April 2016 Splash

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Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club steps up to the plate for community causes - page 12 Liberty Lake Kiwanis charter members Pat and Linda Dockrey

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2 • APRIL 2016

The Park Bench

Sunny outlook – Sherry brings personality to local weather

By Craig Howard Splash Editor When Tom Sherry moved to Spokane from Southern California in 1978 at the age of 18, his career forecast was a little foggy with excellent chances of long-range sunlight.

His brother was attending Gonzaga University at the time and Sherry followed his path to the Inland Northwest with a goal of getting into radio. After earning a two-year degree in the radio broadcasting program at Spokane Falls Community College, Sherry latched on with KDRK FM in 1981, eventually scaling his way to the role of program director.

Growing up in the Los Angeles suburb of Montrose, Sherry was surrounded by show business. He liked music and had a friend in the industry, but felt being a radio DJ might be the best route into the field since he didn’t play an instrument or sing.

He established roots at KDRK, staying for a decade until he heard about a weekend opening to broadcast the weather at KREM 2 News in 1990. Others at the radio station were applying for the parttime job, so Sherry gave it a try. He transitioned easily and soon found his niche in television.

By 1993, Sherry had moved into the main weathercaster role at KREM. His blend of sincerity, humor and insight have resonated with local viewers who, for the past 21 years, have voted him “favorite weather anchor” through the Inlander’s “Best Of” survey.

In addition to letting residents know about upcoming snowfalls and warming trends, Sherry is dialed into community causes. He launched Tom’s Turkey Drive 16 years ago and has seen the program ramp up to feed thousands of less-fortunate residents each Thanksgiving. His signature barbecue seasoning has raised funds for the Northwest Autism Center while the Friends of

NEWS

The Splash

Pavillion Park annual Holiday Ball fundraiser relies on Sherry to be its magnanimous host.

On the family front, Tom and his wife, Darlene, are longtime residents of the Liberty Lake area and have two grown sons, Mike and Matt.

The Splash caught up with Sherry recently to chat about his career in broadcasting, his efforts to make a difference in the community, life in Liberty Lake and, of course, the weather.

Q: You transitioned from radio to TV fairly early in your career.

What was that change like and did you find it necessary to develop a new skill set in order to work in a different medium?

A: I spent about 10 years in radio before transitioning to television.

I think radio was a wonderful way to get the training to think on your feet and be able to ad lib about anything. I enjoyed radio very much but the first time I did television I knew this was where I wanted to be. When I made the move to television weather I realized I needed more education in the field of meteorology so I enrolled in the three-year program from Mississippi State University to become a certified broadcast meteorologist. In the beginning, I was working seven days a week doing radio during the week and television weather on the weekends. I did that for about a year. Anything to get ahead. I found the transition from radio to television very natural and lots of fun.

Q: What are some memories of your first year at KREM? A: The late great Peter Colford was the chief meteorologist at the time and he took the time to mentor me a bit. I worked with Mary O’Connell and Tom McArthur on weekends my first year and I was inexperienced and nervous. Their kind words and encouragement went a long way in helping me feel more confident in my presentation. Big thanks to my wife. We had just had our first son and I was working seven days a week so she took over most of the childcare duties. But after I got a regular shift, I stepped up to those too and being a dad is by far my favorite job.

Q: Why was it important for you to go back to school after you had begun to establish yourself at KREM? A: I had all the broadcasting skills necessary to be successful on the air but I really wanted a

Tom Sherry is the chief meteorologist for KREM 2 News, his career home since 1990. A longtime resident of the Liberty Lake area, Sherry is known as the catalyst for Tom’s Turkey Drive, a food distribution program that provides Thanksgiving meals to thousands of Spokane area residents each fall.

Photo by Craig Howard strong meteorology background so I could really forecast weather. No local schools offered meteorology programs. So I was thankful for the new long distance learning program offered by Mississippi State University. Many of the folks you see forecasting on television went to MSU. Q: Has the practice of predicting the weather changed much since you became a meteorologist?

A: Yes, the computer models have gotten much better and the weather graphic computers do so much more. But the demands on the forecast have gotten tougher.

Used to be you could forecast snow for tomorrow. Now people want to know what time snow will start and end. How much will fall by a certain time of day? Will it rain at my house at a certain time and how much will fall? Will it be sunny or cloudy six days from now? Will I be OK on the roads tomorrow? Viewers want a more precise forecast and sometimes that isn’t possible. We have a very active weather pattern here in the Inland Northwest, especially in winter and spring.

Q: How often do you hear from viewers who may be a bit disgruntled that your predictions were somewhat

off?

A: Happens more when there is a lot of continuous snow or rain.

People just get tired and they take it out on the local weatherman. No one is more disappointed in a blown forecast than me – and when that happens, I own up to it on the air.

But the reality is we are better than 90 percent correct in a 24-hour period and better than 80 percent correct in a 48-hour period. The accuracy goes down the farther out we are forecasting. But the actual long range weather trend is usually close.

Q: Can you tell us a little about the origins of Tom's Turkey Drive and your involvement in an event that has become one of the community's annual holiday traditions?

A: Tom’s Turkey Drive is really one of those magic events where everyone steps up. It has been highly successful. We do it in conjunction with Second Harvest Food Bank.

Last year 11,000 families received a full Thanksgiving dinner. For a $20 donation you can donate a meal to a family. Much of our product is now donated so we are primarily covering the cost of

See SHERRY, Page 21

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4 • APRIL 2016

The Splash

NEWS

Liberty Lake to nominate property for Conservation Futures Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent Spokane County is looking for property to add to the inventory of conservation land and Liberty Lake decision makers are hoping a piece of land that would especially benefit Liberty Lake residents will be chosen.

The Spokane County Conservation Futures Program has opened up a nomination period to encourage landowners to submit their undeveloped or sparsely developed properties to be purchased by the county. Those properties are preserved in their natural state for wildlife and the recreational use of area residents.

Between 1994, when the program started, and 2014, Conservation Futures has acquired over 7,500 acres through 30 land purchases

Horseback riders enjoy the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area on a recent Sunday. in Spokane County, the city of Spokane and Cheney.

In Spokane Valley and surrounding areas, some of those properties include the Dishman Hills Natural Area, the Mica Peak Conservation Area, the McKenzie Conservation Area at Newman Lake, the Pettibone property adjoining the McKenzie area and the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area.

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Now the city of Liberty Lake is hoping the county will purchase a piece of property that will help Liberty Lake residents more easily access the Saltese area.

“We want to have some way for residents in the more populated developments of Liberty Lake to make a connection to that place and think there’s a way to do that,” said Liberty Lake City Council Member Dan Dunne.

Photo by Staci Lehman

City leaders recently announced they are moving forward with the nomination of a piece of property that would provide a trail connection to the Saltese land from Liberty Lake neighborhoods and allow many residents to access it without driving. The plan includes multiple parts that need to blend together to make it work.

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Continued from page 4 The property in question is currently for sale and has an offer on it by a developer. In addition to making a successful bid on the property that would connect it to the Saltese land, an easement would be required to cross the Legacy Ridge property and the preliminarily platted Legacy Ridge West.

Dunne introduced the concept to Legacy Ridge residents in December and says he received a positive response. Now Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson is in the early stages of working with the Legacy Ridge developer on the concept.

Dunne believes making a public connection between the housing development and the Saltese land would be a win-win for all involved, particularly the Legacy Ridge homeowners.

“The opportunity lies in trail connections for the community and for residents in residential areas to get there without a car,” he said.

The piece of land the city is hoping will be purchased

by Conservation Futures was nominated independently in the past but didn’t meet all of the county’s criteria. Dunne says while the property by itself is valuable for its wetlands, seasonal stream and as a wildlife corridor, what it can contribute to the Saltese land will increase its value in the eyes of the county.

“The connection is what would really be the value this time,” he said.

Much needs to happen in a short time to make the idea a reality.

Before the nomination deadline of April 30, Liberty Lake leaders need to have a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding in hand from the Legacy Ridge developers and the full participation of the owner of the property. Dunne says he believes this is possible.

“I’ve been in contact with the listing agent and I’m confident the current owner would consider a competitive offer,” he said.

All properties purchased by the Conservation Futures program are bought at fair market value using funds from a voter-approved dedicated property tax. Spokane County Park Planner and Real Estate Coordinator Paul Knowles believes the money is well spent as the program benefits members of the public who will get to enjoy the property and the landowners selling it.

“There’s not a lot of buyers out there who can purchase larger properties,” Knowles said. “Most are kind of forested, kind of rugged and mountainous and there’s not a whole lot you can do with them besides timber harvest and recreation.”

Some properties also face the possibility of being developed into multiple housing units, which is what some fear will happen to the Liberty Lake property if purchased by a private party.

Once the Conservation Futures nomination period ends on April 30, a Land Evaluation Committee (LEC) will review all applications, hold a public meeting for testimony on the nominated properties and take a tour of each property that meets the evaluation criteria of the program.

Applications are also reviewed by a Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist and county staff. The LEC then considers recommendations from each and makes a ranked list of properties to acquire. That list is approved and adopted by county commissioners, then the work starts on buying them. Dunne hopes the Liberty Lake property will be one of the purchases, for a very simple reason.

“The primary objective is to get from one side of the hill to awesome public land,” he said.

Mountain bikers enjoy one of the trails at the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area, a property that could eventually connect to Liberty Lake through the purchase of a property by the Conservation Futures program.

Photo by Staci Lehman

If you would like more information on the Conservation Futures program or the nomination process, go to http://www. spokanecounty.org/parks/ and click the “Conservation Futures” link on the right. You can also contact Paul Knowles at (509) 477-2188.

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6 • APRIL 2016

Police Report

NEWS

The following events were among those reported by the Liberty Lake Police Department from Feb. 22 through March 21. The report is listed in chronological order.

social security card was found inside along with other materials.

An officer arrived and took in the property.

Incidents and arrests

Welfare check – On Feb. 22 at 5:51 p.m., LLPD responded to the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive for a welfare check.

Complainant reported that an elderly male had followed him home from Mt. Spokane earlier that day confused about where he lived.

An officer made contact with the elderly subject who was sleeping at home.

Weapon issue – On Feb. 26 at 11:33 p.m., LLPD assisted another agency on a person with a weapon call at the 15000 block of East Sprague Avenue.

Complainant reported a male had shot a firearm off multiple times. The subject was located and taken into custody by another agency.

Malicious mischief -- On Feb. 28 at 4:22 a.m., LLPD responded to the 1900 block of North Forest Ridge Street for malicious mischief.

Complainant reported someone was outside striking his garage door. Upon contact, the suspect(s) had left the location, and no information as to their identities could be provided. Damage to the door was estimated at $2,000.

Citizen dispute – On Feb. 28 at 8:07 p.m., LLPD responded to the 21000 block of East Country Vista Drive for a citizen dispute.

Complainant called to report an argument with a neighbor. An officer arrived and learned the argument had started over a comment about smoking. Both parties were at their residences when the officer arrived.

No assault had taken place.

Recovered wallet – Feb. 27 at 12:30 p.m., LLPD received found property at the 100 block of North McKinzie.

Officers attempted contact with the owner, but all attempts were unsuccessful. The wallet was placed in property for safe keeping.

False alarm – On Feb. 29 at 10:29 a.m., LLPD responded to an alarm at the 1400 block of North Liberty Lake Road. Alarm was false by phone. Manager reported to officers that a tall employee was accidentally hitting the alarm with his leg.

Reckless golf cart – On Feb. 28 at 1:55 p.m., LLPD responded to a traffic offense at East Country Vista Drive and North Molter

The Splash

Road. Complainant reported three juvenile males in a dark green golf cart and enclosure had tried to hit her, then sped off. An officer checked the area for the golf cart, but it could not be located.

Embezzlement – A Liberty Lake man was arrested on Feb. 29 at 11:29 a.m. at the 300 block of North Raymond for theft. The man’s past employer reported they had recently found over $500 in funds had been stolen from the business by the suspect in recent weeks.

An officer went to the location and questioned the man about the theft. He admitted to taking the funds and said he was going to pay them back. The suspect was cited and given a court date.

Stolen property charge – On Feb. 29, charges against a Liberty Lake woman were forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for possession of stolen property. A suspicious circumstance was reported by a complainant who recently moved into a home in Liberty Lake and found over $18,322 in business and personal checks at the location from the previous occupant. The woman charged in the case was found to be that occupant and upon contact with a previous employer, it was found she was fired after embezzlement issues.

Parking problem – On March 1 at 7:22 a.m., LLPD responded to the 1400 block of North Aladdin Road for a parking violation. Vehicle was reported to be blocking a driveway.

An officer spoke to the registered owner of the vehicle who reported he would have the vehicle moved that day.

Wrong number – On March 1 at 10:05 p.m., LLPD responded to the 300 block of North Molter Road for an abandoned 9-1-1 line. An officer arrived at the location and found it was a misdial and the subject was trying to contact their doctor’s office.

Honest cleaner – On March 4 at 2:18 p.m., LLPD responded to a found property call at the 1800 block of North Pepper Lane.

Complainant reported that while cleaning a room, a small baggie with four identifications and a

Follow-up on North Pepper – On March 7 at 7:26 a.m., LLPD responded to the same North Pepper Lane address after a complainant called to report the suspect in an identity theft case had checked into the location. An officer arrived and while standing at the entrance observed a male peer out of the north stairwell exit door and then quickly walk around the east side of the building. The officer ran after the male who was getting into a vehicle. After investigation of the incident, the suspect was arrested and booked into jail for identity theft.

Suspicious person – On March 4 at 8:09 p.m., LLPD responded to the 23000 block of East Valleyway Avenue for a suspicious person.

Complainant reported that an unknown male had been to the door knocking twice. An officer arrived and made contact with the subject who reported he was going door-to-door marketing. The subject was advised he needed to have a solicitor’s license and to move along.

Welfare check – On March 5 at 10:56 a.m., LLPD responded to the 24000 block of East Hawkstone Lane for a welfare check. Complainant reported her neighbor who has dementia was not answering the door and she was supposed to take her food. Officers responded and made contact with the subject who was inside the residence and safe.

Reckless driving – A motorist was arrested on March 8 at 4 p.m. for reckless driving, resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance. The man was observed to be driving a vehicle in a posted 35 mph zone at an excess of 60 mph. An officer stopped the vehicle and the suspect refused to identify himself. The officer told the man the reason for the stop, but the suspect continued to refuse cooperation, at one point rolling up his window. The officer removed the man from his vehicle after opening the driver’s side door and he was cited for the above charges and booked into the Spokane County Jail.

Bank robbery – On March 9 at 2:32 p.m., LLPD responded to a bank robbery at the 1300 block of North Liberty Lake Road.

This incident is currently under investigation.

Elder abuse – On March 10 at 12:28 p.m., LLPD responded to the 24000 block of East Olive Lane for a theft. Complainant reported she suspected the caregivers to her elderly parents were stealing from them and being abusive.

Complainant reported that over $600 in jewelry and cash have been found to be missing in the past few days and there were signs of abuse. This incident is currently under investigation.

Tax fraud – On March 17 at 4:44 p.m., LLPD received a report of fraud from the 21000 block of North Malvern. Complainant reported that someone had fraudulently filed taxes using their information.

Theft – On March 18 at 2:13 p.m., LLPD responded to the 23000 block of East Mission Avenue for suspected theft.

Complainant reported that sometime during his visit to the location, someone had broken into his locker and taken $75 in cash and $340 in cash from inside his key case.

Stolen funds – On March 18 at 3:06 p.m., LLPD responded to the 1600 block of North Signal Road for suspected theft. Complainant reported his estranged wife had taken over $900 out of a bank account solely in his name.

This incident is currently under investigation.

The Liberty Lake Police Department can be reached at 7551140. The on-call officer number is 218-4899. The responsibility of the Liberty Lake Police Department, with an emphasis on fairness, respect, empathy, dignity and professionalism, is to: Uphold the law fairly, prevent crime, pursue and bring to justice those who break the law, keep the peace and provide quality police service to the community by promoting a safe environment through police and citizen interaction.

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The Splash

APRIL 2016 • 7

City of Liberty Lake

Lookout

April 2016

Garden Guide – Gingko tree finds home at Town Square MEMO

By Joice Cary City Horticulturist Town Square is the happy new home for a Ginkgo biloba named “Princeton Sentry.” This tree replaces one that was damaged and removed in 2014.

The new tree completes Town Square’s Ginkgo grove of six trees.

If our new Ginkgo could talk, it would have a tale to tell. Its “family tree” has

roots that date back 150 million years to the Mesozoic Era. This is long before Tyrannosaurus or Triceratops were stomping around making this dinosaur tree one of the oldest on our planet.

The Ginkgo, whose common name

is “Maiden Hair Tree,” is a good choice for our city landscape. According to Dr. Michael Dirr, tree guru, it is heat and air pollution tolerant, durable and extremely pest free. Ginkgo trees may grow as tall as 100 feet and 30 to 50 feet wide. It will be many years before our trees reach this size. Meanwhile, visit the Finch Arboretum in Spokane to see beautiful, mature Gingko specimens.

Council Snapshot – Cris Kaminskas Name: Cris Kaminskas

City Council member since: Kaminskas was appointed to fill the remainder of Patrick Jenkins' term in January 2010 and has won two elections since.

Background: Born and raised in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Kaminskas earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, before making progress on her master's in business administration at the University of Tampa.

Family: Cris, her husband, Scott, and their son, Kyle, moved to Liberty Lake in 2006 after she accepted a job as a senior program manager with KeyTronic Corp.

Professional: Kaminskas has spent 22 years in the electronics manufacturing field on the program management side.

Hobbies: Kaminskas enjoys playing the piano, reading and trail running. She has a goal of completing a 50K ultra-trail race.

Fun fact: Kaminskas’ father, Bob Moore, also serves on the City Council

LLPD team takes the plunge to support Special Olympics A little chilly water didn’t keep Chief Brian Asmus and his colleagues with the Liberty Lake Police Department from supporting a good cause recently.

The 10th annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics of Washington was held on February 19-20 at Liberty Lake Regional Park. The first day featured the “super plunge,” where 14 people jumped into the icy waters of Liberty Lake 24 times in 12 hours.

The following day was the “large plunge” event where over 200 registered plungers braved the cold waters to raise awareness and funds for regional Special Olympic athletes.

“Thanks to all those participated and contributed to make this event a huge success,” said Chief Asmus.

Over $50,000.00 was raised over the two days.

The LLPD squad was recognized for being the top fundraising team and the top fundraising law enforcement team. Chief Asmus received special recognition for being the top individual fundraiser.

Way to go chief and crew!

from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

Our Town Square project is off to a great start! Working together with the design-build team, the city has held two community open houses and met with several community volunteer organizations, the Central Valley School District and many businesses.

We have drawn a positive number of attendees and have grown so much that City Council chambers overflowed at our first open house.

Our second open house at the Elementary School Cafeteria had a little extra room so the next meeting is scheduled for the gym. Feedback has been robust, positive, insightful and exhibited all the benefits that a community center and aquatics facility will bring to our community.

These meetings are instrumental in ensuring every voice is heard and they identify what our community wants the design build team to deliver. Our design-build team has done a fantastic job at focusing and bringing things together to clarify them for you. The team’s first formal presentation to the council will be made on April 5 and the final one will be given to Council on May 17.

As we narrow down the choices available to us, we will continue to hold open houses and community meetings. On April 20, we will be holding our third community open house at Liberty Lake Elementary (6 p.m.). Whether you have already been to a Town Square open house or not, we need each and every one of you to be there to answer your questions and get your input. Please join us as we create something that improves our connection and strengthens us as a community!

As always, meetings and updated information will be posted on the city website and Facebook page.

8 • APRIL 2016

Community involvement nurtures Orchard Park project

NEWS

The Splash

By Craig Howard Splash Editor

When it comes to funding for parks in Washington, the state Recreation and Conservation Office is considered the granter of wishes.

In Liberty Lake, RCO support has benefitted venues like Pavillion Park and Rocky Hill Park, while the city’s most recent proposal for Town Square Park fell just a little short.

Now, a request is in the works for an ambitious project to bring the first large-scale greenspace to the north side of Liberty Lake.

At the March 1 City Council meeting, the governing board received a detailed update on preparations for Orchard Park, slated for 11 acres in the burgeoning River District. Representatives from SPVV Landscape Architects and Amanda Tainio, the city’s Planning and Building Services manager, provided the latest report on the park’s proposed buildout as well as strategies to secure RCO funds.

“This has been a great project and a lot of fun,” said Tom Sherry of SPVV, a company based in northwest Spokane who admitted that the timeline to meet the RCO grant deadline of May 2, has been “a whirlwind.”

The first phase of the Orchard Park master plan has been estimated at $1 million or $1.5 million, depending on the amount council approves. The maximum for an RCO grant is $500,000.

After some discussion at the dais on March 1 , Council Member Cris Kaminskas made a motion to approve $1 million on the city’s side as a way “to get the most effective grant application in that we can.”

“I think this is a prudent move,” Kaminskas said.

At the March 15 council meeting, the governing board agreed to increase the city’s portion in the RCO application to $2 million while committing to a $2.5 million overall project.

“The more of a percentage we kick into the whole project, the better our chances of success,” Kaminskas said. “It shows our commitment.”

If the RCO grant does not come through, Kaminskas said the city “will either scale back the project,

Residents have gathered for four public workshops on Orchard Park. The latest open house was scheduled for March 31 at City Hall.

Contributed photo

spread it out over more time or pony up the $500,000 to complete it.”

The city’s portion will come from revenue generated through the real estate excise tax, or REET. The project is also eligible for funds from the local infrastructure financing tool, or LIFT, designed to spur development on the city’s north side.

Mayor Steve Peterson said the city committing a significant portion to accompany the RCO proposal made sense.

“I don’t want to go to RCO and lose,” the mayor said. “I want to make sure we’re leveraging all the money we have.”

Sherry said that while many jurisdictions will be vying for RCO bequests, Liberty Lake has a good chance to secure funds.

“This particular grant is very competitive, but you’ve teed it up very well,” he said. “I think you will bode very well against the other communities.”

While the deadline for the grant

application is fast approaching, the city won’t find out RCO’s decision until next June. Orchard Park would break ground in early 2018, at the latest, according to Tainio.

In addition to a significant dollar pledge from an applying city, RCO traditionally applauds hearty levels of public participation surrounding a project. With a slew of open houses, workshops and no shortage of public input, Orchard Park has met the expectation, according to Ken Von Voorhis of SPVV. “We couldn’t have asked for a better public process,” said Von Voorhis. “We typically don’t see the numbers increasing at community meetings as we move along, but we did here. People are asking smart questions. They’re prepared when they come to the meetings.

We’re just getting great feedback.”

That feedback has included citizens prioritizing park features like an amphitheater, playground, picnic pavilion, splash pad and community gardens.

Multi-use fields and courts as well as a tricycle path and slide hill have also been

part of the discussion. Ideas like an ice skating rink were eliminated based on cost while orchard and train-related themes that draw upon the area’s rich rural history are still on the table.

At this stage, Sherry said “it’s a matter of assigning dollar values to the placeholders.” He added that, when considering grant allocations, RCO “is looking for a product that people are going to use at the end of the day.”

The fourth public meeting to discuss Orchard Park took place on Feb. 25 with over 40 attendees voting on three site plan proposals.

Elements such as a water feature and picnic shelter in the first phase will hinge on the amount of funding set aside, Sherry said.

“It’s kind of a balance between prioritizing and dedicating certain dollar values to different things,” he said.

The fifth public workshop was

See PARK, Page 9

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PARK

Continued from page 8 scheduled for Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Hall.

When considering proposals, RCO looks for “connectivity to neighborhoods,” Sherry said.

Orchard Park is thought to rank high based on its proximity to the River District neighborhood, an area still lacking the type of sprawling park seen on the south side of town.

“This park is going to be really community-oriented,” Sherry said.

“The residents on the north side have felt somewhat alienated with nothing there. This park will provide that community continuity.”

Kaminskas agreed that the project would help to balance out the inventory of large parks within the city while bringing more people to the north part of Liberty Lake and driving up property values.

City Administrator Katy Allen said there has been a conscientious approach from citizens familiar with the layers of responsibility that go along with building and maintaining a greenspace. A resolution on the city’s portion of the park’s first phase will be brought back to council at the April 5 meeting.

APRIL 2016 • 9

“People are saying ‘We want things in this park but we’re also concerned about the coast of operations and maintenance,’” Allen said. “I was impressed with that.”

Changes to golf cart ordinance under consideration It’s been nearly a decade since Liberty Lake enacted an ordinance designed to make golf cart use safer. At the March 15 City Council meeting, a workshop on the very same topic brought up potential additions to the document that could be in place by next month.

Police Chief Brian Asmus presided over the presentation that included a brief history of the initial standards for golf carts passed by the City Council in July of 2006.

The state adopted its Revised Code of Washington (RCW) standards on golf carts later. Now the city wants to make sure it aligns with all state regulations.

“Our goal is safety,” said Asmus of the proposed ordinance upgrade.

“We want to be a golf-cart friendly community but we also want to be safe.”

In 2006, prior to the ordinance passage, a crash involving a golf cart on East Mission Avenue

Community feedback regarding Orchard Park has included ideas such as an amphitheater, playground, picnic pavilion, splash pad and community gardens, multi-use fields and courts.

Contributed photo

sent three local teenagers to the hospital. According to police reports, the driver of the cart was a 15-year-old resident.

The legislation currently in place requires a golf cart driver to be at least 16 years old and have completed driver’s training. The city is now proposing that a driver be at least 16 and have a valid driver’s license.

Other changes would require golf carts would to operate on the extreme right of the roadway in cases where there is not a dedicated trail and yield to all vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Carts would also be prohibited from pulling objects or people and require proof of insurance. In accordance with state RCW, operators must comply with laws against possession and/or use of drugs or alcohol.

Finally, golf carts within Liberty Lake boundaries would need to be registered with the city under a new program that could go into effect as early as April based on council approval. The registration would be free and apply for two years.

A numbered decal – resembling a basic license – would be placed on the cart as part of the registration.

“The thought is if you see a golf cart operating erratically, you can

call the police department and identify the golf cart,” Asmus said.

Current state and city law make it clear that golf carts should not exceed a speed of 20 mph and should not be driven on the side of roads with a posted speed limit of above 25 mph. The vehicles are permitted on wide asphalt pathways and sidewalks in areas where the speed limit goes above 25 mph.

The revised city ordinance would also align with the state law that requires seat belts, reflectors during the day and night, a rearview mirror and lighting equipment if the cart is used after dusk.

Peterson emphasized that the changes were not being considered as a way of adding to the municipal budget.

“This is not a revenue-generating deal,” he said. “This is about ensuring safety for all of our residents whether they have a golf cart or not.”

If the ordinance is changed, Asmus said there would be an educational campaign undertaken

by LLPD to inform residents of the new regulations. Those violating any part of the ordinance would face a civil 1 infraction and a fine of up to $250.

Ken Von Voorhis of SPVV Landscape Architects has applauded citizen input surrounding Orchard Park. “We couldn’t have asked for a better public process,” Von Voorhis said.

Contributed photo

The Splash

10 • APRIL 2016

Bolt welcomes new role with state education board

Eastern Washington schools.”

Upcoming trips will take her to Wenatchee, Olympia and Yakima.

“I’ll be going to Pullman and Tri Cities later and Walla Walla,” she said. “It’s what I like to do. I value highly the relationships.”

Bolt said she is looking forward “to spending the time to build the rapport.”

By Treva Lind

Splash Correspondent Spokane Valley resident MJ Bolt will cover plenty of miles across Eastern Washington this year to visit with school leaders.

After spending four years on the Central Valley School District board, Bolt began a new role in January as one of two elected Eastern Washington representatives on the 16-member Washington State Board of Education. Bolt will serve a four-year term with the panel meeting every other month for two full-day meetings.

More than 600 members from Eastern Washington school boards elected Bolt to the position Jan. 6.

The ballot included Anita Boyum, who served on the Ellensburg school board for 24 years, and former CVSD Superintendent Mike Pearson. Bolt said she’s now

“We have large school districts like Spokane Public Schools and very small rural districts,” she said.

“They all have differing needs, not unlike our kids, so I want to hear what those are. My big focus is I want to go and hear how policy is affecting them, the schools and the kids.”

MJ Bolt focused on meeting leaders in education from across the region.

“I’m enjoying working with the superintendents in the area and with school board members,” said Bolt, 43. “Now I represent all the

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Bolt recently returned from her second state board meeting in March and also attended the January gathering. She served on the CV board from December 2011 through 2015, the year she was board president.

Even with school board experience, Bolt’s new position has required detailed on-the-job learning. State board members include Superintendent of Public

Instruction Randy Dorn, two non-voting student members, five governor-appointed representatives and others who are elected by school board members for their regions.

Among its roles, the state board works on development of policy, advocacy and strategic oversight of public education, implements a standards-based accountability system to improve student academic achievement and leads in creating a system that personalizes education for each student while respecting diversity.

The board also considers state and federal legislation affecting public education. For system oversight, the panel also reviews complex data measuring student achievement and overall K-12 system health in different demographics. It reports to the state legislature.

“We also work closely with the legislative process just advocating for the best for students,” Bolt said.

“A couple of other things we’re working on is policy to close the achievement gaps.”

The board also has worked to create a 24-credit framework for graduation to be required of 2019 graduates, compared with 20 credits as the current state standard.

“I’m very impressed with the level of discussion that’s on this board, and the willingness to hear all points of views,” Bolt said of members who have broad experience and knowledge, but also possess “a willingness to have an open dialogue on some pretty complex issues.”

Bolt adds, “We have some glaring gaps in our state. There’s a lot of information. I’m working hard to go back and review older information.

I’m doing a lot of learning.”

Bolt has a varied background from PTA involvement and co-founding community programs. She studied at the University of Iowa and Eastern Washington University.

A school golf team member, she traveled frequently, making it difficult to pursue Russian studies, a longtime goal. She transferred to EWU to pursue general studies.

208-691-4345

Bolt took a job offer in the golf business before starting her fourth year at EWU. She worked as a longtime golf instructor at courses that included Meadowwood, The Links in Post Falls and Painted Hills.

She hasn’t worked as a teaching

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BUSINESS

Giant flag, new sign draw attention along I-90 Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent You can’t miss it when you drive through Liberty Lake on Interstate 90. The giant American flag unfurled above the parking lot of Camping World is not easy to ignore at 130 feet tall and 40 by 80 feet in dimension.

The flag was made by a company out of Texas and put up in January.

It has been a topic of conversation in the community ever since.

Camping World Store Manager Terry Dronen said plenty of folks have called the store “to say how neat it is.”

A trademark of the Camping World stores, the mammoth flags are being installed at all 100 of the chain’s stores across the nation.

Camping World management says the flags are not a political statement, but another kind of statement.

“It’s just to say that we’re proud to be Americans,” Dronen said.

Dronen added that the flag is not a marketing gimmick. A Camping World competitor, R’n R RV Center, located almost directly across the freeway on the south side of I-90, recently put up a large sign with electronic scrolling messages under a newly revised sign code recently enacted by the city of Liberty Lake for businesses along I-90.

Dronen says Camping World will not be following suit. Instead, their flag identifies their store and the company has no plans to add more signage at this time.

“Ours is the real thing,” he said.

“It’s not going anywhere.”

Camping World had to go through a permitting process to have the flag and pole installed.

Normally, Liberty Lake’s land use requirements do not prohibit or address American flags but the dimensions of this particular one meant some paperwork.

“Our focus (with the flag) was to make sure it’s safe, buried to a safe depth, and it is,” said Liberty Lake City Administrator Katy Allen of the permitting process.

Allen says City Hall phones have not been ringing regarding the flag,

APRIL 2016 • 11

but she has heard many comments in passing about it.

“When it was half-mast it was spectacular, especially lit up at night,” Allen said. “The vast majority have said it’s majestic. We love it.”

Allen also says City Hall hasn’t received calls about the new R ‘n R RV sign.

“We have not received one phone call at City Hall about whether it’s a good thing or it’s a bad thing,” Allen said. “Our City Council members have mentioned they’ve seen it, our police chief has seen it, but no one has said much besides that.”

While the sign code is less restrictive than in the past for businesses along I-90, there are still provisions that regulate aspects of signs that could cause complaints. For instance, the R ’n R sign was recently calibrated to make sure it is between a certain scale of lumens (a measure of the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source) and that sensors – which adjust the sign’s brightness depending on whether it is day or night – are working.

Since the new sign code took effect in January, a couple of other businesses have expressed interest in putting up similar signs but so far none have moved ahead with doing so. The city of Liberty Lake itself has $20,000 in the 2016 budget to install two changeable electronic signs to announce community events such as the Farmers Market, movies at Pavillion Park, City Council meetings and other activities. An effort will soon be under way to determine where to place those signs.

In the meantime, the Camping World flag acts as a kind of community billboard of its own.

“It’s pretty neat when you can see that coming to work each day,” said Dronen.

At the top of the flagpole is a gold sphere that looks no bigger than a baseball from the ground, Dronen says it is actually larger than a basketball and each Camping World employee was able to sign it before the flag was put in place.

As for the public’s take on the flag, Dronen says he gets many comments from customers, as well as calls from the public.

“All positive,” says Dronen. “We hear from people about it all the time.”

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12 • APRIL 2016

Benevolent bunch – Liberty Lake Kiwanis sets gold standard for service clubs

By Treva Lind

Splash Correspondent Describing the Liberty Lake Kiwanis chapter as “active” would be an understatement.

Defining members of the service club as “profoundly dedicated” to community service and children’s programs might be more apt. This particular chapter of nearly 30 members carries a reach far and wide, making impacts in Liberty Lake, regionally and globally.

Founded in 2001 – the same year of Liberty Lake incorporation – the group sponsors school clubs, the Father Daughter Dance, community yard sale and event concessions at Pavillion Park. Its fundraisers support a lengthy list of regional causes, some which include Ronald McDonald House, local food banks, Meals on Wheels and Children’s Miracle Network.

“We just have a very good group of people, and they come from different walks of life,” described Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson,

COVER STORY a longtime Kiwanian. “It’s having fun working together raising funds for our community and our kids.

We’re very dedicated to youth activities as well as education.

We’ve raised, in the last 15 years, almost $750,000 – all of it went back into the community.”

More than $150,000 in club scholarships has gone to graduating students in Liberty Lake, East Valley and West Valley. The group started a program called Food 4 Thought at Central and East Valley schools that is now also supported by other Kiwanis clubs. It sends home weekend food for about 360 students in free and reduced lunch programs. Globally, the club supports funding toward orthopedic implants and surgeries abroad.

John Niece, current club president, felt drawn to join in 2011 when he saw the group’s broad impact.

“We’re always looking for how we can be of service to Liberty Lake and groups in need,” Niece said.

“We help out as many groups who come to us as we can, especially for children. That’s our main mission of Kiwanis, helping the children of our community and the world.”

Club leaders say an additional format to attract new Kiwanians is likely to start this summer or fall as a satellite meeting during the lunch hour will be held, once or twice a month, at a convenient worksite such as Meadowwood Technology Campus. Officials say it’s becoming crucial to grow the

group’s size, including young professionals.

The Splash

among

With prominent companies such as Safeco, Providence and Comcast on the Meadowwood campus, that site soon will have about 2,000 workers.

“So to have centralized meeting at noon might be more convenient,” Peterson said. “Our goal is to reach out and get more people involved because it really gives back to the community and to the kids.”

Newcomers joining the club pay only $99 for first-time annual dues, Niece said. Ongoing members pay $140 annual dues for an individual or $225 for a couple.

“One reason we’re looking at a satellite club meeting is people are so busy,” Niece said. “They’re starting a career and have young families. But the millennials and young couples want to be a part of something supporting the community. They don’t necessarily have time to go to many meetings.

A lot of service organizations today are experiencing that.”

Busy professionals might attend an occasional meeting but want to volunteer at one or two events, Niece added. As president through September, he welcomes discussions with business leaders who are interested in being part of the satellite venture.

“There are so many businesses in Liberty Lake,” Niece said. “A lot of people come here and work and

Liberty Lake Kiwanis Website: www. libertylakekiwanis.org

Meetings: 6:45 a.m.

Wednesdays at Liberty Lake City Hall For more information, call John Niece, president, 509-294-8500

don’t have opportunities to be a part of service to the community, but a satellite group doesn’t take a lot of time. People can join our group and, although we do a lot of things, members don’t have to do it all. There’s also the social aspect.

You get to know the people in the group. There are many people who are friends or who became friends through this group.”

Peterson said some longtime members can’t do as much anymore. A few have passed away.

Some have moved or travel more.

“One of the challenges we have is to make sure we get enough volunteers,” Peterson said. “Quite frankly, we need to look forward to growing new members in our club.

There’s lots of activities, and you can just participate in one or two.”

Niece said the club also includes kids who participate in community service.

“Many of the kids in (Kiwanissponsored) Key Club are looking to go to college and many college applications ask you what you’ve done for community service,” he said.

The club currently is looking for volunteers to help lead its K-Kids fifth-grade program.

“Unfortunately, this is first year we haven’t had one at Liberty Lake Elementary,” Niece said. “The person leading it wasn’t able to this year. We’re going to start early looking for someone to take that on next fall.”

Among club’s members today, some are Liberty Lake residents and others live in Spokane Valley, Post Falls and elsewhere. Gail Kalk, a Valley resident, works in Liberty Lake as a stockbroker and joined about six years ago.

Members of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club gather early each Wednesday morning at City Hall for their regular meeting. From left to right: Dan Dunne, Gail Kalk, Melissa Niece, John Niece, Linda Dockrey, Bob Gamble, Mike Andriolo and Marilyn Steen Photo by Craig Howard

“I’m just so proud of being a member of Liberty Lake Kiwanis,” Kalk said. “We care, we work and we have enough success that

See KIWANIS, Page 13

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APRIL 2016 • 13

Why Liberty Lake Kiwanis?

Local members offer thoughts on involvement

Kiwanis members join other community volunteers at the Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank in preparing items for the Food 4 Thought program benefiting local students on the free and reduced lunch program.

KIWANIS

Continued from page 12 we are able to make a difference financially.”

He recently served alongside Kiwanians and volunteers at the Father Daughter Dance that drew 500.

“We made maybe $10,000, and we do so with such joy,” he said.

“You have little girls 5 or 6 years old with their dads and girls up to 20 years old. The little ones don’t know it yet, but they’re making memories they’ll recall 50 or 60 years from now.”

Kalk encourages people just to volunteer at events. “You might decide you want to become a member later,” he said.

Pat Dockrey, a charter member and part of the club’s board, emphasized that newcomers can pick and choose their level of participation. “They’re not obligated to go to meetings,” he said. “We do need some new members. A lot of original members are getting older.”

Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley residents draw many benefits from the club’s events, Dockrey added.

Although the Father Daughter Dance is a fundraiser, “that’s kind of turned into a community service,” Dockrey said.

For concessions, Dockrey said the priority is “to keep the prices down so families can bring everyone and afford it.”

Supporting

programs

for

kids

and youth is critical to the Kiwanis cause, said Dockrey, who founded the Food 4 Thought program and is part of the Greater Valley Support Network.

“We work with Liberty Lake Elementary, Greenacres and Mica Peak High School,” he said. “We work with the Spokane Valley Partners food and clothing banks.

We’ve got some programs that reach way beyond the community, too.”

The club meets each Wednesday mornings at 6:45 a.m. in the council chambers at Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive. Overall, visitors are always welcome to the club’s meetings or to call a member about volunteer opportunities.

“Why am I a Kiwanian? My father died young. How am I to know how to be a good citizen?

Get a job? Yes, I need to eat.

Love and respect my family?

Yes, if I want to stay married.

But a good citizen goes farther – to help my neighbors. Kiwanis taught me to do this, to be a good citizen.”

Gail Kalk “It was my chance to give back, to be involved in a community of people that gives to kids, not only locally but worldwide. I love making a difference in the lives of others.”

Melissa Niece “As a member of Kiwanis for three years and a resident of Liberty Lake for six years, I wanted to be part of the community. Kiwanis caught my attention as a nonprofit organization working for the enrichment of young and old.

Top of that list is the Father Daughter Dance which has been going strong for 11 years.”

Marilyn Steen “My favorite part of Kiwanis is working with the community.

I’ve been able to meet so many wonderful people. Regardless if it’s in the park selling concessions, working with the K-Kids or decorating for the Father Daughter Dance, I have found our community to be very generous and kind.”

Linda Dockrey “What attracted me to Kiwanis was all the projects they were involved in and the many opportunities to give back that fit into my schedule. I can participate in events that impact our community.”

John Niece “I’m proud to see and teach the young about community involvement. A community does not just exist, it needs people to step up and show caring toward people and the community. It teaches people to be proud of where they live, but it takes the efforts of individuals to make it great.”

Mike Andriolo

COMMUNITY

14 • APRIL 2016

The Splash

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MUSIC & THE ARTS APRIL 16 | SULLIVAN BRIDGE ART UNVEILING 10 TO 11 A.M., BELOW THE SULLIVAN ROAD BRIDGE ON THE CENTENNIAL TRAIL (PARKING AND TRAIL ACCESS AT NORTHWEST CORNER OF SULLIVAN AND INDIANA), SPOKANE VALLEY. CELEBRATION

RECOGNIZES THE SPOKANE VALLEY STUDENTS AND TEACHERS WHO CREATED 23 ART PANELS TO BRIGHTEN THE AREA. MORE AT 7205411.

APRIL 23 | INDA PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL 10 A.M. TO 6 PM., WEST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, 8301 E. BUCKEYE AVE., SPOKANE VALLEY. ARTISTS, AFICIONADOS, AND TOURISTS FROM WASHINGTON, MONTANA, OREGON, IDAHO, AND CANADA ARE INVITED TO PARTAKE OR PARTICIPATE IN VOCAL, THEATRE, MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCES. THE EVENT, PRODUCED BY INLAND NORTHWEST DANCE ASSOCIATION, IS FREE. DETAILS AT WWW. INDASPOKANE. RECURRING COUNTRY JAMMERS DANCE 1 P.M. TO 3:30 P.M., FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH. NEWMAN LAKE GRANGE, 25025 E. HEATHER LANE, NEWMAN LAKE. FREE (DONATIONS WELCOME). MORE INFORMATION AT JANDG2@COMCAST.NET. DROP-IN SQUARE DANCE LESSONS 7 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M. (THROUGH MAY 18), WESTERN DANCE CENTER, 1901 N. SULLIVAN ROAD. SQUARE DANCE LESSONS FOR $3 PER PERSON; NO PARTNER NEEDED. MORE AT 2709264.

SPOKANE NOVELISTS GROUP NOON TO 4 P.M., SECOND AND FOURTH SATURDAY OF THE MONTH, OTIS ORCHARDS COMMUNITY CHURCH, 23304 E. WELLESLEY AVE., OTIS ORCHARDS. A SUPPORT/CRITIQUE GROUP FOR WRITERS. OPEN TO ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN WRITING FICTION (NO MEMOIRS, NONFICTION, POETRY, ETC., PLEASE).

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING 5-10 PAGES TO READ ALOUD AND 6-8 COPIES FOR OTHERS TO READ ALONG AND CRITIQUE. MORE AT 590-7316.

SPOKANE VALLEY CAMERA CLUB 7:15 P.M., THIRD AND FOURTH MONDAY OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER THROUGH APRIL), LIBERTY LAKE SEWER AND WATER DISTRICT BUILDING, 22510 E. MISSION AVE. ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY—STUDENTS THROUGH EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS— ARE INVITED TO LEARN. SOCIAL EVENTS INCLUDE FIELD TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS. MORE AT 951-1446 OR WWW.SV-CC.ORG. TEEN WRITERS OF THE INLAND EMPIRE 4 P.M., FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS),

The Splash

SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY, 12004 E. MAIN AVE. TEEN WRITERS (GRADE SIX AND OLDER) MEET TO WRITE AND SHARE THEIR WORK. MORE AT 8938400.

CIVIC & BUSINESS APRIL 4-27 |CITIZEN’S ACADEMY: OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS MON. AND WED., 6 TO 8 P.M., SPOKANE POLICE ACADEMY, 2302 N. WATERWORKS ST., SPOKANE. SEE THE TOOLS DEPUTIES CARRY, PARTICIPATE IN HANDS-ON DEFENSIVE TACTICS TRAINING, LEARN ABOUT THE LAWS AND PROCEDURES THAT GOVERN USE OF LETHAL FORCE, AND HEAR FROM REGIONAL INVESTIGATORS. HOSTED BY THE SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND SPOKANE VALLEY POLICE. FREE. CLASS SIZE LIMITED. TO SIGN UP CONTACT DEPUTY CHRIS JOHNSTON AT 509-477-2592 OR CRJOUNSTON@ SPOKANESHERIFF.ORG. APRIL 18 | SPOKANE SCHOLARS FOUNDATION BANQUET 6 P.M., SPOKANE CONVENTION CENTER, 334 W. SPOKANE FALLS BLVD., SPOKANE. THE FOUNDATION WILL HONOR 143 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR THEIR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARD $ 60,000 IN MONETARY GRANTS RANGING FROM $1,000 TO $4,000 TO TWENTY-FOUR OF THE SCHOLARS. MORE AT WWW. SPOKANESCHOLARS.ORG. RECURRING CENTRAL VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD 6:30 P.M. ON THE SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAYS OF EACH MONTH, CVSD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 19307 E. CATALDO, SPOKANE VALLEY. LIBERTY LAKE CITY COUNCIL 7 P.M. ON THE FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS OF EACH MONTH, CITY HALL, 22710 E. COUNTRY VISTA DRIVE. LIBERTY LAKE LIBRARY FOUNDATION NOON THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH, 23123 E. MISSION AVE. LIBERTY LAKE MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION 11:30 A.M. TUESDAYS, LIBERTY LAKE PORTAL, 23403 E. MISSION AVE., SUITE 120. MORE AT 999-4935.

LIBERTY LAKE MUNICIPAL LIBRARY BOARD 10:30 A.M. THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 23123 E. MISSION AVE. LIBERTY LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION 4 P.M. ON THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH, CITY HALL, 22710 E. COUNTRY VISTA DRIVE. LIBERTY LAKE SCOPE 6:30 P.M. ON THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH, CITY HALL, 22710 E. COUNTRY VISTA

DRIVE.

COMMUNITY

LIBERTY LAKE SEWER AND WATER DISTRICT BOARD 4 P.M. ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH, 22510 E. MISSION AVE. HEALTH & RECREATION APRIL 2-3 | VOLLEY4FOOLS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M., HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE., SPOKANE VALLEY. PRESENTED BY INLAND NORTHWEST TOURNAMENTS AND EVERGREEN REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION. $165. MORE AT WWW. HUBSPORTSCENTER.ORG. APRIL 4-7 | HUB SPRING BREAK CAMP 9 A.M. TO NOON, HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE., SPOKANE VALLEY. LEARN AND/OR REFINE BASIC SPORT SKILLS AND PLAY FUN GAMES WITH FRIENDS. FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN GRADES FOUR THROUGH EIGHT. $100. MORE AT WWW.HUBSPORTSCENTER.ORG APRIL 4-7 | PICKLEBALL CLINICS 10 A.M. TO NOON, HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE., SPOKANE VALLEY. LEARN THE BASIC SKILLS AND RULES OF PICKLEBALL FROM EXPERT INSTRUCTORS. MON./TUES. CLINIC IS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 8 TO 18.

WED./THURS. CLINIC IS FOR ADULTS AND SENIORS. $20. MORE AT WWW. HUBSPORTSCENTER.ORG. APRIL 5 | LIBERTY LAKE WOMEN’S 18 HOLE GOLF CLUB OPENING DAY BREAKFAST 8 A.M., LIBERTY LAKE GOLF COURSE, 24403 E. SPRAGUE AVE. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. GOLF WILL FOLLOW THE BREAKFAST. TO ATTEND, CALL JOYCE SKIDMORE AT 448-1097.

APRIL 8 | WARRIOR CAMP MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EVENT 7 P.M., HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE. THE COST OF ADMISSION FOR THESE LIVE MMA CAGE FIGHTS IS $20-30. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT WARRIOR CAMP, 5027 E. TRENT AVE., SPOKANE. MORE AT WWW. WARRIORCAMPFITNESS.COM APRIL 9-10 | INLAND NORTHWEST KLASSIC VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M., HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE., SPOKANE VALLEY. MORE THAN 175 TEAMS (AGES 12 TO 18) COMPETE. MORE AT WWW.HUBSPORTSCENTER.ORG. APRIL 15-17 | EVERGREEN REGION VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M., HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE., SPOKANE VALLEY. TEAMS FROM U12 AND U18 DIVISIONS COMPETE TO REPRESENT THE REGION AT THE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT. MORE AT WWW.HUBSPORTSCENTER.

ORG.

APRIL 22-24 |BREAKTHROUGH BASKETBALL ELITE GUARD CAMP 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. (FRI., SAT.), 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. (SUN.), HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE., SPOKANE VALLEY. A THREE-DAY BASKETBALL CAMP FOR ADVANCED PLAYERS OF ALL POSITIONS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR BALL HANDLING, SHOOTING, PASSING, ATHLETICISM, DECISIONMAKING, LEADERSHIP SKILLS, AND SCORING. $265. MORE AT WWW. HUBSPORTSCENTER.ORG. APRIL 22 | WORLD RECORD LONGEST BUBBLEBALL GAME 6 A.M., HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE., SPOKANE VALLEY. BE PART OF THE LONGEST BUBBLEBALL GAME ON RECORD AS CORPORATIONS, COMPANIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD FOR A WORLD RECORD. FUNDS RAISED WILL GO THE HUB’S 360 AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR AT-RISK YOUTH. MORE AT WWW. HUBSPORTSCENTER.ORG.

APRIL 2016 • 15

Pick up a free copy of

The Current, a monthly publication for the Valley, offers visual storytelling, eye-catching ads and community coverage readers have come to rely on. This free newspaper is available at more than 150 high-traffic places around the Valley, including the following locations:

RECURRING KIDFIT SPOKANE HUB SPORTS CENTER, 19619 E. CATALDO AVE. THIS CHILDREN’S MOVEMENT AND FITNESS PROGRAM OFFERS CLASSES IN DANCE (BALLET, TAP, JAZZ, HIP HOP), GYMNASTICS AND CHEERLEADING FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGES THREE AND OLDER. MORE AT 953-7501 OR WWW.KIDFITSPOKANE. COM. WINDERMERE MARATHON REGISTRATION OPEN REGISTRATION FOR THE JUNE 5 MARATHON OR HALF MARATHON FROM THE VALLEY AREA TO SPOKANE IS OPEN. REGISTRATION AND MORE AT WWW. WINDERMEREMARATHON.COM. HUB SPORTS CENTER 19619 E. CATALDO AVE. VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS OCCUR THROUGHOUT THE WEEK INCLUDING: • BADMINTON OPEN GYM: 7 TO 9 P.M. TUES., $5/PERSON • BASKETBALL OPEN GYM: NOON TO 1 P.M. TUES. AND THURS., $4/PERSON • PICKLEBALL DROP-IN: 12:30 TO 2:30 P.M. MON. THROUGH THURS.; 7 TO 9 P.M. WED. AND SUN. $2/ SENIORS ($4/NON-SENIORS) • CLASSES INCLUDING KENPO KARATE, MODERN FARANG-MU SUL, AND ZUMBA AEROBICS. SEE WEBSITE FOR COST AND TIMES. ALL CALENDAR LISTINGS WERE PROVIDED TO OR GATHERED BY SPLASH STAFF. IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR EVENT CONSIDERED FOR THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION BY THE 15TH OF THE MONTH TO CALENDAR@LIBERTYLAKESPLASH.COM.

Brothers Office Pizza Casey Family Dental Country Vista Apartments Ding How Eat Good Cafe NEW Fieldhouse Pizza and Subs Great Clips Greenstone Guardian Angel Homes Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt KiDDS Dental Liberty Lake City Hall Palenque Mexican Restaurant Peridot Publishing Office San Francisco Sourdough Twisp Cafe and Coffee House NEW Yoke’s Fresh Market Would you like to carry The Current in your place of business? Contact Circulation Manager Mike Johnson at mike@valleycurrent.com.

MARCH

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019

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Shake - Up

The sudden and puzzling dismissal of Spokane Valley City Manager Mike Jackson page 12

U-HI GRAD DEPUTY CRAIG PAGE 2

EVSD EARNS LEVY WIN PAGE 35

MARCH ZAGNESS 101 PAGE 39

Wick Enterprizes

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“Honoring local communities and encouraging citizen involvement”

509-242-7752

www.libertylakesplash.com

The Splash

16 • APRIL 2016

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The Splash

Beginning in April, the library will no longer offer “grace days.” Fines will accrue beginning on the first day items are overdue.

National Library Week April 10 - 16 Come celebrate library week with us!

Tuesday, April 12 - 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Board Games and Coloring Night - All ages are welcome Friday, April 15 - 4 to 5 p.m.

LIBRARY

Eagle Scout project adds to safety at library

Last year, local Boy Scout Andrew Ferrero completed his Eagle Scout project by building an ADAcompliant picnic table and concrete pad for the Liberty Lake Municipal Library. Ferrero was honored by Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson and Director of Library Services Pamela Mogen for his efforts.

“This picnic table can now be used for crafts or for families to sit outside in the summer,” Ferrero said.

While the site will be utilized for leisurely lunches and reading under the sun, Ferrero said there was nothing restful about this project.

“I had to meet with various scouting and public officials which made me face my fear of calling people on the phone,” he said.

The paperwork – and all the necessary revisions – involved more heavy lifting. Still, the final product has provided the library with a safe, nourishing space that visitors will enjoy. Ferrero is quick to deflect credit to his support team for the success.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, friends and Lowe’s,” he said.

Saturday, April 16 - 1 to 4 p.m.

Teen Book to Movie Festival Thursday, April 28 - 4 to 5 p.m.

Candy Sushi - Ages 8 to 12 - Sign-up required. Sign up online or at the library

By Pamela Mogen

Director of Library Services Libraries have always been in the transforming business but especially so in America. Libraries appeared as early as 1713 in New England, but the first free, public library didn’t open until 1833.

Since then libraries have commonly been identified with civic pride and cultural advancement in the public mind.

Most Americans can recall seeing one of the 2,900 “Carnegie libraries” gifted between 1882 and 1929 by the famous 19th century industrialist Andrew Carnegie. It was Carnegie who dubbed public libraries “people’s universities,” both in fond memory of his own use as a poor boy and in hopes of transforming into productive

Family Movie Night

Thursday, April 7, 5:30-8 p.m.

Watch the seventh episode in the world’s favorite space opera just days after it is released for home viewing. Feel free to bring something to eat.

Popcorn provided by the library! Light sabers optional.

Lego Relay Races- Ages 6 and up

Libraries Transform – 2016 National Library Week theme is our future

APRIL 2016 • 17

Plot Gardening with a Master Gardener

Americans the thousands of new immigrants coming to the U.S. in those decades.

Fi, and robust digital content that supports education, employment, e-government access and more.

Libraries have consistently transformed lives through free access to the information and technology of the time. Recent and anticipated technological change and digitalization has changed the landscape of information access and use. Today’s library services include digital literacy, career development and opportunities for everyone in the community for engagement and lifelong learning. No longer just places for books, libraries in the 21st Century are viewed as anchors, centers for community life and cherished spaces.

These new information processes and creative resources are transforming libraries, library services and librarians. To meet the needs of individuals and the community as a whole in the “knowledge society of the 21st century,” libraries must not only provide space for individuals to advance their knowledge, skills and access to tangible and digital collections, but also serve as community centers designed to foster innovation, connection and collaboration within their communities.

Libraries are not just about what they have for people, but what they do for and with people. Research shows that families are increasing their access to digital media, but they lack the knowledge to use it effectively in a way that enables learning. Three-quarters of the public say libraries are effective at helping people learn how to use new technologies like 3-D printing and creative software, while providing free public access to computers and the Internet, Wi-

“Libraries Transform” is our national theme for 2016, but more importantly it is our vision for the local public library, a vision both for those it serves and for the quality of life a community can experience together through the connections that can be made there. Visit your local library today and celebrate with us as we transform to serve 21st century Liberty Lake!

National Library Week will be observed April 10-16 with the theme of "Libraries Transform."

Thursday April 21, 6-7 p.m.

What can you grow in a 4 X 8 garden plot?

Learn the possibilities of prolific food and flower gardening in your own yard or community garden plot. Presented

by Master Gardener Mia Marcum-McCoy.

Book Club for Adults

Thursday, April 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for treats and conversation while we discuss “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet”

by Jamie Ford.

Lego Club

Meets every Friday 4-5 p.m.

For ages 4 and up.

www.libertylakewa.gov/library

23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake • 232-2510

The Splash

18 • APRIL 2016

help families secure stable housing and cover fees for school programs, transportation, utilities and college applications.

BOLT

Continued from page 10

Bolt also co-founded the Greater Valley Support Network, a group that cultivates awareness and resources for less fortunate residents. The network includes representatives from various nonprofits, school districts, local governments, churches and other entities, all dedicated to addressing ways to combat issues like homelessness and hunger.

golf pro for at least a couple of years.

Today, she and husband Brandon live in the Ponderosa area and have two sons – Austin, 20, who attends Spokane Falls Community College and Preston, 18, a senior at University High School. Bolt has been an advocate many years supporting Preston’s educational needs as a student dealing with high-functioning autism.

understand how truly amazing our teachers and staff are, and the amazingly hard and complex work our legislators and other policy makers are increasingly being

asked to do, with all the increased regulations,” she said. “Our schools and the opportunities for our kids in the entire Spokane Valley are top-notch.”

In 2010, Bolt received a CVSD Meritorious Award.

She was encouraged by some educators to consider the state board, in part because of her background supporting special education and outreach to needy families.

While on the CV board, Bolt served on the Washington State School Directors’ Association legislative committee, where she built relationships with statewide school directors. She co-chaired her district’s Citizen Levy Campaign.

“I have an understanding of the obstacles that our children in need face and also that our kids have different abilities,” Bolt said, adding that she has a passion to advocate for students from all different backgrounds.

In 2009, Bolt also co-founded HEART in Hand Outreach of the CV PTA/PTSA, to help students who are homeless or in transitional housing. The council partners with CVSD’s HEART Program, a nonprofit outreach group that raises funds to

Bolt said her CV board experience helped prepare her current role.

“It

did

help

me

to

MJ Bolt (right) chats with Tom Green and Janet Crossen at a meeting of the Greater Valley Support Network. Bolt was instrumental in organizing the group which works to mobilize resources for low-income residents throughout the Valley.

Photo by Craig Howard

better

Sprinkler Spruce Up Before turning your system on...

Don’t forget to make your 2015 IRA contribution.

1. Turn system on slowly to avoid breaks 2. Check for broken heads and leaks — a broken one can waste 25,000 gallons in six months!

3. Consider our climate: • Spring is a rainy season (March-June) • Water between 7p and 9a to avoid evaporative losses • Turn off system during high winds • Established lawns only need 1.5” per week — www.epa.gov/watersense

www.libertylake.org

www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor/ watering_tips.html

Please direct spray on landscapes, not pavement. It helps keep things green!

Scott Draper, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

23403 E Mission Suite 101 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 509-892-5811 www.edwardjones.com MKT-5894F-A-A1

Member SIPC

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The Splash

APRIL 2016 • 19

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*The Honda Power Equipment Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.00% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. This information is accurate as of 01/06/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 5/30/2016. Read the owner’s manual before operating Honda Power Equipment.

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The Splash

20 • APRIL 2016

Safety Scroll Keeping neighborhoods safe as weather shifts

By Chief Brian Asmus

Liberty Lake Police Department As the warm spring weather approaches, your Liberty Lake Police Department wants to remind you of some tips to keep yourself and your home safe during the spring months.

Keep doors locked at all times. If you are working in the backyard, keep your front door and garage door closed and locked and lock

your back door when you are in the front yard. Always lock your doors when you leave, even if you only plan to be gone for a few minutes.

During the spring weather, many people open windows or sliding glass doors while they are at home. Always remember to close and lock your windows and sliding doors when you go to bed or leave the house.

Install motion-activated lights in your front and backyards, so when someone approaches your home, the lights automatically come on, illuminating that person.

Put all ladders, lawn care equipment etc. back into a secure

storage area after you use them.

Don’t forget to secure your bicycles, golf clubs and any other recreational items when they are not in use. Always lock any storage unit or shed you have on your property.

Be aware of home improvement scams. If you did not solicit the contractor or salesman who shows up at your door unannounced, do not do business with that person and notify the Liberty Lake Police Department immediately.

Remember – an organization that solicits door to door is required to have a permit from the city and they are required to wear city issued identification.

Always remember to roll up your car windows, take any valuables out of your car, and lock your doors every time you

exit your vehicle, even if parked in your driveway.

Being a good neighbor can be one of the best crime prevention tools.

Watchful, attentive neighbors can spot criminals and alert the police and the community to their presence. Get involved in our community and help us keep our city safe.

“Safety Scroll” is a new feature in The Splash featuring advice and insight from the Liberty Lake Police Department and the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

Chief Brian Asmus has led the Liberty Lake Police Department since 2001. To contact LLPD, call 509-755-1140. The on-call officer number is 509-218-4899.

For more information, visit the police link at www.libertylakewa. gov.

“ IT’S

THE LAW ” AP RI LI SN AT ION AL DI GS AF EM ON TH

In WASHINGTON Click or Call Two Business Days Before You Plan To Dig

www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org

The Splash

SHERRY

Continued from page 2 the turkey and some of the fixings.

We have a potato farmer that donates fresh potatoes. Darigold donates milk and cheese and butter. The wonderful Franz bakery donates all the delicious fresh rolls and dressing mix. An apple orchard donates fresh apples. Itron here in Liberty Lake have adopted us and provide Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena for the distribution of dinners as well as volunteer and donate to the cause. It’s kind of miraculous. I have many people who tell me they got a dinner in the past and now they’re doing better and want to pay it forward so they buy meal for other families in need.

It all starts with Rosauers grocery stores. They made the commitment to do this with us more than a decade ago and I can’t think of a better partner or a better group of people. Tom’s Turkey drive is where hundreds of volunteers, businesses and shoppers come together to do a really big thing – provide a family in need a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. I am really, really grateful for these wonderful people.

APRIL 2016 • 21

Q: Speaking of weather, the Inland Northwest is known for much more defined seasons and weather patterns than your native Southern California.

Even though it must be nice to be in Manhattan Beach on a 70-degree day in February, what sort of climate do you prefer?

Lake mostly because of the lake.

I try to be on it or in it every day in the summer. I think the county park is awesome for hiking and exploring and the trails through the city make everything so pedestrian

friendly. Liberty Lake really is a special community. Other people have to drive a long ways to camp at the lake or go hike. We have it just down the road. Pretty neat. Oh and the golfing is pretty good too.

A: Even though I enjoy skating on Liberty Lake and snow skiing at our many wonderful ski resorts. I have found that the older I get, I enjoy warm weather the most. If I could dress in shorts and sandals most of the year that would be OK for me.

Q: Finally, what do you enjoy most about living in the Liberty Lake community?

A: It’s a can-do town. People just make things happen. It’s really unique. Folks here don’t say that can’t be done. They say that may be hard, let’s look at ways to do this. I really love that. Of course I love living at a place that has the lake and the hills. I enjoy boating, stand up paddle boarding, running and hiking in the warm months and skiing and ice skating during the cold months. I love living in Liberty

Tom Sherry has been the longtime master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the annual Holiday Ball at the Davenport Hotel that raises money for events sponsored by the Friends of Pavillion Park.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Pavillion Park

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The Splash

22 • APRIL 2016

“I can drive the ball probably 20 yards further than I have in years. This program works!

I feel strong and healthy.”

— Bob Covington, Covington Construction

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National Parks Week

National Park Week is April 16-24 in celebration largest and oldest trees in the country and the of their 100 year anniversary. To commemorate Hall of Mosses is not to be missed. the National Park Service is giving free admission.

The park also protects What a great time to go explore one! We are lucky 73 miles of Pacific Coast to have one of the most unique parks right here that you can explore. in our own state.

Tidepools, beaches, Olympic National Park was established in 1937 hiking, and don’t forget

by President Franklin Roosevelt. It encompasses the banana slugs - The nearly one million acres and has 3 different Olympic National Park ecosystems; a wild pacific coast, glacier capped has something for everyone! mountains, and temperate rain forest.

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24 • APRIL 2016

Recipe Box

Vegitable Bugs INGREDIENTS: Assorted Vegetables Peanut Butter or Cream Cheese Pretzels DIRECTIONS: 1. Start with 2 1/2 - 3 inch pieces of celery that have been flattened on the bottom.

2. Fill them with peanut butter, cream cheese or other spread of your choice.

3. Decorate to look like bugs using your other veggies and pretzels. We used cucumber slices, red pepper peices and different size pretzels. You can even add cereal for eyes. *Remember you don’t have to stick to these veggies. Let your children be creative and have fun decorating their own bugs with foods they like.

TIME TO PLANT

MATERIALS - Toilet paper tube or Paper towel tube - Starter mix soil - Yogurt container or other non leaking container - Seeds for the plant of your choice DIRECTIONS 1. Place your cardboard tube into empty yogurt container. You can also place multiple tubes into a larger non leaking container.

2. Fill each tube with moistened starter mix soil.

3. Plant one seed in each tube of soil. We would recommend using Giant Sunflower or Scarlet runner beans.

4. Kepp your soil moist. In a few weeks your seeds will sprout. After the danger of frost has passed you can plant the entire tube into the ground.

DID YOU KNOW? Facts about recycling

Plastic takes about 500 years to decompose Americans use four million plastic bottles every hour. Only 25% are recycled.

It takes five 2-liter recycled bottles to make a jacket Up to one million creatures in the ocean are killed each year from plastic garbage Glass never wears out - it can be recycled forever It takes about one million years for a glass bottle to break down at te landfill In America, so much aluminum is thrown away every month that we could rebuild every airplane in the sky Americans throw away enough steel every year to build all of the new cars made in America Recycled aluminum cans are back on the shelf as new cans in as few as 60 days. Half of the aluminum in a new can is recycled About ten million tons of newspaper are thrown away instead of being recycled every year One ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees Recycled newspapers make newsprint, tissue paper, insulation and cardboard Washington State Department of Ecology Fact Sheet

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PACE Trait Trustworthiness Inspiring complete reliability and confidence in his/ her truthfulness, integrity and discretion

APRIL 2016 • 25

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Animal Facts

Every month we will feature an information on a different animal. Cut them out and collect them all!

PACIFIC BANANA SLUG - North American rainforests Alaska to California - 8-10” 4 oz.

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The Splash

26 • APRIL 2016

Author Spotlight

t r e l h E s i Lo Lois Ehlert was born in 1934. She grew up in Beaver Dam, WI with parents that encouraged her artistic nature. She is the author and/or illustrator of over 50 children’s books, most are about nature and animals. She worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for others

while perfecting her own individual style. Lois makes colorful collages.

She utilizes scraps of fabrics, random objects, cut-outs, and die cut pages to create her unique art. She has won many awards including two Caldecott Honors.

She illustrated “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” one of the best selling children’s books of all time. To learn more about her process read “The Scraps Book.”

Check out these books!

Plant a Rainbow (1988) Ages 3-8

Teach children their colors and names of flowers with this book. They plant bulbs, seeds, and seedlings to create the perfect rainbow to enjoy.

Growing Vegetable Soup (1990) Ages 2-7 The entire gardening process is covered in a very simple, kid-freindly way. Then we see what is involved to turn all those fresh vegetables into soup, recepie included!

Eating the Alphabet (1996) Ages 1-4 This brightly colored alphabet book is a fun aid to teach 74 fruits and vegetables. Yes, there is an x, xigua, but most of us know it by a more common name. Can you guess what it is?

Waiting for Wings (2001) Ages 4-7 The story of the metemorphosis of butterflies if explained in an easily understood way. As always, Elhert places an explosion of color on the page to hold your interest.

All of these books are available in both English and Spanish

Tree Collage er Picture n r o tC Craf

SUPPLIES - Construction paper or sturdy paper as backdrop - A thin paper bag, packing paper, or paper bag - Green tissue or crepe paper - Colored tissue or crepe paper (we repurposed used tissue paper from the holidays) - Glue - A pencil - Paint, crayons, markers, stickers, glitter (any additional supplies you may want to add extra elements to your picture DIRECTIONS 1. Rip brown paper into strips (can be as thick or thin as you would like.

Twist the strips. Glue on to your backdrop paper to create a tree trunk and branches.

2. Cut green and colored papers into 1-1 1/2 inch strips. Then cut strips into squares.

They don’t have to be perfect or exactly the same.

Not all leaves are the same. Take your square of tissue shape it over the eraser end of your pencil. Dip in to glue and then place onto the paper. Continue until you have placed as many “leaves” and “flowers” as you would liike on your tree.

3. Use your other craft supplies to complete the picture with any other embellishments you might like. We used paint to add a sun, grass craft paper at the bottom, and made a bug on our tree.

The Splash

APRIL 2016 • 27

Student of the Month Central Valley senior Landon Daines maintains a 3.7 grade point average and serves as ASB president. The Liberty Lake resident is active in his church and has earned his Eagle Scout award. As part of his role with ASB, Daines helped to coordinate a food drive at CV this school year that generated 25,000 pounds of food and $11,500 in donations.

Daines has participated in the DECA program for three years, honing his marketing and business skills. He has twice advanced to the state DECA competition. The senior is also a three-year letter winner in basketball and was part of a Bears’ squad that earned seventh at state this season.

Daines plans to serve a twoyear mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following graduation.

He is considering BYU, Utah or Utah State for college where he plans on majoring in physical therapy.

Central Valley senior Meghan Rockwood is a four-year letter winner in volleyball.

She was part of a Bears’ squad that placed seventh at state this season, the best finish in school history. CV ended the regular season with a Greater Spokane League title.

Rockwood has contributed to select volleyball teams that have qualified for the national club tournament seven times.

She maintains a 3.8 grade point average and is part of Leadership program as well as the National Honor Society. Meghan has lettered in softball the past three years. She also donates time as a youth volleyball coach. Rockwood will attend Montana State University after graduation where she plans to study biomedical science.

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that provides foster homes for dogs until a permanent home can be found. She is currently serving as foster coordinator for Power of the Paw which also secures foster support for dogs, many of whom have faced neglect or abuse. She has volunteered with the Spokane Humane Society as well. “They really don’t have a voice,” Amber says of her furry friends.

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28 • APRIL 2016 Brought to you by

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

World War II veteran stays enlisted on community front

By Jamie Borgan Splash Correspondent It’s fair to say that Gene Domanico maintains a daunting schedule – cardio exercise classes three days a week, Texas Hold ‘Em games every Friday, a few games of pool every Tuesday, regular meetings of both the Central Lions Club of Spokane and the Liberty Lake Lions Club (of which Gene is a charter member) and service on the board of Lilac Services for the Blind. Add his participation in every social event offered at his manufactured home development in Spokane Valley including, of course, karaoke, and you have a full agenda for anyone, let alone a 93-year-old.

With a gentle self-deprecating humor, Domanico relates that he’d never even sung in public until a couple years ago when some neighbors encouraged him to try karaoke.

Afterward, Domanico asked his neighbor, a musician, which key he’d sung in to which his neighbor replied, “All of them.”

Domanico was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1923. His father had immigrated to the U.S. from Italy at the age of 13 and eventually married (as Domanico puts it) a “farm girl from Iowa” after dancing with her to Lawrence Welk at the Tromar Ballroom in Des Moines.

Domanico’s parents owned a restaurant and nightclub in Des Moines called the Green Parrot, which Domanico managed after serving in World War II. A decorated Air Force veteran, Domanico flew 18 combat missions in the 447th Bombardment Group out of Rattlesden Air Base in Suffolk, England during World War II. Along with other World War II veterans, Domanico was honored for his service three years ago with participation in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. After the war, Domanico returned to Iowa and started managing the Green Parrot while raising his six children. His success in the restaurant industry led to a job as a restaurant consultant which eventually got him a job creating training opportunities in kitchens for

individuals with sight impairment for the Iowa Commission for the Blind. Domanico had always had a passion for public service, largely based on his upbringing and had volunteered for the commission before being hired.

It was his work training people with blindness in vocational skills that would bring him to Spokane.

At that time, his wife also worked for the Iowa Commission for the Blind as a dietician and was invited to interview for a job with the Lilac Blind Foundation in Spokane.

During the visit to the Inland Northwest, the couple went to dinner at Beverly’s in Coeur d’Alene.

A lifelong enthusiast of boating, Domanico was struck at the sight of all of the sailboats on the lake.

He had always enjoyed boats, but had never had an opportunity to sail. Realizing that a move west would mean learning to sail and not having to deal with the tornadoes and humidity of Iowa, Domanico and his wife both took jobs at the Lilac Blind Foundation.

“If you can sit in a chair, you can ride a recumbent” he says.

In his characteristic communitybuilding fashion, Domanico organizes an annual bike parade in his community and frequently goes on rides with his neighbors, who he repeatedly says are “like family.”

Despite his obvious artistic talent, Domanico says the drawings have been difficult to finish.

“I’m just too busy to get them done,” says the retiree.

Domanico’s community engagement is just one of the pillars he points to for keeping him healthy and happy. He says that relationships, humor and a positive attitude keep him moving forward and have made him an inspiration for many. His whirlwind of activities comes naturally and simply seems to be an extension of his joy and exuberance about experiencing the fullness of life in many settings, from the deck of a sailboat, seat of a bike or the sidelines during the Lion’s Club bed races.

Domanico doesn’t seem at all interested in slowing down and continues to add new hobbies or activities as they arise. These days, beautiful color pencil drawings of songbirds line his counter. He explains that he saw some sketches like that at the senior center and thought he’d try his hand at it.

Domanico served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, flying close to 20 combat mission out of Suffolk, England.

Contributed photo

Domanico brought his dedicated ethic of service to his community and passion for boating and cycling to his work in the Northwest.

He spent the remainder of his professional career at the Lilac Blind Foundation (now called Lilac Services for the Blind), helping people with sight impairment learn how to live independently.

Domanico says the work was creative and fulfilling as he and his team helped individuals learn how to use adaptive technologies like braille ovens so that they could live alone in their homes.

Domanico also developed a love and command of sailing on the lakes of the Inland Northwest, eventually captaining his own 30-foot sailboat on voyages throughout the world.

An avid cyclist from a young age, he also gravitated to all the scenic bike trails in the area and continued to go on long distance trail rides well into his 80s.

Domanico still loves riding his bike whenever the weather is good.

He switched to a recumbent two years ago and extolls its virtues.

Gene Domanico, 93, stays involved in a variety of community groups and activities, including the Liberty Lake Lions Club and Central Lions Club of Spokane. The Valley resident also serves on the board of directors for Lilac Services for the Blind.

Photo by Jamie Borgan

The Splash

APRIL 2016 • 29

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30 • APRIL 2016

CV girls complete undefeated season with state hoops title

SPORTS “She’s our 5-11 post, just super athletic, a shot blocker, willing to take on every team’s biggest player,” Rehkow said of Christopher.

“Kalle was kind of a 3-point shooter,” Rehkow said. “She came off the bench to give the starters a breather and knock down shots.”

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Over a decade before members of the current Central Valley girls’ basketball team were born, the program made history by bringing home the school’s first state 4A championship in 1993.

They were toddlers and likely oblivious when the Bears added two more during a 56-game winning streak and three trips to the finals.

Callow in age, yes, but gifted beyond their years, these ladies today have positioned themselves to perhaps equal or even surpass what their predecessors first accomplished. Just don’t tell that to CV Head Coach Freddie Rehkow, who isn’t about to put the cart before the horse after leading these sophomores and freshmen to a perfect 28-0 season and the school’s fourth state title.

“I have no grand elusions we’re going to win two or three,” Rehkow said. “If we (do) that’s awesome.

If we don’t, I’m not going to worry if we’re (considered) successful or not.”

Rehkow said he asked the team prior to their first state game in Tacoma if they would still consider it a successful year if they didn’t win state.

“Every one of the girls said, ‘Yeah, we’re successful,’” he says. “But they wanted that state championship and went out and got it.”

The reality is that the champs are essentially a team of sophomores and freshmen and were unlikely to have completed a perfect season, let alone win a state championship.

But this group was seemingly impervious to pressure.

In 20 regular season games their average victory margin was 31 points. That average understandably dropped to 18.5 in post-season but remains impressive. They weathered more experienced and potential Greater Spokane League roadblock Lewis and Clark four times, three of those by five or fewer points, displaying poise generally associated with teams like the Tigers.

The win over Snohomish in the 4A championship game represented the fourth state girls' basketball title in CV history. From left to right: Lacie Hull, Kalle Crouch, Katy Hawkins and Lexie Hull.

Photo by Erik Smith The squad didn’t flinch when pitted inexplicably against fellow unbeaten Moses Lake in the first round of state, 47-39, by outscoring the Chiefs 26-17 in the second half.

After rolling past Todd Beamer, 55-37, courtesy of another big second half, CV topped Snohomish, 57-48, for the crown, just their fifth single digit outcome all year.

“We never once talked about our record,” Rehkow said. “This group went out and played with no worries.”

Freshmen and sophomores. No worries. Indeed.

Lexie and Lacie Hull were veterans, if you can call sophomores that. The Bears returning scoring leader, Lexie, averaged 19.1 points per game during this regular season and 15.3 in post-season.

She also hauled down 8.6 rebounds per game.

Burns, CV’s lone senior, was injured 13 games into the season and sat out the rest. The Bears were also without varsity junior veteran Courtney Carolan due to a knee injury. “Hopefully she’ll come back,” Rehkow said.

CV also had double figure scoring from 5-11 Katy Hawkins, and first off the bench, plus Machaela Laabs inside.

“Katy gave breathers and scoring punch who could rebound and take the pressure off when others were in foul trouble,” Rehkow said, “Machaela had a knack for finding anything loose and just works extremely hard.”

The Splash

2002 when he was a CV assistant during the streak and verged on three state titles before coming up short. It was a team whose run started with six juniors and three sophomores and ushered in the freshman era in 2003. He’s loathe to compare. Both played different styles. Suffice to say this is CV’s third unbeaten girls team (the first in 1993) and youngest.

Rehkow was ready to leave the game for good after five years at East Valley. Then Central Valley came open. His sons, Austin and Ryan, have had a sports impact current and beyond.

“I wouldn’t have looked at a job other than CV,” he said. “For me it was an opportunity to go back and have my kids go there that outweighed my wanting to walk away.”

Then there were the freshmen guards, Camryn Skaife and Mady Simmilink.

“Mady was our rock,” Rehkow said. “She pretty much came in as the point guard and I thought about as poised as a junior or senior. In 28 games I want to say she had 38 turnovers,” Rehkow said. “Skaife played defense well and knocked down huge 3-pointers, especially at state. She played bigger than her (5-4) size. And, man, she’s tough.”

Two others, freshmen Tamekia Watson and Kate Sams saw state playing time.

Rehkow thought back to 2001-

“She was our inside threat,” Rehkow said of the tourney MVP and All-State selection, adding that Lexie “plays more physical” than her wiry 6-foot-1 frame might imply.

Point guard Lacie scored at an 8.5 clip during regular season, but boosted it to 10.8 in eight playoff games. She also averaged six rebounds, more than four assists and three steals per game.

“She’s a totally different player (than her sister),” Rehkow said.

“She does the stuff not in box scores, getting deflections and steals, getting us out on the break and getting the ball to people in good position.”

Other returning sophomores include third-leading scorer and rebounder Hailey Christopher and Kalle Crouch.

The Central Valley girls’ basketball team defeated Snohomish 57-48 for the state 4A title on March 5 at the Tacoma Dome. The Bears finished 28-0 on the season. From left to right: Hailey Christopher, Lexie Hull, Tamekia Watson, Kalle Crouch and Katy Hawkins.

Photo by Erik Smith

The Splash

CV boys conclude stellar season with trip to state

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor The Central Valley boys’ basketball season can be summed up in the simplest of terms. Defensively you can control your destiny. But you can’t control offense when even good attempts don’t drop.

“I thought we were a really solid team, but we were a little up and down on offense during the year,” said head coach Rick Sloan of the Bears’ state tournament campaign.

“Because we played good defense we were able to finish 16-4 (during the regular season). During the playoffs, we got a little more offensive rhythm, we played two of our best games in regionals.”

That effort got the Bears to Tacoma, but there was a lid on the basket and they lost two straight.

Sloan preferred to look on the bright side. “We had a place,” he said. “We got seventh, in my mind.”

Boys’ basketball has been a big part of Central Valley lore with

Final Point -

Catching up with a local sports encyclopedia

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Bill Pierce and I discovered we are kindred spirits. Born just days apart, I never thought I’d find another Taurus as immersed in Valley high school sports as me, but I met my match.

The irony is we would have been classmates at Central Valley had my family not moved following my sixth grade year at Opportunity Elementary. Heck, we might have sat together in the stands at the University of Washington’s Hec Edmundson Fieldhouse had I not been there with West Valley’s state basketball qualifiers while he was there rooting for the Bears.

We didn’t meet until 30-plus years ago while I was covering

SPORTS

state appearances in virtually every decade dating back to the 1930s.

The Sloan era has played its part including state second and fourth place finishes twice.

This year’s team was a part of the history by following the fourth place finishing team in 2013 when they were freshmen. The year before they likely witnessed the finals appearance.

“This group made it to state three of the last four years,” Sloan pointed out. “That’s all they know. This team knows a lot about success.”

This crop of eight seniors included the coach’s son Tanner Sloan, so Rick was well aware of their potential. The one they missed was football star Scott Peck, who was injured as a junior and would have been a load inside.

APRIL 2016 • 31

Thomas and Tucker right around their regular season averages.

Point guards Justis Simmons and Eli Emerson fit the profile of CV’s perimeter shooting when hitting on all cylinders and helped get them to state. Simmons had four huge games in the playoffs, averaging 11.6. He scored 6.0 a game during regular season.

“When the shots fall at the right time you make runs,” Sloan said.

“They didn’t in Tacoma. We tell them all the time you can’t control what shots do as long as they’re good shots, but you can control defense. They bought into that and gave us a chance to win.”

“I knew it was a good group coming through,” he said. “This group was special at a young age.”

Cameron Tucker and Josh Thomas were double figure scorers for the year, as was junior Ryan Rehkow, who filled Peck’s role.

Thomas averaged 12.8 points per game during the regular season and Tucker scored at a 12.6 clip.

Rehkow added 10 points per game.

During seven playoff games, Rehkow led the team at 13.5, with

sports for my dad’s paper, the old Spokane Valley Herald, and he was beginning his long tenure as CV’s basketball scorekeeper. I eventually moved to The Spokesman-Review.

He has every CV roster and record archived and currently also writes a weekly nostalgia almanac on Spokane high school sports in the same newspaper.

His story fascinates.

Bill’s mother had died and he told me, “I was taking care of my homebound dad,” when I asked him to dig up some history for a story on CV girls basketball.

“Just for a break in the evenings I’d go up to CV for basketball,” he said.

The girls didn’t have a regular scorekeeper so he volunteered to help then-coach, the late Jack Blair who began what is now a dynasty.

“He called me back before the very next game,” Pierce said. The rest is history.

A few years later, boys coach Terry Irwin recruited Bill and his tenure as the Bears’ record-keeper had begun.

He did Dale Poffenroth’s books his first year and last year Poff coached the girls and took over both teams for the past dozen years.

He was quick to point out that Central Valley has the best girls’ record among all schools in the Greater Spokane League with 514 wins against just 155 losses. This was the seventh team to finish unbeaten during a GSL season and the third Bears’ unbeaten of four state champions.

When he was in high school, Pierce was more yearbook designer than sports guy.

“I liked to keep track of things, I did it even back then,” he says.

Which led to a fascinating hobby.

The past couple of decades or so he began ferreting out the records of the Valley sports teams from when they were in the Border League and has all their records on thumb drive. He pored over Valley Herald archives and library microfilm, cross-referencing his research. It expanded to encompass all current Greater Spokane League schools.

He googled the Spokesman-

Review and defunct Spokane Daily Chronicle.

“Lucky for us the Chronicle and Review are all on-line,” he says with obvious pride. “To the best of my knowledge, I have all the football games for the city schools since the beginning and basketball since 1925. I’ve got an awful lot of info.”

I grew up reading high school sports in the various newspapers and have institutional knowledge from writing about them for nearly half a century. It pales in comparison to what Bill has wrought.

Who would have thought that we might have been sitting in the same stands back in 1962, witnessing a moment in time when two Valley schools were playing in the same tournament at the same time. As spectators born virtually at the same time who attended rival schools, our paths ultimately crossed because of a common obsession.

Like the album by musicians Dan Fogelberg and Tim Weisberg, we must be “Twin Sons of Different Mothers.”

The Splash

32 • APRIL 2016

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Spokane Valley Fire Department Report – April 2016

road and become high-centered.

There were no injuries or hazards reported.

Structure Fire – March 11 – Shortly before 5:30 am, SVFD crews responded to a reported structure fire in the 18700 block of East Jackson Drive. Crews arrived to the small, one-story manufactured home to find the resident outside. He awoke to the smell of smoke and found the ceiling around his woodstove was on fire.

The flue pipe from the woodstove had been improperly installed and the fiberboard surrounding it was smoldering. Damage was estimated at $5,000. There were no working smoke detectors in the home. SVFD crews installed two smoke detectors before they left.

About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles. In 2015, SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 15,800 emergency calls.

Established in 1940, the Department operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, swift water rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. The department also provides free smoke detectors to residents. For more information about SVFD, call 928-1700 or visit www. spokanevalleyfire.com.

Valleyfest auction set for April 15

“Your business support is an opportunity to reach 200 of the greater Spokane Valley region’s business and community leaders,” Doering said. “In 2015, auction gala attendees, supporters and donors graciously helped raise over $20,000 to provide partial funding for Valleyfest 2015.”

Valleyfest’s fun filled community festival has “something for everyone,” according to Doering.

Valleyfest 2016 is set for Sept.

23-25.

The Valley’s signature celebration began in 1990 at Terrace View Park and is now held at Mirabeau Point Park.

“Your support of Valleyfest’s annual auction promises to showcase your image as a caring member of our community to your employees, clients and customers and to assist keeping Valleyfest free for all to attend,” Doering said.

Visit www.valleyfest.org or call (509) 922-3299 for more details on activities, entertainment and fun.

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 80 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from Feb. 17 through March 16 • Emergency medical service calls - 68 • Motor vehicle accidents – 2 • Fires – 5 • Service calls – 0 • Building alarms – 4 • Hazardous materials - 0 • Dispatched and cancelled en route – 1 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Motor Vehicle Accident – Feb. 17 – SVFD crews responded to a two-car, low speed accident in the 1300 block of North Liberty Lake Drive shortly after 5:30 pm.

Paramedics checked the occupants of both vehicles who said they were not injured.

Illegal Burn – Feb. 28 – Just before noon, SVFD Liberty Lake Station 3 crew was dispatched to a reported illegal burn in the 18900 block of East Buckeye Avenue. The crew found the resident illegally burning his Christmas tree. The resident quickly complied with SVFD’s request to put the fire out.

Motor Vehicle Accident – March 6 – SVFD crews responded to the report of a single car accident in the 200 block of South Molter Road just after 7:45 pm. Crews arrived to find a car that had attempted a turnaround had driven off the

From Splash New Sources It may be tax day, but for organizers of the area’s largest community festival, April 15 is an opportunity to generate revenue for a different cause.

The eighth annual Valleyfest Auction Gala will be held at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley, on April 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. This year’s theme will be Mardi Gras and attendees are encouraged to arrive in costume.

Valleyfest has available group table sponsorships with seating and individual tickets for the dinner and auction, according to longtime Valleyfest Director Peggy Doering.

The Splash

APRIL 2016 • 33

PACE Trait for April – Trustworthiness

experienced before, I was not at all impressed. My little sister was cute, sure – for the first day or two. After that she was just annoying, crying all the time and screeching and hogging my mom. Hey, remember me, parents? I’m still here! Over here! Your daughter! Remember?

By Jenna Mark

West Valley City School “Learning to trust is one of life’s most difficult tasks.” - Isaac Watts As a child, I was relatively outgoing and energetic, often playing in the dirt on the playground all by myself, perfectly content. I didn’t mind friendship, but I was perfectly OK on my own.

I was that one little girl always running around and whooping.

The other girls wanted to play princesses, and I wanted to play wolves. See the contrast? Because of this, I didn’t form very many solid friendships and I was usually off in the corner of the classroom writing on a scrap of paper in my free time.

Like most first-grade kids, I trusted my parents more than anything. My friends at school were OK, but most of the time I’d rather be alone. With my parents, though, it was different. Parents

were great! They’ll play with you and tell you stories and help you with whatever you need. At least that was what I thought, until my little sister entered the equation.

I was my parent’s kid, I was their daughter and then, all of a sudden, they pushed me aside and started pampering this new kid.

What was she, anyway? She was just a tiny gurgling baby! There was nothing cute about her! What was wrong with my parents? As a 4-year-old dealing with entirely new happenings in life I’d never

Of course, I didn’t say any of that, but to this day I remember exactly what it felt like. It was as if, at all times, I was staring through a window with my mom and dad on the other side, with them obsessing over my new baby sister and how perfectly angelic she was.

Meanwhile, I was left on the other side of the window, looking through the glass – invisible. It was the first time I’d ever felt that. Betrayal of trust. For those of you with little siblings, you might know what I’m going through.

Call me jealous, self-centered, whatever you want – but this little story just proves how important trust really is. Especially to young children! They’re so small and their brains are so underdeveloped that the way they see it, their loving, trusting parents just replaced them with a new kid, a cuter one, a better one.

Now, I don’t mean to be blunt,

but when I was younger, I hated my sister. I didn’t trust her, not at all, and I didn’t trust my parents either, not after tossing me aside for a bundle of swaddling clothes with less than half of my own intelligence. For the next few years, I was usually alone, drawing. The only person I knew I could trust was myself. If I was having a bad day, I would close my eyes and dive into the realm of my imagination, where I was loved and cared for by my imaginary friends.

My world was so much better than the real one! I could have all the adventures I wanted, and even the perfect parents!

What’s the point of this long monologue about my early childhood? That trust can make an imprint on us far, far into the future.

It’s taken me a while to recover, but I know my parents still care about me – and, after everything, I still care about my family. Trust comes in many different shapes and forms and it doesn’t always come easily.

But in the end, it does, even if it’s not apparent at first. So even if you’re afraid of trust, give it to the people who deserve it and, if they’re good people, you’ll know by the way they treat it. So never be afraid to trust.

Does my mom have options besides dentures?

A patient of mine who wore dentures once told me how she chose what to order from a restaurant menu.

Her question was not, “What looks delicious?” It wasn’t even, “What would be healthy for me?” Instead, she was looking to order the few limited items that she knew she could chew. Her life changed dramatically when we were able to replace her dentures with dental implants instead. While dentures give you about 25% the chewing power of normal teeth, implants provide an actual replacement for natural missing teeth and restore over 90% chewing power. Secured in the gum or jaw, this method of placement makes them the most natural tooth replacement system. In short, they look and feel like your own teeth. You even care for them as you would your natural teeth. While dentures can be initially more affordable, their removable nature not only makes them less reliable, but less functional as well. Dentures require maintenance and care that is both time-consuming and potentially costly over time. We would be happy to visit with you or your loved ones about whether dental implants are right for you.

— Dr. Timothy J. Casey

Liberty Lake resident Member, American Dental Association

The Splash

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The Splash

Jingle of jazz once resonated on shores of Liberty Lake

By Ross Schneidmiller

Liberty Lake Historical Society April happens to be Jazz Appreciation Month. Prior to my journey into vintage dance, I would not have combined those words.

I feel much more connected to music while dancing, however, I did not understand jazz--much less know how to dance to it. The genre of jazz is much broader than I originally thought and dances were created to express its varying styles.

Ragtime music was danced to one-step dances like the “Grizzly Bear” and “Camel Walk,” where one step was taken for each beat of music. The “Charleston” was created for Dixieland and hot jazz and swing music was expressed with the “Lindy Hop” and later “East Coast Swing.” Jazz music has syncopation, which is described as putting emphasis on unexpected beats; accordingly, dancers will syncopate their steps relating to the music.

HISTORY Hotel in the winter and put out a louder, jazzier beat at the Liberty Lake Pavillion during the summer season.

Dutch Groshoff, known as the “King of Sweet Swing,” occupied the Dance Pavillion stage along with his orchestra more than any other musical group from the 1930s through the 1950s. In 1932, wearing their North Central High School letterman sweaters, teenagers Bob Crosby and Ray Hendricks sang vocals for Dutch’s band.

This was a talented group of musicians that included Jimmy McLachlan – one of the area’s best banjo players. Sometimes on summer evenings, they toured the lake on Sig’s barge playing to the delight of the local residents.

APRIL 2016 • 35

Lake’s musical heritage. Today with music services like Spotify and others we can easily search and listen to a number of the acts listed. I appreciate that and I can now say that I appreciate jazz.

Jazz has been a big part of Liberty

Bob, Bing’s little brother, went on to form Bob Crosby’s Bobcats which became a respected Dixieland jazz orchestra. Hendricks later performed as a male vocalist for some of the top bands of the day including Benny Goodman, Hoagy Carmichael, Ben Bernie, Ray Noble and Sid Lippman.

Sig Knudsen and his friends held weekly jam sessions at his Liberty Lake resort and other locations.

Many of the musical groups that were formed as jazz became popular had the word “syncopators” as part of their name. Rollie Starr’s Syncopators headlined at the Liberty Lake Pavillion. A 1924 Spokane Daily Chronicle ad read: “Rollie Starr’s Syncopators are putting over a brand of dance music that’s calculated to make Paul Whiteman (a popular band leader at the time) jealous. You just can’t keep your feet still. Instinctively they glide along the smooth dance floor.”

Another group that played at the Pavillion during the 1920s were the Mann’s Singing Syncopators. Like many of the Inland Empire’s musical artists the three Mann brothers, the cornerstones of the group, left the area with their band to try their talents in larger markets. In 1924, they were booked for three years as a headline act on the Alexander Pantages Vaudeville Circuit, playing up and down the West Coast.

By the time they hung up their instruments, they had appeared in 17 motion pictures. They returned to Spokane in the early 1930s with their group renamed the Mann Brothers. They played for dinner dancing at the Davenport

Dutch Groshoff and his orchestra (shown above in vintage poster from the 1940s) played regularly at the Dance Pavillion on Liberty Lake from the 1930s through the 1950s. Predecessors to Dutch from the 1920s included Rollie Starr's Syncopators and Mann's Singing Syncopators.

Contributed Photo

The Splash

36 • APRIL 2016

SRHD celebrates National Nutrition Month From Splash News Sources

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Work with your Thrivent Financial representative, and as appropriate, your attorney and/or tax professional for additional information. Investing in securities involves risks such as fluctuating principal, and they may lose value. CDs offer a fixed rate of return. The value of a CD is guaranteed up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured institution, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), an independent agency of the United States government. Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.

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"Food nourishes the body and provides necessary fuel to help individuals thrive and fight disease," said Kyle Unland, registered dietitian and division director for SRHD’s Health Promotion division.

The health district has several programs that employ numerous registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) who work collaboratively with staff and partner agencies to ensure the community makes wise food choices. In hopes that the healthy selection becomes the easy decision for all residents, staff also work to improve healthy food access for all people regardless of income.

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The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) joined the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in encouraging residents to "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right" last month by taking time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the great flavors and social experiences food can add to life.

SRHD offers a variety of programs that emphasize smart nutrition. The list includes: Healthy Communities, Women, Infants and Children nutrition program (WIC), Neighborhoods Matter, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Nurse Family Partnership and My Health Life.

"Staff in these programs know that we sometimes fall into a rut of eating the same foods over and over," says Unland. "However, there is a whole world of tasty and nutritious foods available today that are just waiting to be discovered.

Different types of foods contain different nutrients that help us stay healthy. By turning off the TV and adding more variety, you and your family can put the fun and pleasure back into mealtime."

Whether shopping at the grocery store, eating at a local restaurant or cooking meals at home, SRHD registered dietitian nutritionists offer easy steps to keep taste buds

excited while making sure the body is getting the nutrients it needs.

When shopping at the grocery store, make it a point to try one new fruit, vegetable or whole grain every week. The next time an individual heads out to eat, he or she can choose a restaurant that features ethnic foods from Asia, Europe or Africa. These restaurants often feature menus filled with healthy options that will be new to the person.

Add variety to your staple dishes by varying the ways you cook them. Grill or broil the chicken you typically bake. Mash the potatoes you typically roast. Steam the vegetables you typically sauté. And get to know your spice cabinet.

Initiated in 1973 as a week-long event, “National Nutrition Week” became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition. Additionally, to commemorate the dedication of RDNs as advocates for advancing the nutritional health of Americans and people around the world, the second Wednesday of March was designated “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day.” This year, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day was celebrated March 10.

As part of this public education campaign, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ National Nutrition Month website includes a variety of helpful tips, fun games, promotional tools and nutrition education resources, all designed to spread the message of good nutrition around the “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right” theme.

Information about healthy nutrition from the Spokane Regional Health District can also be found at www.srhd.org. The website offers comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making the greater Spokane area a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips.

You can also follow us on Twitter @spokanehealth. Also, use the hashtags #NNM #SpokaneWIC and #SavortheFlavor

The Splash

SVFD firefighters step up to combat cancer From Splash News Sources

A group of Spokane Valley Fire Department firefighters joined approximately 1,900 firefighters in accepting the 25th annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge in Seattle on March 5 to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

APRIL 2016 • 37

Each firefighter was timed as they ran up 1,311 steps of the Columbia Center office building in full gear and with their SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus). The winning team was based on the times of the fastest three members. Although SVFD didn’t emerge victorious this year, the team has won numerous times in the past.

Most importantly, the contingent of half-a-dozen climbers from SVFD raised $7,140 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Congratulations and thank you to team members Shane Wharton (team captain), Paul Haller, Brad Huffman, Joe Kopp, Josh Loftin and Dan Ward.

Firefighters Dan Ward (left) and Shane Wharton of the Spokane Valley Fire Department competed in the 25th annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge with four of their SVFD colleagues in Seattle last month. The event raised funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Contributed photo

Correction

Find us on Facebook!

/liber tylakesplash

The March issue of the Splash incorrectly listed the site of the Liberty Lake Ladies Nine Hole Golf Club registration meeting.

It will take place on Thursday, March 31 at 9 a.m. at the Liberty Lake Golf Course, 24403 E. Sprague Ave. Enjoy casual golf, tournaments, socials, and PGA clinics with women golfers of all ages and abilities. For more information, call Bette at 928-6854.

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The Splash

38 • APRIL 2016

paper, celebrations, families, the sewer district and the city. Liberty Lake homeowner associations with common spaces allow neighbors to work together for the common good. Neighbors working with neighbors built the community. It is the same with those who have shared beach space as I do.

Reflections from the Lake

By Tom Specht I believe Liberty Lake is a magical place. The setting, the community and leaders all help make it so.

In 1978, Hewlett-Packard (HP) chose to transfer some operations from the Silicon Valley to a new facility in Liberty Lake. They were able to recruit top people to the “quality of life” this area provides – the much lower housing cost and less congestion, the natural beauty and a good place to raise a family.

In 1979 HP recruited me. I saw the “wild country” to the south and east of Liberty Lake. I thought, “I could see living here.”

Eons of geological processes have formed the mountains, valley and lake. To think that a flood with a 200 foot wall of water created Liberty Lake. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe for thousands of years made this their winter home. They built their lodges from the lakes tule reeds. They were close to the salmon at Spokane Falls. There were deer to hunt. The “trail to the buffalo” passed through the area – the same path the Milwaukee Railroad and I-90 would later use.

Chief Seltice used Liberty Lake to host his big yearly parties. Its plains allowed for horse races, the lake allowed for canoe games and the location was a middle distance from much of the Coeur d'Alene and Spokane tribes.

In the 1890s, Spokane bicycling clubs would ride down Appleway

to Liberty Lake’s Wicomico Beach, close to the MacKenzie house to cool off by wading out in the shallow waters. In 1895, the MacKenzies were inspired to build a campground and a 20-room hotel. The railroad and others soon followed in his footsteps to create “Spokane’s Inland Seashore.”

Today we are minutes away from the freeway, the Centennial Trail, Spokane, Coeur d'Alene and the airport. We can walk, hike, bike, swim, boat and go skiing.

We have access to Broadway plays, universities, fine dining and shopping.

When we first lived here, Kathy, my wife, thought the only thing we needed was a gas station, a grocery store and a hardware store. We're amazed at how the community has developed. Bill Main Sr.'s 1970s vision of a planned community has become a reality.

The business and city core are near the freeway, higher density housing is next, followed by residential, golf courses and parks and then the lake and natural areas up into the mountains.

We are joined by schools, churches, community organizations, a local

Trails help provide a sense of community. When you see a car with tinted windows it is hard to relate to it as something human. If the car is not using their turn signal or trying to cut you off, often the reaction is the same as with any machine that does not work. It is easier to be rude to a machine.

Compare this to when you are walking or biking and you come across someone on the trail. You immediately recognize them as human. It is hard to be consistently rude to someone, especially when you know they will remember who you are. I walk or bike on the trails all the time. When I see someone day after day on the trail, even if I have never talked to them, I feel a sense of friendship. We have something in common – we share the trails. We start to say “hi” as we pass. It is a small step towards being a community. Our community has trails, parks to gather and play, an elementary school close to homes and the city is designing streets for walkers and bicyclists.

If Liberty Lake passes the Town Square bond, we can look to an even more walkable community.

Liberty Lake would not be a magical place without its amazing leaders, their vision and hard work.

In the 1870s Chief Seltice, even with over 3,000 cattle in this area, had the courage and foresight to see the way to preserve his people was to abandon Liberty Lake and move to their summer location.

In 1907, Roderick MacKenzie at 69, helped build the railroad spur that connected Liberty Lake Inland Seashore to Spokane and Coeur d'Alene.

I have had the pleasure of working with some great leaders while on the Liberty Lake trails board, Pavillion Park board and in the Liberty Lake Historical Society. Denny Ashlock, who helped form the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District, the sewer district commissioners, the Kiwanis, Leslie Zilka, Lud Kramer, Steve and Charmaine Peterson, Katy Allen and Dan Dunne are or were dedicated to creating the magic of Liberty Lake.

Ross Schniedmiller connects us to our past. Having worked with Jim Frank, founder of Greenstone, I would say that although the saying is, “There are three things that matter in real estate: location, location, location,” he believes it's “community, community, community.”

When I am at the lake with the clouds reflected in the water with the air cool on my face, hearing the splash of a jumping fish, smelling the pine trees, I think I am truly blessed to live in such a magical place.

Tom Specht is a native of Oklahoma who is recognized as “the father of Liberty Lake trails.”

He served as the inaugural chair of a committee formed in 1995 that rallied support and funding for a local trail system now recognized as the finest in the region. Prior to a distinguished career with Hewlett Packard, Specht earned his master’s degree in engineering from the University of Washington and bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

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The Splash

APRIL 2016 • 39

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The Splash

Former Marine helps vets find greener pastures through golf

By Steve Christilaw Splash Correspondent Christopher Runyan was a golfer before he became a Marine, but by the time he became a resident pro at Prairie Falls Golf Course in Post Falls, the two professions were melded together into one.

“I started playing golf when I was 3 years old and I would go out and hit balls with my dad,” said Runyan, a resident of Liberty Lake. “But early in my life, my goal was to either make a career as a Marine or make a career in golf.

Unfortunately, my military career got cut short when I got injured (in a training accident).”

Leaving the Marine Corps under those circumstances was pretty devastating, said Runyan, a Spokane native who graduated from Shadle Park High School. He especially missed the loss of the brotherhood he had found.

Once a Marine, always a Marine, they say – and they can say the same about golfers.

Runyan saw an online video produced by the Wounded Warrior Project in late 2010 and it awoke his need to do something to help his brothers and sisters returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

That need grew into the annual Dan Kleckner Golf Classic event at Prairie Falls and a series called “Vets on the Green” at a growing number of area golf courses.

Runyan already has expanded into the Tri-Cities/Walla Walla area with Vets on the Green and is now working to bring it to both Seattle and Portland.

Initially these events donated their proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project, but as the need for support in his own backyard grew, Runyan decided to create a pair of nonprofits that oversee his efforts – Vets on the Green and Northwest Golfers for Warriors – the latter to help provide tax benefits for sponsors and benefactors.

“Wounded Warrior Project has been dinged for what its CEO thought should be done with the money they raised,” he said.

“We’ve been keeping more and more of what we raise here in the community, and I’m filing for 501c(3) status.”

Financial benefits aside, Runyan said the biggest benefit to what

APRIL 2016 • 41

he’s doing for his brothers and sisters in arms is the one that gives him a warm feeling.

“When you’re playing golf, you don’t realize it, but you’re stretching and exercising,” he said.

You’re using muscles you don’t use on daily basis.”

Lining up for a tee shot on a par5 and driving the ball a couple of hundred yards down the fairway can be a nice endorphin boost, Runyan added.

“You’re out in nature and you’re filling your lungs with fresh air,” Runyan said. “When you’re with somebody who’s chewed the same dirt as you have, gone through the same things you’ve gone through, you’re not just doing an activity, you’re having a therapy session.”

Area veterans from the first Gulf War, Vietnam and Korea have all come out to help. He has a promise from a World War II vet to attend the next tournament, he said.

“They’ve all been through the same thing,” Runyan said. “War is war. They all talk about stuff.”

One veteran in particular is the prime reason he started the effort, he said.

“It’s a vet who had been shot five or six times,” Runyan explained.

“When he started he couldn’t bend over enough to hit a golf ball 30 yards. Now he’s playing and can hit it 150 yards – and he’s now a counselor.”

The expansion plans are moving forward, Runyan said. Tri-Cities and Walla Walla hosted six events last year and a group in Montana has been in touch about starting events in that state. Both male and female vets have participated in the program and Runyan makes sure that the cost of greens fees doesn’t keep any vet off the course. Around half are new to the game. Runyan said there is one former soldier who is part of the program but doesn’t even pick up a club.

“He just likes to hang out,” he said. “It’s feeling that support and encouragement.”

Area vets are calling daily, he said, asking when he’ll start holding events this season.

“I’m going to wait until late April, early May before we start because I want to do the best I can do to ensure good weather,” he explained.

“Some of these men and women have traumatic brain injuries and that frequently makes it difficult for them to regulate their own body temperatures. That’s why we’re very careful about holding events in the summer when it gets so hot.”

For Runyan, gathering each spring with his friends and fellow vets on the fairways is a reassuring reunion.

“These guys actually help me

more than I help them,” he said.

“I’m doing something I love. At the end of the day I go home with a good feeling.”

For more information about Vets on the Green or Northwest Golfers for Warriors, email Chris Runyan at crunyan@pga.com or visit www. northwestgolfersforwarriors.com.

Christopher Runyan, shown above at Liberty Lake Golf Course, utilizes golf as part of the healing and supportive process for fellow veterans.

Photo by Craig Howard

Liberty Lake resident Runyan served in the U.S. Marines until an injury suffered in a training accident cut his military career short.

Contributed photo

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LOCAL LENS

Local Lens

Share your snapshots for The Splash’s photo page. Email photos@libertylakesplash.com with scenes from around town, community events and Splash Travels.

The Splash

The Splash

APRIL 2016 • 43

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS Paid U.S. Postage Permit #017 99019 ZIP CODE

STEAK • PRIME RIB • KIDS MEALS • GREAT PRICES • NON-SMOKING ual 21st ann

Special weekend events!

pating homes!

Over 250 partici

6 - 10 p.m. Fridays: 7 - 11 p.m. Saturdays

izers: Event Organ

sors: Major Spon

Liberty Lake

Save the date:

Live accoustical music Family Friendly Karaoke - Sing with your kids!

PORTAL n at Missio

& Molter

3 - 6 p.m. Sundays

The 23nd annual Liberty Lake Kiwanis Community Yard Sales will be held Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10-11, 2016.

Registration will open in May.

Open jam featuring fiddles, banjos, violins, guitars, and more!

Hauser Lake

208-262-9001 IDAHO

WASHINGTON

For vendor or general information, contact Liberty Lake Kiwanis member John Niece at 509-294-8500. To advertise your business or organization in the annual guide, contact Joy Katt at joy@libertylakesplash.com or 242-7752.

11304 N Cliff House Road • Hauser Lake Open at 11 a.m. Wed. - Fri. and 9 a.m. Sat. & Sun. Closed Mon. & Tues.

Only 15 minutes from Liberty Lake!

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53

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MirabeauPark HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

44 • APRIL 2016

Gonzaga’s success has us all spoiled

At the checkout line of the Liberty Lake Yoke’s the day after Gonzaga’s loss to Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament, a kind teller must have noticed my despondent mood.

“Tough one yesterday, huh?” she said.

There was no need to expound.

The Inland Northwest’s favorite team – our beloved Zags – had let a nine-point lead late in the second half slip away and been bounced just like that from March Madness.

An exhilarating season with plenty of exceptional memories was over.

The Orangemen from upperstate New York danced on while the Bulldogs shuffled quietly home to Spokane.

At least we can still define our mascot. As one billboard cleverly put it before the March 25 game, “What exactly is an Orangeman?”

It was difficult to see a trio of

OPINION Gonzaga seniors – Kyle Wiltjer, Eric McClellan and Kyle Dranginis – walk dejectedly off the United Center court after the 63-60 loss and an effort that really deserved to see the team advance to its second consecutive Elite Eight.

My response to the result varied somewhere between a tantrum and the feeling Charlie Brown has when Lucy pulls the football away.

As my wife adeptly points out when each tournament rolls around, the annual conglomeration of brackets and buzzer beaters, thrilling wins and excruciating defeats should really be called “March Sadness” due to the fact that only one team celebrates at the end. After Gonzaga’s exit, I suddenly felt a kinship with followers of toughluck teams like Northern Iowa, Wisconsin and Cincinnati.

After my visit to Yoke’s and following a series of conversations with fellow Zags’ fans that morning, I began to adjust my perspective, however. I thought about programs like Portland, Santa Clara and San Francisco in the West Coast Conference who had all fired their coaches over the

The Splash

past few weeks and whose fans have not experienced an elite level tournament run in what must seem like generations.

Gonzaga competed in its 18th straight NCAA Tournament last month. That means local fans who were born in the late 1990s have never seen a bracket without a Bulldog squad. People throughout the country now know where Spokane is because of the Zags and March in Spokane has become to Zags’ fans what autumn must have been like for rooters of the New York Yankees from the 1920s through the mid-1960s. In other words, we’re profoundly spoiled.

The unique success of this program provides a common bond in our community. Blue and red have become the official colors for many citizens from October through March while impromptu conversations can be struck up at the grocery store, park or café about whether Domantas Sabonis will leave early for the NBA or how much Josh Perkins’ turnover-toassist ratio improved since early in the season.

Some

schools

never

get

to

an NCAA Tournament, let alone advance several stages into the bracket as the Zags have done over the years. Yes, we strive for our team to reach the Final Four pinnacle, but it’s also important to cherish the brilliance, exceptional effort and remarkable success that defined the latest Gonzaga season.

I will mourn this loss for a while but I will also take time to pause and appreciate a program that has set a standard for excellence and makes me proud to be a Zags’ fan.

One thing is for certain, I won’t be buying any oranges for a long time.

Craig Howard

Dear Editor: My entire family would like to thank you for supporting the Central Valley High School Theatre department. We took our 81-and 84-year-old mothers today to the performance of “Dreamcoat.” It was the first time I’ve seen a high school play since I graduated from CV in 1972.

Drama has really changed since then (they don’t perform in a multipurpose room anymore). I was so impressed by the acting, the sets, the costumes and the choreography! We’ve been season ticket holders for the Civic Theater for many years and have subscribed to the “Best of Broadway” series as well as attending other plays around the area and we thought this production compared favorably with anything we’ve seen. Again, thank you!

Jeff Danner Spokane Valley

Dear Editor: I am writing in support of the Town Square project proposal for Liberty Lake.

The Town Square project would provide a place for all citizens of Liberty Lake to gather for social, educational or cultural activities.

From the very young to our oldest citizens, people at every age and every stage of life will find fellowship, friendship and something to do at the Liberty Lake Town Square Community Center. During the long winter months and on rainy spring days, the center will be a place for people to come together to pursue healthy activities and find good company with friends and neighbors.

Lu Embrey Liberty Lake

The Splash

APRIL 2016 • 45

Volume 18, Issue x EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com EDITOR

Craig Howard

craig@libertylakesplash.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR

Danica Wick

sarah@libertylakesplash.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Joy Katt

joy@libertylakesplash.com

Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics

CIRCULATION

circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Jamie Borgan, Steve Christilaw, Craig Howard, Staci Lehman Treva Lind, Ross Schneidmiller, Erik Smith, Mike Vlahovich

The Splash is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Liberty Lake area.

Additional copies are located at drop-off locations in Liberty Lake and Otis Orchards.

The Splash is brought to you by

Wick Enterprizes

Publishing House

Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to editor@libertylakesplash.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Splash.

Subscriptions Liberty Lake residents receive a complimentary copy each month. Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses outside of the 99019 ZIP code cost $12 for 12 issues.

Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. Subscriptions must be

received by the 15th of the month in order for the subscription to begin with the issue printed the end of that month.

Correction policy The Splash strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 242-7752 or by email to editor@libertylakesplash.com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery.

Advertising information Display ad copy and camera-ready ads are due by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. Call 242-7752 for more information.

Advertising integrity Inaccurate

or

deceptive

advertising

is

never

knowingly accepted. Complaints about advertisers should be made in writing to the Better Business Bureau and to advertise@libertylakesplash.com. The Splash is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads.

Copyright © 2016 All rights reserved. All contents of The Splash may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

From Splash New Sources

The Spokane Scholars Foundation will honor 143 local high school seniors at the 24th Annual Spokane Scholars Foundation Banquet on Monday, April 18 at the Spokane Convention Center.

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Support our partners.

The Splash is committed to serving Liberty Lake through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when offering your patronage.

Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships with The Splash and its partner publications:

Each scholar has been nominated by his/her high school principal, counselor and teachers based on scholarly accomplishments in one of six content areas: English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, World Languages and Fine Arts.

The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com

Submitted materials

Spokane Scholars Foundation to honor local students

Bob Herschkowitz, representing the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle, will be the keynote speaker. Herschkowitz is a Belgium born child survivor of the Holocaust.

The foundation will award $60,000 in grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 to 24 of the scholars, four each in the six content areas. Consideration for the cash awards include: grade point average and course of study in the content area of nomination, national aptitude and achievement test scores, original research or related activities, and letters of recommendation. A panel of three judges reviews the applications in each content area. Many regional colleges match the monetary awards for grant recipients who attend those institutions.

Through the 23rd banquet, the Spokane Scholars Foundation has honored 2,752 outstanding seniors attending Spokane area high schools and awarded 432 grants to 410 scholars (through 2007 a scholar could be a grant recipient in more than one category) amounting to $990,000.

The foundation’s 14 partner institutions of higher education have matched grants with an additional $282,000, making the total $1.272 million dollars through 2015.

The Spokane Scholars Foundation is an all-volunteer organization which raises all funds through donations from Spokane area professionals, businesses and individuals committed to promoting academic achievement among Spokane area youth.

For more information on the Spokane Scholars Foundation, visit www.spokanescholars.org.

Clark’s Tire and Automotive • Family Medicine/Healthy Living Liberty Lake Greenstone • Liberty Lake Family Dentistry • Liberty Lake Orthodontics Thrivent Financial • Spokane County Library District

Index of advertisers

Following are the local advertisers in this issue of The Splash.

Alisha at Salon Capello Amaculate Housekeeping Apollo Spas Banner Furnace & Fuel Camping World Casey Family Dental Central Valley Theatre Clark’s Tire & Automotive Coeur d’Alene Deck Coldwell Banker - Rob Brickett Connor Cunstruction Consign Furniture Cornerstone Penecostal Church Country Homes Power Cullings Dentisry Edward Jones Liberty Lake Evergreen Fountain Exercise Institute

32 18 4 27 11 33 46 3 10 39 5 34 27 19 3 18 29 22

Family Medicine Liberty Lake 41 Friends of the LL Municipal Library 16 Greenstone 16 Hearth Homes 43 Inland Empire Utility 20 Inland NW Baby 36 Jim Custer Enterprises 22 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 16 Just Chilllin’ Eats and Sweets 21 Karen Does My Hair 6 KiDDS Dental 25 Kiwanis of Liberty Lake 43 Liberty Lake Community Theatre 37 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Municipal Library 17 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 21 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 18

Nail Palace Numerica Credit Union Ott Knott Used Golf Carts Paola’s Rainbow Resort S&L Handyman Simonds Dental Group Spokane Realty - Courtney Hanks Squeakies Cleaning Thrivent Financial Tracy Jeweler Umpqua Bank Valley Hospital Windermere Marathon Windermere Realty- Bill White

Service Directory

40 40 40 43 40 48 21 18 36 20 32 39 22 37 46

Of note: This thank you message was produced by The Splash’s advertising team, which works its tail off on behalf of partner businesses, helping them share their messages through advertisements. This is an independent function from The Splash’s editorial team, which has its own evaluation process to determine the community news stories and features it pursues. For more information about a win-win partnership that expertly markets your business to thousands of readers (while making this home-grown community newspaper possible), email advertise@libertylakesplash.com. With story ideas, contact editor@libertylakesplash.com.

The Splash

46 • APRIL 2016

The Nationally Award-Winning Central Valley H.S. Theatre Department Proudly Presents

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May Underwritten in part by:

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ODD JOBS THE CLEAN UP BROS!

Zach (age 18) and Isaiah (age 15) Rademacher are two hard working young men looking for odd jobs to earn extra money.

Our Rate: Pay us what you think the job is worth.

How cool is that? To hire us please call 255-9194 or email: TheCleanUpBros@gmail.com

BICYCLE REPAIR AND SERVICE THE BICYCLE MECHANIC AT LIBERTY LAKE

LAWN CARE SERVICES WEEKLY LAWN CARE - POWER RAKE - AERATION

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We go above & beyond with your outdoor living space to keep your lawn & land looking pristine. Call us for a free quote on your weekly lawn maintenance, power rake, pruning, aeration & irrigation needs!

Licensed & Insured www.pristinelawnspokane.com

NW PAINTING & POWERWASHING

CVHS Performing Arts Center Located on the CVHS Campus

Window Cleaning

Chamberlain Contracting Services specializes in household repairs: ceramic tile, bathroom remodels, electrical, plumbing, painting, deck, door and window repair. Small jobs welcome. Flexible hours.

Free bids and no money required upfront. Licensed, bonded, insured. Call Tom at 509-432-6780.

PAINTING & POWERWASHING

Tickets $8-$12 7:30pm curtain

WINDOW CLEANING

Save Your Glass

Tune-ups and repairs. New and used bicycles available. Make your appointment now.

Call Tony, 509-998-2359.

We welcome your wedding, reunion, retreat or meeting. 10,000 sq. ft barn, indoor/outdoor seating for 300+, performance stage, lights/sound, caterering available. Large parking. Accessible.

Just off I-90 (exit 299). Country setting. faith@rockinbranch.com

GARDENER PROFESSIONAL GARDENER

All phases of interior & exterior painting.

Residential repaint experts. Many local references.

Licensed, bonded and insured.

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Passionate about making gardens come alive!

Maintaining or designing your prefect garden beds and shrubs. Over 20 years of experience.

FREE Estimates Mark (509) 714-8713

EVENT & MEETING FACILITY HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?

VALLEY PARENT CO-OP PRESCHOOL NOW ENROLLING!

The Tri Community Grange Event Hall is an affordable and ideal location for parties, receptions, dances, reunions and meetings. Full kitchen, stage, piano, tables and chairs, handicap accessible, large parking lot and free signage. Call Gary at 509-481-0727 or email geje2@yahoo.com.

Valley Parent Co-op Preschool is a birth to 5 preschool program operated by parents in a cooperative effort with the Community Colleges of Spokane. It is a playbased program that combines parent education with a rich learning experience for you and your child.

Classes are M, W & F. For more info, call 509-720-9209.

GUTTER CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING ROOF REPAIR SPECIALIST

GUTTER CLEANING & MOSS REMOVAL

208-659-6067 LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

Liscensed and bonded contractor with 29 years experience and references. Specializing in rood repair, roofing, sheetrock repair and minor plumbing (frozen water lines, broken pipes, etc.) Also decks, patios, garages and all other remodeling needs. Small jobs welcome! BBB accredited. PETERC*152RE--Call Bruce. 710-4541

YOUR BUSINESS HERE ADVERTISE WITH US

Want you business to be part of our Service Directory? Contact Joy Katt at 844-3702 or joy@libertylakesplash.com We look forward to hearing from you!

The Splash

ON THAT NOTE

State of the County – Navigating the way to an effective address

By Craig Howard Splash Editor If you think Spokane County encompasses a broad territory these days, try going back to 1885 when the same region included the equivalent of 22 counties spanning parts of Washington, Idaho and Montana.

Census takers back then must have been a blend of explorers, ultra-marathoners and sleuths, traveling days upon end to tally up a citizenry spread out over mostly rural terrain. The tribes native to the land didn’t need a census – to them all things were living and honorable and didn’t need to be counted. The census smelled of bureaucracy and red tape, even before tape had been invented in 1902.

By 1889, when Washington officially became a state, the official population of Spokane County was at 55,000 and the boundaries of the county had been reined in. Census takers would no longer need to impersonate Lewis and Clark to compile an inventory of citizens. The rate of foot blisters and picketing horses also dropped correspondingly.

The Spokane County seat was another story. In 1875, the territorial assembly declared that Spokane Falls would be the region’s command post. The site never quite stuck. Over the next decade, the county seat bounced between Spokane Falls, Colville and Cheney.

Visiting dignitaries weren’t quite sure where to book their stay.

These days, Spokane County boasts just under 490,000 residents in both unincorporated areas and 13 jurisdictions that vary in scale from the town of Waverly at 106 inhabitants to the city of Spokane, which checks in at nearly 210,000. Liberty Lake takes the prize as the fastest growing city in the county with a population now hovering near 9,000 while Spokane Valley trails only Spokane with a community of some 92,000, 10th largest in the state.

Every year around this time, Spokane County makes it a point to file its own report card.

The latest “State of the County” address was delivered eloquently

by Commissioner Shelly O’Quinn on March 11 at the Mirabeau Park Hotel on Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley under the banner of “Leading

Spokane County Commissioner Shelly O'Quinn delivered the State of the County address in Spokane Valley last month. The Central Valley High grad was elected in November 2012 to represent District 2 which includes Liberty Lake.

Change – Producing Results.”

O’Quinn, a Central Valley High School alumnus who has a BA in accounting and business administration as well as an MBA, took on her second “State” speech with the focus grad students give to a thesis. No ghost writing here. “I want them to sound like me,” O’Quinn says. She begins preparing her talk two months from the event date, knowing that the task of covering all of the county’s achievements over the past year – as well as its priorities for the future – in 40 minutes can be like capsulizing the poems of Ezra Pound on a drive to Fairfield.

The State of the County process starts in January with a request for information for the annual reports from all county departments and elected officials. Around the same time, the commissioner who is scheduled to give the address picks a theme for the year.

“In 2013, I chose ‘Leadership and Innovation,’” O’Quinn said. “Since that was my previous theme, I wanted to be able to build upon it and show the results of that innovative leadership. That is how I chose my theme.”

Once a topic is selected, the commissioner continues to prepare by sorting through the annual reports of each department and coming up with areas to emphasize. O’Quinn opted to shed light on issues she has been particularly focusing on, including lean management, public safety reform, utilities, veterans’ affairs and community services.

Mark Richard, who once served as county commissioner and now works as the executive director of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, remembers each State

APRIL 2016 • 47

of the County assignment being anything but a walk in the park.

nothing to do with the Atkins Diet or joining a health club.

“As much public speaking as we did, It was still a bit intimidating,” Richard said. “For one, you need to convey the priorities for the county that may or may not align with all three commissioners and you likely are talking about some things that some do not agree with the county on.”

In 2013, the county launched the lean management initiative designed to improve efficiencies and save costs. The campaign featured the hiring of John Dixon as the county’s chief operating office while the curriculum included a guidebook called “Extreme Government Makeover” by Ken Miller, a book that O’Quinn said “provides a leadership perspective on process and systems change and improvement.”

Despite the anxiety-provoking scenario, Richard said he appreciated the opportunity to prepare and carry the county megaphone during the year’s most anticipated meeting. It was, he said, a unique opportunity “to have that moment with the community.”

“It was about gathering information, building a file, recapping important milestones and beginning to put thoughts around challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” he said.

In introducing the keynote speaker on March 11, another former commissioner and current head of Greater Spokane Inc., Todd Mielke, described O’Quinn as “a common sense elected official who understands the business community and is thoughtful in her approach.”

In emphasizing the county’s attentive strategy and cost-saving measures, O’Quinn pointed to what she described as “two culture changing initiatives,” namely the implementation of a strong strategic plan and adoption of something called “lean management” that has

Fun factoids from 2016 State of Spokane County address

• Recently appointed Nancy McLaughlin is the fifth woman to serve as a commissioner in Spokane County. McLaughlin’s appointment represents the first time in the board’s 155year history that two females have been part of the board concurrently.

• Spokane County is home to more than 2,500 farms that generate approximately $775 million annually and employ over 1,300 people.

• The county elections department issued over 1,057,000 ballots last year.

•

The

county

parks

and

It appears to be working. The svelte standards are now saving the county between $1 million and $1.4 million a year.

“Our successes in 2015 and beyond are the result of our intentional work over the last three years,” O’Quinn said. “County employees are empowered to make change and they are producing amazing results.”

Since the project began, almost 500 lean projects have been identified, developed and implemented with a total of 358 being completed and another 150 projects underway.

For O’Quinn, one important project can be checked off for 2016 – the harrowing, yet informative, State of the County speech.

“It is always a challenge trying to figure out how to include humor and make the content interesting so as not to lose the audience,” she said. “I am very happy I only have to do this every three years.”

recreation department and golf manages over 150 miles and 13,000 acres of greenspace and conservation futures land.

• More than 85 percent of the county’s responsibilities are regional and serve all the residents in the county, not just in the unincorporated areas.

• The county provided free disposal of over 1,000 tons of debris after last November’s windstorm.

• Unlike city and state partners, county government is limited in revenue sources to sales tax and property tax and cannot leverage utility tax and business and occupation tax.

• While wheat is the county’s leading crop when it comes to acreage, mixed grains, oil seeds, dry beans and dry peas bring in almost $98 million each year.

The Splash

48 • APRIL 2016

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