May 2016 Splash

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MAY

2016

Liberty Lake's elegant ecosystem

City passes new golf cart code PAGE 9

CV names new principal PAGE 14

Celebrating the unique habitat and intriguing inhabitants of a freshwater wonder, page 12

Design developing for Town Square project PAGE 8

2 • MAY 2016

The Park Bench

Dunne through and through – City Council rep known for detailed approach

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Dan Dunne’s personae as a municipal leader may be best characterized by a presentation he gave earlier this year at Liberty Lake City Hall on the topic of community art.

As he had earlier in his tenure as a council member with a comprehensive multipart breakdown of the city’s comprehensive plan, Dunne took to educating his colleagues around the dais about the intricacies of a relevant city subject. In this case: Liberty Lake Aesthetics 101.

In a thorough PowerPoint presentation, Dunne covered the history of the city’s public arts commission, examples of thriving art programs in surrounding cities and iconic symbols of the genre in cities throughout the country. By the time it was over, Dunne had made a strong case for his idea of dedicating a small percentage of future capital projects to art that would add to Liberty Lake’s aura without costing taxpayers the cost of a rare Picasso.

All in all, the pitch was the work of someone who had done his homework.

Such has been the case since Dunne joined City Council in January of 2012 after serving four years on the municipal planning commission. He ran unopposed on the fall 2011 ballot and was voted to fill the chair vacated by inaugural Council Member David Crump who stepped aside after a decade of public service.

It didn’t take long for Dunne to establish himself as a quick study on a multitude of city matters. He asked insightful questions, raised relevant concerns and brought a level of thoughtfulness that seemed to generate increased propriety around the dais.

In his day-to-day life, Dunne can be less formal, but just as

NEWS engaging. Hobbies like cars and technology top his list of interests.

He is an accomplished musician who participates with several chamber choral groups and volunteers to help with a youth lacrosse league that his sons, John and Tom, both participate in. Dunne also belongs to the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club and has also donated time as an elementary classroom volunteer and with the Scouting program.

Dunne and his wife, Shanna, are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year. The couple came to Liberty Lake in 2002 when John was a toddler and Tom was a newborn.

Dunne grew up as a self-described “Air Force brat,” moving five times by the time he’d left sixth grade.

His family eventually settled in the Puget Sound area where Dunne graduated from Kentridge High School in Renton. He went on to earn a degree in engineering from the University of Washington.

The Splash caught up with Dunne recently to chat about politics, Robert’s Rules and channels of opportunity for reclaimed water.

Q: You served on the planning commission prior to joining the City Council. When did you first decide to become involved in municipal government and why?

A: I began public service with the city’s planning commission as a logical extension of the volunteerism that I’d developed and as a commitment of to the place I now call home. The reason we enjoy the place we call home isn’t by accident or circumstance, it’s the work of people who step forward with interest and purpose of making it that way. Some really great people got together to begin this adventure we call Liberty Lake, and I’m thrilled to take up their charge and carry it forward.

Q: In what ways did your time on the planning commission prepare you to serve on the council?

A: I got to know more about planning and land use, how a comprehensive plan and development code shape a city, as well as our city’s staff and its organizational structure.

Q: You had an interesting quote when you joined the council in 2011. You described how you wanted "to bring an increased emphasis on formality as a way to enhance decorum" around the dais.

What does that approach look like and do you feel you've

The Splash

accomplished your goal there?

A: I think Robert’s Rules and some protocol really help a decision making group accomplish tasks. Ad-hoc discussion with little framework for interaction lets things go off track or get hijacked too easy. To be clear, I’m not a pedantic rule follower – I just want to be sure the council accomplishes as much as it can, as a group.

Q: You stepped up with your own series of educational presentations about the city's comprehensive plan that found its way into the council agenda over the course of a year. How do you feel this was received and what was your hope in shedding more light on this document?

A: Our comprehensive plan is a great set of goals and principles that guide the rest of the codes and ordinances the city retains.

I always try to connect how the ordinances we consider are related to, or live out our comp plan. In the text of every ordinance you should be able to see at least one recital (“whereas…”) which references a comprehensive plan goal. Occasionally I’ll revisit the comp plan to spot goals that we may not have yet realized.

Q: You ran unopposed in your first campaign for council but faced a challenger in former Council Member Josh Beckett last fall. What are some of your impressions of that race?

A: The election was a great chance for me to reassess why I’m on the council and consider how I can make a greater contribution in the future. I’m confident that my worth as an elected official is not as much about how I would respond to a situation, but what initiatives I can bring forward, and eventually to fruition.

Q: As you launch another term on council, what are a few of your primary goals?

A: The Town Square community center project is an important decision point for the city. I believe we’ve developed as a community to the point that a facility like this is a great next step. I look forward to introducing the project to voters and having meaningful conversation about what it would mean for our community. I am an advocate for trails and open space. I’d like to see a trail connection between the populated neighborhoods of Liberty Lake, west/southwest to the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area. Some really great things are happening on

Liberty Lake City Council Member Dan Dunne has served on the governing board since 2012 and called Liberty Lake home since 2002.

Photo by Craig Howard

that front right now. I look forward to leading that effort and sharing results. I believe Liberty Lake has the opportunity to lead the region and the state in implementing use of reclaimed water. For good reasons, our city government and Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District are separate public agencies. Water is an essential public resource. We are all called to conservation and stewardship of it for the sake of our community and our world. The district will soon have a state-of-the art treatment plant, but an uncertain future of being able release treated water into the Spokane River. The city has a municipal golf course which, if converted to reclaimed water for irrigation, would seasonally consume all of the treated water the plant produces. I believe these two agencies can reach a mutually beneficial agreement to use reclaimed water, improving water quality for the region and setting a precedent for environmental stewardship in the state of Washington. A really big goal that I don’t have an answer for is this – Liberty Lake’s residential development continues to grow rapidly. I believe there must be a meaningful way to ensure our Central Valley School District is sufficiently funded to house the new students who are arriving in our community each year. The city of Liberty Lake is a committed partner with the school district, but because of the differences between our school district and municipal boundaries, impact fees for development are problematic.

The Splash

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4 • MAY 2016

NEWS

Apollo Spas merges, expands at new Valley location

builder, Apollo utilized its skill set to begin manufacturing hot tubs in 1981. The company then phased out boat related manufacturing and instead began building high quality hot tubs.

"Apollo Spas are built here but sold worldwide," Russell said.

"Just as the Arctic brand is built in Edmonton, but sold worldwide as well."

By Derek Brown

Splash Contributor For over 30 years, Apollo Spas has been the Northwest's prime place to go for spas. Now, after merging with Arctic Spas and opening a new, larger location in the Spokane Valley, Apollo Spas is bigger and better than ever.

“The philosophy behind our business model is that it makes more fiscal sense to be able to operate out of one large location as opposed to running many smaller ones and being able to offer all of our services — whether it be parts and service, retail or water care,” said Apollo Corporate Sales Manager Steve Russell. “It’s certainly a lot more beneficial to consumers."

Originally

a

fiberglass

The Splash

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Apollo Spas’ tubs and spas are now sold in over 30 countries across the world.

Apollo Spas decided to close their two other Spokane area stores as part of the plan to open one larger store at 11604 E. Indiana Ave, just off Pines and I-90.

“Having the larger store has allowed us to diversify quite a bit as well,” Russell said. “Not only show more product and have a better selection but also diversify our line.”

Apollo Spas now offers more than just hot tubs. The inventory now includes above ground pools, patio furniture and the new line of Arctic Spas, salt water hot tubs with the cutting-edge “Spa Boy” technology. Spa Boy is an

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automated water care system that “reduces the maintenance because the system automatically tests and adjusts the levels for you,” Russell said.

on the Arctic brand, [it] alone has thousands of buying combinations.

There’s no better selection in the Western United States as far as I’m concerned.”

“This is groundbreaking technology and Arctic Spas is the first company in the world to offer this technology,” he added. “That certainly is a huge advantage to the Arctic Spas line. When it comes to people wanting something energy efficient, very low maintenance, there's no better product in the world that compares to the Arctic brand.”

Russell said the company employs up to 40 staff out of a manufacturing site in the Spokane Business and Industrial Park on Sullivan Road. Close to 200 employees work at the Edmonton facility building Arctic Spas.

Spa Boy technology uses medicalgrade sensors to evaluate water cleanliness, then adjust output levels, ensuring water is always optimally clean. It even adjusts to slight pH changes, which notifies the owner in case maintenance is needed.

Spa Boy enabled Arctic Spas can be found at Apollo Spas store in the Spokane Valley, along with a large selection of other hot tubs and spas.

“I can't think of another company in the Northwest that can showcase the number of spas we do,” Russell said. “If we just focus

Apollo Spas even has used hot tubs and spas that can save customers thousands of dollars.

“We’re a full-service company,” Russell said. “When our customers come in and need a hot tub, not only do we help come up with ideas and that part of it, but we also deliver and have people that do the installation. We can arrange the electrical component when the tubs need to be wired by electrician.

We offer a one-stop shop.”

For more information on hot tubs, spas, and the new Arctic line, visit apollospas.com. The Spokane Valley store can be reached directly at 466-5542. In Idaho, Apollo Spas can be found at 350 W. Bosanko Ave in Coeur d'Alene and reached, by phone, at (208) 769-7300.

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NEWS

LL resident on pace for goal of marathon in every state

Staci Lehman Splash Correspondent Tami Christensen is running across the country. Not literally, but she is taking on one state at a time. The Liberty Lake resident is working toward a goal of completing a marathon in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. In April, she ran a marathon in her 39th state and will tackle her 40th on May 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“On average I run one a month,” Christensen said. “It’s kind of tricky when you consider logistics. Some of the East Coast states are so small they don’t have many races.”

While she’s running races regularly now, Christensen’s 51marathon project will take her about 15 years by the time she completes it. The births of her four children and moving five times since starting in 2003 have slowed her down a little, but Christensen has no regrets.

“My family always comes first,” she said. “On a good year, I do six or seven (marathons) a year. The years I have a lot going on in life I’ll do maybe one or two.”

Besides juggling family life, Christensen worked her marathon schedule around a job until four years ago when she quit working after the birth of her youngest child. Even without a 40-hour work week, finding time to train still takes determination with kids to look after.

“I get up very early in the morning, “she said.” I don’t sleep much. I usually run 10 miles a day. I’m home by 6 (a.m.) and showered and ready to go. I just have to do it on my own time. It’s a priority and you make it work. It makes me feel better so it’s something I’m willing to get up early for.”

One thing that drives Christensen to run daily is curiosity about what she will learn about herself or the world around her that day.

“When you’re driving you don’t notice things around you but when you’re running you have time to think and observe,” she said. “I can push myself with distance and speed or notice something different about the community.”

Christensen recently set a personal best time in one of her marathons. Having achieved that, and approaching her goal of running a race in every state, she’s uncertain what will come next, but has some ideas.

“I’m kind of thinking of training for the Olympic trials,” she said. “And

MAY 2016 • 5

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While the goal of completing 51 marathons across the country is important, Christensen says that “family comes first.” Contributed photo after that, Iron Man. I’ll always run marathons because I enjoy them but I’m not sure at what level.”

Christensen is fairly new to running, although she was a dancer earlier in life. She started in 2003 because of her job. As a certified public accountant, she was sitting at a desk a minimum of nine hours a day and sometimes many more.

“I just got sick of sitting,” she said.

“I needed some fresh air and just needed to move. I traveled a lot for work so couldn’t depend on a gym membership. Running was something I could do anywhere.”

Today, she runs for her children, ages 3, 6, 9 and 11.

“I really wanted to show my kids what hard work looks like and setting goals and doing hard things and failing and picking yourself up and trying again,” she said. “I want them to know that you never stop pushing yourself.”

And she leads by example.

Somewhere between training, taking care of her kids and maintaining a marriage, Christensen has found time to write a book on her marathon quest and maintains a blog and Facebook page about her experiences.

You can find the blog at http://www. tamichristensen.com/ or follow her (literal) journey on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Life-onthe-Run-Tami-Christensen.

It will be about six months before her book comes out but it should be a good one if some of her experiences are any indication. For example, Christensen ran into a moose while running in Alaska and had to deal with a tornado during a marathon in Oklahoma.

As for other surprises, she says you always have stereotypes in your head about what a state is like but she is often surprised by the reality.

“I had no idea Delaware is so beautiful,” Christensen said. “No one ever told me. And Hawaii is a terrible state to run in because it’s so hot and humid.”

The best part about her travels and running? The people.

“For the most part I travel by myself and meet the nicest people everywhere,” she said. “Generally you get to see a good flavor of humanity.

In a world where we fixate on negative news, seeing how many good people are out there makes me feel good.”

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6 • MAY 2016

Police Report The following incidents, arrests, calls for service and citations were reported by the Liberty Lake Police Department from March 21 through April 18. They are listed in chronological order.

Incidents and arrests Stalled car – At 11:45 p.m. on March 20, LLPD responded to a suspicious person at the 1600 block of North Cavalier Road.

Complainant reported a male was pushing a vehicle down the road and thought maybe he was trying to steal it. Officers made contact with the owner who reported he was just trying to get the car started.

Recovered vehicle – On March 21 at 8:52 a.m., LLPD recovered a stolen vehicle at the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive. The vehicle was stolen out of Vancouver and the owner was contacted to pick up the vehicle.

Child abuse – At 3:50 p.m. on March 21, LLPD received a report of child molestation. This incident is currently under investigation.

Ex-employee concern – On March 22 at 9:14 a.m., LLPD responded to the 24000 block of East Mission Avenue for a trespass.

Complainant reported an employee that had been terminated the day prior had shown up for work. After he was asked to leave, he exhibited behavior that was concerning to the management and staff. An officer came to the location but the subject had left the location.

Keys returned – On March 22 at 7:40 p.m., LLPD received found keys at the 1200 block of North Fairway. Complainant reportedly found the keys and an officer was able to locate the owner and return them.

Residential burglary – On March 22 at 11:58 p.m., LLPD responded to an agency assist at the 1900 block of South Molter for a burglary. Officers detained a female subject who had entered a residence and caused damage inside the home. Spokane County officers arrived on scene and took over as primary on the incident.

Social media threat – On March 24 at 4:54 p.m., LLPD responded to the 1400 block of North Ormond Road for a threat. Complainant reported an unknown male was

NEWS making threatening comments to him on Facebook. Complainant reported he thought it was due to a female known to the subject owing the complainant business money.

Suspicious person – On March 25 at 7:26 p.m., LLPD responded to a suspicious person at the 1800 block of North Pepper Lane.

Complainant reported a male at the location was knocking on doors and hanging around in his vehicle.

Officers responded and made contact with the subject who was trespassed from the location for life.

DV arrest – On March 26 at 1:40 a.m. at the 21000 block of East Country Vista, a Liberty Lake man was arrested for domestic violence assault 4th. He was booked into Spokane County Jail.

Oven fire – On March 30 at 7:17 p.m., LLPD responded to a fire at the 23000 block of East Colleen Court. Complainant reported a fire had started in the oven at the location. Officers arrived and were unable to put the fire out with an extinguisher. The fire department arrived and put the fire out.

Stolen property – On April 2 at 9:51 a.m., LLPD responded to a theft at the 19000 block of East Knox Avenue. Complainant reported an Eastern Washington University monument was stolen

The Splash

from the landscaping around the home that is estimated at $200.

items were taken from inside the vehicle.

Shoplifting arrest – On April 1 at 5:42 p.m., LLPD arrested a suspect at the 1200 block of North Liberty Lake Road for theft. The suspect was observed putting an item in her purse valued at $3.49.

The suspect then attempted to leave the store without paying for the item. The suspect was stopped by loss prevention and detained until officers arrived. The suspect was given a criminal citation and arrested for theft 3rd.

Motorcycle theft – On April 11 at 8:39 a.m., LLPD responded to a theft from the 20000 block of East Nora Avenue. Complainant reported that her motorcycle had been stolen sometime during the night. The motorcycle is estimated at $1,500

Credit card fraud – On April 4 at 2 p.m., LLPD responded to the 1800 block of North Cavalier Road for a fraud. Complainant reported three separate fraudulent transactions on his credit card in the amount of $922.86. A person unknown to him had used his credit card information to acquire three apple iPhones online totaling 2768.58. This is an open/active investigation.

Stolen car – On April 11 at 7:53 a.m., LLPD responded to the 24000 block of East Spotted Owl Lane for a vehicle theft. Complainant reported during the night his car had been stolen by an unknown person. The vehicle was estimated at $4,000.

Later that day, the vehicle was recovered by another agency and returned to the owner. However, the victim reported over $3000 in

Abandoned vehicle – On April 12 at 8:28 a.m., LLPD responded to a citizen assist at the 1700 block of North Cirque Lane. Complainant reported a vehicle had been abandoned/left at the location and was on private property. The vehicle was determined to belong to an individual who had warrants.

The vehicle was towed from the location.

Agency assist – On April 14 at 10:49 p.m., LLPD assisted another agency with an eluding suspect.

Officers from another agency arrested a male after he attempted to elude officers across state lines.

Vehicle prowl – On April 16 at 10:49 a.m., LLPD responded to a vehicle prowl at the 1200 block of North Liberty Lake Road for a vehicle prowl. Complainant reported that her vehicle had been broken into while she was inside the location and over $500 in property was stolen from inside. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $300.

MAY 2016 • 7

The Lookout May 2016

Baseball is in full swing!

The newly named “Diamonds at Liberty Lake” are coming back to life as they ring in this year’s baseball season. We are especially grateful to the Riverview Little League for their donation of $5,000 to install a new scoreboard.

In April, Liberty Lake’s Parks and Activities Lead Luke Clift, threw out the first pitch to begin the season

MEMO from the

for Riverview’s 2016 season. Also, Jake Pedigo stepped up with his Eagle Scout Project to install a new flag pole at the Diamonds. Jake will be doing the landscaping around the flag pole as well.

Thanks to these generous baseball fans, the Diamonds will be looking better than ever this year. Here is to a great season of America’s pastime!

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

Wanted- Safe bike riders

Officers with the Liberty Lake Police Department are on patrol for kids wearing helmets when riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards and roller blades. In an attempt to keep kids safe, LLPD is collaborating with Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital to reward children for wearing helmets under the “Safe Kids Spokane” program.

While officers are patrolling our streets and parks, they will be on the lookout. If a kid gets “caught” wearing a helmet throughout the summer, they will receive a “good ticket” which is redeemable for one soft serve ice cream at McDonalds.

The worldwide movement started in 1987 at the National Children’s Medical Center in Washington, D.C., with a mission of preventing unintentional childhood injury, which is a leading cause of death and disability for children ages 14 and under.

Garden Notes – Take time to stop and smell the flowers

By Joice Cary Liberty Lake City Gardener April showers have brought the bulbs bursting into beautiful bloom.

Hopefully you are enjoying the hundreds of bulbs that have been planted throughout the city over the past three years.

Red, white and yellow ‘Polka Dot’ tulips greet us at Founder’s Corner, the roundabout monument and the Harvard Road monuments. Tall, yellow ‘Manly’ daffodils and purple, dainty grape hyacinth brighten the driving range at Trailhead Golf Course.

Colorful flowers may be enjoyed when cruising past at 25 miles

per hour but to appreciate the full beauty of these bulbs one must stop and smell the flowers. ‘Evan Scent’ narcissus jonguilla have been strategically planted in the entrance beds of Pavillion Park, Rocky Hill Park and pots at City Hall. Please take a moment to experience the sweet and spicy fragrance while these flowers, and spring, are here to enjoy.

It is spring again in our beautiful city of Liberty Lake! All over, you can see that the flowers are up, the trees are green again and the streets and walkways are carpeted in flower pedals.

One thing that is so impressive about our city is the resounding pride taken by every homeowner. Residents are making their way to Home Depot to get trees and flowers to beautify their own homes and surroundings.

Right now the city is trying to do its part, bringing back our city Gardener, Joice Cary.

Joice and her crew have already ordered geraniums to add a splash of color in all of the parks that will be planted right after Mothers’ Day. Jennifer Camp and her crew will be celebrating Arbor Day with the Liberty Lake Elementary Schools by planting five new trees in “The Diamonds at Liberty Lake” ballfields and will be sending a seedling home with every student that participates.

They have also been working on our citywide sprinkler system by implementing a timer that can remotely control over 250 valves controlling 1,500 heads, 24 hours a day in real time. That ensures that the right amount of water at the right amount of time with the right weather conditions will be delivered to our landscaping this summer.

During my travels outside of our city, I hear a lot of compliments about how beautiful and well-kept our city is and how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place. Those compliments are meant for you, the community that pulls together, works together and takes pride in where they live.

I want to make sure that you fully understand the difference that you make, individually and collectively, by making Liberty Lake a great place to live, work and play. You truly put us on the map as “Spokane County’s premier address.”

8 • MAY 2016

NEWS

Council hears design, financing strategies for Town Square project

By Craig Howard Splash Editor It might be time to find Jim Nelson a seat around the dais at Liberty Lake City Hall.

A senior vice president and bond underwriter at D.A. Davidson, Nelson has had an increased presence at City Council meetings since it was announced that a $12 million capital facilities bond for a community center/aquatic facility would appear on the ballot this summer. Nelson made another appearance before the governing board at the April 5 meeting, prepping city leaders with basic information critical to the Aug. 2 vote.

Nelson’s presentation included references to recent developments in the world of finance, including the move last December by the Federal Reserve to raise short-term interest rates by 0.25 percent.

Nelson said the shift has had no impact on the bond market and added that the city is in a positive position to put its initiative on the ballot.

“It’s essentially a cost savings to taxpayers that you’re capturing it in a low-interest environment,” he said.

The city is looking at a 30-year term on the bond – which requires

a supermajority of at least 60 percent to pass. If the measure is approved in August, property owners would see an increase of 48 cents per $1000 of assessed valuation beginning in 2017. That equates to a monthly hike of $12.47 – or annual increase of $149.66 – on a home valued at $300,000.

Nelson was quick to point out that taxpayers can look forward to a decrease in their share of the bond payment based on the city’s continued growth rate, estimated at around 3 percent. More property owners and a corresponding boost in citywide assessed value means a broader distribution of the tax responsibility. By 2025, the number dips to 38 cents per $1000. By 2036, the rate is down to 28 cents.

“As assessment valuation increases, the bond levy rate decreases,” Nelson said.

The city needs to file its ballot language with the Spokane County Elections Office by May 13. Voters will receive ballots by July 15.

Nelson advised council to have a voter education campaign in full gear by that point.

“Around 25 percent of voters will mail back their ballots within that first week,” he said.

City chimes in with numbers Finance Director R.J. Stevenson

and City Administrator added their two cents to the Town Square conversation on April 5, providing what Stevenson described as “very preliminary numbers” on the proposed facility’s costs and potential sources of revenue.

Based on city of Spokane estimates, the aquatic center could run around $130,000 a year in operating costs. The rundown includes labor, maintenance, utilities, permits, insurance and more. In calculating the annual price tag for a new library on the Town Square site, the property tax revenue currently generated for the existing library -- $473,272 – was applied. Another $245,000 would be needed to staff the community center and cover supplies, maintenance and utilities.

The overall operating expense of the Town Square facility has been estimated at $848,272.

“As we move along, I want to make sure people know how much this facility is going to cost to operate,” Allen said.

The city’s estimates on potential revenue for the venue ring in at $829,272, a difference of less than $20,000 from the approximated cost. While the library/property tax amount covers the bulk of the balance sheet, the ledger would benefit from aquatic center gate fees ($39,000), community room rentals ($20,000), concessions ($10,000) and lessons ($5,000).

The city has also brought up a pair of future sources that would stand the new facility in good stead, namely the lease of the current library facility ($114,000 – based on 9,500 square feet at $12 a foot) and the retirement of the Trailhead at Liberty Lake bond note in 2017, which frees up $168,000 from the annual budget.

Council Member Keith Kopelson was quick to point out that the retired golf course debt should not be defined as “revenue” in the overall budget picture, to which Allen agreed.

“That’s not an assumption we need to have,” she said.

Facility design update

Preliminary renderings of the proposed Town Square project have emerged from the design team of Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture at a series of public workshops in Liberty Lake. This drawing of a blended community center/pool/ library was among several presented by Chuck Musgrave, a BRS principal, at the April 5 Liberty Lake City Council meeting.

Image courtesy of city of Liberty Lake

Chuck Musgrave of Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture was another special guest at the April 5 meeting.

BRS is in the process of gathering public feedback and drawing up plans for what voters will consider later this year.

“We’re about half-way through but making great progress,” said Musgrave, an architect with 35 years of experience and projects

The Splash

to his credit that include the Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene and aquatic centers in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.

In crafting what Musgrave described as “the mission and vision” of the project, BRS has met with a citizen-based design committee, city officials and residents going back to the initial workshop on Feb. 17.

“We want to create a Liberty Lake center, not a regional center,” Musgrave said. “This should be a unique place for the entire community, a gathering place where people can celebrate, congregate and recreate.”

Other key points for BRS include getting the most out of an established budget and explaining the need for a library, Musgrave said.

At the March 2 workshop, stakeholders mapped out priorities for the space, with a community room, catering kitchen, outdoor event area, leisure pool and lap pool topping the list in that order.

At another workshop on March 14, a space for events and parties garnered the most votes with a community room, library/reading area, outdoor gathering area also earning support.

“It seems to be about indoor and outdoor gathering,” Musgrave said.

Musgrave went over a pair of design renderings, one of which included a pedestrian pathway through the site. An alternative plan would feature two separate buildings with a plaza in between.

The issue of parking on the site came up around the dais with Allen saying that “weekdays will be a problem” with commercial spots and STA overflow parking being largely occupied near the venue.

“Obviously, we’re going to encourage people to ride bikes and walk,” Allen said.

Musgrave said the facility is being designed with the possibility of future expansion in mind, particularly based on the city’s projected growth. Council Member Odin Langford raised concerns about funding an add-on when taxpayers would still be paying off a 30-year note.

Nelson returned to the conversation by pointing to the example of a community center in Moses Lake that funded its expansion through increased revenue from property tax and sales tax after several large-scale retailers moved into the area.

Council approves golf cart registration ordinance

NEWS

By Craig Howard

donation

Splash Editor

Waste Management continued its commitment to the community with a donation of $3,000 to the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary on April 19. Jason Markee, operations manager for Waste Management hauling facility in Spokane Valley, presented the check to Asmus who accepted the check on behalf of Rotary and promptly distributed $2,625 among seven other civic organizations.

Ordinance 186 has been the standard for golf carts in Liberty Lake for a decade. Now, the rules for the community’s most popular mode of transportation will be governed under a new code.

City Council unanimously passed Ordinance 227 at its April 19 meeting, officially ushering in an emphasis on the registration of carts for purposes of “safety and accountability,” according to Police Chief Brian Asmus.

“I want to thank our Public Safety committee and our city attorney for putting together the new golf cart ordinance,” Asmus said after the council vote. “Just a reminder that the real purpose of this is to provide a safe environment for people to use their golf carts. The registration is just a way to monitor violators or if we find a golf cart, it gives us a contact. It’s about holding people accountable.”

Asmus had campaigned for revised regulations to align with state laws regarding golf carts.

Now, those operating the vehicles must be at least 16 and have a valid driver’s license. Golf carts can travel on the extreme right of the roadway in cases where there is not a dedicated trail and the posted speed limit does not exceed 25 mph. Carts must yield to all vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Registration will be free and apply for two years. A numbered decal – resembling a basic license – will 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.

The new ordinance takes effect May 1. Asmus said there will be a community-wide educational campaign conducted by LLPD. Those violating any part of the ordinance would face a civil 1 infraction and a fine of up to $250.

“It’s going to be a very simple process,” Asmus said of the registration. “We’re going to say, ‘Come get your free permit, let us know who owns the golf cart and who we can contact if there’s an issue.’ We want there to be a clear understanding of what the law is.”

Waste

Management

presents

MAY 2016 • 9

“We wanted to divvy up that money and share it with some other community partners that make this community a great place,” Asmus said.

Checks for $375 were presented to the HUB Sports Center, Friends of Pavillion Park, Friends of the Library, Liberty Lake Kiwanis, Liberty Lake Lions, Fallen Heroes Circuit Course and Liberty Lake Community Theater. Rotary also kept $375.

In addition to handing out funds, Markee gave a summary of the spring cleanup on April 16, a semiannual event that includes support from Waste Management, the city, Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District and Goodwill. Markee said WM disposed of 11 tons of yard debris along with two tons of bulk waste and appliances. Residents filled three Goodwill trucks with donated items.

“A lot of stuff was donated,” Markee said. “That’s better than having it end up in a landfill or having it disposed of through county transfer stations. Liberty Lake is just a great community to work in and serve. Without the help of these folks it would not be possible to do these kinds of events. We want to continue to have opportunities to work with the city and put on these types of events.”

Mayor Steve Peterson said Waste Management has been an asset to the city since the regional waste collection system was restructured in 2014.

“It’s been two very productive years not only with the donations but working with Waste Management,” he said. “I think it’s really worked out extremely well for the city of Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley.”

In other city news: • The finance committee reported that citywide sales tax is

sheet, what it’s going to cost, when it’s going to be built, etc.,” Allen said.

Jasen Markee of Waste Management (left) presents a check for $3,000 to Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus representing the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club at the April 19 City Council meeting. Rotary chose to split the donation with seven community groups. Contributed photo

• Allen said the Mission/Molter roundabout project will likely start in early May. The project is expected to take six weeks. A traffic/detour plan will be posted on the city’s website. Council approved the construction contract for the roundabout project on April 19.

• The Liberty Lake Farmers Market will open May 14 and run every Saturday through Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Square Park.

up 26 percent over the same time last year. Revenue from building permits is up over $100,000 from this point in 2015 while utility tax income is up 7 percent from last year.

• Council approved Resolution 16-209, providing for the future use of reclaimed water on city facilities. The use would be based on the implementation of reclaimed water by the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District.

• City Administrator Katy Allen said the city was in the process of creating a fact sheet for the Town Square project as the bond vote approaches this summer. “We’re getting a lot of questions about the project, a lot of opinions. We’re trying to do our best to put together information. I think the city has the responsibility to put out a fact

• Council meetings this month are scheduled for May 3 and 17, both at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

• Council approved Resolution 16-210, authorizing submittal of a grant application to the state Recreation Conservation Office for Orchard Park, a large-scale greenspace slated for the north side of town.

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The Splash

10 • MAY 2016

Safety Scroll Practice water safety on lakes and rivers

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

By Chief Bryan Collins Spokane Valley Fire Department As the weather warms from spring into summer, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the pool or the lake or river on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Besides having fun, most people don't think much about water safety — but they should.

Nationally, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for people between the ages of 5 and 24. Life jackets are essential, especially for children.

Enjoying the water doesn’t have to result in accidental death. Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines. Learning how to swim is essential if you plan on being on or near water. Many local organizations provide swim instruction to people of all ages.

Swimming in lakes and rivers differs from taking a dip in your local pool. You often have to share the water with boaters, water skiers and other recreational vehicles.

Whether sandy or rocky, lake and river bottoms are often uneven and produce startling, sudden dropoffs into deep water. You may have to contend with fish, seaweed and fishing residue such as fish hooks buried in the sand. Water conditions in lakes can be unpredictable.

Get to know your surroundings Lake or river swimming safety begins with a good understanding of what dangers your lake or river poses to swimmers. In some glacier-fed lakes or rivers, hypothermia is a real risk, even on warm summer days.

Know what the water temperature is before you wade in. Find out what the lake or river depth is so you can dive safely. Test your cell phone on shore, as carrier signals vanish on many remote lakes and rivers. Know where the emergency call boxes and rescue equipment are located.

Never swim alone Lakes are typically large, wide and deep. Even when the lake or river is crowded with swimmers and boaters, you should never venture out alone. Always swim with a buddy or in a group. Be aware of

See Water Safety, Page 11

MAY 2016 • 11

Water Safety

Continued from page 10 who is in your group and where they are at all times. Rivers flow fast and cold this time of year. Lake rip tides can pull a swimmer under and away from shore very quickly. Learn to recognize lake or river conditions so you can avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Watch for weather hazards Lake and river hazards can come

SVFD Report – May 2016

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 97 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from March 17 through April 21, 2016: • Emergency medical service calls - 71 • Motor vehicle accidents – 2 • Fires – 6 • Service calls – 5 • Building alarms – 5 • Hazardous materials - 1 • Dispatched and cancelled en route – 7 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Illegal Burn – March 20 – Just after 7:30 p.m., SVFD Liberty Lake Station 3 crew was dispatched to a reported illegal burn in the 19800 block of Maxwell Avenue. The crew found the resident illegally burning yard debris. The resident agreed to put the fire out.

Motor Vehicle Accident – March 24 – SVFD crews responded to a report of a one-car accident on westbound I-90 just west of the Liberty Lake off ramp at about 2 p.m. The caller reported witnessing a red vehicle hit the median. Upon arrival, Washington State Patrol troopers said the driver had fled the scene.

Structure Fire – March 30 – Shortly before 7:30 p.m., SVFD crews responded to a reported structure fire in the 23100 block of Colleen Court. The new homeowner had turned on the oven for the first time and put in a casserole before he noticed flames coming from underneath the gas stove. He was able to get his child and evacuate

from the sky above. Read or listen to a weather report for the lake area or river before you set out for the day. If the weather threatens to turn unpleasant, take a portable batteryoperated radio to listen for weather alerts. Leave the water at the first sound of thunder and don't re-enter the water until at least 20 minutes after the last clap of thunder has passed.

Keep children safe If you take children to swim in a lake or river, keep them in your sight all times. Strong underwater currents can catch youngsters by surprise and pull them under in seconds. Always have your children wear life vests in the water. Be prudent about allowing them into the water after a meal, or if they are over-heated. Take along a beach umbrella to provide shade and a cool place for children to rest between swims.

Bryan Collins is the chief of Spokane Valley Fire Department, one of three fire departments in Washington state to earn accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

safely. A Liberty Lake police officer was first on the scene and tried unsuccessfully to put out the fire with an extinguisher. SVFD crews arrived and quickly knocked down the fire, which was contained to the stove and cabinets above.

Damage is estimated at $30,000.

Fire investigators believe the new gas stove was either faulty or improperly installed.

New Engine 3 “push in” – April 16 – A crowd gathered at Liberty Lake Station No. 3 on Harvard Road to celebrate SVFD’s newest fire engine. Community members joined SVFD personnel and Liberty Lake dignitaries with the traditional “push in” ceremony, pushing the engine into the station’s bay. The current Engine 3 will go into reserve status.

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 smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors free of charge. For more information, call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

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COVER STORY

12 • MAY 2016

Water World – The layers of voluminous life at Liberty Lake

decline,” said Jeremy Jenkins, current Lake Protection manager for LLSWD. In summing up the state of the lake before the formation of the district and the campaign to replace septic tanks with a sewer system, LLSWD Commissioner Tom Agnew described the condition as it appeared to humans, animal and marine life.

By Craig Howard Splash Editor

It sprawls 780 acres and delves an average of 23 feet from current to sandy floor. In the words of BiJay Adams, general manager of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District, it can be described as “a glacial outwash basin” or “backeddy,” nowhere near the depths of surrounding lakes in the region.

Despite its shallow status, Liberty Lake thrives year after year, owing its robust condition to a remarkable community effort that restored the water from murky to radiant in the early 1970s and continues to this day through the efforts of Adams and his LLSWD crew.

The lake is also home to a diverse and dynamic ecosystem.

On the ground floor of this habitat, you will find tiny marine algae known as “phytoplankton” that actually reside on the water’s upper level. Characterized by their buoyancy and single-celled composition, phytoplankton comprise a common lunch for the next rung of creatures in Liberty Lake called “zooplankton.”

Through the microscope, these lake wanderers resemble a cross between a science fiction monster and a crawfish you might find at a Cajun restaurant. The food chain continues with zooplankton becoming an alien/crustacean treat for a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, perch, sunfish

The Splash

“It was noticeably uninviting,” he said.

By 1968, a citizens advisory group had been formed. Before long, samples of lake water were being sent to WSU for testing.

The Liberty Lake ecosystem features abundant life both above and below the water. The habitat celebrated a reprieve in the early 1970s when residents around the lake rallied to form sewer district and restore water quality that had been damaged due to a pervasive septic tank network.

Contribued photo and more.

Along with phytoplankton and zooplankton, an air raid of midges – small, two-winged flies – and variety of the caddisfly species – a miniscule mothlike insect – call the lake home. For Adams, this diminutive population of the lake is vital to its makeup – despite not being readily apparent.

“When most people talk about wildlife in and around the lake, they’ll bring up moose, elk, fish, birds,” he said. “There’s also this other level out there with the phytoplankton and zooplankton.”

The rally to save the lake By the late 1960s, the water

The south end of Liberty Lake is one of the more bustling areas for wildlife.

Flocks of coots (above) gather regularly to feed on insects and try their best at flying despite short, narrow wings.

Photo by Craig Howard

quality was dramatically diminishing in Liberty Lake due to the spread of blue-green algae. A septic tank network around the lake meant excessive nutrients seeping into the water, resulting in high levels of phosphorous feeding algae blooms that literally took over the lake environment. When the algae died, they took up precious oxygen supplies available for marine life.

“We call it blue-green algae, but it's really bacteria,” said Dr. Barry Moore, a limnology (water study) professor with Washington State University who has been researching and protecting Liberty Lake water quality since 1978.

“The blue-greens short-circuit the food chain; the zooplankton don't eat them. They're toxic. They shade out other plants and other algae and they die. And when they die, they can deplete oxygen.

Before the sewer district, you had this tremendous biomass, rows of blue-greens concentrating on the surface and they would shade out the rooted weeds and those plants would die and release more phosphorous which would drive more blue-greens.”

With oxygen levels dwindling and zooplankton receding, Liberty Lake became a tenuous habitat for the marine population. Eventually the algae buildup grew so thick that plants below the water’s surface could not photosynthesize.

“The whole system went into

"When we started all this, there wasn't a city here," said Harley Halverson, a longtime lakefront resident who served as a LLSWD commissioner from 1992 to 2007.

"There was the lake and the people around the lake - and for the people around the lake, their focus was the lake. There wasn't a sewer district, there wasn't a city. Every decision was made in regard to the lake."

Equipped with the findings from WSU, a committee of leaders from the advisory group eventually petitioned the Spokane County Board of Commissioners to form a sewer district that would address the septic tank crisis. By 1973, the Liberty Lake Sewer District (the “water” part would come later) was in place and the lake had its watchdog.

“The formation of the district made all the difference,” Adams said. “The residents around the lake were the ones who stepped up and did the work to form the district. Because of that, and the efforts that came after, we have a healthy lake.”

The massive cleanup and installation of a sewer system, brought a reprieve to the Liberty Lake habitat and the flora and fauna that call it home. Veteran lake observers like Moore tell stories of bass nesting below the surface, great blue heron perching near the shore and muskrats scurrying along Sandy Beach.

Stewardship continues

of

the

lake

In the fall of 2014, LLSWD advocated for a project carried out

by Spokane County to replace three direct stormwater outflows along Shoreline Drive. In the spirit of early district pioneers, the project was intended to keep phosphorous, nitrogen, oils and grease as well as larger irritants like garbage from

See WW, Page 13

WW

Continued from page 12 finding their way into the lake.

Devices known as “Filterra units” – providing an engineered bioinfiltration system – were installed to screen out water intruders.

The resulting debris ends up in a catchment basin that is cleaned regularly.

Along with the new filtration, the county removed asphalt pavement on the road and put in precast concrete drywells while rehabilitating existing drywells.

The finished project has translated into a more efficient system for addressing stormwater and excess runoff into the lake.

"We have, over the years, developed a pretty strong stormwater management policy to keep the lake clean because of the historical issues we've had with septic drainage and excess nutrients," said Jenkins.

The district closely monitors residential development around the lake in an effort to preserve the natural habitat. That could mean a frontage area featuring native plants and trees that may not mean the best lakefront view but help mitigate stormwater runoff and add to shoreline aesthetics.

Jenkins said the district “gets calls all the time” from lakefront residents concerned with shoreline practices that range from “removing

COVER STORY

vegetation to new construction on some lot.”

“I think you need to know the history of a place to understand your place in it,” Jenkins said.

“People care about this lake. They’re aware of what’s going on and we’re educating in the meantime.”

The emphasis on reducing lake pollution means a healthier environment for non-human community here.

Before the extensive cleanup in the early 70s, Adams said animals and birds would simply leave and find other habitats with better water quality.

Others were not as lucky.

“You definitely had some animal deaths back then due to the toxicity,” he said. “The use of the lake related to the poor water quality went down. Wildlife would go to other places.”

When lake dwelling birds change addresses, they often bring invasive algae, seeds and plants with them, inadvertently clinging to feathers and feet. When it comes to unwanted transmission of toxins, Liberty Lake now faces the same concern that surrounding lakes did five decades ago.

“We have some algae species that are showing up in the Northwest from other parts of the country,” Jenkins said.

These days, milfoil is the most common invasive plant found on the lake. LLSWD combats the threat with annual treatments and

Canadian geese may be the most prominent feathered resident of the lake.

Drawn to water and green turf, these majestic birds have become as common in Liberty Lake as golf carts, only messier.

Photo by Craig Howard

hand removal.

“We’re holding the line on milfoil,” Adams said.

Return of the wetlands In the late 1800s, homesteaders around Liberty Lake drained the wetlands on the south portion of the waterfront for agricultural purposes. The introduction of farming meant an exodus for the beavers and otters that once thrived in the swampy terrain.

In1966, Spokane County purchased the land on the sound end of the lake and put restrictions on private development. The shift led to a large-scale restoration of the wetlands. Adams said it took until the early 2000s, before beavers and otters returned, venturing over from the nearby Saltese Flats and waterways like Cable Creek out of Idaho.

“It’s still unknown if they’ve made Liberty Lake their home or if they come in for periods of time, then leave,” Adams said. “They are going to occupy waters that are healthy.”

These days, the south quadrant of the lake is a popular hangout for flocks of coots, small birds known for more for swimming and diving than taking flight.

With short, rounded wings and long-lobed toes, coots stick close to the water, feeding mostly on insects and crustaceans.

Canadian geese are common neighbors to the coots, ducks and other residents of the lake’s south side They can also be found nearly

MAY 2016 • 13

everywhere else. Drawn to green turf and water, the geese have become, in Adams’ words, “the most controversial species” on the lake due to their large numbers and prodigious production of waste.

Wonders of the watershed Liberty Lake Regional Park is to the adjacent lake as a protective wall might be to a perched castle.

Jenkins describes the greenspace of nearly 3,600 acres as “the cornerstone of the watershed,” acting as a filter and sponge for the water that runs into the lake.

“It’s really a self-regulating system, depending on how much snow we get” Jenkins said. “The soil detains the water for the future.

We’re very lucky to have such an intact upper watershed with the county park and forestland.”

A designated swimming area and picnic shelters provide a recreational element to the park.

The boat launch and fishing dock on the lake’s north shore, operated by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, opened March 1 and will remain open until Oct. 31.

As one of the largest county parks in the state, the sprawling site features wetlands, montane forest, irrigated turf, conservation areas and an ORV park. Elk, moose, deer, cougars, mountain lions, coyotes and bears roam in the abundant woods.

“It’s really a huge undeveloped space,” Adams said. “It provides a habitat for wildlife and gives Liberty Lake its aesthetics.”

Otters like this one have returned to Liberty Lake since the restoration of the wetlands on the south portion of the lake. The turnaround began in 1966 when Spokane County purchased the land and put restrictions on private development.

Photo by Michael Hassett

The Splash

14 • MAY 2016

Ames introduced as new CVHS principal

By Treva Lind Splash Correspondent A Titan only a short while longer, Kerri Ames soon will join the ranks of Bears as the new Central Valley High School principal.

Ames was selected to replace principal Mike Hittle, who is retiring in June after 14 years leading the high school. His tenure began when CV’s new building opened in 2002.

Currently a University High School assistant principal, Ames takes over the helm on Sullivan Road in July, bringing 21 years of education experience.

“I feel really honored and grateful,” Ames said. “That’s my dream job, to lead a comprehensive high school. With the pace and the energy that high school kids have, that’s a fun environment. I enjoy creating pathways for students to be successful post-high school, and that’s a big job.”

Ames, 52, said her ongoing focus at CVHS will be to ensure students are well prepared by graduation,

Kerri Ames while developing their interests during those high school years.

“Central Valley High School is a phenomenal school,” she said. “It’s one of the top in the state, but there is always work to be done in preparing kids for post-secondary pursuits. I believe that is rooted in developing their interests and passions. You still have to figure out how to personalize that for every kid.”

She said she’ll also strive to

provide transparent leadership.

“For me, it’s all about communication and developing relationships with students, staff and the community. It’s about actively listening.”

Ames, who grew up with parents working in education, has Spokane Valley roots. Her first family home was near Adams and Sprague, and she attended St. Mary’s Catholic School. By middle school, her family moved to north Spokane and she graduated from Gonzaga Prep, but her career brought her back to the Valley.

She taught eight years in West Valley, eventually holding administrative roles at different WV and CV schools.

At U-Hi since July 2014, she’s also held roles on many district panels, including Career, College Ready and Capital Facilities. In administration for 13 years, she previously was an assistant principal at Rogers High School, Spokane Valley High School, and West Valley City School.

From 2008 to 2014, she served as principal of Barker High School, now Mica Peak, a place of innovation with “wonderful staff,” she said.

Ames worked with colleagues

to build a strong nontraditional, blended learning program.

“I think we built a lot of community partnerships in the Valley and really brought that school to light,” she said. “My passion is to make sure all kids are taken care of, regardless of their path.”

With an Eastern Washington University bachelor’s degree in education, Ames earned a master’s degree and a P-12 administration certification from Gonzaga University. As a teacher, she taught social studies, math, language arts and science for West Valley grades 5-12.

“I just loved it so much,” she said. “The more I got into teaching, I had a lot of teacher leadership roles and discovered I have this gift for leading people and bringing people together to innovate.”

Ames was on a three-member team developing West Valley City School as a project-based learning facility. She credits then-principal Larry Bush, now Spokane Valley High School principal, for teaching her about leadership.

“He taught me about developing strong relationships with staff members and faculty in the service

See AMES, Page 15

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AMES

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of kids and for really understanding where people’s hearts are, where their passions are, how to listen,” she said. “The most important thing is you listen to people and value what they say. Then you figure out ways to get them inspired in making great things happen for kids.”

“Larry really encouraged me to pursue my administrative certificate,” she said. “My parents and colleagues did too. There are people along the way helping you realize your potential. That’s what I hope to do.”

Her parents also provided strong influence and encouragement. Her dad, Dan McCanna, was a school administrator and worked for the East Valley School District more than 40 years. Her mom Marilyn McCanna worked 30 years in secretarial roles for Central Valley schools.

“While my parents did that, we also had a family business of raising horses,” she said. “My dad trained horses, so we’ve had horses all our lives.”

Today, her dad has a familybacked ranch near Lake Roosevelt

where he raises baby horses.

Down the Stretch Ranch also has a nonprofit link connecting veterans of war with equine therapy. Ames, her three brothers, and all their spouses are involved in operations.

Marilyn McCanna passed away last spring.

“All of us are involved,” she said.

“We all love it.”

Education runs in the family. Her husband is Tim Ames, Medical Lake district superintendent, and they have four children. Collin, Casey and Cory have graduated from high school and are working and daughter Halle is now a sophomore at Medical Lake High School. Their niece Katherine is part of the family too, living with them in their Spokane Valley home while going to nursing school.

“I have four of my own kids, three out of high school,” Ames added. “I have a lot of experience too as a parent with high school kids.”

Family hobbies include enjoying horseback riding and spending time together. “We enjoy time at the ranch,” Ames said. “We spend a lot of time with the horses and also on the lake.”

Looking ahead to CVHS, Ames said she’ll always strive for

improvement.

“I want to continue the wonderful things happening at Central Valley High School. You can always make an organization better. You can never arrive. The minute you think you’ve arrived, then you become complacent.”

The new principal will work “to make sure every student is empowered to fulfill his or her dreams.”

“My goal is to be a part of the generation of leaders who make a difference,” she said. “And one who has a positive influence on others to face the challenges ahead.”

Real Estate is Blooming!

0 9,90 7 2 $

,900 9 3 $4

Kerri Ames will take over as principal of Central Valley High School in July, replacing Mike Hittle who is retiring after a tenure that began in 2002.

Photo by Treva Lind

D SOL

Let's talk school boundaries!

CVSD is growing! Thanks to passage of the 2015 construc on bond, CVSD is able to respond to growth within our community. In addi on to minimizing overflow students throughout the district and being able to lower class sizes, we need to review and revise school boundaries for all elementary schools as well as Greenacres and Evergreen middle schools.

D SOL

Want to get involved? Join us to par cipate in a...

Community Open House

May 11, 2016 • 6:00–8:00pm Spokane Valley Tech 115 S. University Road, Spokane Valley

Join the conversa on!

Follow us at CVSD.org

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You Tube

1421 North Meadowwood Lane #200 • Liberty Lake, WA 99019

COMMUNITY

16 • MAY 2016

“ IT’S

THE LAW ”

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

Find us on Facebook!

www.libertylakesplash.com

The Splash

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS April 30 | Compost Fair/Arbor Day Celebration – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Spokane Master Composters/Recyclers will host the 39th semi-annual event at the Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd. Participants living within the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System will receive a plastic recycling bin. Proof of residency is required and one bin per household.

May 2 | Mother’s Day benefit helps fight senior hunger – Honor that special woman in your life with a gourmet cupcake delivered from Greater Spokane Meals on Wheels. For $10 she will receive a delicious cupcake in a gift box and a card with your personal message. Order by May 2 at www.

GSCMealsonWheels.org or by calling 924-6976. Deliveries will be made on May 6 and 7.

May 4 | Strengthening Families program for parents and youth ages 10-14. This seven-week program is offered at the Otis Orchards Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4308 N. Harvard Road, beginning May 4. This course is for parents who care for their young teens and want good things for them. The program focuses on communication and building positive relationships.

Group meets on Wednesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. Call 477-4540 for more information.

May 5 | Tracy Jewelers Hope Stones Benefit for YWCA, 4 to 7 p.m., Tracy Jewelers, 106 NN Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley.

Each unique, one-of-a-kind piece is handcrafted by the women at the YWCA of Spokane. The perfect gift for Mother’s Day. All proceeds from sales of this collection go to the YWCA of Spokane Safe Shelter and Housing program which cares for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The YWCA 24hour domestic violence helpline is 326-2255.

May 14 | Opening day of Liberty Lake Farmers Market – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. Market features local food and farm vendors, artisan crafts and baked goods, music and more. Every Saturday through Oct. 8. For more, visit www. libertylakefarmersmarket.com.

May 18 | You Can’t Stop What You Don’t Know – 6:30 p.m. Free open forum for parents, teachers, and community members. Trent Elementary School Auditorium

N. 3303 Pines. Officer Jermaine Galloway, a nationally renowned presenter, will be discussing the latest trends such as “dabbing,” use of e-cigarettes, and edibles. In addition, he will discuss popular youth culture, how it makes the connection between drugs, alcohol and violence, and the influence on youth.

May 19 | High in Plain Sight: Current Alcohol, Drug, and Concealment Trends – 8 -11:30 a.m. at CenterPlace Event Center, 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. This workshop is recommended for educators, prevention providers, coalition members, law enforcement partners, school administrators, counselors and parents or anyone who wants to help prevent youth and adult substance abuse. Officer Jermaine Galloway provides over 120 visual aids for attendees to view. He also conducts a “community scan” in order to tailor his comments to the area where he is presenting. Seating is limited, registration is strongly recommended. Please call 477-5724 to register.

May through June | “Young Man in a Hurry: The Life of Isaac Stevens.” This exhibit at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum showcases Governor Isaac Stevens’ controversial treaty negotiations, his Civil War heroics and connection to Spokane Valley history. It is the first in a series examining the Valley’s early history, through June.

Presented in association with the Washington Secretary of State Office and Legacy Washington.

Hours are Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours welcome by appointment. The museum is located at 12114 E. Sprague Ave. Cost is $6/adults, $5/ seniors, $4/ages 7-17, free/age six and younger. For more information, call 922-4570 or visit www. valleyheritagecenter.org.

June 18 | Soap Box Derby This soap box derby-type race is a chance for special needs children to experience their own special race. Each special needs child will be partnered with a volunteer driver and a special soap box derby-type car. Participants are recognized with a medal after completing their races and they are invited to stay at the park with their family for a BBQ hosted by our club and sponsors.

To register a special needs child to race, or a volunteer child to drive, please contact us with the following information: Your name, phone number/email, the child’s name,

and their contact information.

Please note all children must be under 5’2” and weight 110lbs or less. www.spokaneeastrotary.org

RECURRING ACT 2 senior classes Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. More at www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2.

Baha’i Fireside Conversation 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., third Friday of the month. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history, and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. More at 599-2411 or www.bahai.us.

Catholic Singles Mingle meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www. meetup.com/Catholic-SinglesMingle.

DivorceCare Recovery Support Group Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location. Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com.

Grange potluck and meeting 6 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, Tri Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. A potluck will be followed by a 7 p.m. meeting for this community-based service organization. More at 4817447 or geje2@yahoo.com.

Liberty Lake Library 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club, and more. More at www.libertylakewa.gov/library.

Men’s Weekly Bible Study 7 a.m.

Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 6:30 p.m., the first Monday of each month. Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission

COMMUNITY

Ave., Liberty Lake. More at www. pancan.org or 534-2564.

Spokane County Library District locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley.

Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at www.scld.org

MUSIC & THE ARTS April 28-May 7 | Evita at U-Hi – All shows at 7 p.m., University Theatre. University senior Caitlin McLennan will play the role of Eva Perón, Argentina's first lady from 1946 until her death in 1952. Eva was a heroine who rose to power in a culture and era when very few women were in leadership roles.

Tickets are $12 if purchased in advance online or $14 at the door.

Patrons are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online by visiting the U-Drama Club page through www.cvsd.org (under University High School).

May 6 | CVHS Jazz Under the Stars – 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Central Valley High School Commons, 821 S. Sullivan Road. This annual fundraising event includes a dessert and silent auction to benefit the CVHS Band programs. Auction items include Coeur d'Alene Resort packages, Spokane Symphony tickets, Spokane Empire game package and other fabulous gift baskets. Admission at the door is $15 or $10 in advance. For more information, email cvmbAuction@ hotmail.com or call 999-9880.

May 8 | Spokane Symphony Classics 10: Blockbusters – 8 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox – Featuring Ian Parker on piano and Eckart Preu conducting, the symphony’s season finale features a trio of immensely tuneful, well-crafted and popular works, beginning with Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1,” Ottorino Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and Sergei Prokofiev’s “Symphony No. 5.” For tickets: www.spokanesymphony. org.

May 21 | Spokane Valley Arts Council 10th annual Art Auction – doors open at 5 p.m., live auction at 6:30, CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Event features live music, dinner, live auction with work from local artists. Tickets $50. For more information or to order, visit www. spokanevalleyarts.org or call 7470812.

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 270-9264.

Pages of Harmony - 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you will love the fourpart, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. More at www.pagesofharmony.org.

Spirit of Spokane Chorus 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 2184799.

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., Liberty Lake. 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 Spokane Valley Writer’s Group - 6:45 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission Ave. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. More at 570-4440.

Teen Writers of the Inland Empire - 4 p.m., first Thursday of the month (except holidays).

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Writers (sixth grade and older) meet to write and share their work. More at 893-8400.

HEALTH & RECREATION See CALENDAR, Page 18

MAY 2016 • 17

Proud sponsors of

SNAP’s 4th Annual 5K Dad’s Day Dash When: June 19th, 9:00 am Where: Manito Park To sign up, go to www.snapwa.org/ddd5k or call 456-SNAP

COMMUNITY

18 • MAY 2016

CALENDAR

Continued from page 17 s, Demo izes, Pr , r o o D ars Semin usic, Live Meat Gr Food

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May 15 | Invitational Volleyball Tournament – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., The HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

The 2016 HUB Invitational is for volleyball teams planning on playing in the summer elite events. This is for U16 and U18 teams only and will be set up as a power tournament featuring some of the best Northwest teams from Montana, Idaho and Washington. Cost is $150 per team. Call 927-0602 for more information.

May 17 | Rotary Club of Spokane Valley Annual Golf Tournament – Trailhead at Liberty Lake Golf Course. Proceeds benefit the youth of the Valley through the club’s scholarship program and Books for Kids. Each entry fee of $60 includes one round of golf with a cart, followed by an allyou-can-eat taco bar at Palenque Restaurant. There will many silent auction items and raffle items, including rounds of golf at local courses, tickets to the Chiefs, Indians and the Empire among other items. If you are interested in participating, please contact Mike Payson at 290-5514 or email at diamonds487@hotmail.com.

May 21 | American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure, Northern Quest Resort and Casino – The American Diabetes association is hosting our fifth annual Tour de Cure fundraising event. The Tour De Cure is a cycling and walking event focused on diabetes awareness, education and research to help find a cure. Those with type 1 or type 2 Diabetes are encouraged to attend and participate in the event and are recognized as “Red Riders.” For more information on how to participate as a rider/ walker, or be a sponsor for the Tour de Cure go to www.diabetes.org/ spokanetourdecure.

May 21 | Dads and Dudes Night – 6 to 9 p.m., the HUB Sports Center. This event is about fathers and sons spending quality time together, having fun, strengthening relationships and making positive memories. Activities include basketball, volleyball, soccer, pickleball and more. There will be bounce houses, relay races, skill competitions and other fun games to play. Uncles and grandfathers are welcome too. Pre-registration is $10 for a dad and dude. Additional dudes are $3. Registration at the door is $15. To learn more, call 9270602 or visit www.hubsportscenter. org.

RECURRING

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.

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 for the June 5 marathon or half marathon.

Registration and more at www. windermeremarathon.com.

CIVIC & BUSINESS 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 (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort) - 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District Board - 4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, 22510 E. Mission Ave.

CANCELLED

May 28 | Run for the Son

The Splash

CV sophomore swims way to Olympic Trials

By Mary Anne Ruddis Splash Correspondent What does it mean to “Go for the Gold”? According to Liberty Lake resident Sarah Nicholls, it means hard work, dedication, discipline and, most of all, the support of family and friends.

Nicholls, a sophomore at Central Valley High School, recently obtained a U.S. Olympic Trials qualifying time in the 100-meter breaststroke in March at the Western Speedo Senior Sectionals Championships in Federal Way this past March. With a time of 1:11.09, Nicholls came in 0.4 seconds better than the U.S. Olympic qualifying standard of 1:11.49. Nicholls lowered her own Inland Empire record by 2.4 seconds, making her the second fastest 15-year-old in the country this year.

This achievement makes Nicholls eligible to participate in this year’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials set for June 26-July 3 in Omaha, Neb. From Nebraska, the top finishers will head to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil August 5-21.

Nicholls has always loved the water and started swimming competitively with the Liberty Lake Athletic Club Swim Team at the age of 10. At 12, relatively late for a swimmer of her caliber, (many of her teammates began at 7 and 8 years old) Nicholls moved up to the Coeur d’Alene Area Swim Team, (CAST) a registered USA Swim Team that trains at the Coeur d’Alene Kroc Center. Nicholls will be the first woman from CAST to go to Olympic Trials in the 30-year history of the program.

Nicholls commits to a schedule of more than 20 hours per week in the pool and at workouts, many starting at 5 a.m. Her hard work has created incremental improvements over the last three years, lowering her times and qualifying her for numerous competitive meets. She has participated in such events as the Washington Open, Senior Sectionals, West Coast Zones, Junior Nationals and U.S. Nationals (where she swam among Olympians).

Along with dedication to swimming, Nicholls also is an honor student at CVHS with a 4.0 GPA. She also volunteers for local charities and events.

Although dedication and a steady work ethic are key ingredients to her success, Nicholls says that it is the friendships she has formed that keep her motivated to keep such a demanding schedule. She truly

See NICHOLLS, Page 19

MAY 2016 • 19

LIBERTY LAKE KIWANIS COMMUNITY YARD SALES

NICHOLLS

Continued from page 18

Friday, June 10, 2016 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

23RD ANNUAL

Saturday, June 11, 2015 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sign up by June 1 to list your sale and information in the official guide.

Registration fees go to the Kiwanis Club of Liberty Lake to support the event and community.

Nicholls will compete at the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb., June 26-July 3 for a chance to qualify for Team USA and a trip to the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil this August. Contributed photo enjoys being with her teammates and friends and has a lot of fun at practice. She also credits her coaches for their expertise and direction.

Nicholls said she understands that this is a stepping stone for her future swimming career. She is looking forward to the excitement and atmosphere in Nebraska but knows that she has much work ahead if she is to realize her dream of competing for the gold. With her sights set on continuing her work, Nicholls looks forward to collegiate swimming and improving her time.

Along with her own pursuits, Nicholls enjoys mentoring and helping out with younger swimmers.

She gets a front-row view at the next standouts in the swim world and loves to offer encouragement.

She realizes how important that encouragement is, having relied on it herself. Hearing her family, friends, and teammates cheer her on as she hit her qualifying time made a huge difference in her performance.

That encouragement is just as important as her personal commitment. She recognizes that her family’s support and involvement in her endeavors have been integral to her success. Her parents, Kevin and Karen, and two younger sisters, are always there to cheer her on and attend her meets with the same enthusiasm and commitment. They could not be more proud of their world-class athlete and are in awe of her talent, drive, and poise. Sarah, too, recognizes and appreciates her family’s commitment.

“I couldn’t have done this without my parents,” she said.

The likelihood of heading to Brazil this year is low but the opportunity to compete with the country’s elite swimmers is an experience that is sure to fuel this young swimmer’s dreams and achievements in the future. With Nicholls’ talent, dedication, and support, there is no doubt she will achieve her goals.

REGIST RAT IS NOW ION OPEN!

Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Liberty Lake

Three registration options

1. Online: $10

Submit your registration and secure credit card payment at www.libertylakekiwanis.org Take advantage of add-on options like a highlight color, a black border or a bold title to help your sale stand out from the rest. Online ads can also exceed the 20-word maximum for a small, per-word fee.

2. Mail-in form: $15 Complete the registration form below and submit it along with your fee. Remember, registration must be received by June 1 to be included in the official guide.

3. Pavillion Park vendor (online only): $250.00 Join the festivities in the middle of it all at Pavillion Park by being a vendor. Commercial vendors are welcome at the $250 fee and receive a 12-foot by 12-foot section at the park. This registration option is available at www.libertylakekiwanis.org, and it includes a listing in the official guide. Double the space is available for $500. Registered Pavillion Park sellers who decide not to come must notify organizers at least five days in advance in order to receive a refund. Contact information is at the bottom of the page.

WHAT DOES YOUR REGISTRATION PAY FOR? • A supported event: The sales will be advertised and publicized through regionwide outlets, and the Kiwanis Club is working with local authorities and strategic vendors to ensure a safe and well-supported event.

• Directional signage: Signs will be posted to help guide shoppers into neighborhoods holding sales.

• Thousands of shoppers: Liberty Lake

is flooded with shoppers for this event every June, so timing your yard sale to correspond with the annual sales is just smart business.

Please pay the registration fee to ensure the future of the yard sales. After expenses, all proceeds from the event will be reinvested by the Kiwanis Club into the community.

• A listing “on the map”: Attract

customers before the sale even begins by featuring your sale in the official event guide. A 20-word description of your sale is complimentary with your registration fee, and 10,000 copies of the guide will be distributed to not only every address in Liberty Lake — but at businesses and newsstands throughout the area in the days leading up to and during the sale.

Name Phone Address Description (Not to exceed 20 words)

Feature your business in the guide!

PRSRT STD ECRWSS

U.S. Postage Paid Permit #017 ZIP CODE 99019

21 st annu

icipating homes!

A limited number of advertising placements are available in PORTAL the annual event guide. Call 242-7752 or email joy@libertylakesplash.com to put your business and organization in front of thousands of eager shoppers in what is one of The Splash’s most dog-eared and poredover publications of the year.

Major Sponso

rs:

Liberty Lake

Event Organiz

at Mission

Payments should be made out to the Kiwanis Club of Liberty Lake. Mail them to The Splash, PO Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 along with the completed registration form. No phone or in-person registration is available.

Questions?  For registration-related inquiries, contact The Splash at 242-7752 or yardsales@libertylakesplash.com.  For general yard sale inquiries or with vendor questions, contact Liberty Lake Kiwanis member John Niece at 509-294-8500.

Publishers of the official 2016 Yard Sale Guide

al

Over 250 part

Advertising Deadline: May 22

& Molter

ers:

The Splash

20 • MAY 2016

LLES effort adds up to championship at Math is Cool

From Splash News Sources The Liberty Lake Elementary fifth grade Math is Cool team defended its crown at the regional Math Is Cool competition on March 18 at Mt. Spokane High School.

This year, LLES competed against schools in the 1A division. The team award is based on achievement in five categories – mental math, multiple choice team test, relay, team test and college bowl.

LLES has been competing in the program for the last nine years. Kids can participate from fourth grade through high school.

Schools are divided into different divisions based on the enrollment of the schools, the regions and scores from the previous years.

Math is Cool competition include both individual and team events.

Competitors from LLES include Callen Johnson, Seth Romney, Miles Daines, Aubrey Fu, Brian Zhang, Teagan O’Reilly, Lucy Lynn, Corrine Westby, Emma Fredekind, Jersey Measel, Tyler Agnew, Isobelle O’Reilly, Wyatt Dyer Isaac Webster, Evan Anderson, Brennen Brulette, Srikar Surapaneni, Jack Lavelle, Austin Densley, Abigail Baddeley, Kylee German, Noah German, Kallon Quimby, Jack Rau and Brock Brito.

LLES Math is Cool volunteer coaches are Brian German and Sowmya Surapaneni, both engineers at Itron, and April Westby, an engineer at Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.

In addition to the team title, four students from LLES received awards for placing among the top 10 in the individual contest.

Winners included Surapaneni (first place), Andersen (second), Daines (fifth), Agnew (sixth), Lavelle (seventh) and Johnson (10th).

A total of 12 kids from LLES earned top 25 placement in the individual contest.

Surapaneni, Andersen, Daines and Agnew will be moving on to the Master’s State Competition scheduled for May 21 at Moses Lake High School. The Master’s team is being coached by Elizabeth Andersen.

The origins of Math is Cool go back to a program called “Academics are Cool” that began in the spring of 1996 when Gregg Sampson, a mathematics teacher at Lewis and Clark High School, organized a math competition for sixth grade students in the Spokane area. He and members of the LCHS Math Team organized the events, wrote the competition items and implemented the agenda.

The following school year, the competition was expanded to grades 4-12 with grade level competitions held on six dates throughout the school year at LCHS. During the same school year, Triscia Hochstatter, a mathematics teacher at Moses Lake High School, organized a grade four and five combined Math is Cool competition in Moses Lake.

Subsequently, Math is Cool competitions were held in Seattle beginning with the 1998-99 school year conducted by Sampson and Sean Ahern, a University of Washington student and LCHS alumnus. In 2002, Tom Tosch took over as the Seattle regional director.

The signs of a heart attack can be different in women.

In fact, some women can experience a heart attack with no chest pain at all. So know the signs. If you feel them, get to an emergency room – fast. Call 911 and know that you can count on the Accredited Chest Pain Centers at Rockwood Health System’s Deaconess Hospital and Valley Hospital. For more information, visit RockwoodHealthSystem.com.

89281_DMC_Q1HAWS_7_33x11_5c.indd 1

1/14/16 10:03 AM

LIBRARY Friendly notices from your local library

Thursday, May 5, 6-8 p.m.

Come watch this latest addition to Nicholas Sparks films, just days after the DVD comes out! Feel free to bring something to eat. Popcorn provided by the library!

The library will be closed Thursday, May 12 until 2 p.m. and Thursday, May 19 until 11 a.m. for staff training.

Book Review Library presents first quarter “The Thirteenth report to council was good news aplenty in When the registration is received Tale” by Diane theThere Liberty Lake Municipal Library by the library, a card number will first quarter report last month. be assigned. Residents will still Setterfield need to drop by the library and Liberty Lake Municipal Library A biographer, Margaret, has spent her entire life living above her father’s antiquarian bookshop.

Late one night she is sent a most coveted request. One of Britain’s best loved authors, Vida Winter, wants Margaret to document the story of her life before it’s too late.

Vida’s life is a mystery the whole world has tried to discover and now she’s ready so share her dark and hidden family secrets. During Vida’s absorbing and strange tale Margaret finds herself oddly connected to the story. Determined to find out the fates of its characters, as well as her own, Margaret investigates the truth behind Vida’s narrative and what she discovers, is indeed, stranger than fiction.

This book is for readers who enjoy titles that have Victorian sensibilities and a bit of a gothic atmosphere. An interesting blend of characters and sublet mystery.

COME JOIN THE FUN AT THE LIBRARY NICHOLAS SPARKS MOVIE NIGHT

A reminder that we no longer have a “grace period,” but overdue fines begin the day after an item is due. Items returned via the outside book drop when the library is closed are checked in as if they had been returned the day before.

By Shardé Mills

MAY 2016 • 21

Pamela Mogen, director of library services, provided an overview of LLML activities over the first three months of 2016 at the Liberty Lake City Council meeting on April 19. The library processed around 60,000 items during the quarter along with over 82,000 digital items, totals that Mayor Steve Peterson called “remarkable.”

Mogen announced that the library will now be “passing on a savings for the cost of a library card” with a replacement card now running $1 instead of $2.

The library will also be phasing out Nook readers. Mogen said Barnes and Noble is “going to a different kind of e-reader made

by Samsung.” While LLMS will still have Nooks available, it will not to be adding new titles. All new titles will be available on the library’s Kindle e-readers.

Another innovation starting soon will be online library registration.

Fun learning for kids – May STEM-tacular Saturday

May 7: “Flight” at 2 p.m. All ages, no sign-up.

Saturday Kids’ Crafts May 14: Macaroni art May 21: Tennis ball pets May 28: Nature’s necklace All classes at 1:30 p.m.

show identification before receiving their cards.

“We’ll be looking at that every day,” Mogen said. “The cards will be sitting waiting for them.”

The library will also soon be offering the option of fee and fine payment by debit or credit card.

“It’s something our patrons have been asking about for years and we’re glad we can finally offer that,” Mogen said.

Attendance for adult library programming in the first quarter of 2016 rose 74 percent – from 153 in 2015 to 266 this year. The threepart “Gut Health” workshop was very well-attended as residents learned how food affects their health.

Programs such as “Winter Reading Challenge,” and “Book Madness” engaged patrons at their own pace and included an opportunity to cast votes in bracketed categories to determine Liberty Lake’s favorite novel.

With the purchase of Gale Courses, the library now offers hundreds of high-quality, interactive online courses in which 53 patrons are currently enrolled.

“As you can see we’ve been very busy,” Mogen said. “This quarter saw a very lively time at the library with education, crafts and community gathering.”

ALSO IN MAY ADULT EVENTS Adult Craft: Book Safes and Fun with Decoupage!

Thursday, May 12, 6-7:30 p.m.

Come and make a secret hollow in a book to kepp valuables safe! Just place the book back on the shelf and no one will know what it holds.

Space and supplies are limited so make sure you RSVP at 232-2510 or register at https://goo.gl/Ziu-7wR

Book Club for Adults

Thursday, May 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for treats and conversation while we discuss “Me Before You”

by Jojo Moyes.

Historic Monument Presentations: “The Horse Slaugher Story, Both Sides”

Thursday, May 19, 6 p.m.

Liberty Lake Theatre, 22910 E Appleway Ave. Come listen to this informative presentation and learn about part of our local history everyone should know. Presentation content mostly appropriate for adults. Presentation

by Jayne Singleton, Spokane Valley Historian. Sponsored by Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library.

www.libertylakewa.gov/library

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

The Splash

22 • MAY 2016

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National Mother Goose Day

Established in 1987, Mother Goose Day is celebrated annually on May 1st. On this day we honor the imaginary author Mother Goose, loved by children around the world. Charles Perrault is believed to have been the first person to publish Mother Goose in 1695. An English version was printed in 1729, but it wasn’t until John Newberrry published a compilation in the 1760’s that the nursery rhymes we know became widespread as popular children’s poetry. There are so many to choose from. We hope you enjoy this popular one and this obscure one.

A Swarm of Bees in May A swarm of bees in May Is worth a load of hay; A swarm of bees in June Is worth a silver spoon; A swarm of bees in July Is not worth a fly.

Little Miss Muffet Little miss muffet She sat on a tuffet, Eating of curds and whey; There came a great spider, Who sat down beside her, And frightenedd Miss Muffet away.

The Splash

24 • MAY 2016

PACE Trait -

Courage

World Turtle Day May 23

Turtles are cold blooded reptiles that have existed since the Triassic period. Researrchers think they have changed very little since they walked with the dinosaurs. There are about 300 different species of turtle or tortoise alive today. Nearly half of them are either vulnerable or endangered. They have been threatened with extinction for their eggs, meat, skin and shells.

Antarctica is the only continent they cannot be found on. Turtles bury their eggs in the ground, but due to man, habitat loss, sand temperature, pollution from oil spills and chemicals only one hatchling per thousand makes it to adulthood. As an adult pollution, plastics and getting caught in fishing nets is still a problem. They have to worry about man their entire life. World Turtle Day has been celebrated yearly since 2000. Its purpose is to bring atttention to the problems facing turtles, increase awareness, and develop conservation and recovery plans. Is there anything you can do to help?

Tortoise

Displaying integrity in spite of obstacles and challenges Sort the following features into whether they belong to a tortoise, a turtle or both. dome shaped shells carapace bumpy

Turtles

water flat plastron heavier shell short sturdy feet lay eggs streamlined mostly a herbivore lightweight shell have flippers webbed feet with long claws move from nest to a burrrow 80-150 years omnivore stay in nest 90-120 days on their own 20-40 years

MAY 2016 • 25

National Strawberry Picking Day May 20

Congratulations to Elly!

1. The first garden strawberry was bred in Brittany, France in what year? a. 1740 b. 1810 c. 1905

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2. Strawberries are a member of what family? a. magnolia b. rose c. cactus

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6. How many states grow strawberries? a. 12 b. 31 c. 50 7. What percentage of U.S. households eat strawberries annually? a. 35% b. 90% c. 60% 8. California produces how many pounds of strawberries annually? a. one billion b. ten million c. one million 9. Ancient Romans used strawberries as medicine to cure...? a. fever b. infection c. both 10. According to folk lore, if a person cuts a strawberry in half to share the two people consuming it will...? a. fall in love b. marry soon c. remain friends ANSWERS: a, b, b, c, a, c, b, a, c, a

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Find out about all of our events and contests on Facebook!

Animal Facts

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

Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle - North American New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico - 23- 28 inches long - 79- 99 pounds - Lives up to 50 years - a group is a bale - Critically endagered, has been protected since 1966 (rarest) - Juveniles mostly eat crabs - Most lay eggs at Rancho Nuevo Beach in Mexico - Nest every 1-3 years.

There are over 100 eggs in a clutch that take 55 days to hatch

The Splash

26 • MAY 2016

PACE trait for May – Courage

in a wheelchair since I was 3. It is difficult for my brain to tell my legs how to move and walk. Imagine this: you’re in a wheelchair like me and you get the opportunity to have a life- changing surgery and you’re worried that it’s going to fail.

By Zack Edge

Courage is a much needed trait.

If you want to be successful in life you need courage. As the former student president of Snowdon Elementary, I know this because I had to give my speech in front of over 400 students and give it my best, give it my all to succeed.

And do you know what? I won the election. If I hadn’t done that, do you know what would have happened? I would have failed.

If I didn’t try, I would never have known that I could achieve it.

Like I said before, you need

Student of the Month Leadership has become a way of life for Central Valley senior Halla Eliason. As part of the school’s ASB program, Eliason has contributed to a wide variety of projects and activities, including the Stinky Sneaker, Senior Mothers’ Tea and the annual food drive. This year’s collection of nutrition and funds was one of the most successful ever. “I was really proud of our school,” Halla said of the effort. The senior maintains a 3.2 grade point average and volunteers outside of CV with groups like the HUB Sports Center and the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene. “I like contributing to good causes and working with other people,” she said.

The Liberty Lake resident has participated in the Running Start program at Spokane Falls Community College and plans to study psychology after graduation. “I would like to be a lawyer who helps children,” she said.

At Seattle Children’s hospital, they specialize in a surgery called selective dorsal rhizotomy, where they cut the nerves in the spine to help the brain talk to the muscles.

My amazing parents pushed and pushed and begged for the doctors to do this surgery for me and finally the team all came to an agreement and said “Yes.” courage to succeed in life and I have, all my life. I was born early and have cerebral palsy. I have been

Central Valley senior Nathan Grinalds has been a fixture on the Bears’ soccer squad since his freshman year. The four-year letterman was an All-Greater League first team selection as a midfielder last season. Grinalds and his teammates won the GSL in 2015 and placed second at state with a 19-1 overall record.

The senior co-captain says he welcomes the challenge of leading the Bears back to the post-season and another chance at the 4A trophy. “As an outside midfielder, there is a lot of responsibility setting the work ethic and getting us up the field,” Nathan said.

The senior has also played on the XIFA club team, reaching nationals once. Grinalds, a lifelong resident of the Liberty Lake area, maintains a 3.9 GPA, serves as the secretary of the CV National Honor Society chapter and plans to study chemistry in college.

Athlete of the Month

To tell you the truth, that was probably the best thing that I have ever had happen in my life. For my

parents to speak out like that was a huge step to take and did it pay off. I was very scared but with my family’s help and lots of prayers, I had the courage to go ahead with the surgery. I am walking now and getting stronger every day and I have proven to myself and my family and friends that with hard work and perseverance and courage, ANYTHING is possible. It was a long winding road but it paid off and boy, am I so thankful for all the support of my friends and family.

I told you need courage in life and let me tell you again with three simple words. “It pays off!”

Zack Edge is a fifth grader at Snowdon Elementary in Cheney.

Citizen of the Month Along with her work as a counselor at University High School, Kara Twining has made it a point to educate parents and kids about social media. Twining provides presentations throughout the Central Valley School District,

raising awareness and dispelling myths. “It’s about that constant conversation,” Twining said. “Parents don’t have to know every app, but they can still parent in that world and create parameters.” A longtime resident of the Liberty Lake area, Twining graduated from U-Hi in 1990 and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Washington and her graduate degree from Gonzaga in counseling/ psychology. She and her husband John – who grew up in Liberty Lake – are proud parents of three kids.

Twining also participates in half-marathons and attends Valley Real Life Church.

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The Splash

28 • MAY 2016 Brought to you by

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Bridge spans decades for longtime Valley resident

By Jamie Borgan Splash Contributor It can be a little difficult to get ahold of Brenda Simpson. On any given day, she’s undoubtedly playing several hours of bridge or teaching a bridge class or running a bridge game.

For Simpson, who’s been playing bridge since 1968, the card game is more than a pastime.

Delving into the intricacies of the competitive bridge world, it’s easy to understand why the complexity

and endless challenge of the game have turned into such an integral part of Simpson’s life.

A native of El Paso, TX., Simpson studied education at the University of Texas and became a teacher at age 21. After marrying a man from Washington state, she moved to Mt. Vernon in Skagit County to be nearer to his relatives. Eventually the couple migrated east to the Spokane Valley in 1968.

Upon moving to the Valley, Simpson connected with representatives from the Welcome Wagon, a marketing company that reaches out to individuals who have recently moved to a new area. Not surprisingly, Simpson’s congenial nature made her an excellent Welcome Wagon hostess and shortly after moving to Spokane, the entire Valley was her territory and Simpson was regularly visiting

25 new families a month. Part of Welcome Wagon services included organizing social get-togethers where women would craft or play games; it was in this setting that Simpson first played bridge.

Simpson took to the game right away, enjoying the strategy and complexity of it. She began playing regularly and even taught bridge in the schools. By then, she was a junior high teacher in the Central Valley School District, teaching physical education, self-image, science and anything else asked of her, which included bridge.

Simpson says children as young as fifth graders can learn to play bridge and cites the many benefits for children of learning to play, including memory building, the development of concentration and patience, and the ability to collaborate.

Simpson herself joined the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) in 1978. Since joining, she’s accumulated over 3,500 points, which puts her in the range of a “Sapphire Life Master.” In the world of ACBL rankings, there are only four rankings above Sapphire Life Master of a total of 16 levels, and only seven people in the Spokane area currently have a higher ranking. Amassing points is no easy task; one has to play in league sanctioned events and play and win against players with high rankings.

Brenda Simpson teaches bridge at the Spokane Valley Senior Center and other venues, including cruise ships. She is pictured above at the Senior Resource and Informational Fair at CenterPlace on April 14.

Simpson moved to the Spokane Valley area in 1968 and learned to play bridge after joining a program that welcomed new residents into the community.

Photo by Craig Howard

Simpson’s point total is only one of many distinguishing honors she’s attained throughout her bridge career, though she’s modest about her achievements. In addition to her impressive ranking, Simpson is the only master bridge teacher in the area, has served as president of the American Bridge Teacher’s Association from 2012 to 2013 and currently serves as the educational liaison to the ACBL for this area.

She’s done well at tournaments and come home with trophies before, but she doesn’t remember what they’re for; she genuinely plays for the love of the game.

Simpson has even traveled internationally in the name of bridge.

Since retiring from teaching in 2001, she’s taught bridge on cruise

ships that have taken her all over the world, including the Caribbean, Alaska, and New Zealand. Many of the players on cruise ships and in the classes that Simpson teaches locally are seniors. She’s a big believer in the benefits of playing bridge for seniors, noting that the bridge players in their golden years are more independent and community-oriented.

Simpson is a living testament to that supposition; she not only travels all over the world on her own to play, but she frequently looks up bridge clubs when she’s traveling to meet people in new places to play with. At 75, her continued engagement with the game is patent. She says that she’s still learning and growing in her bridge game, and the mental benefits are tremendous.

Simpson is also quick to point out that bridge isn’t a game for the cantankerous or curmudgeonly and that its stereotype as an argumentative game isn’t true anymore, as new rules have been instituted to make sure people play the game respectfully. The addition of adaptive technologies like bidding boxes and card holders have made it even more accessible for those with hearing impairment or trouble with grasping their cards. Simpson says she’s even seen someone who played with his toes.

Finding an outlet to play and learn in Spokane is easy thanks to ambassadors of the game like Simpson. She teaches at the Spokane Valley Senior Center regularly and will start up another beginner’s class in May. A beginner’s class consists of eight two-hours sessions, which is enough to teach anybody just enough “to be dangerous,” she says.

Her teaching and playing schedule is robust and with the Diamond Life Master ranking of 5000 points looming in front of her, Simpson has many more games to play. She calls her love of bridge “insurance against senility,” a plan which, given her mental acuity, abundant energy and enthusiasm to share her hobby, is obviously working.

MAY 2016 • 29

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30 • MAY 2016

CV shines on diamond going into post-season

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor A year ago Central Valley’s baseball team came seemingly out of nowhere. Turns out it was merely a harbinger of things to come for a team this year on which youth is being served.

The Bears finished eighth overall with an 8-10 record in a 10-team Greater Spokane League, albeit a season with considerable parity.

The Bears squeezed into the district tournament as the fifth and final qualifier under first-year coach Mike Amend. Thus began a late season surge that left the Bears a couple of runs away from a 4A state tournament appearance.

They finished the season 12-13 overall, but the seeds had been sown for this year’s stunning improvement.

A team that starts one senior and boasts three sophomores in the lineup, CV has already surpassed last year’s overall record and lost just once, with four games remaining against its closest challengers, Lewis and Clark and Gonzaga Prep. The Bears end the season against the co-leading Bullpups in a two-game series ending May 2 that could determine the GSL champion. District playoffs begin two days later.

“We ended the season on a pretty high note,” Amend and said of last year’s surprising finish. “We won two extra-inning games to get there and I thought that showed a lot of character in our kids.”

SPORTS of support from the cast that includes Grytdal (a team leading .400), juniors Noah Van Etten (.382), Conner Degeest and Kyle Lawson (.393) and sophomore Thomas Edwards. The Bears have pop, generating some 20 doubles – four each by Grytdal and Jase Edwards, a couple of triples and Yelland’s two home runs.

Rounding out the printed roster are junior outfielder Cody Krull, sophomore Austin Tomlinson, juniors Alex Josquin and Matt Siva.

“We have a group of guys who love playing the game of baseball,” said Amend. “They got a taste of what it takes to play in post-season games (last year).”

Earlier this year, based on CV’s favorable GSL schedule, Amend thought an 11-1 start would be feasible and it was. After winning 4-2 over perennial power Richland in a season-opening non-league game, the only Bears’ loss came in the third GSL outing, an 18-9 thumping at home by Mt. Spokane.

Unfazed, the Bears turned the tables a day later with Degeest baffling the Wildcats who managed a mere two hits while his teammates rapped out 13 during the 13-0 thrashing.

The team as a whole is batting .330, but Amend says he looks more at “good at-bats” than percentage.

Degeest has pitched five wins, including a no-hitter, three of those in short relief. Grytdal is 3-1 and Yelland 3-0.

CV sophomore shortstop Jase Edwards is among the Greater Spokane League leaders in hits this season.

Photo by Mike Vlahovich “I haven’t had to do a lot of work managing my bullpen because the starters have been so darn good,” Amend said.

Is he surprised at how well CV has fared this season?

“A couple of people have asked me that,” Amend said. “How I would describe this team is that it is ahead of schedule. We know we have kids who can play and figured we’d be better than last year.”

Last year the Bears were the hunters, this year they’re the hunted. The players worked hard in the summer and conditioned in the fall and winter, Amend said. It’s made for a beautiful spring.

It was a critical team meeting, following spring break last year, that sparked the turnabout.

Two freshmen, catcher Brayden Hamilton and shortstop Jase Edwards, were brought up. The carryover can be seen in this year’s sparkling record by a team that features three seniors – pitcher/ outfielder Connor Grytdal, catcher Cameron Schneider and utility player Braden Page.

Eight players have produced plenty of offensive fireworks – Edwards (batting .381), Hamilton and junior left-handed multipurpose player Jeremy Yelland who is among the league’s best pitchers. But there has been plenty

The Splash

Central Valley junior Jeremy Yelland pitched a two-hitter and collected eight strikeouts in a win against crosstown rival U-Hi on April 21. Yelland helped his own cause with three hits.

Photo by Mike Vlahovich

Local golf results

Trailhead Ladies 9-Hole Golf Club – April 6 Flight A: Gross, Kathy Zinkgraf, Gloria Sawyer, (tie) 50 - Net, Bobbie Larsen, 35 Flight B: Gross, Deanna Hauser, 53 - Net, Joyce Jacobs, 33 Flight C: Gross, Julie Harbison, 56 - Net, Beverly Lewis, 37 April 20 Flight A: Gross, CC Marshall, 42 - Net - Mary Ellen Wall, 30 Flight B: Gross, Deanna Hauser, 47 - Net, Beverly Lewis, 32 Flight C: Gross, Julie Harbison, 49 - Net - Nancy Wendelburg, Eleanore Badinger, (tie) 31 Liberty Lake Women’s 18-Hole Golf Club April 19 – Game of the Day – ABCD mix-up First-place team: Cheryl Hull, Carol Blume and Tammy Wallin (score 293) Second-place team: Patsy Lynn, Ann Eure, Cathy Whitley and Cindi Hamm (score 303) Meadowwood Women’s Golf Club April 20 – Game of the Day – Blind nine draw minus 1/2 HCP Cheryl Hull, 27.5 Margie Tibbits, 28.5 Patsy Lynn, 29.5 Sue Meyer and Leslie Sevigney, 31.5

Sports Notebook

By Mike Vlahovich Splash Sports Editor An upset loss to Mead set Central Valley soccer players back on their heels and left them part of a virtual five-way tie first place in the Greater Spokane League.

The Bears, state finalists last year, bounced back in a big way and scored nine goals without allowing a score in their next two matches, including a 4-0 victory over Gonzaga Prep, one of the teams that shares the league lead.

Team scoring leader JD Hauenstein tallied four goals in a 5-0 win over University. He leads the team with a dozen goals and Mark McLain, who also had a fourgoal contest, has added 11. A total of 14 different players have scored this season.

CV had games against fellow leaders Ferris and Lewis and Clark April 27 and 29 (after presstime)

SPORTS

to determine the league championship.

Softball team challenges It’s been an up and down season for Bears softball. The squad sat at 9-5 overall with six games remaining in league play.

The Bears were part of a threeway tie for fourth place with most of the toughest part of their schedule behind them. Two key games left were against North Central and league co-leader University.

CV will likely be seeded number three for the district playoffs.

The team has been paced by hits leader Hannah Anderson, pitcher Kelsey Gumm, who is second in strikeouts this year and has provided a reliable bat offensively.

Other key contributors have been infielder Riley Thompson and outfielder Jordan Schneidmiller.

Anderson is one of three seniors on the team. Gumm and Thompson are sophomores.

Depth of track and field Depth has been a winning trait

The Final Point

Family sports tree – The Valley’s rich forest of generational rosters

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Having virtually been a lifetime resident of the Spokane Valley, beginning with its conglomeration of neighborhoods from Dishman to Opportunity, Veradale to Greenacres, Millwood to Otis Orchards to Liberty Lake and points in between, it still amazes how big, yet small, today’s incorporated city truly is.

Our family moved here in the late 1940s, when family lore has it that my mother said, “Oh, what a beautiful place, it would be nice to live here,” when passing through from Utah on the way to Oregon where dad was looking at a newspaper to buy.

By coincidence, the Spokane Valley Herald was for sale and danged if mom got her wish.

The timing proved right. The agricultural mecca east of metropolis was just entering the phase that would give way to suburbia and eventually

incorporation.

Every student/athlete from one school seemed to know the business of those from the others.

There may have been a SharksJets rivalry between West Valley and Central Valley (Otis Orchards didn’t count and University didn’t exist), but there was also a certain camaraderie as well.

In the early 1960s, Otis and geographical parts of West Valley begat East Valley and U-Hi became CV’s fraternal twin a couple of years later due to district growth.

Yes, the population ballooned.

Yet I’m reminded when interviewing U-Hi grad Joe Dahl for this month’s Current sports feature, the more things change, the more they remain the same.

I discovered in conversation with Dahl that his dad, Mike, and mother Sheila (Schimmels), like many of us, stayed to home. Mike was a Central Valley quarterback who threw for 1,920 Greater

for this year’s CV track and field teams.

The girls team has averaged more than 100 points per meet on its way to another league championship and in one meet had 11 different winners out of the 18 contested events.

The Bears boys have lost only once on a team that relies more on numbers than individual champions.

Boys golfers flourish Jake Dringle is a seasoned veteran which is a good place to start for the CV golf team. Cole Howard brings back experience as well. The team not only has strength at the top, but also depth offering a chance to challenge for its first league championship.

Dringle has played scratch golf in the GSL’s first two outings with scores of 70 and 72 and won a tournament where the Bears had six of the top 10 finishers.

A freshman, Riley Hadley is pushing to two veterans with scores of 73 and 72 in league.

Spokane League career yards, leading the league as a junior, and earning All-League honors as a senior defensive back.

Since following Valley athletes practically the entire time I’ve lived here and writing about them since 1968-69, I’ve covered countless two generations of family athletes and, in a roundabout way, those of the third generation, including Lexie and Lacie Hull who led Central Valley girls’ basketball to the unbeaten State 4A season in March. Their grandfather, John and dad, Jason, all starred for CV in the sport.

Duane Ranniger was basketball coach at West Valley, his son Steve, a three-sport standout and granddaughters, Jamie and Angie Bjorklund, exceptional college basketball players after graduating from U-Hi. Bill Ames Jr. (whose dad, Bill, I knew as principal for years at CV) was coach and athletic director at University. Bill III, starred with Steve Ranniger at U-Hi and was a tight end at the University of Washington. His two daughters, Kara and Kasey, starred in soccer for Central Valley. And Bill IV

MAY 2016 • 31

* Experienced * References Available

We leave you...

Squeakies Clean!

Zach Stocker has posted a round of 71.

Tennis placer returns Kyra Harames has taken up where she left off last year, the number one player in the Greater Spokane League. Last year she finished fourth in state.

currently plays sports at CV. How many second-generation athletes have I followed? Who knows. Since the advent of girls’ sports, athletes who now go by married names, thorough identification is impossible, although one for certain is multisport high school standout and coach, Peggy (Almquist) Wells.

She and husband Ken are proud parents of son Hunter who now pitches for Gonzaga University. I covered both when they were at West Valley.

And now it’s the Dahls – Mike the quarterback I covered at Central Valley; Sheila, whose uncle I went to school with (it’s a small world after all), and Joe the budding football pro.

With apologies to Garth Brook, “I’m too darned old to feel this young.”

Like Forrest Gump, I’ve witnessed a diverse timeline – some of the great moments of Valley sports, both father and mother, sons and daughters. That, I suppose is a perk of living and writing here forever. I still keep hoping to find that third generation athlete to write about.

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Splash Correspondent Lea Locke knows what can potentially happen when someone doesn’t pay attention behind the wheel of a car.

“I have people drive by me on cell phones all the time,” said the Mica Peak High School student.

The numbers reveal that these motorists and others on their cell phones are taking a serious risk.

Each day in the U.S., eight people die and 1,161 are injured in collisions caused by distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As president of the Key Club at Mica Peak, Locke and other students are spreading the word about distracted driving as part of a project they are conducting with State Farm Insurance Company.

Mica Peak, a non-traditional high school in the Central Valley School District, has a mission of empowering students to take ownership of their educational experience through three different education tracks and projects like the distracted driving campaign.

Many of the students choiced into the school after being enrolled in a traditional school setting. Mica Peak offers smaller class sizes, a smaller school overall and more student-teacher interaction than most public high schools. The three programs available at the school have something for everyone.

The Core program offers smaller class sizes, more personalized interaction with teachers and works to re-engage students who may not have felt comfortable in larger schools. Core students take four classes per trimester, can earn six credits or more throughout the year and are on campus four days a week for about six-and-a-half hours a day.

ITRACC is for students working toward a high school diploma who need either a different instruction model or a non-traditional school schedule. ITRACC blends online learning with on-campus teacher support. Sophomores and upperclassmen usually spend between

School to Life is a post-high school special needs transition program for students leaving Central Valley High School or University High School. The program helps with daily living issues, communication, transportation and employment.

Many of these students work part or full time.

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In the tradition of Mica Peak students directing their own education track, the Key Club is a student-led service leadership program, that partners with the Liberty Lake Kiwanis. Guidance is provided to members by both a teacher at the school acting as advisor and a volunteer member of the Kiwanis. The goal is for students to learn leadership skills through service projects.

As Key Club members, students volunteer in the community, plan and organize dances and other events, conduct fundraisers, mentor elementary school students and take on various other projects like the distracted driving awareness campaign. By completing this project, and finding ways to educate other students at the school on distracted driving, the club will receive a $500 grant from State Farm to fund Key Club activities.

This year members chose to make posters on distracted driving, bring in a guest speaker, provide a presentation to the entire school or a group of students and work with a local media organization for an article on the topic, which was the impetus for this story.

Members of the Key Club work toward these goals during club meetings held at 7:30 a.m. once a week, after school, or during free periods during the day.

Taunya Luckey, Mica Peak teacher and Key Club advisor, says what they learned when researching distracted driving was surprising.

“There are something like 50 deaths a week (due to distracted driving),” she said.

While none of the Key Club members currently have driver’s licenses, this project was timely because four either have driver’s permits or are getting one soon.

Because Mica Peak students come from all over Spokane County, many ride the bus, walk, or ride with family members to school.

Club President Locke says this project has made a difference in her parent’s driving habits.

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Please call 922-5443 and ask for the Lake Manager and reply back for her,” she said, instead of letting her look at the phone while driving.

Research shows that sending or receiving a text message while operating a vehicle takes around 4.6 seconds or the equivalent of traveling 100 yards at 55 mph without seeing.

While Key Club is making a difference in the community, it offers some major benefits for members also.

“It’s also really good on your resume,” said Locke.

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Luckey adds that it helps from a networking standpoint as well.

“It’s good for the kids to meet people in the community,” she said.

Key Club also gives students, freshman to seniors, credit towards graduation and lets them enjoy two free years in the Kiwanis Club once they graduate.

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Additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found at www. wtsc.wa.gov.

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Liberty Lake Park sprouted into regional landscape gem

By Ross Schneidmiller Liberty Lake Historical Society It may be true that “April showers bring May flowers” but, as of this writing, if we want the seasonal petals to appear we may need to depend upon a sprinkler system.

Liberty Lake Park had one that kept the 30-plus acres of lawn green and the trees, bushes and flowers well watered. It was a gravity fed system, pumping water from the lake into a 30,000-gallon elevated tank located on the highest point in the park.

The Spokane & Inland Railway spared no cost in building Liberty Lake Park. The majority of the buildings were completed by 1909 and they set upon an aggressive plan to beautify the grounds in 1910. Careful consideration was given to the selection of flowers, shrubs, vines and trees. With a budget of $2,500 (over $60,000 in today’s money) they purchased the following:

HISTORY pansies, asters, daisies, petunias, marigolds, phlox, peony and bleeding hearts.

from England.” In 1926, the park ownership changed and it took on a carnival atmosphere bringing in

MAY 2016 • 35

amusement rides and adding a long midway structure sporting games of chance.

The Olmstead Brothers, who inherited the nation's first landscape architecture business from their father, had been busy the proceeding three years laying plans for the future of Spokane’s park system. The firm had been hired in 1907 by a related company of the Spokane & Inland Railway to do extensive design work at their resort in Hayden Lake.

There are no known records that link the Olmstead Brothers to Liberty Lake Park’s landscape design.

However, indirectly, it appears the park benefited from their influence on design and plantings.

From the time the park opened in 1908 until 1926 it was known for its well-manicured grounds. It was an extension of Liberty Lake’s natural beauty. For a number of those years the park’s landscape was in the capable hands of a man described as “a gardener

Well-designed Liberty Lake Park was an extension of the Lake’s natural beauty.

Photo circa 1912.

Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

• 27 varieties of shrubs for a total of 1,935 plants, including honeysuckles, Persian lilacs and burning bushes.

• 14 varieties of vines for a total of 550 plants, including Virginia creeper, ring willow and matrimony vines.

• 19 varieties and 495 trees, including ash, walnut, sycamore, willow, birch, chestnut and walnut predominate.

• Many varies of flowers including larkspur, verbena, hollyhock, Canterbury bell, poppy, foxglove, sunflower, zinnias, cosmos,

Visitors to Liberty Lake Park could purchase souvenirs of their stay, such as this post card from 1920.

Image courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

This scene in Liberty Lake Park shows that, by 1920, the trees were providing shade in addition to beauty.

Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

The Splash

36 • MAY 2016

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LLSWD General Manager Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District’s drinking water source comes from wells drawing from the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, a sole source aquifer that serves over 600,000 people daily.

Growing communities, agriculture, industry and the importance of conserving water for fish have placed an increased demand on our state’s water resources. To help meet these growing needs, the Washington State Legislature passed the Municipal Water Supply Efficiency Requirements Act of 2003, better known as the Municipal Water Law. The law directed the Department of Health (DOH) to adopt a rule that establishes water use efficiency (WUE) requirements for all municipal water suppliers.

This rule helps conserve water for both the environment and future generations by requiring municipal water suppliers to use water more efficiently. It also enhances public health by improving water system efficiency and reliability.

Under this rule, water system plans (WSP) submitted for review and approval must include the WUE planning requirements.

"Water use efficiency" means increasing water supply efficiency and water demand efficiency to minimize water withdrawals and water use. The water use efficiency rule affects all municipal water suppliers, which includes all Group A community water systems with 15 or more residential connections and some non-community water systems that use water in a residential manner.

The district’s Water Use Efficiency Program as part of its Water System Plan contains the following elements: • Water conservation program

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District’s current WUE Goal: As water connections in the district have continued to grow about 5.7 percent annually (20002014 total growth of 79.6 percent), water consumption growth rates district-wide have remained fairly consistent at 1.6 percent (20002014 total growth of 22.4 percent) per year. By slightly adjusting WUE measures from the 20072014 periods, the district will continue to improve customerside efficiencies and reduce overall water production. Our WUE goal is to keep annual water production increases at or below 1.6 percent over the next six years based on the data described above.

WUE Measures: The district must also evaluate and select cost effective water use efficiency measures to meet our efficiency goals. With over 2,000 connections, the district must evaluate or implement a minimum of six water use efficiency measures. The district has been very proactive in their water conservation efforts for many years. Measures implemented by the district include the following: Education and outreach of consumers through district mailings, community workshops and the district website.

Indoor conservation measures, such as low-flow showerheads and low-flow devices for toilets (free to the customers), community workshops, pamphlets and fact sheets and encouraging the use of high efficiency fixtures and appliances.

Outdoor conservation measures including smart controls, AgriMet weather station applications, sharing real-time ET information for smart controllers and the Sensor Incentive program.

Service Side Improvements which include a meter replacement schedule, conservation rate

See WATER FRONT, Page 37

MAY 2016 • 37

WATER FRONT

Continued from page 36 structure (to discourage excessive water use) and radio read program implementation.

Planning for reclaimed water usage throughout the district and the city of Liberty Lake to identify future areas for reuse.

Education and outreach for landscaping contractors by sending mailers highlighting district regulations, providing list of district resources and by building relationships to help contractors use the district as an asset.

What can you do to use water efficiently?

Irrigation of lawns is the single largest use of water. Outdoor water use creates peak demand on existing water supplies and system capacity during summer months.

During these hot, dry times, utilities must increase supply to meet water needs, sometimes as much as 10 times the amount used during the winter. Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day.

As much as 50 percent of water used for irrigation is wasted due to evaporation, wind or runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems. It is recommended to water between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to reduce water loss by evaporation and delay watering during rainy periods.

Is your water bill too high? If you think your water bill is too high, it could be a number of things – leaky faucets, toilet bowls or even a service line problem between the meter and the house. To check for leaks in your home or business, first check the toilets and sinks. Toilets that don’t completely shut off and faucets that drip are wasting water.

Leaks can occur in the service lines between the meter and the house.

A dripping faucet that fills a cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,280 gallons per year. Another way to check for water leaks is to turn off all water and check the meter. If the small wheel is turning on the meter, there could be a leak either in the house or in the service line to the house.

For more information on the district’s Water Use Efficiency program and for tips on using water efficiently contact us at 9225443 or visit the district’s website at www.libertylake.org.

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MAY 2016 • 39

SVFD fire marshal focuses on prevention in first year

By Treva Lind Splash Correspondent Spokane Valley Fire Marshal Greg Rogers knows door-to-door safety campaigns save lives.

Among priorities since joining the department from Port Orchard, WA., Rogers has a goal to launch a home safety program, with neighborhood visits from firefighters offering smoke detector installations and educational tips.

“The city of Philadelphia went from 30-plus fire deaths a year to zero after implementing a program like this within the last year,” said Rogers, 46. “It was a community risk reduction program.”

For the Valley department, Rogers is responsible for fire and arson investigations, code enforcement, new construction development and public education.

With 22 years of industry experience, Rogers previously worked 17 years as fire prevention manager for South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in Port Orchard before starting with SVFD last July.

Rogers, who lives with his family in Liberty Lake, was hired to replace retiring Fire Marshal Kevin Miller.

Since 2008, Rogers has worked with a nationwide initiative called “Vision 20/20” for adding community risk reduction (CRR) programs. He hopes the Valley’s CRR home safety program will launch by July, to be called Project “RISK” (Residential Inspection Smokealarm Knowledge).

“It’s our goal to apply for some grant money for that program through the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals,” he said. “Even though it would start in July, it would be early 2017 before people would actually see any blitz.”

Early on, community risks will be analyzed to target messages and areas. Certain neighborhoods may have higher incidents of kitchen-based or fireplace fires, while others see more cigarette smoking-related incidents.

Reviewing risks applies to both fire and EMS needs.

“We identify our top five fire hazards, our top five EMS calls,” Rogers said.

“We start doing educational programs targeted for those particular problems, perhaps starting with the top three. It would be our hope to see those drop within a five-year period.”

Home safety programs are supported

by FEMA federal fire reduction grants.

Grants for the local program would pay for educational materials and smoke alarms, including ones for the hearing impaired. They cost $130 to $160 a piece compared with $8 to $10 typically, Rogers said.

The hearing impaired equipment offers a system to interconnect a

smoke alarm, alarm clock and a bed shaker. It could go to people who are deaf as well as to the elderly and others who rely on hearing aids.

The department plans to work with other agencies, such as SNAP, to reach different demographics.

Fire department personnel typically work in teams of four covering 150 to 200 homes at a time for door-todoor campaigns, making sure smoke alarms are properly installed or doing actual installations.

The firefighters also talk about safety. They might observe hazards they’d point out to residents, perhaps with electrical cords, portable heaters or fireplaces.

“You’re providing them with education and materials as well as installing smoke alarms,” Rogers said.

The Valley program will offer a phone number or website link, so people can request a home safety check.

“One reason we like to do home safety visits is you might think you only need one smoke alarm, but we may come and see you really need two or maybe up to six,” Rogers said.

“We’d also talk to people about escape plans, and what to do if a fire occurs,” he added. “We’re talking about cooking safety, especially with seniors, suggesting they use a cooking timer.

They may walk away when they get a phone call, get distracted, take a nap.”

Rogers said the department already has components of community risk reduction. That includes its emergency responders’ training and methods for applying CPR, and offering CPR classes and community awareness on heart attack-stroke response.

More than 37 percent of home fire deaths result from incidents where no smoke alarm was present, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Valley Fire offers free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Rogers says residents should be aware of the need to change out batteries and replace detectors that are older. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing alarms monthly and replacing alkaline batteries at least once a year.

If a detector was installed more than 10 years ago it should be replaced.

The department also recently launched use of the PulsePoint app, signaling trained responders within blocks of a heart attack victim.

Separately, Rogers said the department has a new approach for evaluating property dollar loss more effectively after fires. The measurement considers if a fire is contained to only a portion of a home and also overall home value. It’s a barometer – what was the value of the property compared to the fire loss.

Rogers’ transition went smoothly

F5 opens second LL location

Spokane Valley Fire Marshall Greg Rogers from the start. Prior to his arrival, he heard kudos about the department.

“I saw a lot of good information about the department, so I had a conversation with my family whether they wanted to move across the state,” he said.

He once job-shadowed with the state fire marshal, considering that post, but his job here has proven a better fit for him and his family, he said.

“It was such a smooth transition for me, for my family,” Rogers said. “This has completely changed my whole career path. There’s a very special uniqueness with this department.

Everyone here is very embracing and welcoming.”

An Oklahoma native, Rogers has family who have served in fire protection. An uncle was a firefighter in the Kansas City area.

Rogers holds a degree in engineering technology-fire protection and safety and has numerous industry certifications. He’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in fire emergency management administration. Rogers also has served as president of the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals and on state and national committees. He’s developed and taught several industry classes.

Enjoying many Spokane-area activities together, he and wife Sue Lynn have a daughter, Grace, 14, and son, Travis, 11. Grace plays soccer and travels for tournaments. Travis loves baseball and is now a big fan of the Spokane Chiefs.

Rogers also enjoys being a Liberty Lake Rotary Club member.

“For my wife and I, all of our family is in Oklahoma and Kansas,” he said.

“Rotary is like family.”

To learn more about SVFD safety programs like Pulse Point, CPR training or the distribution of free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, call the department at 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

Staci Lehman Splash Correspondent F5 Networks in Liberty Lake is growing.

The Seattle-based company manages Internet applications, working with businesses around the world to ensure that the applications they use for business and to interact with customers are fast and secure.

F5 has had a presence in Liberty Lake since 2001 when a product development office that manufactures networking hardware was opened. In 2005, a Support Services team was added, consisting of a technical support group and product specialists that help customers with hardware and software.

In March of this year, the expanded Support Services team moved to a second location on Knox Avenue, just a couple miles from the company’s original office on Whitman Lane, to allow for growth. F5 also has U.S. support centers in Lowell, Mass. and Seattle. Company officials say the new Liberty Lake location is their largest in the country though, due to the amount of qualified potential employees in the region.

“F5 chose this area because of the high quality of life in Spokane, great community, access to outdoor activities and sports, which attracts high-quality technical talent,” said Assistant Account Executive Caitlin Valtierra.

Physically, the new Support Services office covers 27,940 square feet and is home to 127 employees. The existing Product Development office can accommodate 239 people. Currently, the two locations are housing a total of 200 employees, 115 in Product Development and 85 in Support Services. Company officials expect those numbers to grow and eventually fill the two facilities.

With F5 Networks was showing a 6 percent revenue increase for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 over the same period last year, analysts expect the company to continue expanding, along with the need for information technology. F5’s first quarter revenues were $489.5 million.

F5 President and Chief Executive Officer John McAdam said the gains are driven by security.

“We continue to see growth in software sales, driven by strength in security modules and sales of our virtual editions,” McAdam said in a news release. “Security remains a key driver for growth for the business, with million dollar plus security deals up year over year.”

With both Liberty Lake locations of F5 Networks expected to gain employees, the question of why the company is maintaining two separate locations was apparently a simple matter of logistics and available office space.

“We evaluated the available options in the area and this was the best choice for our needs,” said Valtierra.

F5’s Seattle office also expanded in March, adding a second location near the company’s headquarters building.

Worldwide, there are over 50 F5 locations.

The Splash

40 • MAY 2016

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Reflections from the Lake

By Judi Owens How do you define a community and how do you put your personal mark on that community?

For the Owens family, life in Liberty Lake began in July 1991, when my husband Charlie and I attended the Home Builders Show. We were empty nesters with the youngest of our kids entering her sophomore year at EWU. It seemed the perfect time to build our retirement home and get settled in for the long haul, so we purchased a lot and construction began in September.

The weather was more than cooperative with no rain falling until our home was completely enclosed.

A perfect beginning for our journey!

All went well and we moved into our home in late February 1992.

We loved our home and learned that you have to plan ahead if you don't want to make the long journey to Rosauers on Sprague and Sullivan for last-minute cooking supplies. It was an adjustment to lifestyle but pre-planning is good and that's why we were now living in our "retirement" home while still decades away from the actual event.

We made the adjustment and were quite content and then, like magic, the first of our supermarkets was built and convenience was at our doorstep.

Convenience and services took on new meaning in the winter months of 1994. Snow came, which is not unusual in the great Northwest.

We were comfortable with our gas fireplace and with underground utilities there were no power outages. It was great!

Then here comes the wind! We knew there was always a bit of a breeze in the area. There isn't much to stop the wind and snow when there aren't houses east of your culde-sac. So we experienced our first winter of monumental snow drifts.

We called the Spokane County Road Department to report that we were snowed in and they told us our street wasn't on the map of county roads. We knew that was wrong but you can't fight City Hall, or can you?

Maybe you need to have City Hall closer. Food for thought. We were able to get our road plowed three days later when my husband walked out to Molter Road and stopped a county plow with some cold cash in hand. There's more than one way to skin a cat.

So, needless to say, we were on board when Lud Kramer and his

committee of Liberty Lake 2000 got the idea of incorporation on the ballot. When the vote was in, the process of starting a city began in earnest. Lud set up a meeting in the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District Denny Ashlock Building and asked for volunteers.

My husband, being the consummate supporter of his wife, suggested that I check it out. It was a great gig for the like-minded members of the community.

There was an overflow crowd at the meeting and we were off and running. Running, and running and running! It was a busy time in our community and there was so much to do.

Many, many contributed time and resources to getting the job done. I served on four of the committees and soon found myself so involved that I decided to run for a seat on the City We didn't have the mudslinging and slander in that first election which typically accompany a political event. In fact, I remember when Lud gathered the candidates together and told us that we were politicians.

It was a defining moment because most of us hadn't really thought of ourselves that way. Nevertheless, we worked to put together our own version of a voters' pamphlet and we had a candidates forum so the community could make informed decisions. We were all great friends working toward a common goal and when the votes were counted we set up our very own swearing in ceremony at Pavillion Park with homemade cookies and lemonade.

That day is now memorialized on a bronze plaque at the park.

Until that sunny April day, the work had been a community project with the work shared by 50 to 100 people. Now the work of defining Liberty Lake was left to seven council members and a mayor. We begged, borrowed and stole ordinances from across the state. We contacted the newest cities and asked for their help and we hired professionals to guide the process.

The city didn't have funds so Mayor Steve Peterson and Council Member Scott Bernhard signed for a loan.

We met in borrowed unfinished warehouse space upstairs at the Liberty Lake Portal building and the furniture and equipment was all borrowed or donated. Our first real office space was in the Greenstone Building and council meetings were held at the sewer district building.

Meetings were long and it wasn't uncommon to get home after 11 p.m. We even had some meetings recessed and carried on the next evening. It was hard work but we

See RFTL, Page 41

MAY 2016 • 41

RFTL

Continued from page 40 were paid $40 a month by state law back then so we were no longer volunteers.

On Aug. 31, 2001, Liberty Lake became the newest city in the state of Washington.

Having a local branch of the library was a priority for folks in the newly formed city.

Dennis Paul, Dave Crump and I were the council committee to get it done but we were unable to convince the Spokane County Library Board that we should have a branch. I was head secretary in the maintenance department in the Central Valley School District and it just popped into my head that CV was in the process of tearing down the high school and everything would be disposed of.

A quick run down the hall to the business manager’s office and then some checking through state law that permits the process of transferring property from one taxing authority to another and we had the basis for our own library.

We started with donated books from the community in rented space at the Greenstone Building and with discarded shelving and tables from CV School District. With a rental

moving truck and volunteers, the work was accomplished.

It seems that's just how things progressed in the early years. An idea born, a determined team formed, and the work gets done.

How beautiful is that? Our little city has become a thriving hub of business with services and convenience galore. It's great to drive into the city and know that you had a part in the beginning.

Life is much quieter for the Owens' family now. The decades have passed and we're retired.

We've added a pretty substantial sewing studio to our home and we're enjoying our home and the community that we love. Now our kids, grandkids and great grandkids drop by for Sunday family dinners and the whole crew walks to the park where the youngest can enjoy the play yard and we can just enjoy being around each other. Liberty Lake is our home.

Judi Owens was elected to the inaugural Liberty Lake City Council in April 2001 and served through 2011.

She was a longtime employee of the Central Valley School District and served as a board member and vice president of Public School Employees of Washington. She is a charter member of Liberty Lake Kiwanis, a founding member of Eastpoint Church and an avid quilter.

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42 • MAY 2016

LOCAL LENS

The Splash

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.

Great-horned owl spotted on a perch behind Legacy Ridge.

Photo by Michael Hassett

On April 22, the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake was the site of a world record for the longest game of BubbleBall with a time of six hours, 51 minutes and 16 seconds. A total of 20 teams participated in the record-setting event.

Contributed Photo

The Spokane Valley Fire Department welcomed the community to a special celebration at Liberty Lake Station #3 on April 16. The “push in” of new Engine 3 at the Harvard Road site included remarks by SVFD Chief Bryan Collins, refreshments and tours of the fire engine. The outgoing Engine 3 will remain in the SVFD fleet in reserve status.

Photos by Craig Howard

Attendees savoring their dinner at the first Red Carpet Gala: An evening benefitting Hearth Homes

MAY 2016 • 43

In Memory of Helen Schutts

Helen Culp Schutts, 55, of Liberty Lake, Washington, passed away on March 23, 2016, following a fourteen year battle with cancer.

Helen was born on January 2, 1961 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to Ralph Borden Culp and Betty O'Bannon Culp. Helen graduated from Denton High School in Denton, Texas in 1979 where she enjoyed being part of the Denton High School Marching Band and being active at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

Helen attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education in 1983. On August 2, 1986, Helen married Raymond William Schutts of Tacoma, Washington, whom she met when they were neighbors in Dallas. Sharing the same birthday and many family parallels, they were happily married for nearly thirty years. They were blessed with two sons, Andrew William Schutts and John Borden Schutts. Helen was very proud of her boys. She loved them so very much and accordingly, her best qualities are evident in them.

Helen was the eldest of four children and she treasured family get-togethers where she could spend time with her parents, her sister Betsy Culp Halbach and her husband Bob, her brother Richard Culp and his wife Leslie, and her brother Jeffrey Culp and his wife Julie, as well as her many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her father, who passed away in 2012. She was so very fortunate to experience the ever present love and support of her mother Betty and her siblings up until the day of Helen's passing.

Helen devoted nearly three decades to elementary education, helping young children to learn to read in school districts in Texas and Washington State, where she moved with her husband in 1989. For the last sixteen years, Helen taught at Logan Elementary School in Spokane, Washington as part of a dedicated group of teachers and staff working with economically disadvantaged children. Helen leaves behind a legacy of hundreds of schoolchildren who got off to a strong start with their education by virtue of her efforts. Some of her earliest students continued to keep in touch with Helen long after they graduated from college because of the impact she had on their lives.

Helen represented the very best of Liberty Lake, she was selfless and kind, an eternal optimist and someone who took a special pride in community and family. Helen did not let her cancer define her. She continued to work, play, love and laugh as a wonderful mother, wife and friend to so many throughout the ups and downs of her cancer. Helen has been described by both family and friends as someone who was very easy to love.

Services will be held on June 11, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Opportunity Presbyterian Church at 202 North Pines Road, Spokane Valley, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to "Logan Elementary School - Helen Schutts Memorial" and sent to Logan Elementary at 1001 East Montgomery Ave., Spokane, Washington, 99207. Logan often has volunteers come to school to read to students without a designated area for this activity. A "Literacy Corner" will be established in Helen's honor to help facilitate this activity and the proceeds of the memorial fund will go towards purchasing books to be given to school children who could otherwise not afford them.

Thank you to: Friends, family, co-workers and especially the community of Liberty Lake. We very much appreciate the kindness and support of so many over the years.

Ray, Andrew & John Schutts

44 • MAY 2016

Any news is good news for Town Square property

In September of 2013, Liberty Lake City Administrator Katy Allen set aside a chunk of a City Council agenda to talk about a forgotten patch of land in the middle of town.

It had been nearly a decade, Allen reminded those around the dais, since the city purchased a 6.4-acre plot considered prime real estate in a growing community.

Although the site was secured for $1.75 million in 2005, the idea of “a public presence in the central business district” went back two years earlier with the approval of Liberty Lake’s comprehensive plan.

Allen referred to neighboring cities like Coeur d’Alene (McEuen Park) and Spokane (Riverfront Park) that had moved forward with ambitious civic themes and found resounding success.

At the City Council retreat in July 2013, the goal of establishing Liberty Lake’s rendition of a community hub on the site was officially recognized as a municipal objective for the following year.

In other words, it was time that the geographic focal point of the city consisted of more than thistle brush and grazing goats.

Finally, someone was talking about the 6.4-acre elephant in the room.

To be fair, an attempt was made back in 2008 to pass a construction bond that would have meant a community center and library cropping up along Meadowwood Lane. With the grey clouds of the Great Recession looming overhead, only 1,559 voters turned out that April. A total of 961 opposed the project. It didn’t help that a fire district levy appeared on the same ballot.

With the initiative falling flat, plans for the acreage, “went into a holding pattern,” in Allen’s words.

Visitors to the popular Liberty Lake Farmers Market on the fringe of the property must have wondered if anything would ever emerge beyond the booths hawking vegetables, fruit and gluten-free muffins.

In March of 2012, City Hall hosted an open house to discuss options for the site. Ideas for an amphitheater, walking trails and other amenities were mentiond along with an estimated price tag of around $850,000. When the city fell short of securing a state parks grant for the project in early 2013, it seemed like the eyesore would remain intact.

OPINION Allen concluded her pitch to council in the fall of 2013 by recommending that the city “put together a vision, then ask informed questions."

"I'd like to shape something, then ask relevant, real-time questions that are relevant to what a municipality can do," she said.

By May of 2014, the council was taking action. A park would be built at a cost of $730,000 and be ready by late autumn. That November, the third Fallen Heroes Circuit Course station was dedicated at the new Town Square Park. Suddenly, the heart of Liberty Lake looked respectful and unique, although 4.4 acres of the property still remained in its scruffy, undeveloped state.

These days, the city is working with a “design-build” team of well-respected architects and contractors to lay out what could occupy the next phase of the acreage. Say what you want about the ambitious discussions surrounding a community center/ pool/library – at least something is happening – which is more than you could say for almost a decade.

As prices for design, construction and materials --- not to mention interest rates affecting the bond market – will inevitably rise in future years, the proposal before the voters on Aug. 2 may be the timeliest, most cost-effective option the community will see.

The sad truth is that Liberty Lake is surrounded by civic hubs that serve as a reminder of its own glaring void. Spokane has the Convention Center, Lincoln Center and more, Spokane Valley has CenterPlace.

The Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene, the Millwood Community Center and Post Falls Senior Center are other nearby venues that demonstrate the value of a central gathering place. The irony is that Liberty Lake has as much or more civic pride and identity as all of the above communities – it just doesn’t

have a home to call its own.

If nothing else, the city of Liberty Lake deserves credit for a thorough and organized effort leading up to the capital facilities bond vote this summer. With their design ducks in a row, city officials can only hope that the vision to build a signature community structure will finally take flight.

Craig Howard Dear Editor, On April 4, I was able to attend Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ town hall meeting in Spokane Valley. It was an informative meeting and I’m very glad I took the time to go.

Although there were not as many people as I expected, each one came with an issue or two on their minds which caused my raised hand to get lost in the crowd. I’ve become an advocate for Alzheimer's since my mother passed away with this horrible disease and I would have loved to thank the Congresswoman personally for voting to increase NIH appropriations for dementia research. Being in the business of caring for our senior community I see on a daily basis that Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America, with costs set to skyrocket in the years ahead. Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death in Washington, with over 100,000 having been diagnosed. Although the research increase was wonderful I fear more funds must be directed to find a treatment. I was hoping to ask if she intended to work with the leadership to again increase funding for Alzheimer's research.

She wanted to hear the voice of the people so I’m hoping this letter will find its way to her and that she will know how important finding a cure is to us all.

Thank you, Jenny Gower Spokane Valley

The Splash

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

CIRCULATION Dean Byrns Mike Wiykovics

circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Derek Brown , Steve Christilaw, Craig Howard, Staci Lehman, Treva Lind, Treva Lind, Shardé Mills, Mary Anne Ruddis, Ross Schneidmiller, Mike Vlahovich The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com 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.

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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.

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

MAY 2016 • 45

Academic standouts honored by Spokane Scholars Foundation From Splash News Sources It may be over a month from graduation at high schools across the greater Spokane area, but that doesn’t mean local seniors aren’t being honored.

The 24th annual Spokane Scholars Foundation Banquet took place on April 18 at the Spokane Convention Center with a total of $60,000 in scholarship grants awarded to 24 seniors. Overall, 143 Spokane Scholars were nominated.

A total of students in each of the six content areas – English, Fine Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and World Languages – received honorariums toward their college education.

$4,000 Grant Recipient Kyle Thiessen, Lewis and Clark High School $3,000 Grant Recipient Malinda Wagstaff, St. George’s School $2,000 Grant Recipient Isabel Morales, East Valley High School

$4,000 Grant Recipient Jeremy Ryan, Medical Lake High School $3,000 Grant Recipient Collin Dunn, Central Valley High School $2,000 Grant Recipient Xiaoman “Jerry” Chu, St. George’s School

Three judges for each category review the blind applications to determine the four grant recipients in each content area.

All 143 scholars are awarded a Spokane Scholars Foundation Medal of Academic Achievement and certificate and a congratulatory letter from U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington’s 5th District. A total of 14 institutions of higher education in the region will match the monetary grant awards of $1,000 to $4,000.

$1,000 Grant Recipient Jackson Cooper, Gonzaga Preparatory School

$4,000 Grant Recipient Collin Cremers, St. George’s School $3,000 Grant Recipient Kathryn Grossmann, Mt. Spokane High School $2,000 Grant Recipient Maggie Young, Central Valley High School $1,000 Grant Recipient Naomi McQuary, Gonzaga Preparatory School Fine Arts

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

Mathematics

$1,000 Grant Recipient Starr, Cheney High School

English

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.

$1,000 Grant Recipient Emily McFarland, Gonzaga Preparatory School

The Spokane Scholars Foundation is dedicated to recognizing the exceptional academic achievement of high school seniors from the Spokane area. Students complete an application following nomination in one of the six content areas by their high school principal, counselor or teachers.

This year’s winners include:

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Science $4,000 Grant Recipient Joshua Jenkins, Central Valley High School $3,000 Grant Recipient Hailey Lister, Lewis and Clark High School $2,000 Grant Recipient Abigail Colestock, North Central High School

Social Studies $4,000 Grant Recipient Blythe Irwin, Lewis and Clark High School $3,000 Grant Benjamin Magruder, High School

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

Recipient University

Index of advertisers

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

$2,000 Grant Recipient Bryce Pointer, East Valley High School $1,000 Grant Samantha Sentenn, Preparatory School

Recipient Gonzaga

World Languages $4,000 Grant Recipient Nicholas Lin, Lewis and Clark High School $3,000 Grant Recipient Juyun Phang, Gonzaga Preparatory School $2,000 Grant Recipient Abby Horton, Central Valley High School $1,000 Grant Catherine Cable, Christian Academy

Recipient The Oaks

Additional Information about the Spokane Scholars Foundation is available at www.spokanescholars. org.

Amaculate Housekeeping 18 Apollo Spas 4 Banner Furnace & Fuel 40 Boots and Brushes 43 Camping World 37 Casey Family Dental 10 Central Valley School District 15 Central Valley Theatre 22 City of Liberty Lake 3 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Coeur d’Alene Deck 34 Coldwell Banker - Rob Brickett 15 Community Colleges of Spokane 17 Concepts on Concrete 40 Connor Construction 41 CorkHouse 36 Cornerstone Penecostcal Church 38 Country Homes Power 32 Evergreen Fountain 29 Exercise Institute 37

Family Medicine Liberty Lake 9 Garden Expo 18 Greenstone 14 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 5 Inland Northwest Baby 5 Inland Northwest Brokers 41 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 3 Just Chillin’ Eats and Sweets 40 KiDDS Dental 25 Kiwanis of Liberty Lake 19 Kiwanis of Spokane Valley 41 Liberty Lake Community Theatre 11 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market 38 Liberty Lake Junior Golf Association 27 Liberty Lake Municipal Library 21 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 27 Liberty Lake Petsittter 34 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 33

Northern Quest 48 Ott Knott Used Golf Carts 41 Peaceful Paws Massage 18 Rockin’ B Ranch 38 S&L Handyman 38 Simonds Dental Group 48 Spokane Realty- Courtney Hanks 22 Spokane Valley Arts Council 34 Squeakies Cleaning Service 31 Thrivent Financial 22 Tracy Jeweler 10 True Legends 27 Twisp Cafe and Coffee House 11 Umpqua Bank- Bryan Jarrett 27 Valley Hospital 20 Yokes 17

Service Directory 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 • MAY 2016

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

EVENT & MEETING FACILITY HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? 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.

HANDYMAN SERVICES MAKE ME A LIST & CALL! Chamberlain Contracting Services specializes in household repairs: ceramic tile, bathroom remodels, electrical, plumbing, painting, deck, door and window repair. Small jobs welcome. Flexible hours.

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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!

ON THAT NOTE

MAY 2016 • 47

Malek leaves legacy of valor, tenacity in West Valley and beyond

By Steve Christilaw Splash Contributor First impressions often hit closest to the mark and when it came to Jace Malek, those initial impressions hit the nail smack on the head.

The first thought you had when you watched him in a West Valley High School football game was a simple one – Jace Malek was larger than life. He had to be to hold inside all the passion he had for a game he clearly loved.

On those rare occasions he came off the field, he’d be wearing a smile brighter than the flood lights at Ward Mauer Field. And if you stood close, you’d smile too. You couldn’t help yourself.

Built like a pulling guard, Malek, number 99 in your program, was a fullback who made defenders tremble at the thought of making a solo tackle. He ran hard, he ran well and he liked to initiate contact.

Breaking tackles only made him run that much harder.

And then, for a change of pace, he’d just run around would-be tacklers.

He was one of those rare players that made you make a mental note to look for at the next level.

During his career as an Eagle, Malek was the heart and soul of the football team. He trained with the same passion that spilled out on Friday nights. As a wrestler, he made bigger heavyweights feel as if they’d been hit by a truck and posted a career record of 101-8.

And as a track athlete, his explosive speed made him a natural for relay races.

“He just had that motor that you wish other kids had,” said West Valley Head Football Coach Craig Whitney. “He was a tremendous worker. He just had a sense of life about him – you’d see him walking down the hall and he’d have that pep in his step.”

Teenagers with so much life inside them, and so much life ahead of them, aren’t supposed to get cancer.

West Valley High School graduate Jace Malek (above, center with WV coaches) signed a football scholarship with the University of Idaho early last year shortly after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that affects approximately 400 Americans 20 or younger each year. Malek passed away on Feb. 28 after a valiant battle against the disease. WV staff and students continue to sport "Malek Strong" T-shirts in honor of his courage and resilience.

Contributed photo It was shocking news. A week before he was to sign his National Letter of Intent to follow his dream and play college football at the University of Idaho, Malek was diagnosed with a large tumor on his hip, a tumor that was identified as Ewing’s sarcoma.

At West Valley, the memories are still fresh.

The cruel irony of cancer rearing its ugly head in such a way made Malek’s story a national headline – even more so when Idaho coach Paul Petrino insisted that Malek sign his letter and the school would honor its scholarship.

“My coaching staff and I, we went to the memorial service and I swear, we’re still in denial,” Whitney said.

“Here’s our biggest, toughest kid and he has cancer. It’s still tough for us all to deal with.”

But Jace Malek was larger than life when it came to fighting cancer, as well.

Malek’s story has been told nationally.

Sports Illustrated produced a film that can be viewed online. It tells the story of the ups and downs Malek and his family dealt with and the impact the young man had on the Idaho football family.

The online page simply carries a note explaining that Jace Malek passed away in February, a year after his cancer was first diagnosed.

National echoes eventually fade away.

His friends and family – a web which grew exponentially as he battled cancer with the same poise and passion he displayed on the football field wrestling mat and running track – feel his loss deeply.

“You can walk out in the halls and see kids still wearing their Malek Strong T-shirts,” West Valley Athletic Director Jamie Nilles said.

“There are teams that he was never a part of that are still wearing a 99 patch and kids are writing 99 on their shoes. Jace never played baseball, but the baseball team is wearing a 99 patch.”

There is some talk of memorializing Malek in some way, perhaps at the WIAA level. For now, however, there is no need to rush.

The memories are still fresh.

If anything, the national stories told the story of how Jace Malek battled cancer and, sadly, passed

away.

But to the people who knew him, the strongest memories are about how this young man lived such a full life. How he took intensely bad news, processed it with his eyes closed for a few minutes, then began looking for a way forward.

“Jace was in control,” Whitney said. “Even all the way to the end, Jace was not going to lose. He was a fighter. He was a worker. He was very passionate about all those things. Everything he portrayed – he was still going to beat this thing; he was going to win. He didn’t have a down day.”

And that will be the true legacy at West Valley for Jace Malek. How he beat cancer every day. How he pushed it aside and lived life on his own terms, embracing as much of what life has to offer as he could get his arms around.

It’s not how Jace Malek died that people will remember – that much of his story will be relegated to doctors working to end cancer so that no more teenagers will die from its ravages.

They will remember how he lived.

How he did live.

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