2016 August Splash

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

AUGUST

2016

Five-Star Frontier Liberty Lake Regional Park acknowledged as diverse greenspace gem, page 12

DEVELOPMENT DEBATED AT CITY HALL PAGE 8

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES AND FUN PAGE 34

REMEMBERING PEG KEEVE PAGE 39

2 • AUGUST 2016

NEWS appointed?

The Park Bench

A: My first thoughts? Oh gosh, this is funny but I believe I was a bit in shock in the best of ways.

I remember thinking to myself earlier that day that I’d done what I sought out to do and that was to learn and enjoy the process of applying. So when Mayor Pro Tem Brickner nominated me I thought, “Oh that’s nice of him to do but one of the other nominees will be appointed, not me.” In fact, my husband had to nudge me when it was announced that I was being appointed because I didn’t believe it.

Community Commitment – McGuire joins City Council ready to lead and listen

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Over a year before she was appointed as the latest addition to the Liberty Lake City Council, Jessica McGuire made it a point to attend most meetings at City Hall, studiously taking notes on an array of topics from street maintenance to sales tax.

After Council Member Keith Kopelson announced that he would be stepping away from the dais in May for health and family reasons, McGuire became one of nine residents to fill out the application paperwork.

Never before in the city’s history had so many applicants vied for a vacated council position.

McGuire and her husband Ben moved with their son, Zayne, to the Spokane area from San Diego in July of 2014. By December, they had found a home in Liberty Lake. McGuire began attending council meetings after interviewing Mayor Steve Peterson and City Administrator Katy Allen as part of a civics class assignment. She soon realized that attending meetings “was a great way to keep in the loop with what was going on.”

On June 7, McGuire went through the first round of interviews at City Hall with her eight fellow applicants. Some had backgrounds with multi-million dollar budgets and executive roles, others brought experience from the planning commission or City Council.

McGuire, a self-described “stay-athome mom” brought a refreshing tone to her answers, showing an insightful grasp of municipal topics and emphasizing the importance of keeping citizens informed.

When the interview portion of the meeting was over and council moved on to other city business, several candidates left the building. McGuire and a few others remained, a gesture that was not lost on those around the dais. The entire field of nine would return on

The Splash

Jessica McGuire was appointed to the Liberty Lake City Council by a 4-2 vote on June 21. McGuire replaced Keith Kopelson who resigned from the governing board due to health and family reasons. She will serve the remainder of Kopelson’s term through December 2017.

Photo by Craig Howard

Q: Are there any issues and/ or concerns that you would particularly like to work on in your first few months as a council member?

June 21 for the decision of council, marking another first – it had never taken two meetings to decide on a board replacement.

families from our street out on the street spending time together while the children are playing. For us in this stage of life, this is a dream come true. We love the Farmers Market, the local stores, the perfect weather that includes seasons and ease getting to downtown Spokane or Coeur d’Alene.

A: My focus will be driven by what the community says is most important. Council works for the citizens and with the citizens and right now the topics that I’m hearing about the most from the community are in regards to neighborhood safety and multifamily housing.

Q: Prior to your appointment, you became one of only a few citizens to attend council meetings on a regular basis.

Do you have a theory why more citizens don't become more involved in local government?

Q: Several council members have said your appointment brings more diversity to the group and that you provide increased representation for a demographic (mothers/ housewives) who comprise a considerable portion of Liberty Lake's population. How do you feel about that carrying that mantle?

When she was announced as the newest council member on June 21, by a vote of 4-2, McGuire took her place at the dais, arguably the most surprised person in the room.

She had come to the meeting that night, prepared to “applaud for the one who won.”

McGuire grew up in Orange County, California and worked for a time keeping the books for her family’s general contracting business. After high school, she attended community college but soon opted for “real-life experience,” working in several fields, including a stint as an insurance agent. Later, she became trained as a labor coach, or “doula,” helping to deliver newborns.

Early in her council tenure, McGuire has stressed the need for City Hall “to be accessible to residents.” When she attended council meetings as a citizen, her neighbors went to her for the latest city news. Now she’s one of seven leaders determining the legislation that affects over 9,300 of her fellow residents.

“I want to encourage citizen participation,” McGuire said.

“There’s just so much information I wish more people knew about.”

Q: What were some of your first impressions of Liberty Lake when you moved here in late 2014?

A: We fell in love with Liberty Lake right away. It has many of the elements that we grew up with and that we wanted for our son that wasn’t an option if we stayed in California. On our block, a few days a week, you ‘ll find a handful of the

A: I can only speak for myself, but I had a misunderstanding that government is intimidating. But the truth is our form of government, which is unique and a truly amazing design, needs citizens’ participation to work properly. When Mrs. Powell asked Benjamin Franklin in 1787 if we were going to have “a monarchy or a republic” and his response was the ever-classic, “A republic if you can keep it.” How we keep it, I’d argue, is by being involved.

Q: When Keith Kopelson announced his resignation, did you know right away that you would be applying for the open council seat?

A: I was in the audience that night and I was surprised by the news of Mr. Kopelson stepping down. He’d been such a fixture for me in all of the meetings that I’d attended.

I didn’t know that I’d be applying that evening but I spoke with my husband after the council meeting about the possibility of applying.

We both felt that it’d be a great honor if I was given the chance to be on council and to focus and enjoy the process of applying and interviewing.

Q: What was your first thought upon learning that you'd been

A: What an honor that that was said and that I might be able to help be that voice. I thought for a long time that being a stay-athome-mom brought limitations in some capacities but in this situation I believe that Mayor Pro Tem Brickner along with Council Members Kaminskas, Langford and Moore see the importance of having a more balanced representation of our city within council.

Q: Finally, what have you enjoyed most about your first month as part of the Liberty Lake City Council?

A: I’ve enjoyed meeting so many familiar faces that I’ve never actually shook hands with. Mrs. Katy Allen introduced me to our library director, Mrs. Mogen, Police Chief Asmus and many of the staff throughout the city the week after I took the oath. I’d like to personally thank Mrs. Ann Swenson (city clerk), Mr. RJ Stevenson (Finance director) and Mrs. Katy Allen (City Administrator) for all of their help getting me up to speed these last few weeks!

The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 3

NEWS

Community, LLPD collaborate to track down crime suspects

By Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent Some impressive police work, along with aid from the public, helped to end a rash of prowlings and burglaries recently in Liberty Lake.

“Starting in May and through June we experienced numerous vehicle prowling and open garage door burglaries,” said Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus. “In May, we had seven, in June, 21.”

This substantial increase was an indicator to police that these crimes weren’t being committed by a single person and that it was necessary to move quickly to stop them.

“Based on the number of prowls, we put together a strategy from a crime prevention viewpoint,” said Asmus.

This strategy involved getting the word out to citizens to be vigilant, close their garages and not leave valuables in cars. Police also asked community members to report anything that seemed unusual.

Asmus says the effort to reach out to the public was very successful, with technology playing a big role.

“Through social media, neighbors were alerting neighbors and comparing notes,” he said.

One member of the public helped by simply being diligent.

“One break was a person who had an item stolen from his garage. The victim had a good description of the suspect and had recorded the serial number of the bike that was stolen,” said Asmus.

“Because he had that information, a detective was able to access the local pawnshop database. The bike happened to pop up in the pawn system. That led us to multiple suspects in vehicle prowls.”

Two of those suspects were arrested when they were found sleeping in a vehicle in Lincoln County, where they are also suspected of committing crimes.

Three more suspects were identified when an alert Liberty Lake citizen reported a suspicious vehicle to police around 2 am one morning. Officers impounded the truck and later located three people associated with it. At the time, there wasn’t enough evidence to

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arrest them for anything. That changed later that morning.

“About 8 or 9 that morning people started getting up and noticing things are stolen,” said Asmus.

“And sure enough, we found those items in the truck.”

It’s back to school time. As you get your child ready for school this year, don’t forget to schedule an eye health exam. More than eighty percent of a child’s learning is gained through vision. Even a child with 20/20 vision may suffer from a visual problem that may impact learning.

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Call Liberty Lake EyeCare today to schedule your child’s back to school exam.

A second break happened when an officer ran the plate of a car parked at an area hotel and found it to be stolen. Officers contacted the couple who arrived in the car in their hotel room and arrested the male on existing warrants. The female was arrested on a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle.

Based on evidence found from searching the suspect’s hotel room, detectives came up with 31 cases of vehicle prowls, identity theft and mail theft from around the area, including Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley and the city of Spokane.

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“We’re working with other agencies to contact the victims, some who may not even know they’re victims,” said Asmus.

With four people in custody to date, Liberty Lake Police requested warrants for three other suspects, although it could take a couple weeks for the warrants to be granted. As of press time, the warrants had not been obtained.

As long as the warrants have been requested though, police can act if they see the suspects, according to Asmus.

“We know who they are and if we come across them we can arrest them.”

As of press time, police currently have four people in custody; Bobbie Gonye was arrested along with Justin Derby while sleeping in a vehicle in Lincoln County. Erica Balda and Robert Turner were arrested at an area hotel when police noticed the car they were driving is stolen. Warrants have been requested for three more suspects whose names cannot be released until warrants are issued.

Asmus says the four arrests, and identification of three other suspects in these cases, are a major achievement for the department. In particularly, he commends Officers Mike Thomas and Matt McKay and Detective Ray Bourgeouis for their roles in the arrests and investigation. He is also pleased that citizens were proactive in reporting suspicious activity and spreading the word.

“I’m very proud of the department and the community,” he said.

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4 • AUGUST 2016

Bellacrosta brings unique retail bakery to Liberty Lake

By Treva Lind Splash Correspondent Bellacrosta means “beautiful crust” if one separates two Italian words in its title.

Bellacrosta, a specialty bakery, will open its first retail outlet in Liberty Lake later this month with handcrafted artisan breads and pastries.

Marta Harrington, minority partner with her husband Paul, is working with area restaurant owners Scott and Liz McCandless to prepare the new Bellacrosta retail eatery, expected to open in midto-late August at 1235 N. Liberty Lake Road., Suite 109, in a space formerly occupied by Quiznos near Yoke’s Fresh Market.

Bellacrosta currently has a wholesale bakery operation based in Spokane Valley, where it uses an oven purchased for $80,000 from France.

“That’s traditional,” Harrington said, for creating old-fashioned breads. “It’s baked on a stone

BUSINESS

The Splash

Bellacrosta bread is baked at a production site in Spokane Valley utilizing an $80,000 oven from France.

Photo by Craig Howard hearth, so the deck is actually a stone and the oven is 500 degrees.

That is what gives it a beautiful mahogany crust.”

The wholesale bakery doesn’t offer retail sales out of its facility, but customers who want to buy the breads also will find them at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market on Saturdays. Bellacrosta sets up as well at the Millwood Farmers Market

each Wednesday, where it brought 100 loaves to Millwood’s first day this year and sold out.

“The breads are done in the oldfashioned, European-style bread process that means two days,” Harrington said. “We use our own natural starter, it’s a natural leavened process as opposed to using a commercial yeast. The dough develops over a two-day

process and gains flavor.”

Harrington said remodeling of the 1,400-square-foot space in Liberty Lake will create a rustic, warm environment. The site is expected to have 25 to 30 seats and employ about 10 people. Bellacrosta overall has 25 employees.

See BELLACROSTA, Page 5

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The Splash

BUSINESS

BELLACROSTA

Continued from page 4 “We’re hoping to reflect an old bakery,” said Harrington, about the Liberty Lake store, adding that she hopes to create a neighborhood gathering place. She and her husband reside in the Greenacres area near Liberty Lake, but have previously lived in the community.

“We envision people will come and buy breads, have pastries, and we’ll have coffee and espresso,” she said. “We’ll make some custom sandwiches and salads throughout the day for seating inside, or grab and go. The focus is our rustic breads and pastries. We will have some desserts.”

Scott McCandless said the parent company hopes eventually to have three to four retail sites for Bellacrosta to canvass the greater Spokane area.

“I’d say within six months of opening in Liberty Lake, we’ll know how receptive the community is,” he said.

An outpouring from the community has already backed the bakery in a big way, Harrington added.

“It’s been overwhelming how people are getting behind it,” she said. “The bread is so beautiful and the bakers put so much work into it. They’re so talented. We’re very grateful for this support.”

Bellacrosta grew into an independent business with roots in the popular restaurant near Gonzaga University called Clover, which opened in 2012. Working in partnership with Scott and Liz McCandless, who own multiple Subway and Papa Murphy’s locations, Harrington and her husband helped develop Clover into a cozy eatery.

“She created the feeling of Clover,” said Scott, adding that the

couples share a history of time spent in California, a state known for “incredible bakeries.”

“We noticed that missing here,” he said. “When Clover opened, within the first year, we realized we wanted the same breads we experienced in California. We at first used Dutch ovens to simulate what this oven we have now will do. Within a year into Clover, we were experimenting, learning and then finding people who can help us with that process.”

A baking operation supplying Clover started in a small motherin-law quarters nearby the eatery.

Bellacrosta’s wholesale accounts grew quickly, forcing a move to an 800-square-foot facility across the street, but soon that wasn’t enough.

In February, Bellacrosta moved into its 3,000-square-foot bakery in Spokane Valley, at 315 S. Dishman Road, where it produces all breads for wholesale accounts.

Harrington said Bellacrosta uses regionally-sourced ingredients for its bread products, including from the company Shephard’s Grains that grows wheat locally near Reardon.

Additionally, Harrington works with McCandless in Conversion Concepts, a parent company that oversees 35 Subway sites and seven Papa Murphy’s locations across California, Idaho and Washington, including in the Spokane area.

It also has Edible Arrangements, Clover and Bellacrosta.

Under Conversion Concepts, the mantra is to change how people consume food one plate at a time, with no artificial ingredients and items served fresh, McCandless and Harrington both said. That concept includes a test kitchen in the Spokane Valley and the new bakery.

“Liberty Lake is such a great community; we want the bakery to be a part of the community,” Harrington said.

AUGUST 2016 • 5

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Each Saturday, Bellacrosta sets up shop at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market, offering a variety of old-fashioned breads.

Photo by Craig Howard

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6 • AUGUST 2016

Police Report The following incidents were among those reported by the Liberty Lake Police Department from June 17 through July 18. The report is listed in chronological order.

Lost IPhone - On June 17 at 1 p.m., LLPD took a lost property report from the 700 block of North Molter. Complainant reported losing her iPhone 6S somewhere in town.

Lost Wallet - On June 20 at 3 p.m., LLPD received a report of lost property. Complainant reported they were unsure where they lost their wallet, but thought it may have been in Liberty Lake.

Vehicle prowl - On June 20 at 8 a.m., LLPD responded to a vehicle prowl at the 1000 block of North Malvern. Complainant reported that someone had entered his unlocked vehicle and taken a GPS from inside. Complainant reported that those responsible had caused $500 in damage to the vehicle using some kind of pry tool on the door.

Vehicle prowl - On June 20 at 12:49 p.m., LLPD responded to the 1400 block of North Malvern for a vehicle prowl. Complainants reported forgetting to lock their vehicle overnight and waking up to find someone had stolen $120 in belongings from inside.

Garage burglary - On June 20 at 7:12 a.m., LLPD responded to the 1100 block of North Malvern for a burglary. Complainant reported someone had opened the garage door during the night and entered both of the vehicles inside. While nothing was taken from the vehicles, a bike estimated at $1,200 was taken along with tools totaling nearly $430. The bike was later located at a pawn shop across town and was recovered and returned to the owner. Charges will be forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Vehicle returned - On June 20 at 7:48 a.m., LLPD responded to the 1000 block of North Malvern for a vehicle theft. Complainant reported his $28,000 vehicle had been stolen sometime during the night. The vehicle was reportedly locked. The vehicle was located in Spokane the next day and returned to the owners. LLPD have suspects and the case will continue to be investigated.

Reckless Driving - On June 22 at 4:53 p.m., LLPD responded to the 1400 block of North Liberty Lake Road for a citizen assist. Complainant reported that vehicles con-

NEWS tinually speed through the back lot and he was concerned for pedestrian safety.

Stolen vehicle found - On June 22 at 3:03 p.m., LLPD responded to the 1700 block of North Madson.

A stolen vehicle out of Spokane County was recovered from the location.

Refusing to pay - On June 22 at 4:26 p.m., LLPD responded to the 19000 block of East Cataldo for a theft of services. Complainant reported a subject had left the location without paying for the $2,800 owed for work just completed on his vehicle. The subject refused to pay upon contact. An officer called the subject who was advised he would be charged with theft and the subject provided payment immediately.

Unsafe cycling - On June 24 at 10:46 p.m., LLPD responded to Barker and I-90 for a cyclist with no light. An officer made contact with a male riding his bike on the roadway in the dark with no light. Upon contact, the male reported he was currently residing in Liberty Lake with family. The officer advised the subject to get a light for his bike.

Assault reported – A man was arrested on June 26 at 11:50 a.m., at the 22000 block of East Country Vista. for assault. Complainant reported the man pushed him multiple times after an argument about parking in a disabled accessible space at the location. A witness observed the assault and the man was arrested for Assault 4th.

Stolen mower - On June 27 at 10 a.m., LLPD responded to a theft at the 21000 block of East Country Vista. Complainant reported a John Deere D155 riding mower was stolen during the night with an estimated value of $2,199.

Domestic disturbance - On June 28 at 3:04 a.m., LLPD responded to a disorderly person at the 23000 block of East Mission.

Complainant reported a resident with dementia had barricaded herself in her room. Officers and Fire personnel arrived and though the subject declined a medical transport, she agreed to take her medication.

Vehicle prowl - On June 29 at 9 a.m., LLPD responded to the 2100 block of East Country Vista for a vehicle prowl. Complainant reported sometime during the night an unknown person had entered his vehicle and rummaged through the glove box. Nothing appeared to be

missing from inside.

Resisting Arrest - On June 29 at 12:11 a.m., LLPD assisted another agency with an eluding suspect across state lines into Idaho.

The suspect’s vehicle came to a stop and he then exited and ran into a heavily wooded area leading officers on a foot pursuit. The male was located and placed under arrest by another agency.

Property Damage - On June 29 at 1:53 p.m., LLPD responded to Harvard Park and Indiana for criminal mischief. Complainant reported upon returning to her parked vehicle, she observed the rear window had been broken out causing an estimated $350 in damage. Nothing appeared to be missing from the vehicle.

False advertising - On July 1at 6 p.m., LLPD received a report of fraud at the 23000 block of East Broadway. Complainant reported they had purchased a vehicle from a resident of Liberty Lake and upon arriving home had found the vehicle was inoperable. In addition, after taking it to a mechanic, they were informed the vehicle was a different year and model than advertised. The responding officer advised the complainant it was a civil matter and to seek legal counsel.

Shoplifting – A man was arrested on July 1 at 11:17 p.m., for theft at the 1200 block of North Liberty Lake Road. The suspect was observed eating items in the store on a regular basis he’d not paid for over the span of four weeks. The items totaled near $75. The man was issued a criminal citation and given a court date.

“TRUMP” sign stolen - On July 3 at 7:06 a.m., LLPD responded to a theft at the 1200 block of North Liberty Lake Road. Complainant reported that a “TRUMP” sign was stolen from the location. Loss of the item is estimated at $50.

The Splash

Keys found - On July 5 at 9:12 a.m., LLPD received found property at the department. A set of keys was found and placed in property for safekeeping.

Glasses found - On July 5 at 9:18 a.m., LLPD received found property at the department. A pair of reading glasses were left on the door of the department and placed in property for safekeeping.

Suspicious activity - On July 6 at 11:51 p.m., LLPD responded to the 23000 block of East Knox for a suspicious circumstance. Officers checked the site after nearly six trailers were found unlocked.

Recent events – A man and a woman was arrested on July 6 at 6:18 a.m. at the 1800 block of North Pepper Lane for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a firearm, violation of a no-contact order and a weapons offense. An officer in the area located the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the location and was able to trace it back to them. Further investigation into the offense and property located has proved that they are responsible for a multitude of identity theft offenses and charges will be forwarded upon completion of the investigation. Both were booked into jail.

Warning – On July 14 at 5:14 p.m., LLPD responded to the 200 block of North Kelsea for a suspicious person. Complainant reported a subject was going door to door selling magazines. An officer made contact with the subject and he was advised he could not continue doing so without a solicitor’s license.

Protection order – On July 14 at 9:13 p.m., LLPD responded to the 23000 block of East Broadway for a threat. Complainant reported concerns over possible threats from ex-boyfriend living in another state.

The officer advised the complainant on the procedures for procuring a protection order.

The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 7

The Lookout Your City HallCommunity Development Committee

By Dan Dunne

Liberty Lake City Council T h e Community Development Committee is a small group of City Council members who meet monthly to discuss policy which affects land use, neighborhoods and the character of our city.

On June 28, the committee met and reviewed permitting statistics with Planning and Building Services Manager Amanda Tainio. Permitting (the process of issuing permits for development and construction) has been very busy year-to-date. As of July 19, revenue (fees collected) is more than 137 percent of projected total annual revenue for 2016. About 75 percent of that is residential construction, 25 percent commercial. Construction follows permitting, so construction is strong in Liberty Lake right now.

In other news, Spokane County’s Conservation Futures Land Evaluation Committee has posted their top 15 nominees in the current round of purchase nomination, of which three are relevant to our community. The number one nomination was a large parcel joining the Mica Peak Conservation Area and Liberty Lake Regional Park. The number 11 nomination was a western expansion of the Liberty Lake Regional Park. The number 13 nomination was the Liberty Lake Uplands Trailhead (recently acquired by the city.)

These top 15 nominations move forward to the next down phase of evaluation.

MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

Happy Birthday Liberty Lake! On Aug. 31, we celebrate 15 years as an incorporated city. The time has flown by and so has my hair!

While we have done much there is still much to do. As we plan our 2017 budget, we will review and update our priorities at our council retreat on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. Come on down to City Hall - much of our success in Liberty Lake comes from your input, ideas and feedback.

In the wake of recent events throughout our country and around the world, our number one priority has remained constant – public safety. To keep pace with our growing community, we plan to add another full-time police officer and two more

reserve officers in 2017. Our goal is to maintain the response time, coverage and quality of service we currently enjoy.

These investments do pay off - Liberty Lake is ranked as the 13th safest city out of 281 cities in Washington. We continue to invest in technology, i.e. observation cameras, license plate readers, police body cameras, communication systems and electronic speed signs to ensure our officers are equipped with the tools to prevent and solve crimes.

A more valuable KEY to a safe community is citizen involvement. As a community, we can best manage public safety by including you and your neighbors in our plans. Knowing your neighbors, keeping your kids busy in activities, athletics, scouting, park play and being involved in all aspects of your kids’ lives help maintain a good community.

“See something-say something” helps to provide guidance to our

August 2016 youth through the advice of others.

Taking a personal interest in our parks, schools and community service groups continues to provide quality role models for the next generation; by setting the example of good it helps us reduce the bad within the city.

In recent years, we have invested in our parks, ball fields, trails and golf course. On the Aug. 2 ballot is a bond measure to consider furthering our city’s investment by building a Community and Aquatic Center called “Town Square.” I believe this is a solid investment for our city and encourage you to call City hall or visit our website to gather more information about this project and what this facility will provide for our city.

On Aug. 2, we celebrate National Night Out. The City Council meeting will be at Town Square Park at 7 p.m. and we invite you to come and be part of our meeting!

Garden Notes Banana plants in Liberty Lake?

Financial outlook is positive going into 2017 budget

By RJ Stevenson Finance Director The latest from the Finance Committee includes gearing up for the 2017 Budget. Our current financial situation looks very promising looking into 2017. Sales tax revenue and building permits are at an all-time high and the year is just half over. One of the items that will drive the 2017 budget stems from the bond vote for Town Square. In August, city departments will start preparing their individual budget requests.

In June, the city updated its financial policies.

The Finance

Committee reviewed some of the impacts of those changes which included increasing the minimum cash balance in the General Fund to 20 percent, reviewing monthly and quarterly reports and reviewing internal controls.

The Finance Committee also reviewed a draft of the six-year forecast and how that relates to the future needs to the city. At the next meeting, the Finance Committee will review how the Capital Improvements Plan figures into the six-year forecast and how the city should be planning for future capital projects.

By Joice Cairy City Horticulturist Liberty Lake’s “Zone 5” features parameters of alkaline soil with arid, windy conditions that guide plant choices for our gardens. As gardeners, we acknowledge this fact. The tenacity of plants to thrive is impressive but tenacity cannot overcome certain set conditions – this is the reason, sadly, bananas will not grow in my backyard. But, the joy of interesting and beautiful plants will push us to bend the rule, ‘proper plant in its proper place.’

Understanding that introduced, non-native plants may grow shorter, taller, faster, slower, bloom or not bloom differently than their native relatives ‘back home’ is a reality, but why not try anyway?

The challenge of growing a plant outside of its native space is worth the reward and increases our knowledge of horticulture. I have included a helpful publication from the University of Florida Extension http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg040, (bananas in non-native zones) for review. Palm trees are next!

https://www.facebook.com/libertylakewa • www.libertylakewa.gov/

8 • AUGUST 2016

Council fields concerns over Creekside development, Legacy Villas

By Craig Howard Splash Editor At one point at the July 19 City Council meeting, when a swirling discussion over multi-family housing, the municipal budget and a pair of controversial development projects seemed to fill City Hall with an unprecedented level of debate, Mayor Steve Peterson tried to bring some sense to the dialogue.

NEWS

Legacy Ridge neighborhood to listen to an array of concerns including obstructed views and compromised water pressure due to the construction.

“We’re here to listen to you and hear your concerns,” Brickner said.

Legacy Ridge resident Lynda Warren, who lives four lots from where construction has begun, said she and her neighbors had been told by their property developer that the area outside their homes “would always going to be greenspace.”

Early maps of the area indicated nothing about moving walking trails or infringing on greenspace, Warren added.

sides of homes.”

Allen spoke for the city’s side, saying she and Planning and Building Services Manager Amanda Tainio had gone back and confirmed that public notices about the Creekside development had been sent out before the plat was approved by City Council in November 2014. Citizens had the opportunity to comment on the project prior to the vote.

Council voted down an original proposal that year which would have added multi-family housing on the west side of the ridge.

Allen added that the greenspace in question had never been platted as a park or common space, meaning it could be developed as part of the project.

Is Eliminating Stubborn Fat on“If it’s a common area or park, “I know this is confusing,” it’s going to be designated,” Allen Peterson said. “It just is.” said.

Your Holiday Robin Ray, another resident The conversation began simply Brickner expressed frustration enough with City Administrator of Legacy Ridge, said she and with the pledges of preserving Wish List?

Katy Allen and Mayor Pro Tem her neighbors “were all told that views and greenspace made by a Is Eliminating Shane Brickner providing an update nothing would ever be built in front developer years ago. on the new Legacy Ridge West of us, that it was common area.”

“When developers make promises development knowStubborn as Creekside.

“IFat didn’t on buy this lot without Brickner and Council Member asking all the questions,” Ray said. to residents, we want to make sure they follow through with their Jessica McGuire Your recently met “People whoUS paid $20,000 to have Holiday JOIN FOR A COOL EVENT! with residents of the established a view will now be looking at the promises,” he said.

Brickner said residents have Wish List? expressed concern about decreased “They seem to be encroaching more,” she said. “I would hope the city planning department would make sure they (developers) are sticking to the maps they had.”

The Splash

“My number one concern safety,” Renfrow said. “You need have utilities and infrastructure place before you allow this kind development.”

is to in of

Legacy Villas discussion The debate over Creekside merged into another emotional interchange regarding a scheduled development just down from Legacy Ridge. The Legacy Villas project south of Country Vista consists of 258 apartments, a clubhouse and associated infrastructure on 16.2 acres.

Allen reminded residents that they had until July 27 at 4 p.m. to file comments with the city about the project. In the Notice of Application filed by Tainio, “agencies, tribes and the public are encouraged to provide written comments on the proposed project and its probable environmental impacts.”

Later in the document, it is noted that comments “will be considered prior to making a decision on this application.”

“At this time, we’re not seeing any issues come up,” said Tainio.

Because the application was filed before the city’s six-month moratorium went into effect in June, Legacy Villas is “vested,” water pressure as new houses go according to Allen and will likely move forward. Allen said “around up. #1 Thelong-lasting, project is platted for over The CoolSculpting procedure is the non-surgical treatment to help you eliminate 250 units. Both Brickner and Allen a dozen comments” had been stubborn fat without surgery or downtime.

With over 1 million CoolSculpting procedures added that the issue is more about received to this point.

Are you Ready for Summer?

getting a better view Are you readyJOIN to take ofperformed yourEVENT! life?worldwide, people everywhere insufficientarepipe dimension thanof themselves.

In stressing the impact the US control FOR A COOL compromised water supply. project would have on Country Are you ready to look good andCome feel well? see how the CoolSculpting “It procedure look great, feel great from everyRidge angleresident traffic, Legacy shouldcan behelp a you mandate to Vista Patsy Ryan encouraged the city to just in time for the holidays! educate homeowners,” Allen said.

Are you ready for PERMANENT weight loss?

“Larger piping should be an option “not put the horse before the cart.”

The CoolSculpting procedure is the #1 long-lasting, non-surgical treatment to help you eliminate for more money.”

Allen responded by saying the Talk to Healthy Living Libertyfat Lake Proven, Long-Lasting Results Without Surgery or Downtime developer, listed as Wyatt Architects stubborn without surgery or downtime.

With over 1 million CoolSculpting procedures Brickner added that officials with about our medically supervisedworldwide, people everywhere are getting a the performed better view Lake of themselves.

Liberty Sewer and Water and Associates on the application, District were aware of the situation. is anticipated to participate in weight-loss programs, followed the Harvard Road Mitigation He encouraged residents to callevery the angle see how the CoolSculpting procedure can help you look great, feel great from - a program that offers to permanently

by CoolSculpting®Come Plan, district with questions. in time the holidays! eliminate residualjust fat cells after for dieting. developers a chance to pay into

“If you ever have concerns about city improvements to infrastructure water pressure, the district BEFORE will be related to BEFORE 16 WEEKS AFTER SECOND SESSION 16construction WEEKS AFTER SESSIONand research BEFORE Dr. Susan Ashley, Medical Director, courtesy ofhappy Grant Stevens, MD weight change) SINGLE SIDE TREATMENT to| (nolook it,” he said.

Proven, Long-Lasting ResultsPhotos Without Surgery oratDowntime such as transportation studies.

Photos courtesy of Eric Bachelor, MD, FACS | (no weight change) is board certified in Anti-Aging and LLSWD Commissioner Steve “It’s voluntary to be part of the Regenerative Medicine, and certified in Skipworth was in attendance the EVERY JOIN US FOR A COOL EVENT AND GET READY TO at LOVE VIEW YOU. Plan,” Allen Harvard RoadOF Mitigation Obesity Management. meeting and emphasized that any said. “If developers don’t want to development needs to ensure that be part of it, they are required to Free consultations Hosted by there be sufficient water  Ideal Protein volume do their own traffic study.”  HCG Special event pricing for attendees fires.

Date & Time and pressure to fight potential BEFORE 16 WEEKS AFTER SECOND SESSION BEFORE 16 WEEKS AFTER SESSION Peterson emphasized that citizens AFTER  Appetite Suppressants Jeff Renfrow, a longtime Photos courtesy of Grant Stevens, MD | (no weight change) SINGLELiberty SIDE TREATMENT Fun gifts and door prizes with questions about Legacy Villas, Address Photos courtesy of Eric Bachelor, MD, FACS change) Lake resident who has lived in| (no weight  Lipo-tropic Injections Photos courtesy of Grant Stevens, MD. 16 need to enter their comments on ® Register to win a FREE CoolSculpting treatment! weeks after second CoolSculpting session.

Legacy Ridge for the last nine the public record as the project is  CoolSculpting® City, State JOIN US FOR A COOL EVENT AND GET Zip READY TO LOVE VIEW OF YOU. years, said EVERY the city needs to going through the application and be more aware of safety and review process.

Phone Call today and Free consultations issues generated by infrastructure Hosted by be ready by summer!

“Your voice will be heard but Microsite or Websitenew development. He pointed to Special event pricing for attendees you need to speak up,” he said.

Date & Time the traffic on Country Vista below “The builders, the city, the school Space is limited - Call today to reserve your spot the ridge, insufficient turnouts for Fun gifts and door prizes Address district need to know. These are school buses and lack of pedestrian 1431 N Liberty Lake Rd, Ste B • Liberty Lake 99019 • HealthyLivingLL.com to win a FREE CoolSculpting treatment!

000-000-0000Register the concerns we need to hear.” amenities.

924-6199

City, State Zip

Results and patient experience may vary.

The CoolSculpting procedure for non-invasive fat reduction is FDA-cleared for the flank (love handle), abdomen, and thigh. The CoolSculpting procedure for non-invasive fat reduction is available worldwide. Fear No Mirror, ZELTIQ, Phone CoolSculpting, the CoolSculpting logo and the Snowflake design are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2014. All rights reserved. IC1627-A

The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 9

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9th Annual River District Bike Race TUESDAY, AUGUST 16TH

at Half Moon Park

(near Holl Blvd & Indiana Ave in Liberty Lake)

JOIN US FOR THIS FUN, FREE, PUBLIC EVENT!

5pm: Youth Fun Races

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a picnic dinner in the neighborhood park. We'll have food trucks, music and the cyclists will provide the entertainment for spectators.

Open to kids 12 & under check in by 4:45 & bring a helmet

Sign your kids up for a youth fun race and stay to watch professional cyclists compete in the 9th annual criterium bike race.

6pm: Adult Competitive Races Baddlands Cycling Club's closed circuit criterium bike race

Learn more at: ilove.gs/2016BikeRace

The Splash

10 • AUGUST 2016

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

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The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 11

NEWS

New CV football coach ready to lead alma mater

Creating Healthier ClassCommunities

Splash Sports Editor

Living Well with Diabetes

It wasn’t as though the job was Ryan Butner’s long-held dream.

Indeed, Central Valley’s new football coach said his plan was to become a trainer or maybe a physical therapist while attending North Idaho College.

A free, six-week workshop for those who want to take control of their diabetes.

By Mike Vlahovich

But his older brother, Mark, perhaps unwittingly, altered Ryan’s career path. Mark, 12 years older, has been a longtime assistant with the Bears’ football program.

Central Valley grad Ryan Butner was named the school's head football coach in March replacing longtime coach Rick Giampietri.

“My brother just said ‘Why don’t you come and volunteer.’” Ryan said. “I did just that and came up to (head coach) Rick (Giampietri) and asked, ‘Do you need any help?’ and he said, ‘You bet.’”

Central Valley and his philosophy.

About five years ago, Butner said, as he gained more knowledge, he was old enough to assume the responsibility as head coach. When Giampietri resigned as head coach a year ago he threw his “hat into the ring” and got the job. He was announced as head coach in March.

The bug bit and changed the 1996 CV graduate’s professional road. He would become a teacher and coach.

“I started early on in college,” Ryan continued, “he took me on and I haven’t left since.”

When he went from volunteer to coaching ninth graders, Butner discovered the fun of having more responsibility running a program on both sides of the ball and knew it was his calling.

The youngest of four siblings, Butner said he was a “little undersized” when he played on CV’s regular season undefeated football team as a senior.

He was a multi-purpose player – running back, cornerback, kicker and punter and ended up at wide receiver when teammate Giorgio Usai had a breakout season as the Bears rusher.

He said the idea of his becoming a high school head coach germinated after Giampietri asked him to become the varsity quarterbacks coach a decade ago.

“That was a pretty cool moment in my short career being asked to do that,” Butner says. The promotion led to more responsibility when Giampietri retired from the classroom. “At that point I began to prepare myself.”

Since then Butner has collected program building ideas from schools throughout the country, picking things that would fit

Although it was Butner’s idea to switch to CV’s current spread offense, Rick Sloan continued as offensive coordinator and called the plays.

“About three years ago at practice I just noticed the receiving lines were getting longer and longer and longer,” Butner says of incorporating the new scheme.

“They had no opportunity to get on the field. I approached both Ricks about incorporating them more.

They said ‘great’ and I developed the terminology.

(Sloan and Butner) share the first two periods in the weight room and I picked his brain a lot. He exchanged his experiences with me. It’s been a huge influence.”

Learn How To: • Deal with symptoms of diabetes including fatigue, pain, hyper- and hypoglycemia, stress and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration • Exercise to maintain and improve strength and endurance • Eat healthy • Properly use medication • Work more effectively with your health care providers Family members and caregivers are welcome.

Call for more details on workshop dates, times and locations: 509-232-8138

> Register online at courseregistration.inhs.org

This project was supported by funds from the Group Health Research Institute Pathways to Diabetes Self-Care Project wellness.inhs.org Community Wellness is a service of Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS). INHS is a non-profit corporation in Spokane, Washington providing collaboration in health care services on behalf of the community and its member organization Providence Health Care.

Time restraints have meant basketball coach Sloan’s departure, but with the addition of three new assistant coaches, Butner’s transition has been less daunting.

“I think it would be a little more overwhelming if I didn’t have phenomenal coaches on board,” he says. “How do you replace G (Giampietri)? I’ll never meet those expectations.

Everything he’s taught me is the foundation of our program.”

From early indications players and parents have been impressed during summer training sessions.

For new head coach Ryan Butner, that’s a good place to start.

Want to be part of our team? We are looking for a dynamic self-motivated individual for the role of Advertising Sales Representative.

Check out our website fore more details

www.libertylakesplash.com Send a cover letter and resume to publisher@libertylakesplash.com

COVER STORY

12 • AUGUST 2016

Tale of the Terrain – The basics of Liberty Lake Regional Park Address: 3707 S. Zephyr Road, Liberty Lake, WA. 99019 Acreage: Original property of 2,983 acres was purchased by Spokane County from Florence Miller in 1966 for $245,000.

The park now spans 3,591 acres of wetlands, lake shore, montane forest, irrigated turf, conservation areas and an ORV park, making it one of the largest county parks in Washington state.

Greenery: The park features a variety of tree species, including Western Red Cedar, Douglas and Grand Fir, Hemlock, White and Ponderosa Pine and Larch and Englemann Spruce along with well over a dozen deciduous trees.

Camping: The park includes 17 RV camping sites, 13 tent sites and two lake view cabins with a third currently under construction.

Campgrounds can be reserved at the Spokane County website – www. spokanecounty.org under the parks and recreation tab. There is also one group camping site with a picnic shelter. Bathroom facilities are provided.

Wilderness Redefined – Liberty Lake Regional Park offers diverse, accessible getaway

By Craig Howard Splash Editor When Jay and Samantha Draffen and their son moved to Spokane Valley from Kentucky two years ago, they were instantly impressed with the area’s low humidity and sparse bug count once summer arrived.

Last Fourth of July, the Druffens headed out to Liberty Lake County Park for the first time. Like many who visit Spokane County’s sprawling greenspace of close to 3,600 acres, the family was impressed with the distinct blend of wetlands, forest, beachfront and recreational offerings.

“We’ve visited quite a few of the parks in the area,” said Samantha.

“This one is a little bit closer for us. It’s got the playground and other amenities that we like. We do like this park, it’s one we come back to.”

A native of Montana, Samantha had hoped to get back to the Northwest, in part to help her son appreciate the “outdoor life.”

In the Bluegrass State, most folks flock to Kentucky Lake, a navigable reservoir recognized as the largest artificial lake east of the Mississippi.

“It’s a huge lake that everyone goes to for boating and fishing but

it’s the only one,” Samantha said.

“Here, we’re surrounded by lakes and you don’t have to deal with all the bugs and the humidity.”

Last month, the Dreffens hauled their fishing gear out to Liberty Lake and stationed themselves on a pier at the county park for some leisurely Saturday casting. While the usual array of catfish, carp, bluegill and other lake dwellers were not biting that morning, the family agreed that the pristine surroundings were the real catch of the day.

“It’s beautiful here,” Samantha said. “We prefer this kind of civilized camping.”

While Liberty Lake has often been referred to as “Spokane County’s premier address,” by the city’s once and current Mayor Steve Peterson, the regional park on Zephyr Road might just well be the county’s premier greenspace.

From old-growth cedar forests to the Liberty Lake Loop Trail, a 7-mile path that meanders past a cascading waterfall, the acreage encompasses the southeast edge of Liberty Lake and surrounding wetlands as well as mountainous terrain. The grounds include picnic sites, an equestrian trail, ORV park cabins, tent and RV camping sites and even an amphitheater that

The Splash

hosts weddings and community events.

“It’s a fantastic site,” said Spokane County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Chase.

“The scenery is amazing, the creek, the waterfall, the diversity of habitat you see.”

Land for the park became public domain in 1966 when Florence Miller sold 2,983 acres to Spokane County in 1966 for $245,000.

According to Ross Schneidmiller of the Liberty Lake Historical Society, the Miller family began purchasing land at Liberty Lake in the early 1930s when the lake still featured a colorful collection of popular resorts and public beaches. The family bought the Kalez Park property, homesteads and small ranches, eventually acquiring nearly 3,000 acres. Years ago, the marsh that is now the cornerstone of the regional park was drained.

After a dike was built, the area was used for pasturing cattle.

“The resort era at Liberty Lake began its decline in 1964 when Liberty Lake Park was sold to the eventual developers of the Alpine Shores neighborhood,” Scheidmiller said. “The last of the resorts to close was Sandy Beach 27 years later. Spokane County had multiple opportunities to purchase large parcels of Liberty Lake frontage over the years but declined to do so, except in the case of the Miller Ranch. Usually lack of money or no justification to

See LL PARK, Page 13

Schedule/fees: This year, the park is open from May 1 through Sept. 30. Cost is $2 for every visitor 6 years and over.

Features: The park includes a playground, sand volleyball court, equestrian trails, swimming area, fishing pier, boardwalk, amphitheater, picnic areas and Liberty Lake Loop Trail, a 7-mile sloping course that features landmarks like a waterfall, Camp Hughes Cabin and the lake’s only yearround tributary, Liberty Creek.

This sprawling boardwalk at Liberty Lake Regional Park leads through dense wetlands and provides a view of the lake as well as birds and animals who call the watershed home.

Photo by Craig Howard

Scott and Karrie Fay of Liberty Lake enjoyed some time on the beach at the regional park last month. The couple utilizes the site for running, hiking, mountain biking, camping and swimming. Photo by Craig Howard

The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 13

COVER STORY

Park ranger reflects on regional greenspace as longtime abode

By Craig Howard

career success.

Splash Editor

“I remember him saying, ‘I’m not going to let you fail,’” Robinson said.

Some visitors to Liberty Lake Regional Park begin to feel at home in the forested surroundings that include relaxing beachfront space and peaceful, winding trails.

For nearly two decades, Spokane County’s signature park was Bryant Robinson’s home address.

Mountain biking is one of many popular recreational activities at the regional park. The same trails also host high school cross country races in the fall.

Photo by Craig Howard

LL PARK

Now a park ranger, Robinson was initially hired in February 1996 by county parks as a maintenance worker. By July of that year, he had moved with his wife and three kids to a humble, single-story dwelling just east of the park’s check-in gate.

For Robinson, the role as park caretaker and full-time inhabitant would last until autumn of 2015.

He remembers the first November being less than tranquil as the region was hit by the Ice Storm that knocked out power to over 100,000 homes. In the park, frozen branches became an issue.

Continued from page 12 do so we're the reasons cited.”

fishing and sand volleyball, a nearby boardwalk offers parkgoers a unique stroll into the middle of dense wetlands.

The county dedicated another $200,000 shortly after the purchase from the Miller family to fund various improvements, a trend that has continued over time, according to Chase.

“You feel like you’re actually in the wetlands with all the creatures that call it home,” said Chase.

“Those types of opportunities are very rare and difficult to create these days.”

Upgrades in recent years have included a new playground, a refurbished electrical and water network, the addition of camp sites and rerouting and widening of the main trail. A third cabin is currently under construction and could be ready by September.

The unique nature of the park as a protective watershed is not lost on officials with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District. Jeremy Jenkins, LLSWD Lake Protection and Water Resource manager, said the district and the community it serves “are beyond lucky to have Liberty Lake Regional Park above our lake.”

The Robinson family dealt with the weather anomaly and remained. Then there were the creatures that also called the park home.

“Having a protected, naturally functioning watershed is the best scenario for any lake,” Jenkins said. “The watershed is a lake's cornerstone. To start with, a degraded upland leads to a degraded lake.”

The winding route that led to and from the greenspace could also become problematic, depending on the climate. The family soon learned that the dirt thoroughfare was far removed from the luxury of paved, suburban streets just a few miles away in Liberty Lake.

“We’ve made some changes and benefitted from support of groups like the Boy Scouts, Washington Trails Association and the Backcountry Horsemen,” said Chase. “All of these small improvements along the way make a big difference.”

Prior to the national recession and budget challenges faced by county parks, the site remained accessible from mid-April through mid-October. Chase said the schedule has been slowly working its way back to a pre-recession timeline. This year, the park is open from May 1 through Sept. 30.

A $2 fee is charged to all visitors over 6 years old while a reduced nonprofit rate is also provided.

Along with beachfront property and activities like swimming,

Jenkins said the district and county have a positive working relationship focused on the health of the lake and its accompanying watershed.

“We actively coordinate our activities with the county to reduce impacts of our water management on park users,” Jenkins said. “We support any efforts the county makes to improve habitat, increase

See GEM, Page 31

“We had trees crashing through the ceiling,” Robinson recalls.

“One year, there was a moose just outside one of our windows, standing on a picnic table,” he said. “The moose were around every year.”

Before the park underwent a significant upgrade to its water system, Robinson recalls sharing a limited supply from ground wells with residents on surrounding private property. At times, water shortages meant cutting back.

“Irrigation was the biggest thing,” he said. “We’d have restrictions in place and I don’t think our neighbors were very happy about that.”

Robinson says volunteer efforts to improve various aspects of the site “have made a big difference in the usability and quality of the park.” Meanwhile, he says the Liberty Lake Trail Loop, with its views of a waterfall and old-growth cedar forests, has maintained its status as the park’s most popular feature.

“The constant is the popularity of that trail,” Robinson said.

While he may not reside on site these days, Robinson still patrols the grounds of his former home, a place that he could once acknowledge as the ultimate residential arboretum complete with a lakefront view.

“The resources this park has to offer make it unique,” he said. “This is definitely one of our diamond facilities as far as regional parks go.”

“The roads were always a challenge seasonally,” Robinson said.

While overseeing nearly 3,600 acres and the accompanying recreational happenings was no walk in the park, Robinson gives credit to Bob Hughes, former county parks maintenance supervisor, for helping him forge a path that led to long-term

Bryant Robinson has worked for the Spokane County Parks and Recreation department since February of 1996. For nearly 20 years, he lived in a home on the grounds of Liberty Lake Regional Park.

Photo by Craig Howard

COMMUNITY

14 • AUGUST 2016

The Splash

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Aug. 2 | National Night Out – Various times and sites. Held annually on the first Tuesday of every August, National Night Out is a community event in which neighborhoods across the U.S. join together with law enforcement, city officials, firefighters and local businesses to help heighten crime prevention awareness in their area. The event is designed to generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations.

For more information on a site near you, contact the Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) Neighborhood Watch office at 477-3055 or visit www. spokanecounty.org and go to the SCOPE link.

Aug. 5-7 | Barefoot in the Park – Barefoot soccer 3-on-3 tournament at Pavillion Park, 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 6 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 7. Event also features live music, including Ryan Larsen Band, 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5, concessions by Liberty Lake Kiwanis and more. A vintage car show runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday night. The second annual Red, White and Brews Run will also take place Friday.

The 5K run begins at 6 p.m. Cost is $20 with a cotton T-shirt or $30 with a dri-fit shirt. Packet pick-up from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the northeast corner of Molter and Country Vista. For more information, call Kathy Whybrew at 954-9806. Funds from the car show and Kiwanis concessions go to scholarships for Spokane-area high school seniors.

Aug. 16 | Veterans Picnic and Resource Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley.

Free admission, vendor booths and barbecue. Call 444-8387 for more information.

July 3-Sept. 3 | FOPP Summer Festival movies and concerts. All events at Pavillion Park at dusk unless otherwise noted – Charlie Musselwhite in concert – July 30; “Goosebumps” – Aug. 12, Half Moon Park; “Jungle Book” – Aug. 13; “Zootopia” – Aug. 19; Montana Shakespeare in the Park, “The Comedy of Errors” – 5 p.m.; “The Sandlot” – Aug. 27; Spokane Symphony – Lud Kramer Memorial Concert, 6 p.m. (For more information, visit www. pavillionpark.org.

Aug. 25 | Inland Northwest Hiring Heroes Career Resource

Fair – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana, Spokane Valley. Free admission. The region’s premier hiring event for military. For more information, call 532-2795.

Aug. 27 | Pie Festival at Liberty Lake Farmers Market – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane.

RECURRING 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.

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.

Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11: 30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley.

Call Steve at 893-4746 for more information.

Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 5 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/CatholicSingles-Mingle.

DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Tuesdays 6:30 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 communitybased service organization. More at 481-7447 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 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 July 30 | Charlie Musselwhite in concert, dusk at Pavillion Park.

Free admission. Presented as part of the Friends of Pavillion Park 2016 Summer Festival.

Aug. 20 | Montana Shakespeare in the Park presents “The Comedy of Errors,” 5 p.m. at Pavillion Park. Free admission. Presented as part of the Friends of Pavillion Park 2016 Summer Festival.

Sept. 3 | Spokane Symphony presents the 2016 Lud Kramer Memorial Concert, 6 p.m. at Pavillion Park. Free admission.

(The final event of the Friends of Pavillion Park 2016 Summer Festival.)

RECURRING

Country Jammers Dance | 1 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 to 8:30 p.m. (through May 18). Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road. Square dance lessons for $3 per person; no partner needed. More at 2709264.

Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill

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COMMUNITY

Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road.

If you enjoy singing, you will love the four-part, 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 218-4799.

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 Aug. 20 | Olympic Bubbleball Tournament, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. in Liberty Lake. This is a 16-team double elimination, coed tournament for those ages 16 and up. Choose a country to represent, dress as that country and come ready to battle it out for the BubbleBall gold medal.

Minimum of four players per team, maximum of eight. Cost is $80 per team. Registration ends Aug. 11. Call 927-0602 for more information.

Aug. 1- 17 | Sports camps at the HUB - Advantage Basketball Camp – Aug. 1-5 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Advantage Basketball Camp – Aug. 1-3 – 9 a.m. to 5

p.m.; Skyhawks Volleyball Camp – Aug. 1-5 – 9 a.m. to noon; Skyhawks Basketball Camp – Aug. 8-12 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; NBC Basketball Complete Skills Junior Camp – Aug. 15-17 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For costs of each camp and more information, visit www. hubsportscenter.org or call 9270602.

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.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs.; and 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.

CIVIC & BUSINESS Aug. 2 | 2016 primary election ballots due. This year’s Primary voting period ends Aug. 2 and features a U.S. Senate contest, all 10 congressional races and a capital facilities bond vote to build a new aquatic facility/ community center/library in Liberty Lake. All of the statewide and most legislative seats are on the primary ballot, as well as many judicial and local positions. Primary ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 2 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on election day. Ballots can also be returned to accessible voting centers, including local libraries, during business hours.

Aug. 2 | Liberty Lake City Council meeting – 7 p.m. at special location for National Night Out – Town Square Park, 1420 N. Meadowwood.

Aug. 18 | Annual Liberty Lake Property Owners Association meeting – 5:30 to 7 p.m., Zephyr Lodge, 1900 S. Zephyr Road (turn-in right before Liberty Lake Regional Park). Liberty Lake property owners, residents, friends and all interested are welcome.

Contact Tom Agnew at 255-6686 for more information.

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.

See CALENDAR, Page 16

AUGUST 2016 • 15

16 • AUGUST 2016

2016

Choose one of five scenic elevation routes. Riders start in Liberty Lake and cycle through Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho. Sign-up today.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SEPT. 15

A RIDE FOR EVERY AGE AND ABILITY! 5MI | 15MI | 25MI | 50MI | 100MI

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

Continued from page 12 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.

SVFD reminds residents to take a safe approach to summer

5 MILE FAMILY RIDE

SATURDAY

15, 25, 50MI & CENTURY

LIBERTY LAKE CENTENNIAL ROTARY CLUB’S 6TH ANNUAL

SUNDAY

9.17.16 9.18.16

ROTARYINMOTION.COM

From SVFD Communications Summer is recognized as a fun season with warm weather and plenty of activities, but it is also one of the most dangerous seasons for fire and heat-related injuries and deaths. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones while still enjoying a great summer outdoors. The Spokane Valley Fire Department is urging residents to be safe and smart this season. Here are some recommendations: • Recreational Fires – Burn restrictions due to fire danger happen every summer here in the SVFD service area and in Northwest parks and campgrounds. For safety’s sake, be sure to check the local regulations before you build an outdoor fire where you are living or camping. Before you light any outdoor fire, choose a location where it will not spread. And, be sure you have a way to quickly and completely extinguish the fire.

• Open Burning – Burning yard waste, construction debris, garbage and fields is prohibited in the SVFD service area at all times, which includes Liberty Lake.

• Wildfires – Homes in the wooded, brush or grassy areas of our service area are more vulnerable to brush or wildfires. Reduce your risk by creating at least 30 feet of survivable space surrounding your home that is lean, clean and green. Use fire-resistant roof and exterior construction on your home. Keep emergency supplies on hand. And, have an evacuation plan in place that includes your pets and large animals.

• Heat-Related Illness – Drink plenty of water or fruit and vegetable juices. Stay in an air-conditioned place like a shopping mall or library – even for a few hours a day – to reduce your body temperature. Wear lightweight, lightcolored, loose fitting clothing and

The Splash

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.

limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. And, never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.

• On the Water – Life jackets are essential when enjoying the rivers and lakes in our area this summer. Swim where there’s a lifeguard and always supervise children in or near water.

For more information about summer safety, visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

By the Numbers - Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 101 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from June 20 through July 22: • Emergency medical service calls - 66 • Motor vehicle accidents – 7 • Fires – 11 • Service calls – 3 • Building alarms – 2 • Hazardous materials - 3 • Dispatched and cancelled en route – 9 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake 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 offers safety inspections at no charge as well as free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. For more information, call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

The Splash

CHILDREN EVENTS Charlie the Sound Guy Tuesday, August 2nd 7 pm @ Pavillion Park

Get ready to exercise yout throats and minds at this interactive story show!

Audience members will participate in a speed reading triathlon, verb vaulting, tongue twisters, vocal gymnastics, a sound effect slalom. All ages welcome.

Reading Logs

Saturday August 6th Last day to turn in, pick up prizes, and enter grand prize drawing. Grand prize winners will be announces Tuesday, August 9th. Winners must pick up prizes by the end of day Friday August 12th or prizes will be reassigned.

August Storytimes

Tuesday’s at 10:30 am Baby Storytime/Playtime Wednesday’s at 10:30 am Toddler/Preschool Storytime

Kid’s Crafts

August 6th at 1:30 pm

LIBRARY

Library introduces Flipster digital magazine app

Flipster is a next-generation digital magazine solution that makes it easy for you to read your favorite magazines on your computer or mobile device.

Click on the Flipster link on the library’s city website to easily access a site where you can browse available magazines. You can then click on a magazine to view it within your browser. This means you can access Flipster from any computer, laptop, or mobile device, as long as you are connected to the Internet.

Use the Flipster app, available through the iTunes store for the iPad and iPad Mini and on the Google Play store for Android tablets, to download magazines for offline reading. Simply browse and view magazines through the Flipster link on your library’s website, and select the “Open in App” option to download magazines to the app, where they can be read and managed offline.

Sun Catchers

• Simple sign-in – no additional accounts needed

August 13th at 1:30 pm

• Easily browse online magazines by category

Velvet Painting August 20th at 1:30 pm Velvet Painting August 27th at 1:30 pm Dream Catcher

• Multiple online or offline access options available • Zoom in for easy readability • Get to Flipster from the Library’s city webpage: libertylakewa. gov/library and click on “Digital Downloads) or go directly to

AUGUST 2016 • 17

libertylakewa.gov/146/DigitalDownloads and click on Flipster.

According to Library Director Pamela Mogen, users were encountering a number of barriers when trying to access digital magazine content through Liberty Lake Library’s previous digital magazine solution. For example, at the time, the previous product required library card holders to set up an account, something separate from their library card number and PIN. They had to log in to the vendor website to browse the collection and then again to download a title.

In addition, Mogen said, users disliked the vendor-provided app because it was geared toward a consumer market rather than a library audience. By default, readers were directed not to the library’s titles, but rather to potential titles they could buy.

“We knew, with the feedback we received from magazine readers, there was a demand for a digital magazine service,” said Librarian Shardé Mills. “The challenge we faced was that the product we had was not delivering the easy library experience our end users expected.”

To solve this challenge, Mogen and Mills began evaluating other digital magazine vendors, especially the ones the Library’s CIN partners where using. “We looked at everything that was out there,” Mills said. “Flipster was so much easier to use. Liberty Lake will be amazed how convenient reading favorite magazines has become.”

Flipster is available to library patrons with a Liberty Lake CIN library card.

ADULT EVENTS Pages to Pictures @ Pavillion Park Saturday, August 27th Dusk

Join the Friends of Pavillion Park and the Liberty Lake Library for a fmaily classic movie, The Sandlot! The library will be at the park with our prize wheel. Also, stop by the library for the month of August and visit our baseball book display!

Adult Librarian Announcement

I wanted to bid farewell to the Liberty Lake community, since I’ve recently accepted a position at the Community Colleges of Spokane. I have enjoyed working at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library and I appreciate having had this wonderful opportunity to work in such a lovely community oriented city. The future of Liberty Lake is bright and I’m just thankful I had the chance to be a member for a while. To everyone who attended one of my programs, asked a question, took a book from one of my book displays or merely gave a friendly hello at the desk, thank you. You are what makes the library s wonderful!

-Sharde Mills

www.libertylakewa.gov/library

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

The Splash

18 • AUGUST 2016

Summer of Sizzling Sales 0 9,90 3 4 $

CE PRI W NE

D SOL

D SOL

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.

1421 North Meadowwood Lane #200 • Liberty Lake, WA 99019 89281_DMC_Q1HAWS_7_33x11_5c.indd 1

1/14/16 10:03 AM

Brought to you by

National Honeybee Day Honey bees live in hives or colonies. Each hive has drones, thousands of workers and one queen.

She runs the whole colony and lays all of the eggs. A queen can live up to five years. She can lay between 1000 and 2000 eggs a day. When she dies, the workers create a new queen by feeding a newly hatched larva royal jelly. Worker bees are all females. They are the ones you might see outside the hive. They build the hive, keep it clean and collect food. Most live six weeks or less.

When the worker bee uses her stinger then she will die. Drones are males. Several hundred live in each colony during the Spring and Summer but they are kicked out for the Winter.

FACTS Honey bees communicate by dancing.

They never sleep.

Out of over 20,000 species of bees less than ten make honey.

A bee visits between 50 and 100 flowers on a gathering outing.

A honeycomb cell has six sides.

Bees beat their wings 200 times per second and Washington state is known for an unusual flavor- can fly 15 mph. carrot honey.

Ancient Egyptians paid their taxes with honey.

They also placed it in King Tut’s tomb and it was Bees have five eyes. still edible when found.

20 • AUGUST 2016

August 10 National S’More Day

To celebrate America’s favorite campfire treat why not gather some friends to try some new combinations instead of the traditional graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate. You could use a Nilla Wafer, peanut butter, a molasses, a shortbread or a chocolate cookie. Instead of plain chocolate what about trying a peanut butter cup, a thin mint or a peppermint patty. Lots of people think a spread of Nutella or peanut butter is delicious.

No marshmallows? Try using marshmallow crème instead. Your choices are only limited by what is in your cupboard and your imagination.

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FAMILY FUN MONTH

Free or almost free activities you can do with your family this month. For more ideas check out the August issue of Visit your local library Bake together Create a new sandwich Play yard games; Simon Says, Hike Mother May I, Fly a kite Red Light, Green Light Dance Red Rover, Movie night Camp in your backyard Hopscotch, Jump Rope Doodle Set up blankets in the Go fishing yard to look up at the Go pick fruit stars or do some cloud Wash the car watching Make a family tree

The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 21

PACE Trait -

Congratulations to Anabelle!

GRADITUDE

She’s the latest

KiDDS Dental

Feeling and expressing thankful appreciation for benefits received In honor of National Coloring Day we are hosting a contest. All entries will be submitted to a random drawing. The winner will receive a $5 Barnes and Noble gift card. Submit your entry to paula@ libertylakesplash.com or mail it to us at PO Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

No Cavity Club winner!

Anabelle won a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble and a photo session with

Call our office to schedule an appointment to see if your child is cavity-free!

891-7070

Grow Up Smiling!

1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite B, Liberty Lake 509.891.7070 www.GrowUpSmiling.com

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!

LION - Africa - 4.5-6.5 long, 265550 pounds, 12 years - Lion, lioness, cub, pride (3-40) Seven species threatened, less than 20,000 - Second largest and most social of all cats with almost no predators - Live twice as long in captivity - Female is the primary hunter but the male still eats first, 11-15 pounds - Runs 50 mph - Roar can be heard 5 miles away -Rests for about 20 hours a day

22 • AUGUST 2016

The Splash

Author Spotlight

s s e g r u orton B

Th

Thornton grew up in Sandwich, MA. His father died shortly after he was born so he worked very hard as a young man. One of his jobs on Discovery Hill inspired many of his stories. After graduating from high school, he studied business at a college in Boston. What he really wanted to be was an author so he moved and took a job as an editorial assistant at a publishing company.

He wrote stories under the pseudonym W.B. Thornton. His first book, Old Mother West Wind, was written in 1910. This book introduced many characters that the public would grow to love.

Thornton was a conservationist and his love of nature heavily influenced his writing for the next 50 years. In total he wrote 170 books and 15,000 bedtime stories for his daily news column. From 1912-1960, he also broadcast on the radio. His programs were adored by educators and parents. For a spin on the pet rock, we painted rocks to He won several awards and was highly praised look like frogs. for his conservation efforts. He remained active in MATERIALS: both until his death at age 91. rocks paint paintbrush Old Mother West Wind 1910 ages 4-11 Sharpie for details (if you want) This is the book that started it all. Meet Old INSTRUCTIONS: Mother West Wind, her Merry Little Breezes and The most important thing when painting rocks is their animal neighbors that live in the Old Briar to find a smooth one, unless you are going to run Patch and by the Smiling Pool. It is written in it into a toad. You want rocks for this project that chapters that are the perfect size for a bedtime are pancake shaped. read.

Start by washing your rock off outside and drying Mother West Wind’s Neighbors 1913 ages 4-11 it well so your paint will stick.

Mother West Wind “Why” Stories 1915 ages 4-11 Paint the rock entirely with your main color.

We’ve never read a Thornton Burgess book we When this is dry, add spots, stripes or speckles of didn’t love. All of his stories have talking aniyour choice. mals, morals that aren’t really thrown in your Finally add eyes, nostrils, mouth and any other face and are great for read aloud. There is an details that make you happy.

Adventures of___ book for just about every character so pick your favorite and try one of For longevity spray your rock with a clear sealer. these too!

Place for your enjoyment!

Make your own tribute to Grandfather Frog

Books We Recommend

The Splash

A few thoughts on gratitude

By Rev. Linda Bartholomew Episcopal Church of the Resurrection One of my favorite contemporary theologians is Paul McCartney. Don’t you marvel at how being one of the Beatles was only the start of his career and how he has had things to say not only about love and life, but also often even about God all along?

One of his latest albums, “Memory Almost Full,” has a favorite song of mine entitled, “Gratitude.” The opening goes like this: “Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude.

I’m so grateful for everything you’ve ever given me.

How can I explain, oh, what it means to be loved by you, by you, loved by you, loved by you?

Show my gratitude, gratitude.

Show my gratitude. I wanna show my gratitude. Gratitude, yeah.”

That about sums it up, doesn’t it?

Student of the Month You could say Jonas LaPier is in tune with success at Central Valley High School. The senior-to-be maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. LaPier plays the mellophone (a cross between a trumpet and French horn) in CV’s distinguished marching band and plays French Horn in the wind ensemble. He is also part of the school’s brass quartet that won regionals and qualified for state last year. For the last two years, LaPier has participated in the Spokane Youth Symphony and currently occupies first chair for the French Horn. He also serves on the board of directors for the “Green Team,” a studentled organization that promotes environmentally friendly practices throughout the Central Valley School District. To top it off, LaPier has been part of the Bears’ track squad for three season, specializing in the 1,600-meter run. 0-meter run.

AUGUST 2016 • 23

We can and should be grateful. He says it over and over. And then over again.

“But wait,” you say. “Didn’t even Paul McCartney go through some hard times?” I think I remember that Linda, his first wife and the love of his life died some years ago? Then he remarried, but that relationship took a nosedive and ended in a divorce?

Surely this suggests that even one of the most famous, wealthy, adored persons that has ever walked the earth has suffered, so why is he crooning on and on about gratitude? Perhaps Paul is going through another great infatuation (no doubt a possibility).

Or maybe, just maybe, he has grown into a wise and even holy man.

Recently, a sister of mine (I am blessed to have six of them) and I were lamenting how a mutual friend, no matter how much she has, is never happy. It would be so tempting to lecture her about developing a grateful heart. Indeed, our friend has also suffered. But somehow a rebound seems beyond her. That spirit of gratitude is just not there.

Everyone can see it and the tragedy of her life is difficult to bear, for her This fall, Gabrielle Ford of Central Valley High School will be among the region’s elite returning cross country runners. As a junior last year, she was named to the All Greater Spokane League second team and was part of a CV squad that placed 10th at state. Ford finished 35th in the field of 141 state harriers with a time of 19:25.3 on the 5K (3.1mile) course. In 2014, she qualified for the Foot Locker West Regional Cross Country Championships. Ford also competes on the Bears’ track team in the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs. In June, Ford participated with her fellow cross country teammates in the Spokane Valley Relay for Life, raising money and awareness for the fight against cancer. As a senior, Ford will serve on the board of the Key Club, a student-led organization that promotes community service.

She currently maintains a 3.19 grade point average.

Athlete of the Month

and for those who love her. Have you ever met our friend?

This reminds me of a true story that has changed my life. Several years ago, a prominent preacher named John Claypool had a 10year old daughter, Laura Lue, who lost her valiant fight with leukemia.

Her parents had been with her every agonizing step of the way.

Her suffering was so bad that they sometimes had to put a cloth in her mouth just so she could bite her way through the pain. At other times, their little Laura would turn to them and ask them if they were praying to God that she would get better. “Oh yes,” they assured her, they were storming the heavens with their prayers. “Then what did God say?” she pleaded. They had no answer for their littlest angel.

I mention their story because at the funeral, her father John preached one of the most powerful sermons I have ever heard. One of the truths he clung to, and of which he assures all who have followed in the difficult footsteps of suffering, is that no matter what else, he and his wife would always choose to be suffused with gratitude for the life of his

beloved daughter.

Gratitude is one of the deepest and most formidable choices we can ever make. G.K. Chesterton said it well, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

God has blessed us with a world of wonder, particularly in the marvel and gift of his own Son who didn’t bypass the suffering at all, but rather entered into to it for our sake. In doing so He sung his own song of gratitude, a song I am spending my own life learning to sing. It has a catchy tune.

Rev. Linda Bartholomew has served the loving, generous and energetic people of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Spokane Valley (Eighth and Sullivan, Spokane Valley) as priest-in-charge since 2012.

Rev. Linda spends a lot of her time planning the weekly liturgy, praying, leading Bible Study, counseling the sick, searching for ways to help in our community grow and sneaking in a regular nature jog. She is often assisted by her newly retired husband.

Citizen of the Month Liberty Lake resident Tricia Usab works as a local attorney with Paine Hamblen and is part of the

advisory committee for the Fallen Heroes Circuit Course, a project that has placed five exercise stations honoring each branch of the military and local fallen heroes at sites throughout Liberty Lake.

Tricia is also a volunteer Books for Tots, a nonprofit that distributes books to children in Kootenai County Tricia and her husband Jack moved to Liberty Lake in 2006. They are parents to two children.

In 2009, Tricia participated in the Coeur d’Alene Ironman and followed it up with a sprint triathlon and half Ironman. She is also an avid snowboarder.

The Splash and the city of Liberty Lake salute Tricia for her efforts to improve and strengthen the community.

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24 • AUGUST 2016 Brought to you by

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Couple saluted for commitment to community, each other

By Mary Anne Ruddis

Splash Correspondent In case you were wondering who that distinguished couple in the festive golf cart was at last month’s Alpine Shores Fourth of July Parade, it was no less than Bruce and Marge Johnson – pillars of Liberty Lake for over a half a century.

Bruce and Marge served as grand marshals of the annual procession through the lakefront neighborhood, trailed by an impressive fan club of relatives. The parade committee elected the couple to be grand marshals if they would accept.

One of Marge’s friends jokingly told her that if they didn’t agree to be the grand marshals, then there just may not be a parade. The selection was a tribute and recognition of being longtime residents and active members of the community.

“It was an honor to be chosen,” said Marge. “Quite an honor,” added Bruce. Driving a decorated golf cart, they waved and smiled to those gathered on the side of the residential roads.

The Johnsons lived in Liberty Lake for 54 years before recently moving to Courtland Place in Spokane Valley.

As longtime Liberty Lake residents, they believed that engaging in the community made it stronger. As a team, they volunteered with the Liberty Lake Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) office for 15 years after friends urged them to get involved with the organization. The goal of SCOPE is to promote public safety and crime prevention through citizen involvement.

Both Marge and Bruce believe it is important for members of a community to get to know each other, noting that volunteering brings people together and residents can get to know their neighbors.

“It is a way to prevent crime,” said Marge. ““Volunteering helps you to see the other side of things and also helps you to know how to

Bruce and Marge Johnson volunteered with the Liberty Lake chapter of the Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) for 15 years. Photo by Mary Anne Ruddis deal with others.”

When community members know each other, it is much easier to spot trouble, Marge adds. With all of the turmoil in the world, the couple has emphasized the importance to find common ground by building community.

The two worked as a team, typically on the night shift from 9 p.m. to midnight. Bruce would check doors and look for suspicious activity at local businesses and Marge would drive and keep records of the places they visited. Both worked during the day, Bruce was in the RV business in Spokane Valley for 62 years and Marge worked as a medical transcriptionist.

Next year the Johnsons will celebrate their golden anniversary.

They married in 1967. Prior to getting married, they lived next door to each other in Liberty Lake.

“I married a younger man,” joked Marge. Bruce is 83 and Marge is 86. Each already had two children when they married, a boy and a girl. Today, in addition to their four children, they have four grandkids, and four great-grandkids. “[Marriage] isn’t always easy.

You have to work it out somehow,” Marge said.

“Even after nearly 50 years, it is still a work in progress,” Bruce added.

Marge believes that it is “important

to stay busy,” noting that individual hobbies and interests can make a marriage stronger.

Marge has been studying and working with ceramics for over 30 years and also taught classes in her home while in Liberty Lake. Bruce helped out with the molds and firing in the kiln. Their apartment is decorated with beautiful artwork that Marge has created over the

years. There are even a few pieces

by Bruce, a self-described “rock hound.” Once he became interested in rocks, Marge bought him his first rock polisher.

Marge also keeps active and involved in the Liberty Lake Garden Club and Beta Sigma Phi Club as well as various activities that are available at Courtland Place.

Bruce’s philosophy of life is simple, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you – that’s as good and simple as you can make it,” he said.

While recognizing that he might not always do that perfectly, he works diligently to remember it all the time. He is also fond of remembering that when it comes to the way we treat other people, “an eye for an eye, leave both blind.”

Bruce has three other tried and true philosophies that he lives by: 1) His mother taught him that still waters do run deep, 2) His dad drove home the lesson that if you can’t say anything good about a person, don’t say anything at all, and 3) Don’t judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.

In this fast-paced world, he says it’s important to slow down and reflect on these tried and true folk wisdoms that have stood the test of time – just like Bruce and Marge.

Bruce and Marge Johnson were selected as grand marshals for this year’s Alpine Shores Fourth of July Parade. The couple called Liberty Lake home for 54 years before recently moving to Spokane Valley.

Photo by Craig Howard

The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 25

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SPORTS

CV valedictorian ready to scale next challenge in Russia

found success in what he does because of his dedication and persistent effort.

Splash Correspondent

Ben’s success in the 2015-16 school year included a third-place state finish in the 110-meter high hurdles this spring and leading the state with seven interceptions as an All-Greater Spokane League first-team cornerback in the fall. He also started for the Bears at wide receiver.

By J.R. Conrow

Ask any high school graduate about his or her future plans and most may say they are just starting to address the new reality beyond secondary education.

Ben Craig, Central Valley High School graduate and valedictorian of the class of 2016, is ready to begin the journey with an open mind and a solid foundation.

Along with the guidance of his parents Steve and Julie of Liberty Lake, Ben has created a lifelong bond of family, learning and sports and a positive influence that he is ready to share. The themes – a dual athlete in football and track, active in his church and a high-achiever in the classroom with a 3.98 grade point average – have shaped Ben for his future.

From little league baseball to his four years at CV with the Bears’ football and track teams, Craig said he has always given his best and been gifted with natural athletic ability.

“I’ve always liked sports, it all started with little league baseball,” Craig said.

Steve said his son has always

The Splash

“He first starting showing athletic prowess when he was 7 years old with baseball,” Steve said. “Ben was a very good pitcher in little league.”

“I was the senior leader,” Ben said. “I guess it was just my year.”

In addition to the 110-meter high hurdles, Craig competed in the 300 intermediate hurdles and high jump. He also anchored the 4 x 100-meter relay during the regular season, but only competed in the 110 hurdles at state at Mt. Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma.

At the regional meet in 2015, Craig finished with a 14.35 in his signature event, defeating Nick Johnson of Gonzaga Prep who would go on to win state that year as well as in 2016. Craig’s personal best in the 110 hurdles is 14:30, the second best mark in CV history.

At state this year, Craig’s time of 14.54 was good enough for bronze.

“I felt good about my effort and was satisfied with third after getting fourth place last year,” Ben said. “It was a close finish between me and

Ben is the son of Steve and Julie Craig of Liberty Lake. In June, he departed for a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After nine weeks in Provo, Utah for language training, he will spend the balance of his mission in Novosibirsk, Russia.

Contributed photo the fourth place finisher so I had a good race.”

Ben said his success at state the past two years was the result of regular season meets and facing the elite competition in the GSL. “I always had to compete with the top guys in the state so when state came it was nothing different,” he said. “During the year, as a team, we treated every meet as if it was state.”

In football, the Bears went 8-3 in 2015. In addition to his stateleading interception count, Ben finished with three touchdowns receptions. He played all season on defense, half on offense and helped regularly on special teams.

Ben said he has engineering in his mind as a career path though he does not know exactly what aspect yet. Steve said though from an early age the math and sciences have interested Ben. “I can remember when Ben was about 9 years old when he took an exercise bike apart and worked on putting it back together,” Steve said. “The math and science of how things work have always been interesting for him.”

Ben Craig placed third in the 110-meter high hurdles at the 4A state track championships in May. Craig graduated from Central Valley High School in June with a 3.98 grade point average.

Contributed photo

Ben and his parents are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), a faith that emphasizes missionary work throughout the world. On July 13, Ben left for a two-year mission to Novosibirsk, Russia that will begin with nine weeks of language training studies at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.

“It’s all about balance in life, no matter what you’re doing,” said Steve. “Growing up we have

focused on our family. We make sure to sit down and have breakfast and dinner together, and no matter what you do in life, the key is balance.”

Craig said he is looking forward to bringing others to God and learning the Russian language and experiencing a different culture.

Once he returns home, Ben said he will be figuring his career options in engineering while attending Brigham Young University on a track scholarship. He will start classes on the Provo campus in the fall of 2018.

Ben said the BYU scholarship ties into his proudest accomplishment from his years at CV. “During my junior year at regionals, I won the race and set a season personal record of 14.35,” Ben said. “I also placed ahead of the kid that went on to win state last year and this year so I felt really good especially since he rarely loses. This race opened me to being viewed by Division 1 schools and it led BYU to be interested.”

Looking ahead, Ben said he thinks will be able to narrow his career options while on his mission. If he happens to like the Russian language and culture he would consider incorporating that aspect into something involving international business with an engineering or manufacturing corporation. He said he would also consider something in the government or communications field.

Whatever path he picks, it’s clear that this accomplished hurdler is ready to scale any challenge.

The Splash

SPORTS

AUGUST 2016 • 27

Sports Notebook

and very, very intelligent.”

Not to mention a person with a head coaching background.

A second hire, Travis Harmon, comes from Lake City in Coeur d’Alene where he was defensive coordinator and a finalist for the head job there.

The third is Brian Spencer, who comes from Bothell. He is, incidentally the brother-in-law of RJ Del Mese, who was Butner’s teammate and CV’s quarterback on the unbeaten team in 1995.

“We’ve been able to pick up some really, really good coaches to replace the coaches who have left,” Butner said. “All three of those guys are phenomenal.”

Update on featured athletes University high jumper Noah Martin, who was featured in the June Current, healed fast from the collarbone break that kept him out

of the high school post-season.

He said then that his stated goal was to clear 7-foot-6, three inches higher than the 7-3 he reached in the spring. The latter mark qualified him for the U.S. Olympic Trials. He no-heighted in the rain, but took away from the meet a wealth of experience.

In July I wrote about Hunter Wells, the West Valley and Gonzaga University pitcher who was the Miami Marlins pick late in the Major League draft. At the time he was contemplating whether to return to GU or sign with the Marlins if the price was right.

It was.

Summer fun Ron Adams’ Spokane Stars basketball team might just as well be named the Central Valley Bears.

Much of the traveling team is made

up of members of the State 4A champs.

During a tournament in Oregon Lacie Hull was named the most valuable player and Lexie Hull and Hailey Christopher were named to the all-tourney team.

Other CV team members are, Mady Simmelink and Camryn Skaife.

Bears’ softball battery Kelsey Gumm and Macie Reynolds were at it again on their respective summer softball teams. Gumm pitched a 3-0, 10-strikeout shutout for her 18U North Idaho Xtreme, the state titlists. Reynolds hit two home runs during the Crash 16U championship run in a Spokane tournament title.

CV third-place state finishing hurdler Ben Craig will continue his track career at Brigham Young University after serving a two-year LDS mission in Russia.

CV grad forged career with Olympic-quality credentials

earned a Master’s degree at Gonzaga University and spent five years in Tennessee promoting Classical Christian education before returning home.

and work on going over the bar at 8-feet. My spikes didn’t go into the box.” He thought he’d bruised a foot. “I didn’t know at the time I actually had a stress fracture.”

able to train. My head wasn’t in it.”

“Out of the blue,” Harken said.

Today he oversees another program, Spokane Christian School.

Next morning he could barely walk and says in hindsight he should have had his dentist father find one there and have his foot shot with novocaine to deaden the pain.

By Mike Vlahovich Splash Sports Editor Three new assistant coaches will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Central Valley football team.

They replace several longtime aides who hung it up when Rick Giampietri retired as head coach (he still remains on staff as a defensive assistant.)

The new Bears offensive coordinator is Dave Myers, formerly the head coach at Interlake, who moved here when his wife, a Spokane native, took a job in Spokane.

“He actually applied for the (CV) job,” new coach Ryan Butner said.

“I reached out to him in March. He and I have hit it off. He’s fantastic

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Brent Harken reached heights that enabled him to span the globe simply because of the ability to arch backward over a bar set more than a foot above his head. He high jumped on every continent except Africa and competed in seven stadiums that hosted the Summer Olympics. But the one thing lacking on an impressive resume was the opportunity to participate in the Games themselves.

The Rio De Janeiro Olympics are about to unfold and I figured it was time to catch up and chat with Brent about his late-blooming career path that began in early 1980 and took him from Central Valley to his globe-trotting high jump experiences.

The last I’d heard from his brother Brad, Brent was living in Tennessee and overseeing a Classical Christian college. I’d run into Brad at the Sullivan Road Noodle Express and while we awaited our orders, I cadged Brent’s phone number.

How time flies. By the time the two of us connected, it was two years later and I discovered Brent was back in the Spokane Valley.

He had taught for seven years at Valley Christian School, moved to Moscow, Idaho for 11 years,

The remarkable twist on his international high jumping career is that Harken didn’t even begin high jumping until his senior year at Central Valley.

That spring of 1980, he jumped 7-foot-1.

“My hope and dream was to go to college and play basketball,” he said.

He’d been a baseball player, too, but says “my senior year I said I’ll just turn out for track. When I won state I’d only been jumping for two months.”

That earned him a ride to Washington State where he was a fourtime All-American, twice each indoors and out. He spent roughly a dozen years jumping around the world and says his all-time best was 7-foot, 8.5-inches at an indoor meet at the University of Idaho’s Kibbie Dome. His official outdoor international best, 2.31 meters, translates to 7-7.

He participated in several Olympic Trials and says he was at his best in 1988, before bad jumping conditions and an injury thwarted his attempt to make the team.

“My worst jump (during the season) was 7-5,” Harken explains.

“The last workout going into the trials I was going to do a box drill

He cleared 7-3, then, hoping to make the Olympic qualifying standard, passed until the bar was set near 7-8. I remember watching the jump on television. He says he took off too close to the bar and tipped it. As he was getting out of the pit he watched the bar wiggle off the uprights.

He says what he took from that experience, aside from the opportunity travel all over the globe, were the friends he made whose brains he picked.

“I always was a tinkerer, I tried every method I could,” he says.

“About 1991 I really figured it out. I knew exactly how to make the high jump work for me. The problem was it was at the end of my career.”

Who knows what might have happened had Brent Harken figured it out earlier. Three decades later he must content himself watching on TV instead of competing when Olympic track and field begins in Rio on Aug. 12.

“At first I thought, ‘I have it,’” Harken recalled. “From that point my whole life took a completely different turn.”

The Lord, he says, led him to his present career – although he didn’t give up high jumping all together.

Four teaching jobs had opened, including at his alma mater and university and he prayed for guidance about which way to go. The answer he received surprised him – None, choose the Christian school situated below where your parents live.

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It was at Valley Christian that he met his wife and they began another nomadic, this time educationbased adventure. Altogether they have five children and 13 grandchildren.

libertylakesplash.com

While he continued to compete on a limited basis and reached 7-6.5 at a national meet in 1991, “I felt I had to scale it back. I wasn’t

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28 • AUGUST 2016

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The Splash

HISTORY

Town Square campaign resonates with themes from local past

By Ross Schneidmiller Liberty Lake Historical Society “Congregate, Educate, Recreate, Celebrate” is the slogan for the Vote Yes on Proposition 1 Town Square campaign. It could just as easily have been used to promote Andrew Seltice’s gathering of tribal members at Liberty Lake in the 1850s.

On July 1 for several years, the different villages of the Coeur d’Alene tribe would travel to Liberty Lake for Seltice’s feast. Afterwards, there were recreational activities

for all to enjoy. There were horse races, foot races, stick games, target shooting with bow and arrow as well as water events. Seltice was known for fostering competitions that were instructional and taught skills like masonry and carpentry.

When the races were finished many of the tribal members would celebrate their heritage listening to Tecomtee sing the prophecy songs of his grandfather, Circling Raven.

It was said that there was “no equal to his melodious tenor voice that would carry out over the water into the night.” As the young members

of the tribe learned these songs they would also join together in a harmonious voice for all to enjoy.

Congregating, educating, recreating, and celebrating have been traditions at Liberty Lake for over 150 years, continuing through the resort and camp era up to today.

I think Seltice would have been pleased that our community has been forward-minded, adapting to our changing environment like he was in leading his tribe when the settlers came.

Many thanks go out to those who have invested their time and resources to make this a special place to raise a family. We have wonderful greenspaces, parks,

AUGUST 2016 • 29

trails and neighborhoods, as well as significant recreational opportunities. Our utilities are award winning, helping to protect our environment.

Many of our community’s attributes have come from grassroots efforts like our sewer and water system, Pavillion Park, and the csity.

I also think Seltice would see the wisdom of a community center – a centrally located gathering place that could accommodate our residents, provide greater aquatic access to an area once known as Spokane’s Inland Seashore and enlarging our library to increase our learning opportunities.

If you have yet to mail your ballot, please do so today!

Various resorts and sites along the water front hosted events and programs each summer. A camp at Zephyr Lodge from 1959 is portrayed here.

Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

A large crowd enjoys Liberty Lake in the summer of 1923. The water refuge was once known as “Spokane’s Inland Seashore.”

Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

Ben Hurtig, son of Liberty Lake Park owner Lou Hurtig, enjoyed having his birthday party in 1922 on the touring launch that bore his name.

Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

The All Valley Picnic in Liberty Lake was recognized as the highlight of the summer for many years. An image from the 10th annual picnic in 1932 is pictured above.

Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

The Splash

30 • AUGUST 2016

Soccer and more at Barefoot in the Park

By Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent Summer in Liberty Lake means trips to the beach, barbecues and a shoeless soccer tournament.

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Barefoot in the Park, the area’s signature three-on-three soccer tournament and festival, is now in its third year. The event, a combination of the former Liberty Lake Days and the soccer tournament, starts the evening of Friday, Aug. 5 and goes through Sunday, Aug. 7.

Teams of up to five players compete over two-and-a-half days for the tourney crown – all while playing soccer without shoes – in Pavillion Park. Everyone is encouraged to participate, no matter their skill level.

“Anyone can play. We register them by age and experience level,” said volunteer tournament organizer Mark Michaelis.

The games start with adults playing on Friday night and kids’ games following on Saturday and Sunday. Pavillion Park is parceled into dozens of mini soccer fields that are 30 yards long by 20 yards wide. Each team plays between three and six games, depending on if they make it into the finals.

“You have to play a minimum of three games and it’s double elimination,” said Michaelis.

There are girls, boys and co-ed teams.

Tournament organizers want players to make it a fun event and encourage teams to express themselves with their uniforms.

“The goal is fun,” said Michaelis.

“That’s the target.”

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If you are more of a soccer fan than participant, there is a weekend full of the game as well as other entertainment. The Liberty Lake Kiwanis are taking on a major sponsoring role in the festival that surrounds the soccer tournament this year. The service club, known for their ambitious support of community causes, has some serious entertainment and refreshments lined up.

The car show runs from 5-8

p.m. Friday night. Entrants are needed, so if you have a cool car, come show it off. The Kiwanis concession stands are open from 4 to 11 p.m. Funds from the car show and concessions go to a good cause – scholarships for Spokanearea high school seniors. These scholarships are unique in that they go to students who will be the first in their families to attend college and can also be applied to trade schools.

For more exercise, the second annual Red, White and Brews Run, sponsored by the Liberty Lake Running Club, takes place Friday at 6 p.m.

For those who prefer dancing, the Friends of Pavilion Park will sponsor free live music both Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. The Ryan Larsen Band plays Friday night. The band for Saturday night had not been announced as of press time.

On Saturday and Sunday there are many family events scheduled, including more food, games, vendors and demonstrations. There will be a takraw exhibition, a sport similar to volleyball where players are only allowed to use their feet, knees, chest and head to get the ball over the net. For those who want to get the ball in the air the old-fashioned way, there is help for that too.

“We’re also having a juggling team come in to help kids learn to juggle,” said Michaelis.

The festival wraps up when all the teams have played and winners from each bracket are declared champions on Sunday afternoon.

You can register to play in the annual Barefoot in the Park three-on-three soccer tournament at www. barefoot3v3.com.

The fee is $150 per team and goes to cover administrative and materials costs. The deadline to register is Sunday, July 31.

Cars can be registered for the car show at www.

LibertyLakeKiwanis.org or by calling Melissa Niece at (509) 850-0845. The deadline to register is Aug. 4.

To sign up for the Red, White and Brews Fun Run, email Kathy Whybrew at kathyawwhybrew@ msn.com.

The Splash

GEM

Continued from page 13 educational outreach in the park and reduce detrimental impacts to Liberty Creek, the only year-round tributary of Liberty Lake.”

From the Polar Plunge each winter benefiting Special Olympics to high school cross county meets on the winding trails under the changing colors of autumn, the park hosts a diverse schedule of activities each year. Chase said the site has seen “a steady increase in attendance for special events” as well as overall number of visitors.

The county has brought on seasonal staff to help coordinate parking.

“At times, that park is at its capacity,” Chase said. “It’s definitely one of our most popular parks.”

Scott and Karrie Fay of Liberty Lake count themselves among the park’s growing fan club. The couple was aware of the abundance of running and mountain biking trails here but, in Scott’s words, “didn’t even know the camping part was here until a few weeks ago.”

“We run the trails out here and mountain bike,” Scott said. “We love this place.”

With a home in the Rocky Hill neighborhood, Scott and Karrie relish the proximity of a unique outdoor recreation hub a short drive from the suburbs.

“We’re five minutes away,” said Karrie. “We were drawn to this area because we could swim, kayak, hike, mountain bike and more.”

Before setting up their camp trailer in the park over a weekend in June, Scott peddled his mountain bike to scout out the ORV area. A general contractor, Scott said he grasps the way public beach access has dwindled over the years as development has taken place. Still, with nearly 3,600 acres of refined wilderness just down the road from his home, he’s not complaining.

“I understand how it goes with lakefront property – it’s part of the process,” he said. “I feel we’re blessed to have this place left. As long as it stays that way, I think we’re fortunate. We can still get to the lake. I think this place is pretty awesome.”

AUGUST 2016 • 31

LLPOA annual meeting set for Aug. 18 From Splash News Sources

For over 100 years, the Liberty Lake Property Owners’ Association has been around in one form or another. LLPOA has led the way on many community accomplishments and social events, including electricity, street lighting, policing, Fourth of July celebrations, fire protection, street paving, boating and swimming safety, parks and playgrounds, safe drinking water and a healthy lake.

It’s time for a brief consideration of the current and future community brought to you by LLPOA. You are invited to historical Zephyr Lodge to meet with neighbors, share information and socialize.

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What: LLPOA annual meeting Who: Liberty Lake property owners, residents, friends.

All interested are welcome.

When: Thursday, Aug. 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Where: Zephyr Lodge (meeting preceded by 5 p.m./optional historical tour) - Zephyr Lodge turn-in is just before the Liberty Lake Regional Park, 1900 S. Zephyr Road, Liberty Lake, WA. 99019 Why: Building/sustaining community.

Reflect, assess, envision the future.

Tentative agenda: 5 p.m. – pre-meeting, historical tour of lodge/grounds 5:30 p.m. – Introduction 5:35 p.m. – State of the watershed/ lake 5:45 p.m. – State of the aquifer/ river 5:55 p.m. – Fire safety 6:05 p.m. – County park 6:15 p.m. – Boating safety 6:25 p.m. – Town Square 6:35 p.m. – Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District 6:45 p.m. possibilities

–

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7 p.m. – Adjourn Follow-up with questions and answers as long as needed.

Questions or suggestions? Contact Tom Agnew at 255-6686.

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

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The Splash

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Have you ever visited Liberty Lake (or any lake) and wondered “What’s going on with the lake this year?” and “Why is the lake this green color?” Have you asked yourself “Who is taking care of this apparent problem?”

To address these types of questions, the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District would like to provide a little perspective and history to highlight the intensive past and current management activities.

In the 1960s, residents of Liberty Lake noticed that nuisance cyanobacteria (referred to as “blue-green algae”) blooms were becoming more apparent each year.

By the late 1960s, tons of decaying aquatic plants and dried algal mats were being removed from the lake, prompting residents’ concern over water quality and lake health.

In 1973, with help from the property owners’ association, residents petitioned for and elected three commissioners to represent a special purpose sewer district.

Since then, the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District has worked diligently to protect the lake’s health and maintain the beauty that attracted many area residents.

In 1975, the district received a $15 million grant from the State Clean Lakes program for lake restoration which included the construction of a sewer system and a wastewater treatment facility. The state of Washington Water Research Center and the Civil Engineering Hydraulics Section at WSU conducted chemical and physical testing, hydrologic measurements and analyzed precipitation and watershed runoff from 1974 to 1976.

WSU developed a restoration plan in 1974 calling for watershed protection, reduction of wetland runoff, sewers to reduce nutrient

flows and dredging to remove nutrient-rich sediments. These were followed with an alum treatment to remove suspended matter and nutrients released by dredging.

Plans for a wastewater treatment facility were developed in 1976 and the facility was completed in 1982.

In 1977, the district requested that the legislature amend the law to allow districts to spend funds to protect lakes. The legislature gave sewer districts the protection authority under Section 57.08.005 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

Since then, the district has also accomplished other monumental legislative initiates including: 1) becoming the first district to pass a resolution banning phosphorus in laundry detergent, which resulted in state and nationwide bans (according to Procter and Gamble Co., this will be effective worldwide in the next two years), 2) becoming the first district to pass a resolution banning phosphorus in automatic dishwasher detergent. This also resulted in statewide legislation which was shortly followed by 17 additional states instituting bans before phosphorus was removed from consumer products nationwide; 3) becoming one of the first districts to ban phosphorus in lawn fertilizer within the watershed of Liberty Lake, which later resulted in a new Washington state law joining 11 additional states.

State funding and resources are not available to manage the nearly 8,000 lakes in Washington. Because of this, management typically falls upon the local government or homeowners. As a special purpose district in Washington, the district accepts responsibility to maintain the water quality of Liberty Lake in accordance with RCW 57.08.005.

Its primary tool for accomplishing this is through provision of sanitary

See WATERFRONT, Page 33

The Splash

WATERFRONT

Continued from page 32 sewer service. In 2006, the district was one of the first dischargers in the region to upgrade their facility to achieve enhanced phosphorous removal from its discharge to the Spokane River.

The district invested $11.6 million and completed phase one of facility upgrades. Today, phase two of facility upgrades is underway.

These upgrades include advanced tertiary treatment through chemical addition and membrane filtration. This additional treatment will further reduce phosphorous discharge to less than a half pound per day. This will equate to better than 99 percent removal of phosphorous entering the facility.

The end product will be “Class A” reclaimed water. Cost of this upgrade is $17.1 million.

Today, current specific lake management activities include: • Annual long-term data collection (dating back to 1968) on the lake and inflow streams.

This occurs every other week (May through October) and is aimed at providing water quality baseline and trends critical for understanding lake health and triggers for algae blooms. The district also monitors algae bloom toxicity;

AUGUST 2016 • 33

ecology as implementation of such techniques also maintains water quality.

• Lake stewardship is promoted in watershed studies, environmental education programs, conferences and workshops as well as dissemination of newsletter and news articles such as this.

To address the concerns of environmental groups, citizens and some agency personnel, agencies studied the effect of restoration efforts on the lake's health.

To date, these studies indicate that the lake has remained in a healthy mesotrophic (lakes with an intermediate level of productivity) condition since restoration. No large-scale algal bloom has occurred in the past 40 years, though the threat remains and occasional blooms are expected to occur.

In 2015, the lake experienced an algae bloom of an uncommon (especially to Liberty Lake) and relatively unresearched phytoplankton called Gomphosphaeria. For five weeks in July and August this bloom was relatively intense, but did not

compare to the scale of blooms observed prior to lake restoration.

Today, the district is embarking on collecting additional data to understand the current lake health status, potential nutrient loading and the effects of climate on lake algae blooms.

Last year, the Northwest experienced one of the warmest and driest years on record. For Liberty Lake, it hit record low lake levels, lacked snowpack and outlet flushing critical to sustain desirable water quality. Many lakes in the Pacific Northwest suffered toxic cyanobacteria blooms forcing closures. Luckily for Liberty Lake, we avoided a toxic bloom and the five-week duration remedied potential closure.

Clean lakes increase property values, contribute to the economic status of entire communities and add to their intrinsic aesthetic value.

According to a report called “Water quality affects property prices: A case study of selected Maine lakes” (1996), a 1-meter drop in clarity cause real estate values to plummet by 10 to 15 percent and economic loss to a neighboring

town by 5 percent The Delavan Lake Improvement Association in Wisconsin completed a study showing how improved water quality positively affects property values. Delavan Lake experienced nuisance algae blooms throughout the 1980s. From 1987 to 1995, state agencies spent $7 million on successfully rehabilitating the lake. During the period spent on rehabilitation, property values increased by 352 percent.

Defining the value of lakes allows us to put the risk of degrading water quality and the cost of protecting our lakes in perspective. The money people spend to use lakes gives rise to additional money being spent within these communities. If water quality of a lake declines, not only would the enjoyment of residents and visitors suffer, so would the economic activity they create. Improving water quality would have the opposite effect.

For additional information on Liberty Lake or the district’s lake management activities, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 9225443. More information at www. libertylake.org.

• Milfoil management (see the Water Front column in July’s Splash). The district conducts surveys, harvest and treatment activities for milfoil and other aquatic and terrestrial invasive plants; • Stormwater management around the lake is the other primary tool the district utilizes to maintain water quality. Protective measures are in place to reduce and prevent nonpoint source pollution, including diverting runoff, reducing lawn fertilization and preventing disruptions to the watershed.

• Shoreline protection. The district routinely observes the lake shoreline and reports shoreline alterations that could adversely affect the lake to local and state agencies for remedial enforcement action. Reporting such activities contribute to maintenance of the shoreline ecology and lake water quality. Through administration of its stormwater management program, the district informs shoreland owners of landscaping techniques to protect the shoreline

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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.

Pavillion Park hosted the annual Fourth of July concert with Tuxedo Junction providing toe-tapping big band tunes.

The city of Liberty Lake sponsored the second annual fireworks show following the music. Photo by Craig Howard

Marc Postlewait and his rollicking accordion music were a hit during the annual Italian Festival on July 23 at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. Photo by Craig Howard

America’s national bird was seen peering out over Newman Lake recently.

Photo by Michael Hassett The Fourth of July in Liberty Lake means plenty of festively decorated golf carts, bikes, boats and more.

Photo by Shelly Christensen

Smurfs were spotted at the Alpine Shores Parade along with an impressive array of characters decked out in red, white and blue.

Photo by Craig Howard

The 28th annual Alpine Shores Fourth of July Parade featured a colorful array of golf carts decked out in their patriotic best.

Photo by Craig Howard

The CVHS marching band was among many highlights of the Alpine Shores Parade. The Unknown Hula Hoop Brigade won the Grand Prize; Historical Grand Prize went to the Sandy Beach entry of the “Baby Biscuit” and the Most Original Grand Prize went to the big yellow earth mover machine that proclaimed “We DIG the 4th of July.”

Photo by Craig Howard

The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 35

Eric M. Tyler, MD “I owe the man that I am to all of the wonderful women in my life and consider it a privilege to take care of mothers, daughters, and grandmothers.”

GET TO KNOW OUR NEW PROVIDERS AT SPOKANE OBGYN Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson (left) presents a plaque in honor of Peg Keeve to Jon Keeve, Peg’s son, at the July 19 City Council meeting. Keeve passed away on July 8. The plaque will be installed in council chambers at City Hall above the seat where Peg regularly attended municipal meetings.

Photo by Craig Howard

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To schedule an appointment call: Downtown 509.838.4211 Valley 509.928.2866

Shelley L. Northern, ARNP

“I am passionate about women’s health and enjoy guiding patients through the various phases and challenges life can bring, both physically and emotionally.”

Liberty Lake Farmers Market Director Holli Parker (second from left) takes a break during the Italian Festival on July 23. The annual event features authentic Italian food, music and Old World flavor.

Photo by Craig Howard

who knew?

A single 1/2" wisp of milfoil can multiply into 250 million new plants in a year. — Washington State Department of Ecology Milfoil can choke out fish, outboard motors and swimmers. Please check for milfoil when leaving every lake. Pick up fragments from your watercraft (or beach) and place in trash. Thanks!

www.libertylake.org

The district will be dive harvesting and applying herbicide to the lake in the coming weeks. See our website for details, or call 922-5443.

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Some participants in the Alpine Shores Parade were decked out and ready to cheer on Team USA in the 31st Olympic Games that begin this month. Photo by Craig Howard

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Dear Editor: In 1960, my dad (age 38) and 639 of our neighbors invested in the Normandy Park community in Western Washington by building an 8,000-square-foot community center.

They called it “The Cove” as it was built on the edge of the Puget Sound. Their assessment was $500 which equaled four monthly house payments at the time but dad didn’t hesitate because he felt all of us would benefit from the opportunity to have this wonderful facility.

Benefit we did. We had dances almost every Friday and Saturday, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on the weekdays, weddings on the weekends, photography, cards, book festivals, plant sales, movies and a whole lot more.

This past month, I took time to visit “The Cove” and relive in my mind the beginnings and the challenges of creating that opportunity. I admired how the grounds were kept, how the building and its architecture stood the test of time and how over these past 56 years, hundreds of thousands have been able to use and enjoy it.

“The Cove” was a success because 640 neighbors came together with a vision of the future. Dad passed away in 2010 but one of his selfless acts continues today as “The Cove” in Normandy Park.

Charmaine and I are much older than my father was when he invested in a community center but we realize how much our community will benefit for years to come. We know first-hand the positive impact this investment will have on our community, kids and social fabric. We know that the value of our home is enhanced by the community we help build.

Please join us by voting “yes” on the Town Square community center bond as we continue to build our future.

Steve and Charmaine Peterson Liberty Lake Dear Editor: It may be a good idea to remind drivers that the new roundabout by the health club has pedestrian crossing lanes and to slow and be aware. Drivers are tending to go faster than when they formerly needed to stop and the crosswalks are set back a bit. While standing at the corner I also chatted with other pedestrians expressing the same concern as we watched cars ignore us. Just an idea for you.

Nancy Walker Liberty Lake

OPINION

The Splash

Dear Editor: Let me begin by stating I fully support the idea of a Liberty Lake Aquatic/Community Center. What a wonderful resource for our children, families and residents, It reflects the city’s commitment to enriching our quality of life.

Yet, we are jeopardizing the safety of our children by placing such an attractive facility smack in the middle of the busiest, most congested traffic area in town. All who drive along East Mission, East Appleway or Country Vista during the weekday commute know just how busy these roads are. And the new Comcast building will bring another 700 plus employees over the next few months. Where is the traffic study?

The intentions are good but this is the wrong place for our aquatic center. Having our children cross the busiest streets to reach the

aquatic center is dangerous. It’s also the last piece of undeveloped land that could be wisely and profitably developed into lovely shops, restaurants and a center for local artisans. A place to meet friends for coffee, shop for fresh baked goods and flowers, a place to display the talents of local artists.

We still have the chance to develop a charming central business district or succumb to the strip mall sprawl that we know along Sprague Avenue.

Let’s reconsider the location of the aquatic center. Land is available west of Home Depot on Country Vista, along Harvard Road, north of I-90 and at the HUB. If we are going to spend the money, let us spend it wisely.

Vote NO for Prop 1/Town Square.

With respect, Christy Zapata Liberty Lake

Dear Editor, I am writing in support of the Liberty Lake Town Square project, or Proposition 1 on your ballot.

My family chose to live in Liberty Lake 18 years ago. This choice was based primarily on the community feel that Liberty Lake provides. The opportunities to safely walk, bike and run on the well-planned trails, events that bring the community together, the well-kept parks and green space and, of course, the family atmosphere have kept our family calling Liberty Lake home. As the community has grown, so has the desire to keep providing quality spaces to congregate and recreate.

We are an active community of all ages and varied needs. Town Square will provide something for everyone. A gathering place in the center of our town. Please join me in voting yes for Town Square.

Thank you, Amy Mason Liberty Lake

Dear Editor: I am writing in support of the Town Square project that is on our current ballot. I am a 21year resident of Liberty Lake and have watched our community space grow up from tumbleweeds in fields to an elementary school, from snow drifts on Molter to great businesses, a church, Pavilion Park and family homes.

During each stage of development, if we had to vote on the project there were people who didn’t support the new projects for

many reasons including funding, traffic concerns, personal impact etc. Some of those projects that I personally remember discussing with residents are incorporation, the Farmers Market, building the library, police station and City Hall.

What if we didn’t invest our tax dollars into these projects, how would our city be different? If you are in the process of filling out your ballot and are staring at the bubble next to “Approved” think of how the Town Square can continue to bring our community together.

We can choose to invest in our future by providing a gathering place for you, your children/ grandchildren. It will host events, activities and celebrations as well as local swimming. This is 50 cents/$1,000 of my property value that I am willing to invest for a few years until the cost is paid. I am voting “Approved” and I hope as a community partner that you will consider voting in this manner as well.

Mary Sherrill Liberty Lake

The Splash

AUGUST 2016 • 37

Correction EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com EDITOR

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craig@libertylakesplash.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR

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J.R. Conrow, Craig Howard, Staci Lehman, Treva Lind, Shardé Mills, Valerie Putnam, 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 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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Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to editor@libertylakesplash.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Splash.

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

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

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

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

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

Advertising integrity or

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

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

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

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

July 7 – First Flight - Robin McKee - Gross 48; Bette Devine - Net 40 Second Flight - Kathy Camyn and Patci Ryan - Gross 56; Barb Midkiff and Mary Lou Nowels Net 37 Third Flight - Darlene Reilly - Gross 64; Polly Soderquist Net 44 July 14 - First Flight - Robin McKee and Sharon Woolf Gross 51; Bette Devine - Net 34 Second Flight - Patci Ryan Gross 50; Vicki James - Net 32

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Submitted materials

In the July issue of the Splash, an error appeared in the story about Lynda Warren, Liberty Lake resident and chief financial officer of the Spokane Transit Authority.

Warren’s dad was described in the article as a “part-time father.” The phrase should have read “part-time farmer.” The Splash regrets the error.

Thrid Flight - Emma Long Gross 67; Wilma Capaul - Net 41 July 21 - First Flight - Robin McKee - Gross 51; Bette Devine - Net 42

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

Index of advertisers

Second Flight - Kathy Camyn Gross 60; Marylou Nowels - Net 38 Third Flight - Emma Long Gross 66; Judy Booth - Darlene Reilly - Net 39 Trailhead Ladies Golf Club July 20 – Flight A - Bobbie Larsen – Gross 51; Jeanne Hamacher - Net 35 Flight B: Iness Walth – Gross 54; Hedy Longworth - Net 32 Flight C: Shirley Roberts – Gross 56; Bunny Devenere – Net 36 Chip ins- Eleanor Badinger, Hedy Longworth

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

Amaculate Housekeeping 14 Be Still Kids 38 Casey Family Dental 10 Central Valley School District City of Liberty Lake Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Coeur d”Alene 9 Coldwell Banker - Rob Brickett 18 Cornerstone Penecostal Church 31 CS Motorsport 35 Custom Fit Lighting 30 Evergreen Fountain 25 Fire District 10 5 Friends of Town Square 15 Greenstone 9

Healthy Living Liberty Lake 8 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council 10 Inland Northwest Blood Center 28 Inland Northwest Health Services 11 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 10 Just Chillin’ Eats and Sweets 30 KiDDS Dental 21 Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary 16 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market 32 Liberty Lake Municipal Library 17 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 32 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 35 Liberty Lake Whine Cellars 28

LIFT 28 Northern Quest 40 Ott Knott Used Golf Carts 14, 38 Piccolo’s 9 Rockin’ B Ranch 16 Simonds Dental Group 40 Spokane County Interstate Fair 10 Spokane OBGYN 35 Stolp Vision Clinic 38 The WELL 14 Thrivent Financial 31 Tracy Jeweler 33 Valley Hospital 18

Service Directory 38

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

38 • AUGUST 2016

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The Splash

One-of-akind Keeve remembered as community pillar

By Craig Howard Splash Editor The empty chair on the back row of Liberty Lake City Council chambers on July 12 just didn’t seem right to Jackie Moore.

For years, Moore’s friend, Margaret “Peg” Keeve, had occupied the seat, diligently attending council meetings as well as gatherings of the city’s planning commission. Scrawling notes on the printed agenda, Keeve often put local reporters to shame with her detailed summaries. “She would call it her ‘night out,’” said another friend, Linda Dockrey.

Upon hearing the news of Keeve’s passing on July 8, Moore brought a single rose to the council workshop four days later and placed it on her friend’s signature chair. Keeve was 88.

“She was my buddy,” Moore said.

“I’ll miss her back here.”

Family and friends of Keeve are echoing Moore’s sentiments as Keeve is remembered as one of Liberty Lake’s most civically engaged residents. Keeve moved to the area in 1996 from New York and quickly immersed herself in a variety of causes, including the fundraising campaign to complete the first phase of Pavilion Park and the effort to incorporate Liberty

Peg Keeve, circa 1961, sporting Ray Bans and relaxing on the beach. Keeve moved to Liberty Lake from her native East Coast in 1996 and quickly became entrenched in a variety of volunteer efforts including fundraising for the construction of Pavillion Park and the campaign to incorporate Liberty Lake.

Contributed photo

ON THAT NOTE

Peg Keeve, shown here with grandsons, Drew (left) and Philip in 2010, taught English as a Second Language classes and volunteered at Pioneer School and Liberty Lake Elementary after retiring as a nurse practitioner.

Contributed photo Lake that succeeded with the vote in November 2000.

“She loved to serve others and make a difference,” said longtime friend Margaret Barnes. “She was always happy to help.”

Louise Quirk moved to Liberty Lake in 2005 and met Keeve shortly after. She remembers her friend collecting notebooks and pens for students in need and motivating others to do the same.

Keeve volunteered at Liberty Lake Elementary and the Pioneer School in Spokane Valley and also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to adults.

“A lot of people her age don’t give of their time like that,” Quirk said.

“Peg was just such an encourager.

She looked for opportunities to positively influence people.”

Dockrey recalls Peg as a lifelong learner with a love of history, genealogy and other topics.

“She was a very learned person, very vibrant and vital,” she said.

“She didn’t miss much.”

Born Margaret Louise Keeve in Reading, Pennsylvania on Dec. 1, 1927, Peg was one of three children born to parents who ran a restaurant/hotel establishment.

She lived her early years in the midst of the Great Depression and, at 16, enrolled at William Smith College in Geneva, New York, a school with roots that go back to the late 1700s.

Keeve’s older brother died at the end of World War II after spending time in a concentration camp.

The loss would be one of several tragedies Keeve would endure in her life.

A mother to three children -- one son and two daughters – Keeve primarily raised her kids as a

single mom in upperstate New York following a divorce. Her son, Jon Keeve, an orthopedic surgeon and longtime resident of the Liberty Lake area, said his mother “endured a lot of hardship,” including the passing of her two daughters.

“She always seemed to look for the good in people,” Jon said. “She was quick to come to the defense of the underdog.”

Keeve pursued a career path later in life that included work in cancer research at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan and 17 years as a nurse practitioner. When she retired, Keeve headed west to be closer to her son and his family.

“It’s not easy to relocate from somewhere when you’re in your 70s and start from scratch but she did that pretty well,” Jon said. “She had a great sense of community.”

Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson was accustomed to hearing feedback from Peg before, after and during City Council meetings. He welcomed the input even though Keeve lived south of Sprague Avenue, just outside city boundaries.

“Peg was intricately involved in our city for the last 15 years (since incorporation in 2001) and intricately involved in our community,” Peterson told those gathered at the July 19 council meeting. “She would congratulate and admonish the council. She reminded us that we need to communicate better with our community.”

Peterson related how he would receive commentary from Keeve each year in the form of several handwritten letters.

“I’d write back a handwritten letter and she’d comment on my

AUGUST 2016 • 39

penmanship,” Peterson joked.

The mayor honored Keeve at the council meeting with Jon adding a remembrance of his mom.

Peterson unveiled a plaque in Peg’s honor that will be installed on the wall at council chambers above her favorite chair.

“She was active in this city right until the end,” Peterson said.

Keeve kept in tune with local, national and international news, chatting with friends often about the latest current events.

“She had an opinion about a lot of things and she was willing to share that opinion with you,” Jon said.

Known for being strong-willed and straightforward, Peg always took time to care, recalls Quirk who described Keeve as “a mentor and friend.”

“She had compassion, even for people she didn’t like or agree with,” she said. “Peg was really accepting of people.”

Keeve battled challenges with her vision in later years, relying on friends like Barnes to drive her to the eye doctor but making the best of it. “You never heard a complaint from Peg,” Barnes said. “She ran circles around people.”

Others remember Keeve setting up a table at Pavillion Park during the Summer Festival where she handed out information about domestic violence resources from the YWCA. She also attended each one of the domestic violence symposiums hosted by the Liberty Lake Police Department.

“She was a very kind and generous person who looked out for people,” said friend Lorraine Halverson.

Halverson and Keeve taught together in the ESL program and volunteered with Friends of the Liberty Lake Library. Lorraine recalls how Peg “enjoyed seeing the progress of the (ESL) students.”

In her spare time, Keeve became an accomplished knitter, creating winter hats she would distribute to local nonprofits as well as family and friends.

“She would give them as gifts and go out of her way to ask what color their winter coat was so that it would go with the hat,” Halverson said.

Jon said his mom’s belongings included over a dozen knitted hats – yet to be given away – that he plans to pass along to those in her broad circle. A memorial service for Peg Keeve is scheduled for Sept. 10 in Liberty Lake with a time and venue to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Friends of Liberty Lake Library.

The Splash

40 • AUGUST 2016

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