October 2016 Splash

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

OCTOBER

2016

South of Sprague

What happens when Liberty Lake is not part of the city of Liberty Lake?

LEGACY RIDGE RESIDENTS VOICE CONCERN PAGE 8

WHEELS ROLL THROUGH RIVER DISTRICT PAGE18

APPLEWAY’S BRANCH TO THE PAST PAGE 47

2 OCTOBER 2016

NEWS

begin publishing a community newspaper?

The Park Bench

A: I worked for a small startup newspaper in the village of Sleepy Hollow, New York before we moved to Liberty Lake. I really enjoyed covering the local high school sports team and sharing local, but often hidden, treasures with the community. When we came west, I said I’d write for the local newspaper but there wasn’t one. So we decided a newspaper in Liberty Lake would be a great addition to this community and we decided to try.

Ground Floor Focus – Brown a catalyst for foundational causes

Q: What was the learning curve like in the first year of The Splash?

By Craig Howard Splash Editor

When Shaun Brown embarked on a new career as co-publisher of a community newspaper in the fall of 1999, she found herself reporting on the news and being part of it.

Shaun and her husband, Nathan, migrated to the Liberty Lake area in December of 1996 after stops in the Bay Area and Sleepy Hollow, New York (yes, she’s heard a few Ichabod Crane references over the years). Brown wasted little time immersing herself in civic efforts, signing up for a residentbased committee that poured the foundation for Liberty Lake’s vast network of trails.

A few years later, Shaun and Nathan launched a weekly publication called “The Splash” that found a niche covering human interest stories and news related to entities like the Central Valley School District and Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District. The paper soon gained a following among locals and found a staple theme in the emerging campaign to incorporate Liberty Lake.

Brown brought initiative and energy to the vote for cityhood, serving as a catalyst and educator.

Years later, Greenstone founder Jim Frank would say Brown may have been the most important contributor to the movement. When ballots were finally cast on Nov. 7, 2000, 938 residents supported the change with 502 in opposition.

Suddenly, Spokane County had a new jurisdiction for the first time since Airway Heights joined the municipal ranks in 1955.

The Splash

Shaun Brown introduced Liberty Lake’s community newspaper, The Splash, in 1999 with her husband, Nathan. The couple published the paper until 2004 when they sold the business to Josh and Kim Johnson. Brown was also heavily involved in the campaign to incorporate Liberty Lake in 2000 and served on a committee that helped established the community’s trail system.

Photo by Craig Howard The Splash – originally called “The Telegraph” until two days before the first issue – continued to tell the emerging and dynamic story of the new city with Brown handling most of the coverage. Citizens learned to rely on the publication for updates on everything from the latest resolution approved by City Council to the rally by residents to form their own library. There were remarkably few hiccups in the first few years of the paper – but even those seemed to work out.

When The Splash published the wrong start time for a local parade, organizers simply changed their time to match.

In 2004, Shaun and Nathan sold The Splash to Josh and Kim Johnson, locals themselves who operated the paper under the banner of Peridot Publishing, LLC until December of 2016 when it was purchased, along with The (Valley) Current, by Ben Wick.

Brown did not retreat to her hammock after selling The Splash. She volunteered in the effort to keep traditional, college preparatory algebra and geometry in the Central Valley School District and took active roles in nonprofit

groups like the Greater Valley Support Network and Food 4 Thought. She and Nathan raised five children – Kyle, Kendra, Drew, Stephanie and Trevor – all highachieving CVHS graduates who went onto attend Shaun’s alma mater, Brigham Young University (BYU).

With her kids garnering no shortage of college grants, it made sense that Brown would author "Seven Steps to Scholarship Success: Start in Middle School” in 2014. The book, available in paperback and Kindle versions through Amazon, offers insightful advice on the keys to funding benefits beyond high school. Brown currently works at Liberty Lakebased Itron.

A native of Silverton, Idaho, Brown graduated from Borah High School in Boise where she was a standout in cross country and track. Her teams won the cross country state title in 1985 and the track crown the following year. She would go on to run for BYU one year and graduate in 1989 with a degree in English.

Q: How and why did you and your husband decide to

A: Uphill for sure! We just hoped local businesses would see the value of a publication that went to everyone in town – and they did.

The LandRover dealership snapped up the back page. Papa Murphys and River City Pizza were among our first advertisers. Dentists and other healthcare providers were great to support our effort. We had very limited software options for desktop publishing.

Adobe had not yet come out with their really strong desktop publishing tool (InDesign). We were using Microsoft Publisher which did not have adequate photograph options so we had to print the pages of the paper, then print the pictures through a separate application and taped them on old school! Bill Ifft of the Cheney Free Press was our first publisher and great mentor.

He helped me through the grainy photo hurdles and many others. I remember one morning I buckled my toddlers in the car, loaded the cut and paste pages and drove to Cheney only to find I’d forgotten page three. Needless to say I put a lot of miles on the car and the kids that day. And Nathan bought Adobe InDesign the first day it was released.

Q: How was the paper received by the community?

A: Huge positive reception by the community with a few exceptions.

Our first issue spotlighted opposing candidates in the race for a (Liberty Lake) Sewer and Water District commissioner position. One person

See BROWN, Page 5

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 3

EXCELLENCE IN THE EYES OF OUR PATIENTS

Liberty Lake Municipal Library 23123 E Mission Ave

“Proudly Serving Liberty Lake and Spokane since 2000” — Demandforce.com

Comprehensive Eye Care With a Smile Diabetic Eye Exams Glasses and Contact Lenses Lasik and Cataract Care Red or Dry Eyes

DR. BRET ULRICH

DR. NATASHA BALANI

893.7574

Liberty Lake Medical Center 2207 N. Molter, Suite 100

M 8-5•T 1-7•W 8-6:30 Th 7:30-5 • F 7:30-1

w w w. L i b e r t y L a k e E y e C a r e C e n t e r. c o m

The cake walk is a fund-raising event to support the work of the Friends of the Library. Tickets are $2 cash per walk.

New Fall Hours

monday thru thursday saturday ine w 3 pm 9 pm 12 pm - 10 pm & r - bee kitchen friday sunday tch s -scra cocktail 3 pm 10 pm 10 am - 9 pm t - craf ch pizza n Join us this football season!

- bru mornings Three TV’s for your viewing y y a r sund usic eve m Monday Night Football Special - live turday Sa $10 pepperoni pizza $2 draft beers and all day sunday

build your own Bloody Mary Bar saturday • sunday

4 OCTOBER 2016

The Splash

NEWS

New face, old friend leave stamp on Liberty Lake Post Office

By Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent If you’ve been to the Liberty Lake Post Office on Molter Road recently, you may have noticed some changes. The station has a new postmaster and a long-time clerk, a customer favorite, has retired.

Gary Adams served as a clerk at the office for two decades and was popular with local residents who stopped by the site recognized as one of the community’s signature buildings. Adams retired Aug. 31 after a total of 25 years with the postal service (he worked at the Otis Orchards Post Office for five years before moving to the Liberty Lake location) and 23 years in the military. Despite having three strokes in recent years, Adams put off retiring until recently because he loved his job.

“My wife said ‘Retire’ and I said, ‘No thanks,” he said.

This year he decided it was finally time to put a stamp on his career.

“I think 48 years of working is enough.”

Adams said in the 20 years he worked in Liberty Lake, he got to know just about everyone in the community. He suspects the reason he was a customer favorite is simply because he is a friendly person.

“People came in and asked me to do a favor for them and I keep smiling and say ‘I’ll do it!’” Adams said.

That support usually came in the form of mailing letters, selling stamps or helping with packages, things he considers to just be good customer service. As for his favorite part of the job, Adams didn’t have to think twice.

“Going to work every morning,” he answered. “I loved my customers.”

So far, Adams’ retirement has started off a little slow. He is taking it easy while waiting to have knee surgery later this month – but he has plans for his post-recovery time.

“I volunteer at my church,” he said. “I get everything ready to

Kristina Moore took over as the new postmaster at the Liberty Lake Post Office in August, replacing Mary Smith who transferred to another job within the postal service.

Photo by Staci Lehman feed the homeless.”

Adams attends Glad Tidings Assembly of God on the lower South Hill, where he has been helping to feed homeless people and those in need in downtown Spokane for the past seven years. In the past, because he was working, the time he could volunteer was limited.

Now that he is retired, Adams plans to put a lot more time into the goodwill effort.

While Adams is adjusting to not driving to the post office every day, Kristina Moore is getting used to driving to a different office every day. Moore recently took over as postmaster at the Liberty Lake office, after Mary Smith, postmaster for three years, moved to another position within the postal service. The staff changes put Moore in charge in August and she is currently in the process of finding a clerk to fill Adams’ position permanently. Despite Moore being new to the Liberty Lake site, you may already know her, as she has a history in the community.

offices in various locations during that time. Prior to her current appointment, Moore worked in Valleyford, Bayview, Idaho and at the Post Falls Post Office for 10 years. In all, she has been with the postal service for 19 years. As postmaster, Moore is charged with overseeing the entire operation of her office and all deliveries.

“We have 5,000 street deliveries in town and 700 P.O. boxes,” she said.

As for how the Liberty Lake office compares to past places she’s worked at, Moore says Liberty Lake residents generally receive quite a few more packages. Something else new – the station delivers

“We deliver over 400 every Sunday,” Moore said of the Amazon orders.

Moore says she’s still getting a feel for the Liberty Lake office but also has a few upgrades in mind. As with former clerk Adams, customer service is a major focus area for her.

“We still have room for improvement as far as customer service,” she said. “I place a lot of emphasis on making my customers happy. I live in this neighborhood.”

pick up the October edition of

PRSRT STD

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

FREE

R OCTOBE

2016

Q&A WITH SV’S NEW COUNCILMAN Page 2

LOCAL LAKE ES NAMESAK Page 14

S

COUPLE FIND

“I live in Liberty Lake so this has been my dream office,” she said.

“I’ve been working toward it for a long time.”

A Liberty Lake resident since 2006, Moore has commuted to post

Amazon packages on Sundays and Moore says there are many Liberty Lake residents taking advantage of that.

E’S

VALENTIN PEARL Page 22

e 19

ide Pag

ion Gu

l Elect

Specia

today to read our

SPECIAL ELECTION GUIDE

The Splash

BROWN

NEWS

Continued from page 2 told me they thought The Splash was a unique form of political junk mail but couldn’t figure out which candidate had funded it. On the flip side, people would say “I wait by the mailbox for The Splash.” And so many people actively supported The Splash – sending ideas, calling when they drove by an accident, or spotted new construction, or other potential stories. We had contributors who volunteered to share their knowledge of the history of the community.

Q: Now under its third publisher, what part do you think The Splash plays in telling the ongoing story of this community?

A: The Splash connects this community in a way that is unique.

The older sections of Liberty Lake did not immediately warm to the new construction and those who were inhabiting the new homes.

I think this was evidenced in many ways but clearly through the individuals who shared views during the incorporation period.

And yet, at the same time, there are so many from all parts of the community who were coming together to make good things happen – the trails committee, The Fourth of July committee, The Yard Sales committee and the Friends of Pavillion Park, to name a few examples. Most often, leadership for these great organizations was coming from those who had been here longest, but The Splash gave them a way to reach out and invite others to be a part. Then The Splash was able to tell these stories of community cohesiveness and let people know about the ways we all benefit. The sense of community fostered by those who have been here longest was able to percolate into the rest of the neighborhoods and we truly are a unified community in so many ways, as a result.

Q: The campaign to incorporate Liberty Lake was gaining momentum around the same time The Splash took off.

How do you think the paper may have benefited that movement?

A: We shared a lot of information

about Incorporation – and not just sound bites. We really worked to understand the impact of incorporation, the legal parameters, the different forms of government and the level of local control that would result, along with the services available no other way. I think voters wanted to be informed. They wanted to know how this would impact their pocket books, their livelihood, the safety of their neighborhoods and the drivability of their roads – and we tried to tell them.

Q: Why did you support the push for incorporation?

A: I supported Incorporation because I believe that government decision making belongs in the local community. I also supported incorporation because we needed to improve our service levels and it was an uphill battle to make that happen through the county when we made up less than 2 percent of the county population. A citizens group had done a survey about what Liberty Lake residents wanted. Snow plowing and police presence were near the top. They had also compiled data on how often county police made it out to Liberty Lake. The numbers were incredibly low. And we all knew how often the streets were plowed – never. I remember once trying to get my neighbors together to pay a private snow plow to come down our street – but liability issues on a county street prevented it. People who came to Liberty Lake after the incorporation possibly don’t realize the low level of services that existed before 2000. I definitely think we’ve realized many of our objectives.

OCTOBER 2016 • 5

Patient Focused Dentistry Spok ane’s D ental Providers

Same Day Emergencies Including SATURDAYS • Same

Day Crowns, Bridges, Implants • Same Day Extractions with Implants • Oral Surgery

• Root

Canals

• Extractions • 3D

CBCT X-Rays • Sedation • Nitrous/Laughing Gas

• Periodontics • Implant

Supported Dentures

Liberty Lake FA M I LY D E N T I S T R Y

509-891-5001 | 1328 N. Stanford Lane Ste 100 www.libertylakefamilydentistry.com

Northpointe FA M I LY D E N T I S T R Y

509-465-5001 | 605 E. Holland Ave. Ste 108 www.northpointefamilydentistry.com

Latah Creek FA M I LY D E N T I S T R Y

509-455-5001 | 4100 S. Cheney-Spokane Rd. Ste B www.latahcreekfamilydentistry.com

Maple Street

P ay m e n t P l a n s a va i l a b l e D e n ta l s av i n g s P l a n DiscounteD Fees most insurances accePteD

FA M I LY D E N T I S T R Y

509-928-5001 | 4610 N. Ash Ste 102 www.maplestreetfamilydentistry.com

CALL OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in the greater Liberty Lake community?

A: I enjoy the people, the parks the patriotism, the beauty and the friendships built over 20 years. I love that so many get involved and give of their time to better the community. I dream of the day that the city, or someone, will buy a few spots on the edge of the lake, take down all the buildings and make a public beach with no parking so people can only come by foot or bike or scooter, but so that everyone can enjoy the lake for which our community is named.

GENERAL • COSMETIC COMPUTER-GUIDED DENTISTRY

Eye Care With You in Focus!

Dr. Jeanine Stolp

Exceptional Care | Personal Attention | Flexible Scheduling | Respect for Your Time | Positive & Friendly

www.stolpvisionclinic.com | 208-618-5034 6405 W. Pointe Parkway | Post Falls, Idaho

6 OCTOBER 2016

Police Report The following incidents were among those reported by the Liberty Lake Police Department from Aug. 22 through Sept. 19. The report is listed in chronological order.

Bicycles stolen – On Aug. 22 at 2 p.m., LLPD responded to the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive for theft. Complainant reported he’d left two bicycles secured under the stairs at the location and found the locks had been cut and the bikes stolen. The bicycles were valued at $3,300 and no serial number information could be provided. iPad theft – On Aug. 22 at 9:16 a.m., LLPD received a report of theft at the 24000 block of East Mission Avenue. Complainant reported an iPad estimated at costing $400 had been left in a storage room at the facility and was now missing.

More bikes stolen – On Aug. 22 at 9:15 a.m., LLPD responded to the 1800 block of North Pepper Lane for a theft. Complainant reported two bicycles attached to her vehicle were stolen sometime during the night. An officer located one of the bicycles in a field near the location and it was returned to the complainant. The other bicycle was valued at $100.

Vehicle theft – On Aug. 22 at 11 a.m., LLPD responded to the 800 block of North Swing Street for a motor vehicle theft. Complainant reported he’d given a subject known to him access to his trailer and pickup for a predetermined time frame. The day after the truck and trailer were returned, the subject locked the complainant out of the house and gained access to the vehicle through the garage. The complainant reported he’d fallen in the driveway while trying to chase after the subject leaving with his vehicles. A short time later, an officer made contact with the subject who reported she was having a bad day and was upset. The subject was advised she needed to bring the vehicle and trailer back to the location and if she did so would not be charged. Officers in Post Falls located the vehicles in the Walmart parking lot a short time later. The subject was advised charges of first-degree theft of a motor vehicle would be forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Fake bill – On Aug. 22 at 3:24 p.m., LLPD responded to the 1100 block of North Liberty Lake Road for counterfeiting. Complainant reported that a counterfeit $10 bill had been used at the location. An

NEWS officer arrived and recovered the bill which was then sent to the Secret Service for further investigation.

Suspicious persons – On Aug. 25 at 4:46 a.m., LLPD responded to the 24000 block of East Maxwell Avenue for a suspicious person call. Complainant reported two persons with backpacks were walking around the location. Officers were unable to locate the subjects, but were advised by the victim their car had been rummaged through.

Nothing was reported to have been taken.

Intervention – On Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m., LLPD responded to East Country Vista Drive and North Stanford Lane for a suicidal person.

Complainant reported a male was sitting in the grass at the location cutting himself. An officer arrived and the subject was transported to an area hospital.

Noise complaint – On Aug. 25 at 8:56 p.m., LLPD responded to the 24000 block of East Spotted Owl Lane for a noise complaint.

Complainant reported that her neighbor was playing the music loudly and management refused to do anything about it. An officer made contact with the subject who turned down the music.

Home burglary – On Aug. 25 at 4:16 p.m., LLPD responded to a burglary at the 24000 block of East Spotted Owl Lane. Complainant reported the subject who resided at the location was currently incarcerated and she was house sitting.

The complainant noticed the television had been stolen and believed someone had come through an unlocked window. The television is estimated at costing $800.

Malicious mischief – On Aug. 27 at 11:50 a.m., LLPD responded to the 19000 block of North Holl Road for malicious mischief. Complainant reported that someone had spray painted profanity on the side of his garage causing an estimated $100 in damage.

DV warrant arrest – A man was arrested on Aug. 29 at 2:23 a.m. at the 22000 block of East Appleway Avenue on a warrant for domestic violence assault. The man was booked into the Spokane County Jail.

Theft suspects arrested – A man and woman were arrested for theft at the 1500 block of North Liberty Lake Road on Aug. 31 at 1:25 p.m. Complainant reported a group of subjects were in and out

of the store trying to return items that were previously stolen with receipts they had procured from the garbage can. Officers arrived on scene and made contact with the parties identified above who were found to be involved were cited and given court dates.

Insulin recovered – On Aug. 31 at 9 a.m., LLPD received found property at the 23000 block of East Mission Avenue. Complainant reported finding an insulin bag along the walking path. The item was placed in property for safe keeping.

Open garage theft – On Sept.

1 at 6:48 p.m., LLPD responded to the 500 block of North Homestead for a theft. Complainant reported after returning home from Silverwood he realized he’d forgotten to close the garage and a bicycle estimated at $250 had been stolen.

Laundry stolen – On Sept. 2 at 3:17 p.m., LLPD responded to a theft at the 1000 block of North Lancashire Lane. Complainant reported $7,498 in dry cleaning had been stolen from his front porch.

Harassment report – On Sept.

6 at 9:40 a.m., LLPD received a report of harassment at the 1600 block of North Signal. Complainant reported a male subject had been sending threatening emails and posting on his personal blog in reference to an employee at STCU located on Argonne. Because the headquarters is in Liberty Lake, she was asked by management to make a report. An informational report was taken, but the complainant was directed to report the harassment to the correct jurisdiction.

Auto theft – On Sept. 6 at 12 p.m., LLPD received a report of vehicle theft from the 21000 block of East George Gee Avenue. Complainant reported the vehicle had been stolen 67 days prior, but had not filed a report due to doublechecking that other stores did not have the vehicle. Value of the vehicle is estimated at $500.

Unwanted visitors – On Sept. 6 at 2:51 p.m., LLPD responded to a trouble unknown call at the 20000 block of East Baldwin Avenue. Complainant reported two individuals at the location were not welcome.

Officers trespassed both subjects from the residence permanently.

Attempted fraud – On Sept.

7 at 12 p.m., LLPD received a report of fraud from the 2100 block of Oakland Lane. Complainant reported someone had tried to open

The Splash

a bank account using her social security number and name. The bank provided the officer with information as to the location of the suspect and the case was forwarded to the detective for follow-up.

Foot pursuit – A man was arrested on Sept. 8 at 6:22 a.m. by LLPD at the 5500 block of North Campbell Road. While on an agency assist, the subject provided officers with a false name prior to leading them on a foot pursuit. During the pursuit, the subject was tazed. One officer received minor injuries after falling during the pursuit. The subject was located and placed under arrest for Resisting Arrest, and Providing False Information to a Public Servant. Moore was cited by LLPD and booked into jail on outstanding warrants by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Recovered wallet – On Sept. 10 at 2:12 p.m., LLPD received found property from the 1300 block of Liberty Lake Road. Complainant reported finding a wallet at the location and attempted to return it to the owner but the address was no longer valid. An officer received the property and was able to locate the owner.

Weapon charge – A man was arrested on Sept. 14 at 12 a.m. at the 21000 block of East George Gee Avenue for possession of a dangerous weapon. The subject was observed walking around the building at the location and getting in and out of his vehicle. Upon contact, the subject reported to officers he was checking the area to see if any of the tires would fit his son’s vehicle since they were going to throw them out anyway. The officer ran the plates on the vehicle which returned to a Subaru Legacy, not the Kia they were currently on.

The subject was detained at that point while officers investigated why the vehicles plates had been switched out. While detaining the subject and reading the VIN from the vehicle, officers observed there were brass knuckles inside the door of the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the police department pending a warrant for search as it appeared in looking through the windows there were bags of stolen property inside. The subject was arrested for possession of the brass knuckles and was given a court date.

Child abuse report – On Sept.

16 at 9:52 p.m., LLPD received a report of child abuse. This incident is currently under investigation.

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 7

The Lookout MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson “Don’t Be a Litterbug” – that

was the campaign 50 years ago to keep America clean and beautiful.

It is still true today and especially in our community.

People like you and I came here because of Liberty Lake’s natural surrounding beauty. We enjoy the trails, parks, sidewalks and streets while admiring the cleanliness.

Today, we need to try a bit harder to make sure our trash finds the receptacle. We need to reinforce with our kids what it means to

be good stewards of the land and especially our environment. One candy wrapper here and there adds up.

Don’t think littering is a big deal?

The book of Washington state law says differently. Refer to RCW 70.93.060 to learn more.

The fast food your neighbor or employee just consumed needs the wrappers and sacks to find their home in the garbage can -- not in the gutter of Molter Road, Appleway or Country Vista. That coffee cup that doesn’t quite fit in the garbage can outside of Starbuck’s needs to be put in another one not so full.

Those of you who drink, please drink responsibly and put that bottle or can in recycling and not

on the shoulder of the road where some young child can pick it up.

The city will make sure receptacles and litter bags are close by.

Topping off this concern is the teaching of our youth. The police chief related a story today about a young boy riding a bike on Centennial Trail who threw the wrapper away on the ground. Chief asked him to stop and pick it up and immediately the parents told the chief he had no right to speak to their son that way.

Wrong is wrong and those parents should have known better. It is up to all of us to speak up and pick up on behalf of Mother Nature and our community to make sure Liberty Lake remains clean as it is Spokane County’s premier address!

Dollars and Sense - Finance Committee Report

October 2016

Garden Notes

Preparing plants for the arrival of Jack frost

By Joice Cary

City Horticulturist The red-lettered sign, “Course Closed Due to Frost Delay” appeared at Trailhead Golf Course on Tuesday morning Sept. 13. This is my “Herald of Fall.” Driving past the golf course on my morning commute, I watch for the sign to appear; it arrived last year on Sept.

23 and on Oct. 3 in 2014. This sign tells me that Mother Nature is thinking about making changes to the landscape and beginning to prepare for winter. There are things we can do to prepare as well.

Trees lose moisture through their leaves. Because evergreens keep their leaves during the winter they continue to lose moisture and can dry out stressing the plant.

Deep watering evergreens, which include rhododendron, yews and arborvitae, during a dry fall can improve plants winter endurance.

By Cris Kaminskas Liberty Lake City Council At eight months into 2016, the city’s finances are looking good.

Sales tax is currently up 19 percent and is expected to end the year approximately $500,000 over what was expected. We can thank the local car and RV dealerships as well as the numerous construction projects going on for this increase.

Building permit revenue was 140 percent of expected numbers as of the end of August.

Cris Kaminskas

Utility tax revenue is dedicated to street projects and is tracking on pace for what was budgeted.

With $22 million worth of projects on the transportation plan, we are leveraging that fund as much as possible by pairing that money with grants and partnering with developers and other community partners. Did you know that the city only funded 29 percent of the roundabout project at Mission and Molter? The rest came from grant

A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at City Hall to take public testimony concerning the property tax levy and other revenue sources for the city’s proposed budget. During the Oct. 18 council meeting (7 p.m. at City Hall), we will get our first glimpse of the mayor’s preliminary 2017 budget.

It will be filed with the city clerk the next day and will be available for anyone wishing to obtain a copy.

funding.

To round out the financial picture, I am happy to report that expenditures are expected to come in under budget for 2016.

Season turns at Trailhead

It’s officially autumn and some changes are in store for the Trailhead Golf Course. The following transitions will take place this fall at Liberty Lake’s renowned year-round golf venue: GREEN FEES Oct. 1 – Oct. 31 --$10 for 9 holes and $15 for 18 holes Nov. 1 – Jan. 30 – $10 for all-day play HOURS October – 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

November – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

December – 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

CLOSED Oct. 17 – Grass tee on the range closes OPEN Golf course is open through the winter (weather permitting) Driving range and golf shop open all winter long

Removing the fallen leaves of ornamental plants, especially roses, greatly reduces the fungal diseases that can over-winter in the leaf litter and reappear next spring. An application of compost can be applied now in the annual flower beds to begin breaking down for next year’s planting.

Bulbs should be planted when soil temperatures drop below 55 degrees in ground that is not frozen and then watered in. Hopefully the bulbs will have enough time to begin rooting out before the ground freezes. Soil temperature readings at Rocky Hill Park were 57 degrees on Sept. 14. Comparing this year’s temperatures to 2015, I ordered bulbs to arrive the week of Oct. 10, nine days earlier than last year.

Choosing the right delivery date is one-part science to three-parts luck, so I am crossing my fingers just in case.

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

8 OCTOBER 2016

Legacy Ridge residents air concerns over project, traffic

By Craig Howard Splash Editor The public comment portion of Liberty Lake City Council meetings can be short or drawn out, depending on the number of residents who show up at City Hall to offer input, share grievances or simply provide updates on local happenings or causes.

At the Sept. 13 gathering of the city’s governing board, a collection of citizens from the Legacy Ridge neighborhood took center stage, addressing their remarks toward an apartment complex in the works and the impact it is expected to have on surrounding traffic.

The Legacy Villas project, just to the north of Legacy Ridge, earned approval from the city prior to the sixmonth moratorium on multi-family housing that took effect in June.

The site will include 258 apartments on 16 acres. The potential clog of traffic generated by half of the 258 apartments on Country Vista spilling onto Legacy Ridge Drive’s single exit has residents like Katie Frederick concerned. She said the bus stop on Legacy Ridge Drive already has crowding and safety issues.

Frederick, who lives in Legacy Ridge. was first to the podium, calling attention to the site plan for Legacy Villas that includes one of four entrances to the complex on the public portion of Legacy Ridge Drive located before a gate that leads to the homes above on private roads. When Frederick asked if the plan was “set in stone,” Planning and Building Services Manager Amanda Tainio pointed out that the appeal period for the project had closed on Aug. 30.

Frederick said she and her neighbors are worried about the increase in traffic especially as it relates to school

NEWS

bus stops in the area.

“Was it recognized that the traffic there would be astronomical?”

Frederick asked. “In the mornings and afternoons, it’s already bad.”

In responding to Frederick, Council Member Bob Moore brought up the city’s ongoing transportation study that should be completed later this year. The study will include traffic counts and focus on problem areas throughout town.

Chad Walters, also of Legacy Ridge, questioned what “the city’s plan for apartment complexes is,” adding that there should be infrastructure preparations in place for the influx of residents.

“What are we doing as a city to gear up for the growth?” Walters said.

Council Member Odin Langford pointed out that the city “has a community development team that looks at this and plans accordingly.”

“We can’t just close the door to apartments,” Langford said. “Each application is based on its own merit.”

Legacy Ridge resident Justin Frederick, a physician who treats head traumas, said the possible risks presented by increased traffic and bus stop logistics should not be ignored.

He added that the site plan could be repealed, particularly in light of such concerns.

“This is an issue of traffic and safety,” he said.

Langford emphasized that the city is not ignoring potential dangers.

“This is not a situation where we are on opposite ends of anything,” he said. “We all care about the city. This is not adversarial.”

Jon Wiseman of Legacy Ridge said it was “short-sighted on the construction company’s part to put an entrance on that part of Legacy Ridge Drive.”

“Hopefully you can accommodate a solution,” he said.

Megan Christensen, a parent who lives in Legacy Ridge, said she has seen traffic congestion already becoming a problem. She said

The Splash

A public portion of Legacy Ridge Drive is part of the access plan for Legacy Villas, a new apartment complex being built to the north of the established residential area on the bluff. Legacy Ridge residents expressed concerns over the anticipated increase in traffic and potential safety risks at the Sept. 13 Liberty Lake City Council meeting.

Photo by Craig Howard responding in a way that ensures safety should be part of the larger vision of Liberty Lake.

“I am concerned about this, especially as a parent,” she said. “I love this community and I want it to be strong and safe and a great place.”

Ellen Williams was the last Legacy Ridge representative to take the stand.

She expressed hope that the City Council “could be more transparent” in addressing such matters as Legacy Villas.

“I know as council members, your first charge is the safety of our community,” Williams said.

Later in the meeting, Langford directed city staff to add the review of bus stops to the list of council priorities as transportation projects emerge.

At the Sept. 20 council meeting, City Administrator Katy Allen said she had met with representatives of the Central Valley School District in an attempt to facilitate a memo of understanding between CVSD and the Legacy Ridge Homeowners Association regarding the bus stop, road access and parking arrangements. Allen added that the city is planning on hosting an open house/workshop on the topic this month on October 13 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. “We want what is safest for everyone involved,” Allen said.

Susan Ashley, MD Ashley Wilkinson, PA-C

509-928-6700

healthylivingll.com 1431 N Liberty Lake Rd, Ste B (between Verizon and Jimmy John’s)

Mission trail discussion During a conversation on council priorities Sept. 13, several council members brought up a proposed trail on Mission Avenue linking the River District to the pedestrian bridge that crosses I-90 to the south side of town.

The sticking point is the nebulous timetable for development in the area that could mean building a trail but doing away with it later as construction progresses. Council Member Dan Dunne said it could be a case of installing a trail as “a throwaway project” in order to improve access in the near future for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We can’t put a timeline on development in that area,” Dunne said. “It could be in its current state for the next 10 years. Liberty Lake is a place where we want to be comfortable riding our bikes and walking. I see this as a bridge between the north and south sides of our community.”

City Engineer Andrew Staples said that while a trail along Mission “at some point will be a good connector, it will probably have to come with development.”

“That’s going to lower the risk of redoing the trail,” he said. “If you build it now, you’re going to be modifying or removing it when development occurs.”

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 9

Council hears appeal for large-scale, mixed-use project

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Ever since it incorporated just over 15 years ago, the city of Liberty Lake has dealt with development scenarios that have involved horizontal growth. At the Sept. 20 City Council meeting, that discussion shifted to the vertical variety.

Local developer Lanzce Douglass presented several potential project ideas to the governing board, one of which would feature mixed-use apartment buildings setting a new precedent for height in the city at five stories or around 50 feet.

Currently, the tallest structures in Liberty Lake stand at three stories.

City development regulations allow for buildings up to 10 stories.

The site in question consists of and on the north side Appleway Avenue between Signal and Madsen.

Douglass has already received the go-ahead from the city for an RV park that would encompass 12 acres of the land. Another 17 acres is currently owned by Knox Road Land LLC. Douglass presented an alternative plan to construct apartment buildings on the combined plot featuring a commercial or mixed-

Local developer Lanzce Douglass presented his concept for a mixed-use development at the Sept. 20 Liberty Lake City Council meeting. The site off Appleway Avenue to the north of Town Square Park has already been approved for a largescale RV park.

Photo by Craig Howard use element. The project would consist of 900 apartment units as well as ground-floor businesses.

The development would be built out over a space of 10 years. Douglass was one of two developers to purchase the land from Liberty Lake LLC in 2012.

In making his pitch, Douglass said the Appleway corridor is currently “home to 8,000 jobs” and is an ideal setting for residential development that would reduce the need for commuter trips. Residents of the complex, he added, “would be within four blocks of work.”

“By putting homes in this employment center, you’re reducing traffic,” Douglass said.

The city introduced a six-month moratorium on multi-family housing in June but has welcomed the idea of mixed-use projects that feature a blend of retail and residential.

Douglass said the apartments “would have more of an urban feel” while the commercial element would front Appleway.

“Hopefully this will be a vibrant community there,” he said. “This will be the nicest housing project you have in Liberty Lake.”

Council Member Odin Langford questioned why Douglass was shifting his plans after receiving approval for the RV park. He called the developer’s attempt at mixed-use on the site “woefully insufficient” and suggested that a retail presence be featured in each of the apartment buildings.

“A community of 900 apartment units with three or four businesses facing Appleway does not make a mixed-use property,” Langford said.

This plot of land off between Signal and Madsen on the north side of Appleway is being proposed as the future home of a 900-unit mixed-use apartment complex.

Photo by Craig Howard

Douglass countered that commercial ventures throughout a development “haven’t worked in the past” based on his experience.

“Those spaces are hidden,” he said.

Douglass said the RV park would be similar to the North Spokane RV Campground, a site he developed several years ago. The sprawling grounds include paved aisles, swimming pools, picnic tables, a common area, maintenance garages and more, all in a neatly landscaped area off the Newport Highway.

In discussing future possibilities, Douglass brought up a third option, a hybrid of the RV park and mixeduse complex.

In expressing her concern about an increase in traffic on Appleway, a street that has already drawn concern from residents for the backup in morning and afterwork hours, Council Member Cris Kaminskas said she “could not support any change to the current proposal.”

Gregg Dohrn, a consultant hired by the city to revamp the municipal development code, said the Douglass concept for mixed-use construction would require changes in the development regulations and comprehensive plan to enable an application process to begin. The area is currently zoned freeway commercial.

“Those changes would set the

See PROJECT, Page 35

The Splash

10 OCTOBER 2016

Funds when you need them Variable rates as low as

3.74% APR* Fixed rates on up to 3 advances at once

No appraisal fees

PUT YOUR EQUITY TO WORK PAY FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT OR DEBT CONSOLIDATION Owning your own home is a huge achievement – and it’s a great asset. You can use the value of your house to apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Fund home improvement projects or consolidate debt at lower rates.

It’s up to you.

As a not-for-profit credit union, BECU is committed to helping our members make smart financial decisions.

We offer super low rates and we’ve waived appraisal fees because we want to help our members get ahead in life.

VISIT US Spokane Valley 615 North Sullivan Road, Suite D Spokane Valley, WA 99037 Spokane Division 916 N Division Street Spokane, WA 99202

APPLY ONLINE www.becu.org/heloc

www.becu.org 800-233-2328

Federally insured by NCUA *The rate for the Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is based on the highest Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal as of the date of any rate adjustment plus a margin (3.74% APR as of 9/1/2016). APRs do not include costs and rate may vary monthly (maximum 18% APR) and are subject to increase after account opening upon default. During the credit advance draw period, payments equal monthly payments of interest, subject to lesser of $100 or your balance and principal is not reduced. At the end of the draw period, your monthly payment will increase equal to the principal and interest amount necessary to pay the loan balance over the remainder of the loan term amortized over 180 months. The actual rate may be higher than the advertised rate for loans exceeding 70% combined-loan-to-value (CLTV) or if you have lesser creditworthiness. Not every applicant will qualify.

The APR for a Fixed Rate Advance (FRA) as of 9/1/2016 is as low as 3.99% APR. FRAs provide for up to 15 years of fixed monthly principal and interest payments, depending on the amount advanced. FRAs are subaccounts of a HELOC. Owner-occupied property must be located in one of the following states: WA, OR, CA, AZ, KS, MO, IL and PA. Non-owner occupied property must be located in the State of Washington. Certain third party costs may apply that range between $0-$1,999, depending on the location of the property, the amount of the loan and other factors. Additional state or local mortgage fees or taxes may apply. Property insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance required. Home Equity Line of Credit Account Fixed Rate Advances provide for up to 15 years of monthly principal and interest payments, depending on the amount advanced. An Automated Value Model (AVM) may be obtained in lieu of an appraisal at no cost to member.

The Splash

Willow Song provides therapy, healing through music

OCTOBER 2016 • 11

Splash Correspondent Paul Simon once said “Music is forever – it should grow and mature with you.” Carla Carnegie couldn’t agree more and wants to make sure the lessons of harmony – and their effect on the brain – aren’t lost on those who stand to benefit.

“Music is the one activity that completely lights up the whole brain,” said Carnegie. “That is why it is not just a matter of listening to music. When we’re engaged in music, actually doing something in music, the whole brain is lit up.”

Carnegie recently opened the Willow Song Music Therapy Center in Otis Orchards to help light up more brains. Music therapy is a psychotherapy treatment in which a patient is encouraged to use sounds and singing to reach nonmusical goals, such as to address substance abuse problems, tolerate pain and increase mobility.

As an example, one of Carnegie’s patients not only has Parkinson’s Disease but also suffered a stroke.

When Carnegie first started working with her, she did everything with her left hand, her non-dominant side before the stroke. Today, this patient is increasingly reaching and drumming with her right hand again.

“Music is so neurologically based,” said Carnegie MP-BC NMT (music therapist-board certified in

Neurologic Music Therapy). “With stroke recovery and Parkinson’s folks, music therapy is hugely effective for them to maintain the function that they have or to increase function.”

Carnegie make it clear that music therapy consists of more than just drumming.

“We sing and we move,” she says.

“We work on articulation and voice volume.”

Patients also sometimes play xylophones, drums or other percussive instruments.

“Rhythm is so, so important because it’s neurologically based,” Carnegie explains. “That talks to other parts of the brain to set up motor movement. If you’re going to play a drum, you have to initiate the hands, the arms to bring it down on the drum and do it at the exact right time to have a rhythmic beat going on. Drumming is absolutely fun, fun, fun but you also don’t have to even analyze, it just happens.”

When it comes to music therapy, there is no “typical” patient.

Carnegie works with people with anxiety and depression, people in hospice, those recovering from illnesses and strokes, patients with mental illlness, people with developmental disabilities, veterans, children with autism and even children with cancer. In fact, it was cancer that introduced her to music therapy.

“I saw a cancer magazine that came to my house,” she said.

“I have no idea how it got to my house. The article I was captured with was music therapy and cancer treatment.”

The article described how patients who receive music therapy while undergoing chemotherapy, experience less nausea, less

Carnegie is a board certified music therapist specializing in Neurologic Music Therapy.

Photo by Staci Lehman

Carla Carnegie (right) of Willow Songs Music Therapy Center in Otis Orchards greets guests at the grand opening of the center Sept. 20. Photo by Staci Lehman

Staci Lehman

Some of the implements and instruments Carla Carnegie, owner and Music Therapist at Willow Songs Music Therapy Center in Otis Orchards, utilizes in her music therapy sessions.

Photo by Staci Lehman trouble with needles and quicker recovery. Carnegie was intrigued.

Already being a musician (she plays and teaches the violin, accordion, guitar, piano, drums and sings) and having a degree in Music and Composition, she went back to school for a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy. After finishing her course work and an internship that lasted about seven months, she started her private music therapy practice. Four years later, Carnegie decided it was time to expand.

“Opening the center is the newest growth thing for me,’ she said. “Up until now I’ve been going to all my clients in a facility, home, school, wherever. The difficulty has been

commute time. The time I spend commuting, I could be serving another one or two individuals.”

Carnegie had a couple stipulations when looking for a location for the Willow Song Music Therapy Center.

While she takes her guitar with her everywhere she goes, the building had to be big enough for a baby grand piano and a large drum, items too big for her to deliver to her patients.

“I needed enough space for a patient to be able to lie under the piano and feel the notes.”

The space is also large enough to work with groups and to teach wellness classes. In general, Carnegie wants her center to be a place for the community and a place of healing. She is making it available for other community groups to use and has contracted with the Community Colleges of Spokane to hold a Tai Chi class there.

She will still visit some patients though, those who can’t travel easily. Carnegie says she is fine with that, as those are some of the people who need her the most.

“The best part is to see the smile on the face,” she said. “That just touches my heart. When I see the outcome of how music affects people it’s like music to my ears.”

If you are interested in music therapy or the Willow Song Music Therapy Center, you can contact Carnegie by email at carla. carnegie@gmail.com or by phone at 592-7875.

12 OCTOBER 2016

Hands Across the Water – City, lake community find healthy balance since incorporation

COVER STORY

The Splash

By Craig Howard Splash Editor

Steve Peterson still hears the question every so often, even though the city he governs has officially been around since August 2001.

It might come up at a national conference or maybe a meeting hosted by the Association of Washington Cities where attendees are not fully in tune with the geography and history of Liberty Lake, Spokane County’s easternmost jurisdiction.

“People will say, ‘So, how’s that lake in your city?’” said Peterson who has served as Liberty Lake’s mayor for all but four of the city’s 15 years. “I have to tell them we don’t have a lake, it’s just outside the city but we get to utilize it through a county park.”

Liberty Lake is not alone when it comes to incongruous city names in the Evergreen State. While you can see Mt. Baker on a clear day in Mt. Vernon, the Skagit County town took its cue from George Washington’s presidential homestead not a mountain in its own backyard. Rock Island in Grant County near Wenatchee sits next to the Columbia River but was founded on contiguous land. Meanwhile, the thriving urban center of Cosmopolis in Grays Harbor County checks in at 1,589 residents.

The “tunnel of trees” lines Sprague Avenue on the southern boundary of Liberty Lake. The canopy of Black Locust trees dates back to a small grove that first emerged in the early 1950s and wound down to the shoreline of Sandy Beach. Today, the north side of Sprague is part of the city of Liberty Lake while the south portion and the area around the lake are part of unincorporated Spokane County.

Photo by Craig Howard of Greenstone Homes and a catalyst in the incorporation campaign known as “Liberty Lake 2000.”

In July 1999, Liberty Lake 2000 filed a notice to incorporate with the Board of Spokane County Commissioners. The boundaries would be the same utilized by the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District, including the developed area around the lake, south of Sprague Avenue.

There was a time leading up to the vote for cityhood in November 2000 when the area around Liberty Lake was being seriously considered as part of the proposed municipality. Then the issue of the Urban Growth Area (UGA) began to generate some concern among lake dwellers.

“The issue became that in order to be part of the city, the area around the lake had to be included in the urban growth boundary,” Frank said. “A city cannot incorporate an area that is outside that boundary.

I think the people around the lake felt that there was a risk to being involved in changing the UGA, that high density growth could occur around the lake and have an adverse impact on lake water quality and the watershed. That was the defining issue.”

“Initially, everyone who was involved with incorporation wanted to see the Meadowwood area and the existing community around the lake merged into a single community with a single purpose and vision,” said Jim Frank, founder

By the time incorporation reached the ballot, the area south of Sprague had been removed.

Shaun Brown, who launched The Splash community newspaper in 1999 with her husband Nathan and took an active role in support of

incorporation, said the opposition around the lake drove the change in the municipal map presented to voters on Nov. 7, 2000.

“There were many who really felt incorporation would just open the door to high rise development on the shores of Liberty Lake,” Brown recalls. “These citizens participated in the discussions and eventually the line was drawn at Sprague due to their strong feelings.”

Just over 62 percent of eligible voters turned out that fall to weigh in on the idea of forming a city.

When the final ballots had been counted, 938 voted in favor with 502 opposed.

The advocates for Liberty Lake 2000 had their city – and the community on the shores of the actual lake retained its relative autonomy, remaining a section of unincorporated Spokane County.

Now, just over 15 years since Aug. 21, 2001 – the official incorporation date of Liberty Lake – the city and the community that bears its name look back on what could have been, what is and what still might be.

Roots of lake culture The

lakefront

neighborhood

known as Alpine Shores was once the site of Liberty Lake Park, the Inland Northwest’s provincial version of Coney Island with a mishmash of rides, arcade games and even an enclosed boardwalk. By 1965, when the first homes began to go up, the days of amusement were a distant memory.

Harley and Lorraine Halverson moved to Alpine Shores in 1981 after Harley was transferred from the Bay Area by Hewlett Packard (HP). Other than the county golf course, a gas station, lakeside grocery, post office and HP’s sprawling site on the east side of Molter Road, there wasn’t much to the Liberty Lake community beyond the homes surrounding the lake.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes,” Lorraine said. “When they moved the post office (north to its current location) I remember thinking, ‘What is it doing way out there in the middle of a vacant field?’

Not long after, Lorraine learned that most of the area was platted for homes that would later form the foundation for the incorporated city of Liberty Lake.

See SPRAGUE, Page 13

The Splash

SPRAGUE

Continued from page 12 “Then it really started getting developed,” she said.

As the community grew, Lorraine and Harley pitched in on a variety of causes in addition to raising their four kids. Harley served as a commissioner with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District for over 14 years. Lorraine co-founded the Liberty Lake Yard Sales with Betty Button.

When the discussion of a new city reached them, the Halversons were well aware of the history that preceded the idea.

“Years before, residents around the lake went to the Spokane County Boundary Review Board and asked them to declare this area rural,” Harley said. “The reason they did that was it was the only tool they had to control high density development in the foothills. They felt that was necessary to protect the quality of the lake. There’s enough evidence from other lakes around the lake, so they weren’t just being fussy.”

Frank, who lives just north of the Halversons in a lakefront home he built a decade before the incorporation vote, recalls some of his neighbors on the water supporting the push for a city while most stood against it.

OCTOBER 2016 • 13

COVER STORY

“There were some people around the lake who were for incorporation,” Frank said. “At the end of the day, we (Liberty Lake 2000) were trying to unify. In other words, we could incorporate the area north of Sprague and then at some point in the future, if the lake community felt there was a benefit to joining the city, they would be able to.”

Tom Specht was another HP employee who transitioned to Liberty Lake without knowing much about the area. His move came 31 years ago from Seattle. Like the Halversons, Specht and his wife, Kathy, have never left.

Specht, who led a resident-based charge in 1995 to fund and construct the community’s extensive trail system, lives south of Sprague just up from Beachcombers Beach, one of a collection of private lakeside properties that now define the waterfront. He said the concept of joining a city made sense to him for a variety of reasons.

“I was for including the area around Liberty Lake in the city,” Specht said. “I thought we had a lot of talented people and leaders at the lake and they would be a valuable asset to the city. The lake area is classified as rural, yet I see little difference in the type of community north of Sprague or just south of Sprague. Many people were sure that another layer

Most of the beachfront area surrounding Liberty Lake is now private property.

The Liberty Lake Regional Park, operated by Spokane County Parks and Recreation, features public access to the lake including a boat launch.

Photo by Craig Howard of government would increase property taxes. Some people said there would be high rises on the lake. I think the likelihood of high rises on the lake is the same as high-rises on the golf courses.”

Ripple effect of cityhood While they still pay their property taxes to Spokane County and aren’t included in a 3-percent utility tax on phone, electric, gas, cable and waste management like their neighbors north of Sprague, lakeside residents like Specht are quick to acknowledge the value of living next to an incorporated area.

“For one thing, the Liberty Lake police are nearby to respond,” he said. “You have a terrific police force just seconds away from you. I use the library quite a bit. Pavillion Park used to be a county park then the city took over. After that, the tree maintenance was better, the maintenance of the park was better.

The city is just more responsive.

You talk to the mayor about that park, he takes pride in it.”

Frank, who has been integral in creating popular features inside the city like the Liberty Lake Farmers Market and Pavillion Park Summer Festival, said Liberty Lake has been a plus for those south of Sprague.

Tom and Kathy Specht moved to the Liberty Lake area 31 years ago from Seattle. Tom worked at the Hewlett Packard site that stood as the community’s only large-scale commercial location for years.

Photo by Craig Howard

“The people around the lake have a lot of advantages being close to the city and I think they realize that,” Franks said. “They get the parks, the trails, the police, the library, the events and yet they still are able to rely on the fact that they are outside the urban growth

boundary.”

From the proposed Henry Road interchange off I-90 to the pair of traffic roundabouts and other road improvements constructed in recent years, Peterson said the city is focused on “quality transportation that benefits the entire community, including those around the lake.”

“We want to make sure we, as a community, can access our homes and out businesses,” he said. “You can live around the lake, work in the city and take your golf cart to work.”

Specht also sees the financial benefit of cityhood for those who own homes near the lakeshore.

“Of course the city has a positive impact on property values south of Sprague,” he said. “Liberty Lake bills itself as the best place to live.

When people are coming out here looking for a place they want to live at Liberty Lake. They don’t see that visible line at Sprague. You go to the same concerts, the same schools, the same churches, the same parks.”

Collaboration over contention Brian and Annette Davis live a stone’s throw from Sprague Avenue on the unincorporated side. Not long after moving from Spokane Valley to the Liberty Lake area in 1996, Annette remembers feeling part of a unique community right away.

“Immediately after we did our first beach cleanup, we had that

See LAKE, Page 40

COMMUNITY

14 OCTOBER 2016

The Splash

Calendar of Events of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library P.O. Box 427 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 •

P.O. Box 427 • Liberty Lake, WA 99019

5:00 pm -7:30 pm

80 USED GOLF CARTS FROM $1295

CLUB CARS - YAMAHA - EZE GOS

Gas–Electric 2,4,6 Passenger

NO INTEREST TILL MAY 2017

2016 Eze-Go--48 Volt---$5495 2016 Eze-Go GAS--exc.$5595 2014 Gas--Shuttle-Look-$5995 Yamaha 6 Passenger----$4995 10--2012/13 Eze Gos----$3195 10 Fair Lease Returns--$$$$$ Western Elec.--Like new $2750 EzeGo Elect w/new enc. $4750 2--2012 Club Cars w/ new batts & rear seats---------$3495 10 Nice 06 Club Car 4 Pass-with lites and new batts $3450

Will Trade if it does not Eat–Float–Shoot

Ott Knott Golf Carts

4508 E. SPRAGUE – by Costco, Spokane

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 509-999-8989 or 509-951-4740

Serving Liberty Lake since 1985 Residential and Office Cleaning Licensed and Insured Hourly Rates

COMMUNITY EVENTS Sept. 29 | HUB All Star Breakfast, 7 to 9 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. Come meet the HUB AllStars from staff to community leaders to local youth. Proceeds from the breakfast go to the HUB Sports Center, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Funds will be directed by the donor toward programs like HUB 360 (an afterschool program for at-risk middle school students), HUB camp scholarships for disadvantaged youth and/or the HUB capital campaign to secure this facility for the benefit of future generations. Please RSVP to 9270602 no later than Sept. 16.

Oct. 1 | Eastern Washington Genealogical Society's Fall Workshop, 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m., Country Homes Christian Church, 8415 North Wall Street. A dozen classes will be presented with a potluck lunch at noon. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. For more information, call 328-0786.

Oct. 1 | HUB-apalooza Family Fun Festival, 3 to 6 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Celebrate the HUB’s ninth anniversary at this free community event featuring sports like basketball, futsal/soccer, pickleball and martial arts as well as a jump house, kids’ activities and local sports mascots. To learn more, call 927-0602 or visit www. hubsportscenter.org.

Oct. 8 | Spokane Valley Fire Department open house, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., SVFD Training Center, 2411 N. Pioneer Lane.

Enjoy a day of free family fun at the SVFD annual open house.

Watch live demonstrations, take pictures in fire gear and on fire engines, enjoy refreshments and more. Retired Arson Dog Mako will also be making a guest appearance. For more information visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

Oct. 13 | Genealogy class starts at Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday through Nov. 24. Learn and use a free genealogy database to research and chart your family history back four generations in this sevenweek class taught by Grant Ely whose degree in Genealogical

Research and 10 years’ teaching experience will give participants the tools, experience, and question and answer time to acquire productive research skills in this fascinating topic. The class is free but size is limited to 10 and registration is required. Call the library at 232-2510 for details.

Oct. 22 | Fall Compost Fair and Leaf Festival, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd., Spokane.

Spokane County residents who complete the activities at this event receive a free compost bin provided by the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System. For more information, call 625-6580 or go to www. spokanecountysolidwaste.org.

Sept. 17-Oct. 30 | Green Bluff Apple Festival. This celebrated collection of farms and orchards in north Spokane has been featured in numerous national publications including Town and Country and is a traditional autumn favorite among tourists and locals alike.

The festival includes straw mazes, many varieties of apples, music, arts and crafts, pumpkins and more. For details, visit www. greenbluffgrowers.com.

Nov. 1 | Halloween candy drop-off, 4 to 8 p.m., KiDDS Dental, 1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite B, Liberty Lake. Receive $1 per pound for excess candy, protect your teeth from holiday decay and support a good cause.

In the last eight years, Dr. Jared Evans’ office has shipped over 7,000 pounds of candy to American military troops. Candy must be unopened and children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact Dr. Evans at 891-7070 or info@ GrowUpSmiling.com.

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

The Splash

COMMUNITY

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 Sept. 16-Oct. 2 | “On Shaky Ground” at Ignite! Theatre, 10184 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Shows featured Sept.

16-18, 23-25, 30 and Oct. 1-2.

Tickets run $12-$15. For tickets or more information, call 208-3520727.

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 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 | 6:15 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

OCTOBER 2016 • 15

It’s Been a Great Summer for Liberty Lake Homes!

The summer real estate market was very active and is still going strong. If you are thinking of making a move, call me today to discuss your real estate needs. ,900

,000

$309

$974

LIBERTY LAKE VIEWS

EASY LIVING IN GARDEN RIDGE

2123 S Avalon Ridge Ln 5Bd/5Ba 6591 sq. ft.

903 N Tanglewood Ln 4Bd/2Ba 3366 sq. ft.

,970

,900

$284

$569

SOLD

SOLD

24210 E Maxwell 4Bd/3Ba 2384 sq. ft.

425 N Kennewick Ln 4Bd/3Ba 4232 sq. ft.

,900

,970

$549

$649

SOLD

SOLD

551 N Legacy Ridge Dr 5Bd/5Ba 5144 sq. ft.

1202 S Starr Rd 4Bd/4Ba 5264 sq. ft.

Call to Buy or Sell Today

Oct. 15-16 | HUB Hustle Basketball Tournament, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Cost per team is $250-$280. To learn more, call 927-0602 or visit www. hubsportscenter.org.

Pam Fredrick, Broker (509) 370-5944

pamfredrick@johnlscott.com

For a Virtual Tour Visit: www.pamfredrick.com

Oct. 22 | Superheroes vs.

Villains Pickleball Tournament, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Join in with the North Idaho Pickleball Association for this second annual event. Superhero or villain attire required. This will be a blind draw round robin tournament. Cost is $35. Registration deadline is Oct. 14. To learn more, call 927-0602 or visit www.hubsportscenter.org.

RECURRING HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Badminton open gym: 7 to 9 p.m. Tues., $5/person • Basketball open gym: Noon to 1 p.m. Tues. and Thurs., $4/person • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 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.

See CALENDAR, Page 16

From the owners of Twisp Cafe Open M-F, 7am-5pm for carry out and delivery available for catering any time

Call 509-755-7999 to place your order See our Facebook page for menu and weekly specials!

www.facebook.com/bobbyscafestcu

1620 N. Signal Drive Liberty Lake, WA

Located at the STCU delivery entrance off of Appleway Ave.

10% off

your first carry out, delivery, or catering order

(cannot be combined with other offers)

The Splash

16 OCTOBER 2016

CALENDAR

Continued from page 15 CIVIC & BUSINESS

A holiday guide for the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake and Rockford areas

“Eat, Shop and Be Merry” is a special cover section that will champion what the Valley area has to offer in the way of gifts and food. Advertise in this holiday guide aimed at area consumers and businesses — and as a bonus we’ll include your idea as part of our story featuring can’t-miss local gift ideas. Restaurants are encouraged to advertise and contribute a tantalizing menu item for our article on dining out.

On November 21 and 22, the guides will be distributed throughout the greater Valley area via The Splash and The Current. The December issues are strategically scheduled to land before Thanksgiving, just in time to remind residents about supporting local businesses on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26) and throughout the holiday season.

1/4 PAGE: $325 1/2 PAGE: $650 1/2 PAGE: $650

Display ad with submitted menu item or gift idea: Display ad (submitted gift idea or menu item will be printed if space is still available):

* Contract discounts apply

FULL PAGE: $1300

Sept. 30 | Blessings Under the Bridge – “A Night on the Living Stage” awareness and fundraising event, 6 to 8 p.m., Hotel RL, 303 W. North River Drive, Spokane.

Liberty Lake residents Mike and Jessica Kovac founded this nonprofit to bring hope, food and other essentials to the homeless population in greater Spokane.

There is no charge for this event but attendees are encouraged to bring a pair of donated socks. To learn more, visit www.butb.org.

Oct. 5-Nov. 16 | Growing Up Again: Parenting Ourselves, Parenting Our Children, noon to 2 p.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. A free, seven-week class based on the book co-authored

by Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson. This course offers information about ages and stages of development, ways to nurture our children and ourselves, as well as tools for personal and family growth. This class is offered to veterans and their significant others in any stage of parenting.

Veterans hoping to reflect on how they were raised in an effort to resolve current issues stemming from childhood are also encouraged to attend. Call 4448387 for more information.

Oct. 11 | Access Spokane Job and Resource Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Red Lion at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive, Spokane.

Held in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This event is wheelchair accessible and ASL interpreters will be available on site. To learn more visit www.wdcspokane.com/ access or call 444-8387.

Oct. 12 | Candidate Forum, 6 to 8 p.m., University High School, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. Spokane County commissioner candidates will debate the issues and answer questions from a local panel.

Candidates from other political races will also be represented at informational booths. Email ben@ libertylakesplash.com for more information.

Oct. 22 | Free Web design course, Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave. If you have interest in learning

how to build a custom website, consider attending the Saturday morning classes at Otis Orchards Community Church. You will become skilled in designing full custom, mobile friendly, advertisement free sites that can be used to tell others about a hobby, vacation, family news, your church or business. The course will cover the technical side of web site development. Learn more and register for the course at www. webclass.otischurch.net.

Oct. 27 | Ode to Opportunity – SNAP’s 50th anniversary luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Celebrate 50 years of Spokane County’s community action agency at this special event featuring keynote Sister Madonna Buder, the “Iron Nun” who has completed over 350 triathlons and, at 86, is currently featured in her own Nike ad. The event is free but attendees are encouraged to donate to SNAP. For more information, call 456-7627 or visit www.snapwa.org/events.

RECURRING Central Valley School board | 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 19307 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley.

Liberty Lake City Council | 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Liberty Lake Library Foundation | Noon the first Wednesday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Merchants Association | 11:30 a.m.

Tuesdays, Liberty Lake Portal, 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 120.

More at 999-4935.

Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board | 10:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Planning Commission | 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Liberty Lake SCOPE (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort) | 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

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

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 17

“ IT’S

THE LAW ”

where spokane gets engaged.

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

www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 106 N. Evergreen Spokane Valley tracyjewelers.com

Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org

T h e N a t i o n a l ly A w a r d - W i n n i n g C e n t r a l V a l l e y h i g h s c h o o l T h e a t r e D e p a r t m e n t P r o u d ly P r e s e n t s

The Season of Laughter

November 2,3,4,5 & 9,10,11,12

The Musical

NT

RA

L

VA L

CE

LE

Y

™

CVHS Theatre Department | Spokane Valley, WA

Purchase your seats now at cvtheatre.com

Underwritten in part by:

CVHS Theatre Boosters

The Splash

18 OCTOBER 2016

River District hosts Twilight bicycle series finale

By Tyler Wilson

Splash Correspondent High speeds, intense turns and the spirit of friendly competition highlighted the ninth annual River District Criterium bicycle race, part of the Twilight Series presented by the Baddlands Cycling Club.

Organizers of the race work with the city of Liberty Lake to close the streets that comprise the course. Well over 100 people turned out to watch the event.

Photo courtesy of Greenstone

The Aug. 16 race was the final event in this year’s Twilight Series, which provides weekday evening opportunities for USA Cyclingregistered riders to train for individual elements of professional

competitions. Various races, of all types and distances, are held April through August around the Inland Northwest, with many held at the Spokane County Raceway.

The River District race is a short course with several corners – allowing an estimated 80 racers to prepare for similar short and fast segments of a larger competitive course.

The race was highlighted by high speeds and close proximity riding – riders ran the risk of striking each other during both straightaways and turns. Cyclists lapped around the residential course for about 35 minutes before the announcement of the final three laps.

Baddlands cyclist Mark Bitz said those final laps are when things really get interesting.

“In the A group, they probably went into the last corner at 33 to 34 miles an hour,” Bitz said. “It’s pretty intense and everyone is within an inch of each other.”

The race, like other Twilight events, was divided into three skill groups. Bitz said the A-group is typically comprised of the club’s most accomplished riders – the folks preparing for competitive circuits. The B-group is full of upand-comers, but the C-group is also nothing to dismiss. The Baddlands Cycling Group, at all skill levels, is known for its ardent commitment, even during their weekly, noncompetitive workouts.

Members are considerably more competitive during the Twilight Series, but Bitz said the club doesn’t emphasize individual success at the races.

The Criterium event included approximately 80 USA Cycling-registered bikers on a short course with a blend of straightaways and curves.

Photo courtesy of Greenstone

“We don’t really focus on who wins,” Bitz said. “They can experiment with different strategies, go out and try something they wouldn’t risk in a normal race.”

See CYCLISTS, Page 19

We will be at Green Bluff October 1st-2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th!

New Fun Fall Flavors!

Halloween Specials October 29th-31st 1322 N. Liberty Lake Rd. Liberty Lake, WA 99019- ~ (509) 413-1615 ~ justchillineatsandsweets.com

Paid for by Mumm for County Commissioner (D) PO Box 18526 Spokane, WA 99228

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 19

The ninth annual River District Criterium bike race was held Aug. 16 through the streets of Liberty Lake’s burgeoning north side development.

Photo courtesy of Greenstone

CYCLISTS

Continued from page 18 In his time off the bike, Bitz is an aerospace and advanced manufacturing instructor for Spokane Valley Tech.

Unlike the closed off training rides at the Spokane County Raceway, the River District race is a growing event and public spectacle. The club works with the city to close roads on the course, and the race itself attracts a crowd. Bitz estimated about 60 to 70 spectators watching

from Half Moon Park, with dozens more watching on the neighborhood corners.

Races featured more than 40 racers across different age groups under 12.

Baddlands Cycling partners with the city of Liberty Lake and Greenstone Homes to organize the event. Greenstone provided marketing, organization and signs, plus Veraci pizza and Brain Freeze ice cream.

Additionally, Home Depot lent insulation materials to protect riders from hazards along the course. Greenacres Middle School students worked as set-up and tear-down crew.

Greenstone also handled registration for the River District Youth Fun Races, a slightly less competitive series held an hour prior to the main event. The Youth

Attention Home Owners

Realize maximum profits from the sale of your home today! Enjoy your money! Travel, downsize, relocate, upgrade today!

Sell Now

Call Courtney

509-499-4449

Courtney@SpokaneRealtyConsultants.com “Your referrals are my greatest compliment! Please let me know if I can be of service to anyone you know!”

“They each ate a whole pizza,” Bitz said of the young volunteers.

Area cyclists are invited to join the Baddlands Group on any one of many weekday and weekend

rides. The group also gets together for indoor training opportunities in the winter months. Twilight Series racers must be registered with USA Cycling. For more information on competitive racing and necessary registration, visit www.USACycling. com For more information on the Baddlands Cycling Club, including the Cooper Jones Memorial Twilight Series, event calendar, schedule of upcoming area rides, and past race results, visit www.Baddlands.org or email info@baddlands.org.

The Splash

20 OCTOBER 2016

Welcome Brad to Yoke’s Pharmacy!

Brad has been working for Yoke’s since 2013.

He received his PharmD degree from the Washington State University College of Pharmacy.

Brad lives in Liberty Lake with his wife and 2 children and they are expecting their third child in September. In his free-time, he enjoys golfing and spending time on the lake.

While you are in the store welcoming Brad, be sure to stop by guest services and check out the new postal services available!

-Priority Mail -Express Mail -Postage Stamps -Mail Packages -Certified/Return Receipt

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

CRAFT FAIR Get a jump start on your Holiday Shopping. With over 100 vendors, there will be lots of one-of-a-kind gift items to choose from!

Saturday October 29th 9 am -5 pm Sunday October 30th 10 am – 4 pm ADMISSION $2 Adults & Teens Children under 14 FREE

* * * Halloween Carnival * * * Games & activities for your ghouls & goblins SATURDAY ONLY! $2 12420 E. 32nd Ave * Spokane Valley Presented by: Instrumental Music Parents Association

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

of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library P.O. Box 427 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 •

P.O. Box 427 • Liberty Lake, WA 99019

The Splash

Friends of the Library rally support, build on foundation

By David Edwards Splash Contributor A variation on a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote holds that the best way to have a friend is to be one.

Count Jan Piger and Gloria Higginson, two Friends of the Library, among the people putting that aphorism into practice.

Higginson is the treasurer of the organization, which subsidizes an array of public benefits at the Liberty Lake Library.

“They're not shy about asking for money, which we're happy about,” Higginson said. “That's what we're here for. And I don't think I've ever said ‘no’ since I've been treasurer.”

Friends of the Library supports all

CHILDREN EVENTS Stem-Tacular Saturday: Lego Creations

Saturday October 1st, 1:30 pm Ages 4-9, Registration required Use 35 Lego pieces to create animals, vehicles, spaceships, home accessories, robots and much more.

Stem-Tacular Saturday: Ozobots Saturday October 15th and Saturday November 1st 1:30 pm, ages 6 & up Registration required

Program the world’s smallest robot by simply drawing lines and using colors.

Ceramic Pumpkin Painting

October 13th. 4:15 pm Ages 5 & up Registration required

Classic Scary Movie Night

Thursday October 20th, 6:00 pm

Kid’s Crafts

October 22nd, 1:30 pm Design a Costume October 29th, 1:30 pm Make a Mosiac Kids Crafts will NOT meet October 1st, 8th, or 15th

LIBRARY

OCTOBER 2016 • 21

Indie Author Day

Join industry leaders at 11am on October 8th, 2016 as they offer up guidance and insight to local writers — streaming in hundreds of libraries across the U.S. and Canada.

the programs both financially and physically. It pays for speakers to talk to program audiences, and it recently doled out $4,000 for the purchase of a new copy machine.

The women estimate that they spend two hours a day, five days a week attending to their duties as Friends of the Library.

“It's a labor of love,” Higginson said.

She and Piger are among the 25 or so dues-paying members of the group. In addition, about 10 to 15 volunteers who aren't members contribute their time and talents “and they're important too,” Piger said.

Friends work hand in hand with librarians and see themselves as full collaborators in the rewarding work of maintaining a viable, vibrant municipal library that is proud of its self-reliance.

The major fundraiser is the annual tea, but Higginson delights in the variety of ways the organization makes money for her to disburse.

And the fruits of their labor are diverse.

“Our summer reading program has really been phenomenal,” Piger said. “Like Gloria, I was really glad I joined the Friends. It's a fun group of people.”

The group is gearing up for the library's Halloween party Oct. 27. A cakewalk fundraiser will take place amid the plethora of diversions, such as arts and crafts, costume contests and games for the youngsters.

Not all the Friends' work is quite so festive, but the camaraderie and closeness make it enjoyable.

Members do a lot of sorting for book sales, coming in twice a month for that purpose.

For the Friends, the librarians and everyone else involved in ensuring that Liberty Lake library patrons of all ages find the place

useful, these are interesting times.

The nationwide trend among millennials, according a Pew Research Center survey, is to buy books more so than borrow.

Libraries all across the country are pondering their future in the era of e-books and ever more pervasive digital content. Some have decided to reinvent themselves in drastic ways.The pluck that staff and benefactors like the Friends has shown in Liberty Lake has paid off among the locals, though, and engaging with young people is the most rewarding aspect of the job for Piger.

It also helps that the Friends have an outstanding relationship with the city's mayor, Steve Peterson.

Having a library that Liberty Lake could call its very own was his brainchild, and as Higginson said, he started it “with literally one book and a dream.”

“We liked him so well we made him a life member,” Higginson said with a laugh.

Both women said they brought their grandchildren to the library at young ages and got them a library card. Being brought into the library family probably felt like a continuation of a theme. When Higginson moved to Liberty Lake after being recently widowed, Piger and another Friend recruited her.

She said that she was literally carrying boxes into her residence when she got the summons. She hasn't regretted the less-thansubtle drafting.

Friends has an annual membership drive and the membership coordinator is working on a strategy for ongoing promotion.

Now the organization has its own offices in the library and is more noticeable as a result. Piger and Higginson hope that others will find out the value of having Friends by being one.

Whether you’re new to the writing world or are a literary veteran, you know that there is much to be learned from people from all across the industry. For the first time in a global panel presentation, leaders from the literary technology world, a librarian, a leader in review publications, publishing experts and writers will all come together to offer inspiration and advice to our local indie community. Come at 10:30 for some coffee, snacks, and conversation before the 11am presentation.

Beginning at 12:30, local authors will be available in a variety of formats for questions, encouragement, and inspiration until 2:30.

Those local authors interested in making a presentation, selling books, or serving on a panel are encouraged to contact Pamela Mogen asap at 435-0777 or pmogen@ libertylakewa.gov

Books and Brew

Thursday, October 20th, 6:30 pm Day has been changed due to the annual Halloween party.

Voting questions? Ask the Library!

October 10th is Voter Registration Deadline!

Voter registration forms and a handy brochure that answers voting questions and where to get help are available at the library and the library’s online site: www.libertylakewa.gov/ library. Click on Resources, then Information Resources in the drop-down box. Voter help links are at the bottom of the page. Most questions are answered at www.sos.wa.gov/ elections or at the elections office in Spokane at 477-2320.

www.libertylakewa.gov/library

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

The Splash

22 OCTOBER 2016

Liberty Lake Theatre 2016-2017 Season Wr en By Oscar Wilde Audi oning August 8th Performing October 7th – 15th

Play in a Day is an exciting, challenging workshop where children devise, direct and act in a play that they perform for family and friends. In one afternoon and using workshop games and activities, participants work as a team, explore the topic, and take full ownership of their work.

Wr en by Vera Morris Audi oning October 17th Performing November 4th and 5th

This is a memorable and educational experience! Play in a Day is a recurring monthly workshop. Register online.

Wr en by Nick Ki lstved Audi oning October 10th Performing December 9th – 17th

by Liberty Lake Community Theatre Audi ons January 9th Performing March 3rd – 11th Wr en by Tim Kelly Audi ons February 27th Performing March 17th & 18th Wr en by Erin Detrick Audi ons March 20th Performing April 7th & 8th Wr en by Sco Freheit Audi oning February 13th Performing May 5th – 13th Wr en by Dan Neidermyer Audi ons May 22nd Performing June 9th – 10th Wr en by Flip Kobler & Cindy Marcus Audi ons May 8th Performing July 7th – 15th

libertylaketheatre.com The Liberty Lake Theatre has become a unique and valuable arts program to the community. Experiences received at LLCT lead to an appreciation of the arts and provide knowledge of the importance of hard work. As a small, education-based theatre, LLCT is committed to providing culturally enriching entertainment for all ages and is designed to allow theatre newcomers the opportunity to learn and participate while also challenging theatre veterans to achieve more and teach those with less experience.

The theatre cannot continue to improve and grow without the help of our neighbors and surrounding businesses. Thank you for your support in allowing LLCT to continue to provide opportunities for children and members of the community to express their creativity, learn new skills, and develop lifelong friendships.

Thank you for celebrating another great season of productions with us!

- Liberty Lake Community Theatre Board of Directors

For more up-to-date information on events and opportunities, please visit us at Facebook.com/LibertyLakeTheatre.

OCT 29 THEME: HALLOWEEN! NOW ONLY $10.00

Improvisational theatre is created at the moment it is performed. In its purest form, the dialogue, the action, the story, and the characters are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds in present time, without the use of an already prepared, written script.

Performs once a month, alternating family-friendly shows and 21+ events.

NEXT FREE SHOW IS OCT 22.

WEAR YOUR COSTUMES!

Save e Date!

Liberty Lake Theatre Annual Gala

Saturday, February 11 at 6PM $35 Ticket or $60 / Couple Silent auction to benefit the 2016/2017 season. Join us for drinks, food, and a performance

by The Improv Co-Op. Limited Seats Available Buy Your Tickets Online Now! www.libertylaketheatre.com

Brought to you by

World Vegetarian Day on October 1 which has been celebrated since 1977, kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month Books We Recommend “Vunce Upon a Time”, J. otto Seibold, 2008 (ages 5-8)

Dagmar, a vegetarian vampire prefers candy to blood. He learns about Halloween and conquers his fear of humans to bravely go trick – or – treating. A fun new take on Halloween with whimsical bright artwork.

“13 Nights of Halloween”, Vasilovich, 2011 (ages 4-8)

Guy

A new take on the classic Christmas Carol.

The illustrations engage and you can’t wait to see what’s coming next. Kids love singing the song as an added bonus.

“Frank was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance”, 2006 (ages 2-8) Funny little rhymes make for a great read aloud that kids will memorize quickly and ask for often, not just Halloween.

“Cinderella Skeleton”, Robert San Souci, 2004 (ages 4-10) Not the Cinderella tale with a glass slipper that you’re used to. A definite new spin with terrific artwork that’s worth a read.

Look-a-like Vegetable Facts Sliced carrot looks like the pupil and the Iris. Betacarotene keeps your eyes healthy.

Mushrooms when sliced resemble the shape of your ear.

Great source of vitamin D, which helps prevent hearing loss.

Grapes resemble the aveoli of the lungs. Grape seeds can reduce your risk of lung cancer and lessen asthma symtoms.

Kidney beans provide vitamins and minerals that boost your kidney health.

Ginger, resembling the shape of a stomach, aids in digestion and has been used to sooth nausea.

24 • MONTH 2016

The Splash

24 OCTOBER 2016

The Splash

a am taken Columbi food to le st shutt es the fir pace s o t n a i t po own be gr

Once were thought to remove pumpkins and cure snake bites

o et aiz rld o sm n a the w ow f Kn st o mo

p 80 anrodu0 m n c il gr uall ed lion ow y, wo to n ov rld ns in er w e r th ha ide we s t n e U lf ce pla a , p 6 s 9 .S is In 19 board the aking .

Radishes were used to pay the workers who built the Egyptian pyramids

1.5 billion pounds grown in the U.S. annually Co r e ex ve n is ce ry g pt co row An nt n ta ine on rc nt tic a.

About 500 seeds in each World’s largest weighed over a ton

Pumpkin is a fruit that is 90% water

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 25

PACE Trait -

Congratulations to Auria!

RESPONSIBILITY Being accountable, the pursuit of excellence, and the exercise of self control

She’s the latest

KiDDS Dental No Cavity Club winner!

Auria won a $25 gift card to Build a Bear 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 feature information on a different animal. Cut them out and collect them all!

Bat Buddy 1. Fold in the top of the roll to create bat ears and glue into place.

2. Draw on a goofy face.

3. Cut bat wings out of black paper.

4. Glue wings to the sides of the tube.

5. You can add any other decorations that you would like to personalize your bat.

6. You can punch holes to hang your bats to display nd decorate you room.

VAMPIRE BAT - Mexico to Argentina - 2 3/4 - 3 3/4” body, 13.5 - 15.5” wingspan, .7-1.6 ounce weight - 9 year average life span, but up to 20 years - Nocturnal colonies - Three species: Common, Hairy-Legged, and White-Winged - Teeth make a small incision so they can lick blood off their sleeping victims (livestock, poultry) - Heat sensors in their nose - Bats are they only mammal that can fly

The Splash

26 OCTOBER 2016

Author Spotlight

y r r a c S d Richar 1919-1994 Richard was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. After he graduated, he like many other artists, enrolled but then dropped out of business college.

He studied art before he was drafted into the Army during WWII where one of his jobs was drawing maps. After the war, he worked for several magazines until he started illustrating children's stories and Little Golden Books.

In the early 1950's, he began writing his own stories. He wrote over 150 books that have been published in over 20 languages and has sold over 100 million copies for over 100 million dollars.

The Animals'Merry Christmas 1958 ages 3-10

The original of this book is not just our favorite Richard Scarry book but one of our favorite Christmas books as well. The newer versions have been altered and some of the stories like "The Lion's Plum Pudding" have been omitted which makes us sad.

The Golden Book of 365 Stories 1955 ages 3-10

The perfect bedtime story book. There's so many to choose from and most of the stories are very short so you can read a few and still be on time.

Richard Scarry's The Great Pie Robbery and Other Mysteries 1969 ages 6-9

The perfect first crime mystery book. It has a trio of stories and the illustrations are an excellent example of Scarry's style capturing all of the animals expressions perfectly.

PACE Trait for October – Responsibility

By Cheri Scandalis

Dogs and cats have been domesticated and in our homes for 10,000 years. They not only depend on us, they are in fact, required to have a guardian to exist in our country. They absolutely depend on us. Our responsibility to them begins long before they actually enter our homes, and our heart.

Anyone considering an animal companion would do all considered a great favor to educate themselves about dog/cat guardianship responsibilities prior to making that commitment. The unfortunate consequences of irresponsible pet guardians in our country looks like some pretty staggering numbers.

Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide. Each year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized.

At Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary, we receive more pleas for help than we could ever keep up with. We do the best we can and with the help of volunteers, fosters, private donations, our partnering veterinarian, Mountain Empire and our pet food and supplies source, Pawpular Companions, we have rescued almost 300 animals this

year. We are responsible for 68 permanent resident animals at the sanctuary and many more animals in foster care.

These statistics have been greatly reduced in our country over the last several decades with increased spay and neuter programs, as well as humane education and awareness via animal welfare groups. However, we still have a long way to go.

Fortunately, living in the 21st century, we have access to so much information! A complete dissertation can be found instantaneously, right at our fingertips, regarding just about any subject matter. All we need do is type our query in the Google subject box and hit “return.” A responsible pet guardian will fetch a great deal of helpful information: “What to consider before choosing a Pet,” “How to be a responsible pet owner," "Meet your Match,” “Adopt Don’t Shop,” and “The importance of dog obedience."

It is so very important to do your research! A little bit of homework is not only helpful but crucial to the outcome of meeting and bringing home our best match. A responsible pet guardian will exercise some foresight to pave the most optimal opportunity for a lifetime of success with their animal companion. Those who get pets without learning about the breed, not realizing what they are committing to are the first

to abandon them.

Read books, ask experts about the pet you are considering and factor in whether or not you’ll be able to afford a pet, spend the necessary amount of time with them, and meet their mental, emotional and physical/energy needs before making that decision.

Make sure nobody in the household is allergic. Be certain everyone in the household is onboard with the new furry friend. And be responsible!

Provide shelter, nutritious food, spay or neuter your pet, vaccinate, microchip to bring your dog home, license to protect your pet and support our local animal control, exercise, commit to health, training is not optional! It is essential! And make a plan for end of life care.

Animals are for life. Animals should not be abandoned because you are going to have a baby, they bark too much, get injured, develop health issues, got too old, or because their families decided to move or get divorced.

Pets are a commitment, they are a privilege, they are for life.

Be a canine Ambassador! Be a responsible pet guardian!

Cheri Scandalis is the president and co-founder of Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary. She is a mother, wife, grandmother, an animal advocate and a voice for the voiceless.

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 27

Would like to acknowledge all who have served our country in military service that live within the Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake communities in our November edition.

Please submit a photo along with name, branch of military and years of service to danica@libertylakesplash.com

HELPING YOU GET THE MOST FROM YOUR MEDICARE.

Join us!

Mary Sloan

Independent insurance agent specializing in Medicare

The

FUN is in the FIND!

Everything from RARE TO RETRO

Sept. 30 & Oct. 1-2, 2016 Spokane Fair and Expo Center 4 0 4 N H AVA N A S T | S P O K A N E , WA

$6 ADMISSION

FREE PARKING

CusterShows.com

FRIDAY 4PM-9PM SATURDAY 10AM-6PM SUNDAY 10AM-4PM

509.924.0588

• Supplements, Advantage Plans, Prescription Drug Plans • Worked with Medicare plans exclusively for 9 years • Liberty Lake resident for 10+ years Contact me with any questions concerning your Medicare

509-842-4116

The Splash

28 OCTOBER 2016 Brought to you by

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Meals on Wheels volunteer leaves nurturing legacy

day I came back and cleaned out his refrigerator for him.”

Mark Laskowski, assistant director at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, says that extra effort is just Gil’s way.

“It’s not common among volunteers but some have that dedication outside of Meals on Wheels,” he said. “It’s a neat winwin across the board.”

Laskowski, who has worked with Fischer since he was hired at MOW two years ago, says the 90-yearold is known for his compassion.

Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent Gilbert “Gil” Fischer sits at a table at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels in Spokane Valley, looking at a list of clients. It’s one of the last times he will deliver food and encouragement to people who have become his genuine friends.

After three decades as a volunteer at Meals on Wheels, the 90-yearold is “retiring.”

“To me, it’s people people,” Fischer said.

serving

Meals on Wheels (MOW) serves a lot of people. The organization provides delivered meals to homebound senior citizens and those with disabilities, as well as at 13 communal lunch locations throughout Spokane County. Last year MOW was a resource for over 270,000 meals.

Having been a MOW driver since 1986, Fischer has delivered a lot of them himself, along with an ear to listen and a sense of compassion.

“For some people, this is their only meal a day,” he said.

Fischer didn’t set out to be one of the oldest and longest-tenured volunteers MOW has ever had. He took up community service when another part of his life ended.

Fischer had worked for a plastering company and was feeling the effects of lifting heavy bags of plaster every day for years.

“My wrists hurt as bad on Monday as they had on Friday so the doctor told me to quit,” said Fischer. “I quit altogether and that was when I started doing volunteer work.”

And not just volunteer work for Meals on Wheels. Over the years,

“I don’t think there is a single person who meets Gil and isn’t inspired by his dedication and concern for others,” he said.

Gilbert “Gil” Fischer (center) has served as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for the past 30 years. He is stepping away from his role at the age of 90 but still hopes to helps with some lighter duties at the MOW office on Sprague near Pines.

Photo by Staci Lehman Fischer has also spent many hours volunteering at Family Promise, St. Anne’s Children and Family Center, Crosswalk and United Methodist, the church he has attended since 1979

Fischer says it’s hard not to be concerned about people who depend on him.

“They’re thankful for receiving the meal and I get into conversation with some of them, see how they’re doing,” he says.

Fischer also checks in with his fellow volunteers to see how they are doing. He shows up early before his shift every Monday morning to enjoy coffee with the other MOW volunteers.

“There are several guys here from my church,” he said. “We harass each other.”

When not volunteering or visiting, Fischer does some yard work around the Spokane Valley home he shares with his wife of 37 years, Kay, who also spends time volunteering. He walks at the Spokane Valley Mall and has an interest in most things electrical.

Fischer’s days of delivering food will end this month, but he says the MOW staff and volunteers haven’t seen the last of him. He’s hoping to find a few light duties he can help with around the office.

“As far as the people here, they’ve been very nice to work with – and the other drivers that come around here.”

Want to help?

Meals on Wheels is in crucial need of volunteers. The time commitment averages about one to two hours a week. If you can help, go to www.gscmealsonwheels.org/ get_involved or call 924-6976. If you cannot physically volunteer, the organization says donations of money are always needed as well.

Call the number above to make a donation.

For three decades, Fischer has worked one or two days a week at MOW, one day a week at St. Anne’s and many other hours distributed over other nonprofit groups.

Despite his love for the work, he is being forced to step away from most of his volunteer work due to a health issue. A new volunteer, a MOW client herself, is stepping in to take over his route. Even so, many of Fischer’s clients will miss the man who goes the extra mile for them, from checking on their well-being to mailing their letters and more.

“I got involved in doing projects for the clients, changing light bulbs, stuff like that,” Fischer said.

“Another guy asked me to put the food in his refrigerator. I noticed it needed to be defrosted so the next

In addition to volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Fischer has donated time to a variety of local causes.

Photo by Staci Lehman

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 29

SUDOKU

Where Wellness Is A Way Of Life • Independent Living • Light Assisted Living • Walking Trail • Wellness & Fitness Center • Gourmet Chef • Cottage Homes • Swimming Pool & Spa • Assisted Living • Bistro

Daily Tours

Locally Owned and Operated by the Arger Family

•

Move-in Specials

• 509-922-3100 • 1201 N Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley • www.evergreenfountains.com

The Splash

30 OCTOBER 2016

Candidate Forum

October 12, 2016 6 pm - 8 pm University High School Theatre

All are welcome to join us!

Come hear what your potential County Commissioners have to say and meet other candidates vying for your vote.

The Splash

SPORTS

Sports Notebook

Orrino was unstoppable against the Panthers and quarterback Conner DeGeest impressed with his strong arm. In three games he passed for nearly 600 yards.

Splash Sports Editor

Bears’ volleyball off to stellar start

By Mike Vlahovich

Talk about a turn-around! Central Valley’s football team was waxed in its first game of the season by 37 points against Coeur d’ Alene. A week later they turned the tables, crushing Lake City 42-0.

Then, CV won 38-27 (one time leading by 24 points) in its GSL 4A match against Mead on the sturdy legs of running back Braeden Orrino who carried the pigskin 31 times for a 177 yards (it seemed closer to 300).

The team was likely 4-1 after beating Mt. Spokane 14-7 by the time it faces the final 4A schools, beginning Oct. 7 against Ferris and followed by Lewis and Clark, University and league favorite Gonzaga Prep.

Final Point - Awards banquet of yore recalls simpler time of sports

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor My son was in middle school and experienced the thrill of a lifetime when he caught a pass thrown to him by Chicago Bears football legend Walter Payton. Payton was in town as a guest speaker at the annual afternoon Spokane Sports Awards luncheon and banquet later that evening.

For decades, the banquet was highlight of the sporting season.

It was so well known it once was featured in a Sports Illustrated story. The entertainment was centered around furniture store owner and raconteur Dick Pratt in his role as master of ceremonies.

There was a time when you could afford to bring high-profile talent like Payton to entertain. Not just one major sports figure but upwards of three, often including the Heisman Trophy winner, before remuneration demands along with rising sports salaries became prohibitive.

It’s an understatement to say Central Valley’s girls’ soccer team is young.

There are only two seniors, led by Natalie Cabiad, and 15 players are sophomores or younger, including Maggie and Dori Ames.

During a 3-1 start, sophomore Maggie had scored a team high five goals. Cabiad and sophomore Kailyn LaBrosse had three each and was one of four players, including frosh Dori Ames, with two each.

The Bears blanked University, whose Kelsey Crosby had four goals early in the season.

Same song, next verse Macie Reynolds stood out in fastpitch softball last spring and has

Today the death of the event, like that of a good friend, sorrowfully yet inevitably we mourn its passing. The institution, nearly 70 years old, and the Inland Northwest Sportswriters and Broadcasters efforts were in vane and we’ve called it quits.

SWAB’s president in perpetuity (yours truly) has been deposed (mercifully.) It only seemed like I’d been in office forever.

The awards began in 1948 when civic leaders and sports media collaborated to choose the first Inland Empire athlete, coach and team of the year. Back then virtually the whole of the Inland Empire from the Canadian Border through the whole of Eastern Washington into Idaho and Montana was fair game.

Walla Walla High School football, Kellogg basketball, Missoula basketball, University of Montana football, Yakima American Legion baseball and Yakima skier Phil Mahre were among those early winners.

The voting geography eventually was condensed to the Spokane area and North Idaho.

In 1963 the athlete category was divided into amateur and professional. By 1972, the Amateur Female Athlete was added. Central Valley distance runner Annette Hand, who went on to Oregon and national acclaim – and last October was inducted into the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame – won the award in both 1987 and

made an impression in slowpitch this fall for Central Valley.

Reynolds hit safely in her first four games totaling 11, including games with four (and five RBIs) and five.

Mead and Gonzaga Prep could make it a four-team GSL race that typically has gone down to the two Valley schools.

CV harriers stride on There’s a pack mentality in cross country, but the CV boys’ cross country team has it in spades.

During two early invitational meets the Bears won in Bend, Oregon where eight runners, led

by Isaac Nicholls, placed first, fourth and seventh-through-12th with less than a minute separating them.

A week later the team, on the strength of that depth, CV won the sophomore and junior categories at the Highlander Invitational in domineering fashion.

1993.

The Youth Awards luncheon began in 1978, a place for countless high school athletes to meet and witness peers, teams and coaches honored, including locals like CV two-time football winner Tyree Clowe and U-Hi sprinter Anthony Buchanan.

The banquet met its demise years ago, victim of the escalating athlete salaries and changing times.

A couple years back the shift from civic endeavor to quasigovernment fiat – the Spokane Sports Commission – ended the luncheon, citing youth indifference as the reason. Personally, I believe internal personal differences over control probably played the major part. The SSC, which put on the luncheon, created its own awards gathering a few years back and left the media high and dry.

Without a venue the SWABs senior and junior awards presentations lately were given brief acknowledgment in the Spokesman-Review and on KHQTV. We decided this summer that the lack of a visible forum like the lunch wasn’t worth the substantial time and sweat that went into compiling ballots with scant recognition and called it quits.

And so we grieve.

I had become involved in 1971, my second or third year in the business, when West Valley track coach Duane Ranniger told me he

OCTOBER 2016 • 31

Nicholls won the senior race on the flat and shorter Shadle Park course, timing 13:03. The junior boys won 23-61, on the strength of three runners – winner Gabe Romney, Will Grassl second and Fielding Demars fourth.

The sophomores were second through fifth, Ryan Kline running CV’s fastest time of 13:02 and winning 14-62.

The nine runners were separated by 51 seconds. Seven of those ran between 13:02 and 13:34 and four of those were separated by just 18 seconds.

Both boys’ and girls’ teams won their Greater Spokane League openers with sweeps of Shadle Park, the five boys finishing in a virtual dead heat in first and just 23 seconds separating five girls.

The boys didn’t fare as well against North Central, getting swept by 10time state champion, but the girls remained unbeaten.

was speaking at the weekly SWABs lunch at the Shack Restaurant downtown. It was a place to pick up a story from the guest speakers who came from colleges, high schools and other athletics. Sports information directors updated the media about upcoming events.

Afterwards all the TV sports guys did film interviews outside the eatery.

I walked up to the podium after that first lunch and asked how to join. Then-president, the recently deceased Ed Sharman, said, “pay $5 to that man over there (secretary Ken Merkel).” Two years later I was somehow the president and subsequently stuck with the job when Valley sports broadcasting icon Dick Wright died some 20 years ago.

We collaborated with the Greater Spokane Sports Association on the banquet by compiling the awards candidate list and ballots while that group handled banquet and lunch details.

Camaraderie and civic pride made for great times but times change.

Rising costs, media people moving in and out of town who didn’t get involved in our sports history and changing sports emphases took its toll.

And so the SWABs ride reluctantly into the sunset and youngsters like my son don’t have the opportunity to meet their sports heroes up close and personal.

The Splash

32 OCTOBER 2016

Thank you, Liberty Lake!

Thank you for celebrating the Ribbon Cutting for our new Liberty Lake office with us. Windermere’s philosophy of being community and neighborhood focused has always been an important part of who we are.

We strive to be an integral part of our neighborhood, adding another positive aspect to why Liberty Lake is a great place to live and work. Please feel free to stop by and see us anytime:

Visit my page Liberty Lake and North Idaho Real Estate for some great back-to-school tips!

0 9,90 6 2 $

,900 9 9 $2

Windermere Valley/Liberty Lake 695 N Legacy Ridge Dr., Ste. 200 Liberty Lake, WA. 99019 (509) 340-8000

N OW

CERTIFICATE SPECIALS

OPE

N

G DIN N E P

EARN 1.21% APY* *APY=Annual Percentage Yield. $5,000 minimum deposit to open. $5,000 minimum to earn dividends. Early withdrawals are subject to penalty and may affect earnings on share certificates.

Membership requirements and fees may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. Rates shown are available for a limited time only. Federally Insured by NCUA.

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

The Splash

Pioneering water skiers made waves at Liberty Lake

By Ross Schneidmiller

Liberty Lake Historical Society Water skiing became popular at Liberty Lake long before it became an established water sport. Ralph Samuelson is credited with the introduction of the pastime in 1922 when he skied on two huge planks of wood on Lake Pepin in Minnesota. However, 24 years later a Life magazine story had to explain

HISTORY how water skiing worked, because it was not yet common knowledge.

By that time Liberty Lake’s water sports enthusiasts had become proficient in building and skiing on their own boards.

Some of the first known water skiing at Liberty Lake was behind a Mullins Sea Eagle, owned by Bob Blair. The Mullins inboard was equipped with a 40-horsepower four-cylinder motor capable of 30 mph. This sleek, blue-onblue toned, metal boat would have created quite a stir amongst the lake’s summer residents in the early 1930s as it pulled skiers experimenting with their homemade inventions.

In a 2012 interview, Mary Lou

Petty Skok explained how they achieved the bend in the tip of the ski in the 1930s. "We would put the boards in the water in shallow water and covered them with rocks and then put rocks underneath the toe...then kept raising the toe, raising the toe...I don't know how long we had it in there because it was water soaked.”

Bob Blair built the first single skis used on Liberty Lake. His second one shown on this page featured an Oxford shoe for the front foot and an asphalt roofing shingle for the back. Two hardware brackets were attached to the rear underside for fins.

Dolphin Ak Wa-Skees, the first commercially available pair, were

OCTOBER 2016 • 33

sold at A.G. Spalding & Bros. stores, Abercrombie & Fitch, New York, as well as leading sporting goods and department stores. A 1927 magazine ad claimed their 8-foot pair of skis, known as their “Safety Model,” would support a 250-pound man at 8 miles per hour. This was significant because unlike the Mullins Sea Eagle, most boats and launches at that time were slow and underpowered.

Over the next 30 years, more and more skis were sold through stores.

However, for the Liberty Lake wave rider, making their skis remained a common project, sometimes in wood shop at Central Valley High School. There, steam and clamps were used to bend the ski tip.

This photo collage features Bob Blair on both single and double skis during the 1930s and 1940s. In the top right photo, Blair demonstrates his skill on a cross between an aquaplane and a single ski. Originally painted blue, the bottom right photo is the second single ski Bob built (mentioned in the article). The blue-onblue Mullins Sea Eagle is shown on the right side of the collage. In the center is a circa 1931 ad from Motor Boating Magazine featuring the Ak Wa-Skees speed model.

Photos courtesy of the Liberty Lake Historical Society

The Splash

34 OCTOBER 2016

18th Annual Friends Of Pavillion Park Cordially Invites You To The

Liberty Lake Holiday Ball

Enjoy An Elegant Evening Of Dinner & Dancing With Silent & Live Auctions Saturday, December 10th 5:00pm in the Grand Pennington Ballroom At The Historic Davenport Hotel For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.pavillionpark.org Tickets $75 / person Contact: pavillionpark@yahoo.com THIS EVENT BENEFITS FOPP IN ITS CONTINUED EFFORT TO SUPPORT THE CONCERTS, MOVIES AND ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE THROUGHOUT THE LIBERTY LAKE COMMUNITY EVERY SUMMER. Reservations are limited and will be accommodated on first come first served basis

E NRI C HE D L I VI NG. L AS TIN G VALUE.

THE

lifestyle

TH E

YOU WANT

THE

quality

community

YOU L OVE

YO U DE S E RV E

New homes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls & Coeur d’Alene. gr eenstonehomes.com

The Splash

Student of the Month You would be wise to avoid a debate with Central Valley senior Dakota Lovins. The 4.0 student has won consecutive Greater Spokane League public forum debate titles his sophomore and junior years with fellow student Lydia Lemon.

As a freshman, Dakota was a state finalist on the speech side in dual interpretation and followed it up his sophomore year with a secondplace finish. A bout with the flu last year may have been the only thing standing in the way of his first state championship. The senior is a member of National Honor Society and has volunteered with the CV food drive for the past three years. Dakota participated in baseball his freshman and sophomore years and tennis last year. He is part of a team that competes in the Lilac City Curling Club. He is also a talented comedian who writes his own material. Dakota is hoping to attend either Emerson College in Boston or the University of Southern California after graduation.

PROJECT

Continued from page 9 stage to consider the proposal on its own merits,” Dohrn said.

The RV park, located in a light industrial zone, has received a conditional use permit from the city.

Another option for the mixed-use development would be to rezone the property while a third possibility could be to designate the project as a planned use development.

Douglass said he was prepared to move forward with the original blueprint for the RV park if the city does not support his alternative plans.

“That’s what will develop if the council does not want to pursue mixed use,” he said.

Todd Whipple, a civil engineer who works as a consultant for

OCTOBER 2016 • 35

Central Valley senior Hailey Tucker is one of the reasons the Bears’ soccer program is consistently among the best in the state. She has earned a varsity letter in her first three years and was part of consecutive 4A state championship teams her freshman and sophomore seasons. Over the course of two years, the Bears compiled a 38-3-1 record, outscored opponents 13529 and pitched 25 shutouts. Hailey has also participated on a Seattlebased team in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. In the classroom, the senior maintains a 3.9 grade point average and is president of DECA, a program that focuses on marketing, management and entrepreneurship. She is also part of Key Club, Green Team and Spanish Club. Next fall, Hailey will continue her soccer career at Elon University, an NCAA Division 1 school in North Carolina.

Citizen of the Month Now in his 28th year as a teacher in the Central Valley School District, Scott Sutherland continues to have a positive impact. The Liberty Lake resident led the University

Alternative Center (UAC) for 17 years at University High School, helping at-risk students stay on track to graduation. Over 200 students went through the program.

“UAC gave them new hope,” Scott said. “It gives my life more meaning to be part of their success and guide them through tough situations.”

Sutherland has also served as a special education resource teacher at U-Hi. The Ferris High School and Eastern Washington University alum was an outstanding baseball coach for the Titans for 20 years, seven of them has head coach. He led the team to two GSL titles. Scott and his wife Tammy are parents to a combined family of six kids.

He has lived in Liberty Lake since 2004.

This Portion of Proudly Sponsored By

Athlete of the Month Douglass, told council that the idea of growing up instead of out is a reality that cities like Liberty Lake face due to state growth management regulations.

“As you continue to build up the downtown corridor here, there’s a reason you can go up to 10 stories,” he said.

The discussion around the Douglass proposals for Liberty Lake ended with an agreement that the options would be included on the next agenda for the city’s planning commission. Representatives of the group were in attendance at the Sept. 20 council meeting and provided input.

The moratorium on multi-family housing will expire at the end of the year. Both the planning commission and council will be addressing potential changes in the code prior to the end of the suspension. Dohrn said “the regulations as they are

currently written are complex.”

“There are many different layers,” he said. “I think they could be simplified.”

In other council news: • City Administrator Katy Allen provided an update on an ongoing code enforcement case involving a vacant house in city limits. Allen said staff was fielding resident concerns and is working with the Spokane Regional Health District to address the problem.

Allen said the city “could take legal action at some point.”

• Traffic counts have been submitted by CH2MHill as part of a comprehensive traffic study commissioned by the city. Andrew Staples, city engineer, said he would be sorting through the numbers and making them available on the city’s website. The entire study is expected to be complete by early December.

• Citing the work already being done by the city to support human and constitutional rights, council voted to pass on joining the newly formed Spokane County Human Rights Task Force. Council Member Dan Dunne, a standing member of the group’s board, voted in favor of the city’s involvement.

Council Member Hugh Severs, who missed the meeting with an excused absence, did not vote on the proposal.

• Mayor Steve Peterson’s preliminary budget will be presented to council at its meeting on Oct. 18.

• Council will hold a workshop to discuss the future of the Town Square project which failed to earn the required supermajority in the Aug. 2 primary election. Allen said she is “looking for a consolidated agreement on where we’re going to go with Town Square.”

The Splash

36 OCTOBER 2016

BUYOUT THE FARMERS 2016 Market Season is Soon Coming to a Close These remaining weekends are your last chance to enjoy a wonderful slice of the delicious Veraci Pizza or a fresh burrito from Lenny of Jalapeno Heaven, as well as being your last opportunity to stock up on locally grown foods for the winter.

Every Saturday 9am -1pm

FARMERS MARKET L i b e r t y

L a k e

SHOP • EAT • CONNECT Visit us at LLFarmersMarket.com or find us on

We’ve got you covered.

Call us for commercial roof maintenance, repair and replacement

Commercial & Residential

509-838-8633 | www.spokaneroofing.com • Fluid applied roof coatings • Existing roof demolition • Metal roof systems • TPO Commercial Roof Systems

Working with quality products from GAF ELK, Owens Corning, Versico Roofing Systems, IKO, VELUX and CrystaLite, Inc.

The Water Front

A closer look at blue green algae

By BiJay Adams

Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District I previously wrote an article on lake management and the Liberty Lake Water and Sewer District’s (LLSWD) role in the August issue of The Splash. This article focused on the district’s history and current lake management activities.

This article is intended to take the topic a step further in discussing the cyanobacteria (also known as “blue-green algae”) blooms this year and in past years. Much of the information contained here is from the 2014 and 2015 monitoring reports provided to LLSWD by Washington State University which has been monitoring the lake since 1968.

The growth and proliferation of algal blooms are the result of a combination of environmental SA factors such as nutrients VE(phosphorus and nitrogen), air TH water temperatures, sunlight, and E D disturbance, hydrology ecosystem A (includingTE snow pack, runoff, drought, ice cover), water volume (lake level) and water chemistry.

The combination of factors that trigger and sustain an algal bloom is not well understood and it is not possible to attribute algal blooms to any specific factor. However, the district’s monitoring program dating back to 1968 is aimed at understanding baselines and trends in an effort to recognize deteriorating water quality conditions and prescribe possible management strategies.

With the exception of 2015, water quality in Liberty Lake over the past decade has a continued trend of lower total phosphorus, higher zooplankton densities, higher transparency measurements and lower total algae levels.

Beginning about 2003, there appears to be a definite decrease in annual volume weighted total phosphorus, with the majority of the annual averages close to or

below target levels of phosphorus concentrations in the lake. A generally accepted target value for Liberty Lake for average total phosphorus is 20 μg/L (greater than or equal to 6 micrograms per liter) and ideally within the range of 20 μg/L to 30 μg/L. An indication of the positive trend in phosphorus levels is the distribution of average annual depth weighted total phosphorus between the years 2003 and 2014 when 58 percent of the yearly averages were 20 ug/L or less while 33 percent were within the target range of 20 μg/L to 30 μg/L. Only one of the yearly average values was greater than the range within the last decade.

Zooplankton populations are important to the lake ecology as they crop algae and are a food source for fish. The heavybodied cladocerans and copepods, such as daphnia, bosmina and biaptomus, are particularly important in this role in Liberty Lake. Monthly average densities have been increasing sharply since 2009. These high averages are indicative of good water quality conditions and in 2014 were the highest sustained densities since 2006. Since zooplankton play an important role in reducing algae, it is important that fish stocking levels be done properly. Excessively high fish stocking can reduce larger zooplankton, triggering trophic cascades that allow for high algae, even with lower phosphorus concentrations.

Lake transparency is measured by a secchi disk (an alternating white and black circular disk 12 inches in diameter used to measure water transparency in bodies of water) and is largely a function of algae concentrations. Secchi data for Liberty Lake is available for most years, starting around 1971.

Similar to total phosphorus, the trend for transparency has been good over the past decade. Three meters of transparency is often considered a minimum acceptable value for recreational lakes. For Liberty Lake, the average seasonal secchi values have been greater than this minimum for all but one year over the past decade.

Algae concentrations over the

See WATER, Page 37

The Splash

WATER

Continued from page 36 past seven years have also been very low and in line with the lower nutrient concentrations.

Peak cyanobacteria (blue-greens) have been less than 20 percent of the total peak algae species and have been much lower between the years 2011 and 2014. The 2015 bloom gives the district little information to provide a strong explanation for the reappearance of large numbers of cyanobactera in the summer.

The high number relative to past few years is a concern, as is the increased percentage within the algae community.

It is important to point out that these levels are still less than about 10 percent of pre-restoration maximum cyanobacteria concentrations when the cyanobacteria often comprised as much as 90 percent of the total phytoplankton. It is important to repeat that the district’s monitoring program is aimed at understanding baselines and trends in an effort to recognize deteriorating water quality conditions. The data over the past decade does not suggest deteriorating water quality and lake quality conditions.

Perhaps the most important thing to recall in 2015 that was different from the past 12 years of data I previously described is that the 2015 water year was the hottest and driest on record.

Liberty Lake data shows that the lake experienced a long and stable period of stratification (lack of water column mixing) as a result of high temperatures with low winds.

In addition, the drought impacted the lake volume where Liberty Lake hit the second lowest lake level observed in 62 years.

Early 2016 was looking to be no different. April 2016 was the second warmest on record and according to NOAA, June 2016 was the warmest June on record for the contiguous United States dating back to 1895.

Although the summer conditions seemed to shape up, this fall things seemed to get worse. Currently the most prolific algae present in the lake are Anabaena flosaqua, a “blue-green” algae common in many lakes and rivers. Other algae species are woronichinia and microcystis. Algae sampling to-

OCTOBER 2016 • 37

date have shown that this bloom, as well as previous blooms in 2015 and this spring, have not produced toxins.

Since cyanobacteria toxins pose human health concerns and can be lethal to pets in relatively small amounts, caution should always be taken when a bloom occurs.

Only laboratory tests can confirm whether a bloom is toxic or nontoxic.

Although as previously described it is not possible to attribute algal blooms to any specific factor, it is important to recognize that the decade’s past water quality data would suggest that the 2015 climatic event is what most likely attributed to the water quality conditions observed. In nature, as in humans, responses to extreme events (such as an injury) are immediate and the recovery from such an event is gradual.

Although data for 2016 is currently being analyzed by WSU and the District, it is possible that 2016 lake conditions could be part of the response and recovery from 2015 and the early 2016 climatic conditions. These weather processes are part of the annual environmental variability and of course are not amenable to control or manipulation.

Liberty Lake is not alone combating algae blooms. Many lakes throughout the Northwest and the United States are suffering from similar algal blooms in response to climatic events. The district is committed to understanding what is causing the algae blooms, if they will become more frequent and intense and determine what management strategies can be employed to abate future blooms.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us at 922-5443.

“Our team prides itself on first-rate customer service. We work hard to make sure we not only serve you efficiently, but with the highest quality. My sincere thanks to our many loyal customers for entrusting us with your vehicles.”

— Eric Cackler, Liberty Lube Manager

Experience the freedom of friendly. ✔ Freedom from high-pressure sales tactics ✔ Freedom from yo-yo pricing ✔ Freedom from long lines ✔ Freedom from a dirty store

(509)

Your local Liberty Lube — more than just an oil change.

922-3510

1105 N. Liberty Lake Rd. MON-FRI 8-6 • SAT 8-5

www.yourlibertylube.com

Find us on Facebook!

E CHOOS YOUR S! SAVING (509)

/liber t ylakesplash

With coupon Exp. 7/31/15

5 OFF

$

FULL-SERVICE OIL CHANGE

FREE TIRE W/ SYNTHETIC ROTATION OIL CHANGE

10 OFF

$

922-3510

1105 N. Liberty Lake Rd. www.yourlibertylube.com

SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE

The Splash

38 OCTOBER 2016

Safety Scroll

School zone safety requires driver awareness

By Chief Brian Asmus Liberty Lake Police Department

It is that time of year again. Your Liberty Lake Police Department would like to welcome back all the students, teachers and parents from what was a hopefully funfilled summer. As we begin the school year, we would like to remind drivers of school zone safety and ask that they: • Slow down and obey the 20 mph school zone speed limits. It is a matter of life and death. A pedestrian hit by a vehicle has a 95-percent chance of surviving the collision if the vehicle is travelling 20 mph or less. However, if the vehicle is travelling 40 mph or greater, a pedestrian has an 85-percent chance of dying. With this in mind, speeding traffic in the school zone is a major concern. Recognizing this, the 1996 Washington State Legislature doubled the fine for speeding in school zones

phone while driving.

• Watch for bicycles. Children on bikes are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable.

If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.

• Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., and nearly 25 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Your Liberty Lake Police Department considers school zone safety a top priority and will be enforcing school zone violations throughout the school year to help keep our children safe. We are committed to improving traffic safety in our community by increasing compliance with traffic laws through education and enforcement.

Although law enforcement efforts are an important part of public safety, we rely heavily on the cooperation of all members of our community to be aware of and to follow all traffic laws, whether as a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorist.

Open house focuses on Mica Peak non-motorized trail plan

By Benjamin Shedlock

Splash Correspondent On Sept. 15, Spokane County held an open house to present a draft non-motorized trail master plan for the Mica Peak Conservation Area.

This latest phase of the county’s efforts to develop the plan included presenting the results of the first round of public engagement held in July at Central Valley High School.

If fully implemented, the master plan, which is in its draft and community involvement stages, has the potential to significantly increase the reach of local trails and help the region’s outdoors offerings compete with regional destinations.

Over the first hour of the open house, which was held at the Kendall Yards Welcome Center on East Summit Parkway in Spokane, about

two dozen community members, trail users, and representatives of conservation organizations reviewed the draft trail plan.

The plan was presented by landscape architects Michael Terrell – Landscape Architecture, PLLC and Alta Planning and Design, the two firms contracted by Spokane County to complete the plan.

Project staff spoke with open house participants who were also encouraged to fill trail use surveys to give input on the layout, design and amenities of the trail system.

The goal of the master plan is to create a “sustainable, implementable, and connected” trail system that includes the Mica Peak Conservation Area, which is accessible by Belmont Road off of Highway 27. The system also includes trails on Washington Department of Natural Resources land west of the Conservation Area and trails located on land currently owned by the Inland Empire Paper Company.

According to the project website, the 911-acre Conservation Area includes 2000 feet of vertical elevation gain, reaching 5,280 feet.

The land was purchased by the

See MICA PEAK, Page 39

• Watch for crossing guards and please follow their directions • Yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street • Be aware of children present in the area • Obey the posted parking restrictions and park your vehicle accordingly • Come to a complete stop.

Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods.

• Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.

And children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between parked cars.

Reduce risk by not using your cell

Spokane County is working on a non-motorized trail master plan for the Mica Peak Conservation Area. The goal is to create a user-friendly trail system that would connect the Mica Peak property to regional trail systems including those in the southern tract of Liberty Lake Regional Park.

File photo

The Splash

MICA PEAK

Continued from page 38 county in 2013 using Conservation Futures program gunding, under which Washington counties can buy and preserve private property for public use. Trail use on lands bought by this program must be non-motorized.

According to planner Mike Terrell, the master plan is focused on making the trail system as userfriendly as possible based on current use patterns.

“It’s more rehabilitation to correct and prioritize the trails that are being used,” Terrell said.

There will be few new trails except in places where current users commonly cut between trails to make loops. The master plan is being designed for four major user groups—hikers and dog walkers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Open house participants were invited to cycle through a series of poster boards that laid out the project. The boards presented maps of current and proposed trail use, the methodology for developing the plan and the results of landscape surveys.

The plan will recommend and prioritize trails for the county to repair. Last spring, the planners held a community mapping event to identify current trail use. They recruited local outdoors groups that represent the major user groups to track their usual routes with an app.

The map that was created through this event was used to solicit the first round of community input and to create the draft plan, which also took into account an existing conditions analysis, stream flows and erosion.

Among the participants in the community mapping event was Holly Weiler, the Eastern Washington regional coordinator for the Washington Trails Association, a nonprofit that promotes hiking and conservation across Washington.

Weiler said she appreciated that the plan proposes to close some existing roads to protect hikers and private property and that new 10-percent grade single-track trail would be installed, which helps prevent erosion.

Her organization will continue to support the master planning effort and ultimately will provide work crews to clear trails.

The sharpest focus was placed on connections to regional trail systems. The proposed trail system spills over into two parcels of non-

OCTOBER 2016 • 39

country property. The Department of Natural Resources land west of the Conservation Area provides access along California Creek. The state land must be sustainable. The county is working with the state to ensure safe and regular access to the land.

The Inland Empire land, however, is what most excites trail users.

It bisects the Conservation Area and the southern end of the Liberty Lake Regional Park and Conservation Area. Connecting these open spaces would provide uninterrupted hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities between the two areas.

“Some people like to go a long way,” Terrell said.

The county has been speaking with Inland Empire for several years about getting access to the valuable, privately owned land.

They made headway this year when Inland Empire nominated the parcel for the Conservation Futures program, the same program used to purchase the Conservation Area.

However, no purchase has yet been made.

“This purchase would bring into the fold another amazing trail system,” said Will Stone of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

He pointed to large regional trail systems as a big tourism draw, and said that the connected system would be the same size as the Mt. Spokane recreation area.

“It’s popular to integrate working trails and working forests,” Stone said, referring to Inland Empire’s nomination. “That should be a good relationship.”

Evergreen has supported the master planning effort, including assisting with community mapping and providing information and plans to provide assistance in trail building. Stone is cautiously optimistic about the direction of the trail plan, indicating that it is very similar to successful efforts in Bellingham that Evergreen has supported.

“It would be a feather in the cap” for Spokane County, he said.

The involvement of the statewide outdoors groups will help improve design to minimize conflicts on the trail, according to Terrell, who said it is important to “involve groups that can build trails and give them a chance to work together.”

The plan is expected to be finalized this fall. More information is available at the project website micapeaktrailplan.com and you can request additional information by contacting Mike Terrell at 922-7449 or mterrell@mt-la.com.

NOW OPEN

Grand Opening Celebration on Sat. Oct. 15th Join us from 6-9pm for appetizers, drinks, membership sales and raffle prizes!

Visit our website at www.barrebellefitnessstudio.net 21651 E Country Vista Drive Suite E Liberty Lake

(509) 926-4633

The Splash

40 OCTOBER 2016

LAKE

Continued from page 13 connection,” she said. “Everyone just kind of chips in and helps each other out. There’s a lot of care and concern. You know who in the neighborhood is looking out for you.”

Brian joined the Friends of Pavillion Park (FOPP) group early on, advocating for the greenspace when it was being built in the mid1990s. After incorporation, the

committee featured a blend of city residents and non-residents.

“I think FOPP still today makes Liberty Lake a unique community to live in,” Brian said.

Other civic efforts have included the same hybrid. When Lorraine Halverson was named president of the Friends of the Library, a collection of volunteers that raises funds and attention for the city-run library, she never faced a “south of Sprague” stigma.

“I

thought

that

maybe

they

wouldn’t want someone from outside the city to be president but it didn’t matter one bit,” she said. “They don’t think of that designation.”

Both Brian and Annette, who raised their two kids south of Sprague, say they have always felt like part of Liberty Lake, however it is defined.

“I don’t see much distinction living south of Sprague,” Brian said. “We consider ourselves as living in Liberty Lake and a part of the community. I can’t think of one thing that we have ever been deprived of or excluded from because we live outside of the city boundaries.”

“When people ask me where I live, I say ‘Liberty Lake,’” Annette said.

Harley Halverson points out that the city “could charge for the use of the library but they don’t.” He adds that lake residents, many of whom have lived there for an extended time, would most likely step up and back city initiatives like the recent Town Square project that failed to collect the required supermajority vote in August.

CD MATURING? Do you have a certificate of deposit (CD) that’s about to come due?

Will your new CD’s interest rate keep up with taxes and inflation?

Perhaps now’s a good time to consider alternatives.

Thrivent Financial offers a range of financial products designed to fit your ever-changing needs and help you reach your financial goals.

Call today.

“I think the people around the lake would have supported that strongly,” he said. “We would have been for the community center, the pool and the library because we want to keep it a premium community.”

Annette said she followed the Town Square campaign with interest – to a point.

“I started to realize that I can follow it but it doesn’t make any

Steven A. Egland

CFP®, RICP®, FIC Financial Associate

difference because we can’t vote,” she said. “The same thing with the city elections, you feel supportive of some of those are running and then you realize you can’t even cast your vote. It’s so close to home that it feels like we should be able to participate in elections.”

Drawing upon the collection of experienced and concerned residents the lake would be of great the community as whole, added.

layered leaders around value to Annette

“You’ve got people who’ve been here a long time who have the best intentions and love this community and would only be striving to make it better for everyone and it’s sad that can’t happen,” she said. “You look at all the people who pulled together Pavillion Park and the trails and other community things.

I think if the invitation was out there, you would have people who would raise their hand.”

Last year the Liberty Lake City Council discussed eliminating a provision that allows two members of the planning commission to reside outside the city. After some debate, the proposal failed.

Specht points out that the trails committee stands as an ideal example of how residents blended to build a resource that benefits all.

“You had people outside and inside the city working on trails,” he said. “The trails weren’t just for the city or the county, they were for everyone and really become a connection between the two areas.

Same with other groups like Friends

See CITY, Page 41

Christopher M. Nurvic CFP®, ChFC®, FIC Financial Associate

22910 E. Appleway Avenue, Suite 1 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

509-928-2435

Thrivent Financial was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Institute 2012–2015.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S. Thrivent Financial representatives and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services.

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.

Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota • Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836

25979 R1-15

Harley and Lorraine Halverson have lived in the Alpine Shores neighborhood near Liberty Lake since 1981. Both see the benefits of living close to an incorporated city that offers amenities like a library, parks, trails and special events..

Photo by Craig Howard

The Splash

CITY

Continued from page 40 of Pavillion Park, Friends of the Library or a school PTA, you have people from both sides working together.”

Peterson, who counts many lake dwellers as friends, said the city has reaped benefits from its proximity to a dynamic culture that has spawned so many worthwhile causes.

“Hopefully that spirit and sense of community around the lake has had a ripple effect on our city,” he said. “We tried to harness the energy and the initiative we saw in different movements around the lake. We have friendships with these people, they’re our neighbors.

We’ve always seen them as part of our community. They share our schools, they share our parks, they share our friendship. It’s been a good partnership.”

Disagreements rare but there While the city and its neighboring community have enjoyed an affable association for the most part, there have a few cases of turbulence over the years.

The first came just over a year after incorporation when municipal official announced in October 2002 that they would move ahead with plans to place the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District under the city’s umbrella of services.

The district, an independent entity formed in 1973 by residents concerned with the lake’s eroding water quality, opposed the idea.

They were quickly joined by many lakefront residents in the stance.

The mudslinging would go on for several years and cost both sides a small fortune in legal fees.

“The reason the people around the lake got so upset is that they formed the sewer district,” said Harley Halverson. “The fact that there was a district in place played a major role in the development of the city. The developers wanted sewer and water. The quality of the lake is the legal responsibility of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District.”

Today, Peterson acknowledges that the city should have never tried to take control of the popular and well-respected utility.

“Maturity gives you a lot of wisdom,” he said. “We should have never gone there.”

When Halverson stepped down

OCTOBER 2016 • 41

as a LLSWD commissioner in 2006, he wanted to make sure that the remaining commissioners chose a replacement who lived within the city. That happened when Steve Skipworth was appointed.

“When I resigned, there were no Liberty Lake people on the commission,” Halverson said.

“My objective was to resign before there was an election so the commissioners could appoint someone from the city. I thought it would begin the process of softening the animosity between the city and the district.”

Just over two years ago, the city brought up another idea that did not go over glowingly with many south of Sprague.

A longtime Fourth of July fireworks display on the lake, funded entirely by resident donations, would have some company from a citysponsored show at the same time. For the last two years on Independence Day, an illuminated version of dueling banjos has taken place.

“I think that might have been the first time I was really aware of the difference,” Annette Davis said. “Everyone used to come here and appreciate the fireworks around the lake and we were one big community. Now we have two shows and I see that line.”

Peterson said any sense of demarcation between lake and city “has dissipated over time.”

RE-ELECT

“It’s not a case of Liberty Lakers and city people,” he said. “I don’t see that.”

Peterson does field disgruntlement every so often from those who have an issue with the city but don’t realize they reside beyond Liberty Lake limits.

“It happens all the time,” he said.

“When people who live outside our city complain about property tax, they need to talk to the (county) commissioners. Those are your representatives.”

A lake for the few If you live in the city of Liberty Lake, your best bet to access water to the south is a narrow public beach and humble boat launch at Liberty Lake Regional Park. The limited public shoreline – especially when compared to the glory days of the lake as a recreational destination point – leaves residents like the

See COLLABORATION, Page 42

for County Commissioner shellyoquinn.com h ll Paid for by the Committee to Elect Shelly O’Quinn, GOP

NO HIDDEN FEES! Cut Your Propane Cost NOWITH DELIVERY FEES BANNER! NO HAZMAT FEE! √ No Hidden Fees!FEES! NO HIDDEN √ No Delivery Fees! FEES NO DELIVERY √ No Hazmat Fees!FEE! NO HAZMAT anner NO HIDDEN FEES! NO DELIVERY FEES FURNACE & FUEL, INC.

Keeping You Comfortable for Over 90 Years

Call Today For Your Free Propane Quote!

535-1711 | (800) 570-2897 | 122 N. Helena | www.bannerfuel.com

The Splash

42 OCTOBER 2016

COLLABORATION Continued from page 41 Halversons looking for options.

“The sad thing about Liberty Lake is that there’s no access to the city other than the county park,” Harley said. “That’s a real problem.

There are a lot of people in the city who have never been on the lake. It’s not our lake, it belongs to everyone. Yet there are people who are content with the fact that the lake is more exclusive.”

Lorraine remembers a time when an annual Garden Tour provided some with a rare opportunity to get out on the water.

“People got on the boat and said, ‘I’ve never been on the lake before,’” she said. “That might be a drawing point, if there could be some city access to the lake.

We feel very badly that this has become such a private lake. The county park is quite a way from the city and then you pay to get in.”

Under a different scenario, Harley might consider bringing back a similar excursion.

“If we were younger, I think we would take the initiative to form a ‘Liberty Lake Day’ in which we would get all the pontoon boats and give people ride around the lake,” he said. “I think that could

go a long way.”

Looking ahead – status quo or changing status?

Had the area around the lake been included in incorporation, Frank says the likelihood of the community becoming the next rendition of Issaquah was scarce.

“There was really no developable land that would have amounted to much,” he said. “I think it would have been quite minimal. For most people, though, it’s a perception.”

While there has been no talk from City Hall about annexing the area south of Sprague (adding to a pair of north side land acquisitions completed since incorporation)

sprinkler blowout and water quality Before you blow out your sprinkler system this fall, remember that we are all relying on you to help keep our drinking water clean. Once water enters your irrigation system it can become contaminated with lawn chemicals and bacteria. If your sprinkler system doesn’t have adequate backflow protection, blowing out the system may push this contaminated water back into your home’s water supply. For more information, a list of certified backflow assembly testers, or to learn if your system has backflow protection contact Larry White at 922-5443.

(509) 922-5443

• 22510 E Mission Avenue • www.libertylake.org

Give the Gift That Lasts a

LIFETIME! Call Now To Register!

509.922.1011

Get $15 OFF

REGISTRATION! With this Ad. Expires 10/31/16

Now offering both dance & music lessons!

Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Latin Rhythms & Barre, PLUS Guitar, Piano & Voice

11707 E. Sprague Ave., Ste. B • Spokane Valley, WA

509.922.1011

DonnasSchoolofDance.info

Halverson said any potential scenario would bring up the same concerns that arose before the 2000 vote.

“Some of the initial questions are still there,” he said. “It would depend on the City Council’s approach to land use and a priority to preserve the lake. There would have to be some solid commitment. It would have to be looked at carefully. My gut feeling is that is an antithesis to the way the city would think.

They like development, it’s healthy for a city. It continues to bring in new revenue that they need. That alone would discourage it from the perspective of people around the lake. It’s not a ‘we vs. them’ kind of issue, it’s a fact.”

Peterson said the trend on the west side of the state concerning residential areas with little to no retail, commercial or industrial presence has been for “counties to try and unload them because they aren’t generating any revenue beyond property tax.”

As for the impact of incorporation over 15 years, Peterson said the city has passed with flying colors.

“We wanted to control our dollars that are generated here and we did,” he said. “We wanted 24-hour police protection and we have that.

We wanted to be same stewards of the outdoor beauty that the people around the lake have been and we are. We wanted to be the best in trails and preserving greenspace and we have done that.”

If the idea of lake incorporation ever emerged again, Lorraine Halverson wondered if the city would still have an interest.

“I think it’s a question of whether the city would want to take on the responsibility of having the area around the lake and having it under their jurisdiction,” she said.

Frank said he doesn’t foresee the lake community and the city merging anytime in the near future.

For now, it appears Sprague Avenue may remain a city boundary in the books though not necessarily in spirit.

“I think what’s happened in the last 15 years is both the people within the city and the people around the lake have become comfortable with how it is,” he said.

“I don’t see any force for driving change at this point. I think at the end of the day, it turned out well – it was a winning decision for both sides.”

The Splash

OCTOBER 2016 • 43

Never a membership or enrollment fee!

ARE YOU NEW TO THE MAT? WE ARE OFFERING YOU A ONE-WEEK UNLIMITED PASS FREE IN OCTOBER! CALL FOR DETAILS.

ONE FREE MONTH UNLIMITED YOGA MEMBERSHIP WITH ENROLLMENT IN THE ISABODY CHALLENGE PROGRAM CALL FOR DETAILS.

ADULT AND CHILD MARTIAL ARTS, YOGA, KICKBOXING AND ANTI BULLYING CLASSES. ENROLL FOR OCTOBER NOW! October is

YOGA FOR THE CURE MONTH see details on our website

21651 E Country Vista Drive #B Liberty Lake • (Enter at back door)

509.998.8342 www.themat.info

The Splash

44 OCTOBER 2016

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com

Thank you, Liberty Lake!

EDITOR

Craig Howard

craig@libertylakesplash.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR

Danica Wick

danica@libertylakesplash.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

We’re proud and excited to announce the opening of Bellacrosta’s first retail location in the Yoke’s Market Center in Liberty Lake. Bellacrosta Bakery established its roots in Spokane in a tiny back-house bakery off the patio of our restaurant, Clover (located near Gonzaga University), where we created hand-crafted artisanal breads, pastries, and other sweet and savory items that quickly became favorites of our Clover guests. So much so, they started coming to the restaurant between visits just to buy our baked goods!

Open

for information contact publisher@libertylakesplash.com

CIRCULATION Dean Byrns circulation@libertylakesplash.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Lauren Campbell, Steve Christilaw, David Edwards, Craig Howard, Staci Lehman, Ross Schneidmiller, Benjamin Shedlock Mike VlahovichTyler Wilson The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com The Splash is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Liberty Lake area.

Our rustic European-style hearth-baked breads are made from local, sustainablygrown wheat flour from Shepherd’s Grain grown in Palouse, Washington.

We’re devoted to using natural ingredients free of dough conditioners and preservatives. Our natural starter creates our bread’s beautiful flavor, texture, digestibility, and stable shelf life.

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

The Splash is brought to you by

Wick Enterprizes Submitted materials

Publishing House

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

It fills us with joy to share our handcrafted products with you and your home. We hope our bread and pastries provide a few extra moments to linger at the table with family and friends. We look forward to your visit!

— The Bellacrosta Family

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

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

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

Correction policy The Splash strives for accuracy in all content. Errors

FREE

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

BREAD & BREW*

issue following their discovery.

Advertising information

to the first 100 customers on Monday, October 3, 2016

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.

Bellacrosta Baguette - our version of a French baguette with a soft, airy interior and crispy crust (available after 12 noon) —AND— Viking Roast Coffee locally roasted

by Tom Sawyer Country Coffee of Kendal Yards – enjoy a cup on us! *Free offer only applies to items detailed here.

No cash value.

Advertising integrity Inaccurate

or

deceptive

advertising

is

never

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

Copyright © 2016

1235 North Liberty Lake Road bellacrosta.com

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

The Splash

OPINION

Dear Editor: A dangerous traffic congestion is brewing on the access road of Legacy Ridge Drive and Country Vista. Half of the new 258 apartments on Country Vista will have only one exit emptying directly onto Legacy Ridge’s single exit. Several hundred more homes are slated to be built on the hill, presently squeezing through a solitary gate.

A bus stop of over 100 students and parents congregate each morning and afternoon on Legacy Ridge Drive. Adding over 100 units (usually two cars) plus more children to the congestion does not appear well thought.

The city recognized the problem in the building approval, a condition, number 11 which states: “The applicant shall contact Central Valley School District (CVSD) to coordinate school bus access with student pick-up and drop-off. A bus shelter may be required.”

At the time of the writing of this letter, a month into construction, no contact has been made with the school district regarding this issue. It is a disservice to both the citizens of this town as well as to the developer. Construction has already begun.

Who oversees the completion of this condition? What criterion is used to satiate the requirements?

What is the timing on this, after the apartment road is constructed?

Does a mere phone call fulfill this condition? What if no satisfactory solution is reached? What then?

Why were the conditions not completed before construction began?

There are other issues such as official admittance of poor visibility from a western entrance, acknowledgement of increasing traffic by adding a future semi fore and contradictory language and practice stating certain streets are designed for “low volumes of traffic.”

It should not take an injury or death of a child to spur us into action. Unfortunately, it seems to be the direction we are headed.

Keeping our children safe is critical!

Respectfully, E. Williams (Editor’s note: City Administrator Katy Allen was in discussions with the Central Valley School District in late September trying to facilitate discussions between the Legacy Ridge Homeowners’ Association and CVSD regarding the matter mentioned in this letter. More on this issue is included in the City Council story on page 8.)

Dear Editor: The Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who participated in the sixth annual Rotary in Motion (RIM) ride. We would especially like to thank all of the volunteers for their help and support to make this event a success! Volunteers included the Christian Motorcycle Club, the Bike Hub, Nancy Brubaker and all of our Liberty Lake Rotarians. Momentum Ink printed our very cool techshirts. The Liberty Lake Jimmy John’s sandwiches were enjoyed by everyone!

OCTOBER 2016 • 45

Love The Splash?

Support our partners.

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

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

We appreciate the support from our major sponsors including The Spokane Sports Commission, Washington Trust Bank, Greenstone, Meadowwood Technology Campus, Baker Construction, Liberty Closing and Escrow, Vista Window Cleaning, Mountain Dog Sign Company, Storage Solutions, Swiss Tech Precision, Frost Consulting, Inland Insurance, Well Life Pharmacy, Yoke’s, The Kitchen Engine and State Farm Emily Osborne Agency.

This year’s family 5-mile RIM ride was held on Saturday, Sept. 17 and the 15, 25, 50 and 100-mile routes were held on Sunday, Sept. 18.

The Liberty Lake Rotary Club was thrilled to set a new record with 437 cyclists participating this year!

Each route included supported rest stops with great snacks, some of which were donated by Yoke’s. We had 60 cyclists complete the 100mile challenge ride and 132 cyclists completed the 50-mile scenic ride around Hauser and Newman Lake.

The proceeds from this year’s ride will benefit the Liberty Lake Rotary Club including various projects in our local Liberty Lake community.

Please visit our Facebook page and mark your calendar for the seventh annual Rotary in Motion (RIM) Ride, Sept. 16 and 17, 2017.

Mandy Desgrosellier

About the Opinion Page The Splash opinion page is intended to be a community forum for discussing local issues. Please interact with us by sending a letter to the editor or Liberty Lake Voices guest column for consideration.

Letters to the editor of no more than 350 words or guest columns of about 700 words should be e-mailed to editor@libertylakesplash.com or mailed to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. A full name and telephone number must be included for purposes of verification. A photo of the author must be taken or provided for all guest columns.

The Splash reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. Business complaints or endorsements will not be accepted, and political endorsement letters will only be accepted if they interact with issues of a campaign.

Views expressed in signed columns or letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or its staff. Editorials, which appear under the heading "Splash Editorial," represent the voice of The Splash and are written by Publisher Ben Wick.

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

Index of advertisers

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

Amaculate Housekeeping 14 Andrew Biviano 20 Banner Furnace & Fuel 41 Barre Belle Fitness 39 BECU 10 Bellacrosta 44 Bobby’s Cafe and Catering 15 Candace Mumm 18 Casey Family Dental 20 Central Valley Theatre 17 City of Liberty Lake 3 Coldwell Banker - Rob Brickett 32 Donna’s School of Dance 42 Evergreen Fountain 29 Family Medicine Liberty Lake 8 Friends of LL Library 14, 20 Friends of Pavillion Park 34 Greenstone 34

Horizon Credit Union 32 Inland Empire Utility Corrdinating Council 17 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 15 Jim Custer Enterprises 27 Just Chillin’ 18 KiDDS Dental 25 Liberty Lake Community Theatre 22 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market 36 Liberty Lake Municipal Library 21 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 42 Liberty Lube 37 Mary Sloan 27 Northern Quest 48 Ott Knott Used Golf Carts 14 Piccolo’s 3 Rockin’ B Ranch 43

Salon Capello-Alisha Fenton

39

Sarah Hamilton FACE

43

Shelly O’Quinn

41

Simonds Dental Group

48

Spokane Realty-Courtney Hanks 19 Spokane Roofing Spokane Valley Fire Dept Stolp Vision Clinic

36 3 5

The Mat

43

Thrivent Financial

40

Tracy Jeweler

17

U-High Craft Fair

20

Windermere 32 Yokes 20

Service Directory

46

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

The Splash

46 OCTOBER 2016

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $15.85-$20.00 per month and business services are $24.00-$35.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families.

Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless telephone. A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program.

Lifeline eligible subscribers may also qualify for reliable home high-speed Internet service up to 1.5Mbps for $9.95* per month for the first 12 months of service. Please call 1-800-257-3212 or visit centurylink.com/internetbasics for more information.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1-855954-6546 or visit centurylink.com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program. *CenturyLink Internet Basics Program – Residential customers only who qualify based on meeting income level or program participation eligibility requirements, and requires remaining eligible for the entire offer period. First bill will include charges for the \first full month of service billed in advance, prorated charges for service from the date of installation to bill date, and one-time charges and fees described above. Qualifying customers may keep this program for a maximum of 60 months after service activation provided customer still qualifies during that time. Listed High-Speed Internet rate of $9.95/mo. applies for first 12 months of service (after which the rate reverts to $14.95/mo. for the next 48 months of service), and requires a 12-month term agreement. Customer must either lease a modem/router from CenturyLink for an additional monthly charge or independently purchase a modem/router, and a one-time High-Speed Internet activation fee applies. A one-time professional installation charge (if selected by customer) and a one-time shipping and handling fee applies to customer’s modem/ router. General – Services not available everywhere. Have not have subscribed to CenturyLink Internet service within the last 90 days and are not a current CenturyLink customer. CenturyLink may change or cancel services or substitute similar services at its sole discretion without notice. Offer, plans, and stated rates are subject to change and may vary by service area. Deposit may be required.

Additional restrictions apply. Terms and Conditions – All products and services listed are governed by tariffs, terms of service, or terms and conditions posted at centurylink.com. Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges – Applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges include a carrier Universal Service charge, carrier cost recovery surcharges, state and local fees that vary by area and certain in-state surcharges.

Cost recovery fees are not taxes or government-required charges for use. Taxes, fees, and surcharges apply based on standard monthly, not promotional, rates.

SERVICE DIRECTORY WINDOW CLEANING

Christmas Light

BICYCLE REPAIR AND SERVICE

THE BICYCLE MECHANIC AT LIBERTY LAKE Tune-ups and repairs. New and used bicycles available.

Make your appointment now.

Bicycle repair by expert Tony, 509-998-2359.

Installation 509-701-3064 EVENT & MEETING FACILITY HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?

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

CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING ROOF REPAIR SPECIALIST

HOUSE CLEANING A1 CLEANING SERVICE

Spoil yourself! Give up your house cleaning duties and let me do it for you.

Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly rates.

Reasonable, dependable, trustworthy.

Please Call Jamie 208-661-5535

HOUSEKEEPING

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

Many years of experience.

Excellent references!

Call Julie (509) 270 - 3276 for an appointment.

TREE SERVICE AFFORDABLE ARBORIST

LAWN CARE SERVICES SPRINKLER BLOWOUTS & FALL PRUNING

Year Round Tree Service 60 ft. Bucket Truck Removals • Thinning • Pruning • Shaping Lot Clearing • Stump Grinding Residential & Commercial • A+ Rated BBB Member Affordable Arborist Tree Care, Inc. 509-879-0577 Veteran Owned & Operated WA Lic#AFFORAT935KG

HONEST AND RELIABLE

Call us for a free quote on your weekly lawn maintenance, power rake, pruning, aeration & irrigation needs! Licensed & Insured www.pristinelawnspokane.com 509-998-6181

The Splash

Branch to the Past – Preserving Appleway’s last apple tree

By Steve Christilaw

Splash Correspondent Out where Appleway Avenue nears the state line, Richard Connelly found what he believes is the street’s last remaining namesake.

A single, ancient and forlorn apple tree.

Not a tree sculpted for ease of harvest nor cultivated to provide the sweetest fruit. No, this tree is, if nothing else, stands as a survivor from another time still producing fruit that long ago stopped being picked.

“This poor thing couldn’t have picked a worse spot,” Richard said.

“It’s already leaning over from where they pushed it aside to install the gas line and I’m sure they cut off some its main roots that were in the ditch when they did that.”

Himself a transplant from Seattle, Connelly felt sorry for the tree and he’s gone out of his way to provide it with some much-needed TLC. “Have you ever read the book ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein?” he asked. “I loved that book and, if you remember, the tree ends up giving everything it has and winds up dead at the end of the book. I don’t want this tree to end up that way.”

Connelly has gotten in the habit of bringing a bucket of water with him and dumping it nearby to help the tree cope with the heat of summer and, in an effort to help curb its need for water, he made sure it was pruned.

“I thinned it down and cut off some of the growth so it doesn’t need so much water,” he said. “I hope some other people can chip in and bring by buckets of water on their way to state line so that it can keep going.”

Why? “Well, this is the last tree left on Appleway,” he said. “What’s going to happen if this tree dies? We’ll have to just call it ‘Way.’” So he’s trying to give back to

ON THAT NOTE

OCTOBER 2016 • 47

this Giving Tree by telling its story before this real-life tree meets the same fate as its fictional namesake.

“What we need to do is get some people to adopt this tree and help take care of it,” he said. “It’s a piece of living history and I don’t want to see it gone.”

So, what is Richard’s idea for making sure this leafy landmark doesn’t go by the wayside? He is appealing to the jurisdiction that the tree calls home – Spokane County’s easternmost burg, a place that just happens to be an official “Tree City” through the Arbor Day Foundation.

“I know it’s kind of a Hail Mary, but I would love for the mayor of Liberty Lake to come see this tree and adopt it,” he said. “It can be the official tree of Liberty Lake. We have a state tree, right? Why not have a city tree? So hey folks – skip the puppy and adopt our last Appleway tree!”

Connelly grew up in Western Washington and has fond memories of the apple trees on his grandmother’s rural property.

Around the same time, he would go with his mother to a fruit cannery in Kirkland, with, in his words, “all of the machines, steam bubbling vats and wonderful smells.” As an adult, he helped develop 500 acres in Stevens County consisting of 20acre ranchettes.

“There were a host of fruit trees, planted by pioneers, that needed TLC,” Richard said. “I was happy to volunteer for this duty and reconnect with my early memories.

These are the connections that the lucky children out there with instructive parents, are eternally grateful for.”

Connelly first discovered Appleway’s distinctive tree in 2006 when living in Liberty Lake.

“I had to pass this tree on my way to mom's current house in Hayden, Idaho,” he said. “I think that I have reconnected with the lessons I have learned from mom and grandma and reinforced by “The Giving Tree.” We go through life nowadays trying to appear so sophisticated and urbane but our lives depend on the giving tree and all of its plant relatives. None are so great as those who stop to appreciate the lowest and most important among us, who nourish us and the animals who make us smile. Appreciating and helping the Giving Tree makes me a much better person and parent.”

One of the last vestiges of the Valley’s rich farming past – a solitary apple tree – can still be found on the eastern fringe of Liberty Lake. Spokane Valley resident Richard Connelly, formerly of Liberty Lake, discovered the tree in 2006 and has cared for it ever since.

Photo by Craig Howard

When the Valley was Apple King

There was a time when the greater Spokane Valley was known as the region’s apple growing capital, challenging agriculturally rich areas like Yakima and Wenatchee. By 1922, as many as 12,000 acres were being cultivated with apples emerging as the major crop.

According to “The Spokane Valley: A History of the Growing Years” compiled by Florence Boutwell, Valley apple production reached its peak in 1924 but then began to decline as dairy farming and crops like the Heart of Gold cantaloupe and berries left apple orchards behind.

In this excerpt from Boutwell’s book written in 1970, Channon Price chronicles the rise and fall of the Valley’s apple industry: “Early in the century, everyone was thinking and talking apples and planting apple trees. Sprague Road became the Appleway. The intersection at Appleway and University was Apple Center. Later we had Appleway State Bank, Appleway Mercantile, Appleway Fuel and Appleway Chevrolet.

We had apple blossom parades with a queen and everything. In the fall, after harvest, we had apple shows. Everyone dreamed of the day when their apple trees would be full grown and they could count so many apples on

a tree that would fill so many boxes and sell for so many dollars. They wondered what they would do with so much money.

Meanwhile, they planted berries and vegetables between the rows to make a living.

The nightmare in the dream was that the soil of the Valley was not deep enough or rich enough to support a grown bearing apple tree. As the trees grew larger, the apples grew smaller. Around the apple picking plant they used to joke about buying berry bullocks for the apples and putting Jonathan apples in strawberry crates.

Many of the varieties were good but not suitable for storage and shipment. The local market could not use all the apples. Those suitable for eastern shipment were often consigned to eastern commission firms and all too often the grower would get back a freight bill instead of a check.

The knockout came in the 1920s. The trees were in a weakened condition from lack of nourishment and the strain of producing crops of apples. They were so severely damaged by long extremes of cold weather that many of them had to be destroyed.

The Valley, however, was not left without hope. People had learned that living in the Valley was nice. The damaged orchards were replaced by paved streets and beautiful homes.”

The Splash

48 OCTOBER 2016

OCT 16 | 7:30PM

SUN, OCT 23 RODNEY CARRINGTON

TANYA TUCKER

SAT, OCT 29 JETHRO TULL

WRITTEN & PERFORMED

BY IAN ANDERSON

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN | Sun, Nov 13 CELTIC THUNDER | Sat, Nov 19 THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE | Nov 28, 29, 30 No purchase necessary. Official Rules @ Box Office.

More shows and tickets at NORTHERNQUEST.COM

Show us your boo-tiful smile

8 7 7. 8 7 1 .6 7 7 2

New patients, receive your choice of:

FREE ZOOM! In-office Teeth Whitening OR

A FREE Sonicare Toothbrush 22106 E. Country Vista Drive Suite D • Liberty Lake

Values up to $450.

With Purchase of a New Patient Exam, Necessary X-rays & Recommended Cleaning. Expires 10/31/16.

www.LibertyLakeDental.com CALL TODAY!

Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Amanda Roper

| S P O K A N E , WA