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Wonder Wheels:
Electric vehicles are on the move and Liberty Lake is charging on page 12
STOCKER SHARES BASEBALL INSIGHT PAGE 35
CV GRAD MAKES IMPACT IN CHINA PAGE 47
OFFICIAL BAREFOOT IN THE PARK PULL-OUT PAGE 23
2 • AUGUST 2017
The Park Bench
Consultant by the Shore – Agnew serves as senior rep on LLSWD board
By Craig Howard Splash Editor As an elected representative of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) Board of Commissioners, Tom Agnew is accustomed to campaigning for voter support. Nearly 20 years before his first run at office, Agnew and his wife Stephanie set out on a literal campaign trail around Liberty Lake to vie for a home on the water. The year was 1981 and the young couple had just returned from five years in Hawaii where Tom worked in local radio and Stephanie ran the Maui YMCA. Born and raised in the Spokane area, Tom recalls “the plan always being to return to the Inland Northwest.” Tom had established a stellar reputation at KAIO-FM in Maui, handling a variety of duties from broadcasting to advertising to organizing the play lists for a fledgling station that reported the news and was known for a diverse lineup of traditional Hawaiian music, pop hits, Classical and Big Band tunes. KAIO’s principal owner was Herbert “Pete” Hoover III, grandson of the 31st president of the U.S. The Agnew’s first child, Anna, was born in Hawaii. Now, they were looking to raise a family somewhere near a shore in the Evergreen State. After looking at various properties bordering several local lakes like Hayden and almost committing to a rental in the 7-Mile area by the Spokane River, the couple found a place on Liberty Lake. The quest had included Tom and Stephanie diligently questioning any lakeside property owner they could find regarding homes to lease. “We talked to anyone who would listen,” Agnew recalls. Later the Agnews found a lot to build on. By 1983, they had their own home overlooking Liberty Lake. The move coincided with the 10year anniversary of an organization
NEWS that many say saved the lake itself. While Agnew was not part of LLSWD when it formed in 1973, he is wellversed in the history of a utility that was the catalyst for a transformative cleanup effort. The conversion of a septic tank network to a cleaner, more efficient sewer system was the key in addressing invasive algae blooms that had transformed the water into a murky mess. In 1980, the district coordinated the dredging of 50 acres on the southwest portion of the lake that eliminated a 2-foot layer of sludge. “When we got there in 1981, it wasn’t too bad,” Agnew recalls. “You’d still hear some people complain about the district, though. I remember standing on the dock with my neighbor and he said, ‘No way this little community can afford or needs a sewer district.’ The next year, we're standing on the dock and he says, ‘This lake hasn't been this clear ever and I've lived here 25 years!'" Agnew joined the LLSWD Board of Commissioners in 2000 as the junior representative, completing a triumvirate that included Frank Boyle and Harley Halverson. He is now the senior member of the group with Steve Skipworth and Kottayam Notarajan Jr. “Sewer and water services are arguably the most important ingredients to a community and often the least talked about,” says Agnew who often appears at Liberty Lake City Council meetings to provide updates about the district. During his tenure at LLSWD, Agnew has served as secretary of the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts and was part of an effort that saw LLSWD earning District of the Year honors in 2002 from the same organization. The district has also been recognized with the Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award by the Washington Department of Ecology five times since Agnew has been a commissioner and six times overall. The oldest of nine children, Agnew was born in 1950 and grew up in local communities like the South Hill, North Spokane, Lewiston and Clarkston. He spent his first two years of high school at Gonzaga Prep before transferring to Lewis and Clark where he graduated in 1968. While going to school, he worked flipping burgers, washing dishes and unloading frozen food from boxcars. Agnew enrolled at Central Washington University after high school but transferred to the University of Washington halfway through his freshman year. He went on to earn his degree in Political
The Splash
Tom Agnew has served as a commissioner of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District since 2000, often referring to the importance of preserving the lake for future generations. Above, Agnew is pictured at his home at Liberty Lake with his three grandchildren. Photo by Hayley Schmelzer Science with a minor in English. When he was 21, his dad passed away, leaving Agnew in a mentor role for his younger siblings. By 1974, Agnew had attained another diploma from UW, this one from the Graduate School of Public Affairs that now bears the name of former Washington Governor Dan Evans. Agnew recalls the curriculum being “an MBA approach to government.” Agnew’s professional journey has included stops at KXLY radio as general manager as well as a role in creating KAYU-TV. In 1990, he headed out on his own to start Agnew Consulting, an enterprise that continues to this day. Agnew works with clients to get to a place where, in his words, “continuous quality improvement becomes the norm.” Agnew teaches a course in quality management each semester at Gonzaga University. Tom and Stephanie’s family includes three children and three grandchildren. Quality family time is spent by a well-maintained and treasured lake. Q: You grew up in and around the Spokane area. What do you remember about the Liberty Lake community from back then? A: We visited Liberty Lake frequently as kids. I’m told I took swimming lessons at Sandy
Beach Resort as a toddler. Vividly remember being on the ice with my dad. I played my first golf on Liberty Lake Golf Course. Brought Steph (wife Stephanie) out for a swim in early 70s and there was a health warning posted that discouraged swimming. About this time, Liberty Lake was earning a bad reputation for murky water choked with algae blooms. Most everyone simply went elsewhere. Q: How do you think your experience in the broadcasting field benefited you in the transition to running your own consulting company? A: Broadcasting provides one a bird’s eye view of the community. The movers and shakers, those in front of the camera and those working behind the scenes, business people, elected and public officials, the who's and what's in the news. Most organizations seek press coverage, whether news, public service, paid advertising or publicity stunts. So, when it was time to start Agnew Consulting I knew a lot of the influential people in key organizations, both public and private sector and they knew me. It was extremely helpful to already have a working relationship with someone with whom I wanted to work. It was also very helpful to know which people and organizations with whom I did not want to work.
See AGNEW, Page 5
The Splash
AUGUST 2017 • 3
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4 • AUGUST 2017
Planning for the next 128 years. Avista has proudly served you for more than 128 years and is taking steps to plan for the future. As part of our plans, we are pleased to announce that we are joining forces with Hydro One, one of the bestrun electric transmission and distribution utilities in North America. We are confident this partnership, when completed in the second half of 2018, will be a positive step for our customers, our employees, and the many communities we serve. Hydro One shares the long-held values of our culture, and when this partnership is finalized, we will work hard for you each and every day in virtually the same way we do today. We’ll continue to operate under the same name, in the same headquarters in Spokane, with the same management and all the employees you’ve come to trust for your energy needs. In partnership with Hydro One, we will have increased opportunities to implement technological innovation and important economic development projects, and to increase our support to the local communities we serve…well into the future. We fully believe this transaction is advantageous for you and for us: • Our customers will continue to receive clean, safe, high quality, and reliable service at reasonable rates. There will be no increase in rates as a result of this transaction. • Our communities will continue to benefit from Avista’s commitment to philanthropy and economic development. In fact, Hydro One has committed to doing more—nearly doubling our current levels of community contributions. Furthermore, we are dedicated to upholding our longstanding commitments to environmental stewardship, safety, and reliability. • Our employees will see a continuation of the company and their jobs as they are today. In the meantime, we want to thank you for your continued support as we enter this important new chapter in our long history. We are very excited for what lies ahead for our customers, our employees, and the communities we serve. Sincerely,
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The Splash
AGNEW
NEWS
Continued from page 2 Q: What was your position on the campaign for Liberty Lake incorporation in 2000? A: Due to Washington growth management law, property within a city boundary was and is intended for high density urban development. The existing lake community was already very dense and urbanlike. The lake was teetering on the brink of healthy for the first time in over 40 years. I opposed including the lake community in the new city. It didn't make sense to draw the lake into a city boundary to encourage more urban density of undeveloped lake watershed. A bunch of residents got together with a long-term vision for the Liberty Lake community to become the best example of urban development while simultaneously being a best example of environmental stewardship and protection. Why not seek the best of both worlds? Look southeast over the lake to view forested hillsides much as our Native American forefathers experienced on their first arrival and look north to view one of the best examples of a well-planned urban environment. We united the community around a common vision that protected the watershed while enabling the new city. Q: The city and the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District have had their differences over the years, especially in the years following incorporation when the city attempted to take control of LLSWD. Things seemed to have calmed down a lot since then. How would you characterize the relationship now? A: In my view, the relationship has never been better. Q: From what I can gather, you emphasize organizational efficiencies and continuous quality improvement when consulting with business clients. What are some of the best ways to create those expectations on a personal level? A: Agnew Consulting’s purpose is to help people and organizations discover and engage the philosophy, tools and techniques that breed excellence. Quality management for organizational excellence is first and foremost a very personal commitment to total quality. One of the attractions of total quality is how it positively impacts personal life, the individual, their family, friends and the community, in addition to improving the organization in which it is undertaken. Though most of my customers are businesses, many have been public agencies,
government and nonprofits. In my view, all organizations and all individuals can reap the benefits of total quality. An organization’s quality journey requires raising the understanding of and commitment to the personal quality of everyone in the organization. If you want to improve your organization's products and service, you have to improve your people and this cannot be ordered done. Thanks to science and academia, our understanding of people, work and organization is improving at an accelerating rate. The awe-inspiring discoveries are often counterintuitive and always challenging. First we learn about them, then we must learn to practice them. It takes discipline. Historically the world of work has been slow to adopt these lessons learned. Quality management, the quality movement, illustrates the point. Despite ever increasing scientific evidence and academic research demonstrating its merits, it remains primarily a manufacturing practice. And though relatively well-accepted on the manufacturing floor, what about the rest of the company? Not to mention the rest of the economy where 80 percent of people work. Quality management’s potential for improving people, their work and organizations of all kinds has been under-realized for decades. Q: What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of being an LLSWD commissioner? A: Realizing first-hand that most who live here are of a similar mind when it comes to raising and caring for each other and community. Though we may attend different churches and schools, live in the city or out, have moved here from another country or are local, we all live in and love the same community. Q: Do you think most residents have any grasp of all the efforts that go into maintaining efficient water and sewer services? A: No. I certainly didn't. It's one of the dilemmas of the business. People take sewer services and drinking water for granted. It's generally been there on demand all of our lives. Most of us don't spend a lot of time thinking about these and yet not many things are more important for public health and safety than drinking water and waste water treatment. Q: Finally, what do you enjoy most about living and serving in the Liberty Lake community? A: I continue to enjoy living in the woods in a lake cabin. I also very much enjoy sitting on LLSWD's board, serving amazing people and their quintessential Inland Northwest environment.
AUGUST 2017 • 5
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LIBRARY
6 • AUGUST 2017
Activities ADULT EVENTS
Family Crafts
Saturday August 12th 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Join us while we make glitter slime. All ages welcome!
4:00 pm Use supplies provided to create the craziest art project you can imagine. We will all vote our favorite. Winner will take home our “Bad Art” trophy. Ages 6 and up. Register here > goo.gl/dVwQP2
The Splash
Humans VS Zombies Nerf War: Rocky Hill Park Friday, August 11th 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Please bring your own Nerf Gun. Standard ammo will be provided. Human and zombie attire welcome. Children should have an adult present throughtout the event.
Family Yoga
Saturday August 19th 2:00 pm
Adult Crafts
Thursday August 10th 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Bring the whole family and have some fun! Sign up at the library or facebook.
Mexican gourd decorating! Come decorate bright and beautiful gourds while eating mexican treats. Registration required.
Book N Brew Club
Thursday August 24th 6:30 pm
Summer Reading
Toddler Drive in Movie Wednesday August 9th 10:30 am
Create your very own car from a cardboard box and watch a short movie with us at our ‘Drive in Theatre.’ If you have a box at home to make a car with plese bring it. Ages 1-5. The library will be closed to the general public that morning. To attend the activity, please enter through our east storytime room door. Signs will be posted outside to direct you.
Reading ‘Like Water for Chocolate’ by Laura Esquival.
Thursday August 12th
The Adult reading program ends August 12th. Winners will be notified by phone. For extra stamps on your stamp cards you can attend programs, donate items to our food drive with Spokane Valley Partners, read book club choices and attend the book club (in person or on our Facebook page), or simply do something good in your community and let us know! Please return your stamp cards to the library by the end of day Saturday, August 12th. Prizes include movie passes, a basket of yoga supplies (mat, strap, block and DVD), gift certificate to The Mat yoga studio (worth $75 and includes a nutritional session), a basket celebrating Japan (includes all sorts of beautiful and unique items from Japan), a basket of books and a Kindle Fire.
Summer Reading The Children and Teen Summer Reading Program ends August 12th. Please have your mintues keyed in online or your paper reading logs turning into the library by the end of the day. This is also the last day to pick up prizes. For two extra entries (one each) into our grand prize drawings, don’t forget to share how you helped someone else this summer on our kindness wall and donate and item to our food drive with Spokane Valley Partners. Grand Prize winners will be notified by Tuesday, August 15th. Prizes include nerf guns, lego kits, tickets to movies, bowling, Silverwood, Splash Down and more!
Thank you
Family Crafts
Saturday August 26th 2:00 pm - 3:30
Come join us to create glow in the dark night lights! All ages welcome.
CHILDREN EVENTS
Bad Art
Tuesday, August 8th
For Crafting with us!
www.facebook.com/libertylakelibrary • www.libertylakewa.gov/library
The Splash
AUGUST 2017 • 7
The Lookout MEMO from the
Mayor
By Mayor Steve Peterson
Troy Alton, age 50, Feb. 23, 1967 – July 4, 2017 A good friend, great guy, fine businessman and a wonderful family man. Services on July 15 covered the “Dash” to be placed on his tombstone between birth and death. I first heard of the “Dash” during a presentation by Lou Holtz on his book “Winning. Everyday”at a company inspirational meeting
in the 90s. It was conceived by another Alton – Alton Maiden who played football for Notre Dame under Holtz. The message was crystal clear – put meaning in your life and from that meaning you will be remembered by your loved ones, friends, business associates and others. So what does this have to do with our city you may ask. It’s very simple, the city pens its birth on Aug. 31, 2001 – but cities really do not have an end. They go on for hundreds of years and impact thousands of lifetimes. Future residents will not remember much
Garden Notes
Those lifelong -family friendships that we made, the charter organizations that we formed and the Liberty Lake that we cherished will be passed along to our kids and their kids. What we do together creates a growing and heighted “Dash.” So let’s leave this campsite better, cleaner and more improved than what we found it. Let’s be the leaders of a community that we truly want and cherish. Let us
Safely navigating road construction
Dealing with weeds on the yard front
By Joice Cary City Horticulturist Assisted by perfect weather conditions, a bumper crop of weeds have been produced this season. Some folks are scrambling to keep weeds out of lawns and gardens. Pulling, spraying and cussing weeds can feel like punishment for a crime you didn’t commit. Maybe a better route is to find the value of weeds and embrace them. At the city, we recognize two categories of weeds – noxious and not-noxious weeds. Noxious weeds are human introduced, nonnative plants that are destructive, competitive and difficult to control and are a threat ecologically, socially or economically. These are the evil, ruthless weeds and Washington State mandates counties to control them. My favorite definition of a notnoxious weed is, “a plant out of place,” which would include a volunteer marigold in the asparagus patch. Some common “weeds” are native to our area and serve a purpose. Trifolium, clover, provides food for pollinators who are happy to find it the yard. Achillea millefolium, or yarrow, which can be found upsetting that perfect blend of green in your lawn, also
of us but they will really remember what we did. The community which we built and the values which we placed on our surroundings will have long impact on their lives.
has medicinal value. Dandelions, a crowd favorite, provides 2.7 grams of protein per 100-gram serving of greens/leaves as well as 203 percent of the RDA of vitamin A and 58 percent of vitamin C. You might not forage in your backyard for lunch but many creatures enjoy dining there. Native plants and certain weeds provide nectar, fruit and seeds to hungry wildlife by blooming and maturing throughout the year. Is it time to stop punishing yourself and replace some of that high maintenance lawn grass with low maintenance native plants? Your back and the bugs will be glad you did! For more information about native plants, visit http://www. wnps.org/ or see the Spokane County Noxious Weed Pamphlet available at City Hall.
As most people know, our main road in Liberty Lake has been under construction since June 5. This is a very difficult project for the contractor and everyone that uses Liberty Lake Road and Country Vista. Trying to provide space for the contractor to work and provide the space needed for heavy traffic volumes has tried everyone’s patience. The city would like to thank everyone for working through this. What should you expect now that both streets are paved with asphalt? The intersections are the next to be worked on at night. This means that the intersections will be turned into gravel as the asphalt is removed and the base rock is replaced. The contractor has tried to keep all exposed gravel smooth. You can help by slowing down as you pass through the intersections and when starting up – don’t spin your tires. Please remember that you are in a construction zone. The cones and candles are placed to direct traffic and keep you safe. Please don’t run over them. When a cone is run over, it opens a space that some people then drive through and face oncoming traffic. When we finally pave the intersections, the last lift will require that the entire intersection
August 2017 be the neighbors we would like to have. Doing so enhances our personal “Dash” and collectively we build a city “Dash” that has no end. God speed you Troy, along with Mark, Jerry, Glen, Dad, Mom, Grandma Pete, Marlin, Bud, Ruth, Mike, Bobbie, “Yogi” and all of those other friends and relatives that have passed on before. You have enriched my life and provided so much more to our community’s lives. We will always remember the “Dash” you provided in the world which you have left. (P.S. “The Dash” by Linda Ellis is the enhanced version written in 1996.) will be closed. This will happen at night so disruptions will be minimal but it will also mean that the off ramp from I-90 will be closed for a period and travelers must use Barker or the Idaho Road exit when the Appleway intersection is paved. When the Country Vista intersection is paved, Liberty Lake Road and Country Vista will be closed. These dates will be posted. Finally, a last reminder that you are in a construction zone and are advised to slow down. Thanks again for your patience.
https://www.facebook.com/libertylakewa • www.libertylakewa.gov
The Splash
8 • AUGUST 2017
Folds of Honor Patriot Golf Day Tournament Friday, September 15, 1-7 pm
MeadowWood Golf Course 24501 E. Valleyway, Liberty Lake
Shotgun Start, 1:00 pm, Dinner to follow Awards will be presented to top teams and individuals for long drive and close-to-the-pin Various sponsor levels Registration includes green fees, cart and dinner: $500 per team or $125 per individual
CVSD wraps up construction, looks ahead to vote By Staci Lehman
Splash Correspondent While school is the farthest thing from most people’s minds in the summer, others are concentrating on some significant changes that will be in place when students head back to the classroom this fall. The Central Valley School District (CVSD) is moving full-speed ahead to finish construction on some new schools – and upgrades to others – in order to open the doors in September. “We currently have nine schools under construction,” said CVSD Superintendent Ben Small during a presentation at a Liberty Lake City Council meeting in June. “Of those schools, five will be completed and dedicated in August of 2017, another in September and then another in December and two more in the fall of 2018.” The remodel and expansion to Chester Elementary was completed soon after Small’s presentation and the renovations to Greenacres and Sunrise Elementary schools and Evergreen Middle School will wrap up this month. The new Liberty Creek Elementary K-2 in Liberty Lake will also be completed in August. It shares a site with the existing Liberty Lake Elementary, which will be converted to accommodate grades 3-6 when Liberty Creek opens. The CVSD collaborated with the city of Liberty Lake on this project.
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The remodel of Opportunity Elementary is scheduled to be done in December. Ponderosa Elementary, North Pines Middle School and Riverbend Elementary at Mission and Long will all be wrapped up in 2018. Another future school, that isn’t under construction yet, is a third high school for the district, to be constructed in the area of 16th and Henry Road near the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area. The school district purchased the property back in 1980, anticipating growth that would eventually require another high school. When built, the new high school will ease crowding at Central Valley and University high schools. While the area of 16th and Henry is fairly rural today, the district is already looking for ways to avoid negative traffic impacts on the neighborhood around the school
site, based on community feedback. “Traffic is of concern to people and it is of concern to us as well,” said Small. “So much so that we have been planning ahead how we might mitigate traffic. If you look at the intersection at Sprague and Henry, that intersection is an intersection of concern for us. We have recently purchased 22.2 acres in the city of Liberty Lake and another 20 acres in this area right here that is in the county.” Small said the land was purchased to address the Sprague/ Henry intersection and “to be able to have land ahead of that time so that we could improve traffic as we know it is going to be an issue.” The 20 acres Small referred to will allow the school district to coordinate efforts with Spokane County to extend Henry Road and put a roundabout in the area. The roundabout is aimed at slowing traffic as drivers approach neighborhoods. The Henry Road extension would divert through traffic off Sprague, which borders residential areas and take them to the Country Vista arterial. “That would extend Henry north to Country Vista,” Small said. “We are in the process of acquiring rightof-way but what this would do for us is allow traffic that is coming from the west to have access that is not on Sprague. Sprague would have a stop sign.” The district is also brainstorming with engineers on other ways to manage traffic near the future high school. “What we’re working on with the county is a couplet idea where oneway traffic is this way and one-way traffic uses the existing roadway coming to the north,” said Small. Before all that becomes a reality though, something major must happen – voters must approve it. “So as we move forward, in February of 2018 we will have a bond before our community,” said Small. The $129.9 million bond will include three major projects – the new high school, a new middle school in the city of Liberty Lake (the district’s sixth) and renovation of Horizon Middle School, which was built in 1982 and is in need of upgrading. With the 1998 construction bond being paid off, Small wants voters to know that this new bond won’t cost them any more than what they are paying now. “It will keep the tax rate steady at $1.86 per thousand (of property value),” he said.
The Splash
City officials respond to PDC complaint By Craig Howard Splash Editor Since the Liberty Lake City Council voted 4-2 on May 2 to put a construction bond for a community center/library on this summer’s primary ballot, a variety of opinions have emerged about the impending vote. The project, proposed for a site owned by the city at Town Square Park, requires at least 60 percent of ballots to pass. Last summer, the city ran a $12 million proposal for a community center/library/aquatic facility that fell short with 57 percent. If approved on Aug. 1, the latest bond would mean an increase of 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed property tax valuation over 20 years. A home valued at $270,000 would pay $101 more in property tax per year. As he did last year, Mayor Steve Peterson has emerged as an enthusiastic spokesperson for the bond, appearing each week at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market to answer questions and talk about the proposed venue that would cover around 25,000 square feet with a price tag of $9 million. At the May 16 council meeting, City Administrator Katy Allen provided an update on the city’s messaging regarding Town Square, describing how an informational mailer would go out to citizens in early July. Allen added that work was also underway on a fact sheet and talking points for council members to make sure everyone was on the same page when discussing the project. “I think it’s important that we are all using the right numbers, the correct scope, the correct schedule and the correct budget.” Allen said. After Allen’s update, Peterson told council that a pro-Town Square citizens group would be meeting the following week on May 23. “We’ve talked about getting all in and supporting this,” Peterson went on to say. “We’re looking for donations. It’s going to cost a lot of money to run this campaign again.” Dunne then responded by saying, “I’ll speak up and pledge $200 to the cause.” Council Member Cris Kaminskas added, “I’ll be the boots on the ground.”
NEWS
Dunne, Kaminskas, Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner and Council Member Hugh Severs all voted in favor of putting the bond on the ballot earlier that month. Council Members Bob Moore and Odin Langford voted against. Council Member Jessica McGuire missed the May 2 meeting with an excused absence.
On May 31, McGuire – who had been appointed by council last June to replace Keith Kopelson – announced her resignation from the governing board. On June 2, McGuire filed a complaint against Peterson and Dunne with the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) alleging violations of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 42.17A.555 for soliciting contributions in support of a ballot measure during a City Council meeting. Based in Olympia, the PDC is a state agency that regulates candidates, campaigns and lobbyists. In her complaint, McGuire said Peterson asked for “donations from the audience, including City Council and city staff that were present to support a bond measure that is going on the ballot later this year to build a community center.” She added that Dunne agreed “to give $200 to the cause.” The RCW states, “No elective official nor any employee of his or her office nor any person appointed to or employed by any public office or agency may use or authorize the use of any of the facilities of a public office or agency, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting a campaign for election of any person to any office or for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition.” The facilities of a public office or agency are defined by the PDC, but not limited to “use of stationery, postage, machines, and equipment, use of employees of the office or agency during working hours, vehicles, office space, publications of the office or agency and clientele lists of persons served by the office or agency.” The RCW goes on to describe that the provision does not apply to “action taken at an open public meeting by members of an elected legislative body or by an elected board, council to express a collective decision or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot proposition so long as any required notice of the meeting includes
the title and number of the ballot proposition, and members of the legislative body, members of the board, council or commission of the special purpose district, or members of the public are afforded an approximately equal opportunity for the expression of an opposing view.” Other exclusions include a “statement by an elected official in support of or in opposition to any ballot proposition at an open press conference or in response to a specific inquiry and activities which are part of the normal and regular conduct of the office or agency.” In a letter to Fox Blackhorn, PDC compliance coordinator, dated June 9, Peterson and Dunne responded to McGuire’s complaint. The letter states that “since January 2017, City Council has engaged city staff, community stakeholders and community citizens in a very public process to determine the citizens’ need for the construction of a new community center (project).” The letter describes how “numerous public meetings were held between January and May 2017” to discuss the idea of a community center. “Throughout these meetings,” the letter goes on to state, “City Council members expressed their opinions, ideas and beliefs on what the project should or should not entail and what would be necessary to support such a project.” Peterson and Dunne went on to point out they “believed it was important that support would be required outside of city facilities to inform the community, among other things, about its’ need, cost(s) and usage. However, at no time did we, or the city intend to use public facilities or resources to support or oppose the project.” In addressing what was said at the May 16 meeting, the letter says Peterson was under the impression that a pro-Town Square group was gathering for a meeting soon “if anyone was interested in attending.” According to the letter, “the comment referred back to the City Council’s prior discussions in March and April that City Councilmembers needed to support the project if they chose to put it forward.” Peterson and Dunne go on to state “the views expressed by us were intended to be informative and part of our personal views. While we are both supporters of the project, we do recognize that there are likely opposing views and welcome any dialogue with those
AUGUST 2017 • 9
individuals.” Peterson told The Splash that the city sent a recording of the meeting in question as well as the meeting minutes to the PDC. “It wasn’t about the money, it was about getting council to commit to this project,” Peterson said. “In the context of this meeting, it was addressed to the council, not the audience. I’ve always said we need council to be on board if this is going to pass.” When contacted by The Splash on July 24, PDC Senior Compliance Officer Phil Stutzman said he was aware of McGuire’s complaint and the response from Peterson and Dunne. “We are aware of it, we are looking into it but we haven’t made a decision,” Stutzman said. Stutzman said the city would be contacted by the PDC if the discussion determined there should be a hearing on the matter.
County seeks input for LL Regional Park plan From Splash News Sources
A new master plan for Liberty Lake Regional Park is on the drawing board and Spokane County officials are asking park users and group representatives to provide input. As part of the public feedback process, consultants were stationed in the park on July 22 to listen and learn. Conceptual approaches to the project were also part of the discussion. The diagrams included alternative designs for the space, based on themes such as the park being geared for families or more of a regional draw. “We recognize that folks have differing priorities for the park,” said Bill LaRue, lead for the team hired to develop the plan. A park-related questionnaire was also part of the outreach event which spanned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A set of workshops will also take place later this summer and early fall. County representatives expect to review final drafts of the plan by the end of this year. More information, including documents, meeting times and process images are included at https://www.llrp-masterplan. com.
The Splash
10 • AUGUST 2017
Kopelson returns to dais as council appointee
at least three disruptions in the irrigation schedule at Pavillion Park, Staples said, leaving the city’s signature greenspace without water for a number of days. When the system is online, the park is watered at night, also not preferred. In March of 2003, the city purchased Pavillion Park from Spokane County for a ceremonial $5 and took over maintenance responsibilities. As part of the deal, the county agreed to provide water from Meadowwood to the park. The city currently pays nothing for irrigation of Pavillion Park.
By Craig Howard Splash Editor
It’s a good thing Keith Kopelson kept his name plate. A former member of the Liberty Lake City Council, Kopelson was one of two applicants to be interviewed on July 18 to serve the remainder of the Pos. 6 council term left open when Jessica McGuire resigned on May 31. Kopelson faced off against Mike Kennedy in the interview process conducted by City Administrator Katy Allen. A Liberty Lake resident since 2003, Kopelson went through a similar process in January 2013 when he was one of five hopefuls to apply for the seat vacated by Ryan Romney. Just like he did that winter, Kopelson received the most votes from standing representatives of the council and took his seat at the dais. The only difference being that his tenure will run shorter this time around. Kopelson will serve until the upcoming general election is certified. By Nov. 28, the winner between Pos. 6 candidates Dylan McGuire (no relation to Jessica) and Kennedy will be official and Kopelson will step aside. “I can jump right in and get with the program pretty quickly,” said Kopelson in reference to his experience in dealing with duties like passing a budget for the
Keith Kopelson (far right) was appointed on July 18 to fill a position on the Liberty Lake City Council until late November. The Pos. 6 chair was vacated May 31 when Jessica McGuire resigned. Kopelson will occupy the seat until the winner between Mike Kennedy and Dylan McGuire – candidates for Pos. 6 in the general election – is determined and certified. Also pictured above are Kennedy (middle) and Mayor Steve Peterson. Photo by Craig Howard upcoming year. After being appointed the first time, Kopelson ran unopposed on the November 2013 ballot. He served until May of last year before stepping down due to health concerns and to spend more time with his family. McGuire was appointed last June to fulfill the remainder of Kopelson’s four-year term. Kopelson and Kennedy were both diplomatic during their respective interviews. At one point, Kopelson said he would be voting for Kennedy in the autumn. Kennedy commended Kopelson for applying and said he was “well-qualified” for the role. “The good news is you have two great candidates with different
backgrounds and different things to bring to the table,” Kopelson said. Kennedy, who has lived in the Liberty Lake area since 2002, pointed to his background on the planning commissions for the city of Spokane and Liberty Lake as well as his success as a business owner. “You have to make decisions on council just like you would running a business,” he said. Kennedy said he has educated himself on the requirements of a council representative by regularly attending meetings and retreats. “This is how I learned what was expected of a City Council member,” he said. Kopelson, who spent 20 years in retail management before becoming an entrepreneur, told council he is now retired. His health issues have also become more manageable. “I care about this city,” Kopelson said. “I feel that four or five months of my time would be of great value to the city.” Pavillion Park irrigation update Also at the July 18 meeting, City Engineer Andrew Staples provided council with an update on an impending change to the local irrigation terrain. Staples described how Pavillion Park currently receives water from the well at Meadowwood Golf Course to the southeast, a scenario that is not ideal.
Jeff Jones of the Liberty Lake Police Department (right) receives congratulations from Council Member Odin Langford on July 18 after being promoted to sergeant. Jones has served with LLPD since January 2013. Photo by Craig Howard
“The Meadowwood Golf Course system is not set up to water both facilities,” he said. The
arrangement
has
led
to
“We knew there would be negotiations somewhere down the road,” said Mayor Steve Peterson at the July 28 meeting. Now Spokane County – which owns and runs Meadowwood – is planning to rebuild the water pump system at the golf course at an estimated cost of somewhere between $2 million to $3 million. The city’s portion of the project is said to run $175,000. Staples said the city needs to decide which course it will take when the changes take place. Staples said the city could drill its own well or hook up to the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District water main. Based on current costs for irrigation at Rocky Hill Park, that option would run $10,000 to $12,000 a year along with around $100,000 in construction fees. A third possibility, Staples said, would be for the city to build its own pump and irrigation system. “This would get us away from the monthly bill and give us the flexibility to get water when we need it,” he said. The city has already put away $100,000 in this year’s budget to address the issue. The county plans to begin their renovation project at Meadowwood this fall to have it ready by golf season next year. “Our goal is to have a reliable system,” said City Administrator Katy Allen. In other city news: • Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus announced the promotion of Officer Jeff Jones to sergeant. Jones served in the U.S. Army and later worked for the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office from 2004 to 2012 before joining LLPD in January 2013. He has earned the agency’s Officer of the Year honor as well as Sergeant’s Award and Chief’s Award. •
Allen said the city continues
See COUNCIL, Page 11
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AUGUST 2017 • 11
COUNCIL
Continued from page 10
to work on establishing a new parks advisory committee that would provide input on topics like park policies, fees and capital improvements. She said the group would likely consist of seven citizen members – two from the Pavillion Park area, two from the neighborhood around Rocky Hill Park, two from the community near yet-to-be constructed Orchard Park in the River District and one at-large representative. The city hopes to have the committee in place by Jan. 1, 2018.
at Central Valley Performing Arts Center
• There are now 290 golf cart owners who have signed on with the city’s registration program. • Council Member Cris Kaminskas gave a finance committee report at the July 18 meeting, noting that sales tax revenue is up 14 percent from this time in 2016 while building permit revenue is 8 percent ahead of last year’s pace. • Staples told council that the renovation of Liberty Lake Road is on schedule to be completed Aug. 21. • In citizen comments from July 18, Pat Dockrey of Liberty Lake Kiwanis reported that 200 mattresses and box springs had been donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to a new affordable housing complex in the Valley built by Catholic Charities. • An appreciation lunch for municipal staff will take place Wednesday, Aug. 9 at noon in council chambers at City Hall. City Council is hosting and covering the cost of the thank-you meal. • Registered voters in Liberty Lake are reminded to return their ballots for the primary election by Aug. 1.
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12 • AUGUST 2017
FAQ for the EV enthusiast By Craig Howard Splash Editor From the viability of a city arts commission to the intricacies of the comprehensive plan, Liberty Lake City Council Member Dan Dunne has always been prepared to answer questions in his role as a municipal leader. A mechanical engineer by trade, Dunne talks about being a “car guy.” His field of vehicle awareness increased in January when he became the owner of an electric car. These days, Dunne faces all types of questions about his Fiat 500e, ranging from the reasonable variety to the truly head scratching. The following is a sample of typical inquiries Dunne has heard since purchasing his electric vehicle along with his responses: Q: How far does it go? A: About 100 miles Q: What if you want to drive to Seattle? A: I have a gas car for that. Q: How fast does it go? A: 85-plus mph (according to Fiat) – this thing owns 0-40 mph. Q: Does it go up hills? A: Uhm, yes Q: How do you charge it? A: I can plug it into a 110V wall socket, (that takes about 18 hours) – or use an EV L2 plug (that takes less than three hours). Q: Where do you charge it? A: At the places I spend more
COVER STORY than four hours at – at home (overnight) and at work. In Spokane – anything you really want to get to is less than 30 minutes away – so I never really need to recharge anywhere else. Q: Gas stations are everywhere – does that mean we should have EV charging stations everywhere? A: Not really. In the future, people won’t go places to refuel (recharge) their cars – they’ll recharge their cars in the places they go, because the supply is already there. People already have electricity in their homes and businesses. So you’ll find EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) in the places where people want to go and spend some time – home, work, shopping areas, movie theatres, parks. Even better, EVSE will become amenities that draw people to places. For example, “I’ll go to this restaurant which may be out of the way, because it has an EVSE.” Q: Who pays for the electricity being delivered to these EVs? Isn’t that expensive? A: Generally, the businesses and homeowners who operate them. There are “networks” which operate EVSE and use smartphone apps to collect billing but I can’t think of an EVSE in Spokane which is not free to the user. This is where people need to recognize that EVs operate for pennies, not dollars. You can stand at a gasoline pump and bill more than $100 in expense in less than five minutes but charging an EV for four hours costs less than $2 at our local electricity rates.
Charged for the Road – Electric car movement fueled by new LL station By Craig Howard Splash Editor It is said that Agnes McDonald routinely took her 1915 Rauch and Lang electric car into downtown Spokane to shop at the iconic Crescent department store. While Henry Ford’s Model T proved to be the car that fit the market in the early days of the massproduced automobile, electric cars still had their share of enthusiasts such as McDonald. Cost would eventually sway many over. A gaspowered car sold for $650 in 1912 while the electric alternative ran an average of $1,750. McDonald was part of an affluent crowd that drove electric roadsters. A former resident of the Campbell House that now stands as an historical exhibit, she would be proud to know that her set of stylish wheels has been preserved for display next door to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. The vehicle hasn’t run since 1952.
The Splash
that,” said City Engineer Andrew Staples who worked with Avista on the project. “It really seems to fit.” Staples said the city considered other locations such as Pavillion Park, City Hall and the Trailhead golf course, but landed on Town Square for several reasons. “We wanted to have it in a location that was accessible and visible so people could use it but where it could also be a discussion point,” he said. The strategy appears to be working. Last month, Steve and Julie Heid took part in a GeoCast treasure hunt that included several stops related to ecofriendly practices. When the East Valley couple found the Liberty Lake charging station, they struck up a conversation with Jorgen Rasmussen, a noted EV advocate who has spoken on the subject at Liberty Lake City Council meetings. While the Heids pulled up in a traditional American pickup truck – “I’ve always been a truck person,” Steve said – the concept of battery-powered cars was at least something that warranted a listen. “I can see the advantages,” Julie
See EV, Page 13
If McDonald’s vintage automobile ever made a comeback, it might find rejuvenation at Town Square Park in the heart of Liberty Lake. It is here where a “Level 2” electric vehicle (EV) charger was installed this spring to the delight of those like Brian Town who simply drive by the gas station these days thanks to a different kind of car battery. “I just love the technology,” said Town, a software engineer who drives a 2008 Tesla Roadster, one of the more costly EV models. “I also like the idea of no pollution.”
Liberty Lake resident Dan Dunne became part of the electric car movement in January when he purchased a Fiat 500e from California. Photo by Craig Howard
Brian and his wife Cyndi dropped by the Town Square charging station last month. The city of Liberty Lake began discussions with Avista last fall to install the 220-volt device and, so far, the response has been encouraging. A cost-sharing program between the two entities resulted in a bargain price of $4,000, fully installed. There is no charge for those who charge here. “Liberty Lake is a very technologyoriented city and I believe this station is another manifestation of
An electric vehicle charging station was installed at Town Square Park this spring. The city of Liberty Lake and Avista worked on the project together after discussions began last fall. Photo by Craig Howard
The Splash
COVER STORY
Pitching the e-Car – Gee GM weighs in on alternative vehicles
Brian and Cyndi Town brought their Tesla electric car to the Town Square charging station last month. There is no cost to those who charge at the 220 volt station. Photo by Craig Howard
EV
Continued from page 12 said. “For commuting and stuff, that would be the way to go.” Rasmussen, a resident of Otis Orchards and an engineer with Frencken American in Liberty Lake, is accustomed to trumpeting the benefits of alternative energy, including electric cars. He drives a Nissan Leaf, one of the more popular EV types and says gas prices would need to drop to 20 to 30 cents per gallon to compete with the cost savings of the Leaf and similar cars. Then there is the environmental effect Rasmussen and other EV drivers often bring up – taking a detour from the greenhouse gases that impact the ozone layer. “The message is getting out,” said Rasmussen who also owns an electric lawnmower. “People are talking about it.” Frencken American and Itron are two commercial sites in Liberty Lake that feature charging stations. Chris Jennings, a Frencken employee, drives an EV Fiat 500e with 17,000 miles he purchased for $8,500. He says the lack of worry about maintenance and gas has been a big plus. “I’m not going to the gas pump every week or looking for the cheapest gas,” he said. “I don’t have to deal with oil changes, air
filters, fuel filters, exhaust mufflers or busted head gaskets.” Jennings said he likes the location of the Liberty Lake station with the caveat that directional signage could be added. “You’re in a park, you have a place to rest, it’s open and visible, you’re just right off the freeway,” he said. “It’s nice.” Liberty Lake resident Dan Dunne can relate to the ease of EV upkeep and freedom from fossil fuel. In January, he bought a 2013 Fiat 500e with around 20,000 miles through an auction in California. After tax, shipping fees and licensing, Dunne had invested $6,000 in his ecofriendly wheels.
By Craig Howard Splash Editor At Gee Automotive Companies in Liberty Lake, General Manager Kevin Riordan is well aware of the approaching electric car tide. In some ways, the momentum has already reached the shore. While manufacturers like Nissan and Fiat have carved out a niche in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Riordan will tell you that Porsche – one of a quartet of brands represented at Gee’s Liberty Lake campus along with Kia and GMC/Buick – may be ahead of everyone. “Porsche is talking about having a full electric model in everything in the next three to five years,” he said. “They’ll still sell more traditional engines but they’ll have full electrics too.” Gee currently carries gas/ electric hybrid Porsches like the Cayenne and Panamera. The dealership also features an urbane charging station that looks like something out of an eco-friendly country club. With 27 years in the car business, Riordan has seen trends come and go. He says the EV market still hinges on two main issues – range of vehicle travel and cost uptick. “Everyone talks about how they
AUGUST 2017 • 13
want to go green until they find out they need to pay additional money for the car,” he said. On the Porsche side, the price point has less impact, Riordan says. Those willing to pay $100,000 for a car generally won’t mind paying $20,000 or $30,000 more for an electric feature. The Kia market is different. A model like the Optima hybrid can run $4,500 more than a traditional model, causing some consumers to back off. When Kia offers a significant incentive on the hybrid, sales will soar, Riordan said, then come back to earth when the original sticker price returns. Riordan said the Puget Sound market – replete with charging stations and plenty of community messaging about environmental awareness – still sells most of the electric cars in the state. He points to sales of the Nissan Leaf as an example, saying 90 percent of purchases in Washington are out of the Seattle area. “When a dealer in Bellevue is selling 20 a month, a dealer in Spokane is selling one every two months,” Riordan said. While the Kia Soul is a popular EV option, Gee does not currently carry the model at its dealership. Riordan said the business wants to make sure “the infrastructure is in place” before offering this and other Kia EV options like the Niro, a hybrid that hit the market this year. “We’re waiting for the market to catch up a little before investing the money here,” Riordan said. “We’re going to have to add quite a bit of equipment, training and infrastructure. We’ll probably have something in place this time next year.”
“The biggest difference in owning an EV is the cost of driving,” Dunne said. “As an Avista residential customer in Liberty Lake, it costs me less than $2 to ‘fill up.’ EVs are inherently simpler machines – as for repair costs, people in Internet communities are reporting 70,000 and 90,000 miles by only replacing tires and wiper blades.” Dunne says the EV market now features a more accessible price point. Some of that has to do with the auto emissions standards established in California and the state’s requirement of automakers to sell a certain percentage of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). The
See CHARGE, Page 21
This 2016 Porsche Panamera, a hybrid gas/electric sports car, sells for just under $90,000 at Gee Automotive Companies in Liberty Lake. The vehicle boasts an annual fuel cost of $1,650 while getting 25 miles per gallon on the gas side and 51 mpg on a three-hour electric charge. Photo by Craig Howard
COMMUNITY
14 • AUGUST 2017
Market Statistics:
Days on Market Days on Market
25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25%
Days onMarket Market Days onon Market Days Days From 60 YTD 2016 toMarket 45Market YTD 2017* Days onon From 60 YTD 2016 to 45 YTD 2017*
From YTD 2016 to YTD 2017* From 60 YTD 2016 to 45 2017* From 60 60 YTD 2016 to YTD 45 45 YTD 2017*
Median Home Price Median Home Price
From 60 YTD 2016 to 45 YTD 2017* From 60 YTD 2016 to 45 YTD 2017*
8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8%
Median Home Price Median Home Price Median Home Price Median Home Price Median Home Price
Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Aug. 1 | National Night Out, times and locations vary. The 34th annual nationwide rally against crime and drugs will include participation by law enforcement, fire fighters, county and city officials at locations throughout Spokane County. Sites will feature free games, food, music and familyfriendly activities. To find out more about hosting a National Night Out event in your area, please contact the Neighborhood Watch coordinator at 477-3055 for more information and to register
Aug. 4-5 | Barefoot in the Park, Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter, Liberty Lake. The third annual summer From $190,000 YTD 2016 to $205,000 YTD 2017* event facilitated by the city of From $190,000 YTD 2016 to $205,000 YTD 2017* Liberty Lake will feature barefoot From $190,000 2016 to $205,000 2017* From $190,000 YTDYTD 2016 to $205,000 YTDYTD 2017* soccer in the park hosted by the From $190,000 YTD 2016 to $205,000 YTD 2017* From $190,000 YTDYTD 2016 to $205,000 YTDYTD 2017* From $190,000 2016 to $205,000 2017* HUB Sports Center, a food truck rally, live music, bubble soccer, a bouncy house, vintage car show Months of Inventory and activities for animals hosted Months of Inventory Months Inventory Months ofof Inventory by Pawpular Companions. For more about the two-day Months ofInventory Inventory information Months ofof Inventory Months agenda, call Liberty Lake City Hall at 755-6700
16% 16% 16% 16% 16% 16% 16%
Aug. 11 | Friends of Pavillion Park Movie Night, “Sing,” dusk, Half Moon Park, 19995 E. Meyers From 3.83.8 months YTDYTD 2016 to 3.2 months YTDYTD 2017* From months 2016 to 3.2 months 2017* From 3.8 months YTD 2016 to 3.2 months YTD 2017*Ave. (River District) Liberty Lake. From 3.8 months YTD 2016 to 3.2 months YTD 2017*
Aug. 12 | Friends of Pavillion Park Movie Night, “Rogue One,” dusk, From 3.8 months YTD 2016 to 3.2 months YTD 2017* Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road, From 3.8 months YTD 2016 to 3.2 months YTD 2017* From 3.8 months YTD 2016 to 3.2 months YTD 2017* *Information obtained from the *Information obtained from the Spokane Multiple Listing *Information obtained from the Spokane Multiple Listing Liberty Lake Spokane Multiple Listing Service. Information deemed reliable butbut notnot guaranteed. Service. Information deemed reliable guaranteed. nformation obtained from the Spokane Multiple Listing Aug. 18 | Friends of Pavillion Service. Information deemed *Information obtained from the Spokane Multiple Listing ForFor Single Family Homes and Condos, site built less than 1 Park Movie Night, “Hidden Figures,” Single Family Homes and Condos, site built less than 1 ervice. Information reliable but not guaranteed. reliable butdeemed not guaranteed. dusk, Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter acre, Spokane County, YTD through May. acre, Spokane County, YTD through May.but not Service. Information deemed reliable guaranteed.
For Singleobtained Family Homes and *Information from the Spokane Multiple Listing or*Information Single Family Homesfrom and Condos, site built less 1 Aug. 19than | Friends of Pavillion Park *Information obtained the Spokane Multiple Listing obtained from the Multiple Listing Condos, site built less than 1Spokane For Single Family Homes and Condos, site built less than 1 presents Montana Shakespeare in Service. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. cre, Spokane County, YTD through May. Service. Information deemed reliable butbut not guaranteed. Service. Information deemed reliable not guaranteed. acre, Spokane County. the Park’s production of “You Never acre, Spokane County, YTD through May. Can Tell,” 5 p.m. at Pavillion Park For Single Family Homes and Condos, site built less than ForFor Single Family Homes and Condos, site built less than 1 11 Single Family Homes and Condos, site built less than Aug. 26 | Friends of Pavillion acre, Spokane County, YTD through May. acre, Spokane County, YTD through May. acre, Spokane County, YTD through May. Park Movie Night, “Beauty and the Beast,” dusk, Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter, Liberty Lake
Sept. 2 | Lud Kramer Memorial Concert featuring the Spokane Symphony, dusk, Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter, Liberty Lake
1421 North Meadowwood Lane #200 • Liberty Lake, WA 99019
The Splash
May 20-Oct. 14 | 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. Upcoming special events include the Pie Festival, Aug. 26, and Art at the Market, beginning Friday, Sept. 8 at noon and running
through 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. For more information, visit www. libertylakefarmersmarket.com.
RECURRING ACT 2 senior classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. “Focused Fitness on Dishman Mica,” a yoga class, is now part of the schedule. 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 8934746 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/Catholic-SinglesMingle 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 Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this community-based service organization. For more information call 226-2202 or see us on Facebook Liberty Lake Library | 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club, and more. More at www.libertylakewa. gov/library Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible
Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org Pancreatic Cancer Action Network | 6:30 p.m., the first Monday of each month. Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. More at www.pancan.org or 534-2564 Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at www.scld.org Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants have can access a comprehensive library, can engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at www.svqgspokane.com
MUSIC & THE ARTS Aug. 3-6 | “The Secret Garden” presented by the Spokane Valley Summer Theater, Central Valley Performing Arts Center, 821 S. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. SVST presents the Tony awardwinning family musical by Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman. Tickets are available online at www. svsummertheatre.com. Tickets are $38 for adults; $36 for seniors/ military and $20 for students or $10 30 minutes prior to the show
RECURRING 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 270-9264 Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you will love the four-part, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. More at www.pagesofharmony.org
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AUGUST 2017 • 15
COMMUNITY
Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 2184799
Spokane Novelists Group | noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month. Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 copies for others to read along and critique. More at 590-7316 Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops. More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc. org Spokane Valley Writer’s Group | 6:15 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 Aug. 12-13 | Volleyball Skills Camp with Olympic gold medalist Pat Powers, Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m. -4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Designed for novice through advanced levels, youth and adults. The registration fee includes 12 hours of instruction and T-shirt. Register at http://www.vbclinics. com/register.asp?lid=124 or call the HUB at 927-0602 for more information Aug 14 | Mobile Vet Center, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Fairchild Air Force Base, AAFES parking lot, 101 W. Spaatz Road. The Mobile Vet Center will be on hand to connect veterans with resources including
medical, disability compensation, counseling, readjustment counseling as well as to answer questions about benefits and other topics. No appointment necessary. For questions, call Stu Sturtevant at 444-8387. The Spokane Vet Center is located at 13109 Mirabeau Parkway in Spokane Valley. For more information, call 444-8387. For assistance after hours, weekends, and holidays call toll-free 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877927-8387). Aug. 21-23 | Nigel WilliamsGoss Youth Point Guard Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day at the HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. The former Gonzaga point guard who led the Bulldogs to the 2017 National Championship Game will be providing instruction for a minimum of four hours each day. The camp is for kids 7-14 of all skill levels. Cost is $200 per participant before Aug. 1 and $225 each until Aug. 15. Call the HUB at 927-0602 for more information. Aug. 24 | Do It Yourself Make and Take featuring Doterra essential oils, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Choice of up to three recipes. "Peaceful Child" to help your child achieve better emotional regulation, and two others. All materials provided. Door prizes. $9 per person. Hosted by Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards. For more information, call Carla at 592 7875 or email carla.carnegie@ gmail.com
Business Resource Open House Registration Open Thursday September 21st, 2017 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Celebrate our new brand and meet local business resources and lenders See details at : www.snapwa.org
Each Wednesday | Mindful Music and Movement class, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. Facilitated by board-certified Music Therapist, Carla Carnegie at Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards WA 99027. More information at www.willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592 7875
RECURRING HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs.; and 6 to 8 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $3/seniors ($5/non-seniors) •
Classes including Kenpo Karate
See CALENDAR, Page 16
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.” In conjunction with funding from the City of Spokane CDBG and JP Morgan Chase
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16 • AUGUST 2017
CALENDAR
Continued from page 15 and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times
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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.
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Aug. 13 | Willow Song Treasures, from noon to 4 p.m., old, new repurposed and vintage items displayed by various vendors, stringed instruments by Adagio Strings, baby blankets, antique bottle collection, wedgewood, baskets, fresh eggs and more. Hosted by Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102.Otis Orchards. For more information call: Carla at 592 7875 or Jane at 230 2490
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PACE Trait of the Month – Gratitude By Steve Stager
I like smiles and I even like smiling – but the truth is, I often don’t feel like smiling. Stress often squashes the smile. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard a superstar athlete say, “I’m just so blessed, I’m so thankful for everything.” And to be honest, I respond with some skepticism, “I’d be thankful to too if I were in your shoes.” Championships, million dollar contracts, multiple luxury homes, future secured. Being grateful would be easy; smiling would be easy! But in real life, it seems hard, even elusive. Recently I read comments from Stephen Curry, face of the Golden State Warriors. But he wasn’t commenting on their two championships in three years, or how he landed one of the most massive contracts in NBA history. He talked about his time as the smallest kid on his team; he discussed being unranked as a recruit in high school and downplayed as a college player. And get this, he said he was grateful for those times. What? How could he be grateful for the hard things, the challenges, the disappointments. That doesn’t seem to make sense. So what is gratitude and where does it come from? I had the privilege of climbing Mt. Rainier in 2001 – crampons, ice axes, tired legs and bursting lungs. I remember standing around 12,000 feet elevation and looking up at a huge serac jutting out of the glacier just above us. A serac is a block of ice crystals pushed up by the movement of the glacier. They are beautiful as the sun glints off them, but they can also be dangerous because they can collapse in unstable conditions. This one was huge, the size of a downtown building or a school, towering above us. And I remember feeling immensely grateful. Not just grateful because it didn’t collapse; not just grateful to be there and see it. Although it was stunning, I was grateful because it reminded me how small I was, how insignificant in the grand scheme of things and yet how many privileges I enjoyed, and that my life was unique. Gratitude is a response in life that is sourced in a humble awareness of what’s around you. There will always be those who have more
AUGUST 2017 • 17
– more s t u f f , m o r e privilege, m o r e talent. And there will be t h o s e with less. And of course some of our life, Steve Stager both the g o o d and challenging, has been done by others. But some of our life has been created by our choices. A response of gratitude pushes back on both victimization (my life is horrible) and entitlement (I deserve more). But if gratitude is a response, then it’s also a choice. Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch woman imprisoned during World War II. She tells a story of how her barracks were infested by fleas. The fleas were horrible. They bit, they itched, they kept her from sleeping. She hated the fleas. But her sister kept prodding her to be thankful for the fleas. It seemed a preposterous idea to Corrie. Later, she learned that the soldiers stayed away from their barracks due to the flea infestation, allowing the woman inside more freedoms than if there had been no fleas. So gratitude is derived not only from awareness of what’s around me, it’s also a choice to see the good in my life. That requires a practiced shift in perspective. Instead of “I can’t” I learn to say, “What resources do I have?” Instead of thinking “This is horrible,” I train my mind to think “How is this challenge a blessing in disguise?” Stephen Curry is known to have his own brand of basketball. One of the words most often used by commentators to describe his style is “joy.” You see, that’s the end game. Gratitude is sourced in a humble awareness that chooses to see the good and it ends in true joy! A grateful person is a joyful person! And joyful people smile a lot! Steve Stager grew up in Spokane Valley. After living in Portland and working as a youth pastor with American military families in Germany, he moved back to Spokane in 2015 with his wife and four kids. He pastors Foothills Community Church in the foothills of Mt. Spokane. Steve enjoys serving the community, sports of all kinds, especially outdoor adventure sports, and adventuring as a family.
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City-facilitated community gardens sprout in popularity By Tamara K. Williams Splash Correspondent The Liberty Lake Community Gardens are at full capacity again this season, adding yet another layer of green to the local summer. With locations at Rocky Hill Park and Nature’s Place at Meadowwood Arboretum, the popularity of the gardens is growing like the crops neatly tucked into row boxes at both sites. As concerns over commercial growing practices and the use of toxic pesticides fill headlines, community gardening is becoming a rising trend in many cities for those without access to enough space to plant a garden. The idea was first presented to the Liberty Lake City Council through the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Plan in 2005, asking for the governing board to consider the creation of a community garden space. In the 2008-09 plan update, the idea was prioritized and the community gardens were approved and selected for inclusion in the master plans for the arboretum and Rocky Hill. The land for the first gardens at Rocky Hill was donated by Bill and Judi Williams (Liberty Meadows LLC) in coordination with Greenstone Homes. Construction for the garden began in 2010, opening for reservations for the upcoming season in 2011. In 2012, land was donated to city for the arboretum site by the Cottages/Meadowwood Homeowners’ Association. The location opened for reservations and underwent the first of two expansions in 2013, then again in 2014 due to the popularity of the gardens. This summer looks to be a bumper crop for most of the gardeners. At this point in the season the gardens present a colorful view as the plants come into their harvests filled with different varieties of maturing squash, tomatoes, climbing vegetables, lettuce, cucumbers, herbs and much more. The city doesn’t require a certain type of crop but generally only annual vegetables and flowers are grown due to the fact that each space must be vacated at the end of the season. Although
perennials
are
not
Nature’s Place at Meadowwood Arboretum near Liberty Lake City Hall hosts one of two community garden sites facilitated by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. A total of 33 garden plots are offered each season. Photo by Tamara K. Williams prohibited, they must be cleared at the end of the growing season and the planting of toxic plants such as foxglove, Castor Beans or Jimson Weed are strictly prohibited. The rules are simple and straightforward and only organic herbicides and pesticides such as marigold plants for insect control are allowed. The city provides some tools and watering hoses and water, although there is no storage for the individual gardener’s tools or equipment at the sites.
hopeful gardeners to reserve their space for spring planting. For those whom have never considered growing their own vegetables for lack of space, the community gardens are a great way to connect with others for cultivating and learning more about
growing your own organic food and to enjoy the bounty of summer harvests through horticulture. For more information about the Liberty Lake Community Gardens contact the city of Liberty Lake at 755- 6700 or visit online at www. libertylakewa.gov/160/Rocky-HillArboretum-Community-Gardens.
With only 33 raised-bed spaces available each season, the demand is high. Each year, starting Jan. 1, the spaces are open on a firstcome, first serve basis. Rocky Hill’s spaces are larger with 40 square foot raised beds; 21-square-foot beds are available at the arboretum. Depending on availability, each gardener can lease a space in the garden for non-refundable fee of $25 a season. Although there can be a waitinglist, Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Camp says there is no need to be online at midnight of Dec. 31, but applications do need to be filled out early in order for
The community garden at Rocky Hill Park, pictured above from early this spring, is set against a craggy outcropping and a vintage red barn now used for storage. Photo by Craig Howard
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Greetings, Inland Northwest. We’re excited to be here. Rockwood Clinic, Valley Hospital and Deaconess Hospital are now a part of the MultiCare family. MultiCare is a not-for-profit health care system dedicated to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Thank you for welcoming us into your hospitals, clinics and homes.
multicare.org
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An Orchestra in the Park – The logistics of a Labor Day concert
cities where it’s dark and the lights are shining on us and all the bugs are attracted to that.”
By Tyler Wilson
Splash Correspondent When concertgoers arrive at Liberty Lake’s Pavillion Park on Sept. 2 to spend an evening with the Spokane Symphony, musicians and organizers will have already spent hours working to make it happen. Putting together a climatecontrolled, indoor concert featuring 70 musicians is no easy task. Taking that same show outdoors comes with a unique set of challenges and, sometimes, a few uninvited guests. “We have to deal with the bugs,” said Spokane Symphony General Manager Dan Cotter, who also plays clarinet in the orchestra. “The Spokane (area) is not that big of a problem but we’ve played in other
Bugs or not, the Spokane Symphony is full of pros. The Lud Kramer Memorial Concert featuring the orchestra is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at Pavillion Park, part of the annual Summer Festival in Liberty Lake. The free concert is presented by the nonprofit group, Friends of Pavillion Park, and is named in honor of Kramer who once served as Washington secretary of state and spent his later years in Liberty Lake, contributing to a variety of community causes. Kramer passed in 2004. The Labor Day weekend show has been a staple of summer festivities in Liberty Lake for years, attracting families and classical music fans, as well as many who are unfamiliar with orchestral music. Cotter said the Spokane Symphony likes to give audiences a mix of traditional, modern and familiar music. That means giving people a little bit of Beethoven and a little bit of “Star Wars.” “It makes me happy to have concerts that bring people in,” Cotter said. “We’re not a stuffy
orchestra at all.” From a musical perspective, Cotter said much of the newer stuff can be as or more challenging or than classical era music. “With the ‘Harry Potter’ stuff, the thing you might not expect is that it’s so incredibly hard to play,” Cotter said. “(John Williams) put a lot of notes in there.” Last season, Cotter counted 68 concerts and, while a few shows repeat, most programs have their own unique lineup. Cotter said musicians typically get a concert set list about five weeks ahead of time. Then come rehearsals and individual practice time for each program. “You’re constantly working in the now and the near future and the distant future,” Cotter said. “There’s so much that has to be planned.” As general manager, Cotter puts in long hours of daily responsibilities on top of his role as a musician in the group. “It’s everything to me, it’s all day, every day,” he said. “It’s something that I love and that I train for and it makes the long hours not feel so
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long.” Setting up at Pavillion Park Taking the orchestra outside of its residency at Spokane’s Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox comes with many logistical challenges. The biggest is sound management. Cotter said the complex mix of instruments require amplification and sound mixing from a professional crew that specializes in outdoor productions. “They mic every single instrument in the orchestra and they mix that so it sounds normal when it gets to the back and so everyone can hear every instrument,” Cotter said. “They even do a delay so the sound hits everyone at the same time.” The audio engineer and his crew will spend the morning on setup. Musicians will arrive in the early afternoon for rehearsal at the park. “It’s not a private rehearsal at all, we get a lot of people that come to the rehearsal, set up their chairs and blankets for later,” Cotter said. Weather is always a challenge too. Light rain can be managed, as the orchestra can be covered by the venue’s signature canopy. Dropping temperatures, however, can be trouble. Last year’s concert was moved to Central Valley High School due to inclement weather. “The musicians are union musicians and in our contract, we have a wind of temperatures we can play, about 65 to 90 degrees,” Cotter said. “Acoustic instruments are vulnerable to temperature.” At press time, the music lineup for the Liberty Lake show had not been finalized. If history is any indication, concertgoers can expect a lineup of classics, patriotic tunes and favorites from the world of pop, Broadway and Hollywood. You can probably bank on a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Symphony often serves up Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” for their outdoor shows. The “1812” is how remembers the bugs.
Cotter
“We do the ‘1812 Overture’ and you pull open the music and you might see an old specimen on the page,” he said. If you want to go: The Lud Kramer Memorial Concert featuring the Spokane Symphony will take place on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. Pavillion Park in Liberty Lake. The symphony will be led by conductor Eckhart Preu. For more information, visit www. PavillionPark.org.
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After considering several sites for the electric vehicle charging station, including Pavillion Park and the Trailhead golf course, the city of Liberty Lake decided on Town Square Park for its accessibility and visibility. Photo by Craig Howard
CHARGE
Continued from page 13 result has been a steady procession of gently used electric cars on the market from the south. “For lots of important reasons, ZEVs have typically been sold through lease agreements,” Dunne said. “At the end of the lease term, it’s actually less expensive for California residents to return their leased car and get a new electric car, rather than buy the one they’ve been driving. The result is a local excess of used electric cars. The market has responded turning used electric cars into the state’s newest export.” Dunne said he was sold on an EV after purchasing a 2016 Subaru Outback, recognized as the quasiofficial car of the Inland Northwest. Last year’s model featured a trip monitor function as part of a nifty navigation system. After a few months, Dunne noticed that most of the trips he was taking amounted to 30 miles or less. “This Subaru demonstrated that having a car which had a range of less than 200 miles on a charge wouldn’t be a significant inconvenience,” Dunne said. Town said he can travel in his Tesla to places like Sandpoint and back on a single charge. The days
of EVs being characterized as “go carts,” are gone, he says. From gas/electric hybrids to fully electric cars, Town and his fellow EV drivers seem to be part of a transportation transformation that is more than a passing trend. The Department of Energy reports that 3 percent of new vehicle sales worldwide are now of the electric variety with the percentage expected to reach 7 percent, or 6.6 million, by 2020.
Connecting Our Community for Year-Round Activity Imagine The Possibilities
INDOOR ACTIVITIES Movies Music Concerts Author Series
“When I bought my car (used in 2010), I’d say only 10 percent of people I talked to knew about EVs,” Town said. “Now, it’s reversed, only about 10 percent have never heard of them.”
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22 • AUGUST 2017
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24 • AUGUST 2017 PAGE 2 BAREFOOT GUIDE
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AUGUST 2017PAGE • 253 BAREFOOT GUIDE
BAREFOOT GUIDE 26 • AUGUST 2017 PAGE 4
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National Banana Lover Day August 27
This is the day to go bananas celebrating the most popular fruit in the United States and probably the world. The scientific name for bananas is musa sapientum, which means “fruit of the wise men”. People have being growing bananas for thousands of years making it one of the oldest cultivated crops. Bananas grow on a large bush that is actually the world’s largest herb, not a tree like many people think. The plant grows from a bulb and can grow up to 25 feet tall and their leaves can be nine feet long and two feet wide. They can live for hundreds of years. A banana is technically a berry. A cluster is called a hand which usually has between 10 and 20 fingers. Portuguese sailor brought them to America from Africa in the 16th century. The average American eats over 25 pounds of bananas annually but that nothing compared to people in Uganda where the average is 500 pounds per person. More than 100 billion bananas are eaten worldwide making them
the fourth most popular agricultural crop after wheat, rice and corn. Hawaii is the only state that grows bananas commercially. They used to grow in California and Florida when the preferred variety was the Gros Michel but a fungus called Panama Disease almost made that entire variety extinct by 1960. Now we eat Cavendish bananas which are predominately grown in Central and South America. Most of them are clones which makes the growers worried that this variety too will be wiped out by a fungus so they are working hard to prevent this from happening. There are over 1,000 different varieties of bananas but most are not delicious so there isn’t a good replacement for the Cavendish. Bananas are have no fat, sodium or cholesterol, are low in calories and high in potassium. They’re the only fruit that contain tryptophan and vitamin B6 which together help the body naturally produce serotonin which helps depression.
28 • AUGUST 2017
Banana Facts
Did you know that bananas are 75% water and like watermelon and apples can float? The banana split was invented in 1904, in Latrobe, PA. Some cultures, like Japan, use the fiber in the plant to make paper. Bananas appear in written history in the 6th century B.C. and in Egyptian hieroglyphs. The Banana Club Museum in Mecca, CA has
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more than 17,000 banana items. More songs have been written about bananas than any other fruit. A man in India once ate 81 bananas in one half hour. The strings from a peeled banana are phloem bundles. (Pronounced FLOM) Washington Banana Museum 120 E. Main St., Auburn, WA 98002. Ann Mitchell Lovell has about 6,000 items devoted to the world’s favorite fruit.
Frozen Banana Pops What you’ll need: Banana ½ cup chocolate chips ¼ cup nuts, crispy rice cereal, sprinkles, other Popsicle sticks Plastic wrap Instructions: Peel the banana and cut in half. Insert the stick part way into each banana half. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for an hour. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every ten seconds. Be careful not to burn them. Dip the frozen bananas in the melted chocolate until they’re coated. Dip in rice cereal or nuts. Place on waxed paper and place back in the freezer to set for at least an hour.
a n a n a B Happy Eating!
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AUGUST 2017 • 29
Beautiful Bananas by Elizabeth Baird, 2004, ages 4–8
This African folktale chronicles a series of mishaps that Beatrice experiences trying to take bananas to her granddad. It’s a good story for guessing what animal or problem might happen next. The bright artwork is happy so you just know there will be a happy ending.
Why The Banana Split by Rick Walton, 1998, ages 4 and up
If you love puns this might be the book for you. Find out what happens when the dinosaur comes to town. There are a few people but many reactions come from everyday objects. The cartoon artwork perfectly matches the stories.
The Banana Police by Katy Koontz, 2012, ages 5 and up
In the jungle, the elephants are blissfully unaware that they are bothering their neighbors. When the mayor gets the elephants to leave, the entire town realizes the benefits of having an elephant for a neighbor and the joy of cooperation.
PACE Trait Gratitude
Feeling and expressing thankful appreciation for benefits recieved. Try showing your graditude for someone by doing one of these: • give them a hug or handshake • make them a card • write them a note • do something helpful like fold laundry or take out the trash • make them a meal or snack • plan a fun activity • give them a compliment
WEEKLY SUMMER CAMPS
Join us at one or all of our weekly summer camps with a different focus each week. In addition to our gymnastics and trampoline camp weeks we’ll have Adventure camps, Ninja Zone camps, Cheer camps and Parkour/ Breakdance camps for children ages 3 and up!
Camp pricing starts at $129 (half days) or $229 (full days) for the week, daily rates also available. Registration is now open and can be done in person or by phone.
315-5433 2515 N. Locust Road Spokane Valley 99206
www.spokanegymnastics.com
Animal Facts
Cut them out and collect them all! CHIMPANZEE - Native to Central Africa - Grows to between 4 and 5.5 feet tall, 70 to 130 pounds - Lives 40 to 60 years - Live in communities made up of multiple families - Endangered - Closest human relative, share 98% of human DNA - One of the few animals to use tools - Hunts small baboons - In 1961, a chimp named Ham orbited the Earth.
The Splash
30 • AUGUST 2017
Anne Evelyn, who would later write as Eve Bunting, was born in the small village of Maghera, Ireland. As a child she longed for a library. She went to school in Belfast where she attended Methodist College, graduating in 1945 and then Queen’s University where she met her husband Edward. After marriage they moved to Scotland to start their family. In 1958, the family immigrated to the United States where they settled in Pasadena, CA. Feeling a strong desire to write about her heritage, she took writing classes at the local college. Her first published book, The Two Giants came out in 1971. Since then she has written over 250 titles when she isn’t teaching writing classes at the University of California, Los Angeles and numerous writing conferences. She is an extremely diverse author with books tackling important issues such as war, death, and immigration. Her books have won many awards.
Author Spotlight
Eve Bunting
Put these on your summer reading list!
Dandelions, 2001, ages 5-8
If you love Little House on the Prairie then it’s likely this book will appeal to you. The art has a lack of focus to allow you to use your imagination. Maybe you’ll look at the dandelions in your yard a little differently
after reading this.
Night of the Gargoyles, 1994, ages 5 and up
This stunning black and white picture book has captivating artwork done by David Wiesner. It also answers any questions you might think of about sculptures on buildings and what they might think or do when no one is paying attention.
P is for Pirate: A Pirate Alphabet, 2014, ages 6 and up
Not your typical alphabet book. Each page has historical facts about famous pirates and the life they led. Plus this book will help prepare you for “Talk Like a Pirate Day” in September. The art is very humorous and bright to give giggles.
The Splash
AUGUST 2017 • 31
Student of the Month Macie Reynolds graduated in June as one of the most decorated softball players in Central Valley High School history. A standout catcher and four-year letter winner, she earned first team All Greater Spokane League fastpitch honors as a sophomore and junior and was named to the All-GSL second team as a senior. Reynolds had one of her best games as a sophomore in a district playoff win over Mead, driving in six runs with two home runs and a double. This season, Reynolds hit a two-run homer against Walla Walla in the regional playoffs. Reynolds was part of CV’s GSL slow-pitch championship her sophomore year and the Bears’ statequalifying team as a junior. In the classroom, she compiled a 3.3 grade point average and was a member of Link Crew. She will continue her softball career at the College of Siskiyous in Northern California.
Citizen of the Month
& Thanks you for all you do in our community
Anthony Bowmer graduated from Central Valley High School in June with an impressive roll call of achievements. Bowmer participated in the CV theatre program as both an actor and member of the tech crew. He had his first lead role as “Arnold” in “Happy Days” and also participated in the inaugural season of the Spokane Valley Summer Theatre. He transferred to CV from Bellingham High School his sophomore year and participated in cross country all four years, earning “Most Improved” recognition as a Bear his senior season. He was also part of the school’s Ted Ed Club and studied Spanish for four years. A member of the National Honor Society since his sophomore year, Bowmer concluded his high school tenure with a 3.96 grade point average. An aspiring playwright, Bowmer plans to continue his education at Eastern Washington University.
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Athlete of the Month Most people know Josh Johnson as the publisher of the Splash from 2004 through 2015 as well as a top-notch writer and editor. The third-generation Liberty Lake resident is also a humanitarian and goodwill ambassador whose work has benefited area students as well as widows and orphans as far away as Africa. Josh has been critical to coordinating local and global outreach efforts for Valley Real Life Church that include mentorship and meal programs at Spokane Valley elementary schools and the purchase of farmland in Uganda that has led to self-reliance for residents. He is also a founding board member of the Liberty Lake Historical Society and served on the executive committee of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Josh and his wife are proud parents of two daughters. He publishes the Liberty Lake Guide and Spokane Valley Guide each year in collaboration with the chamber.
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The Splash
32 • AUGUST 2017 Brought to you by
About and for Liberty Lake seniors
RSVP blankets community with unique layer of support By Staci Lehman
Splash Correspondent “What else am I gonna do with my time? You can only make so much chicken salad,” laughs Marilyn Reed, an energetic 75-year-old in describing the volunteer work she does for RSVP, a program sponsored by the YMCA of Spokane. RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteers Program) is a national effort that coordinates senior citizens with opportunities to donate time in their community to help those in need. RSVP of Spokane County has been around since 1971 and works to find positions for volunteers at many area programs and cover a wide variety of needs. “We focus on Meals on Wheels, the food banks, we have a tutoring program, there’s Project Warm Up where volunteers make hats and scarves and lap robes,” said RSVP Director Adam Borgman. Reed is one of the volunteers who crochets. From her Spokane Valley home, she spends over 20 hours a week most weeks, working on warm items to be used this
winter. She crochets scarves, hand warmers, baby clothes, hats and more. “Some weeks I do 10 (crocheted items) a week,” she said. The items are distributed through over 30 area charities and nonprofits to people who are homeless, have disabilities, are sick or going through treatments like chemotherapy, or qualify as low income. “There’s a lot of people who can’t afford heat,” said Reed. “We give them something to keep them warm.” Amazingly, Reed also has time to work as a protective payee coordinator for Spokane Valley Partners, the greater Valley’s nonprofit community center that also helps people in need. While she loves her job, she also loves that it allows her to help more people through RSVP. “They pay me for it!,” she says. “So I can buy more yarn.” RSVP volunteers like Reed contribute anywhere from a few to over 40 hours a week to the cause. They work in schools, day care centers, health care organizations, senior community centers and at agencies that work with lowincome populations and with law enforcement and community policing organizations like SCOPE (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort).
There are few requirements to participate in RSVP; the main one being that volunteers have to be at least 55 years old. Many are substantially older however. “Our oldest volunteer right now is 102,” said Borgman. “She works for Project Warm Up knitting and crocheting.” While a major benefit of being an RSVP volunteer is the feeling of well-being for making a difference, volunteers also get some perks like supplemental insurance while on duty, on-the-job training from the organizations they are placed with, mileage reimbursement for those who drive as part of their volunteer duties and new friendships. RSVP considers a volunteer’s abilities and areas of interest and finds volunteer jobs that can best utilize those abilities. Even those who are homebound or mobilitylimited can help. And in turn, the program gives back to the volunteers. “The community benefits through having seniors engaged,” said Borgman. “Unless you’re homebound, most of our volunteer positions have some social component to them. Even if they are homebound, they can knit warm items and someone comes to the house to bring supplies and visit and have a cup of tea with them.” Other members of the community benefit as well. Mary Carpenter is
A stack of recently crocheted items made by volunteer Marilyn Reed for the RSVP program.
the manager of Volunteer Services at the Kindred Hospice office in Liberty Lake. She also works with volunteers who knit, crochet or sew items for her patients and is often in need of materials. “Whenever I need yarn or quilting materials, I call (RSVP Administrative Coordinator) Teri (Wallace).” She said. RSVP makes Carpenter’s job easy by not only gathering donations of yarn, fabric, fleece and other materials, but also delivering them to her for her volunteers to use. Carpenter has seen first-hand the good a homemade item can do for someone in need. “I started looking for donated materials because my grandmother was a patient of Hospice and someone made her a blanket,” she said. “Not only did it provide her warmth but it became a keepsake for me. It’s been seven years and I still have it on the back of my rocking chair.” It is also a way to make a real impact on people who may not have families. “It’s just a way to make them feel loved,” said Carpenter. Reed agrees, but she says she does it for herself as well. “I jokingly say that if I quit moving they’re gonna shovel dirt over me,” she laughs.
See RSVP, Page 33
Photo by Staci Lehman
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AUGUST 2017 • 33
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How many summer words can you find? SUMMER See page for the word list
Marilyn Reed is a volunteer with RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteers Program) sponsored by the YMCA of Spokane. Local seniors, 55 and over, donate time to a variety of community causes through the program. Photo by Staci Lehman
RSVP
Continued from page 32
Want to help? RSVP always needs volunteers, some programs more than others. “Meals on Wheels in particular,” said Borgman. “They are always looking for regular drivers.” If you are over the age of 55 and interested in volunteering, call the RSVP program at 344-7787 or email rsvp@ymcaspokane.org for more information. Material and yarn are also always needed. Use the phone number or email address above to donate.
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The Splash
34 • AUGUST 2017
Local lacrosse takes another stride with landmark season
the high school level and they are doing well.” Dunne said he used to happily tell people that lacrosse was the only high school sport where an athlete could walk on, pick up a stick for the first time ever and still make the team.
By Steve Christilaw
Those days may be dwindling.
Splash Correspondent
More and more, he said, high school teams are benefiting from the strong youth programs in the area. Some players are arriving in high school with three to five years of experience.
On the local lacrosse field this season, the growing pains and separation anxiety were tough on area programs but, overall, high school lacrosse finds itself on strong footing coming out of the 2017 campaign. The Central Valley Bears went 10-1, captured the league championship and advanced to the first round of the state playoffs before falling to Curtis High School of Tacoma on May 13. In previous seasons, Central Valley was a conglomeration of players from across the Spokane Valley and was loosely affiliated with Central Valley High School. “Coming into the 2017 season the state governing body came in to look at what we were doing and told us that we had to break these conglomerate teams up,” said Dan Dunne, a Liberty Lake lacrosse parent and president of Spokane Valley Lacrosse Club that supports and promotes the sport at CV, West Valley, Freeman, University and East Valley high schools. “If we were going to compete, we had to draw players from within the boundaries of the various schools,” Dunne added. “We looked at it and we determined that we could do that. We had a team at Central
“That’s a great thing to see,” Dunne said. “I think that’s a tipping point for the sport.”
The Central Valley Bears faced off against Curtis High School of Tacoma on May 13 in a state lacrosse playoff game. Despite losing, CV had an impressive season, finishing 10-1 and winning the Spokane area regular season title. Photo by Craig Howard Valley with about 45 players on the roster and we have a team at West Valley with 19 players on its roster.” The same held for what had been a South Hill conglomerate. It split up into two teams, representing Ferris and Lewis and Clark. The north end conglomerate, however, decided it could not separate into stand-alone teams and remained a hodgepodge of players from different schools. Dunne said it will likely separate into teams from Mt. Spokane and Mead for the 2018 season and will then be able to compete for a berth in the state playoffs. Overall, Dunne said, lacrosse is growing and doing well. “At the youth level it continues to thrive,” he said. “The governing
body for that is Spokane Youth Lacrosse, and they have teams at all grade levels and now has girls’ teams as well. It’s exciting to watch. It’s really a nonstop game. If you turn around, you miss something.” At the high school level, the game remains a club sport but with growing aspirations to become a fully accredited high school sport in the future. “High school lacrosse is a spring game,” Dunne said. “We start putting teams together in January and February and the season is done by early June. In the summer, we have club lacrosse – like soccer has with premiere and select teams that compete statewide. Lilac City Lacrosse is the primary team at
Dunne said there are a number of summer camps in the area for players looking to take up a stick and learn the game. Players do need to provide their own equipment in order to compete, he said. The most expensive piece is an approved helmet that meets the sport’s standards for head protection. “I like to say that lacrosse is a sport where you have all the excitement of football without the contact and the injuries that go with it,” Dunne said. “But we are very aware of the potential for injuries and we do everything possible to prevent them.” For more information on local lacrosse, visit www. spokaneyouthlacrosse.com. The site includes a complete overview and explanation of the required equipment, a gear exchange program and a list of where to find equipment at area retailers.
10th Anniversary
-APALOOZA
Save The Date: Friday September 29th, 2017 4:00pm-7:00pm Ribbon cutting celebrating the 10 year anniversary at 4:30pm with Valley Chamber and Greater Spokane Incorporated. Enjoy hot dogs and drinks, photo booth, bouncy house and all the courts open to try different sports!
http://www.hubsportscenter.org/hub-family-fun-2017/
The Splash
Former MLB standout Stocker reflects on prep game By Mike Vlahovich
Splash Sports Editor Kevin Stocker carved out a 10-year career in Major League Baseball with three teams. So who better to sit down with than the 1988 Central Valley graduate and current Liberty Lake resident for his take on the current state of the high school game? “I truly loved basketball more than baseball in high school,” Stocker said during a 90-minute conversation at the Liberty Lake Starbucks that could have gone longer.
SPORTS
Casey Mason. Mason’s son, Micah, currently plays basketball at CV with Stocker’s son Zach, who is also a standout golfer.
Back in the day, Kevin had offers to play both baseball and basketball at smaller colleges and, ironically, it was basketball that earned him a spot on the Washington Huskies’ baseball team, one of four colleges that recruited him. Ultimately, he was chosen by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round (54th overall) of the 1991. Major League draft. It was a different time in high school sports nearly 30 years ago. There was little travel during the summer. There was one American Legion league which served the purpose and each sport knew its place.
The Bears placed fourth at state his senior year as part of a triumvirate that included team scoring leader Mark Arland and
Stocker didn’t lift weights. “We had no crossover (having to compete for time with other school sports during summer break) whatsoever and now every sport’s a crossover,” Stocker recalls. “We
Final Point
to balance how I can get to the two,” he says.
Catching up with a sportcasting icon By Mike Vlahovich
Splash Sports Editor I was a sophomore at Washington State back in 1964 and Bob Robertson was broadcasting Cougar football. Some of us sportswriters and broadcasters – emulating the late World War II General Douglas McArthur’s memorable “old soldiers never die, they just fade away” farewell speech – refuse to give it up; they’ll have to haul us away. Not only does the 88-year-old Robertson still cover the Cougs more than half a century later, but also in his spare time he shares the microphone as a part-time voice of the Spokane Indians and Tacoma Rainers baseball teams, driving the 600 or so miles round trips in his automobile in order to get from University Place – southwest of Tacoma – to Pullman and Spokane. “He’s a marvel, he really is,” said broadcast partner and Indians lead radio voice Mike Boyle. “He’s always (saying), ‘When Vin retires, I retire.’” Beloved Dodgers’ sportscaster Vin Scully retired at the end of last year. Robertson shows no signs of slowing down. “Sometimes I’m sitting here between games, trying
Robertson made his name with the Cougars. When his wife passed away, sportscasting was his refuge. He’s now in a secondary role with WSU after being replaced as playby-play guy a few years ago. He works 30-plus Spokane baseball games and weekends in Tacoma. “It’s been my life,” Robertson told me during a phone conversation. “The best way I can describe it, it’s my avocation and vocation. They are the same thing. That’s about as succinct as I can make it.” He takes the words right out of my mouth as my wife, Tambra, will attest. She still puts up with my pounding out stories like these seven years past “retirement.” Many of our memorable “vacations” back in the day were spent while I covered state tournaments. Cougar football was Robertson’s main source of income and still is financially as he juggles three jobs. “I’m a Cougar,” he says. “When I’m on a road trip I think ‘If I didn’t do this I could sleep in.’ Then again, I enjoy it and don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have those things around me.” Robertson also called Cougar basketball for 23 years until 1994. In 2004, he received the Chris Schenkel Award from the College Football Hall of Fame. He has been inducted into both the Inland Empire and WSU Athletic halls.
AUGUST 2017 • 35
baseball’s role as the top dog. “I’m not saying it’s wrong,” Stocker said. “It’s a reality.” Unlike in Stocker’s era, another reality is if a baseball player is to be seen, playing on a club team and traveling to tournaments is imperative.
Liberty Lake resident Kevin Stocker graduated from Central Valley High School in 1988 and went on to play baseball at the University of Washington before embarking on a 10year career in Major League Baseball. File photo did AAU basketball in the winter and had a four-day camp at Idaho (before the high school season began).” How times have changed, with summer camps competing for players and travel baseball teams that have usurped American Legion Back in the day, broadcasting was on three-year contracts. Robertson first called the Cougars for three years then the in-state rival Washington Huskies for the next three. He got the Cougar contract back and stayed with the Crimson and Grey. “It (got) to the point where either nobody wants me or everybody wants me, so I stayed with the Cougars and I think it was a good choice,” he says. Robertson also broadcasted basketball and the baseball games in Tacoma for a long time but the baseball team made changes and he was out of a full-time job. Spokane followed. “I called Bobby (Brett) and he hired me full-time,” said Robertson, who knew the Indians’ owner through hockey. “At one time I was the sole announcer. Then my wife became terminally ill and I had to drop that.” Boyle came aboard 17 years ago and has learned from the broadcasting legend. “I thought I had it pretty down but Bob has shown me some things and I incorporated them for myself,” Boyle said. “His home run calls are as good as you’ll hear.” “He doesn’t lack for energy that’s for sure,” Boyle continues. “We had a 1 o’clock game and he was itching to be there at 9:30. He’s 33 years older than me and there are times I’d like to lay down for a nap
“Coaches came and watched high school baseball and that’s not done much anymore,” Stocker said. “When I played basketball, I was seen more by (UW baseball coach) Bob McDonald.” He was told the coach wanted to see how he’d do under pressure at state basketball. When he was shooting free throws in a game and burying them under pressure McDonald knew Kevin could play. A shortstop by trade, Stocker also pitched for CV’s American Legion team during a tournament in Yakima attended by McDonald. Stocker remembers the evaluation
See STOCKER, Page 36 and he’s raring to go.” I asked Bob about some memorable moments with the Cougars and Indians over the years. The former was WSU’s Rose Bowl trip and sea of crimson he witnessed from the press box; the infamous “Snow Bowl,” in fact every game were the others, he said. At Spokane, it was the year the Indians weathered losing seven straight baseball games and still made the split season league playoffs. Vancouver split in Spokane and won at home for a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. “Vancouver had a real good team,” Robertson recalls. “We weren’t sure we could win and didn’t show signs of life.” The resigned team checked out of its hotel before game four, but came from behind to tie the series. “We had to talk our way back in (to the hotel),” he remembers. The Indians trailed most of the title game before rallying to win 3-2. Two things stick out to Robertson’s while remembering. “We were still under .500 (for the year) despite winning the title. And the other thing was, a member of the staff had to go into the office of Vancouver to borrow its ring sizer” (to fit the players for their championship rings). The Indians hadn’t the foresight to bring theirs. “We didn’t think we could win it,” laughed Robertson, a winner himself and 88 years young.
The Splash
36 • AUGUST 2017
STOCKER
Continued from page 35
“(He said) ‘Yeah, we watched you pitch and we don’t want you to be a pitcher,’” Stocker said Stocker recalls arriving in Seattle and simply not being tough enough and wanting to quit. He was convinced by his brother Steve, a Huskies’ catcher, to persist. He had a good freshman year and went on to develop into a legitimate pro prospect. Since retiring, Stocker has coached youth baseball, including American Legion as his children have grown and understands the reason for change. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to travel and spend money to see one or two kids playing summer baseball locally when coaches can go to travel team tournaments and scout 15. “It stinks for us up here,” said Stocker, who notes that getting into showcases is difficult. Yet baseball players must travel in order to be seen. There’s another issue to resolve, Stocker says – finding qualified coaches who can teach proper technique. Stocker has coached
youth teams and observed high school practices. Teaching proper technique and efficient use of time, he believes is lacking. Putting inordinate pressure on players is self-defeating. And a player that makes an elite team, any team, Stocker believes, should play at least half the time. Stocker also believes there shouldn’t be pressure on them to be at every game, and if they have other plans and missing a practice for good reason is fine. Stocker played five years with the Phillies at shortstop, three with Tampa Bay and one with the Los Angeles/Anaheim Angels. He was called up to Philadelphia late in his rookie season, batted .324 in 70 games and drew raves for his role in helping the team to the World Series. He hit .254 for his career and had a sparkling .969 fielding percentage. Since retiring, Stocker has turned television analyst for PAC12 baseball, works three games in Philadelphia every year and is helping inaugurate a virtual reality baseball watching experience. But he still keeps an eye on baseball, basketball and golf at home.
9th Annual
2017 Millwood Daze August 26th, 2017
Country Breakfast by Masonic Lodge (Millwood Community Center) AnyTime Fitness Family Challenge: 9:00am start Entertainment Stage WVHS band kicking off at 8:45 am and all day entertainment Street Fair with activities and food trucks, Street Dance w/ free dance class from 5PM – 6PM and dancing from 6:00pm – 8:00PM Free movie: SING! (behind Rocket Bakery)
Near East Dalton street between Argonne and Dale in Millwood, WA Questions? Contact Anytime Fitness at (509)315-5023
Kevin Stocker compiled a .254 lifetime batting average with the Phillies, Rays and Angels. He made his MLB debut in 1993 and hit .324 in 70 games for a Philadelphia team that advanced to the World Series Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies
7TH ANNUAL
2017
A community cycling event for all ages and abilities.
RIM RIDE LIBERTY LAKE, WASHINGTON
5 MILE FAMILY BIKE RIDE
SAT, SEPT 16
15/25/50/100 MILE RIDES
SUN, SEPT 17 LIBERTY LAKE CENTENNIAL ROTARY CLUB’S 7TH ANNUAL
SIGN-UP ONLINE AT WWW.ROTARYINMOTION.COM
The Splash
Water fashion in the heyday of Liberty Lake Park By Ross Schneidmiller
Liberty Lake Historical Society By the time the train entered Liberty Lake Park and looped back towards the station, returning visitors in 1909 could hardly believe their eyes. Many improvements had been made in the months since the park closed at the end of its inaugural season. The landscape artist’s designs to beautify and enhance the park were beginning to materialize. Aesthetically pleasing, curved pathways linked new buildings to existing ones, connecting picnic
HISTORY groves, fields for sport and areas for relaxation. The 35-acre park on the lake’s west side was laid out to provide the greatest enjoyment for the masses of the Inland Empire’s resort seekers. Along the north side of the Dance Pavillion was a new boat dock 16 feet wide and 250 feet long, accommodating 150 steel rowboats and canoes plus a fleet of touring launches. On the beach at the base of the 300-foot bathing pier was a new two-story bath house containing 300 dressing rooms, lockers and a laundry. You did not have to pack a bathing suit when you came to the lake because the bath house had 1,000 to rent, including men’s and women’s styles in various sizes. The suits were laundered and soaked in
a state-of-the-art disinfecting bath and dried between uses. Every holder of a locker was also afforded this privilege on his or her own suit. Why own a suit when the resort made it so affordable and convenient to rent? Well, there were as many reasons as there were colors, print patterns and styles of suits. The resort suits were typically grey or black and labeled “Liberty Lake” or “Liberty Lake Bath House” in large letters across the front. Bathing suits were becoming statements of style and self-expression. The fashion districts of the eastern U.S. designed the suits. However, it may have been easier to wear them on the shores of Liberty Lake than at the famed Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York. This was because New
AUGUST 2017 • 37
York and other large cities had “modesty laws” that included bathing attire. In 1922, you could receive a warrant from the police if your bathing suit was too short. The so-called “Bathing Suit Patrol” would canvas the beaches armed with tape measures to confirm the “no more than 6 inches above the knee requirement” was being met. That same year the Spokane Daily Chronicle sponsored and heavily promoted the “Parade of Mermaid” bathing suit competition at Liberty Lake Park. Over 4,000 spectators witnessed the event. The contestants wore bathing suits of the latest fashions, fancy bathing caps, stockings and shoes. Considered conservative today, the bathing suits would have violated the New York dress code back then.
The Liberty Lake Park Bath House is shown on the left side of this 1923 photo. The overlaying pages are from a 1920s Bradley Knit Wear Catalog displaying the latest in bathing attire. Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society
The Splash
38 • AUGUST 2017
Liberty Lake Road winds down last stages of upgrade
foreseen. “There have been some complaints regarding access into and out of driveways,” Allen said. “Overall people are getting tired of the project. You can't tear up the main street and not have major impacts.”
By Derek Brown
Staples said the contractor has been very considerate in making sure approaches have been accessible even though traffic has been abnormally congested.
Splash Correspondent Liberty Lake City Council Member Bob Moore may have summed up the feelings of anyone has traveled on the city’s main thoroughfare over the past few months. After City Engineer Andrew Staples announced at the July 18 council meeting that the major overhaul of Liberty Lake Road was on schedule to wrap up Aug. 21, Moore spoke up.
A major renovation of Liberty Lake Road has been at the center of challenging summer travel for local motorists this summer. The $1.9 million project is scheduled to be done Aug. 21. Photo by Craig Howard sites in the vicinity of the project.
the sub-grade.
The $1.9 million project, which began in early June, encompasses Liberty Lake Road from Country Vista Drive to Appleway and Country Vista Drive from Liberty Lake Road to Mission Avenue. Rolling Rock Excavation is in charge of the construction.
“We've preserved a lot of access to the businesses to the best of our ability,” Allen said. “The other thing is that we work from seven at night to five in the morning. We paid extra for that but if we had to do that construction during the day it would have been very, very challenging. So my hat goes off to the contractor because they’ve worked these long nights since the project started in June.”
"There were some new things we were able to do now with current technology that would move more cars through the intersection," Staples said. "The other problem was the condition of the pavement. The pavement that was between Appleway and Country Vista and Liberty Lake Road was in very poor condition and we had a lot of cracking."
“We haven't changed the schedule and we don't intend to expect any delays,” said Staples. “The contractor has been performing very well and they’ve addressed a lot of our concerns.”
New medians and landscaping will be added on Liberty Lake Road to match the features on Appleway, with similar, if not the same, kind of foliage. New streetlights will also be placed in the medians.
The project’s primary goal is to improve the flow of traffic through the city’s gateway at the intersection of Appleway and Liberty Lake Road. A new right turn lane will be added to the off-ramp, which should help alleviate some of the traffic in the intersection during peak hours. The project will also improve the look of the city’s main entrance.
Staples said the gear inside the old traffic signals along Liberty Lake Road were outdated and inefficient. This led to traffic congestion at the bustling intersection of Appleway and Liberty Lake Road. A lot has changed since those traffic signals were put in over 20 years ago. New smarter signals will be put in to help usher through more vehicles. New asphalt was also needed as the road was decades-old. The pavement had to be replaced which required a total tear out down to
“I’m sure we’ll all be glad when that’s completed,” he said.
City Administrator Katy Allen said there has been a concerted effort to reduce the impact on commercial
Also, some drainage issues needed to be addressed and the city had an opportunity to fix these issues to serve the morning commuters so that there is more storage capacity at the intersection. The project hasn’t come without some problems. At the very beginning, the contractor had to set up and tear down temporary traffic signals daily, which added slightly to the cost. There were a few glitches with the temporary signals and some of the cycles were a bit too fast for traffic to move along at a decent pace. However, the contractor has responded immediately to alleviate those problems, Allen said. She added that the project is running right on budget and no additional costs are
“Our inspectors have been doing their best to talk with the businesses to make sure that they are doing the best they can to make sure that we're letting people know ahead of time if a major shift is happening,” Staples said. Anytime there has been a major shift in construction, businesses have been notified and put information has gone out on the city website and through social media. “The other thing that can be frustrating is that during the day people don't see working going on so they go, ‘Hey you got this thing all tore up and nobody's working,’” Allen said. “It’s because they're working at night.” Allen believes the construction would have been all the more challenging for commuters had the work been during the day, especially peak hours. Now, she hopes motorists will keep practicing patience during the last few weeks of the project. “We are reassuring people that it's going to be worth it,” Allen said. “We have a little message board out here now and we try to give everybody a ‘Thank you for your patience’ comment.” Landscaping will continue for a couple weeks after the construction ends on Aug. 21.
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AUGUST 2017 • 39
Mama Torrez Salsa leans on veterans’ program for produce
a new greenhouse and plans to purchase more land in the future, Fred is hopeful Vets on the Farm will be able to supply Mama Torrez’ Salsa with the majority of the vegetables they require, at least in the summer months, by extending the harvest cycles in order to make the freshest salsa in the region.
Splash Correspondent
“We believe in this program and we’re in it for the long haul,” Fred says.
By Tamara K. Williams
After several years of applying, this summer marks the debut of Fred and Gilda Meyer’s “Mama Torrez’ Salsa” at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. When Gilda and Fred made the decision to start making her grandmother Torrez’ salsa to sell at local farmers markets, they had no idea what was in store for them. Fred, recently retired, wanted to fill a little time. Together they wondered, could they make some extra cash by selling Mama Torrez’, one-of-a-kind, too-delicious-notto-share, family-famous salsa? The oldest of eight brothers and sisters, Gilda was in charge of the cooking when her mom had to go to work. Back then, she didn’t know a lot about preparing a meal but was given her grandmother’s recipes to begin. A few trial-by-error cooking lessons and many years later, one of those recipes has now become a large part of Gilda’s and Frank’s livelihood. Nine years after Fred’s “retirement,” production in their commercial kitchen has turned into a full-on assembly line, where both Fred and Gilda can be found chopping fresh tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños and mixing up spices six hours a day, six days a week. It would appear Fred found a way to fill some time, as their top-secret recipe went from grandmother’s kitchen to four local farmers markets, exceeding their expectations and giving both a new career. When asked how many employees they have working for them, Gilda cheerfully replies, “Just me, Fred and one part-time worker.” That’s a lot of tomatoes to cut when, in addition to their participation in the Liberty Lake market on Saturdays, they work four other local markets, the Past Blessings Flea Market, assorted street fairs, several Custer shows a year and selling to Poole’s Public House in south Spokane. Gilda says although they’re busy, their participation at the Liberty Lake site this year has been a special blessing after vying for several years to make the vendor list. Keeping
their
special
recipe
When asked if there was a difference in flavor between his suppliers, Fred says, “Sure there is, Vets to Farm is farm-to-table, not a commercialized production. There’s always going to be a difference in flavor with that.”
Mama Torrez’ Salsa features farm-to table tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and cilantro harvested from Vets on the Farm, a program designed to help returning veterans of wars in the Middle East integrate back into civilian life through a nonprofit internship in farming. Photo by Craig Howard as fresh and locally grown as possible was important to Gilda and Fred. Early last year, while looking for ways to keep quality high and costs low, Fred attended a meeting held at the Spokane Conservation District regarding a new farming program called “Vets on the Farm” spearheaded by Vicki Carter, director of The Spokane Conservation District. The program is designed to help returning veterans of wars in the Middle East integrate back into civilian life through a nonprofit internship in farming.
growing out there is mine and we’ve got a lot growing out there but we’re a year-round business, so I’m not sure they can sustain us for more than six weeks a season before we have to go to other sources.” So far, Vets on the Farm has been able to produce the bulk of their needed vegetables this season as each of the harvests come in. With
Fred and Gilda maintain they will stay local in Spokane. “We do most of our production by hand,” Fred says. “Even as we continue to grow our business, we will stay true to her grandmother’s recipe, making our salsa with the freshest ingredients, regardless of how tempting it is to cut corners.” Selling out nearly every week, using no preservatives other than salt and lime, the freshest farmto-table Mama Torrez’ salsa can be found each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. To learn more about Vets on the Farm contact Vicki Carter at the Spokane Conservation District at www.vicki-carter@sccd.org.
Intrigued by the concept, Fred applied to be a “processor” and was approved as the farm’s first to buy directly from its “practice farm” situated on five acres off the Old Palouse Highway, just south of Spokane. Once he contracted the land through the program, Fred was able to designate which crops were to be grown. “It was a rocky start last year but this year it’s been a lot smoother,” says Fred. “We’ve been able to cut our costs by about 50 percent without sacrificing taste or quality.” While still in season, Mama Torrez Salsa will harvest tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and cilantro – farm-to-table from Vets on the Farm – allowing their salsa to bear the sticker, “Home-grown by Vets” on the label. When asked how long the farm could sustain their production each season, Fred said, “We go through about 150 to 200 pounds of Roma tomatoes a week. Everything that’s
Fred Meyer may share the name of a well-known grocer but homemade salsa is his venture. Fred and his wife Gilda are proprietors of Mama Torrez’ Salsa which relies on a family recipe from Gilda’s grandmother. The salsa and accompanying chips are featured each Saturday at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. Photo by Craig Howard
The Splash
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By Chief Bryan Collins Spokane Valley Fire Department Wildfire season is already underway in Washington state and across the western U.S. Here in our greater Spokane Valley Fire Department service area, the wildfire concern is centered on the wildland-urban interface. The wildland-urban interface is generally considered the area where dry vegetation and the development of homes in wooded and semiwooded areas converge. Should a small brush fire grow into a larger brush fire and/or wildland fire near the wildland-urban interface, we should already be prepared. There are several things owners/occupants of properties can do to assist in making their homes fire safe and defensible in case of a brush or wildland fire near your home. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) FireWise Communities program offers a wide range of information to assist communities in increasing wildfire safety. Some of these tips include: • Create a home ignition zone that removes or minimizes combustible vegetation on your property. • Develop, discuss, and practice an emergency action plan with everyone in your home. Know the ways out of your neighborhood.
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• Ensure that the streets in your neighborhood are clearly marked and that home address numbers are clearly visible. • Utilize fire-resistant roof construction materials such as asphalt, metal, slate, clay tile, or concrete. • Be sure that any attachments to your home such as decks, porches and fences are fire-resistant. • Use fire retardant siding and tempered or double-paned glass windows in your home. For more information related to making your home and property fire safe, you can visit http://firewise. org or http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/ wildland.htm. Outdoor Recreational Fires Summertime and nice weather means that many of us are firing up our grills and wishing to enjoy our backyard fire pits or build a campfire. However, effective July 7, all outdoor recreational fires have been prohibited in the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and the unincorporated areas of the Spokane Valley Fire Department service area. This includes fire pits and campfires – anything that disperses burning embers into the air. There are several types of manufactured portable outdoor devices that are allowed during the “Burn Ban” including chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces and patio/deck warmers used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. These devices must be used with approved fuel – seasoned clean dry firewood, briquettes, propane or natural gas. Designated campfires in parks and campgrounds may be allowed as approved and determined by agencies with jurisdiction. Open burning of fields, yard waste and garbage is never allowed. There are several requirements for outdoor fires in Spokane County, including the city of Liberty Lake and city of Spokane Valley. Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use. Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel or a portable fire extinguisher. Read all about current Fire Danger Burning Restrictions online at www. spokanevalleyfire.com. Burning may be temporarily restricted by Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency due to increasing fine particle (smoke) levels and air stagnation. Check current status at https://www.spokanecleanair.org/ current-burning-conditions. The burn info hotline number is 4774710.
The Splash
AUGUST 2017 • 41
SVFD Report – August 2017 From Splash News Sources
Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 101 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from June 26 – July 23: • Emergency services - 77
medical
•
Motor vehicle accidents – 5
•
Fires – 8
•
Building alarms – 5
• Dispatched and cancelled en route - 6 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Burn Ban – Outdoor recreational fires and open burning are RESTRICTED due to high fire danger in the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated Spokane County. This means any outdoor fire without a chimney – including campfires and backyard fire pits (with or without screens) – are prohibited. Open burning of fields, yard waste and garbage is always prohibited. Read more at www. spokanevalleyfire.com Motor Vehicle Accident – June 29 –SVFD crews responded to a motor vehicle accident on I-90 eastbound near milepost 296 just before 6 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found one patient that had wrecked his motorcycle. He was unconscious at the arrival of bystanders and
Food 4 Thought drive seeks community support By Cheloye Penwell Splash Contributor As the fourth annual Food 4 Thought drive approaches, organizers know one thing for sure – Liberty Lake needs the big truck. From 8,500 pounds of food in 2014 to a high of 14,000 pounds last year, the success of the drive has grown steadily but so has the need. In the 2016-17 school year, Food 4 Thought deliveries continually increased. Recent news reports have highlighted the trends that are silently driving up poverty. It appears the nation’s changing economy has caused a decline in
regained consciousness before crews arrived. The patient had multiple abrasions to his hands, legs, feet and face. He was transported with apparent non-lifethreatening injuries. Emergency Medical Services – July 7 – Shortly before 8:15 a.m., SVFD crews responded to the 22800 block of East Country Vista Drive to investigate a reported unconscious person slumped over the steering wheel of a car parked at Big Trout Lodge. The car was in a disabled parking spot. Crews found two people asleep in the vehicle. Both were breathing. The incident was turned over to the Liberty Lake Police Department. Rubbish Fire – July 8 – Just before 9:30 p.m., SVFD crews responded to a reported outside rubbish fire in the 800 block of South Liberty Drive. The large, untended rubbish fire was on the beach in front of the residence. Fire crews found the renter inside the home and asked him to extinguish the fire. He had a water hose on his deck that would not reach the fire location so fire crews went down to the beach and spread out the garbage for extinguishment. Brush Fire – July 13 – Just before 2 a.m., SVFD crews responded to a brush fire outside a home in the 24600 block of East Liberty Creek Road. Upon arrival, crews found a 60 foot by 60 foot wooded area that was fully involved in fire, with flames not yet in the crowns of the pine trees. Fire crews used water and foam to quickly knock down retail and service jobs. Unlike in urban areas, this rise in poverty has generally occurred without notice or fanfare. Pat Dockrey of Liberty Lake Kiwanis and founder of the Food 4 Thought discovered the need for the program during a 2010 Kiwanis Christmas event for Barker High School. Kiwanis provided some food in gift baskets for the students and a teacher asked him what could be done the rest of the year. At first, Food 4 Thought was feeding three students and, at that time, Pat never imagined it would grow to feed 500 kids a week. “Fortunately, the resources have grown with the program,” Dockrey said. Our construction-torn streets and snarly traffic are signs of growth and prosperity and yet there are children in our midst that are struggling with hunger. Perhaps we could never eliminate all hunger but
the fire to keep it from spreading to the nearby home and boat. The homeowners, who were awakened by the smell of smoke, expressed interest in learning more about green space around their home and were referred to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for more information. For more information about outdoor fire dangers, refer to the Safety Scroll column in this issue. About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park, and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles. SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 16,250 emergency calls in 2016. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington. SVFD operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, special operations rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. The department also offers free home fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.
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we can send a little food home with a kid each week in their backpack. Volunteers will be distributing bags starting Aug. 19 and collecting food donations from doorsteps on Aug. 26. If you feel you can give some time, this effort can always use more volunteers to distribute bags and/ or pick them up Aug. 26 starting at 10 a.m. Volunteers can report to the parking lot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a pick-up assignment. And when you find that bag on your doorstep, give as much as you can in either food or money. A donation drop-off is also available at the Liberty Lake Yoke’s. It doesn’t matter that you can’t do everything, everyone can do something. For more information, contact Cheloye Penwell at cheloye@gmail. com or 319-0797.
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LOCAL LENS
The Splash
Local Lens
Share your snapshots for The Splash’s photo page. Email photos@libertylakesplash.com with scenes from around town, community events and Splash Travels. From city-owned goats sprucing up the landscape to a new message sign below the Trailhead golf course, it has been an interesting summer in Liberty Lake. The annual Alpine Shores Fourth of July Parade featured marching cowboys, festive golf carts, music and more. The parade awards were sponsored by Fieldhouse Pizza in Liberty Lake. Special awards went to: Liberty Lake Community Theater (Best Group), Most Patriotic: Kinney family of Desmet Court (Most Patriotic), Frozen snowman Olaf and the "A Dream is a Wish" Princess party group (Star Cart Award), Larson/Calkins family of Lilac Lane (Best Decorated Golf Cart) And, as always, the parade crowd favorite was the Posse of the Rasmussen family.
who knew? A single 1/2" wisp of milfoil can multiply into 250 million new plants in a year. — Washington State Department of Ecology Milfoil can choke out fish, outboard motors and swimmers. Please check for milfoil when leaving every lake. Pick up fragments from your watercraft (or beach) and place in trash. Thanks!
www.libertylake.org/milfoil20157
The district will be dive harvesting and applying herbicide to the lake in the coming weeks. See our website for details, or call 922-5443.
The Splash
Resident launches group to raise drug awareness
By Mary Anne Ruddis Splash Correspondent To put it simply, Liberty Lake resident Jamie Baird does not want to see marijuana businesses in the city of Liberty Lake. Baird is spearheading a group called “Keep Liberty Lake Drug Free” in response to a marijuana retail store that is planning to open within municipal limits. Baird became aware of a permit issued by the city at the end of 2016 to Cannabis & Glass, a marijuana retail outlet, through a group on Facebook started by Liberty Lake resident Kathleen Piper. Piper also views the store as a threat to a way of life that she treasures in Liberty Lake. In a letter to the Splash editor, she stated, “In my opinion if we allow this drug facility in our community it will diminish what we have.” Piper is not opposed to medical marijuana but she believes that recreational use is dangerous and should be
AUGUST 2017 • 43
illegal. Citizen input at the April city council meeting was vocal in favor of either a moratorium or outright ban of the business. The city did extend a six-month moratorium on the acceptance of or processing of applications for marijuana or marijuana products. Baird said that the meeting inspired her to do “more than just complain.” The permit was issued during a lapse in a moratorium the city had previously in place to prevent retail, processing, and producing of marijuana in the city. Baird sees her group as a place to educate the citizens and be a “watch dog group.” At the Liberty Lake City Council meeting on June 20, council approved changes to the development code that include a ban on any future marijuanarelated business. According to city Finance Director R.J. Stevenson, the sales tax revenue that could be realized by the city once the shop is built and operational is unknown at this time. “Most of the [cannabis] taxes will go to the state,” he said. From a strictly sales tax perspective, the city will benefit the same as from any other retail business in the city.
“Our goal is to make it as inhospitable as possible,” said Baird, referring to the new marijuana retail outlet. Baird emphasized the group would focus on education and making sure that everyone understands the issue and the importance of reporting any violations they witness to not only law enforcement but also to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Marijuana is still illegal for those under 21. The drug can also not be used in public and is still considered illegal in neighboring Idaho. Baird said she moved to Liberty Lake a few years ago because of the small town, safe atmosphere. “This isn’t the kind of businesses that locals support and will bring in outsiders,” she said. “It is naïve to think that a shop opening that close to the state line would not increase public consumption as buyers cross state lines.” Liberty Lake resident Peg Callahan thinks that a legal business paying taxes could benefit the city. As for being leery of the kind of customers the shop will attract she said, “People may be surprised at who they will see at the store. It could very well be their neighbors.” Amanda Tainio, the city’s Planning
Liberty Lake Kiwanis awards foundation scholarships
From Splash News Sources The Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club is proud to be able to present these scholarships – in the amount of $10,500 – to local students. These scholarships are funded in part by the Liberty Lake Yard Sale, the Liberty Lake Father Daughter Dance, concession sales at Barefoot in the Park and from members of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club. Scholarships awarded to the following graduating high school seniors: Olivia Baddeley Central Valley High School Cameron Blegen University High School Christine Dien Central Valley High School Sidney Hogberg Central Valley High School Alicia Judd Central Valley High School Lea Locke Mica Peak High School Cassandra Staker University High School Marie Taylor West Valley High School Jessica Trotskiy Spokane Valley High School Elise White Mica Peak High School
and Building Services manager, said that the embattled retail store is an approved project and will be going forward. “It will be the only one approved by the city,” she said. Baird’s group is still in its formation stage. “We are working on our mission statement,” Baird said. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:45 p.m. at Liberty Lake City Hall. There is also a Facebook group page called “Keep Liberty Lake Drug Free.” For more information, email Jamie Baird at jamiebaird12@gmail.com.
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OPINION
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Dear Editor:
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.
To the citizens living around Liberty Lake. I took a morning boat ride around Liberty Lake on Wednesday, July 5. All the patriotic flag displays from the Fourth are great! Except, a bit of flag etiquette that seems to be unknown to many: When hanging the U.S. flag on a wall, the field of blue needs to be in the upper left hand corner as seen by the observer. Tom Brattebo Liberty Lake
Dear Editor:
July 18 was the 10th annual River District Criterium bike race. The neighborhood turned out to watch the race and enjoy the food from Brainfreeze and 3 Ninjas. There was a great turnout of kids’ racers and USA Cycling local racers plus racers from Seattle, the Tri Cities, Yakima and Wenatchee. Racers enjoyed spectators, clean roads, and Eye with Youthe Eye Care Care With in Focus! exciting course. Baddlands Cycling You in Focus! Club thanks our River District neighbors, Greenstone Homes, 208-618-5034 the city of Liberty Lake and Home www.stolpvisionclinic.com Depot for their support. Greenstone 6405 W. Pointe Parkway Homes provided event marketing, Post Falls, ID organization, signs, and kids’ race registration plus 3 Ninjas and Brain Dr. Jeanine Stolp Exceptional Care • Personal Attention all. Home Depot lent Exceptional | Personal Attention | Flexible Scheduling Time | Positive for & Friendly FlexibleCare Scheduling Your| Respect Time for YourFreeze Eye Care With• Respect You inforFocus! insulation to protect riders from www.stolpvisionclinic.com | 208-618-5034 6405 W. Pointe Parkway | Post Falls, Idaho hazards along the course. Finally, thanks to the residents of the River District for supporting the race and allowing us to use your beautiful neighborhood. 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.
Stolp
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Mark Bitz Baddlands Cycling Club
The Splash
Dear Editor:
Before I walk the dogs on our Liberty Lake trail, I thought it appropriate to type a quick letter to the editor. We enjoy our trail system because a group of people came together to establish a Transportation Benefit District by the vote of the people to raise funds to construct them. This happened in 1999 before most of us were here. They knew a community that walked together, shared together and were connected to the outdoors would benefit. We paid, we used, but the big benefit came as our community grew. It was a small investment for such a great amenity. We probably cannot remember all the members of the trail committee, but we sure do benefit from their efforts. It’s the same today with Town Square. Over 10 years of planning went into Town Square project. There were many meetings and much public engagement. While we did not meet super majority of 60 percent in last years’ election, we were only 102 votes short at 57 percent. Yes, Town Square is back on the ballot, yes, we will invest a small amount each year but our community will be stronger, more connected and we will see a return on our investment even greater in the value that is placed on our homes by having this wonderful place to gather year -round.
Do you go on vacation? Maybe you’re heading somewhere fun (and warm) for spring break. If so, pack a copy of The Splash and pull it out to snap your photo in front of your favorite destination or landmark. When you return to the Liberty Lake, drop us a line with the pic, and we’ll share it with readers. Call it “Splash Travels.” Are you part of a club or service organization? Well, what do you know? Let us add you to our list of recurring Liberty Lake events in the near future that will be well-suited for clubs and organizations
that have regular meetings. Send us the info. Do you celebrate? We want people to know about everything from your new baby, to your upcoming wedding or anniversary, to your incredible office or sporting achievement. Photos, announcements, honors — please send! Did you capture a shot? Shutterbugs, unite! If you are capturing great Liberty Lake moments, whether while out and about or in your backyard, e-mail us your photo so we can share it around the neighborhood. Send along names of those pictures and complete caption information as much as possible. Are you a local freelance journalist? The Splash sets aside a budget and great assignments for people like you. Send some clips our way, and we’ll be in touch. Do you eat? We thought so. Perhaps you have a favorite order at
Ben Wick
Danica Wick
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Paula Gano
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Hayley Schmelzer
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Larry Passmore circulation@libertylakesplash.com
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Derek Brown, Steve Christilaw, Staci Lehman, Craig Howard, Mary Anne Ruddis, Ross Schneidmiller, Mike Vlahovich, Tamara K. WIlliams The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com The Splash is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Liberty Lake area. Additional copies are located at drop-off locations in Liberty Lake and Otis Orchards.
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The Splash
From Tee to Green – Results from local golf clubs
From Splash News Sources Liberty Lake Womens’ Golf Club June 6 – Liberty Cup and Putting Overall net winner: Darcey Bailey, net 64 Putting Results: Flight A: Barb Frislie, 29 Flight B: Chrissie Tamura, Ann Eure, tie 33 Flight C: Margie Tibbits, 29 Flight D: Marilee Codd, 31 President’s Cup Tournament (a best two out of three week tournament) Overall Winner, Rose Jones, net 135 Putting Winners: Cheryl Hull and Ann Eure First Flight: First, Joyce Skidmore net 142 Second, Barb Frislie and Jackie Babin, net 146 Second Flight: First, Chrissie Tamura, net 135 Second, Ann Eure, net, 142 Third Flight: First, Gloria Cash, net 141 Second, Alison Block, net 144 July 11 - Liberty Cup and Putting Liberty Cup Winner, Margie Tibbits, net 65 Putting: A Flight: Tamera Felton, 29 putts B Flight: Ann Eure, 28 putts C Flight: Kelli Peterson and Gloria Cash, 35 putts D Flight: Jean Hatcher, 33 putts June 21 - Trailhead Ladies Golf Club Flight A: Gross, Bea Carroll, 45; Net, Kathleen Kennedy, Vera Talseth, (tie), 32 Flight B: Gross, Kristin Schimmels, 54; Net, Nancy Wendelburg, 35 Flight C: Gross, Jan Pierce, Terri Jackson, (tie), 61; Net, Elaine Lukes, 36 Chip Ins: Kristin Schimmels, Hedy Longworth July 12 Flight A: Gross, Bea Carroll, Vera Talseth, (tie) 47; Net, Kathie Krestyn, 34 Flight B: Gross, Deanna Hauser, Jeanne Hamacher, (tie) 52; Net, Karen Schuermer, 35 Flight C: Gross, Joanie Koch, 54; Net, Shirley Roberts, 30 July 19 Flight A: Gross, Shelia Kellmer, 46;
AUGUST 2017 • 45
Net, Kathleen Kennedy, 28 Flight B: Gross, Nancy Wendelburg, 51; Net, Deanna Hauser, 30 Flight C: Gross, Eleaine Lukes, 56; Net, Bunny Devenere, 32 Chip Ins: Joanie Koch, Shirley Roberts Birdies: Kathleen Kennedy June 21 - Spokane Valley Womens’ Evening Golf Club Flight A: Gross, Linda Dykes, 43 Flight A: Net, Diane Perry, 33 Flight B: Gross, Laurie Stewart, 61 Flight B: Net, Evanlene Meltingtallow, 42 Flight C: Gross, Kathleen Burns, 60 Flight C: Net, Terrie Schucht, 42 Flight D: Gross, Terra Lawson Gilbert, 63 Flight D: Net, Nancy Moore, 40 No Handicap: April Needham, 72 July 11 Flight A: Gross, Marie Neaumayer, 48 Flight A: Net, Rose Mills, 39 Flight B: Gross, Laurie Stewart, 54 Flight B: Net, Evanlene Meltingtallow, 40 Flight C: Gross, Monica Batts, 63 Flight C: Net, Sandy Nowaski, 43 Flight D: Gross, Terra Lawson Gilbert, 70 Flight D: Net, Gerri Vance, 40
Word Search Word List AUGUST BIKES LEMONADE SUNSHINE WALKING BARBEQUE FISHING MOSQUITOES SHORTS SWIMMING WATERMELON BEACH FLOWERS HIKES PICNIC SMILES VACATION
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Index of advertisers
Following are the local advertisers in this issue of The Splash. Amaculate Housekeeping 43 Anytime Fitness 22 Ava Medical Center 20 Avista Utilities 4 Banner Furnace & Fuel 38 BECU 22 Casey Family Dental 46 City of Liberty Lake 7 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Coldwell Banker - Rob Brickett 14 Cornerstone Penecostal Church 42 ECEAP 43 Evergreen Fountain 33 Folds of Honor 8 Friends of Town Square 21 Greenstone 22 Gus Johnson Ford 34
HUB Sports Center 34 Inland Empire Utility CC 46 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 16 Liberty Creek PTO 30 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market 31 Liberty Lake Municipal Library 6 Liberty Lake Petsitters 40 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 42 Liberty Lube 16 Millwood Daze 36 North Idaho Dermatology 43 Northern Quest 48 Ott Knott Used Golf Carts 41 RIM Ride 36 Sarah Hamilton FACE 17
Simonds Dental Group 48 Spokane Gymnastics 29 Spokane Realty 38 Spokane Valley Summer Theatre 11 Stateline Plaza 40 Stolp Vision Clinic 44 The Business Center 15 Toe Tubs Organic Spa 21 Valley Hospital - MulitCare 19 Valleyfest 28 Waste Management 3 Willow Song 46 Windermere 5 Yoke’s Fresh Market 3 Service Directory 46
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The Splash
46 • AUGUST 2017
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
SERVICE DIRECTORY CHILDRENS BIRTHDAY PARTIES LAWN CARE SERVICES WISH UPON A STAR EVENTS
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Call for more details at: 509-475-6292 www.wishuponastar-events.com
CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING LOCAL AND EXPERIENCED
Licensed and bonded contractor with 29 years of experience and references. Specializing in winter damage repairs including sheetrock and plumbing repairs. Also available for decks, roofs, garages and all other remodeling needs. Small jobs welcome! BBB accredited. PETERC*152RE--Call Bruce. 710-4541
EVENT & MEETING FACILITY HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? The Tri Community Grange Event Hall is an affordable 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 Meeting Times: 6:30 pm the first Wednesday of every month. Phone: 509-270-6089
LAWN CARE SERVICES WEEKLY LAWN CARE & PRUNING
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Willow Song is pleased to announce a NEW addition:
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CONTACT INFO Carla Carnegie, MT-BC, NMT Willow Song Music Therapy Center E. 21101 Wellesley, #102 Otis Orchards, WA 99027 509.592.7875 (area code required) carla.carnegie@gmail.com www.willowsongmusictherapy.com willowsongmusictherapy Icons from: http://www.wpzoom.com/
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TREE SERVICE AFFORDABLE ARBORIST 83 ft. Backyard Lift • 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
YOUR BUSINESS HERE ADVERTISE WITH US
Want you business to be part of our Service Directory? Contact Danica at 242-7752 or advertise@libertylakesplash.com We look forward to hearing from you!
The Splash
A Bear in China – CV grad makes difference in life of orphan
ON THAT NOTE
are also outreach efforts to support families who do choose to keep their children. Cathy came to Shepherd’s Village at 5 years old. She has seizures, anorexia and a poor immune system. She also has undiagnosed conditions. In 2016, she started anti-seizure medications and began to show progress. Caudill returned to China in 2016 for a second trip. “I got to see her again,” she said.
By Mary Anne Ruddis Splash Correspondent
Bethany Caudill had no idea of the life-changing adventure that would occupy her world after her first trip to China in 2015.
“She wasn’t just a slip of paper,” Caudill said. When Caudill left China for a second time, she was told that Cathy needed additional testing to understand the best way to target her therapies. She had been misdiagnosed at one point and to increase her chances of being adopted, she needed a solid diagnosis and plan. That would cost money.
The trip, with a group of 15, was coordinated through Liberty Lake Church. Caudill was 15 years old at the time. She knew that she wanted to see and learn about other parts of the world. When she heard about the trip to China, she decided that she wanted to go and see the world for herself. “China is a contradictory society,” said Caudill, who graduated from Central Valley High School in June. “There were buildings in disrepair at the first location yet much care was taken about where things were placed. The hotel was nice but smoking indoors took some getting used to.” Visiting China, “definitely changed my perspective,” said Caudill, “Everyone should have an opportunity to (travel).” Caudill held fundraisers to earn the money to go. She returned with a different outlook than her classmates and was much more aware of not only her own blessings but also
Bethany Caudill has been to China three times to visit Cathy, who suffers from seizures, anorexia and a poor immune system. Caudill has worked to raised funds to help with Cathy’s diagnosis and treatment. Contributed photo
AUGUST 2017 • 47
“Having a bridge to address the problems, adoption becomes more available,” Caudill said. “A diagnosis changes everything,” Caudill said.
Bethany Caudill, a 2017 graduate of Central Valley High School, visited China in 2015 with a group coordinated by Liberty Lake Church. While in China, she met an orphan named “Cathy” who she has supported ever since. Contributed photo the waste that takes place in the United States. Caudill traveled with her group to volunteer at Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village, an orphanage for children with disabilities that focuses on the medical and therapy needs of special needs orphans. Shepherd’s Field is an outreach of the Philip Hayden Foundation in California. According to the Shepherd’s Field website, there is “a medical clinic, therapy center, school, the Inn of Eight Happinesses for visitors and guests, the office, and a vocational center. Children at Shepherd’s Field receive the medical care and therapy, with more than half receiving therapy in fine motor skills, gross motor skills or speech.” On her first trip, Bethany was visiting the orphanage when she noticed a young girl named “Cathy” who was sitting off by herself. She “was obviously stressed,” sitting “all balled up” and “wringing her hands,” Caudill recalls. The little girl was non-verbal and staring into space. “She was looking at something that we couldn’t see,” Caudill says.
After talking with the therapy director who explained that the children craved love and affection, Caudill approached Cathy. At first, the little girl would not look at her. Caudill noticed that she was grinding her teeth and continued wringing her hands. “I started talking to her and held my hands out,” Bethany said. Eventually, Cathy reached out and clutched her hands. That first meeting was only 20 minutes but Caudill left knowing she had to help this girl from China. After Caudill returned to the Inland Northwest, she checked back for updates on Cathy’s condition and progress. Caudill followed Cathy’s progress and learned as much as she could about her. She learned that Cathy came from an orphanage in Baotou, China and that there was no history of her parents. According to a 2015 BBC report, Baotou is also home to toxic waste from “rare earth” minerals used in manufacturing computer and smart phone components among other things. Children with disabilities in China are many times not wanted by their families and are considered outcasts. Caudill learned that there
Caudill’s first thought was to raise funds to have Cathy come to the U.S. for treatment but that was not an option due to Cathy’s frail condition. The medical team did not feel she was strong enough for that kind of a trip. Caudill decided to raise the funds needed to provide care for Cathy at the orphanage as well as getting her the specialized testing so necessary to providing her with a chance to reach her fullest potential. Caudill to China progress time with
was able to go back in April to see Cathy's personally and spend her.
“A week before I went back, the funds were raised for her diagnostic treatment,” Bethany said. “Currently, the funds raised for her are being put to use with medical facilities in China who can test Cathy for a proper diagnosis. This process is being done currently, and I pray that she will have a diagnosis within the next month.” If readers wish to help, they can visit the orphanage website at chinaorphans.org. Caudill maintains a blog at http:// mycathygirl.blogspot.com that includes updates and the latest on Caudill’s journey. A valiant effort from a CV grad is changing the life of a young girl across the world. It all happened because she saw and she acted. May we all do the same.
The Splash
48 • AUGUST 2017
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