March 2014 Splash by The Liberty Lake Splash

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MARCH 2014

LLSWD vs.

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Gibson and Bourgeois were in on ground floor of LLPD By Craig Howard

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

When Clint Gibson and Ray Bourgeois began working for the Liberty Lake Police Department in 2002, the entire precinct was housed in a space scarcely larger than a meeting room at current LLPD headquarters. The two were the first officers brought on by Chief Brian Asmus following city incorporation in August 2001. Wade Hulsizer, Mike Thomas and Todd Jordan joined the force after Gibson and Bourgeois as the level of police protection in Spokane Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easternmost jurisdiction went from a single county patrol car to a comprehensive department taking a proactive approach to crime prevention. These days, LLPD consists of 10 full-time officers and two reserves tasked with protecting a community of more than 8,000 residents. A native of Astoria, Ore., Gibson spent time growing up in Alaska and Deer Park. He worked nearly 30 hours a week at a Deer Park grocery story during his junior and senior years of high school, putting the money away for college.

A Cup of Joe After completing the administration of justice program at Spokane Community College, Gibson began as a reserve officer with the city of Spokane Police Department in 1996. After that, he worked for police departments in Colfax and Pullman. When Lewis Griffin, former city administrator in Colfax, was hired in the same role with Liberty Lake, he called Gibson and told him the new city was launching its own police force. Gibson began as a patrol officer with LLPD and was promoted to sergeant six years ago. He has a supervisory role, overseeing the patrol officer corps. Bourgeois came from a military family and grew up in Germany, California and

See LLPD, page 4

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The Splash

4 • MARCH 2014

NEWS

LLPD

time. The owner of the building drove by and asked if there was a problem. I told him everything was fine. I told him it’d be great to see the police department get a building like this. He said he’d be willing to work with the city on this building. I told Brian (Asmus) and he picked it up and ran with it. When we got into this place, I remember taking a tour — there was just so much space.

Continued from page 2

New York before his family settled in the Tacoma area. After earning his associate’s degree, he moved on to the University of Idaho. When he couldn’t find a job after college, Bourgeois enlisted in the Army, where he spent eight years. Bourgeois’ first job in law enforcement came in Yelm, a small suburb of Tacoma. Asmus was a reserve officer there when Bourgeois was hired. After Asmus transitioned to Liberty Lake in 2001, he contacted Bourgeois to see if he was interested in interviewing to be a patrol officer in the new city. He was hired in December 2001 as the patrol sergeant and began work on the first day of January 2002. Bourgeois became a detective six years ago, the same time Gibson was promoted to sergeant. The Splash caught up with Gibson and Bourgeois recently to talk about the history of LLPD, enlisting community support to fight crime and the travails of having a precinct next to a golf course.

Q. A.

What are some of your memories of the police department’s first year?

Gibson: When I started, we had two cars that were ours. We were in the building at Greenstone that wasn’t even close to a police department. It was basically just two offices and a main lobby area. The community had not had their own police department before but, for the most part, people were supportive toward the department. Bourgeois: The department was housed in an office in the back of City Hall. We had half-a-dozen guys working in a walk-through space. It was tough. Working out of the one office, all the patrol officers shared one vehicle. At first, we didn’t have notebooks, paper, pens, anything. The initial year wasn’t anything like I expected. Q. Has the growth of Liberty Lake changed the dynamic of the police department outside of going from a staff of three to a dozen, counting reserve officers?

Q. As the Liberty Lake police force has grown over the years, is it a challenge to maintain that sense of teamwork and chemistry that you had when you were just starting up and there were only a few officers? SPLASH PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

Detective Ray Bourgeois (left) and Sergeant Clint Gibson began with the Liberty Lake Police Department in 2002, the first two officers hired after Brian Asmus was brought on as police chief. Gibson: Our mission is the same, our approach is much the same. We set out to be a proactive agency, and that’s still what we are. That’s still our goal to be proactive and to minimize the impact of crime in this area. Bourgeois: For me, it’s changed in that I had Clint’s job for quite a while. It got to the point that I was on day shift and all I was doing was the follow-ups to the cases that the patrol officers were bringing in. Q. What do each of you recall about the time the department spent at the current City Hall? That was a 1,500-square-foot space that must have seemed pretty spacious when you moved there in late 2004. Gibson: It was definitely a step up from the previous building. It felt more secure there as far as the police department goes. The biggest thing that I remember was the constant crashing of golf balls from the Trailhead driving range on our roof. From a cost standpoint, it was definitely beneficial for the city and the police department to be in the same building at that time. I think it helped our visibility in the community because it was a standalone government building. Bourgeois: Being that close to the driving range was a challenge. Some of the patrol cars still have dents in the hoods and the roofs from the golf balls.

They finally arranged the range at a different angle. If you were in the backyard at City Hall back then, you could collect 20 golf balls every day. When I morphed into detective, I ended up working with the building inspectors and planning department a lot, so it helped to be in the same building. Eventually, though, we just grew out of that space and parking became a big issue. Q. In March 2009, LLPD moved from City Hall to a renovated warehouse that would be shared with the municipal library. How did the move to an 18,000-square-foot space impact the department? Gibson: I was actually very impressed with this building. It was not built to be a police department, but it’s worked out well. It’s a long-term facility for us. We still have a few cubicles that are available. We’ve brought in officers from other agencies, and they’ve been very impressed. We’re able to do more with our training program here. It’s definitely helped us with our investigations. We have a good lobby/reception area for the community. Bourgeois: There’s actually a story behind that. I was sitting out here in the parking lot doing some paperwork in the car one day. There was a foot of snow outside. The building was empty at the

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Gibson: I think that’s always going to be a challenge no matter where you work, but our police department is a valuesbased police department. We have eight core values, and we hold our officers to those core values. We have more of a leadership approach than a management approach to our people. You can manage paperwork, but you have to lead people — and that starts with the chief. He leads people, and he’s not afraid to delegate. Bourgeois: There’s an open-door policy here. If the guys need to talk to Brian, they can. He prefers they go through Clint first if he can resolve the issue, but Brian’s always available, on-duty or offduty, to talk. It’s worked out for us. Brian and I started in a small department, and he’s carried that over from there to here. Pretty much all the officers who have been hired here have been lateral officers from other agencies. They have experience. They know what to do out there. Brian and Clint know that. There’s an expectation and a trust there. Q. Have you noticed a difference since 2002 in the way residents here view their community and their role in making it safer? Gibson: Our citizens really take pride in their community. There was less accountability when the city first started. I definitely like the support of the citizens. The overall support we get from the citizens is phenomenal. This is a police department that takes the time to listen to it citizens, takes the time to adjust patrol tactics depending on what’s happening in the community. Residents here realize that the police department is here to help them. The chief expects us to treat people with fairness, respect, empathy and dignity, and we do that. Bourgeois: From the time we’ve first started until now, I’ve seen people more willing to report things they see that are out of the ordinary. They live in the area, they work in the area — they know what’s going on in their neighborhoods. They’re willing to take that extra step to make their community safer. People here are proactive about preventing crime.

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 5

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The Splash

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Dear Liberty Lake Community Member, Each March, the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation conducts an Annual Club Gift campaign to provide the Foundation with an unrestricted source of income. Contributions to the Annual Club Gift campaign will help the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation achieve its mission of providing educational and vocational scholarships to youths in the community; of supporting and promoting other charitable organizations in the community designated as qualifying organizations under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and promoting other social services. Levels of giving are the following:  BRONZE Five Dollars  SILVER Twenty-five Dollars  GOLD Fifty Dollars  PLATINUM One Hundred Dollars or more All donations will be unrestricted and allocated according to Foundation priorities. Please make your check payable to Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation and mail to Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 384, Liberty Lake, WA, 99019. Please see your tax advisor for specific information regarding the tax deductibility of your gift. The Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation is a 501(c)3 U.S. charitable organization. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Melissa Niece, President Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation 509-294-8500

NEWS

Police Report The following incidents and arrests were among those reported by the Liberty Lake Police Department Jan. 21 to Feb. 18. The incident report is listed in chronological order.

Incidents and arrests • Eluding police — A 27-year-old Spokane man was arrested at 2:08 p.m. Jan. 21 at the 1500 block of North Colonial Court for eluding. An LLPD officer initiated a traffic stop after the registration of the vehicle he was driving showed it was registered to an inmate in the Spokane County Jail. The man began driving erratically and would not stop for the officer. He then came to a stop and jumped out of the vehicle. The officer pursued him on foot through a residential neighborhood before locating him in the home of a Liberty Lake resident, crouching behind a dresser. The man did not know the resident and had gained entry through an unlocked slider door. The man was transported to the Spokane County Jail, where he was booked on multiple outstanding warrants and was charged with eluding. • Granddaughter arrested for fraud — At 1 p.m. Jan. 22, LLPD received a report of fraud at the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive. The report was made by the granddaughter of a man who had asked her to come in and report fraudulent charges in an amount exceeding $6,000 from a credit card in his name. She reported most were online transactions, but after review of the statement, it was found most were cash advances from local ATMs. The granddaughter then advised she was concerned it would be her face on the video surveillance as she sometimes got money out for him to pay bills. The investigation of this incident led to the arrest of the granddaughter who made the initial report. Reports said she used her grandfather’s card to make numerous purchases and payments for her personal bills during the month of December. She was interviewed at the police department, whereupon she confessed and said she was under the influence of prescription drugs during that time. She was transported to the Spokane County Jail, where she was booked for first degree theft. • Alleged assault turns out to be false report — At 7 a.m. Jan. 29, LLPD was dispatched to the 24000 block of East Mission Avenue for the report of an assault. The caller reported a co-worker had been assaulted in the parking lot by a male subject. The victim stated she was approached and asked for a cigarette, and when she told the subject she didn’t have one, he proceeded to punch her in the face, throw her up against a car and kick her in the stomach while she was lying on

the ground. Officers arrived in the area and conducted a thorough and extensive search of the area. They also interviewed many individuals who were outside at the time of the attack. The suspect described was not located nor did anyone see the attack take place. A press release was issued and nearby businesses and schools took precautions for the event that attracted area-wide media attention. Following an investigation, the report of the assault was determined to be fabricated. Charges for making a false report were filed and forwarded to the prosecutor. • A bad month for fences — At 5:20 p.m. Jan. 31, LLPD responded to the 25000 block of East Appleway Avenue for a traffic accident. Officers arrived on scene to find a vehicle had slid off the road and caused an estimated $1,200 worth of damage to fencing. Later, in the early morning hours of Feb. 19 a drunk driving accident resulted in a mangled vehicle, tree and 40 feet of residential fenceline near Country Vista Drive. The driver of the vehicle registered a .292 blood alcohol level on the preliminary breath test. The driver told LLPD he was on his way home and thought he was in Post Falls. • Apartment stalker — At 6:42 p.m. Feb. 9, LLPD responded to the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive for a suspicious person. A complainant reported a male had stood near her bedroom window and looked in on two separate occasions. The complainant also reported the porch light had stopped working. An officer arrived and observed the porch light had been tampered with, and a pair of fresh tracks in the snow led to, and away from, the bedroom window. The officer approached the subject involved in an upstairs apartment, who denied the incident. LLPD reported that charges will be filed if the event happened again. • Women help save life of suicidal male — At 7:47 p.m. Feb. 9, LLPD responded to an attempted suicide at Country Vista Drive. Two female complainants reported a young male subject had left a care facility where he resided on foot and was traveling along the traffic of the freeway. The complainants were following the subject as they were concerned for his safety. Officers could not locate the subject initially due to weather conditions, and as the officer was en route to another area the complainants were reported to be, he observed a red jacket in the snow on the bridge. The officer got as close to the red coat as possible before getting out of his vehicle. Upon exiting, he heard the two complainants screaming hysterically as they leaned over the bridge holding on to something. The officer ran to assist

Calls for service Reported by the Liberty Lake Police Department Jan. 21-Feb. 18 Agency assist 2 Alarm 4 Assault 1 Citizen assist 5 Citizen dispute 2 Custodial interference 1 Domestic violence 1 Drug possession 1 DUI 4 Family fight (nonviolent) 4 Fraud 5 Fugitive 4 Harassment 1 Impounded vehicle 1 Juvenile runaway 1 Not classified 6 Property theft 1 Recovered stolen property 1 Resisting/interfering with police 1 Shoplifting 2 Suspicious person/circumstance 10 Traffic accident 5 Traffic offense 26 Trespassing 1 Vehicle prowl 1 Violation of court order 1 Welfare check 2

Citations Reported by the Liberty Lake Police Department Jan. 21-Feb. 18 Criminal trespass 1 Defective muffler 3 Driving without a license 2 DUI 3 DWLS 30 Eluding police 1 Expired registration 9 Failure to stop/yield 1 Hit and run 1 Liability insurance 19 License in possession/display 1 Minor operating vehicle after alcohol 1 Reckless driving 3 Resisting arrest 1 Speeding 19 Speed in school zone 2 Texting while driving 1 Transfer of ownership 1 Use of cell phone 1

them and immediately observed one of the complainant’s upper body was completely over the edge of the bridge as both complainants held on to the subject who was dangling off the bridge and struggling to get free. Each complainant held on to a wrist, but the snowy/icy conditions were making it hard to grip his skin. The officer reached over the com-

See POLICE, page 37

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 7

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NEWS

Council hears update on strides in River District By Craig Howard

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

While the frozen conditions of mid-winter may not translate into peak construction time in Liberty Lake, the city’s north side appears to be on an encouraging schedule for development according to the area’s leading builder. Such was the takeaway at the Feb. 4 Liberty Lake City Council meeting as Kevin Schneidmiller, land manager for Greenstone Homes, provided the governing board with an update on the buildout of the River District, the ambitious 650-acre mixed use area that many say represents the future of Spokane County’s easternmost jurisdiction. Schneidmiller’s presentation addressed the importance of establishing the necessary infrastructure for the burgeoning project, including a new sewer lift station. A temporary lift station serving the area from Bitterroot Street to Harvard Road is now at capacity, Scheidmilller said. Greenstone has had ongoing discussions with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District about plans for additional water and sewer infrastructure, Schneidmiller added. He told council that the installation of the lift station and additional street paving will be keys to generating interest in the River District from a commercial standpoint. “It’s normal that commercial activity lags behind residential growth,” he said. “They want to see the infrastructure in place.” Schneidmiller said the completion of Harvest Parkway last fall represented a literal and symbolic inroad into the heart of the River District’s retail area known as Telido Station. The pending street construction agenda also includes the extension of Indiana, and Greenstone will make a decision on the paving of Indiana from Bitterroot to Harvard in the next 90 days. Schneidmiller said Greenstone would like to discuss the future of parks and open space in the River District with the city with a goal of solidifying plans within the next 18 months. He said it would be important to clarify if developing sites like West Riverview Park would be established as public or private venues. If the city did have a stake in such properties, council would need to look at maintenance and long-term costs, Schneidmiller advised. “We look forward to having those discussions sooner than later,” Schneidmiller said. While greenspace development will be integral in the growth of the River District, Greenstone is also looking at keeping some of the natural areas in place. “Some of that will stay native along the river and not be highly developed,” Schnei-

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dmiller said. The River District added 53 residential units last year. Schneidmiller said buildout of the area could mean between 2,000 and 2,500 new dwellings by 2040.

Harvard Plan to be amended At the Feb. 18 meeting, City Administrator Katy Allen provided council with an overview of pending amendments to the Harvard Road Mitigation Plan, established in 1996 as a means for landowners and developers to offset the impact of traffic related to new construction. Allen noted that the fund, implemented five years before the incorporation of Liberty Lake, does not recognize current municipal boundaries nor pricing for traffic calming mechanisms like roundabouts and signals. “Spokane County managed this before Liberty Lake took over in 2001,” Allen said. “The original plan includes the area south of Sprague and the River District is outside of the boundary.” The city collected $110,000 from developers for the Harvard Road Mitigation Fund in 2013. Projects like the pedestrian bridge and Harvard Road roundabout have benefitted from the fund in the past. Allen provided an update on the process of amending the plan at the Feb. 18 council meeting, referring to an open house held for developers and builders at City Hall on Feb. 13. The city also hosted a follow-up gathering on Feb. 20. Much of the discussion revolves around the city’s proposed change to something called the mitigation plan’s “trip fee” that has not been altered since 2001. Under the amended plan, the base fee would go from $473.51 to $714.01. The fee for a single family residential dwelling would also increase dramatically, jumping over $200 to a new rate of $628.33. The fee is calculated by of the number of trips generated by a new structure. The city has conducted detailed research on the corresponding need for traffic infrastructure as development occurs. Led by City Engineer Andrew Staples, the study estimates a cost of $8.4 million for a list of future projects that includes signals or roundabouts at various intersections as well as a new I-90 interchange.

IN THE BOOKS, ON THE DOCKET A look back and ahead at business conducted by the Liberty Lake City Council By Craig Howard

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

In the Books (February): • City Administrator Katy Allen and Mayor Steve Peterson gave a report on their visit to Olympia as part of the Greater Spokane Inc. legislative forum Jan. 22-24. Allen said Liberty Lake’s central message to lawmakers revolved around improvements to Interstate-90 from Barker Road to the Idaho state line. “We didn’t come back with a barrel full of money but the good news is that they heard us,” Allen said. • In response to a citizen comment about public art, Allen recommended that the council consider setting aside funds for art in the next municipal budget and organize a committee “to identify public art projects.” • Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Griffin is spearheading a discussion with Friends of Pavillion Park involving an idea to combine the community’s traditional July 4 celebration with the city-sponsored “Liberty Lake Days.” • Finance Director R.J. Stevenson gave an official year-end budget report, highlighted by sales tax revenue that exceeded projections by $190,000 in 2013. Building permit income was up $200,000 over expectations while Trailhead Golf Course brought in $80,000 more than anticipated last year. • Council unanimously approved Mayor Peterson to sign a task order with Welch Comer Engineers for design serWhile the cost is no small matter — projections include $456,146 for a signal at Appleway and Henry and $539,707 for a roundabout at Country Vista and Mission — Allen emphasized that “the time span for these projects is driven by development.” Allen advised council that the funding for such infrastructure will rely on the impact fees paid by developers, adding that similar fees in the city of Spokane “run north of $1,000.” Meanwhile, mitigation dollars collected from the emerging River District are eligible for matching funds through a pair of funding mechanisms — Tax Increment Financing and Local Infrastructure Financing Tool.

Marijuana moratorium feedback The second public hearing on Feb. 18 — regarding the city’s six-month moratorium

The Splash

vices on the Town Square Park project as well as all phases of the Appleway Avenue Beautification and Rehabilitation project. • Council unanimously approved Peterson’s appointment of Tricia Morgan to the Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board of Trustees. • Allen gave an update on the city’s snow plowing efforts, reporting that $17,567 has been spent for de-icing and clearing to this point. At the same juncture last year, the city had expended $47,537.

On the Docket (March): • Allen said the city will schedule a series of workshops in the coming months, beginning with a discussion of the parks, trails and open space plan in March. A workshop on capital improvements to Trailhead Golf Course will follow in April, while a conversation on I-90 upgrades will take place in May. Allen added that the Washington Department of Transportation plans to repave a stretch of I-90 from the Barker Road to the Idaho border later this year. • The city has received the illuminated pedestrian crossing devices and is waiting for warm weather to install the equipment. The first crossings will be situated at the intersection of Mission and Country Vista as well as an area across from the Liberty Lake Library and Police Department building. • A dedication for Harvest Parkway — a road in the area of the River District slated for retail development — will take place in March at a date and time to be announced. • Council will hear an update on the city’s personnel manual and the local government investment pool. • The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. on the processing, sale and use of marijuana — failed to produce a single comment at City Hall, although more than 120 comments have been received on the city’s website. Peterson said the majority of the feedback supported the City Council’s decision on the heels of the State Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s statements that Initiative 502, passed in 2012, did not take precedence over zoning laws already established in cities and towns across Washington. A survey conducted by the city found that 58.8 percent of respondents agreed with the moratorium while 30.2 percent opposed it and 9 percent remained neutral. Of those who gave their opinion, 83 percent claimed residency in the city of Liberty Lake. Peterson said comments regarding the municipal moratorium on marijuana are still being accepted at the city’s website.

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 9

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10 • MARCH 2014

Ripple effect

CLEAN WATER CHRONOLOGY A look back at LLSWD phosphorous-free initiatives • Late 1960s: Liberty Lake residents realize the lake is dying from severe and toxic blue-green algae blooms. Residents petition Spokane County Commissioners to form a sewer district to clean up the lake from phosphorus-rich septic tank effluent.

How LLSWD’s 25-year battle for phosphorousfree products has made an international impact By Craig Howard

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

The last time Procter & Gamble crossed paths with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District, the topic of phosphorous was a contentious one. In May 2005, the manufacturing giant sent representatives from its Ohio-based corporate headquarters to Liberty Lake to oppose a decision by the LLSWD board banning dishwasher detergent containing phosphorous. P&G found allies in the Soap and Detergent Association, which flew out its own delegation to the Inland Northwest from Washington, D.C. “They pled their case for phosphorous in dishwasher detergent,” said former LLSWD General Manager Lee Mellish. “They made the impression that it was extremely difficult and expensive to produce a product without phosphorous that would clean dishes and still meet public approval.” P&G was familiar with LLSWD’s pioneering efforts in the phosphorous-free debate going back to 1989, when the district passed a ban against laundry detergent with phosphorous. The resolution was an initial step in what eventually became a nationwide ban implemented in 1993. Art “Skip” Toreson, whose tenure as LLSWD commissioner included passage of the detergent restriction, recalled the district being fully aware that the ban was the start of an uphill battle. “We were determined to keep phosphorous out of the water and knew that detergent was a major source,” he said. “We also knew it would be hard to enforce.” Mellish said the district’s approach to phosphorous and watershed protection has placed it in the position of a pacesetter among special purpose districts. “Around the state of Washington and North Idaho, there are a number of folks, especially associated with water and sewer departments, that support the district’s stand on phosphorus and many speak of following the district’s lead,” he said.

The Splash

• 1973: Liberty Lake residents vote to form a special purpose sewer district in an effort to clean up the lake. • Mid-1970s: A water quality study is published discussing the extent and nature of nutrient enrichment to the lake and providing possible treatment and restoration funding options.

FILE PHOTOS

Above, Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District headquarters on Mission has hosted several meetings over the years where bans on phosphorus in detergents and fertilizers were pioneered.

• 1975: The Liberty Lake Sewer District receives approval for grant funding under the Clean Lakes program for a lake restoration project. Grant funding is awarded for in-lake restoration, stormwater management and the construction of a sewage collection system and wastewater treatment plant. This multifaceted restoration (1976-1984) totals $14.8 million, with $6.7 million coming from federal grants and $2.1 million from state restoration grants.

The focus on lake, river and watershed protection dates back to the district’s founding. The circa 1973 photo (middle) show algae blooms common in the lake at the time of the district’s founding.

• 1982: The sewer system and treatment plant are completed. With a wastewater treatment plant in operation, the district is tasked with the costly process of phosphorus removal to meet discharge standards to the river.

At bottom right, a crate of phosphorusfree dishwasher detergent is pictured at the Liberty Lake Albertsons in this September 2005 Splash file photo.

Phosphorous vs. clean water The origins of LLSWD more than 40 years ago coincided with the impact of phosphorous on the Liberty Lake watershed that reached troubling proportions by the late 1960s. The spread of toxic bluegreen algae blooms — fueled by heavy levels of phosphorous from septic tanks — had turned the lake into a murky swamp, unsafe for public use. Along with the troubling impact on water quality, phosphorous also has a disturbing effect on the species that call that water home. When the forests of algae die and decompose, the process robs lakes and rivers of oxygen, crippling fish and other aquatic life. Locally, the corrosive effect extends beyond Liberty Lake to watersheds like the Spokane River and Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. LLSWD General Manager BiJay Adams, who previously served as the district’s lake

• December 1989: The district passes Resolution 40-89 banning phosphorus in laundry detergent. A nationwide ban follows in 1993, while the state of Washington is a year behind with its ban in 1994.

ON THE COVER SPLASH PHOTO BY CRAIG HOWARD

Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District General Manager BiJay Adams, right, and Lake Protection Manager Jeremy Jenkins currently lead the fight to protect Liberty Lake from phosphorus. protection and water resource manager, said the Liberty Lake community rallied to support the transition to phosphorous-free dishwasher detergent nine years ago. “Area residents’ immediate response was to buy only phosphorus-free dishwasher detergents by Ecover and Seventh Generation,” Adams said. “Long before the law took effect, Albertsons and Safeway managers were buying phosphorus-free products from outlying retailers to stock their shelves in Liberty Lake. It was a great example of

See PHOSPHORUS, page 13

• July 2005: The district passes Resolution 23-05 banning phosphorus in automatic dishwasher detergent. This resolution comes after a recommendation made by resident Tom Brattebo in a previous board meeting. Bans in Spokane, Whatcom and Clark counties follow in 2008. A statewide ban takes effect in 2010. There are now 16 states with bans against automatic dishwasher detergent containing phosphorous. • November 2005: The district passes Resolution 46-05 banning phosphorus in lawn fertilizer within the watershed of Liberty Lake. • 2009: The district amends Resolution 46-05 with Resolution 18-09 banning phosphorus in lawn fertilizer district-wide. Source: Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District

The Splash

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COVER STORY

PHOSPHORUS Continued from page 10

the power of the consumer and the amazing citizens that comprise Liberty Lake.”

P&G takes phosphorous-free detergent worldwide The latest wave in the phosphorous discussion came last month when P&G announced a plan to eliminate all phosphates from its laundry detergent worldwide within the next two years. P&G products represent one quarter of the global detergent market. “This is a huge win for lakes, rivers and streams around the world,” Adams said. While P&G had already halted the sale of laundry detergent with phosphorous in Europe and North America, the announcement on Jan. 27 is being heralded as a landmark shift by environmental advocacy groups like the North American Lake Management Association. Tom Agnew, longtime LLSWD commissioner, said P&G’s decision will have a significant ripple effect. “This is huge,” Agnew said. “Liberty Lake residents were a major influence in making this happen. The district’s 1989 resolution led to a U.S. ban in 1993 allowing only phosphorous-free laundry detergent. Now, 21 years later, Procter & Gamble, who vis-

ited here to oppose our 2005 dishwashing resolution, has eliminated phosphorous.” Adams said phosphorus-free resolutions in Liberty Lake and across the state have substantially improved water quality. A single pound of phosphorous can generate 700 pounds of algae. “Since the automatic dishwasher detergent ban went into effect we saw phosphorus loadings to the plant decrease by nearly 17 percent,” Adams said. “Similar results would likely have been observed with the laundry detergent if we would have been measuring our flows like we do today.”

Additional efforts to phase out phosphorous Beyond laundry detergent and dishwashing soap, LLSWD has made efforts to attack phosphorous on other fronts. A collaboration with Greenstone, launched in 2005, provides phosphorous-free fertilizer at no charge. The district also sponsors an annual beach and leaf clean-up with the city of Liberty Lake. Last year, nearly 13,000 bags were collected while 585 pounds of phosphorous were removed from the Liberty Lake watershed, aquifer and Spokane River. “With LLSWD being responsible for the Liberty Lake watershed, it has put the district in a position that not too many other districts have,” said LLSWD Commissioner Steve Skipworth. “Protection of the Spo-

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kane Valley watershed and the Spokane River again have given LLSWD, with its water reclamation plant, another very important responsibility that not too many districts have. Our water reclamation plant has done a great job in the processing of the district’s waste and, with phosphorous being a concern, any products that can remove the phosphorous have helped our community.” On the educational front, the district and the Washington State Department of Ecology have teamed up with community stakeholders to promote “The Watershed Pledge” that enlists residents and businesses within the Liberty Lake, aquifer and Spokane River watersheds to reduce water pollution from “non-point” sources such as wastewater, fertilizer, urban run-off, agricultural practices and livestock. Liberty Lake was selected as a pilot community for the program. Jeremy Jenkins, who succeeded Adams as lake protection and water resource manager, says being part of a sewer and water district with the kind of nationwide reputation as LLSWD “is pretty amazing.” “I have special purpose districts, consultants and lake associations call me from the Westside asking about phosphorous cleanup,” Jenkins said. “For us, it’s something we really have a handle on, management-wise.” Agnew says the phosphorous-free standards align with the district’s motto of “serving people and the environment.” He

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added that citizen involvement has ensured that clean water practices go beyond words in a resolution passed by the board. “The community and district it created are well regarded nationally for promoting phosphorous-free products, which is consistent with district values of environmental stewardship and customer service,” Agnew said. “Citizen support for the district’s ban of phosphorous in dishwashing detergent was amazing.”

Learning from the past, looking to the future With even narrower standards for water reclamation being required in the years to come, LLSWD is looking ahead to a mandatory upgrade of its treatment plant by 2018. Agnew said the district “continues ramping up a collaborative partnership among communities along the Spokane River to optimize efforts to improve and protect the river system.” “Phosphorous removal is one of the targets,” Agnew said. “It’s a steep hill we’re climbing, and it gets steeper with each improvement in the situation. In recent years, the river has seen a 90 percent reduction in the amount of phosphorous getting into the system. In the coming years, 99 percent of the remainder will be eliminated. In the process, we may have helped impact global change.”

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14 • MARCH 2014

Community Briefs

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS

or adickeson@libertylakewa.gov

March 1, 15 & 29 | Leap Motion games

March 15 | Senior Irish Festival 11 a.m. to

Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Use the library’s device and 50-inch TV monitor to play Leap Motion games without keyboard or joysticks. Sign up for hour-long time slots at the library. For more: 232-2510

March 1 | Father Daughter Dance 2014

7 to 9 p.m., CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point, Spokane Valley. Liberty Lake Kiwanis will present this 9th annual event for girls and their dads or other male role model. Tickets are $25 per person. To purchase tickets or for more: www. libertylakekiwanis.org, 979-6652 or 951-3573

March 1 | “A Time for Tea” tickets go on sale The Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal

Library will be selling tickets for their annual tea happening April 26 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Meadowwood Technology Campus. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the library or by sending a check to FOLLML, P.O. Box 427, Liberty Lake, WA, 99019. For more: 315-4688

March 1 | Liberty Lake Children’s Academy fall registration open

Registration for the 2014-15 school year is underway with toddler/parent, preschool and pre-K classes available. For more: 922-6360 or www.libertylakchildrensacademy.com

March 6 | CVSD kindergarten registration opens 8 a.m., Central Valley

Kindergarten Center, 1512 N. Barker Road. Students must be five years old on or before Aug. 31 in order to enroll for kindergarten during the 2014/15 school year. Bring up-to-date immunization records, original state-certified birth certificate and proof of residency using a current electric bill. Registration packets are available at school. For more: 228-5400 or www. cvsd.org

March 8 | eBay class 10:30 a.m., Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Learn how to set up an Ebay account, as well as how to start selling and buying on Ebay. For more: 232-2510 March 9 | Daylight saving time begins March 10 | Stepping Stone fall enrollment begins Stepping Stone, 23306

E. Mission. Enrollment for the 2014-15 school year opens to the public on this date. Interested families are encouraged to call for more information or to arrange a tour of the facility. For more: 924-0776

March 12 | “Tweet, Tag, Post & Share” internet safety night for parents

6:15 to 7:15 p.m., Liberty Lake Elementary School, 23606 E. Boone. This fun, informative presentation will help parents and educators learn about cyberbullying, privacy and security, relationships and online communication, information literacy, digital footprint and reputation. For more: 228-5543

March 13 | Reading Readiness Workshop 6:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Municipal

Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. This workshop is for parents and caregivers of children who have mastered most of the letters and sounds and are wondering, “What do we do next?” Workshop is for adults only. To register or for more: 232-2510

3 p.m., Evergreen Fountains, 1201 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley. Live music, food and community tours will be available during this special event. For more: 922-3100

March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day March 18 | Prevent Fraud & Identity Theft workshop Noon to 1 p.m., Liberty Lake

Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Join STCU experts for a free workshop to learn about spotting fraud warning signs and trending scams, as well as resources to help project your finances. A light, complimentary lunch will be provided. To register or for more: 232-2510

March 18 | Relay for Life kickoff party 5:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Community

Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway. The event will include games, prizes, snacks and information about how to be a part of the American Cancer Society’s 2014 Liberty Lake Relay. For more: www.facebook.com/libertylakerelay

Droogmans completes training Spokane Valley Writer’s Group 6 p.m.

the first and third Thursdays of every month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. For more: 570-4440

MUSIC & THE ARTS Feb. 28 to March 16 | “The Big Five-Oh”

Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. This production is a hilarious, yet touching account of a grown man coming to terms with his age, his relationship with his son and his future. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and children ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under. For show times, tickets and more: www.libertylaketheatre.com or 342-2055

March 1-31 | “Travels Through Technique” art show Liberty Lake

Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Artist Dianne McDermott is showcasing a collection of visual art to educate the view about various techniques utilized to create art.

March 22 | Computer Breakdown! 10:30 a.m. to noon, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Learn how to take apart and reassemble a computer CPU. For more: 232-2510

March 7 | Worship Night 7 p.m., Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission Ave. The public is invited for a time of singing, praise and worship. Childcare will be provided. For more: 210-9779

Recurring

March 9-10 | Auditions for Reader’s Theatre version of “Heidi” 1 p.m.

Financial Peace University 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Dave Ramsey’s program to help people become debt free will take place weekly until the end of March. To register or for more: www.daveramsey.com Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library 4 p.m. the last Tuesday of every

month, Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave.

Kiwanis Club of Liberty Lake 6:45 a.m.

Wednesdays, Liberty Lake City Hall, 22510 E. Country Vista Drive. For more: www. libertylakekiwanis.org

Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club

Noon Thursdays, Meadowwood Technology Campus Liberty Room, 2100 N. Molter Road.

Liberty Lake Lions Club Noon on the

second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, Barlow’s Restaurant, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road. For more: 869-7657

Liberty Lake Municipal Library 23123 E.

Mission Avenue. 4 p.m. Mondays, Lego club; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, toddler/ preschool story time; 10:15 a.m. Fridays, baby lapsit story time; 11 a.m. Friday, toddler/ preschool story time and songs; 1 p.m. Fridays, story time and crafts for preschoolers; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Knitting Club; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, computer classes; 2 p.m. Saturdays, kids craft. For more: 232-2510

Liberty Lake Toastmasters 5:45 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave. For more: 208-765-8657

Senior Lunch programs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, Talon Hills Senior Complex, 24950 E. Hawkstone Loop. Seniors age 60 and older invited; recommended donation $3.50.

The Splash

(Sunday) and 6:30 p.m. (Monday), Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Ages 8+ are encouraged to audition. No experience or preparation required, but good reading skills are needed. For more: www. libertylaketheatre.com or 342-2055

March 15-16 | Central Valley Arts and Crafts Fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Valley

High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Admission is $2 and benefits CV music programs.

March 20-22, 26-29 | “Once Upon a Mattress” 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. matinee March

23), CVHS Performing Arts Center, 821 S. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Tickets for reserved seating are available for $12 at www. cvtheatre.com. For more: 228-5218

March 28-29 | Reader’s Theatre: “Heidi” 7 p.m. (Friday) and 2 p.m. (Saturday), Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are $5 per person (max of $20 per family). For more: www. libertylaketheatre.com or 342-2055.

Recurring Liberty Lake Art Society Third Wednesday

of the month, various times and locations. Create, learn and explore new art avenues, as well as display, sell and network your art. No jurying board, no bylaws, no pressure. Work on projects to benefit Liberty Lake and surround communities. Dues are $10 per year, and you do not need to be a local resident to join. For more: 255-9600

Line Dancing 6 p.m. Saturdays, Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission Ave. For experienced line dancers. For more: 210-9779

See CALENDAR, page 38

Navy Seaman Apprentice Sean R. Droogmans, son of Yannick A. Droogmans of Liberty Lake and Mary T. Orr of Coeur d’Alene, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training, according to a news release. During the eight-week program at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., Droogmans completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. Droogmans is a 2007 graduate of Central Valley High School.

Kiwanis conducts gift campaign The Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation is soliciting funds during March for its annual club gift campaign. Contributions to the foundation will help the club achieve its mission of providing student scholarships, promoting social services and supporting other charitable organizations in the community. Checks can be made payable to Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation and mailed to Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 384, Liberty Lake, WA, 99019. The Liberty Lake Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

Kiwanis scholarships available The Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation is seeking candidates for its 2014 scholarships. At least two $500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors and at least one scholarship will be given to a former recipient who is continuing his/her education. Graduating seniors from Liberty Lake, students related to a current Liberty Lake Kiwanis member, seniors from East Valley, Central Valley or West Valley school districts or other community members deemed eligible are encouraged to apply by the March 31 deadline. Applications are available online at www.libertylakekiwanis.org.

Yard sale date set The 21st annual Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales will be held June 14. Watch for more information closer to the date in The Splash or search “Liberty Lake Yard Sales” on Facebook.

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The Splash

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Figuring fanatics LLES team tries for another Top 10 finish By Tammy Kimberley SPLASH STAFF WRITER

Mohkam Brar (top right) works out a problem on the whiteboard while other fifth grade students (below) feverishly figure and compare answers during a Math is Cool practice.

As the end-of-the-day bell rings and most students head out the doors, several Liberty Lake Elementary fifth graders excitedly gather in a classroom, chattering and pulling completed math sheets out of their backpacks. A combination of candy, conversation and ideas fly through the air as the Math is Cool Wednesday afternoon practice begins. In the midst of the laughter and chitchat, student explained their work to one another and discovered how there is often more than one way to solve a math problem. Coach Brian German has been leading the weekly practices since November to prepare the students for the Math is Cool 5th grade competition on March 7 at Mt. Spokane High School. For these students, the Math is Cool 5th grade team’s practices provide a Liberty Lake Elementary team way to challenge themselves Diligence: and be around other likeAvery Auth, Mohkam Brar, Andrew Brockbank, Samuel Persistence, minded math maniacs. They Brown, Elise Daines, Kelsie German, Garrett Packebush, dedication and hope their diligence will pay SPLASH PHOTOS BY TAMMY KIMBERLEY William Reece, Jane Romney, Anna Sattler, Miles Stewart, hard work off with a top finish at this Kami Twining, Cooper Young and Maci Young PACE character month’s competition. prove your math grade in regu- vary from multiple choice trait for March Coach: Brian German lar class as well,” Avery said. to open-ended problems, Cooper Young, who while team events include placed 7th overall in last Helpers: Brandon Carlson and Ansh Sehgal Coach German, who stepped year’s competition, said his up this year to fill a coaching void, said he relays, mental math and coach and teammates push him to be his is using study sheets from previous coaches college bowl rounds. Cool competition, but the actual number of best. He said they even had to do problems to challenge students during their Monday William Reese, 11, said he loves calculatto earn their team T-shirt. and Wednesday afternoon practices. He ing numbers and always has numbers in teams participating is higher due to many schools having multiple teams. Last year, “If we get a problem wrong, the coach said working with the kids, which includes his head. Being part of the team has helped him get ahead in school and learn “a mil- one of the LLES fourth grade teams finished teaches us the right answer,” the 10-year- his daughter Kelsie, keeps him on his toes. second and two individuals were in the Top old said. “We’ve learned we have to work “I literally get to live ‘Are You Smarter lion times more” than he knew before. Even 10. together as a team.” Than a Fifth Grader?’ twice a week,” he said. though he was nervous attending last year’s “This year, first place would be cool,” Elise competition, he said it’s not so bad once you One of his team members, 10-year-old In addition, German said two local high start doing the problems. Daines, 11, said. Avery Auth, said she loves math because it school students, who are experienced math Coach German agreed it would be nice “And it's really fun comparing your skills allows you to take two things and somehow team members at their schools, have put to see as many individuals as possible in the make something different. It also has helped time in helping the team prepare for the to smart kids in other schools,” he added. her build on her existing math skills. Coach German said they expect around Top 10 but added the following sentiment: competition which consists of individual “I just want them to do their best.” “Being part of the team can help you im- and team testing. Individual questions 30 schools to be represented at the Math is

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 17

COMMUNITY

Multiplying the March Madness mania By Tammy Kimberley SPLASH STAFF WRITER

With the Spokane area hosting the second and third rounds of the Division 1 Men’s NCAA tournament, you can’t help but catch some of the March Madness excitement! Since brackets won’t be available until later in March, now is a great time to start brainstorming activities your family can do together during the big tourney. Even if your parents or siblings aren’t all that interested in basketball, there is plenty you can do to make some memories while cheering on a favorite team (whether that’s decided by location, mascot or color — it’s totally up to you). Just sharing March

a D s ’ k c i r St. Pat

By thers Numbe

2.1 4

Length in miles of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade route

Number of marshmallow designs included in the original Lucky Charms cereal—pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars and green clovers

650,000

Babies given the name “Patrick” in the U.S. during the past 100 years

83 40

Percent of Americans who will wear green on March 17 to avoid being pinched

Pounds of green dye used to the turn the Chicago River green for St. Patrick’s Day

Madness moments with the family will leave kids and parents alike feeling like it was a win-win! Appetites: For breakfast, convince your mom or dad to help you bake pancakes in the shape of a ball or hoop (it can be done). For lunch or dinner, cut circles out of sandwiches, quesadillas, jello or other soft foods. If you just want a snack, decorate cookies, cupcakes or cake pops to look like basketballs. The creative eating opportunities are truly endless. Art: Design a new jersey for a local team. Create a song, cheer or poem in honor of your favorite team. Sometimes the school

mascot is the most entertaining thing on the floor, so why now come up with an idea of a mascot for your family — then draw or sculpt it! Academics: Get a U.S. map and pinpoint the location of teams in the tournament. Practice your math by adding scores, organizing jersey numbers, or calculating the price of admittance and concessions. If writing is more your thing, write an essay on why you want to be a player/ cheerleader/coach (or another basketball topic).

Athletics: As you settle in to watch a game, be sure to get up and get moving during commercial breaks. Challenge your siblings to dribble a basketball as long as they can without errors. Set up relay races using a basketball. Use a whiteboard or coach’s clipboard to create plays for the family. Above all, remember to work hard and practice good sportsmanship. Source: thinkmagnetkids.com

Apps + sites = arithmetic adventure Boost your math skills while having fun by playing on math websites and apps! A few suggestions are listed below.

Number of places in the U.S. named Shamrock, the floral emblem of Ireland

387 39

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The year St. Patrick was born in Britain (not Ireland)

Percent of Americans who say they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

1762 The year the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade occurred in New York

Sources: www. history.com/interactives/st-patricksday-by-the-numbers, www.cnn. com/2013/03/15/ living/btn-st-patricks-day/

Open an STCU First5 Savings Account where the first $500 earns 5.09% APY.* You will be surprised how quickly the dollars rack up. Get in the game at any of our 16 branch locations. (509) 326.1954 | (800) 858.3750 | www.stcu.org *APY = annual percentage yield. No minimum balance required. Stated rate is eﬀective February 1, 2014, and subject to change. Rate applies to first $500 deposited in an STCU First5 Savings Account; balances above that earn 0.15% APY. One First5 Savings Account per person. STCU membership is required and fees could reduce earnings.

The Splash

18 • MARCH 2014 Brought to you by

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Silver Café going strong at Talon Hills By Sarah Robertson

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

Feb. 12 was a pretty ordinary Wednesday for many people. Warm and sunny after weeks of below-normal temperatures. Olympics about half finished in Sochi, Russia. But in the community room at Talon Hills Senior Housing, 25000 E. Hawkstone Loop in Liberty Lake, the atmosphere was far from ordinary. Folks were celebrating Valentine’s Day a little early at the Silver Café location. Red and pink decorations and outfits abounded. Special treats, such as red velvet cake, lined the counters, and it felt like a truly special occasion. The Silver Café is a place for seniors to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal together at a reasonable price. Operated by Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, the Silver Café at Talon Hills is open to all seniors 60 years and older. The suggested donation is $3.50, but no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Long-time site manager Suzi Walden works at the Talon Hills site on Mondays and Wednesdays after the location moved from Liberty Lake City Hall a year ago. Her counterpart, Joanne Marabello, manages the site the rest of the week. The move was a big change, but Silver Café patrons are happy with the new location. Margaret Boisvert likes that the new space has room for more people. She continues to enjoy lunch, and especially socializing, since the move. For Boisvert, who lives alone, it’s nice to get out of the house and spend time with others. The new space was designed for community use. Split into two main areas, there is the “dining room,” where patrons are served lunch and eat, and an area meant to foster conversation and activities. It has comfy chairs and a television and is well stocked with games and puzzles. There is even a donated organ that everyone is quite proud of. Walden and Marabello have worked diligently to make this Silver Café as welcom-

SPLASH PHOTO BY SARAH ROBERTSON

From left, Bee Jay Holt, Suzi Walden, Cheryl Haderlie, Joanne Marabello, Gloria Higginson, Beverly Perry and Robert Perry enjoy making the Silver Café in Liberty Lake run at Talon Hills Senior Housing. Lynda Haygood and Ken McFarlin are not pictured, but are two others who have been a part of the efforts of Meals on Wheels in Liberty Lake for many years. ing as possible. Marabello, also a Talon Hills resident, loves that people are still gathered around a puzzle or a cup of coffee well after lunch and even after her shift ends. She came out of retirement to become a site manager at the Silver Café. “The Lord gave it to me,” she said. “I love working with people and helping others.” According to Walden, “Our meal site is a gathering place for seniors. The main purpose is so ‘no senior goes hungry’ and to serve seniors, but one of the reasons people come is to socialize. We’re one big family. “ In talking with patrons, the word “family” came up over and over again. Maybe it’s the smell of a fresh cooked meal, the blessing before eating, or the way the volunteers move around the dining room as if they’re serving dinner in their own homes. Whatever it is, it certainly keeps people coming back. Walden attributes the success of the Talon Hills Silver Café to a group of very dedicated and long-serving volunteers. Most can’t remember how long they have been volunteering, and Walden can’t stop singing their praises. “You can’t do this kind of thing without volunteers,” she said. “People are so generous with their time. We’re a non-profit, and volunteers are the key to any non-profit organization’s success.”

IF YOU GO … The Silver Café in Liberty Lake is open from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every weekday, and lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Talon Hills Senior Housing is located at 25000 E. Hawkstone Loop (take Appleway east as if you were headed to the state line, and Hawkstone will be on the right about one mile east of the stoplight at Appleway and Molter). For more information, call 924-6976. Robert Perry, with a perpetual smile on his face, can’t remember how long he’s been volunteering at the Silver Café. He said it feels like only a year or two because of such a “nice bunch of people.” He enjoys the company of the other patrons and enjoys the healthy lunch. The food for all the Silver Cafes in Spokane County (there are 12) is prepared fresh daily at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels’ kitchen in east Spokane. The facility prepares nearly 1,200 meals every day for homebound seniors as well as those dining at the Silver Cafes. Beyond the food, Talon Hills Silver Café also offers social activities. For instance,

the second Wednesday of every month is bingo. It’s played at no cost, and patrons bring “white elephant” gifts for prizes. The last Wednesday of the month also sees the celebration of all the birthdays for the month made just a little bit more special with a donated cake from the Liberty Lake Safeway. And whenever the directors can make arrangements, patrons are treated to all sorts of entertainment, such as John Labbe who played keyboard and sang at the “grand opening” when the Talon Hills location opened for lunch five days a week. Marabello encouraged all seniors to visit. “Everyone is invited,” she said.

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 19

Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life

Come join us for a

TRIVIA TEST 1. LANGUAGE: What does the word “glabrous” mean?

10. INVENTIONS: Who invented the bathyscaphe, used for underwater exploration?

2. MUSIC: Which folk music group recorded the original theme song to “Gilligan’s Island”?

Senior Irish Festival

SATURDAY, MARCH 15th 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Live Music • Food • Community Tours!

3. LITERATURE: In which of Shakespeare’s plays does the character of Titania appear? 4. GOVERNMENT: What are the five rights guaranteed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?

• Independent Living • Light Assisted Living • Walking Trail • Wellness & Fitness Center • Gourmet Chef • Cottage Homes • Swimming Pool & Spa • Assisted Living • Bistro

5. GEOGRAPHY: Mexico is divided into how many states? 6. ENTERTAINMENT: What was the title of Elvis Presley’s first movie? 7. MEDICAL: How is dengue fever transmitted? 8. HISTORY: Which World War II general earned the nickname “The Desert Fox”? 9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where does the phrase “eat, drink and be merry” come from?

Answers to Trivia Test

1. Hairless or smooth 2. The Wellingtons 3. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 4. Speech, religion, press, peaceful assembly and the right to petition government 5. 31 states and one federal district 6. “Love Me Tender” 7. Mosquitoes 8. German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel 9. Ecclesiastes 8:15 10. Auguste Piccard

Locally Owned and Operated by the Arger Family

20 • MARCH 2014

Lure of the lake hooked fishermen By Karen Johnson

LIBERTY LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Fishing. For some, it’s the sport — the hunt, the adventure. Back in the ’50s and ’60s, my brother and his friend would camp out on opening day — as close to the water as possible to jump straight from the sleeping bag into the rowboat early enough to beat the crowds. (They overslept!) Others see fishing as a great opportunity to catch up on reading or to soak in a little sun. The lure for me as a little girl for those lazy, hazy opening days when Liberty Lake was the place to be was the anticipation. No one was more excited than my sister and me! No, we weren’t grade-school fishing prodigies. We were Girl Scouts anticipating a great “catch” selling cookies from boat to boat — the lake so crowded we could’ve practically walked from boat to boat had we been so bold! Fishing seemed simple to me back then: Fish were just magically there, in the lake. Some are caught, and the rest reproduce,

DID YOU KNOW? • Liberty Lake’s Joey Nania is a two-time Junior Bassmaster World Champion. He caught his first lunker bass at age 8 off the family dock — a 6.5-pounder! Find out more about Joey at joeyfishing.com. • Helpful fishing lingo to keep you tracking with your angler friends (from Post Falls author and sportsman, Jim Grassi, in his book, “Heaven on Earth”): • Quality time — Time spent relaxing on your boat with your kids, all the while telling them to keep quiet, knock off the clowning around, turn down the music … and quit the worm racing. • Flying fish — What you see coming at you when you leave a mess of bluegill to be cleaned in your wife’s kitchen sink. • Trophy fish — Any fish weighing more than the gear used to catch it. • The Department of Fish and Wildlife records indicate that the original fish found in LL were Cutthroat Trout and Whitefish.

HISTORY the natural order of things that kept a continual stream of tasty fish on the hook and in the fry pan. But that wasn’t the actual order of things in reality. Early in the last century, when the Spokane and Eastern Railway ran daily electric trains to Spokane’s Inland Seashore, crowds swarmed upon the waters of Liberty Lake to, among many other pleasures, fish. The Railway, always looking for ways to keep clients coming back, dispatched Lew Hurtig, manager of Liberty Lake Park, to construct fish pens for 500,000 trout fry on the Kalez property at the southeast corner of the lake. Kalez fed them chopped liver until large enough for release into the lake. Soon, ads in The Spokesman-Review boasted that Liberty Lake was “where the fish are at!” Boat rentals lured anglers to “save time, money and blisters.” Great fishing was “just a five-minute row” away. By 1931, Liberty Lake was a popular fishing destination, a lake bragging about 6-pound smallmouth bass caught with pork rind bait. Then the Isaak Walton League took notice of Liberty Lake. One of the nation’s oldest and most respected, common-sense conservation organizations, the League’s local chapter chose to restore the lake’s water level as its top priority, believed to be one of the most important projects ever undertaken to protect “an important fishing and recreation area in the Inland Empire.” The Spokane community shared the expenses, saying Liberty Lake was, after all, “Spokane’s playground.” A highly respected John T. Little, publisher of a popular fishing bulletin and proprietor of Little’s Sporting Goods Emporium, exalted Liberty Lake as the “best all-around fishing spot in the Inland Empire.” Little cited 15 different varieties of fish in the lake and challenged any other lake to show its equal. In January of 1949, true blue anglers strutted their all-weather spirit when the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce aviation committee invited all Inland Empire pilots and enthusiasts to a “fish fry-breakfast hop.” Twenty-inch ice provided wheel or ski equipped planes a sound, snow-free runway in the center of the lake. Planes taxied to Sandy Beach, where fish were fried and served alongside hot cornbread, potatoes and plenty of hot coffee. Participants brought their ice skates and fishing tackle for ice fishing. The early ’50s ushered lake rehabilitation when the State Game Department poisoned the existing undesirable fish with rotenone and restocked it with 500,000 rainbow trout. The lake was closed to fishing for two years while resort owners, anticipating a successful outcome, purchased more boats, fixed docks and renovated cabins. Opening Day 1953 was expected to be the biggest in Liberty Lake’s history. In perfect 65 degree weather, “The largest scale piscatorial slaughter took place in the Spokane Valley ... at the newly opened Liberty Lake which

got the biggest play of any lake in the area. An estimated 2,000 anglers hit the 690-acre gem, and many of them were back on the sandy shores of the lake within an hour with limits of 15 rainbows that ran uniformly between 8-10 inches,” read the following day’s Spokesman. Liberty Lake, newly crowned a fish factory, had become one of the most popular fishing lakes in the state, posting bumper catches every year for 12 years thereafter. Catering lake resorts became a fisherman’s idyllic paradise. Sandy Beach’s Homer Neyland told the Spokesman, “You know how I’d tell people to fish this lake? Just fish anywhere.” Was it really that simple? Although some areas may have been slightly better than others, Neyland knew his lake. Fish biologists claimed the secret of excellent growth for rainbow trout, the fish du jour, was found in the natural fish food environment of the first 20-25 feet of water. Although Liberty dips to an occasional 30-foot pocket, it uniquely resembles a flatas-a-pool table center that’s dropped to a perfect depth of 25 feet—a whopping pool hall of fish paradise with plenty to eat, drink and roam freely (albeit with hungry anglers lurking above). Thus the fish experienced rapid growth to the delight of fishermen. “If the Game Department ever needs an example to convince doubters of the potential benefits of lake rehab,” a 1965 Chronicle article proudly maintained, it should “point to LL,” which consistently led nearly all other lakes statewide in catch statistics. However, by the end of the decade, the lake was clearly stressed, and this time the rehab route wasn’t as clear. A new solution to the lake’s natural ecological balance arose: lake dredging, and along with it, considerable debate that lasted for years. Rotenone was again proposed, but this time vehemently shot down; yet, in 1974, rotenone again dosed the lake. Dredging was powerfully presented and stubbornly rebutted, but in 1980, 50 acres were dredged at its southwest corner. Predator fish were suggested, argued against, then introduced in 1996. Fishing limits were lowered and size limits were raised. Hundreds of questionnaires were sent to local residents, local anglers were interviewed, biologists conducted an exhaustive study and meetings and symposiums ensued. If nothing else, the controversy highlighted the lake’s delicate ecosystem and the importance of careful stewardship. Through it all, water quality continued to improve, and watchdog efforts remain in place to keep our lake clean. In a 2001 Spokesman article, past resort owners reminisced about old memories of opening days. Howard and Mary Floy (Neyland) Dolphin, owners of Sandy Beach, remember the cars that were lined up to launch fishing boats, “clear up to the top by the golf course.” Ron Knudsen of Sig’s Resort exclaimed, “you could’ve walked across the lake on boats back then.”

The Splash

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIBERTY LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Ben Hurtig, son of Liberty Lake Park Manager Lew Hurtig, shows of a large fish caught from Liberty Lake. An unidentified park employee is also shown in this circa 1922 photo.

EVENTS, COMPETITIONS AND ACTIVITIES From the Liberty Lake Historical Society, a 2014 monthly series JANUARY: Ice Skating FEBRUARY: Parade of Mermaid

Competitions

MARCH: Opening Day of Fishing APRIL: Dancing MAY: Water Competitions JUNE: Liberty Lake Amateur JULY: All Valley Picnics AUGUST: Dutch Jake Picnics SEPTEMBER: Hydroplane Races OCTOBER: Baseball Games NOVEMBER: Liberty Lake and Football DECEMBER: A.R.T.’s Christmas in July

As the Dolphins aptly said, “Time has changed, but the lake hasn’t lost its power to draw people … now they come to stay.” It appears the tide has turned as this lake and its city have picked a successful lure to fish for people. Karen Johnson has lived in Liberty Lake most of her life. She is a board member with the Liberty Lake Historical Society.

The Splash

LIBRARY

MARCH 2014 • 21

Friends group bolsters library’s budget, programs By Tammy Kimberley SPLASH STAFF WRITER

It turns out Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library do some heavy lifting, literally, when it comes to championing the library in the community. Friends members laughed when they said they seriously could use some 6-foot, 200-lb. men to join their committee. “When you consider there are boxes and boxes of books that need to be moved each month, we need muscles,” Friends Vice President Cindy Troxel said. “It would be nice to have some strong arms available.” The non-profit group works to champion and advocate programs of the library, primarily in fundraising for items not included in the library’s budget. And the committee is on a mission to build their membership base (with 11 active members currently) to better support events such as the reading program that served 800 children last summer. “We’re there as a means to attain things not in the budget that enhance the library,” Friends President Dianne Murray said. Library Director Pamela Mogen said the staff could not do many of their special things without the Friends’ help in man-hours and fund raising. “The current group of ladies is the most hard-working, creative and dedicated bunch we’ve ever had, but they do need help,” Mogen said. “More members could

make what they already do easier and what they dream to do possible.” Described by themselves as neither quiet nor subdued, the energetic members meet 4 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month to plan for upcoming events, process donations, deal with requests from library staff, and have fun while doing it. Murray said some of the members, such as she and Karol Maier, have a background in education and find this a meaningful way to spend their time. “I’m a retired educator and helping children is dear to my heart,” Maier, who serves as secretary, said. “Plus I enjoy the people I volunteer with.” There are a variety of ways interested community members can get involved, she said, from donating books (year 2000 and newer) for their sales, becoming a member ($10 per year) or assisting with events such as the upcoming spring tea. “A Time for Tea” will take place at noon April 26 at the Meadowwood Technology Campus. With a focus on the library being the heart of the community, Troxel said this year’s tea will be full of surprises and “not your norm.” “As a theme, we decided vintage was the way to go—elegant, historic, but simple. You should feel like you’re stepping back in time,” she said. Dawn Nelson, author of several western books, will be the guest speaker for the event which is $20 per person. Troxel emphasized that the tea is not just for the old-

“A Time for Tea” Hosted by Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library April 26, noon to 2 p.m. Meadowwood Technology Campus Author Dawn Nelson will be the guest speaker at this vintage-themed event featuring food, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $20 and are available at the library or by contacting 315-4688. er crowd, but for younger ladies as well. As the group’s largest fundraising event, they are actively soliciting donations in the form of products, services or money to offset their expenses. Silent auction baskets or items from local businesses or library patrons are also welcomed as donations.

March is

Teen Tech Month

Watch for these big changes coming this month to the Young Adult (YA) area…

New look: Comfortable chairs are moving in, and the wooden shelves are moving on.

New iPad Center and programs: Do it yourself and earn rewards.

YA e-Readers: Put your

name in a drawing to be the first one to check out a Kindle. Check our Facebook page for more exciting YA news and fun during Teen Tech Month!

“We’re trying really hard to represent the community in this, given that it’s the library,” Troxel said.

Book Review

‘Harvest’ yields mysterious plot By Daniel Pringle

LIBERTY LAKE MUNICIPAL LIBRARY

Jim Crace’s Harvest is a subdued historical novel that unfolds at a stately pace. Set in rural England during enclosure, when the commonly held lands were turned to tenant farming, it follows an eventful week in the life of a village upending its

established order. The villagers are bringing in the harvest, a time of hope and celebration as they lay stores by for the coming winter, when a mysterious fire destroys the master’s barn. Conveniently, a group of squatters has appeared whom they can blame for this calamity. From there, the drama escalates when the master’s horse is slaughtered, a squatter dies, the landowning lord arrives to begin preparations for fencing the commons, and accusations of witchcraft arise as three village women are detained for defying the lord. The actions they take to answer these accusations compel the villagers to a stark decision.

Crace writes from the perspective of Walter Thirsk with an authentic voice mixing archaic vocabulary and contemporary prose. Walter embodies someone stuck in the middle, the master’s former sideman who married into the village but remained an outsider, allied to both parties. Even as the modern way of life begins to overtake the old, and new values of progress and prosperity shut out community and cooperation, Walter has faith in another harvest. Though he recognizes the inevitability of change in the face of outside forces, he believes they can survive. “Summer’s in retreat,” he says, but “rain or shine, the earth abides, the land endures, the soil will persevere forever and a day.” Daniel Pringle is adult services and reference librarian at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library.

Don’t miss…

eBay Class

March 8 at 10:30 a.m. Learn how to set up an Ebay account, as well as how to start selling and buying on Ebay.

www.libertylakewa.gov/library 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake • 232-2510

The Splash

22 • MARCH 2014

COMMUNITY

Seven shows comprise LLCT’s robust 2014 slate By Tim Putnam

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

The seven shows planned for the Liberty Lake Community Theatre’s 2014 season represent the organization’s most aggressive schedule to date. “It takes a few of us to come up with a season,” said Kevin Kuecken, LLCT board treasurer and chairman of production. He and board chairman at large and “amazing lady” Vicki Weaver read through prospective scripts to prepare for the season, Kuecken said. “We’re always looking for unknown shows,” he said. “We do that on purpose. We try to find that unnamed show that is really good that no one’s heard about.” The result of all the work launches first with “The Big Five-Oh,” a comedic look at the dysfunction that is George Thomas’ family and the events leading up to his 50th birthday. It runs Feb. 28 to March 8. “Heidi,” running March 28-29, is the first of two Reader’s Theater performances. “Reader’s Theater is completely different than any other kind of theater because it’s all using imagination,” Kuecken said. In Reader’s Theater there are no props, sets or costumes. Much like an old-time radio show, everything is done with the actor’s voice while reading from the script. The production tells the story of Heidi, an orphan girl who lives with her grandfather

in the Alps. She not only touches his life but Three Pigs,” explores the antics that hapalso that of Clara, who in the beginning is pen when Goldilocks hides from the witch bound to a wheelchair. Auditions for the in the home of the Chop brothers. These brothers are the very same ones who esproduction are March 9-10. caped from the Big The Theatre’s Bad Wolf. Auditions spring production are scheduled for is a musical, “The ABOUT LLCT June 1-2. Masked Canary.” Founded: March 2008 A Halloween Running from April mystery comedy, 28 to May 3, the Location: 22910 E. Appleway Ave., “This Old Haunted show is currently in Suite 1 House,” runs Oct. rehearsal. Board members: Jennifer Ophardt 24 to Nov. 2. The “Set in Tombstone, (president and founder); Jean Simpson play explores what Ariz., in the late (secretary); Kevin Kuecken (treasurer and happens when the 1800s, it’s all about “This Home Rechairman of production); Vicki Weaver the town not liking stored” television (chairman at large). LLCT is currently in the fact that the Birdshow comes to work the process of looking for another chaircage is there,” Kueon mob boss Vito man at large to fill a recently vacated cken said. Giovanni’s “supposition. Directed by Emily posedly” haunted Nichols, the comedy Tickets: Purchase at the door, from a house. At the same focuses on former cast member or at libertylaketheatre.com time, Spats Giovansociety belle Amanni is trying to find For more: 342-2055 or info@libertylada, played by Judy the 10 million clams ketheatre.com Black. Amanda takes his uncle Vito hid a job at the town’s there before enterBurlesque theater, ing the Federal Witthe Birdcage, in order to provide for her ness Protection Program. Auditions for the daughter. Amanda becomes the Masked production are scheduled for Aug. 24-25. Canary, wearing a disguise as she performs The second Reader’s Theater perforto protect her identity. mance of the season, “Twain’s Tales,” brings The Theatre presents its summer, kid- five of Mark Twain’s stories to life. The stofocused show from July 25 through Aug. 2. ries come out as five locals try and “out spin” This year’s production, “Goldilocks and the each other with tall tales. “Twain’s Tales”

features performances on Nov. 21-22, with auditions occurring Oct. 27-28. What Kueken describes as “our nice, fun, family show,” “The Polar Bear Prince,” runs Dec. 12-20. The story is a fractured fairy tale about a beauty and her attempts to win a beast who is an enchanted prince. Auditions take place Oct. 20-21. LLCT’s ability to undertake a season with more shows comes from having its own facility at 22910 E. Appleway Ave., Suite 1. “We’ve been here for a year,” Kuecken said, noting the Theatre performed previously at a variety of different venues. “We were nomads going wherever we could.” The group had been looking for more than two years for a permanent location. As a small theater with very little money, the building owner worked with them on a favorable deal. Currently, most of the money raised to support the Theatre comes from ticket sales. “We want to be able to have affordable entertainment for the community,” Kuecken said. “Unfortunately, we struggle (financially).” The Theatre does have some donors, including some silent sponsors and Safeway employees. LLCT also recently received a tourism grant from the city of Liberty Lake. “We’re counting on a lot of word of mouth,” Kuecken said. “We don’t have a lot of advertising we can do; no budget.”

‘The Big Five-Oh’ embraces the dysfunctions families face

By Tim Putnam SPLASH REVIEW

George Thomas, a formal social worker turned professor of sociology, is approaching his milestone 50th birthday. The Liberty Lake Community Theatre’s production of the ‘The Big Five-Oh’ provides a comical glimpse into his family’s dysfunction during the week leading to George’s birthday. The show runs from Feb. 28 to March 16. “George is your typical dad turning 50,” said Director Danielle Read, who is leading her first LLCT performance after directing for 16 years. “This is your typical family. You’re going to watch this show and go, ‘Gosh, that’s my mother.’ Or, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s my sister.’” The play opens by introducing the audience to George’s wife, Marie, played by Nicole Walker, and her tendency to be a hypochondriac with an unhealthy focus on her own death. As George returns home from work, he learns some distressing news about his beloved dog, Annie, including that he won’t be able to cuddle with her when he goes to bed.

“With George, the only structure he has in his life is Annie the dog,” Read said. “It’s the one thing he can count on.” Later, lamenting the ads sent to him on the week of his birthday, Marie “comforts” George by reminding him 50 is at about two-thirds of his life expectancy. She augments her point by stating he is “rounding third and heading for home.” “George is a very unhappy man,” said Kevin Kuecken about his character in the production. “He thinks his children are worthless.” His attitude toward his children is introduced when George asks Marie, “Is the leech here yet?” referring to his deadbeat drummer son, Eric, played by Nicholas Kittilstved. Eric, though, is running late as always, as is their daughter, Julie, played by Tiffany Hill. Marie shares that the dinner party also includes neighbor Kathy Walters, played by Joanie Buck. This upsets George as Kathy always brings her late husband Steve over for dinner in an urn. George himself, though, also exhibits

See FIVE-OH, page 23

SPLASH PHOTO BY TIM PUTNAM

Douglas, played by Steven Blount, offers grace before a meal during a scene of “The Big Five-Oh.” The comedy opens Feb. 28 and runs through March 16 at Liberty Lake Community Theatre.

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 23

COMMUNITY

FIVE-OH

IF YOU GO ...

Continued from page 22

an issue with letting go of loved ones as he keeps his long-since deceased mother’s chair at the dinner table. The evening unfolds with an unexpected guest joining them: Julie’s fiancé, Douglas, of whom her parents knew nothing about. Douglas, played by Steven Blount, turns out to be a vegetarian Republican more than 20 years older than Julie. “It’s almost like everybody’s family,” said Hill, whose favorite part of the play is a Douglas’ pre-meal prayer. “Everybody has little quirks and little things here and there, and you actually can see it on stage.” Julie Berghammer plays Sara Donovan, a student George believes to be enamored with him, a role Berghammer is well suited for. “I think I draw from being younger, being a teenager, being naïve,” said Berghammer. “Just seeing how girls that age range can act.” The play unfolds with explorations into Marie’s atrocious baking, George’s poetry and Eric and Steve’s opera “date.” The production under Read’s direction takes many comical twists and turns along the way to George’s birthday. “You know it’s a good show when you do the first read through — the first time you have the script in your hand — and you can’t get through the read through because the cast is laughing,” Kuecken said. “Usually the laughs don’t come until the cast puts them in there. This one from day one was hilarious.” When asked where he pulled his inspiration for George, Kuecken had to admit it came from himself. “The sarcastic son-of-a-gun that he is, is me,” Kuecken said. “George is probably the most even-keeled character I have ever played. He’s a normal guy.” Read saw much of herself in Julie; made all the more interesting with the opportunity to direct her younger sister, Hill, in the role.

What: ‘The Big Five-Oh’ Where: Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave., Suite 1 Cast: Kevin Kuecken, Nicole Walker, Tiffany Hill, Nicholas Kittilstved, Joanie Buck, Julie Berghammer, Steven Blount, “Lucy” as Annie the dog Crew: Director Danielle Read, Rick Pentland, Seneca Hill, Jade Read, Juliana Buck, Michael Read Performances: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, March 1, March 6-9 and March 13-15; 2 p.m. March 1-2 and March 16 Cost: $12 general admission, $8 seniors (65+) and youth 6-12 (5 and under are free). Tickets are available at libertylaketheater.com, from a cast member and at the door. Seating for each show is limited. For more: libertylaketheatre.com “I push her to do a lot of things I know I would do,” Read said. “You definitely sometimes take your home life and throw that in there, especially on something like this that’s so close to home anyway.” Throughout the performance, it’s easy to see the cast members have embraced their characters. And by the final closing of the Thomas’ front door, the characters in George’s family each have grown in relationship, life and an understanding of longtime sabotage. There is even a much-needed confession as the characters leave some part of their old life behind during George’s pivotal birthday. As a comedy that explores family dysfunction, there are a few references that make “The Big Five-Oh” less of a family show and more appropriate for adult and teenage audiences. “I do not recommend the show for anyone probably under 14,” Read said. “From there on, they’re going to get the jokes; they’re going to love it. It’s funny. It’s everyone’s family.”

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24 • MARCH 2014

PROFILES

The Splash

Scott shares water knowledge on Kenya trip By Eli Francovich

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

It’s the children in Kenya that remain in his mind. “The children are a delight,” Dennis Scott said. “They have absolutely nothing, but they are happy little kids.” Scott, a longtime Liberty Lake resident, returned in February from a three-week mission trip in Kenya. While there, Spokane County’s retired director of public works helped teach locals how to hand drill for water. Scott said around 5 million Kenyan kids die every year from water-related illnesses — that, and his religious convictions, brought him to the eastern African country for the trip. Scott’s church, Word of Life in Newman Lake, sponsored 53 churches in Kenya over a period of 15 years. They also do mission work in Mexico and the Ukraine. “[Just] the thought of kids having to spend their days hauling water, something just said that’s not right,” he said. Although the primary goal of the trip was to drill wells, he said he ended up connecting to the people and culture, especially the children. Scott said the hair on the westerners’ forearms fascinated the kids. Kenyans don’t typically have arm hair. Additionally, as they spent more time in the sun and got darker, the children marveled at how their skin changed color — this prompted them to pull up the back of their shirts to see the whiter skin untouched by the sun. And Scott spent plenty of time in the sun. The drilling process, developed by Water for All International, a Texasbased company, relies completely on locally available materials, saving money, but requiring more physical labor. This, he said, allows communities to implement their own drilling programs instead of relying on foreign support or money. “The end result was that we were able to drill two holes,” he said. “We also trained a team of Kenyans. They had started a third well while we were there.” In preparation for the trip, Scott said he went to Water for All International’s headquarters in Paint Rock, Texas. Two other members of his church, Doug Sullivan and Tom Roberts, came with him. There they learned the process and learned how to teach others. Although there were some complications in Kenya, overall it still worked out. “The people there are very friendly — very industrious and very creative people,” Scott said. One aspect of Kenyan culture that particularly impressed Scott was the religious dedication.

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Above, Dennis Scott (pictured on the far left touching Splash), traveled to Bungoma, Kenya, with Doug Sullivan and Tom Roberts of Word of Life Church in Newman Lake. The team traveled to train Kenyans how to hand drill for water, which is in short supply there. The team successfully drilled two wells, including the one shown at left. By the end of the three-week trip, the Kenyans who the team trained had drilled one as well. “People would walk for miles to come to church,” he said. “I mean, it’s a crazy different culture. We rarely see someone walk half a mile to go to church [in America].” Church services would last for about five hours and included plenty of dancing and singing, Scott said. Perhaps the biggest thing he noticed was how content everyone seemed, especially the children. “They get along with what they have, and the interesting part about it is it brings out creativity in them,” he said. For example, when they first started drilling, they needed a shallow hole dug. Scott and the two men he was with suggested they use a posthole digger. The Ke-

nyans had no idea what they meant. Instead, they used machetes. Slamming the points into the earth, they broke up the hard ground and then used their hands to scoop the loose dirt out. Then they took a spring from a car and used that as a makeshift drill to go deeper. Ultimately, Scott said the goal is to raise more money to help drill more wells. In an effort to do this, his church hired a videographer to accompany them on the trip. Right now, they’re putting together DVDs to sell. Although this isn’t the first mission trip he’s been on, Scott said the nature of the Kenyan people resonated with him. When the work was done at the end of the day, he said they would sit under a

DENNIS SCOTT Birthdate May 13, 1942

Five dream dinner guests Jesus, Bill O’Reilly, Megyn Kelly, Charles Krauthammer, Vince Flynn

Perfect meal Seafood fettuccini

What I’m reading “Things That Matter,” by Charles Krauthammer

Most treasured possession Pocket watch that belonged to my father.

Favorite holiday Christmas — We celebrate the birth of Christ and it is family time.

First job Paperboy in La Crosse, Wis.

Worst job Laborer on hot asphalt in South Dakota when the temperature was 100

I’m up and at ‘em by 6:30 a.m.

My motto Always do your best.

tree and just visit. “I think just the experience to me is one of a blessing — of making the trip, being thankful for what we have and knowing that there is still more to be done,” Scott said. “We will probably make another trip over there and follow through with more teaching.”

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COMMUNITY

The Splash

Remembering my final visit to Wayne’s World By Russell Kinney

SPLASH GUEST COLUMN

Age 72, Wayne Kamps lived in Spokane Valley when I tracked him down recently. I had met Wayne a few years ago, just like many people have, as the friendly face that greets you while washing your vehicle at the Country Vista Car Wash in Liberty Lake. I had not seen Wayne for awhile and in an attempt to learn of his fate, I checked the obituaries, but fortunately had learned nothing. Soon after, I arranged to meet Wayne at his home. I said, “Hey Wayne! I have your last homework assignment. Can I write down some of your story? You can even proofread it when I have finished it.” To meet Wayne at the car wash was always a pleasure. My favorite memory was when Wayne would always want you to come back to see him again. To some he joked, “If you are not happy with your car wash, we will gladly give you back your dirt.” Wayne Allen Kamps was born in Spokane at Sacred Heart Hospital on Sept. 3, 1941, three months before Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. His daughter, Nona, walked in and sat down next to us as we talked. Wayne says, “The joys of raising children should last a lifetime; there comes a time when they fight back.” “Oh, dad,” she sighed. Wayne leaned over to her, “What is the one thing I have always told you [since you were kids] to remember before I die?” No hesitation. “To think,” she replied. “Think about what,” I inquired. “Anytime you are faced with a problem or issue, strike a line down the middle of a piece of paper, write good on one side and bad on the other.” He says we should know what to do next. After I told Wayne that I was also born

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Wayne Kamps was the longtime manager at Country Vista Car Wash, where he shared many of his “Wayne-isms” with the community, including friend Russell Kinney. in Spokane, Nona left the room, while mimicking the “Mark’s Gypsy Curse” “Once you are born in Spokane … you will always come back.” Wayne spent most of his life in the Pacific Northwest, with time in Portland, Seattle, Montana and Idaho, where he graduated from Post Falls High School in 1959. He married his beloved wife, Wanda, 24 years ago. In 2002, Wayne had the opportunity to be a part of the Liberty Lake business community by coordinating the day-to-day operations of Country Vista Car Wash. He became well versed and active in the affairs and activities of Liberty Lake. I asked him what he wanted people to remember him by. “My goal is and always has been to deliver a good car wash at a competitive price, and the customer to drive away with a happy, clean car.” “Is that a Wayne-ism?” I asked. “Sure,” he replied. “I was thinking about inscribing a quotation in a rock somewhere to remember you by,” I said. “Well, you should know, you designed

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my headstone,” he fired back. “Oh yeah, how could I forget?” I said, “The most important thing to hang on to … is each other.” Two years ago, the management at the car wash was so impressed by his work that they offered Wayne (and Wanda) a full expense paid trip to anywhere in the world. He refused but had one request: “I would love a headstone.” It’s in the ground already, at the Post Falls Evergreen Cemetery, just under his name and date of birth is a small target with the words: “P Here.” “I don’t mind this dying business, my doctor just says, ‘eat! eat! eat!’” Wayne said enthusiastically. “I never have to worry about my diet anymore. No more breakfast, lunch or dinner, I eat anything I want — anytime I like!” “If you had a choice, what would you like to have for your last supper?” I asked. “Coquilles St. Jacques.” “What‘s that?” “Scallops cooked in a mushroom, wine and butter sauce,” he said before adding, “with a bowl of vanilla ice cream drenched in red raspberry drizzled with a few drops of mint.” As we talk, Wayne has so many wires running through his body to keep him alive he can’t pass through an electric door without the possibility of his heart skipping a beat. “You can’t even walk into a grocery store?” I said. “Nope,” he replied. “You should see me try to dodge airport security.” He shows me an X-ray of his chest cavity, and it looks like an off-road trail map. Wayne’s first heart attack was at age 35. After three more attacks in three years, a heart defibrillator was sewn into his chest in 1990. He is on his seventh one. In February 2013, cancer was found in his right rib cage, spine and left lung. After 35 radiation treatments without chemo, they just found cancer in his hip joint and at the base of his skull. “Do you have any regrets?” I said. “None,” he said. “I have lived a full and happy life.” “Are you afraid of dying?” I said.

“Are you afraid of living?” he replied. “You can finally accept death only when you have seriously pondered the situation. I was a farm boy. I have seen pigs being born; rabbits, cats, puppies and even goats … and it all boils down to this: The miracle of birth is awesome, you know Who is in charge the moment it happens. You are nothing. Once I understood that, then dying is not an issue.” “If everyone could just once witness a live birth, with their own eyes,” he added, “it will change your life.” I agreed and said, “How do you feel now?” “Well, they think I’m dead.” he said. “What!?” I exclaimed. “Yeah, the heart machine shows that I just flatlined. I’m hooked up to a group of doctors in the Midwest right now; they can adjust my defibrillator if something goes amiss.” With a wry smile he says, “You just can’t depend on machines wholeheartedly; there’s always a need for humans to back up the system.” “There is one more question, that weighs heavily on my heart, Wayne,” I said. “Is there comfort to give someone who is still grieving over the loss of a loved one? How do you move on when you miss someone so horribly?” “First off, you have to tell yourself you can’t do anything to change what happened yesterday, but you can change what happens tomorrow,” he said. “You must realize the fact that you have to start over today.” “That’s got to be the ultimate Wayneism,” I said. “Yeah,” he said. I got up to leave and turned around just as I reached the door. “Hey Wayne! I am going to miss you when you’re gone.” From the back of the room, he shouted his reply: “Don’t be afraid of death. It’s a piece of cake; everybody does it!” Wayne Kamps succumbed to his illnesses on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. Russell Kinney is a longtime resident of Liberty Lake. • Asset Preservation & Disability Planning • Medicare and Medicaid • Guardianships & Trusts

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28 • MARCH 2014

COMMUNITY

Obituaries Thelma Mellick Thelma Bernice (Bateman) Mellick, 94, entered into rest on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, in Spokane. She was a lifetime resident of the area. She was born Oct. 5, 1919, to William and Pearl (Seichepine) Bateman in Spokane. Thelma graduated from Rogers High School in 1937, where she was the salutatorian. She was queen of the first “Spokane Stampede” Rodeo in 1939. She married Fran Mellick in 1941 in Spokane, and they were married for 59 years before Fran passed away. She worked for Tull & Gibbs department store early on and part time at James J. Williams Trucking Company where Fran worked. She worked as a volunteer at Sacred Heart Hospital Gift Shop for more than 35 years. She and Fran enjoyed playing tennis and square dancing and were both avid travelers, having crisscrossed the United States numerous times. Thelma was known as the pink lady as she always was wearing pink and she was a fantastic pie maker. She and Fran lived their whole married lives in the Spokane Valley, with Liberty Lake being their home since 1975. Thelma is survived by sons: Jerry Mellick, Will (Angel) Mellick, John (Kori) Mellick; daughters: Susan (Randy) Jewett, Patty (Jim) Ewing — all from Spokane; 13 grandchildren: Scott Mellick, Chad Mellick, Joeli Mellick, Kailyn Mellick, Holli Mellick, Chris Mellick, Thomas Hale, Justin Hale, Loren Mellick, Sherrie Orvik Stradley, Steven Orvik, Eric Ewing, Angela Ewing Hubbard; and 19 great-grandchildren. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Fran Mellick, her sister, Wilma Moffatt, and her parents, Will and Pearl Bateman. A funeral service was held Feb. 3 at Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane. Interment followed at Riverside Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Gift Shop — P.O. Box 2555, Spokane, WA 99220.

Stephen E. Bennett Stephen E. Bennett, 83, United States Air Force, retired, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, at Holmes Regional Medical Center. He was born in Dansville, N.Y., and moved to Brevard Country, Fla., in the 1980s from Weeping Water, Neb. He and his wife, Beatrice Van Amburg-Bennett, spent summers with their daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Odin Langford in Liberty Lake. Steve was a veteran of the Korean War and served as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Stephen was a former commander of the American Legion and a previous member of Wally Byam Air Stream International. Mr. Bennett is survived by his wife, Beatrice Van Amburg of Melbourne, Fla.; children, Jackie and Allen Bauers of Weeping Water, Neb.; David Bennett of Kansas; Jill and Odin Langford of Liberty Lake; Wm. D. and Beverley Van Amburg of Tempe, Ariz.; Craig and Beverly Van Amburg of Fairbanks, Alaska; Bruce Van Amburg of Richmond, Va.; daughterin-law Renee Sheehan of Weeping Water, Neb., and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Carol, in 2005. A memorial service was held Jan. 27 at Peace Lutheran Church in Palm Bay, Fla., with arrangements by Life Event Center at Florida Memorial. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Disabled American Veterans.

Obituary Policy The Splash prints obituaries of people with ties to the Liberty Lake community. Obituaries 350 words or fewer are free of charge, and a small head shot photo is included. Longer obituaries or special photo requests can be accommodated using Splash advertising rates. Please ask the funeral home or service making arrangements to send obituaries to editor@libertylakesplash.com.

Relay for Life kicks off LL event with party Annual fundraiser to take place in July By Tammy Kimberley SPLASH STAFF WRITER

With a desire to help people celebrate more birthdays as well as get in the spirit of the upcoming summer event, the Liberty Lake Relay for Life committee is inviting community members to an informational celebration this month. The kickoff party will be held 5:30 p.m. March 18 at Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway. “We’ll have activities for kids while their parents are finding out info, as well as some light refreshments,” American Cancer Society representative Jennifer Kronvall said. “We hope to answer any questions about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.” Funds raised through Relay for Life go toward cancer research, programs and services, Kronvall explained. This includes making sure cancer patients receive their treatments by providing rides and lodging, when needed. The first Liberty Lake Relay, held in 2011, started with four committee members who managed to pull together an event that raised $12,000. Kronvall said last year’s event raised $27,000.

“It’s grown a lot, especially when the trend has been going down for a lot of events,” she said. “This Relay has gone the other direction.” The fourth annual Liberty Lake Relay for Life will be held July 1819 at the Meadowwod Technology Campus. The theme for this year’s event is “Once Upon a Relay: Everyone Deserves a Happily Ever After.” Jean Simpson, co-chair for this year’s events, said a common misconception is that the event is an actual run. She emphasized the goal is to have fun while honoring survivors. “The event itself is a culmination of everybody raising money. It’s a big party where we celebrate everyone’s efforts as well as celebrate the survivors,” Simpson said. “That’s why we do it — so people can celebrate more birthdays.” The event will begin 6 p.m. Friday evening with a full night of ceremonies, entertainment, games and kids activities. Simpson encouraged cancer survivors to sign up for the event so they can be recognized during the ceremonies and also be honored with a free dinner. While forming teams is encouraged for fundraising purposes, Simpson said you don’t have to be part of a team to at-

RELAY KICKOFF PARTY March 18 at 5:30 p.m. Liberty Lake Community Theatre 22910 E. Appleway The event will include games, prizes, snacks and information about how to be a part of the American Cancer Society’s 2014 Liberty Lake Relay. For more: www.facebook.com/ libertylakerelay tend the event or to help out. The committee is still in the planning stages and is recruiting members for everything from team development to staffing the parking lot the night of the event. She also said she would like to see local companies come on board to challenge others in their industries with fundraising goals. “We’re all in it for the same reason—we want a cure,” Simpson said. “There are so many volunteering their time, there have got to be more people who want to do the same.” For more, go to www.relayforlife.org/libertylakewa or www. facebook.com/libertylakerelay.

Education Briefs Liberty Lake culinary student graduates Jacqulyn Fletcher of Liberty Lake graduated from the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy at Spokane Community College in December 2013. Fully accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, this program prepares graduates to work alone or as part of a team in a wide range of positions in the culinary industry.

Colleges honor local students The following Liberty Lake residents were recently recog-

nized by colleges for their Fall 2013 academic performance. Information was provided via press releases submitted from schools.

Spokane Community College Honor roll (3.0+)

Emily Orenstein

Gregory Benzel, Elena Blackburn, Kelsey Bliss, Rachel Butler, Danielle Cosper, Chris Cote, Chanse Cramer, Jared Fincher, Jacqulyn Fletcher, Brandon Garcia, Rebecca Grealy, Jamee Hart, David Hunton, Mallory Jones, Alexandra Kelly, Matthew Kienbaum, Michael Marcus, Paula Mcewen, Sara Mower, Sheena Moya, Stefanie Obrien, Stephanie Ofarrell, Chad Ohl, Allie Oleynik, Randy Paul, Taylor Pippenger, Kevin Ruiz, Stephanie Scheurer, Joseph Staples, Heather Sutton, Sarah Vogel, Michael Weimer

Creighton University (Omaha, Neb.) Dean’s List (3.5+)

Spokane Falls Community College Honor roll (3.0+)

Arizona State University (Tempe, Ariz.) Dean’s List (3.5+) Sydnee Scofield, Mackenzie Via

Carroll College (Helena, Mont.) Dean’s List (3.5+)

Nicholaus, Johnson

Gonzaga University Dean’s List (3.5 to 3.69)

Taylor Kelley, Matthew McCauley, Parick McNeil

President’s List (3.7+)

Christina Davis, Lucas Schneidmiller, Ande Seines

North Idaho College Dean’s List (3.75+) Kellie Watson

Bryan Aguilar, Brianna Beckwith, Nathan Brown, Shawn Buck, Trevor Cook, Chris Dixon, Stephen Ertel, Alyssa Garro, Ronda Gimlen,Fay Hulihan, Aaron Kennedy, Natoine Lively Ii, Brittni Ludington, Alexandria Mc Laughlin, Zelpha Miller, Jessica Neihoff, Jordyn Sandford, Micah Seale, Kendyl Spencer, Rosharon Swank, Alex Sweeney, Cody Tibesar, Brooke Wayman, Shayla Williams

Whitworth University Honor roll (3.75+)

Nicole Kallestad, Dakota Kliamovich, Karly Rasmussen

LOCAL LENS

The Splash

Birth Announcement

A Globetrotting good time

MARCH 2014 • 29

Splash Travels

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Dane Anderson, Jonathon Lee, Nelson Whybrew and Thomas Dunne recently attended a Harlem Globetrotters game at the Spokane Arena.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Luke and Jennifer Richey took The Splash along to the Hana waterfalls on Maui while recently in Hawaii celebrating Luke’s 40th birthday.

Shutterbug Snapshots SUBMITTED PHOTO

Drew Tomas Tappan was welcomed into the world on Nov. 26, 2013. He weighed 7 lbs. and was 20 ¾ inches long. He is the son of Krista (Kosanke) and Brent Tappan of Lake Stevens, Wash. Proud grandparents are Rik and Karolyn Kosanke of Liberty Lake.

A witness to world news

Jim Klosterman opened his front door one February day to find the cow moose at right browsing on shrubbery. He also captured a pine cone emerging in the afternoon sun (above) and beautifully flocked pine trees from a recent cold snap (lower right).

Michael Hassett took a shot of the Common Goldeneye above from the Centennial Trail just west of Barker Road. He also photographed the group of horses below that always seem to take an interest when he rides by on his bike along Idaho Road. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kelley Shaw, daughter of Tom and Annette Shaw, completed an internship with the U.S. State Department last December. She served at the U.S. Mission to the OSCE (largest regional security organization in the world) in Vienna, Austria, where she worked with the U.S. delegation’s Political Section team. Shaw’s involvement in the OSCE’s council during the organization’s Ukrainian chairmanship brought her to Kiev amidst the December protests, where she witnessed political unrest firsthand.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

BUSINESS

30 • MARCH 2014

The Splash

Butcher Block completes culinary trifecta By Valerie Putnam

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

Emulating the feel of an oldfashioned full-service butcher shop, the family-owned Butcher Block opened its doors in early February. “It’s a lost art that I think is coming back,” co-owner Patrick Fechser said, “and we want to bring it to Liberty Lake.” Located in the strip of businesses at 21718 E. Mission Ave. that also includes Hay J’s Bistro and Eau de Vie Wine Shoppe, Butcher Block offers its customers high-quality meats, cheeses and specialty items. Fechser owns and operates the business along with his mother, Rhonda Entner and second cousin Eddy Rogers. Fechser and Entner also own Hay J’s and Eau de Vie. “We’re trying to hit people who enjoy really good food and really good wine,” Fechser said. “With all three, we can do that.” The intimate, 700-square-foot butcher store features a dozen pictures of historic Spokane butcher shops dating back to the 1880s. “A long time ago, there were these kind of places everywhere,” Fechser said. “You didn’t go to the grocery store to buy everything.” Displaying its offerings behind large glass meat cases, Butcher Block’s staff offers customers an extensive knowledge of each cut of meat. “I’m going to tell them about the meat, where it came from,” Fechser said about how they take an old-fashioned approach to the business. “The information they get from us you can’t get at a supermarket. It will be more personable service.” The store features all natural, hormone-free American Kobe Beef from Snake River Farms. “Kobe is higher grade than prime,” Fechser said. “Super high quality.” Other options to be found at Butcher Block include natural free range chicken with no antibiotics or hormones, Alaskan seafood, nitrate-free sausages, veal and lamb. The only meat Butcher Block sells that have nitrates are its brats.

THREE BUSINESSES ON THE ‘BLOCK’ Mother-son team Rhonda Entner and Patrick Fechser own a trio of side-by-side businesses located in a gas station strip mall at 21724 E. Mission. BUTCHER BLOCK What: Store offering high quality meats, cheeses and specialty items. Eddy Rogers joins Entner and Fechser as a partner. Opened: February Hours: Variable For more: 928-4530 HAY J’S BISTRO What: Restaurant serving “simple food done with perfect execution, with a little bit of French and Italian feel to it.” SPLASH PHOTO BY VALERIE PUTNAM

From left, Rhonda Entner, Patrick Fechser and Eddy Rogers opened Butcher Block at the beginning of February. “People are more conscious of what they put in their bodies,” Fechser said as to why they seek out a high-quality selection. “They want to know where their food is coming from before they eat it.” Besides top-quality meat choices, Butcher Block offers 3040 different varieties of cheese, from Italian and French imports to domestic cheeses such as Wisconsin and California. “It’s not every-day cheeses,” Fechser said. “They have more flavor, sharper, creamier.” The shop offers dressings, sauces and soups, all made from scratch in Hay J’s. Spices sold in the store are from either Hay J’s or other local sources. “We want to keep it as local as possible,” Fechser said about his inventory. “It’s stuff you won’t find anywhere.” Fechser said some of the fish he sells is “one day fresh out of the water,” with selections flown in from Hawaii.

“I call in the morning and get it the next morning,” Fechser said. “It’s incredible.” He offers, with enough lead time, the option for customers to place special orders, such as prime rib, turkey or beef wellington. “We do special orders on almost everything,” Fechser said. For special occasions, the business plans to sell charcuterie trays on small cherry or beech wood butcher block boards that Rogers makes by hand. “Somebody invites you to dinner or you’re going to a party and want to bring something — it would be perfect for those times,” Entner said. Other items Butcher Block sells include industrial quality kitchen utensils such as knives, tongs, whips and spoons. As business grows, Fechser plans to add other things such as salad kits or sushi rolls for customers to take home.

“We’re starting as simple as possible,” Fechser said. “We’ll be evolving as we go.” The opening of Butcher Block enhances features offered in the other two businesses. A fresh sheet highlighting meat from Butcher Block will be offered to diners in Hay J’s on a weekly basis. “Half of the dinner menu will change once a week,” Fechser said about featuring ‘Fresh from the Butcher Block’ menu at Hay J’s. “We’ll rotate through the meats quickly.” With the addition of a small prep kitchen in back of Butcher Block, Fechser plans to provide more catering services as well as intimate wine dinners at Eau de Vie Wine Shoppe. The first dinner is already planned for March. The reservation-only dinners provide a dining experience of five or six courses with a different wine paired with each course. Eau de Vie’s wine flights now

Opened: 2006 Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday (subject to change). For more: 926-2310. EAU DE VIE WINE SHOPPE What: Featuring over 300 bottles of wine, Eau de Vie rotates eight to nine reds and six to seven whites for its by-the-glass selection. Chris and Amber Cates are partners with Entner and Fechser on the venture. Opened: 2011 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more: 926-5900. feature three different wines paired with three different Butcher Block cheeses. “They complement each other,” Fechser said of the new wine and cheese flights.

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 31

BUSINESS

In Biz

d an Gr ing n e Op

Experience the Difference of

Pentecost

STCU announces promotions Spokane Teacher Credit Union announced the promotion of two Vice Presidents to chief officer positions recently. Ev Hopkins has been named chief administrative officer and Belinda Caillouet has been promoted to chief operations and information officer. These promotions are part of a new senior management structure at STCU. Hopkins joined HOPKINS STCU in 1995 and previously served as the vice president of human resources and organizational development. As CAO, Hopkins oversees human resources, training, administration, facilities and marketing. CAILLOUET Caillouet, who joined STCU in 1986, formerly held the position of vice president of information technology. In her new role as CIO/COO, she oversees technology, branches and operations. STCU is headquartered in Liberty Lake.

Annual Chamber honorees include Telect, The Splash The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized the following businesses, individuals and organizations as winners in the 2013 Awards of Excellence program at the annual Gem of the Valley Gala. Business of the Year - Tier I: The Splash/ The Current Business of the Year - Tier II: Telect Inc. Entrepreneur of the Year: Mark and Steffanie Anderson, Business Cents Charity/Cultural Services Award: Spokane Symphony Community Caring Award: Mark Peterson, “KXLY Extreme Team” Chamber Member Volunteer of the Year: Julie Van Wormer, ALSC Architects Educators of the Year: Central Valley School District, Leanne Donley; West Valley School District, Haley Murray 2013 Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year: Max Spalding More than 250 guests attended the Jan. 25 event, which was held at the Mirabeau Park Hotel. In Biz features Liberty Lake-connected business items. Contact The Splash with business news at editor@libertylakesplash. com.

www.spokanecornerstonechurch.org Sunday at 11am and Wednesday at 7:30pm 21326 East Mission Avenue, Liberty Lake, Wa.

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The Heart of our Community

L I B E RT Y L A K E M U N I C I PA L L I B R A RY Guest Speaker — Dawn Nelson, Western Author from Creston, WA

Winner of the Academy of Western Artists 2010 Buck Ramsey Book of the Year Award Entertainment — Keyboardist Seth Loman Playing an array of 50s and classics

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close to home If your business deals with the health of our community, you’ll want to be a part of Healthy Valley – a special pullout to be included in April issues of The Splash and The Current! This supplement will focus on community well-being, healthcare access and opportunities for healthconscious individuals in our area. Articles include information on strides made in the last decade in Spokane Valley healthcare access, opportunities for being active as winter thaws, Valley menu options that are responsible and delicious, a first-glimpse at Providence’s new Spokane Valley facility and more! • Prime opportunity for medical, dental, fitness, wellness, healthy dining and similar advertisers (advertising open to businesses of all kinds) • Distribution begins March 26 to every Liberty Lake home/business, as well as 230+ newsstands throughout the Valley— that’s 17,000 copies! To view a rate card, go to www.libertylakesplash. com/special. AD RESERVATION DEADLINE:

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SPORTS

32 • MARCH 2014

The Splash

CV wrestling places four state finalists Basketball teams both see seasons end short of state

By Mike Vlahovich

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

Central Valley wrestling coach John Owen was hoping for the best when his Bears qualified seven wrestlers to Mat Classic XXVI in Tacoma Feb. 22-23. He got it. Four grapplers reached the state finals. Junior Blake Beard, at 135 pounds, and senior Colton Orrino, 145 (see story, page 34), won their second successive state titles. Also reaching the finals were sophomore Bryson Beard, 120, who finished third a year ago, and senior 160-pounder David Shepard, a year after he went unplaced. “Both state champions are undefeated and both had solid seasons,” Owen said. “Bryson kind of goes unnoticed.” Orrino survived a scare in the quarterfinals, winning 8-7, but had a great second

day, taking the title with a 6-1 decision in his final tournament. Blake Beard scored 42 points and allowed 3 in his first three matches, winning 6-2 for the title. Bryson and Shepard finished second and senior Elijah Kilborn (132) finished seventh. State has become a numbers game, and though five Bears were regional champions, sophomore 182 pounder Chauncye Garigan the other, they had finished third as a team at regionals. “I can’t imagine anyone would (have thought) another team in state could finish (only) third with five champions,” Owen said. “The only thing we can do is to control the things we can. I see no reason we can’t maximize our performance at the state tournament.” They did that at state, finishing fourth as a team with a tourney-best four finalists, but were unable to match Lake Stevens’ eight placers. Freshman Braedon Orrino (also 132) and Garigan, went unplaced.

CV girls miss regional After beating Walla Walla 63-52, the

Bears were a win away from qualifying for the 4A basketball regional. They hit a roadblock. Trailing Chiawana by just three points at halftime, CV was outscored 42-19 in the second half of an 83-57 season-ending loss. Junior Madison Hovren scored 51 points in the two games, including 30 against Chiawana. It was a turnaround year for the Bears, who finished second in the Greater Spokane League and finished with a 17-7 record. The Bears girls had won back-to-back thrillers over Mead, one in double overtime and the second in overtime to advance to the 4A subregional. Mariah Cunningham scored 28 points and had 13 rebounds in the second win over Mead. Hovren was averaging 22-points per game heading into subregional.

Boys season over CV boys lost a heart breaking 57-54 decision to Gonzaga Prep, punctuated by a four-minute scoring drought, in districts,

ending their season and denying the Bears (16-5) a chance for a third-straight state appearance. Adam Chamberlain finished with 36 points in two playoff games, including a 25-point barrage in a playoff rematch with Mead, and averaged a little below 15 points for the year. He was the only CV player to average in double figures during the postseason, A.J. Knudsen falling just short. A total of six players scored double-digit games, but none of the other four consistently.

Gymnasts to state Four Bears participated in the State 4A gymnastics meet in the Tacoma Dome that competes alongside wrestling. McKinzie Carter placed ninth allaround with a 35.3 score. She tied for 12th on balance beam, tied for 15th on vault, was 17th on uneven bars and tied for 23rd during floor exercise. Izzy Erdem, took 24th on vault and was fifth in floor exercise during Saturday’s individual competition. Savannah Folsom on bars and Clarissa Martinez on beam also participated at state.

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 33

SPORTS

Four tips to building that billion-dollar bracket By Chad Kimberley SPLASH COLUMN

than 4, I almost always give them the second round upset over a top seed before losing in the Sweet Sixteen. If the Hawkeyes are playing locally and I manage to get tickets for the game, there is NO WAY I can’t pick them through to the Sweet Sixteen. But when picking for a billion, I may have to acknowledge they are a one-win-anddone team, depending on the second round matchup. So Gonzaga fans, take note. The Bulldogs are a solid 5- to 7-seed, which means a first round win and probably that is all unless you want to pick with your heart — in which case they will avenge their round two loss to Wichita State last year by landing an 8 seed and beating the Shockers in the second round before marching on to the Final Four.

Lesson No. 4: Being seeded No. 1 matters … kinda

This is the lesson I struggle with often. I love to find that 3 or 4 seed that will make the run and win the title, and too often I end up with a Final Four minus the top four teams in the tourney. The reality is that since going to the 64-team format, the No. 1 seed has cut down the nets more than 60 percent of the time. If I am playing for a billion bucks, I am going to have to pick a No. 1 seed to win this tournament. It is just good odds. At the same time, the last four Final Fours combined have only seen three No. 1 seeds among them, so my advice is to pick at least

one top seed to reach the Final Four (two if you are feeling lucky), BUT you need to pick that same team to win the whole thing. ••• Will these four simple rules help you win a billion bucks? I would say no. In fact, the odds most experts show for getting all 63 games correct is 1 in 9.2 quintillion (which I am pretty sure is a bigger number than billion). But maybe, just maybe, this is the year. If it is me, I will kindly ask The Splash to forward all my future mail to Chad Kimberley, c/o Bracketville Island. For now, Chad Kimberley is a resident of Liberty Lake. He is a teacher and coach.

The perfect bracket. This is the holy grail of sports, in my humble opinion. Sixty-three correct picks over three weeks. Correctly picking every upset, every Sweet 16 participant and each of the Final Four. When I first started paying attention to brackets, I remember contests that would guarantee $10,000 dollars to any player who Lesson No. 2: Don’t fall had the perfect bracket. As the years rolled in love with a conference by and repeated choruses of “One Shining I fall into this trap each year. You listen Moment” were sung, the dollar value went to the hype; you hear how this or that conup — $100,000 to any perfect picker and ference is the best in the nation and could then it got to $1 million. land three teams in the Final Four. A few As I would pick my upsets, high&seeds • Speed Agilityyears classes improve athletic back,to I did this with the Big performance East and and ridiculous homer picks, I could only I saw my national title pick Pittsburgh rental for practices & sports-themed birthday parties • Team facility imagine what I would do with that mil- bow out in the second round. MarilynD@johnlscott.com CRS, ABR, RELO Clinics private sports lessons to prepare for a season or try-outs lion dollars … that is until• the first & round I am NEVER too busy for your referrals! This year, with the break-up of major Licensed in Washington and Idaho of games on the Thursday •morning ended Memberships available or itjust droptoineven andfigure checkout it out! conferences, is hard that dream. who is in what conference, much less fall Now the perfect bracket is worth $1 bil- in love with one of them. The Big Ten has Turf training room, bask etball/volleyball court, ba lion. Say it with me: “ONE BILLION DOL- gotten a lot of positive publicity, but even tting cage & retail BA SE LARS.” BALL | BASKETBALL | FOOT as a Midwest kid I have a hard time beBALL | FAST-PITCH | LACR OSSE | SOCCER | VOLLEYB Quicken Loans and uber-rich investor lieving more than one team could get to ALL Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway the Promised Land (unless, of course, the has offered the ultimate prize for the perfect Hawkeyes go on an unbelievable run and bracket, which can be paid out in 40 annual … wait … quit typing with my heart) of installments of $25 million or one lump the Final Four. The reality is that talent payment of $500 million — your choice. Al- is across the country, and in a one-andlow the fantasies of how you will spend that done tournament, anything can happen. money wash over you. I am imagining a pri- Putting all of your eggs in one conference basket will probably end the billion-dollar vate island which I will name Bracketville. dream. OK, time to refocus. So, how does one begin building the per- Lesson No. 3: Limit fect bracket? For starters, you must hon- your underdog love estly analyze why you fail each year to have Yes, we all love the crazy upset. Valparaia perfect bracket — or even better yet, why so knocks off Mississippi. Princeton defeats your spouse or children who pick based on UCLA. Weber State takes down North Car$ the team with a dog mascot do better than olina. Hampton over Iowa State (loved that your bracket. As I examine my picks, I have one as a Hawkeye fan). But we need to be Please present this ad to us by March 31st to redeem. learned four key lessons. realistic and realize that as great as the upset and underdog story is, it should not litter Lesson No. 1: Stop your bracket. picking with your heart I fall into the trap of picking multiple upI love my Iowa Hawkeyes. As of right sets so that I can be the smart one to say, now, my Hawks are a likely No. 4 or No. “hey, I picked North Dakota State to defeat 5 seed, which means they have a shot to Syracuse,” but the problem is each year we play in the Spokane Arena for the first two get one or two of those huge, exciting up25023 E. Appleway Ave. rounds of the tournament. This could be sets, so if you are battling for a billion you Liberty Lake, WA 99019 very unfortunate for my bracket. You see, I need to be very judicious and choose one, love picking with my heart when it comes to maybe two — but don’t go crazy picking five the Hawkeyes. or six. As underdogs go, I always like a team Anytime they have landed a fourth seed that can score some points, has a couple of Mon-Fri 3-8pm • Sat 12 or above, I usually slot them for the Elite key seniors and has some experience in the -6pm • Closed Sundays Eight or Final Four. If they are seeded lower tourney.

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The Splash

34 • MARCH 2014

SPORTS

Orrino hunts down second 4A state title Teammate and training partner Beard also repeats By Mike Vlahovich

SPLASH CONTRIBUTOR

It might come as a surprise, but wrestling takes a back seat to Colton Orrino’s true passion. “Hunting is my favorite thing,” said the Central Valley senior who sports a tattoo on his left shoulder. The two sports are one and the same considering the prey he’s bagged on the mat as well as in the wild during four wrestling seasons at CV. Orrino arrived in Tacoma the last weekend in February with a 115-11 career record and chasing his fourth topthree state finish and second consecutive State 4A championship during Mat Classic. Mission accomplished. Orrino swept through state, earning a 6-1 decision in the final. He lost just once over his final two seasons and not at all as a senior. “I attribute it all to his dedication in the little things,” Bears coach John Owen said. “It’s in the preparation where he

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Central Valley High School senior wrestler Colton Orrino repeated as 4A state champion at the Mat Classic in February. figures things out. He watches his diet, keeps his weight under control and lifts weights religiously.” Orrino obviously was a quick learner

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given his early success but insists his freshman brother, Braeden, also a state qualifier, learned faster. “I could pick up on things pretty quick, but I was not as good as him when I was smaller,” Orrino said. “It took me awhile to get the same thing.” Actions belie perception, despite taking his lumps in the beginning. As a 119-pound freshman, Orrino finished second in state, losing 5-4 in overtime. The next season he was beaten in the semifinals but rallied with two wins to place third. “It was horrible,” Orrino said. “I actually wrestled the same kid in the semis that I beat my freshman year. He’s at Arizona State right now.” Last year, he lost just once all season on his way to the 132-pound state title, winning four matches comfortably. This year, he wrestled at 145 pounds. Wrestling isn’t for the faint of heart and tends to attract solitary men. That’s what ultimately drew Orrino to the sport as a youngster. When you’re a member of a team sport like basketball, he said, there’s always someone else to blame. Orrino preferred the alternative sport where you are master of your destiny. “Wrestling is a kind of a not-for-everybody sport. It’s not being able to blame someone else for your loss,” he said. “I liked the individual aspect of it. I liked the feeling of getting your hand raised.” And last year at Mat Classic XXVI in the Tacoma Dome, having his arm raised as champion in front of thousands was the ultimate thrill following the previous

two near-misses. “There was no doubt in my mind,” Orrino said of reaching his ultimate goal. “There was no way I wasn’t going to win that championship.” No one took him down during the tournament, he said, and most of the points he allowed were one-point escapes. This year was more of the same. Ever the aggressor, Orrino’s strength is on his feet. He said he believes he can take anyone down and that no one can take him down. But he’s also become a pinner this year, something he hadn’t been known for. With 10, he said he thought to himself, “what the heck is going on?” Orrino took up wrestling in the fourth or fifth grade, he said, and like most serious wrestlers traveled summers on a club team to tournaments, but nothing truly extensive. He practiced against Brenton Beard, three years his elder and a Riverside High state placer. The Beard clan ultimately moved to Liberty Lake, and Orrino was joined on the Bears by Blake Beard, who has been his wrestling partner for the last three years. The pair won a back-to-back state championship last season, Blake by pin at 126 pounds in a mere 21 seconds, followed by Orrino’s 8-3 decision at 132 pounds. “Back-to-back was awesome,” Orrino said. “It kind of sparked me. He had such a quick win, I thought, ‘I definitely wasn’t going to lose now.’” State turned out to be a case of déjà vu. Blake wrestles the weight below (138) again this year, and the two competed one right after the other again with identical results. But there was a hirsute role reversal this season. Blake had an enviable shock of dark hair that was shorn late in the season. “He had a ‘fro the first couple of months,” Orrino laughed. “He tried corn-rowing it against a team and John (Owen) said, ‘you got to cut it.’ I have the long hair now and am living the dream with it. It’s not to the point of ridiculous yet.” Orrino figures to wrestle in college (Blake is a junior), but he’ll still find time to hunt — and continue to watch Duck Dynasty. “I love that show,” he said. “It’s hilarious.” Winning state championships is no laughing matter. But it is pure joy.

The Splash

MARCH 2014 • 35

SPORTS

Free throw winner

NBC Camps champs

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Liberty Lake resident Anika Chalich won the 7th grade girls AAU Hotshot Free Throw Competition on February 16. Anika, second from the left, is in sixth grade at Greenacres Middle School.

‘Sweet Kicks’ claims first at shootout

Bearcats battle for championship

SUBMITTED PHOTO

NBC Camps Sky won the championship of the third grade girls YMCA competitive basketball league. Pictured are Malia Ota, Libby Awbery, Alex Taylor, Molly Manfred, Romy Robinson, Teagan Colvin, Josie Miller, Lizzy Gresch, Talia Emmerson and coach Chris Colvin.

Hoopstars seize second

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Bearcats, a team of Liberty Lake girls, played the Lil Lady Snipers on Feb. 16 for the 4th grade AAU championship and received a second place trophy. The team consisted of Aubrey Reynolds, Marley Simmet, Ashley Boswell, Rilee Homer, Belle DeBoer, Savannah Spraggins, Chloe Richardson, Emily Schulhauser, Kinsey Urbiha and Madison Russell. The team was coached by Brad Boswell, Jason Reynolds and Travis Richardson.

Hit ’em with your best shot

SUBMITTED PHOTO

NBC Camps Hoopstars placed second in the fourth grade boys AAU division. Pictured are Isaiah Griffin, Jackson Harty, Parker Smith, Tyler Mumm, Joey Neer, Dylan Darling, Braden Schmidt and Tayshawn Colvin. SUBMITTED PHOTO

"Sweet Kicks" U10 girls team went 6-0 to win the Sweetheart Shootout at the HUB on Feb 16. Pictured are Teagan Colvin, Josie Miller, Libby Awbery and Lizzy Gresch.

Local Lens Share your snapshots for The Splash’s photo page. Email photos@libertylakesplash.com with game shots and team photos.

Mar, Liberty Lake Splash

MARCH SCHEDULE SAT 1st - Tri-City WED 12th - Everett FRI 14th - Tri-City

SUBMITTED PHOTO

At the end of January, the HUB Sports Center hosted the preliminary rounds of the USA Boxing National Championships.

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