurous spirit and come along as producer Lynn Veltrie takes you into the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains in Idaho for an experience to remember. All that's required is a mountain bike, a helmet and a bike light.
  

• Bottled Excellence Journey to super, natural British Columbia and its fertile Okanagan Valley and find out why this region has quickly become one of North America's finest and well known wine producing regions.
  

• Mari Anne FigginsMeet Spokane Watercolor Artist Mari Anne Figgins. She mixes her love of animals with her natural feeling for color to create a unique painting style.

January 2004

• Piano Man The early version of the player piano (pianola) was first introduced in 1896 in Detroit Michigan. Known as a push up because they initially took the form of a large wooden cabinet that stood in front of any ordinary piano. From the rear of the cabinet protruded a row of wooden fingers that were aligned with the keyboard of the piano. At the turn of the century a player mechanism was eventually developed housed inside the piano rending the push up obsolete. These types of pianos are revered by Spokane collector Dan Brown who has held a fascination with these musical objects. His zeal in collecting doesn't stop with pianos; he also collects antiques, music boxes, phonographs and jukeboxes.
  

• 26th Annual Northwest Bach Festival The 26th annual Northwest Bach Festival takes place January 30ththrough February 8th. And KSPS takes you behind the scenes to meet artistic director Gunther Schuller, hear from some of the guest artists and sample some of the greatest music of the baroque.
  

• Calgary Seeing Ice Dogs Meet the Calgary Seeing Ice Dogs; a blind hockey team that's scoring goals on and off the ice.