Oct 02, 2003

Spokane River Gorge Park

Spokane's REI store gave $3,000 to a group called Friends of Centennial Trail to map part of the bike trail that extends from Spokane into Idaho and to study creating a whitewater kayak park in the Spokane River Gorge. The new map will cover the Centennial Trail's new west link through the gorge, which a group of Spokane leaders are trying to open for various new uses. This summer, the state issued a $250,000 grant to write a master plan "to activate the Gorge Park in the areas of history and culture, access and linkages, protection and conservation, recreation and economic development." The plan will be drafted next year.

University of Washington, Tacoma

UW Tacoma's KeyBank Professional Development Center is offering a 12-class certification program in criminal justice agency administration this fall. The series of workshops is intended to serve as an alternative to a two- or four-year formal degree program in criminal justice. The five classes offered this fall will cover the basics of public and police administration, law enforcement ethics, laws for police supervisors, cultural awareness and conflict management. For information contact the center at (253) 692-4618.

Hanis Greaney Zoro

Hanis Greaney Zoro, a law firm of 10 lawyers, has opened in Kent, offering legal services in construction, real estate, estate planning, wills and trusts, personal injury, litigation, immigration, tax and business formation. The firm was created through a merger of several smaller practices by the managing partner, Michael M. Hanis, with the goal of becoming the largest law firm between Seattle and Tacoma. The firm will host an open house on Friday, Oct. 3, at 4 p.m. at 6703 S. 234th St., Suite 300.

Melby Cameron & Hull

Melby Cameron & Hull, an organization management and consulting firm based in Edmonds, hired three new employees. Dana Murphy-Love joined Melby as an association executive and will manage the account of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. Karen O'Bryan was hired as director of publications and is responsible for graphic design and management of Melby's client publications. Sara Rogers was hired as assistant director for several of Melby's clients, including the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women and the National Foreclosure Professionals.

Children and Family Commission

The King County Children and Family Commission is accepting applications for five positions. The 17-member commission is composed of citizen volunteers that represent the county's geographic and ethnic diversity. Currently, the commission is recruiting youth and persons of color in south King County. The deadline for applying is Oct. 24. To obtain an application or for additional information contact Carol Maurer at (206) 296-5219.

The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot fondue restaurant will open Nov. 12 in Bellevue. It will be the third Melting Pot to open in the area. The company has locations in Seattle and Tacoma. The restaurant is located at 308 108th Ave. N.E. and will feature two private dining rooms in addition to the main seating areas.

Elysian Brewing Co.

Seattle's Elysian Brewing Co. was named Large Brewpub of the Year at the 2003 Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Dick Cantwell, Elysian's head brewer, was named Brewmaster of the Year. Three Elysian beers, including The Wise Extra Special Bitter, Perseus Porter and Bete Blanche Tripel, won medals at the festival.

Oct 01, 2003

Kibble & Prentice

Kibble & Prentice, a Seattle financial services firm, hired Gerry Gray as a sales executive in the private client group. Gray works with individuals and businesses to provide insurance and financial planning services.

Preston Gates & Ellis

Tony Miles and Mari Horita of Preston Gates & Ellis received two of the four annual awards presented by the Washington State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. Miles was awarded 2003 Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year and Horita received the 2003 Professionalism Award.

Wells Fargo

Contingent upon Wells Fargo's acquisition of Pacific Northwest Bancorp, Cashmere Valley Bank will purchase a PNWB branch in Ellensburg. The sale is a condition to approval by federal regulators and addresses government antitrust guidelines. Wells Fargo will continue to operate its existing branch at 104 E. Fourth Ave. in Ellensburg.

Gene Juarez Salons & Spas

Gene Juarez, president of Gene Juarez Salons & Spas, was named one of Salon Today's "20 Intriguing Owners" in the magazine's July 2003 issue. Jaurez is a native of Washington and opened his first Seattle salon in 1971. Since then, the company has grown to seven salons, two cosmetology schools and an advanced training salon.